The Forbidden Rose by Joanna Bourne

Oh No!  I did not want this book to end!  Every once in a while a book comes along that just grabs you.  The Forbidden Rose by Joanna Bourne is one of those books. This is a book that I wanted to hurry through but at the same time wanted to savor every page.  Bourne's writing is beautiful.  She has a wonderful way of putting words together so that they flow naturally making the reader want to read every word and not skip over anything.  Her research is excellent and her plot very well developed.  I loved her characters.  They are strong and  honorable while doing the sometimes dirty work of spies.
The book is set in France during the French revolution and is the story of Marguerite de Fleurignac, also known as Finch, and William Doyle known as Guillaume LeBreton .  Finch is the leader of La Fleche which is a group dedicated to helping those opposed to the French government of Robespierre escape France.  Doyle is an English Spy sent on an important mission for the British.  Maggie and Doyle's developing romance is nicely done with sensuality and tenderness.
The plot moves smoothly and quickly and the sense of intrigue and suspense builds throughout the story.  I was on edge at several points hoping all would work out.
While Maggie and Doyle are the major characters I loved Hawker!  He appeared in Bourne's other novels and it was good to see how he became a major player in the British spy network.  The other secondary characters were all well developed and portrayed.
The ending of this book is touching and quite moving.  There is nothing not to like in this book.  I would give it 5 stars and make it one of my keepers.  I highly recommend her other books The Spymaster's Lady and My Lord and Spymaster.  I have reread these several times while waiting for The Forbidden Rose.
I will anxiously await Joanna's next book!  When, When?