A Dangerous Engagement By Melanie Dickerson

What would you do if you found out you were engaged to a murderer?

What if you found out your fiance was part of a plot to overthrow England? What if you found out he wasn't beneath killing to help that plot succeed? What if you found out he's wholly devoted to your aunt, who's running the scheme?

And what if that fiance was still madly in love with you?

Welcome to the world of Felicity Mayson.

This was the best novel in the Regency Spies of London trilogy in my opinion. The villains especially stand strong, particularly Lady Blackstone as a lady villain . . . although one has to admit, a bit lackwitted . . . in real life, the heroes likely would not have escaped those situations that easily. Still, it's those situations that give the story its ups and downs.

Felicity's weakness and lack of being able to think for herself in a tense situation were a bit annoying, but it does make a point--sometimes in our weaknesses, we are the most strong. Still, I would have liked to have seen a bit stronger female lead at the helm.

In my opinion, the best part was the transformation of Felicity's Aunt Agnes from an anxious woman who'd rather hide in a corner with a book to a woman who would stand up to spies.

The entire story is based on a lie. Both Felicity and the spy Philip lie about any subject in the book--most notably, the fact that Felicity lies to her fiance so she can spy on him. But their lies are all to help England and to save lives, so is it really wrong? That's the question this story presents, and it seems to promote the idea that it's the motive that counts. Readers may agree or disagree.

Like the first installment in the series, there is little Christian theme. One thread from the first chapter is still left hanging by the end of the book. (SPOILER) Also, the villains, continuing a pattern from the first three books, are never really brought to justice. They just kind of run off never to be heard from again. While this type of ending can be done well, it felt like it was done in these books just to avoid dealing with some hard topics and situations.

A dangerous engagement? Perhaps. But a dangerous read? I'd say not.