Twelfth Night Secrets by Jane Feather
Historical Romance
Released: October 23, 2012
Pocket

Reviewed by May

If what the men from the Ministry suspected was true, then Julius Forsythe had been using his friendship with Nicholas Devere to betray his own country. And eventually, he had betrayed Nicholas. As Harriet had absorbed this implication, a deep, cold rage had entered her soul almost superseding her grief.

Lady Harriet’s brother was a spy, and now with the request to watch the Earl (Julius) attending her grandfather’s Christmas gathering, she is gaining a more active role as well. Though her part  is supposed to be observation only, her desire to know what happened to her brother has her searching his room, watching his nocturnal activities, and doing anything that she could to get closure.

On the holiday front, I felt like the author did a great job incorporating little details and historical elements to the story. It isn’t heavily done – which was nice. It was just enough to give it some holiday spirit.

When I look at the romance though, I felt like it was incredibly weak. There was such drama and bad blood between the two, including a twist I wouldn’t have expected, and yet the romance was nearly instant and I never felt like it made sense or that the actions were consistent to the characters. It bothered me greatly how this heroine accepts what the truth was about her brother and the role that Julius played during that mission.

Speaking of that mission, I never felt Julius was justified in his decisions or actions. Why was he flying under the radar and going solo? It felt more like rogue spy antics – and I failed to see how he was helping. Likewise I couldn’t believe that Harriet would accept and fall for this man who was suspected of murdering her brother. It was all too easy, quick, and brushed over.

Harriet is an incredibly responsible and likeable woman – she cares for her younger siblings and does so with a smile. I found my heart breaking a little bit for the heroine, as she grieves her brother and is living a life that is all about being practical.

It was a shame to be so grown up that one wished away snow over Christmas, but that was the reality.

I wish Harriet had been given a better love story and this, and that the emotional aspects had been more deeply developed into a believable and more satisfying story.

Grade: C

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