A Heartless Design

Elizabeth Cole

Sep 2013 · Secrets of the Zodiac Book 1 · SkySpark Books

About this ebook

The debut novel in the Secrets of the Zodiac, a series of full-length historical romance novels, features darker, sexier storylines, complex characters, and international intrigue, set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.
An enigmatic woman, a determined spy, and a design that could shake the foundations of Europe…
"Heartless" Cordelia Bering refuses every marriage offer she receives. Yet men still try to win her, drawn by her sharp wit and intoxicating green eyes. But Cordelia knows a marriage could reveal her deepest secret and truly endanger her life. Besides, she hasn't met a man worth considering, until…
Sebastien Thorne, a spy in the service of Crown. One of the elite agents in the group known as the Zodiac, he comes to London determined to solve a mystery with roots on the Continent. He won't let anything distract him. But is Cordelia a distraction, or the key to the mystery? As he learns more about the "heartless" woman, he becomes embroiled in secrets, plots, and a design that could change the future…and Cordelia is at the center of it all.

Ratings and reviews

Well written, good flow, easy to read. More romance with well-conceived light mystery. I enjoyed the unconventional heroine but wish the author had made her less worried about the opinions of the Ton, more self-confident. The hero was strong and respectful and other supporting characters were interesting and I'll be looking out for more about the ensign and the mysterious Jacques. I adored the servants and their stories; I would love a novel about them and their "school". I will follow this series.

I really enjoyed this book but I would suggest a little more space between lines or a different font as I found it tiring to read , being so small.

Loved it! Had a bit of a slow start, but soon I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series

About the author

Elizabeth Cole is a romance author with a penchant for history, which is why she lives in an old house in an old city. She can be found hanging around libraries and archives, or curled in a corner reading, cat on lap. She believes in love at first sight. Then again, she also believes that mac 'n' cheese is a healthy breakfast, so don't trust her judgment on everything.

Elizabeth loves hearing from readers. Connect with her at elizabethcole.co.