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Code Breakers #7

A Holiday Code for Love

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Tis the Season of love and hope, spies and intrigue!

A Christmas house party becomes a covert operation to trap a French spy. Can the Honorable John Bonnington protect his wife from their guest's murderous intentions? Can Abbie Bonnington protect her husband from his ex-mistress' intentions to seduce him into revealing Crown secrets? Can Abbie and Jack continue the charade of hosting the perfect holiday party as danger, treachery, and treason swirl in the ballroom?

Enjoy the passionate, suspenseful Regency world of the Code Breakers,where daring lords and ladies decode the path to happily ever amidst theirdangerous, heroic fight against Napoleon's treacherous designs.

Also released in Nine Lords for Christmas

106 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2018

50 people are currently reading
88 people want to read

About the author

Jacki Delecki

45 books1,216 followers


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

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5 stars
51 (42%)
4 stars
37 (31%)
3 stars
25 (21%)
2 stars
5 (4%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,424 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2019
A Holiday Code for Love by Jacki Delecki was an engaging read from beginning to end. Ms. Delecki never disappoints me when it comes to historical mysteries filled with suspense, love and intrigue set in the Regency period of England.

The plot is quickly paced as Jack and Abbie must help Lord Rathbourne set up a sting operation to find the head of the French spy network in London. I always enjoy visiting with these characters as the women in Ms. Delecki's books are always intelligent, strong and dedicated to helping their husbands and family to thwart Napolean's advances. Another action packed addition to the Code Breakers series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,166 reviews17 followers
April 15, 2019
This is a good short, Regency book. I love reading Regency books and “living” back then. I was so glad to see how much John and Abbie loved each other. It was nice to read a Regency where the woman was also someone who worked in secret to rid her country of spies. There is mystery, spies, subterfuge, and love in this book. I encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book, and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Jypsy .
1,524 reviews64 followers
January 19, 2019
Spys and intrigue at Christmas? A Holiday Code of Love is a Christmas novella. It's a story of intrigue, and it's interesting. I just couldn't get interested in it. It's not for me. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for B. Koe.
945 reviews11 followers
April 23, 2019
An enticingly romantic mystery with plenty of STEAM and action! A seasonal MUST-READ!
This is the first novella by Jackie Delecki for this reader/reviewer, and I have to say, I am HOOKED! Full of clues, suspense, and romance, “A HOLIDAY CODE FOR LOVE” is an amazing read, enticing, exciting, and so well written I could swear what I read was a full novel! Delecki’s masterful use of multiple-narration had characters speaking for themselves; telling the readers through word and deed just who they are and what role they hoped to play in this primed for espionage seasonal party. Add to the mix Delecki’s eloquent and descriptive prose, and it is no wonder that readers who have found her mysteries keep coming back to read every book she offers. I am pleased to say that I plan to be a member of that group as her well-written tales titillate with STEAMY, provide both intrigue and the tension such suspense builds, and lastly wraps all of this into a compelling and complex plotline that entices readers to come and stay for a time. I fell deeply for Abbie. Her intelligent wit and stubborn determination are a wonderful match for Jack Bonnington, the former rake now a gentile spy and Abbie’s devoted husband. I voluntarily ready an advanced copy of “A HOLIDAY CODE FOR LOVE” and this is my honest, voluntary review! Normally I do not award more than 4 stars for a short or novella, but this holiday mystery was EVERYTHING a romance should be. I absolutely loved “A HOLIDAY CODE FOR LOVE” and strongly suggest you get your copy of “A HOLIDAY CODE FOR LOVE” today!. Author Delecki, you have made a new fan. Happy pages! 😉
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,117 reviews32 followers
January 9, 2019
A plot to trap a French spy and her English contacts, involves false information and a Christmas ball.
Best laid plans may not go as expected, but Jack is determined to protect his wife at any cost. Abbie would do the same for Jack.
Jelecki writes a holiday novella with the same group of English men and women known as the CODE BREAKERS and their continuing work to stop Napoleon in his tracks. I suggest reading the series in order, so you will become more familiar with the connections of friends and family within the group.
I was given a free copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,291 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2019
This was my first book to read in the Code Breakers series and I now want to read the rest. Abbi and John are members of a group spying against Napoleon and the French army. They are tasked with inviting John's former mistress to their Holiday party and entrap her and her cohorts in espionage. What could possibly go wrong? I had a good time reading about all the preparations and planning for the "mission", plus watching John and Abbi grow closer in their recent marriage, while dealing with their insecurities. I look forward to reading more about these two and their family and friends.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,416 reviews25 followers
August 12, 2019
My eleventh read from author Jacki Delecki & the seventh book in the Code Breakers series. 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! Reminiscent of the writing of Victoria Pinder but with more story depth & development. 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).
1,696 reviews11 followers
October 22, 2019
Jack and Abbie have just gotten married and Jack is very nervous because of Abbie's job he cannot understand with his wife being a mathematician could put her in such danger but he was determine to protect her. They give a Christmas ball and her boss as well as Jack's request that Abbie allow Jack's ex paramour Sabine comes because they feel that she is up to something along with Lord Atwell whom they know is a trader to his country. The story line is very interesting the characters are fascinating.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy as a gift without obligation. I am providing an honest review.
Profile Image for Patricia Wissore.
694 reviews6 followers
May 1, 2019
I loved the sound of the book before I got it. Christmas stories are always my favorite. This one was too much "lovey-dovey" with Abbie and Jack constantly thinking about how much they love each other and him each morning speaking about what they had just finished in the bedroom. Also, the premise was that Sabine would come thinking that Jack was tired of his bride. Except he never even tried to fake or act like that and he was a master spy? The "action" at the house just didn't follow through for me and I never connected with the story. Thank you for the advance copy from the publisher.
Profile Image for Sheila Lee.
992 reviews13 followers
May 13, 2019

The author is a talented writer and is true to the era in which her characters live. Jack and his wife Abbie are involved in the war effort to stop Napoleon.  In this story, they are searching for the head  of the French spy ring responsible for smuggling secrets from British intelligence. Although this is a good story, I felt that the plot should have been more elaborate.  While the story is complete, it read more like the Cliff Notes version. There is a mild cliffhanger indicating another book to follow. While a good story, IMO, it was not a great story. 3 1/2 stars.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,035 reviews62 followers
January 12, 2020
A Christmas house party becomes a covert operation to trap a French spy. Jack & Abbie Bonnington are newly married & are about to hold their first house party. They are hoping that during the party they & the other Crown’s agents will be able to trap some French spies.
I quick read that I read in a session, I loved the update now that Jack & Abbie are married, it does follow on closely from A Code of Honour so I would recommend reading it first. Fast paced & steamier than earlier books. I loved it.
I first read this lovely novella in Nine Lords for Christmas box set
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
January 26, 2019
This is suspenseful, exciting and amusing. A trap is set for Sabine, one that Jack is not happy with. Abbie and Jack are having a house party that culminates with a ball, and hopefully catching Sabine and Atwell. Jack being Jack, his thoughts are constantly going to one thing, bedding his wife. Which explains why things don't go exactly as planned.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Profile Image for Margaret.
2,597 reviews11 followers
April 28, 2019
Outstanding and entertaining Regency romantic mystery. The author did a marvelous job of making the characters unique so readers understand John and Abbie’s upbringing and points of view. Since the book is about the impending war between the English and French codes were developed and spy’s abound. I enjoyed the strong women in the 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.
1,290 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2021
Another brilliant story in a brilliant series

This is another brilliantly written story in what is a brilliant series. The plot is full of suspense and emotional twists and turns. The characters are amazingly crafted, with the determination and strength to overcome their foes, to achieve their happiness. This is a great book for all those who love steamy historical romances, that have a bit of mystery.
1,290 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2021
Another brilliant story in a brilliant series

This is another brilliantly written story in what is a brilliant series. The plot is full of suspense and emotional twists and turns. The characters are amazingly crafted, with the determination and strength to overcome their foes, to achieve their happiness. This is a great book for all those who love steamy historical romances, that have a bit of mystery.
427 reviews23 followers
May 24, 2021
The Hon. Jack Bonnington steered his wife Abbie towards a narrow path leading to a special cabin where they made love. They then went to meet Lord Rathbourne and Lord Kendal about espionage going on in England during the Napoleonic wars. This is a short story or short book which is well written and has all the needed elements of a good story and you should read it...
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,488 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2020
John and Abbie are desperate to work together to stop his ex mistress from her evil plight. Together they were an unstoppable force and would do what they could to protect their country. Great novella in this series.
151 reviews
March 30, 2021
2.5 stars
Maybe reading a novella that's part 7 of a series that I've never heard of before, by an author that I've never read before wasn't the best idea. I'm sure if you've read earlier books in this series you'd appreciate it more, but like this it all felt very on the nose.
Profile Image for Sarah Wente.
66 reviews
December 27, 2022
Short, Sweet and Intriguing

This was a short, sweet story filled with espionage and romance. I loved getting to know the characters better, and French spies always spice up the holidays.
2,426 reviews6 followers
April 10, 2019
A nice tale of love, but the plot is not fully fleshed out.
Profile Image for Christine.
10.5k reviews31 followers
April 13, 2019
ARC review For honest review. Jack and abbie bonnington are asked by Lord ruthbourn a favor for the war to help with getting information. This is cute.
12.5k reviews186 followers
April 28, 2019
Loved this story. Love, murder and more to keep you intrigued. Enjoyable Don’t miss out once it’s released.
176 reviews
May 5, 2020
Wonderful series. Lord John tries to protect his wife from French spies. I have purchased all the books in this series and love them.
Profile Image for KathyNV.
314 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2021
Christmas, intrigue, a ball, secrets and spies….delicious and very hot! “A Holiday Code for Love” is the perfect early Christmas present!
188 reviews
April 16, 2024
A Holiday Code

I loved this book. I love it because it was short and to the point. It was well written and it continued with the characters from the ones before it.
254 reviews
January 3, 2024
New wife, ex-lover and French spies all attending a holiday ball... What could be more fun.
854 reviews8 followers
November 18, 2018
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
This novel continues the adventures of Abbie and Jack Bonnington as they try to find the mastermind behind the French spy ring in England. It is near Christmas and the Bonningtons are holding a coming out party to show Abbie off to society and catch traitors selling secrets to the French. Jack's former mistress is suspected to know who the mastermind is. False information is spread to draw the spies to the party, but even the best of plans can go astray. Abbie and Jack have to use their skills to capture the spies and trusting each other with the different parts of the mission.
295 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2018
I was sent a copy of this book via NetGalley and Doe Bay Publishing and have decided to leave an honest review.
I love a story that has my favourite subjects such as Mystery, Intrigue, Christmas, Spies and Historical Romance all in the one story. The Honourable John Bonnington and his very clever wife Abbie Bonnington are back to give the reader a wonderful story filled with Christmas cheer and celebration along with a very enjoyable spy story for all readers to wonder if they can trap a traitor and catch a lady spy that once was romantically involved with John. As Abbie and John are newly married it is very difficult for John to take on the mission of showing interest in another women at a Christmas House party. Will he agree to the mission to make people believe he is tired of his new wife? I will leave that rest of the story revealing up to the reader. I advise that Code of Love and A Holiday Code of Love be read in sequence as it will improve the readers enjoyment. I recommend this book and author.
642 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2018
There's a French spy about. They must be caught as the fate of England depends upon it. Spies are everywhere and who can be trusted? A Christmas party where the former mistress is invited? Well yes, if you are part of a code breaking, spy family. Is the mistress the French spy or someone no one would expect? Danger, intrigue and love. Another of the Code Breaker series by Jacki Delecki. I love these books. Smart and brave women helping to defend their country. Handsome men not afraid of strength. 5+ recommendation from me. I received this book from Net Galley and Doe Bay Publishing for a honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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