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Code Breakers #1
A Code Of Love
Undercover spy Lord Cordelier Rathbourne never expected that his most dangerous mission would be on England's home shores. As the new Director of Intelligence, he's reunited him with the one woman he never stopped loving: the indomitable Lady Henrietta of the brilliant code breaking Harcourt family. She remembers his libertine past all too well, and she's determined not to let the infamous rake back into her life. But when Henrietta's brother is kidnapped on a clandestine mission in Paris, she knows Cord is her best hope at saving him. If only that old passion didn't burn so bright between them still...
In their fight to save her brother, Cord and Henrietta must unravel a deadly web of international intrigue. With deadly assassins tracking their every move, Henrietta must trust Cord with more than her carefully guarded secrets--she must give him her heart.
Enjoy the passionate, suspenseful Regency world of the Code Breakers, where daring lords and ladies decode the path to happily ever amidst their dangerous, heroic fight against Napoleon's treacherous designs.
In their fight to save her brother, Cord and Henrietta must unravel a deadly web of international intrigue. With deadly assassins tracking their every move, Henrietta must trust Cord with more than her carefully guarded secrets--she must give him her heart.
Enjoy the passionate, suspenseful Regency world of the Code Breakers, where daring lords and ladies decode the path to happily ever amidst their dangerous, heroic fight against Napoleon's treacherous designs.
276 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2014
375 people are currently reading
2321 people want to read
About the author
Jacki Delecki
55 books1,216 followersJacki Delecki is a USA Today bestselling romantic suspense author whose stories are filled with heart-pounding adventure, danger, intrigue, and romance.
Her books consistently receive rave reviews for her three bestselling suspense series: Contemporary romantic suspense The Impossible Mission Series, featuring Special Force Operatives; The Grayce Walters Series, contemporary romantic suspense following a Seattle animal acupuncturist with a nose for crime; and The Code Breakers Series and A Lady’s School for Spies Series, Regency suspense set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.
Jacki’s stories reflect her lifelong love affair with the arts and history. When not writing, she volunteers for Seattle's Ballet and Opera Companies.
To learn more about Jacki and her books and to be the first to hear about giveaways, join her newsletter found on her website. JackiDelecki.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 24, 2024
Review from 2015
B- for narration / C for content.
A Code of Love is the first in Ms Delecki’s Code Breakers series, set in the early years of the nineteenth century at a time of great political unrest in Europe. The story begins in Paris, just after the theft – by an English agent – of an important book of codes used by the French. Michael Harcourt, whose uncle is the principal code-breaker for the British Intelligence service, needs to dispose of the book urgently, and dispatches it to his sister in England.
The story then shifts to London, where Lady Henrietta Harcourt is becoming increasingly concerned about Michael’s safety. Since her mother’s death some years before, Henrietta has taken on the responsibility of looking out for her family – her two brothers and her increasingly doddering uncle, a man whose brilliant mind is gradually and very sadly failing him. Henrietta has been helping Lord Harcourt with his government work for years, but as her uncle’s mind has become less focused she has taken on the full responsibility for breaking the codes contained within the messages which are sent and intercepted by British agents.
During her first London Season four years earlier, Henrietta had attracted the notice of Cordelier Beaumont, Earl of Rathbourne. While equally attracted to the handsome young earl, Henrietta had been less than impressed by his aloof, superior manner and his rakish reputation, and refused his attentions. Shortly after that, her mother became ill and Henrietta had to withdraw from society to care for her until her death, and after that, she immersed herself in caring for her family and in helping her uncle in his work.
Returned to England after four years on the continent, Cordelier – Cord, for short – has never forgotten Henrietta, and is determined to win her, but first he has to convince her that he has eschewed his rakish ways and is ready to settle down. The problem is, in his new position as head of the British Intelligence Office, he is responsible for overseeing the activities of a French double agent – a voluptuous woman posing as his mistress (and who aspires to the position in truth!) – which is not something likely to further his cause with the lady.
The story proceeds much as one might expect, with Henrietta trying to fight her reluctant attraction and jealousy over Cord’s “mistress” and Cord and Hen clashing over what she sees as his overbearing over-protectiveness and her determination to find out what happened to Michael on her own terms. At first, she has no idea that Cord is, in fact, the man to whom both her uncle and brother report, but the listener is in on that secret, which adds interest to the story. And when that information is disclosed, she is initially horrified at the thought that the man she has long regarded as an irresponsible libertine is responsible for the safety of so many British men and women working to ensure the safety of their homeland.
Of course, it’s not long before Henrietta begins to see that Cord really has changed from the pleasure-seeking man she had known before, and to trust him and his opinion. That doesn’t prevent her from making some ill-advised decisions, however, which I admit did make me wonder what had happened to her much vaunted exceptional intelligence. There’s a fine line to tread in stories such as this where the hero wants to keep the heroine safe and she wants to follow her own path, and I’m afraid that the author trod the wrong side of it a few times. I’m all for an intelligent, independent heroine, but when she goes directly against sound advice and puts herself in harm’s way, I begin to lose sympathy for her.
Henrietta is, however a fairly well-developed character, while Cord is less so. He’s much more your bog-standard titled, handsome hero with an unhappy event in his past for which he still feels immense guilt, and I never really got a strong sense of who he was outside his relationship with Henrietta.
That said, the story is fairly engaging, with a decent plot and good sexual tension between the two leads. It does, however, lack a certain dramatic tension and sense of peril when it comes to the espionage side of the plot. Given the historical setting and the nature of the story, it’s impossible for me not to think of Joanna Bourne’s Spymasters books, in which the intricate plotting and beautifully developed romances are woven together with so much more skill, and in which the listener really gets the sense that the characters are people who face genuine danger.
Pearl Hewitt is a narrator I’ve enjoyed listening to before, and she delivers an enjoyable and accomplished performance in this audiobook. As I’ve noted previously, her acting choices are very appropriate, she delivers the narrative at a good pace, and all the characters are well differentiated and easily identifiable. She’s at her best when performing characters such as Cord’s independently-minded Aunt Euphemia, or his bluff friend Lord Ashbourne (Ash) – both are “character” parts in which Ms Hewitt can safely exaggerate her portrayals slightly without making them sound incongruous. Her interpretation of the two principals is more than decent, although she’s a narrator whose naturally soft timbre doesn’t lend itself easily to the portrayal of male characters – in this she reminds me a little of narrators such as Alison Larkin and Veida Dehmlow. She does, however, vocalise Cord quite well by dropping the pitch of her voice slightly and adding a harder edge to it, and it works well, although I wasn’t as convinced by her portrayal of Cord’s predecessor, which was a little too “flabby” – for want of a better word!
Overall, A Code of Love was a reasonably enjoyable listen, although not one I can see myself returning to often, if at all. The last couple of chapters of the book are clearly setting up future stories which is all very well, but it did mean that Cord and Henrietta’s romance seemed to end rather abruptly, and quite honestly, I found myself disinterested very quickly in those last fifteen minutes or so.
B- for narration / C for content.
A Code of Love is the first in Ms Delecki’s Code Breakers series, set in the early years of the nineteenth century at a time of great political unrest in Europe. The story begins in Paris, just after the theft – by an English agent – of an important book of codes used by the French. Michael Harcourt, whose uncle is the principal code-breaker for the British Intelligence service, needs to dispose of the book urgently, and dispatches it to his sister in England.
The story then shifts to London, where Lady Henrietta Harcourt is becoming increasingly concerned about Michael’s safety. Since her mother’s death some years before, Henrietta has taken on the responsibility of looking out for her family – her two brothers and her increasingly doddering uncle, a man whose brilliant mind is gradually and very sadly failing him. Henrietta has been helping Lord Harcourt with his government work for years, but as her uncle’s mind has become less focused she has taken on the full responsibility for breaking the codes contained within the messages which are sent and intercepted by British agents.
During her first London Season four years earlier, Henrietta had attracted the notice of Cordelier Beaumont, Earl of Rathbourne. While equally attracted to the handsome young earl, Henrietta had been less than impressed by his aloof, superior manner and his rakish reputation, and refused his attentions. Shortly after that, her mother became ill and Henrietta had to withdraw from society to care for her until her death, and after that, she immersed herself in caring for her family and in helping her uncle in his work.
Returned to England after four years on the continent, Cordelier – Cord, for short – has never forgotten Henrietta, and is determined to win her, but first he has to convince her that he has eschewed his rakish ways and is ready to settle down. The problem is, in his new position as head of the British Intelligence Office, he is responsible for overseeing the activities of a French double agent – a voluptuous woman posing as his mistress (and who aspires to the position in truth!) – which is not something likely to further his cause with the lady.
The story proceeds much as one might expect, with Henrietta trying to fight her reluctant attraction and jealousy over Cord’s “mistress” and Cord and Hen clashing over what she sees as his overbearing over-protectiveness and her determination to find out what happened to Michael on her own terms. At first, she has no idea that Cord is, in fact, the man to whom both her uncle and brother report, but the listener is in on that secret, which adds interest to the story. And when that information is disclosed, she is initially horrified at the thought that the man she has long regarded as an irresponsible libertine is responsible for the safety of so many British men and women working to ensure the safety of their homeland.
Of course, it’s not long before Henrietta begins to see that Cord really has changed from the pleasure-seeking man she had known before, and to trust him and his opinion. That doesn’t prevent her from making some ill-advised decisions, however, which I admit did make me wonder what had happened to her much vaunted exceptional intelligence. There’s a fine line to tread in stories such as this where the hero wants to keep the heroine safe and she wants to follow her own path, and I’m afraid that the author trod the wrong side of it a few times. I’m all for an intelligent, independent heroine, but when she goes directly against sound advice and puts herself in harm’s way, I begin to lose sympathy for her.
Henrietta is, however a fairly well-developed character, while Cord is less so. He’s much more your bog-standard titled, handsome hero with an unhappy event in his past for which he still feels immense guilt, and I never really got a strong sense of who he was outside his relationship with Henrietta.
That said, the story is fairly engaging, with a decent plot and good sexual tension between the two leads. It does, however, lack a certain dramatic tension and sense of peril when it comes to the espionage side of the plot. Given the historical setting and the nature of the story, it’s impossible for me not to think of Joanna Bourne’s Spymasters books, in which the intricate plotting and beautifully developed romances are woven together with so much more skill, and in which the listener really gets the sense that the characters are people who face genuine danger.
Pearl Hewitt is a narrator I’ve enjoyed listening to before, and she delivers an enjoyable and accomplished performance in this audiobook. As I’ve noted previously, her acting choices are very appropriate, she delivers the narrative at a good pace, and all the characters are well differentiated and easily identifiable. She’s at her best when performing characters such as Cord’s independently-minded Aunt Euphemia, or his bluff friend Lord Ashbourne (Ash) – both are “character” parts in which Ms Hewitt can safely exaggerate her portrayals slightly without making them sound incongruous. Her interpretation of the two principals is more than decent, although she’s a narrator whose naturally soft timbre doesn’t lend itself easily to the portrayal of male characters – in this she reminds me a little of narrators such as Alison Larkin and Veida Dehmlow. She does, however, vocalise Cord quite well by dropping the pitch of her voice slightly and adding a harder edge to it, and it works well, although I wasn’t as convinced by her portrayal of Cord’s predecessor, which was a little too “flabby” – for want of a better word!
Overall, A Code of Love was a reasonably enjoyable listen, although not one I can see myself returning to often, if at all. The last couple of chapters of the book are clearly setting up future stories which is all very well, but it did mean that Cord and Henrietta’s romance seemed to end rather abruptly, and quite honestly, I found myself disinterested very quickly in those last fifteen minutes or so.
August 5, 2016
Set in 1802, the peaceful time between England and France, and just before the ascension of Napoleon, Jacki Delecki has penned a wonderfully rich Georgian-era historical romance with plenty of suspense and intrigue to please the most discerning of readers.
Lady Henrietta is a wonderfully intelligent character, and even more intriguing, with her family’s work for the Home Office Intelligence division; she was allowed to use her skills in deciphering the coded messages sent in wartime. While she has acceded to the norms for society: debutante ball, stringent behavioral expectations, she has been the family stalwart in caring for her mother until her death. Marriage is now expected, and while she understands the expectation, she wants a man who will recognize and respect her work for the home office, if not join forces with her to aid in the protection of the home country.
Cord, Earl of Rathbone, is newly ascended and deeply guilty over his position. His elder brother’s death gave this second son the title, and this reformed rake is determined to protect his family and serve his country with his skill at code deciphering. Familiar with Henrietta, her exuberant and self-assured approach to life intrigues him, especially as she displays zero interest in him as a man.
These two are delightful foils for one another; their bantering is brilliantly conceived and quite amusing as early on only the reader understands they are both working for the same side. Additionally, Henrietta only knows Cord’s past behaviors and reputation, and is unaware of the efforts he has put forth since inheriting the title. Now Cord is determined to protect those in his family and circle, and his admiration and attraction to Henrietta place her firmly in his sights.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to see a woman use her intelligence, and to finally be accepted for her skills and use, even though it was a hard revelation for Cord. I will say that once the two started to trust in one another, and Cord was able to see Henrietta’s sense and skill, and appreciate the daring with which she would tackle every task their connection deepened and enriched the story as their romance was a given and not a maybe.
With plenty of secondary characters to add to the suspense, insertions of historical detail to set the scene and solidify the world-building, this story kept me engaged and involved wondering just what would be happening next. Readers of historical fiction who appreciate a strong female protagonist, accurate historic insertions, romance and a good story will enjoy this read.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review with Tasty Book Tour. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 3, 2014
*Published via review tour HERE
Lady Henrietta Harcourt is the perfect older sister, taking care of her siblings, never complaining of her responsibilities, and her mental skills as a linguist are as finely tuned as her always composed and steady appearance...except when it comes to the Earl of Rathbourne.
Cordelier Beaumont, the Earl of Rathbourne, can't seem to resist when it comes to Henrietta, whether that's saving her from near drowning, or valiantly (futilely) trying to restrain his desire for her. Their past four years ago, however, ended on a sour note: Henrietta, being the exuberant and confident woman that she is, rejected Cord's offer of a dance for his excess of rakish behaviors, not that Cord could disagree with her. Still, he's been somewhat reformed now, and is now head of a covert foreign intelligence office, where Henrietta's brother and uncle works. Henrietta herself possess no knowledge of his role, still believing him to be the unchanged rake she met four years ago, and Cord is keen on changing her impression of him.
Thrown together by fate, drawn to each other like moths to light, Henrietta and Cord battle against a common enemy with their wits while navigating the routes of their own affinity. Henrietta is painted as a strong and independent caretaker, a role she took over from her deceased mother, and throughout the story her facade crumbles as her anxiety mounts over her brother Michael's well-being, as well as the emotional void resulting from her absence family members. Through it all, she does an admirable job maintaining her rationality and exhibiting her brilliant linguistic ability, none of which goes unseen by Cord.
As the characters face more trouble, external and internal, Cord effectively challenges Henrietta's perception of him by proving to be reliable, dependable, and caring enough to soothe her troubles. His moments of awkwardness with Henrietta serves as amusing contrasts with his serious, leader demeanor, which also endeared him to me.
At the end of the day, brains and romance triumphs in this engaging historical novel. The blend of intrigue with forcing two highly independent and confident individuals to cooperate was entertaining, as was the romance between Henrietta and Cord that could only be described as delicious. As this is my first novel by the author, I am looking forward to reading more of her books, especially more of these intelligent code breakers in the series.
*Review copy courtesy of the author for the blog tour in exchange for an honest review
Lady Henrietta Harcourt is the perfect older sister, taking care of her siblings, never complaining of her responsibilities, and her mental skills as a linguist are as finely tuned as her always composed and steady appearance...except when it comes to the Earl of Rathbourne.
Cordelier Beaumont, the Earl of Rathbourne, can't seem to resist when it comes to Henrietta, whether that's saving her from near drowning, or valiantly (futilely) trying to restrain his desire for her. Their past four years ago, however, ended on a sour note: Henrietta, being the exuberant and confident woman that she is, rejected Cord's offer of a dance for his excess of rakish behaviors, not that Cord could disagree with her. Still, he's been somewhat reformed now, and is now head of a covert foreign intelligence office, where Henrietta's brother and uncle works. Henrietta herself possess no knowledge of his role, still believing him to be the unchanged rake she met four years ago, and Cord is keen on changing her impression of him.
Thrown together by fate, drawn to each other like moths to light, Henrietta and Cord battle against a common enemy with their wits while navigating the routes of their own affinity. Henrietta is painted as a strong and independent caretaker, a role she took over from her deceased mother, and throughout the story her facade crumbles as her anxiety mounts over her brother Michael's well-being, as well as the emotional void resulting from her absence family members. Through it all, she does an admirable job maintaining her rationality and exhibiting her brilliant linguistic ability, none of which goes unseen by Cord.
As the characters face more trouble, external and internal, Cord effectively challenges Henrietta's perception of him by proving to be reliable, dependable, and caring enough to soothe her troubles. His moments of awkwardness with Henrietta serves as amusing contrasts with his serious, leader demeanor, which also endeared him to me.
At the end of the day, brains and romance triumphs in this engaging historical novel. The blend of intrigue with forcing two highly independent and confident individuals to cooperate was entertaining, as was the romance between Henrietta and Cord that could only be described as delicious. As this is my first novel by the author, I am looking forward to reading more of her books, especially more of these intelligent code breakers in the series.
*Review copy courtesy of the author for the blog tour in exchange for an honest review
July 8, 2015
Cordelier Richard Beaumont, Earl of Rathbourne is reluctantly the earl and he carries a deep guilt over his brother’s death. He is intelligent, self-assured, and protective of his family and works for the Home Office. He has had a fascination with Henrietta for years. He liked the idea that she was not impressed with him 4 years ago and now wants to court her.
Lady Henrietta Ormand Harcourt is independent, smart, and fiercely protective of her own and longs for adventure. She has been taking care of her family since just after her come out when her mother became ill, then passed. Her family has been helping the government for a long time with code breaking and she is carrying on the tradition. She is hoping for a marriage where they are companions and helpmates, she refuses to be seen as only a broodmare.
Together Cord and Henrietta walk that fine line between attraction and propriety with grace and humor. Their strong personalities play off each other brilliantly. The fact that they, at first, unknowingly share a common goal/task makes the story fun and interesting. Cord finding himself wanting to protect Henrietta and the high-handed way he goes about it is charming. Henrietta’s Desire to be cherished and looked out for is handled so as not to make her a victim, but a true heroine. Both Cord and Henrietta are afraid to trust and depend on another; they are both used to being the one in charge. But I believe once they allow themselves the permission to trust and depend, it creates a stronger bond and a deeper love. The plot twists thrown in their way by the French characters add the perfect balance to their road to love. The secondary characters are fascinating. I loved the spunk of Cord’s aunt, Lady Euphemia Beaumont, she is a hoot! I look forward to more books by Ms Delecki.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Lady Henrietta Ormand Harcourt is independent, smart, and fiercely protective of her own and longs for adventure. She has been taking care of her family since just after her come out when her mother became ill, then passed. Her family has been helping the government for a long time with code breaking and she is carrying on the tradition. She is hoping for a marriage where they are companions and helpmates, she refuses to be seen as only a broodmare.
Together Cord and Henrietta walk that fine line between attraction and propriety with grace and humor. Their strong personalities play off each other brilliantly. The fact that they, at first, unknowingly share a common goal/task makes the story fun and interesting. Cord finding himself wanting to protect Henrietta and the high-handed way he goes about it is charming. Henrietta’s Desire to be cherished and looked out for is handled so as not to make her a victim, but a true heroine. Both Cord and Henrietta are afraid to trust and depend on another; they are both used to being the one in charge. But I believe once they allow themselves the permission to trust and depend, it creates a stronger bond and a deeper love. The plot twists thrown in their way by the French characters add the perfect balance to their road to love. The secondary characters are fascinating. I loved the spunk of Cord’s aunt, Lady Euphemia Beaumont, she is a hoot! I look forward to more books by Ms Delecki.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 24, 2014
Lady Henrietta (“Hen”) comes from a family of code breakers & her family is all in service to the crown. She’s intelligent (the best code breaker in the family), and has taken the responsibility of the care of her family after her parents passed away. When her uncle slowly descends into senility she covertly takes over his work as a code breaker & hides his condition from society.
The hero, the Earl of Rathbourne 1st met Hen 4 years ago & has been enamoured with her ever since but given his reputation as a rake Hen wants nothing to do with him.
I love intelligent heroines but didn’t enjoy the book even tho it sounded so promising. The writing was abrupt & didn’t reflect the period. (Cord being addressed as Lord, not My Lord was jarring. “Lord, I must return to my uncle”; once by Hen & another time by his servant). I couldn’t connect with either character & the love scenes were flat.
Cord's character was inconsistent; & very disappointing as a supposed Director of Intelligence hardly what you'd expect of a leader. Even the villains were flat.
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
The hero, the Earl of Rathbourne 1st met Hen 4 years ago & has been enamoured with her ever since but given his reputation as a rake Hen wants nothing to do with him.
I love intelligent heroines but didn’t enjoy the book even tho it sounded so promising. The writing was abrupt & didn’t reflect the period. (Cord being addressed as Lord, not My Lord was jarring. “Lord, I must return to my uncle”; once by Hen & another time by his servant). I couldn’t connect with either character & the love scenes were flat.
Cord's character was inconsistent; & very disappointing as a supposed Director of Intelligence hardly what you'd expect of a leader. Even the villains were flat.
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
May 24, 2014
As a teen, my reading preference was almost exclusively regency romance and Ms. Delecki’s novel reminds me so much of why I loved the genre. Henrietta is everything I love in a regency romance heroine – she is intelligent, outspoken, loves deeply, and doesn’t mindlessly fall in line with society’s expectations for a woman of the ton. Lord Rathbourne, or Cord, is the slightly damaged rake whose reputation is known far and wide, despite a four-year absence from the country, and who, of course, is hopelessly in love with our heroine. Add to that, spy games between the English and the French and you get a constantly moving storyline full of action and intrigue.
The men of Henrietta’s family, the Harcourts, have long worked for the crown as code breakers – as the French’s coded messages during the war were intercepted, her uncle and later her brother were often called upon to break the codes as they were considered the best in the country. What the powers to be did not know was that Hen’s uncle recognized her intelligence and affinity for the family business and often included her in his work, so when his mental health began to decline, she continued her uncle’s work when he was unable to. When her older brother finds himself in danger of losing valuable code information he has stolen from the French, he solicits his sister’s help and unintentionally puts her in a dangerous situation.
Fortunately for Hen, Cord has no intention of letting anything harm her – even when he is ignorant of her awareness of and involvement in her uncle’s position with English Intelligence. Despite his history of being cool, calm and collected as he successfully completed missions of espionage, he loses his control around Hen and frequently finds himself engaging in behaviors that he has to apologize for later, especially as he tries several times to tell the independent Hen what to do. As this is a regency romance and ladies of the time were expected to be proper virgins before they married, intimate scenes focus more on kissing and serve as a reminder of what it was like when you first discover the power of a kiss and getting caught up in the moment. But because Hen doesn’t toe the line of the ton, we do get a couple of sex scenes that are written consistent with the genre.
A Code of Love is the first book in the Code Breakers series and the series is clearly off to a great start. Ms. Delecki has produced a well-written regency romance that is full of spies, intrigue, action, adventure, passion and love and I look forward to next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
The men of Henrietta’s family, the Harcourts, have long worked for the crown as code breakers – as the French’s coded messages during the war were intercepted, her uncle and later her brother were often called upon to break the codes as they were considered the best in the country. What the powers to be did not know was that Hen’s uncle recognized her intelligence and affinity for the family business and often included her in his work, so when his mental health began to decline, she continued her uncle’s work when he was unable to. When her older brother finds himself in danger of losing valuable code information he has stolen from the French, he solicits his sister’s help and unintentionally puts her in a dangerous situation.
Fortunately for Hen, Cord has no intention of letting anything harm her – even when he is ignorant of her awareness of and involvement in her uncle’s position with English Intelligence. Despite his history of being cool, calm and collected as he successfully completed missions of espionage, he loses his control around Hen and frequently finds himself engaging in behaviors that he has to apologize for later, especially as he tries several times to tell the independent Hen what to do. As this is a regency romance and ladies of the time were expected to be proper virgins before they married, intimate scenes focus more on kissing and serve as a reminder of what it was like when you first discover the power of a kiss and getting caught up in the moment. But because Hen doesn’t toe the line of the ton, we do get a couple of sex scenes that are written consistent with the genre.
A Code of Love is the first book in the Code Breakers series and the series is clearly off to a great start. Ms. Delecki has produced a well-written regency romance that is full of spies, intrigue, action, adventure, passion and love and I look forward to next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
March 14, 2014
Cord has been working undercover in France for four years. He left to try and get over the loss of his brother. Before he left he was attracted to Henrietta but she wouldn't have anything to do with him. Now he has returned to England as the head of Intelligence. He is the boss of Henrietta' s uncle and brother. They are excellent code breakers and secretly Henrietta is the best of them all. She still doesn't want anything to do with Cord but she has to find out what happened to her brother who is missing. When Henrietta is sent a code book her life and her families are in danger. She will have to learn to trust Cord.
Henrietta is a great character. You see from the start she is very smart and not one to be turn by a handsome man. She isn't afraid to rush into danger if she can save her family and she works hard to help her uncle. Cord may have been a rogue in the past but he has changed. He really wants Henrietta to see how he is changed. He is a hard worker and does his best to protect his charges and help England.
This is a very intriguing book that has tons of twist and turns. You always wonder who is really working for what side who is behind it all and danger is always around. Cord still finds time to try and woo Henrietta and he sees the wonderful woman for all she is. Where others would shun her I'd they knew she was a code breaker he doesn't. He just has to make her see he is worthy of her. There is plenty of twist and turns I didn't see coming. A few where funny like Code' s aunt. There is tons of action and I look forward to the next book.
Henrietta is a great character. You see from the start she is very smart and not one to be turn by a handsome man. She isn't afraid to rush into danger if she can save her family and she works hard to help her uncle. Cord may have been a rogue in the past but he has changed. He really wants Henrietta to see how he is changed. He is a hard worker and does his best to protect his charges and help England.
This is a very intriguing book that has tons of twist and turns. You always wonder who is really working for what side who is behind it all and danger is always around. Cord still finds time to try and woo Henrietta and he sees the wonderful woman for all she is. Where others would shun her I'd they knew she was a code breaker he doesn't. He just has to make her see he is worthy of her. There is plenty of twist and turns I didn't see coming. A few where funny like Code' s aunt. There is tons of action and I look forward to the next book.
March 29, 2014
4 stars!
Lady Henrietta Harcourt is not an ordinary historical romance heroine. She’s an intelligent, forward-thinking, independent, and feisty lady who has taken a lot of responsibilities for the Harcourt family, not limited to being England’s foremost intelligence code-breaker. She’s one of my favorite things about this book. She’s clearheaded but also emotionally passionate. I could not fault her of her initial misgivings about Lord Cord Rathbourne and I respect that she was a little reluctant to trust him given that it’s her family’s safety at stake.
As for Lord Cord Rathbourne, I did not quite get a hold on his character in the beginning. But when I learned of his past and the guilt that threatens to consume him still after the death of his older brother four years ago and as I got to hear more and more of his thoughts and the way he thinks and process things, I was ready to stand by him as the hero of the story and I rooted for his happy ending.
I found myself looking forward to all the interactions between our two main characters. They just give off a different (good) vibe whenever they’re in the vicinity of each other and it was fun to watch how they try to battle their attraction to each other or how they sometimes ponder, sometimes too much, on the intention of the other or the reasons for each other’s actions. But the chemistry is clearly there.
There is much to admire about our two main characters and also the writing style of Jacki Delecki. It’s my first time reading her book and I didn’t have any problems getting into the rhythm of her storytelling. She writes her scenes in such honest terms, with each particular one having the right blend as the scene would require and I appreciate that. For instance, the suspenseful scenes have the right pacing and setting, the action scenes as well as the romantic scenes were also done well.
And I love that Henrietta is such a bad-a** heroine. She does not cow against men, gentleman or otherwise. She stands up for what she believes in. And she has a very forward way of thinking with regard to the role and rights of women during her time. Add to these a number of interesting side characters as well as surprisingly layered villains and you’ve got the making of an engaging and well-written book.
Lady Henrietta Harcourt is not an ordinary historical romance heroine. She’s an intelligent, forward-thinking, independent, and feisty lady who has taken a lot of responsibilities for the Harcourt family, not limited to being England’s foremost intelligence code-breaker. She’s one of my favorite things about this book. She’s clearheaded but also emotionally passionate. I could not fault her of her initial misgivings about Lord Cord Rathbourne and I respect that she was a little reluctant to trust him given that it’s her family’s safety at stake.
As for Lord Cord Rathbourne, I did not quite get a hold on his character in the beginning. But when I learned of his past and the guilt that threatens to consume him still after the death of his older brother four years ago and as I got to hear more and more of his thoughts and the way he thinks and process things, I was ready to stand by him as the hero of the story and I rooted for his happy ending.
I found myself looking forward to all the interactions between our two main characters. They just give off a different (good) vibe whenever they’re in the vicinity of each other and it was fun to watch how they try to battle their attraction to each other or how they sometimes ponder, sometimes too much, on the intention of the other or the reasons for each other’s actions. But the chemistry is clearly there.
There is much to admire about our two main characters and also the writing style of Jacki Delecki. It’s my first time reading her book and I didn’t have any problems getting into the rhythm of her storytelling. She writes her scenes in such honest terms, with each particular one having the right blend as the scene would require and I appreciate that. For instance, the suspenseful scenes have the right pacing and setting, the action scenes as well as the romantic scenes were also done well.
And I love that Henrietta is such a bad-a** heroine. She does not cow against men, gentleman or otherwise. She stands up for what she believes in. And she has a very forward way of thinking with regard to the role and rights of women during her time. Add to these a number of interesting side characters as well as surprisingly layered villains and you’ve got the making of an engaging and well-written book.
March 23, 2016
This was a cute read, with interesting characters and suspense. The intrigue was complicated and a bit hard to follow at times, but mostly made sense by the end. I did have a little trouble with the transition of Henrietta's feelings about Cord from anger/dislike to love. I can see how it probably happened, but we apparently weren't there when it did. The main romance is finished in this book, so you don't have to read book 2 if you don't want to. But the characters and some plot lines are continued into the next book, so you probably want to read this one before book 2. The next book focuses on a different couple.
There were a few confusing typos.
I will probably read the next one if I can get past the annoyance of that one thing in the spoiler.
There were a few confusing typos.
I will probably read the next one if I can get past the annoyance of that one thing in the spoiler.
May 1, 2014
I must say I really did enjoy this book. I started out unsure as it was not exactly something that I would have picked off the shelf without a little help. In the past I’ve read quite a bit of historical romances but this is the first regarding the Napoleon era. The idea of espionage, secret codes and a woman of great intelligence keeps you turning pages. I thought it was wonderful that Henrietta not only had a brilliant mind but that she found a man who supported her great mind and was encouraging of her using it. (Once she trusted him to know her secrets of course). Another thing that struck me personally was the struggles of the Harcourt family with Uncle Charles’ declining memory. As a granddaughter of a brilliant engineer who is plagued with Alzheimer’s I could relate to Henrietta’s internal struggle to keep her uncle’s life as normal as possible as well as keep his pride in the social circles. All in all it was a very good read. ~AKay
April 9, 2014
It was so rational,I'm glad. glad not to feel the need to roll my eyes,glad to be able to use my brain. Story flows like river,not boring at all,interesting and intriguing. There could be only one flaw from my perspective and that is the love scenes between characters. They were perfect with each other from the beginning,stopped being interesting at actual love scenes and continues when those have finished.. I don't know how could that be,but I haven't felt a lot of things during them. before and after felt great though,wonderful characters and not just the heroes,everyone's seemed real,believable,deserved to be read about and fun.
January 13, 2015
A fairly enjoyable story with a few issues towards the end. Not quite sure the hero ever proved what an amazing spy he's supposed to be (or the heroine being a crack code breaker); however there was enough of a story and a good relationship for me to keep going with the series.
July 10, 2017
Beginning of a series regarding a family who are good at code breaking and the spies who utilize their services. The premise is good, but the writing and story are only OK.
added-it
March 26, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (3/26/2021)! 🎁
October 7, 2018
I greatly enjoyed this book. It has a realistic, fast moving plot, great dialogue, well defined characters and, of course, romance.
dnf-hard
September 18, 2024I rarely dnf a book after 3 chapters only, alas I did this one. The writing lacked “intimacy”, something was off.
April 24, 2018
I love Regency Romances & with the spy angle scenerio it is one of my Favourites ... Cordelia has given her readers this wonderful book which has all the ingredients....Spies, suspense,mystery,action,drama, intrigue ,sizzling chemistry with heart pounding romance thrown together ...What a FANTASTIC BOOK !!!!with all the right combinations ... Kuddos well done Cordelia...i have become a fan of your writing ...i loved reading this book as i m passionate about reading Regency Romances /historical romances...this book definitely worked for me...
I am sorry didnt write/post a Review ...though i have read this book a long time back ,,just gave the ratings ...but today wen saw your giveaway ...i immediately wrote it ...
A Code of Love was like a breath of fresh air in the Historical Fiction category. It is a story based on code breaking, a fascinating subject...Lady Henrietta Harcourt is a female code breaker during Napoleonic times) and Richard, the Earl of Rathbourne (a spy in the administration of England’s war office).
The heroine, Miss Henrietta Harcourt, was quite compelling - pretty, smart, and mature,intelligent, strong and resourceful. The hero, Lord Rathbourne, was also compelling - handsome and loyal, but a bit immature. The plot was well developed ,written ,scripted and unpredictable. The author's writing style was simple ,good, Overall a very captivating story..it was fast paced not boring at all ...
I strongly Recommend this book ...Go for it u wont be disappointed...
I am sorry didnt write/post a Review ...though i have read this book a long time back ,,just gave the ratings ...but today wen saw your giveaway ...i immediately wrote it ...
A Code of Love was like a breath of fresh air in the Historical Fiction category. It is a story based on code breaking, a fascinating subject...Lady Henrietta Harcourt is a female code breaker during Napoleonic times) and Richard, the Earl of Rathbourne (a spy in the administration of England’s war office).
The heroine, Miss Henrietta Harcourt, was quite compelling - pretty, smart, and mature,intelligent, strong and resourceful. The hero, Lord Rathbourne, was also compelling - handsome and loyal, but a bit immature. The plot was well developed ,written ,scripted and unpredictable. The author's writing style was simple ,good, Overall a very captivating story..it was fast paced not boring at all ...
I strongly Recommend this book ...Go for it u wont be disappointed...
December 4, 2014
More like 2.5 stars
Certainly not the worst book I have ever read, but I wouldn't read it again.
The premise of the book is good and the story starts off fine. But it starts to unravel in the middle and pretty much just fell apart at the end.
I liked the idea of a female code breaker - but I didn't really like Henrietta, she was just all over the place. And I just couldn't connect with her. She did things that made no sense whatsoever. Cord is not much better - he is the head of a spy ring? He doesn't seem to have a clue what is going on most of the time.
And don't even get me started on improper formal address of the nobility in this book. This more than historical inaccuracy and embellishment, irks me to no end!! If you are going to write historical romance at least take the time to research correct formal address!
I think this author has potential and I haven't ruled out reading her future books. I will admit I am curious about what happens to Michael and the relationship between Ash and Cord's sister.
Certainly not the worst book I have ever read, but I wouldn't read it again.
The premise of the book is good and the story starts off fine. But it starts to unravel in the middle and pretty much just fell apart at the end.
I liked the idea of a female code breaker - but I didn't really like Henrietta, she was just all over the place. And I just couldn't connect with her. She did things that made no sense whatsoever. Cord is not much better - he is the head of a spy ring? He doesn't seem to have a clue what is going on most of the time.
And don't even get me started on improper formal address of the nobility in this book. This more than historical inaccuracy and embellishment, irks me to no end!! If you are going to write historical romance at least take the time to research correct formal address!
I think this author has potential and I haven't ruled out reading her future books. I will admit I am curious about what happens to Michael and the relationship between Ash and Cord's sister.
July 2, 2015
Although this book does contain spies, intrigue and a super smart heroine, the major focus is the romance that develops between the two main characters, Henrietta and Cord. Set well over a century ago, both characters are fiercely independent and protective of their families. They have experienced loss but are yet to experience love. The story took some time to develop and ordinarily I would have moved on. I did stick with it and it did heat up about a third of the way in with a descriptive and seductive story that keeps the reader asking for more. I listened to the audiobook which was narrated well with the presence of great characterisation and an enjoyable voice.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2015
The main problem between these characters is their early misjudgments of each other. Henrietta's development from that thru the book hit a snag for me when she wanted to make love 24 hours after breaking her ribs. I have had broken ribs and recall the misery well while the initial description of how she felt was right on, the extremely quick recovery didn't work for me. I didn't see anything that indicated Cord ever actually moved himself beyond the misjudgment. He seems to lust after her rather than love her. He really demonstrates little control around Henrietta and little understanding of her situation beyond her social standing. Saying he is going to protect her but failing to handle even the basics of that.
February 5, 2018
As a historical romance this book is pretty good. As a murder mystery, not so good.
If you want there to be any mystery at all regarding the fat terrorist, perchance you should include more than a single fat man in your characters descriptions of people they’ve interacted with. The way the author tried to use this trick here was much akin to watching an elephant try to sneak up on someone. It’s just not possible to be a subtle elephant.
Also, the normal dialog between characters is good. When things turn spicy though, it goes really bad. Like, physically painful, holding your hand in front of your face while hollering at the tv kind of bad. It was kind of like reading bad porn. “Do you want the sex?” “Oh yes, I want the sex, very much the sex, yes, yes.”
NO
If you want there to be any mystery at all regarding the fat terrorist, perchance you should include more than a single fat man in your characters descriptions of people they’ve interacted with. The way the author tried to use this trick here was much akin to watching an elephant try to sneak up on someone. It’s just not possible to be a subtle elephant.
Also, the normal dialog between characters is good. When things turn spicy though, it goes really bad. Like, physically painful, holding your hand in front of your face while hollering at the tv kind of bad. It was kind of like reading bad porn. “Do you want the sex?” “Oh yes, I want the sex, very much the sex, yes, yes.”
NO
January 29, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romantic suspense story about Henrietta (a female code breaker during Napoleonic times) and Richard, the Earl of Rathbourne (a spy in the administration of England’s war office). It was quite a romp between the two as Henrietta had known Richard years before as a dissolute rake and was a very independent female…and the overbearing Richard now had to conduct his dangerous spy business while trying to dispel his bad reputation and woo Henrietta at the same time. An exciting time was had by all as they solved mysteries and wound their way to a happy ending! A fun romance I can heartily recommend.
January 11, 2016
A Code of Love sounded like the kind of romance novel I enjoy as a guilty pleasure: an historical with a strong female protagonist and and actual plot about spies, but I massively disappointed. Henrietta and Cord had no chemistry together. While individually I liked them, every time they interacted they both acted like jackasses right up until admitting they had at some point fallen in love. I still don't know how that happened, because neither ever saw the good side of the other. Cord was domineering. And Henrietta took his reputation as a rake a bit too personally before she ever even met him. In general the whole book felt forced and contrived.
August 29, 2016
#1 A Code of Love by Jacki Delecki. This is the 1st book in the Code Breakers Series. “I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.” I started with the 4th book and loved it so much I went looking for the three previous ones! I am thrilled to tell you that I was not disappointed at all with my previous assumptions about the earlier books in this series being just as exciting. Jacki’s first installment of this series is just as complex as the last with multiple strings of suspense, intrigue, mystery and regency romance. Again, these books have multiple genres for many readers.
September 17, 2015
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. It had all the things I enjoy... intrigue, mystery, humor, a dashingly handsome man and beautiful young woman, of course, romance. There were times, though, that I felt a little lost in the story regarding spies and espionage - I had a hard time following who was a good guy and who wasn't, but not enough to stop listening. I look forward to listening to more books by Jacki Delecki.
I received this book from Audiobook Blast in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book from Audiobook Blast in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2014
A Code Of Love (Code Breakers,#1) is a MUST READ!!!
Jacki Delecki really knows how to captivate a reader back to the time of Kings and Queens. It was a genuine love story that I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. As I read A Code Of Love I felt like I was right there with Henrietta and Cord as their love grew with their need to protect the crown.
Jacki Delecki really knows how to captivate a reader back to the time of Kings and Queens. It was a genuine love story that I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. As I read A Code Of Love I felt like I was right there with Henrietta and Cord as their love grew with their need to protect the crown.
July 16, 2015
This semi historical work of fiction is a great pleasure to listen to.There is much intrigue afoot,romance a plenty and a hint of the next book in the series.Pearl Hewitt does a fantastic job of narrating.Her voices for characters are very believable.
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."
June 28, 2017
Loved every minute of it. As the audiobook narrator I enjoyed creating some fun character voices for this novel. It's a thoroughly enjoyable mystery/romance set in the British Regency period. Can't wait for the the next one in the series.
December 15, 2014
Pleasant read
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The plot and characters were interesting. Some of the heroine's behavior was a bit hard to accept for the moires of the time period but it was an entertaining read.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The plot and characters were interesting. Some of the heroine's behavior was a bit hard to accept for the moires of the time period but it was an entertaining read.
June 18, 2021
It was a mess. The timeline was confusing and often went back and forth between past event and present.
The character were all over the place being portrayed as one thing then acting another.
The romance seemed to be totally physical. In fact when he reacted to his mistress while thinking about the woman he wanted to marry I felt sick. I mean i get in reality you might not be able to tap down physical attraction. But from what I know after a relationship ends (be they 100% physical or otherwise) you don’t react the same way to them you would have at the beginning of the relationship. So him getting all flustered and aroused in the presence of his ex was a bit of a red flag, because it’s basically stating he was not yet done physically with her. Because in most cases of fiction the Man realises he feels nothing for his former lover comforting the reader with the knowledge that he will be faithful and a perfect match for the Leading Lady. But since this did not happen the reader is left wondering if at some point he would fall back on old habits. Also who’s side was the Mistress even on I could not for the life of me actually tell if she was supposed to be sympathetic or not.
Also this book made NO SENSE. The plot was weak and flimsy and 90% of the time wasn’t even a feature in the scene going on. The relationship in these kinds of stories is a consequence of being thrown together by the plot not the whole plot.
And then there was the issue of Henriette being a bit of a dumb shit. Why bother creating a false code book if you were just going to bring the real one too. Why? Just... WHY!? Also it seemed every action she took was to spite Cord so therefore not really being helpful with the fact that there were traitors basically everywhere.
And where the HELL did the Wycliff bit come from??? It was random and anticlimactic and boring as hell on top of not making any sense since he came in during the last third of the book.
A better example of a story that follows a similar idea (while doing it 1000 times better) is SECRETS TO REVEAL by Tilly Wallace. It has a supernatural twist but it also does the female code breaker thing, along with an encoded list the french want back at any cost. It 300% less confusing and the romance develops naturally. And the guy doesn’t get all flustered and hard for other women. It’s just better all over.
The character were all over the place being portrayed as one thing then acting another.
The romance seemed to be totally physical. In fact when he reacted to his mistress while thinking about the woman he wanted to marry I felt sick. I mean i get in reality you might not be able to tap down physical attraction. But from what I know after a relationship ends (be they 100% physical or otherwise) you don’t react the same way to them you would have at the beginning of the relationship. So him getting all flustered and aroused in the presence of his ex was a bit of a red flag, because it’s basically stating he was not yet done physically with her. Because in most cases of fiction the Man realises he feels nothing for his former lover comforting the reader with the knowledge that he will be faithful and a perfect match for the Leading Lady. But since this did not happen the reader is left wondering if at some point he would fall back on old habits. Also who’s side was the Mistress even on I could not for the life of me actually tell if she was supposed to be sympathetic or not.
Also this book made NO SENSE. The plot was weak and flimsy and 90% of the time wasn’t even a feature in the scene going on. The relationship in these kinds of stories is a consequence of being thrown together by the plot not the whole plot.
And then there was the issue of Henriette being a bit of a dumb shit. Why bother creating a false code book if you were just going to bring the real one too. Why? Just... WHY!? Also it seemed every action she took was to spite Cord so therefore not really being helpful with the fact that there were traitors basically everywhere.
And where the HELL did the Wycliff bit come from??? It was random and anticlimactic and boring as hell on top of not making any sense since he came in during the last third of the book.
A better example of a story that follows a similar idea (while doing it 1000 times better) is SECRETS TO REVEAL by Tilly Wallace. It has a supernatural twist but it also does the female code breaker thing, along with an encoded list the french want back at any cost. It 300% less confusing and the romance develops naturally. And the guy doesn’t get all flustered and hard for other women. It’s just better all over.
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