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Code Breakers #11
A Secret Code
Enter the emotional, suspenseful Regency world of USA Today bestselling author Jacki Delecki’s Code Breakers spy series. Undaunted by danger or scandal, these intrepid lords and ladies discover true love as they risk it all to save England from Napoleon’s treacherous designs.
Miss Joie James has been accepted back in society’s fold after her scandalous banishment to the country. She doesn’t give a fig about the pleasures of the season’s lavish entertainments. She is in London to assist her intended to find a French spy. Will she be a help or more of a hindrance to Lieutenant Reginald Talley on his clandestine mission?
Miss Joie James has been accepted back in society’s fold after her scandalous banishment to the country. She doesn’t give a fig about the pleasures of the season’s lavish entertainments. She is in London to assist her intended to find a French spy. Will she be a help or more of a hindrance to Lieutenant Reginald Talley on his clandestine mission?
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2021
21 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Jacki Delecki
45 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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May 25, 2021Excerpt from A Secret Code
Joie shifted her weight trying to remain still not to move her feet and raise suspicion as she stood behind the screen in the ladies’ retiring room. It was time for everyone to make their way back to the ball. Didn’t the two stragglers hear the orchestra warming up? It would be just her luck that the two chattering women had no partners for the next set. How much longer before the room was empty, and she could sneak down the hall?
Fortunately, there was more than one chamber pot for the use of all the ladies at the ball. Otherwise, her plan of making her way to the servants’ quarters in Rathbourne house would never work. She counted to ten again and steeled herself for patience.
“She sailed into the ball as if everyone would have forgotten her scandalous behavior with Lord Ayer.”
The top of Joie’s ears burned at the mention of the despicable lord. Could there be more than one woman compromised by Lord Ayer? He was enough of a scoundrel to have lured another innocent woman to the conservatory. If there was another victim of Lord Ayer’s malicious behavior Joie would wish to console the poor woman.
“She acts oblivious… As if everyone isn’t talking about the daughter of an archbishop caught in a compromising situation.”
Drat. They must be talking about her since there couldn’t be another archbishop’s daughter who Lord Ayer tried to kiss. None of the high ranking clergy had a daughter taking in the season. There were all older like her father. She had been a surprise for her childless elder parents.
“Did you see the color of her dress? You would expect after her scandal that she would avoid drawing attention to herself.”
The two tittered.
Joie tried to peak through the crack in the screen to see who the women were.
“Blue and orange. Who would ever wear those two colors?”
The blue silk was closer to a blue-gray; the orange was the color of a muted sunset in a winter sky. Had they not read La Belle Assemblée? The blue was called Turkish Blue and was the rage in Paris. She had always fantasized about living in Paris, feeling more of an affinity for French fashion and art like her mother than the staid sartorial tastes of the English. Not anymore. After tangling with French spies, she was ready to fight against her grandparent’s homeland. Her mother would have supported Joie’s decision.
“She’s supposedly brought Lieutenant Talley up to snuff, but her father has rejected his offer. Everyone had already given up any hope of ever landing him and his large inheritance since he has never shown any interest in decent women—probably why his excellency rejected him.”
“I’d love that man in my bed. He is such a large, delicious specimen.”
One of the women snorted.
“It explains his attraction to her, doesn’t it? She dresses like one of his paramours.”
Joie smiled. She hoped that Reggie found her daring and as exciting as his opera dancers. Her recent dreams involved more that kisses with the enthralling and ardent man. She was limited in her imagination of exactly how the bedding occurred but she wanted more—more of his touches, more of everything.
“Like all of us, she will marry her father’s choice.”
Joie wanted to shout “never.” She would elope before she would marry Albert.
“I can’t blame her for dallying with Lieutenant Talley before her marriage. Who could resist that man in his dress regiments?”
She wasn’t dallying with Reggie. All they had indulged so far was kisses—heated kisses burned into her skin and heart. She was more than ready to dally, but he continued to behave like a gentleman.
Joie shifted her weight trying to remain still not to move her feet and raise suspicion as she stood behind the screen in the ladies’ retiring room. It was time for everyone to make their way back to the ball. Didn’t the two stragglers hear the orchestra warming up? It would be just her luck that the two chattering women had no partners for the next set. How much longer before the room was empty, and she could sneak down the hall?
Fortunately, there was more than one chamber pot for the use of all the ladies at the ball. Otherwise, her plan of making her way to the servants’ quarters in Rathbourne house would never work. She counted to ten again and steeled herself for patience.
“She sailed into the ball as if everyone would have forgotten her scandalous behavior with Lord Ayer.”
The top of Joie’s ears burned at the mention of the despicable lord. Could there be more than one woman compromised by Lord Ayer? He was enough of a scoundrel to have lured another innocent woman to the conservatory. If there was another victim of Lord Ayer’s malicious behavior Joie would wish to console the poor woman.
“She acts oblivious… As if everyone isn’t talking about the daughter of an archbishop caught in a compromising situation.”
Drat. They must be talking about her since there couldn’t be another archbishop’s daughter who Lord Ayer tried to kiss. None of the high ranking clergy had a daughter taking in the season. There were all older like her father. She had been a surprise for her childless elder parents.
“Did you see the color of her dress? You would expect after her scandal that she would avoid drawing attention to herself.”
The two tittered.
Joie tried to peak through the crack in the screen to see who the women were.
“Blue and orange. Who would ever wear those two colors?”
The blue silk was closer to a blue-gray; the orange was the color of a muted sunset in a winter sky. Had they not read La Belle Assemblée? The blue was called Turkish Blue and was the rage in Paris. She had always fantasized about living in Paris, feeling more of an affinity for French fashion and art like her mother than the staid sartorial tastes of the English. Not anymore. After tangling with French spies, she was ready to fight against her grandparent’s homeland. Her mother would have supported Joie’s decision.
“She’s supposedly brought Lieutenant Talley up to snuff, but her father has rejected his offer. Everyone had already given up any hope of ever landing him and his large inheritance since he has never shown any interest in decent women—probably why his excellency rejected him.”
“I’d love that man in my bed. He is such a large, delicious specimen.”
One of the women snorted.
“It explains his attraction to her, doesn’t it? She dresses like one of his paramours.”
Joie smiled. She hoped that Reggie found her daring and as exciting as his opera dancers. Her recent dreams involved more that kisses with the enthralling and ardent man. She was limited in her imagination of exactly how the bedding occurred but she wanted more—more of his touches, more of everything.
“Like all of us, she will marry her father’s choice.”
Joie wanted to shout “never.” She would elope before she would marry Albert.
“I can’t blame her for dallying with Lieutenant Talley before her marriage. Who could resist that man in his dress regiments?”
She wasn’t dallying with Reggie. All they had indulged so far was kisses—heated kisses burned into her skin and heart. She was more than ready to dally, but he continued to behave like a gentleman.
March 2, 2021
A Secret Code by Jacki Delecki may be #11 in her Code Breakers historical cozy series but the intrigue and clever plot is just as fresh as it was in book one of the series.
Miss Joie James wants so badly to help England and Lt. Reginald Talley in the ongoing war against France but she is often impetuous which gets her into trouble. This time Reggie does manage to keep her mostly in check as they search out the mole in Lady Henrietta's home. A quickly paced plot, some steamy romance scenes and a a heart-stopping rescue of Lady Henrietta herself kept me turning the pages.
The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Miss Joie James wants so badly to help England and Lt. Reginald Talley in the ongoing war against France but she is often impetuous which gets her into trouble. This time Reggie does manage to keep her mostly in check as they search out the mole in Lady Henrietta's home. A quickly paced plot, some steamy romance scenes and a a heart-stopping rescue of Lady Henrietta herself kept me turning the pages.
The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 26, 2021
The secret code 4*
This was a good paced story that involves Joie, daughter of an Archbishop and Lieutenant Reginald Talley. Joie and Reggie are very much in love but unfortunately he is not who her father wants for her husband. However, the devious Lady Henrietta has plans! There is also a traitor to uncover in the Rathbone household. Joie is an intelligent lady and wants to get involved in the discovery of the spy. Reggie is concerned for her safety. Although I enjoyed this story, the characters were very likeable, I did feel as though the ending was a little rushed. This can be read in an evening. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a good paced story that involves Joie, daughter of an Archbishop and Lieutenant Reginald Talley. Joie and Reggie are very much in love but unfortunately he is not who her father wants for her husband. However, the devious Lady Henrietta has plans! There is also a traitor to uncover in the Rathbone household. Joie is an intelligent lady and wants to get involved in the discovery of the spy. Reggie is concerned for her safety. Although I enjoyed this story, the characters were very likeable, I did feel as though the ending was a little rushed. This can be read in an evening. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 27, 2021
A Secret Code by Jacki Delecki was a fabulous read. It is book 11 of the Code Breakers series. It can certainly be read as a stand a lone but I recommend just reading all the books.
It is great to see past characters and new ones and to see our hero and heroine finally get their HEA. Being part of the Code Breaker series, we have French spies, and undercover agents, disapproving fathers, attempted murder and much more. Just delightful!
I received a a free copy from the publisher and have chosen to leave a review
It is great to see past characters and new ones and to see our hero and heroine finally get their HEA. Being part of the Code Breaker series, we have French spies, and undercover agents, disapproving fathers, attempted murder and much more. Just delightful!
I received a a free copy from the publisher and have chosen to leave a review
February 27, 2021
This is the continuing story from book 10-A Code of Joy. If you have not read this book you need to do so first. We learn what happens after Book 10 ends with Miss Joie James going on to her aunts and Lt. Reginald/Reggie Talley returning to London. After Reggie heals from his gun shot, he returns to his job as the head of security for Lord and Lady Rathbourne. They know there is a spy in their household now they have to find out who it is.
Joie is supposed to return to society after her shameful first year. Her father the Archbishop plans to marry her off to a young man he has always liked. The neighbor, Albert Landry. He is the son he always wanted when he got a daughter instead. Joie and Albert were friends who were taught together by her father.
She doesn't want to marry him at all. She is in love with Reggie and very upset by her father not taking in her feelings.
This is a short story but still has lots going on. We get to meet a lot of the characters from the other books which is great. Especially Aunt Euphemia, Uncle Charles and of course Lord and Lady Rathbourne-Cord and Henrietta along with Lord and Lady Ashworth/Ash and Gwyneth.
This story has plenty of suspense, intrigue and the building love between them.
Even as her father does all he can to keep them apart.
This book is a must read after reading book 10-Code of Joy!! What a great finish, loved it.
I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
Joie is supposed to return to society after her shameful first year. Her father the Archbishop plans to marry her off to a young man he has always liked. The neighbor, Albert Landry. He is the son he always wanted when he got a daughter instead. Joie and Albert were friends who were taught together by her father.
She doesn't want to marry him at all. She is in love with Reggie and very upset by her father not taking in her feelings.
This is a short story but still has lots going on. We get to meet a lot of the characters from the other books which is great. Especially Aunt Euphemia, Uncle Charles and of course Lord and Lady Rathbourne-Cord and Henrietta along with Lord and Lady Ashworth/Ash and Gwyneth.
This story has plenty of suspense, intrigue and the building love between them.
Even as her father does all he can to keep them apart.
This book is a must read after reading book 10-Code of Joy!! What a great finish, loved it.
I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
February 27, 2021
We have Reggie and Joie back in England, with Reggie asking the archbishop for Joie’s hand, which her father declines. He has plans for her and a title in mind. Reggie is a soldier. And her father objects to his many past indiscretions.
Joie wants to help Reggie (again). They work well together and they are definitely building some steam.
More spying.
Recommend.
Joie wants to help Reggie (again). They work well together and they are definitely building some steam.
More spying.
Recommend.
February 26, 2021
Another brilliant story to continue the series
This is another brilliantly written story that continues a great series. This is a clean historical romance, with a plot that will keep you enthralled from start to finish. The characters have plenty of courage and determination to overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.
This is another brilliantly written story that continues a great series. This is a clean historical romance, with a plot that will keep you enthralled from start to finish. The characters have plenty of courage and determination to overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.
February 26, 2021
Another brilliant story in this series. This author writes brilliant characters that are difficult to forget. Joie and Reggie have appeared before but here they get to conclude their happily ever after. Joined by the rest of the memorable cast of characters they once again take down the bad guys.
March 7, 2021
I received an ARC of A Secret code, and this review is mine and mine alone.
A wonderful novella that continues from Book 10 of the Code Breaker series.
A nice completion to the romance between Joie, the Archbishop’s daughter, and Lt. Reggie Talley who is trying to find a mole in the Rathbourne household. Reggie tried to win the hand of Joie but her father will have no part of it. Joie wants to help Reggie with his investigation, and yet again he fears she will come to danger. With lots of conniving women, and a well executed plan, the excitement unfolds and Reggie wins the day.
My only dismay, was that it was a novella, and I wanted more, much more.
A wonderful novella that continues from Book 10 of the Code Breaker series.
A nice completion to the romance between Joie, the Archbishop’s daughter, and Lt. Reggie Talley who is trying to find a mole in the Rathbourne household. Reggie tried to win the hand of Joie but her father will have no part of it. Joie wants to help Reggie with his investigation, and yet again he fears she will come to danger. With lots of conniving women, and a well executed plan, the excitement unfolds and Reggie wins the day.
My only dismay, was that it was a novella, and I wanted more, much more.
April 29, 2023
Oh what a tangled web we weave.....
This is ...the rest of the story!! We follow Reggie and Joie from A CODE OF JOY, book 10 in this series, on for more of their adventure. We learn more about each of them and the spy ring. I enjoyed seeing Reggie's vulnerability and how he managed the new to him feelings. I was touched by Joie's acknowledgment of how she will best fit into Reggie's life going forward and choosing to NOT add to his stress level.
The secondary characters continue to add their humor, intelligence and individual styles to each story. Lady Henrietta, Aunt Euphemia, Uncle Charles and Lord Rathbourne are amazing. I enjoy each visit with them.
This series has kept my interest and I anxiously await the next visit.
This is ...the rest of the story!! We follow Reggie and Joie from A CODE OF JOY, book 10 in this series, on for more of their adventure. We learn more about each of them and the spy ring. I enjoyed seeing Reggie's vulnerability and how he managed the new to him feelings. I was touched by Joie's acknowledgment of how she will best fit into Reggie's life going forward and choosing to NOT add to his stress level.
The secondary characters continue to add their humor, intelligence and individual styles to each story. Lady Henrietta, Aunt Euphemia, Uncle Charles and Lord Rathbourne are amazing. I enjoy each visit with them.
This series has kept my interest and I anxiously await the next visit.
March 1, 2021
Although this is a follow-on book from book 10, “A Code of Joy”, it is not necessary to read the first one. It was a lovely finish to the romance that started in the last book, It has a story completely on its own. There was mystery, action French spies, traitors, and of course romance. It was a lovely quick read that had some of our favorite characters from past books. There was some heavy petting in this book, that you would expect from a couple very much in love but being kept apart by her father. I received this book as an ARC and freely give my review.
March 3, 2021
A very quick and light read! The final story of Joie and Reggie! I was wondering when I would finally get their HEA and it was a wonderful ending to their story. Normally when the heroine is as innocent as Joie is in the story, she's also TSTL. I liked that Joie was innocent and yet didn't put herself in danger and was smart enough to realize Reggie's attention on herself would put him in danger. Reggie handled himself perfectly! Thank you for the advanced copy and ability to read this story!
March 12, 2021
Lieutenant Reginald Talley wants to marry Miss Joie James, but her father refuses to consider the request. He has his own plans. Reggie would not be deterred. Joie wants to help Reggie with his work but understands his greater need to protect her. This was a lovely book to read, and all the characters were wonderful and had depth.
April 9, 2021
Love finds a way
Most especially when your new friends are code breakers and defenders of Britain. They also know how to change the mind of the ladies stubborn father. Best if read after Code of Joy.
Most especially when your new friends are code breakers and defenders of Britain. They also know how to change the mind of the ladies stubborn father. Best if read after Code of Joy.
March 1, 2021
A Secret Code is another delightful code breakers book. Joie and Reggie are in love and embroiled in the search for a spy mole. Didn’t need the R-rated garden scene.
March 19, 2021
An amazing short story collection of romance and spies to delight everyone.
December 28, 2022
Above Average
While this was a well-written book, like all of the books in the Code Breakers series, this book was a bit of a letdown. The plot was a little thin.
While this was a well-written book, like all of the books in the Code Breakers series, this book was a bit of a letdown. The plot was a little thin.
February 19, 2023
Another interesting book by Jacki!
I so enjoy her books because they are so different from all the other books I have been reading. I am looking forward to another of her books
I so enjoy her books because they are so different from all the other books I have been reading. I am looking forward to another of her books
April 19, 2024
A Secret Code
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved this whole series. It was well written. I loved all the people in this series.
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved this whole series. It was well written. I loved all the people in this series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews