Racing with the Wind by Regan Walker

Today I am delighted to be bringing you a review of Racing with the Wind as part of Innovative Online Book Tours. Be sure to enter the rafflecopter giveaway after reading my review.

Racing with the Wind
by Regan Walker
Series: Agents of the Crown #1
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Publication date: July 23, 2012
Genre:  Adult/ Historical Romance
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

The intrepid daughter of an earl leaves Regency London for the Parisian court of Louis XVIII, where she finds adventure, mystery, and above all, love.
THE NIGHTHAWK
Hugh Redgrave, marquess of Ormond, was warned. Prinny had dubbed Lady Mary Campbell “the Swan,” but no ordinary man could clip her wings. She was a bluestocking hellion, an ill-advised match by every account. Luckily, he sought no bride. His work lay on the continent, where he’d become legend by stealing war secrets from Boney. And yet, his memories of Lady Mary riding her stallion were a thorn in his mind. He was the son of a duke and in the service of the Prince Regent…and he would not be whole until he had won her hand.
THE SWAN
It was unheard of for a Regency debutante to postpone her first season, yet Lady Mary had done just that. Far more interested in politics than a husband, she had no time for foolishness or frippery. Already she had assisted her statesman uncle in Paris, and she swore to return to the court of Louis XVIII no matter the danger. Like her black stallion, Midnight, she would always run free. Only the truest heart would race beside her.

It’s no secret that I love a good historical fiction and when Racing with the Wind came on tour, I jumped at the chance to review it. Regan Walker offers a delightful Regency romance filled with wonderful characters, spies, mystery and adventure. I became caught up in the tale and it kept me enthralled to the last page.

The tale begins when we meet Lady Mary Campbell “the Swan”. Much to her disliking she is having her first season, since her tactics to delay it yet again are refused.  She must begin to attend social events and begin accepting gentleman callers. She would much rather go on adventures with her Uncle and ride her beloved stallion. At her first appearance, she sees Huge Redgrave, the Marquess of Ormond “the Nighthawk” and is intrigued.  He spies the lady as well and is curious about the beautiful and alluring hellion. When he is called to business at the home of Mary’s Uncle, he is stunned and enthralled to see Mary riding astride, in men’s clothing a monster of a black stallion. He momentarily panics as he recalls a tragic accident that he holds himself responsible for. The tale that unfolds is hilarious and sweet. It is full of mystery, danger and a delicious romance.  

Walker created the perfect recipe that I love for my characters. She takes a feisty, head-strong, independent adventurer and introduces her to a deliciously handsome, flawed rake. I loved Mary and found her to be a breath of fresh air. While she seeks adventure, she thinks things through and is rather clever. Hugh is handsome, caring and thinks he knows it all. He is flawed and blames himself for a past tragedy. He is dedicated to his country, and has no intentions of settling down, despite his responsibilities. When the two of these headstrong, opinionate, secure people meet..Wow. I love the interaction between them, and seeing this heroic man stumble. They are both quite taken aback by the effect the other has on them and it was hilarious to watch. The romance was sweet, intense and completely delightful to watch unfold. Other characters added to the tale, and I am hoping a few will return in the next book.

I love the world building, Walker included a lot of historical figures into this tale and it was delightful. I love the spies for the crown and the roles our characters portrayed. While at its heart this is a romance, I love all the mystery and suspense surrounding them.  I found the characters to be well developed and connected with them. I loved the mischievous actions of those around the main characters and found myself giggling.  From the prince to the Prussian spies this tale provided a wonderful escape from the world around me for a few hours.  I will definitely continue on with this series.

I recommend Racing with the Wind to fans of historical regency romances, strong characters and mystery.  This was a delightful tale that kept me on edge, laughing and swept up in the romance. I have added Regan Walker to my authors to watch list.

I want to thank Innovative Online Blog Tours for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. *Purchase made through buy links on this site result in a small commission which is used to fund out giveaways.

I gave this novel 4 coffee cups out of 5.

 Regan Walker

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As a child, Regan loved to write stories, particularly about adventure-loving girls. But by the time she got to college, more serious pursuits were encouraged. One of her professors thought her suited to the profession of law. Regan says, “I became a lawyer because I thought it would be better to be a hammer than a nail.” Years of serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of government gave her a love of international travel and a feel for the demands of the "Crown" on its subjects. Hence, her first romance novels involve a demanding Prince Regent who thinks of his subjects as his private talent pool. Regan says her stories will always involve adventure as well as love.
 
Regan lives in San Diego with her Golden Retriever, Link, who she says inspires her every day to relax and smell the roses.

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