A Code of Honor

Code Breakers #6

by Jacki Delecki

Duty before desire...honor before truth.

Miss Abigail Lyon wants an education, not a husband. A respectable match would redeem her family's besmirched reputation from her sister's scandalous elopement, although surely none of the ton's eligible bachelors count curiosity as a desirable trait in a wife. Abbie finds herself confronting an offer that may be too good to be true.

Jack Bonnington is a rake turned spy, recruited by the Crown to ferret out a traitor. To provide a cover for his clandestine mission, he must pursue the very brilliant and beautiful Miss Abigail. The ruse takes a dangerous turn when they discover their secret is at risk of being exposed. Is the heightened passion a pretense or a prelude to something more dangerous? Can a man bound by honor to his country and a woman ensnared by duty to her family accomplish an impossible mission that gives them the freedom to love and live as they choose?

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.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Novella, Regency, Historical, Espionage, Fiction

196 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2018

About the author

Jacki 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
Follow her on FB—Jacki Delecki

Reviews

[Tanya Sridhar · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 Stars.

I received this book from Netgalley and Doe Bay Publishing for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book and it's characters.

This was a confusing read.

The writing is extremely easy, but doesn't hold much depth. The charactes are mostly just tossed at you, with sudden backstories basis previous books. The characters seem one dimensional and even the romance for me was lacking.

In all honesty, I read because it's an ARC. Or I would have given up by around 20%. The plot of the characters turning spies against Napolean and the manner in which it happens is just so... ridiculous I just couldn't buy it. The plot, the mystery, the romance and the characters fall flat.

Also, I really don't think these words were used in this era, maybe I'm mistaken. But you tell me.

1. Buddy
2. Tomboy
3. hard-on
4. Sexy

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Code Of Honor by Jacki Delecki is another winner in my library. I can always count on Ms. Delecki to provide me with interesting historical facts while weaving an intriguing romantic mystery. I love this series and always look forward to the next one.

This time the mystery revolves around Amelia's brother, Jack and a new character to the series, Abigail Lyon. Miss Lyon is a remarkable young woman of that time period who is especially talented in language and mathematics which makes her the perfect candidate to join Henrietta as a code breaker. Jack is recruited by Rathbourne because of his architectural studies to join a committee overseeing the arsenal at Dover. The plot moved quickly with several suspects and so many twists and turns that I never guessed the identity of the spy until the reveal.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good paced story with interesting characters. Abigail and Jack had differing views on women’s education and their place in society. Abigail was a very intelligent woman who was restricted by her obnoxious parents. Jack had a reputation of a rake but he did care for his family and looked out for them. The family tea was so typical of young males! This story involves spies and has elements of danger. I enjoyed the way that Jack’s realisation of his feelings towards Abigail changed his way of thinking about women. This was an entertaining read. I received a copy from eBooks Discovery and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[vaneeta naik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacki has done it again ...another good book in the Code breakers series... she really knows how to write a good spy thriller book with Romance set in the Regency era ...Her stories are delight to read...

This story revolves around Amelia's brother, Jack and Abigail Lyon. Jack is recruited by Rathbourne because of his architectural studies to join a committee overseeing the arsenal at Dover....Miss Lyon a remarkable young woman talented in language and mathematics is hired by Henrietta as a code breaker.... John and Abby know each other and often disagree, but now they have to work together to keep England safe from traitors,enemies ....

when they are pushed together to uncover a plot the attraction between them grows... there combined efforts, actions, brings them together & they fall in love ...How they overcome & foil the attempts of the enemies is a gripping read ....Abby is a strong , determined, intelligent ,sensible woman...Jack compliments her character by being a lovable, passionate partner...

I have read the other books in the Code Breaker series ...all of them wonderful books...Jacki has again captivated readers in this 6th bookin the series...A very excellent writer is Jacki who keeps her readers engrossed & enthralled by her penmanship... I would highly Recommend this book ... pls do read it ... also if u have not read the previous books in the Code Breaker series pls do read ..

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting historical romance in which both main characters get to be British spies. Very unusual for a woman in those times and a fun addition to this romance.
The romance is fairly straight-forward. Attraction, conflict and resolution. The spy parts are more interesting. Good guys, bad guys, fights, sneaking and kidnapping. I would have liked more complexity in the plot, but it is a good story.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Gail Koger · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like historical romances, give this a try.

[One chapter more · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abigail Lyon values her education more than she values institution of marriage. Unfortunately she needs to hide her interests in mathematics and languages as a women in her times could be looked up with disrespect and contempt. One day she gets the opportunity to use her skills in a secret spy mission. But what if she could not only break a code and save few lives, but also find her true love?

It was very interesting and engaging romance book. I loved the story line that kept me on my toes the whole time and the pace of the book made me read it in one evening. Once I started I couldn't finish until I knew that everything is all right, or was it?

I felt in love with the heroine from the very first page. Sweet, innocent but with a secret that could bring her to ruin made her a complex character with the perfect mixture of traits that concluded in my personal likability. Abbie knew how to stand for herself and didn't mind to speak her mind which made story very refreshing and I read it with the thought 'Go get them Girl!'. Very inspiring persona that taught me to reach higher than other people expect you to even if you think the failure is the only result that you could meet at the end.

Romance part of the book was well thought of and from enemies to lovers is one of my favorite type to read about. It is fascinating to see how does the human nature works, how from the cat and a dog there could be a relationship based on trust and understanding. Hate is a strong feeling that could easily be turned to love and passion and this book is an evidence of that!.

The only issue I had was writing. Once again all I can hope for is that author Jacki Delecki will get a better editor that will eliminate all stylistic and grammar mistakes in her future works, because there were quite few of them in this book. Sometimes I was confused what was going on due to the writing and I found it sloppy and rushed at the time. It kind of felt like a first or a second draft before that polishing magic made by the good editor. Hopefully this will be taken care of as I see a bright future in a front of the author.

Overall I really enjoyed this regency historical romance with a hint of suspense and a jar full of secrets. It was really absorbing to follow the journey of Abbie and Jack relationship, coming from hate to love and respect. This novel showed me that anything could be possible even in times that women had no rights.


I received a Digital copy of this book via NetGalley and Doe Bay Publishing of an honest review.

[Melanie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rebel miss breaks more than one code

Jackie Dekecki writes a pretty good Regency-era romance. She has one here, with A Code of Honor, in which brilliant non-conformist young Abbie of the upper crust would rather dabble in code-breaking for the War Office than heed her parents wishes that she marry as far above their station as she can reach. Making the mistake of confiding her wish to pursue mathematics to an old family friend, Jack Bonnington, she manages to provoke the typically chauvinistic attitudes of the time. She also manages to baffle, irritate, and completely captivate him. It's a good story, with lots of suspense, wit, and romantic tensions bubbling below the surface. I like every one of the female characters (except Abbie's mother, whom we are meant to dislike) but I can't say much good about Jack, the hero. He's just TOO much - overbearing, over-protective, over-reacting, and so mentally fooled by lust - just a little over the top, IMHO. Abbie doesn't seem to mind in the end. That it all comes down to Rule, Brittania and HEA is no surprise. That it is well-plotted and action filled, as well historically on point (the only 'oops' was Jack using the word ":sexy" - so 20th century!) is a bonus. That it works as a standalone is a tribute to Ms. Delecki's talent for spinning a fine yarn. My thanks inks to the author for the ARC, and this has been a voluntary, independent, and uncompensated review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living under the iron fist of her uncompromising father, Abigail Lyon has little opportunity to explore the world of science, language or arithmetic. Yet she thirsts for knowledge like a swallow thirsts for water in the desert. Abby doesn't know that her tendencies have been observed by her friends who are only too willing to help her explore her hidden talents. Jack was forced by circumstances to abandon his chosen path but finds that he too is being drawn in by his peers who acknowledge his strengths. Having spent much time antagonising one another, Abby and Jack are now headed on a parallel path with a common goal - to catch a traitor. As much as Jack and Abby irritate one another, they are also drawn to one another at a subliminal level, catching them both by surprise. The novel is generally well written and held my interest all the way through. There is some suspense, adventure and certainly romance. The hero seems to be a bit of an ass, but is, in fact, a generous and warm-hearted man who loves and cares for his family. Abby's wings have been clipped, and yet she retains a strong will and determination to break through the barriers imposed on her. She has a delightful light-hearted side to her nature and she wins the hearts of those who meet her, including Jack. The book is a standalone and comes to a highly satisfactory conclusion. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spy Who Loved💞 Her
Regency Era Romance💘 and Thriller

The Honorable John (Jack) Bonnington, a Barons oldest son, follows his brother in law, Lord Brinsley, into London to confront him about his consorting with a known French prostitute. He is ready to take on the huge man at his estate, when he is let into the inner circle. Brimsley and another friend of Jack's, Lord Kendal, are spies for The Crown against Bonaparte! They want him to join them in The war effort!

Abigail💃💋 is Jack's neighbor and a companion to his sister Amelia. There is some gossip surrounding Annie's older sister's elopement. Abbie💃💋 is also a bluestocking, and she wants to go to college, and she wants a career. Jack🐺🍆🌋💪 is fascinated By her but he tries to keep his emotions hidden. He's known as a rake and libertine, but he feels the need to protect Abbie💃💋.


ARC Received from Hidden 💎Gems.
This book was $4.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.

The book starts out with a lot of characters, mostly family members, neighbors and friends, to try to sort out, which was a little confusing.
The book drew me completely into the story as I read further into it. Spy, Spy, who's the King's👑 Spy, and who's the traitor?

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

He's the one who gets schooled.

Oppressed by her tyrannical parents, Miss Abigail Lyon rarely reveals her passion for higher learning. Sadly, of the few times she spoke her mind, she was berated by the one man for whom she has ever had feelings.

Overwhelmed by duties that should not have been his, Jack Bonnington took on the persona of a rake. He also took delight in annoying a certain miss who was foolish enough to believe in higher education for women.

What happens too Abbie and Jack is the substance of A Code of Honor by Jacki Delecki.

Although very well written, I struggled to keep track of all the characters in this entertaining and absorbing novel. I should have gone back and read the five previous novels. Regardless, I was able to get in sync and I really enjoyed this book. The characters are rich and vibrant and the story is not only romantic and humorous, it also has an element of mystery with a dangerous edge. All in all, I enjoyed this book.

Content alert: There is some passionate kissing, some swearing (g*d, d*mn, h*ll) and one moderately descriptive sexual scene.

I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
I have enjoyed the Code Breakers series and I also enjoyed this next novel in the series. Lady Abbie has to marry well due to her sister's scandal. Her parents do not like her pursuit of science and math. They believe a woman's place is at the home and to listen to her husband. Abbie has other ideas though and is recruited to decode messages. Honorable John Bonnington, the son of a baron, has a talent for finding information and is recruited to infiltrate a meeting to find out if there are any traitors who are giving intelligence to the the French. John and Abbie know each other and often disagree, but now they have to work together to keep England save from those abroad and those within their country. John does not want Abbie to get hurt, yet he needs her skills to find the proof they need about traitors in their mist. While trying to discover evidence, Abbie and John are caught in a "compromising situation", but both have had desires for the other. Their discovery has forced the traitor to reveal themselves and Abbie is kidnapped. Will John be able to rescue Abbie in time?

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duty before desire…

Honor before truth.

Lady Abigail Lyon wants an education, not a husband. Abbie finds herself confronting an offer that may be too good to be true.

Jack Bonnington is a rake turned spy, recruited by the Crown to ferret out a traitor. To provide a cover for his mission, he must pursue the very brilliant and beautiful Lady Abigail. In A Code of Honor, Jack Bonnington is recruited to join the Code Breakers but the assignment he's given is not what he expected.

Their secret is at risk but this turn of events makes for more passion between these two. Does the heightened passion put them more at risk to exposure or will it lead to something else entirely.

This is a believable scenario based in part on real historical events. You find yourself rooting for this pair of unlikely lovers. I have read only part of this series and will make an effort to read them all.

I would give this danger and passion infused story 4.75 of 5.0 stars for story line, plot and characterization.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to read through Hidden Gems. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that Abbie is smart and talented in defiance of convention. It was almost painful for me to watch how she made herself ‘smaller’ in order to be what society demanded she should be. And I wanted to kick Jack every time he agreed. I liked Jack, I’m just not sure why. He spent most of the book being an overbearing oaf, certain that no one knew how to manage their lives without his input. And yet there was still something endearing about him that made me forgive even his worst alpha-hole behavior. One thing that bothered me about this book was our hero’s morphing name. I realize that ‘Jack’ is frequently a diminutive form for ‘John’. (Though why you need a short form for ‘John’ completely escapes my logic.) I just wish we could have stuck with one or the other through the course of the book. The first couple of times he’s referred to as Jack and John, I was trying to find the second character before I realized the author meant our hero each time. And it bugged me a little that I don’t even remember seeing any explanation for why Jack/John is called by both.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first experience with Jacki Delecki's writing but it certainly won't be my last.

I loved this book. It had passion, suspense, danger, romance, everything you want from a historical romance. The characters were well-described and the attitudes of the day were accurate. It was thought at that time that women were meant as unthinking property, to enrich their father's wealth, and to be subservient to their husbands.

Not so in this case. In the past, Jack argued with Abbie about the correctness of women attending university. Her parents were also against any higher learning for their daughters, so Abbie had to do her learning in secret. Jack is enlisted as a spy in the fight against Napoleon, not knowing that Abbie has also been enlisted, but as a Code Breaker. When he finds out, he is terrified because he has realized how much he cares for her and is concerned for her safety. Abbie thinks that Jack is only trying to say again that women can't do the same work as the men. How will Jack ever convince her to give him a chance?

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Hidden Gems.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 of the Code Breaker Series and although it is not my favourite, it was still a book you will one to read. If you have read any of the others you will recognize a lot of characters from them but it is still a book you can read as a stand alone. It has suspense, intrigue, mystery, adventure and romance. All the things you want in a spy story. It is not long and complicated that it losses you in the plot but long enough to keep you turning the page wanting to know what is going to happen next. The heroine Lady Abigail is a strong, intelligent women whose parents want to keep her quite and biddable to find a husband and the hero is Jack Bonnington, a bit of a hot head but strong and willing to do anything to keep his love safe. Both are new to spying and it is interesting to watch them as they learn their new trade and to trust each other. Well worth reading the whole series and I am looking forward to any future stories. I received this book as an ARC.

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by saying that I love a smart, bold and unconventional heroine that defys the confines of her time and utilizes her intelligence and with the help of an understanding hero change their world for good. The synopsis of this novel promised that, unfortunately it failed to deliver.
The heroine appeared to be unconventionally defiant of others expectations but her thoughts are filled with disapproval and shock when Jake’s brothers act disordiderly. When she’s offered a role to spy against the enemy she worries extensively of being able to do the job and what others may think.
Then there’s Jake a man who claims not to believe that women are his equal. He tries to get Abbie to conform rather than provide support for her endovers.
Although the plot is intriguing, I would have preferred more innovative characters that truly break the mold.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC was provided to me for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 5/5 a romance novel with an exciting plot that leads to no shortage of fights and kidnappings.

Heroine (Abbie): 5/5 Abbie is a smart girl from the countryside who is about to have her first season. She can see patterns where other do not.

Hero (Jack): 5/5 Jack has a protective streak for his family, for his love, and for his country. His friends turn him into a spy to ferret out a traitor in their midst.

Plot: 5/5 Abbie and Jack are sworn childhood enemies. Abbie finds Jack to be too set in his ways with poorly conceived notions about women’s education. Jack finds Abbie to be the exact opposite of what a girl in search of a husband should be due to her willingness to speak her mind.

Personal Review: The pair make eachother see new perspectives all the while trying to aid England in a fight against France. The story is paced well and has some truly tense moments.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Abigail Lyons and the Honorable John Andrew Bonnington have known each other for many years. They disagree on many things such as a lady having education. Jack thinks that women should stay at home and do womanly things. Abigail doesn't see why she needs to get married, but understands that she has to make a good marriage to get her family back into society's good graces after her sister's scandalous elopement. While visiting her best griend, Amelia, who happens to be Jack's sister, Abby is drawn into being a secret code breaker for the Crown. Jack is also working undercover to find out who the traitor is in their group.. They are drawn together in the dangerous world of spying. Abby gets kidnapped. Will Jack save her in time or will the traitor get away with her? I received this book from Net Galley for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Abigail Lyon wants an education, not a husband. She loves languages & maths when she’s approached by Henrietta Harcourt to translate a poem all her dreams come true & she is thrilled to become a code breaker. Jack Bonnington is a rake turned spy, recruited by the Crown to ferret out a traitor. Jack & Abbie clash each time they meet but their attraction to each other also sizzles.
This is the sixth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own, I’d recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate it. I loved Jack & Abbie, he’s so honourable & looks after his siblings & the family’s estate. Abbie is feisty, intelligent & together they are like two halves of a coin. The pace is very good & I was drawn in from the start, I think this is my favourite of the series. I loved how Jack fell & fell hard
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Patricia Wissore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the first 3 books in the Code Breakers series and somehow missed numbers 4/5! Loved the story of Abbie and Jack! She's trying to hard to be proper and appear ladylike as her mother and father had browbeat her into acting. Jack was lovable from the first scene when he was interacting with his brothers and his defense of his sister against even her own husband! Abbie was able to recognize that Jack would treat her as his equal in a relationship even after their rocky beginning. Since I missed the 4th and 5th book, I was a little confused at the beginning with the use of Amelia and Abbie for names, but eventually lost the confusion. Thank you for the advanced readers copy. I'll have to go back and get books 4 and 5 now!

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Code Breakers series!! This one is about Jack who is recruited to oversee an arsenal and Abigail, a bluestocking in the sense of her great talents in language and mathematics, who is hired as a code breaker. They had known each other before, but are now put together to work on uncovering a plot and keeping England safe.
The adventure begins with a lot of back and forth between the two on differing opinions and finally coming to have feelings for each other. Abbie feels a responsibility to marry well to help put her family back in the good graces of society after her sister's scandalous elopement. But as emotions heat up and Abbie gets into danger, Jack has to save her. Will he find her in time and be able to expose a traitor in their mists?
A page turning adventure that will have you holding your breath to see what happens!!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Abbie are drawn together in this story set during the start of the Napoleonic war. When a spy is suspected of selling secrets about English military plans, unlikely candidates with unique talents are recruited to assist in the war effort. After all, who would suspect a prim Miss and a rakish Lord would have ulterior motives when attending entertainments of the ton? But the path to root out the secret seller is not so clear- is it a friend? A Former classmate? A colleague? And why are they doing it? Many questions raised are mostly answered in the end. An enjoyable historical read. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Recency romance with suspense and intrigue. The author weaves a fantastic journey for a young woman with a mathematical mind. Abbie has known Amelia and her family most of her life. Daughters has a duty to make good matches so to enlarge their families estate as well as coffers. Jack and Abbie have different views but he's been selected to help the British stop Napoleon. I love reading about how intelligent women helped forge their own paths yet help a cause. There is also humor written in this story. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by this author.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sixth read from author Jacki Delecki. I have to admit I'm hooked on the Code Breakers series! Well written, with wonderful character development (as always), although by this time you know all the players involved. Action, suspense, and romance build throughout the book until near the end you cannot wait to turn the next page! Delecki has created a series of books that you cannot wait to get to the next one. As always I look forward to the next book. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018)

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author for me, and I have to say that I really enjoyed the book. The story was well-written and complex, full of drama, suspense, mystery with wonderful romance. I was drawn into the story right from the start, and I really got a kick out of Jack's younger brothers. I would have loved to have seen them again later in the book. The characters were so interesting. The story very quickly became intense and suspenseful, and it held my interest right up until the end. I plan on reading more from this author. Very well done!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book in the series but it does stand alone. Regency era story with a likable heroine who is less interested in “typical” pursuits and way more interested in learning things they didn’t expect young women to know anything about. The hero believed she was a typical young lady and when they have to work together, she “enlightens” him. They work well as a team and only together can they solve the problem. Fun, fast read with two people who think they know each other until they realize they have so much to learn. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Code of Honor is a fun historical romance with spies taking place during the Napoleonic wars in England. This is part of a series, and while I enjoyed it as a stand-alone, I suspect readers who had read the previous books would enjoy it more as they would have more background on the story and characters.

Reader discretion advised: there is a graphic sex scene towards the end of the book along with some close encounters.

"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abbie Lyon is very smart and wants an education instead of a husband. Jack Bonnington has fought with her over the years about whether she should be educated or married. Napoleon is going to invade the country and the help of those who can contribute is needed. Abbie has a chance to help and so proud to do so. Jack has a chance to help also but he finds he does not want Abbe putting herself in danger. Can they do their part and find the love lurking there just waiting for them to realize?

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spies and lies. There is no doubt that Delecki can write an engaging romantic suspense. Set during the Napoleonic War, a group of English men and women search for spies aiding France. Codes and traitors keep the English network busy, but romance is still part of the plot. Even though this is a standalone, I think I would have enjoyed this book even more if I'd read the books in the series in order first. Given a free copy for an honest review.