By Peggy Wirgau

Though the Revolutionary War has thrown her world into upheaval, Betty Floyd is making the most of it in British-run New York City. While her extended family does have Patriot leanings, Betty would consider herself a neutral Tory. After all, she can’t complain when she has access to the glittering social life of parties and plays brought on by the British occupation.

But when the ugly side of British dominance rears its head, Betty begins to see behind the facade. Joining the Culper Spy Ring, Betty begins to use her connections to pass on information to General Washington. Memorizing comments from British officers and eavesdropping on conversations is one thing, but falling in love with the head of British intelligence is something else entirely. As the boundaries between right and wrong begin to blur, will Betty follow her heart or her head?

Cons: This could have been the best book I read all year. It had so much potential, but emotionally, it wasn’t as deep as I would have liked it to be. The POV was a bit distant, and while it wasn’t clinical, given the angst and pressure Betty was under, I should have been chewing my nails the whole time. I wasn’t. Some of the motives felt flat as well. Had Betty more character depth to begin with, I might have bought her motives, but instead I was confused.

Pros: Like I said, this could have been the best book I read all year. It had it all (almost): tons of intrigue, historical detail, real people brought to life, a dash of romance, fashion, a great variety of characters, etc. It was also a super easy read. I read most of it in a day. What I also loved was the bibliography in the back and the obvious attention to historical accuracy. This book left me eager to learn more about the Culper Ring and spying during the American Revolution. Bonus points to this book for making me dream about it and for making me suspiciously misty-eyed when the “bad guy” died. 

The Bottom Line: Enemies to lovers… but what if he’s still the enemy?

(This book is as clean as the driven snow. Zero spice, with any kisses mentioned in passing or glossed over.)

4 stars? 5 stars? I wish I could give it 5, but it’s probably 4.5… or maybe 4… I can’t tell if it’s just me being disappointed that it wasn’t the best book I read all year.