The Miss Mirren Mission by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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Description:
Loving her would be his downfall…

To society, the Earl of Blackstone cuts a mysterious figure. He is eligible, withdrawn, and endlessly fascinating. Yet as an integral part of London’s underground spy ring intent on defeating Napoleon, Blackstone has no mistress but the cause.

Miss Emily Mirren is considered “unbiddable” by the ton. She wields a fierce intellect, which she channels into her own secret cause-writing an abolitionist newspaper column under a male pseudonym.

When Emily’s aims clash with Blackstone’s, they stray into a dangerous game of attraction and subterfuge, and secrets are the going currency. And in order to complete the most important mission of his career, Blackstone must thwart Emily, even if it breaks both their hearts.

Review:

What happens when rival factions, yet not, whose opposing interests, more accurately, vie for a mutual enemy? Scramble to gain the advantage by whatever means necessary…or collaborate to secure the target…and fall in love? Of course neither Eric nor Emily would admit to that strategy (especially when one of them is a spy!) Honestly, that outcome is impossible to predict, but The Miss Mirren Mission, written sensationally, by Jenny Holiday, contemplates just that. I loved this book from Page 1! Ms. Holiday imbued charm and humor into an intelligent, sexy gem of a book.

A proud bluestocking, and clandestine reformer, Emily Mirren abides the ton and its demands to maneuver under the radar. In her own circle, Emily is enacting change and seeking more women’s rights/opportunities. But Emily is looking outside her wheelhouse. Her former guardian heinously secreted away Emily’s “brother of the heart” and has been profiting from the slave trade ever since. It becomes Emily’s mission to retrieve her family and bring the brute to justice — a delicate mission indeed. There is no time for recognizing any, let alone all, of Lord Blackstone’s swoon-worthy attributes.

For Eric, said Earl of Blackstone, Emily’s former guardian is merely the means to an end. Commissioned by his former captain (and Emily’s father) to shut down Le Cafard, the “little French bastard”, Eric identifies the real threat and will manipulate Emily’s guardian, no matter the consequences, to exact his revenge. Miss Mirren would not distract him. Her beauty and intelligence is not mesmerizing. Denial…it’s contagious! ;D

Like two ships passing in the night, one of them is bound to notice how peculiar the other one behaves while in the guardian’s company. Who’s the more astute?

“I know what you’re doing here.”

Blast her, she was doing exactly what he was – looking for something to incriminate Mr. Manning. He just prayed she had not beaten him to it.

Eric feeds Manning enough rope to hang himself, but Emily’s agenda, and tenacity, run neck and neck against his own efforts (all in tantalizing form though they may be). Emily’s drive keeps Eric riveted! I don’t refer to intimate temptation, although exploration of their attraction is a thing of beauty. No, I’m referring to the passion of righting wrongs and making peace with internal, emotional matters. Ms. Holiday writes a captivating, layered story that maintains its energy throughout subplots. From Eric’s brother’s death to Emily’s notions regarding her father’s love. Background insight was intriguing and significant to the characters’ evolution as well as the story’s advancement.

You didn’t think I’d only refer to their attraction in passing, did you? It was a highlight for me and made me want to High-Five Ms. Holiday! The subtle seduction was sweet and sultry, which made for an irresistible addiction. Various elements showcased to perfection! Capturing a moment of innocence so tender (that thankfully led to many more wondrous sensations), Miss Mirren’s (and my own!) reaction was practically interactive.

It was an effort to tear her eyes from him to properly greet others. Though she knew it irrational, she feared they might be able to see that she had held Lord Blackstone’s hand last night.

I felt that giddiness clashing with nervousness should anyone be privy to their communication. Ms. Holiday nailed it! Eric and Emily do fend off true feelings by throwing up protective wall after paltry, defensive wall to ascertain their respective peace, but it was all worth the cause. You could sense something magical was happening; woe to those standing in its way. *sighs*

Ms. Holiday wrote a triumphant story of love and loss and the heart it requires to fill the void in your life.

“Do you love her?”

“Yes…

Though it was his voice forming the word, he could have sworn he heard her voice in his head, saying it in unison with him. “Yes.”

Some reviews flow better than others and I apologize if this came out too vague or disjointed. I loooooooved this book and recommend it whole-heartedly!  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher