In 1806, Georgian England, why does Cordelia Bering continue to refuse all marriage proposals, what secrets does she hide. Sebastien Thorne, a spy for the Crown, a member of a group called Zodiac, is determined to find out as he seeks to find out what Andraste means.
An enjoyable mystery romance, an easy to read story, with well-rounded characters. A good start to the series which I look forward to reading. ( )

This was a very good book--strong characters, strong plot, and a working dialogue. The flow is steady--not too slow or too fast. It's reasonably paced. While this book is about two different spies who meet and eventually fall in love, I will say that this is NOT a "heavy" thriller. You might also notice that it doesn't dwell too much on the regency part of the story. It's not all about balls, parties, and courting. It's focused more on the spy mission and trying to get to the bottom of things without blowing your cover.

Special Note: There are a couple sex scenes in the book, but I'm happy to report that it's not a dominant theme or an underlying theme of the plot. The focus is more on the mission. If there was no sex, I would have added the final star. ( )

decent romance - some adult content - likable characters - no great moral or depth of plot - overall 70% ( )

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Taking place during the Napoleonic wars, A Heartless Design by Elizabeth Cole is the story of the romance between an intelligent, headstrong woman determined to control her own life and a recently titled nobleman secretly working for his Majesty’s secret service. Well developed characters, good world building, engaging dialogue and just the right amount of physical action, kept me turning the pages to discover what was going to happen next. Adding just the right amount of romantic and sexual heat, Ms. Cole crafts an intriguing historical romantic suspense and a strong beginning for her new series.

A young woman, often referred to as “heartless”, Cordelia Bering is intelligent, independent and beautiful. Realizing marriage would limit her freedom, Cordelia has turned down every marriage proposal she’s received, regardless of who makes the offer. A woman with secrets, Cordelia manages her own money, her own house and more than a handful of servants. Inheriting her father’s gift towards design and engineering, Cordelia dreams of the day when her most treasured invention, The Andraste, can take to the seas. Keeping her father’s legacy alive, and making her own contributions in engineering, even though she has to make them under an assumed identity, keeps her busy during the day and enables her to live in the style to which she’s become accustomed.

An Earl by default, Sebastien Thorne works as a secret agent for his Majesty’s kingdom. Secretly a member of the “Zodiac”, Sebastien is tasked with discovering all he can about The Andraste, an invention no one seems to know anything about, but which enemies of the crown have developed an interest in. Determined to complete his mission, Sebastien encounters Cordelia at every turn and begins to wonder if she’s a spy working for the French or if fate has put her in his way as a stumbling block.

The scenes between Cordelia and Sebastien are well written and lots of fun. They have great verbal and sexual chemistry and Sebastien has a hard time keeping his hands off Cordelia, who he nicknames “Cor”. Both intelligent, and with secrets they are carefully guarding, they never the less continue to run into each other. When Sebastien begins to unravel the secrets Cordelia is hides behind, he discovers a strong woman willing to go to any length to care for and protect those she loves. He also discovers his perfect match.

As Cordelia begins to understand Sebastien and what drives him, she discovers a man who’s determined to keep his country and family safe from any enemy. She discovers his loyalty, his wit and his charm and falls head over heels even though she thinks marriage is something she can never have for herself.

Ms. Cole does a good job developing the secondary characters and I liked meeting and getting to know quite a few of them. I especially liked Cordelia’s widowed aunt and chaperone, Leonora, a woman who has a good sense of humor and is devoted to her niece and their happiness. I also enjoyed getting to meet Cordelia’s “staff” of servants, who all have secrets of their own and especially “Bond” her lady’s maid.

I also enjoyed getting to meet Sebastien’s mom and sister, who both try to make sure he’s not falling back into his “wicked” pre-army ways, and the members of the “Zodiac” we get to meet. While this book has more than one villain, only one is really well developed and it’s easy to dislike him from the start – he’s smarmy from the get go.

Will Cordelia and Sebastian be able to keep the plans for The Andraste safe? Will their fledgling relationship turn into something more permanent? You’ll have to read A Heartless Design to find out, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in this series. ( )

A HEARTLESS DESIGN by Elizabeth Cole is an exciting Regency Historical Romance/Suspense/Romantic Spy Thriller. A Secrets of the Zodiac #1 and what a beginning. Join “Heartless” Cordelia Bering and Sebastien Thorne, an elite spy to the crown on a journey of danger,mystery,spies,intrigue,secrets and romance. Oh did I forget to mention passion! Both Cordelia and Sebastien are more than they appear to the public. For Cordelia has a secret that has been keep for years and one that has saved her family and household from financial ruin. Sebastien has keep his activities for the Crown secret for years,appearing to be a penniless,rake. Oh but, what they both find is priceless!! Fast paced and action packed with suspense,intrigue,sensual tension and love. Cordelia's father was a engineer who designed a ship unlike any other,and someone wants the design at all cost including murder. But did he design this impressive ship or did someone else? This is the matter of great mystery, for Mr. Leah is the actual designer. To find who and what you MUST read "A Heartless Design". A powerful story and one you should not miss reading. I loved this story for it was not just an ordinary Historical Romance but it was romance along with secrets,mystery and intrigue. Oh yes, and it has a few twists and turns to go along with the romance. A Romantic Spy Thriller for sure. I can hardly wait for the next installment of "A Secrets of the Zodiac" series! Ms. Cole is a masterful storyteller who brings her characters to live on the pages of her story as well as intrigue and mystery! Well done indeed, Ms. Cole!! A MUST READ! Received for an honest review from the author.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )