Jan Selbourne
When history whispers,
I pass it on.
When history whispers,
I pass it on.
As the world rushes towards a war, wealthy businessman, Adrian Bryce, is ordered by the British government to leave his mistress and accompany his estranged wife, Gabrielle, to Belgium. They require proof Gabrielle’s uncle is supporting the German Empire. Adrian discovers secrets which plunge him and Gabrielle into a nightmare of betrayal. Forced to run for their lives as Germany invades, they must trust each other in the midst of danger, brutality, and injury.
Gabrielle enjoys her role of mother of their two children. Wanting only to be with her lover, and now fearful of exposure, she readies herself and her children for a difficult trip. With no way out, Gabrielle knows the two weeks visit with her aristocratic traditional family will be a trial, and Europe is on edge. She had no idea the danger she, Adrian and her children would be in.
Will Adrian and Gabrielle reach safety? If they do, are they out of danger or will the intrigue and treason follow them back to England?
"This book is a rip-snorting tale of intrigue, espionage, love, lust, adultery, greed and danger, set against the backdrop of WWI. The main protagonists, estranged husband and wife, Gabriel and Adrian Bryce pay lip service to their sham marriage for the sake of their children – until they are thrown together in a life or death situation. From a cosseted British country house scenario to the horrors of war-torn Europe, this unlikely couple learn to rely on each other through the worst privations they have ever experienced. The story culminates in a most unexpected finale. Well done Jan Selbourne for keeping your reader turning the pages at a rate of knots. I want to see more of this author’s work."
Leslie Wilson, author
4.5 Stars:"Very long book but quite engaging
This book surprised me in many ways. I love when that happens! You get a brief synopsis of the story before you read it but we are at the mercy of the author page after page.
This is a historical romance. But in actuality, this book is also a bit of a thriller with a splash of suspense too. With the timeline set during the beginning of the First WW, we get a close up look into the frightening details of war and the relationship of Adrian and Gaby.
As the war closes in and a shocking turn of events throws their marriage and life into turmoil, the author captivates us with the level of fear that surrounds the invasion of countries by Germany. With emotions running high, Adrian and Gaby are on the run where they have to learn things about each other they never knew. A tentative level of trust is found but betrayal abounds too.
This book is long but the author keeps the interest level high with constant action and twists in the story. I really liked that the author chose to create characters with major flaws. Flaws that became a hindrance to their relationship but could strengthen it too.
A wonderful story of history, suspense, action, and definitely perilous love. Well Done!
Chris C
5 Stars: "I don't know how I missed this but Perilous Love is a historical romance. I do read historical romance but I just wasn't expecting this book to be one of that genre, taking place at the outbreak of WWI. I don't normally read books set during that time frame so it was a happy surprise that the more I read, the more into the time period I sank—"sank" in the happiest meaning of the term. Ms. Selbourne certainly has done her research. But it isn't just her attention to historical detail that captures the reader's attention, it's the care she gives her characters. Adrian and Gaby have fallen out of love with each other—if indeed Adrian ever loved Gaby at all. As they hurt each other even while trying to escape war-torn Belgium, their pain is so realistic we recognize it.
Perilous Love is more than a romance, it's a suspenseful love story. There is a difference. I stayed up hours past when I should have been in bed because I couldn't stand not finding out the conclusion before I went to sleep. I bet you will be the same! Highly recommended!"
Dee S. Knight
5 Stars: "At the end of January, I read and reviewed an incredible book on my website called Lies of Gold which is written by the talented author Jan Selbourne. Lies of Gold was an intriguing historical mystery that weaves themes of gold smuggling and a passionate affair; my award for the book was five stars so of course upon finishing it I was desperate to read Selbourne’s novel, Perilous Love! When I started to read Perilous Love I was excited because the description alludes to themes I adore in a story, topics of espionage, romance and action are all explored wonderfully in Perilous Love and the result is an enticing read that will leave a lasting impression on its readers from beginning to end.
Perilous Love will take the reader on an action-packed journey that is full of intrigue and romance. The protagonist of the story is the very handsome Adrian Bryce, and Adrian could be described as a playboy; he loves nothing more than to party and surround himself with beautiful women, but one day the ‘British Government sends him on a spying assignment.’ The assignment Adrian goes on will take him down a dark path across war-torn Europe, Adrian will find himself entangled in a terrifying plot full of assassins and spies galore, and this book lovers is the premise of the sensational novel.
The story of Perilous Love will leave its readers feeling a host of different emotions, the reader will feel passion thanks to the romance theme throughout the book, but mostly they will feel an exhilarating feeling thanks to the action and unpredictable plot of the book. Perlious Love from the cover may seem like a romance filled book with maybe even themes of erotica, however, the book is far from this because it is one man’s journey as a spy as he uncovers a terrifying plot. Themes of romance and passion are laced throughout the book thanks to Adrian’s love interest called Gabrielle, but mostly it is an action-packed novel full of many exciting and heart-stopping moments.
The story was filled with an abundance of suspense, so much so that I raced through the book because I was desperate to find out the mystery at the heart of the story and whether Adrian would succeed with his work. Jan Selbourne managed to make me turn the pages fast with her other book Lies of Gold, but in Perilous Love I found myself turning the pages even more quickly because there was so much pent-up tension and wow when it exploded it did on an incredible level!
The suspense and the brilliant plot is all thanks to the incredibly talented author Jan Selbourne. When I read Lies of Gold, I was impressed by Selborne’s ability to write romance as well as her characters however I loved the book so much that I was worried Perlious Love would not live up to my high expectations. However, upon finishing Perlious Love, I can happily write that this brilliant novel exceeded my expectations. I have to write also that I am incredibly impressed with Selbourne’s evolution of literature. Although Lies of Gold has some themes that could be considered as action, it is mostly a romance and a mystery but Perlious Love is full of action and Selbourne executed these scenes incredibly well and I am impressed with this and her talent.
As Perlious Love is an exceptional story that is full of romance, action, and thrilling moments and events, I, of course, have to award this stellar book five stars! So please, have a read of Perlious Love and also have a look at Lies of Gold because both are equally magnificent!"
Aimee Ann, Redheadedbookloverblog, Reviewer
4.5 Stars: "This book surprised me in many ways. I love when that happens! You get a brief synopsis of the story before you read it but we are at the mercy of the author page after page.
This is a historical romance. But in actuality, this book is also a bit of a thriller with a splash of suspense too. With the timeline set during the beginning of the First WW, we get a close up look into the frightening details of war and the relationship of Adrian and Gaby.
As the war closes in and a shocking turn of events throws their marriage and life into turmoil, the author captivates us with the level of fear that surrounds the invasion of countries by Germany. With emotions running high, Adrian and Gaby are on the run where they have to learn things about each other they never knew. A tentative level of trust is found but betrayal abounds too.
This book is long but the author keeps the interest level high with constant action and twists in the story. I really liked that the author chose to create characters with major flaws. Flaws that became a hindrance to their relationship but could strengthen it too.
A wonderful story of history, suspense, action, and definitely perilous love. Well Done!"
CCarroll
5 Stars: "This is an exceptionally written war/love story, far ahead of a typical historical romance novel. Meticulous writing, excellent descriptive verbosity, and a well crafted plot place this story in the upper echelons of modern English literature. This is not a typical work of the genre, it surpasses the best of the best and the crossover themes of intensively researched historical accuracy and finely developed characterizations make it a must read. This is better than any book listed as a New York Times bestseller that I have read in the last 10 years. The future is bright for this new author and I can't wait for the next novel!"
Jeanette Beardsley
5 Stars: "I read this fantastic book when the title was Behind the Clouds. It is a book full of a love gone wrong that may or may not be rekindled. It takes place during WWI which is refreshing and fascinating as not many historical novels take place during that time period and the research was excellent. I highly recommend this book."
Carlie
5 Stars: "Riveting!! That is how I would describe the story line and plot. It is chock full of history and international intrigue! Hoping to read more from this author."
Gail Beardsley
5 Stars: "Awesome book kept you reading into the night!"
Carol Rising
4.5 Stars: "This book was a bit of a surprise packet for me, a thriller with a dash of suspense and a historic romance all rolled into one. Not generally a historic reader I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The character development and the story were well written and thought out. I have not read this author before, but I have to say after reading Perilous Love by Jan Selbourne I will definitely be looking to read more of her books and recommending her to others."
Tracie Runge
July, 1914
The soft glow from the lamp barely touched the thick drapes and elegant furniture. The ticking clock the only sound as another hour passed. On edge all evening, Gabrielle Bryce’s nerves were stretched to snapping point when she sensed rather than heard the door open. Almost crying with relief she held out her arms as he pushed his night clothes to the floor, then he was in her bed, holding her and inside her. Their climaxes were silent and urgent until, gasping, they fell back onto the pillows. She felt his fingers caress her as he told her he adored her, wanted her and to hell with their spouses.
Thirty minutes later she felt him move and gripped his hand. ‘Please not yet.’
He kissed her, pulled on his clothes and opened the door. Casting a furtive glance along the darkened hallway he hurried back to his room in the guest wing.
Gabrielle Bryce closed her eyes, she’d been in knots all evening worrying he wouldn’t come to her. Six guests at her country home for her friend and neighbour Jane’s birthday. Inviting Brian meant inviting his overbearing wife, now sleeping in the guest bedchamber next to his.
Tomorrow her guests would enjoy a leisurely morning, tennis in the afternoon, then drinks and dinner. The following day they would take their leave and return to their homes.
Her hands moved down to where Brian had been, savouring his lingering maleness. God, she couldn’t wait for next week. It had been Brian’s idea for her to travel to London two days ahead of her children and their governess and meet under assumed names at a private discreet hotel. They’d have two glorious days to make luxurious love instead of the hurried, furtive trysts in each other’s homes when their spouses were absent. Then she and her children would depart for their obligatory trip to Brussels to visit the Belgian relatives. Each year she swore it would be the last and this year she would make sure it was the last. She hated those visits with a passion. Turning her face into the pillow where Brian had been, she drifted into sleep.
At one pm the following day, Adrian Bryce nodded to the doorman of Number 2, Whitehall Court, Westminster and walked briskly towards the waiting car. While not handsome in the classical sense, his immaculate attire, bearing and manner was one of wealth, authority and confidence. He was a man who gives orders, never receives them. His dark eyes set in an angular face barely concealed his anger and worry. He knew, along with everyone else with a brain, that war was looming in Europe. Since the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, rumours and intrigue and political double talk had been flying through Britain and the Continent. Now, because of his family connections in Europe, he’d been ordered to accompany his wife and children on their annual visit to her stifling Belgian relatives who’d never emerged from the Victorian era. It did not matter to the men at Whitehall Court that he and his plain boring wife of eight years, the mother of his plain, boring children, had lived separate lives for five years. His wife was related to aristocratic families both here and in Europe and had been introduced to him at a diplomatic reception and as both were expected to marry well, he thought it a good match at the time. However, their honeymoon proved they had nothing in common except for them to do their duty and produce children. For the last five years they’d rarely spent time together except for the annual Christmas rituals and the children’s birthdays. He preferred his townhouse in London, she and the children lived at their country home in Kent.
As the car turned in the direction of the small elegant lodgings in Bruton Street, his mind and body were anticipating what would be waiting for him. Beautiful, voluptuous, passionate, pleasing Maryanne, Christ he was becoming hard thinking about her. He couldn’t wait to push his head between her magnificent breasts and soak in her body. He’d enjoyed the charms of several women but never before had he experienced anything like the heat and passion that Maryanne gave. She was expensive, but she was worth every penny he spent on her.
Stepping out of the car, he told the driver not to wait, opened the ornate door and strode up the thickly carpeted staircase and into the beautifully furnished rooms.
‘Adrian, my darling,’ she put out her hands to him. ‘You have kept me waiting, you dreadful man.’ The beautiful, auburn haired woman pouted playfully then smiled, highlighting her high cheekbones and tawny eyes. Her husky accent inflamed his lust even more and he pulled her to him. She mouthed ‘wait’, dropped her loose robe to the floor, and then her warm breath was against his ear.
‘Darling, I cannot wait a minute longer.’ Taking his hand, she led him to the adjoining bedroom. Neither wanted foreplay, both desperately wanted release and it came quickly. Collapsing on the pillows, they smiled at each other.
‘Why do you keep me waiting?’ she tickled his chest. ‘Your note tells me one time and you arrive at another. Is there another woman you prefer to me?’
‘I wouldn’t have the strength,’ he chuckled. ‘I was delayed at a rather important meeting. I’m now obliged to travel to Brussels, my sweet. Will you miss me?’
‘Brussels? Why must you go away?’ She stroked his cheek. ‘I will be alone and so hot thinking of you.’
‘Family duty. I must accompany my wife to visit her relatives.’ He wanted to tell her more. She was intelligent and her conversation refreshingly different from the polished, elegant, brittle women of his class. But he couldn’t, the real reason was classified. He shrugged. ‘Some of my investments in Belgium and France need my personal attention.’
His fingers ran over her breasts and onto her stomach.
‘You have so many investments. You will be away from me forever,’ she sulked.
‘I know what I’ll be thinking of while I’m away. Tell me where you were born. France or Belgium?’ His fingers went lower.
‘On the border, I do not have happy memories. I have told you all this, my papa was German. He lost all his money and disappeared. My mother struggled to feed and clothe us. Not one of his horrible family cared about us. I hated them all,’ she pushed his fingers into her moist folds. ‘Why are you accompanying your wife? You never accompany her anywhere. Don’t you love me anymore?’
He watched her eyes glaze with pleasure as his fingers pushed deeper into her wetness. His lips touched her nipples and he felt her hips grinding against him. Then she cried out and clutched at him as her body shuddered with its shattering climax.
‘Mon Dieu, je vous adore,’ she whispered and moved down his body to his painfully swollen organ. Her lips enclosed him, her tongue drove him up and up and he was lost.
God Almighty, she gave as good as she got every time. Slowly opening his eyes he ran his fingers through her auburn hair, ‘Not love you? Christ, I can’t get enough of you.’
‘Darling, let me get up so we may drink some wine.’
He lay back on the huge pillows and watched her naked body move to the bottle and crystal glasses waiting on the dressing table. She was beautiful.
‘Who is so important you must visit in Brussels all of a sudden?’ She pouted crossly and handed a glass to him.
‘The Comte de Meyvier, the patriarch of Gabrielle’s Belgian family. She spent a lot of her childhood in Belgium, I can’t stand him and I’ve avoided most family occasions for years but I’m afraid I must go this time,’ he savoured the wine on his tongue and gestured for her to refill his glass. ‘He has a lot of influence in banking and commerce.’
An hour later he looked at his watch and at Maryanne. ‘I must leave, my sweet.’
Tears glistened in her eyes. ‘Will you think of me?’
‘Think of you? I won’t think of anything else. I’ll send you notes and will inform you when I’m due to return.’ He pushed a little packet into her hands. ‘Don’t even think of looking at another man.’
Adrian walked back towards his club with a small smile on his face. Maryanne had been his mistress for three months and he was besotted with her. She instinctively knew what he wanted as soon as he walked in her door, whether it be passionate sex or to talk over a bottle of wine. His mind drifted back three months to that overcrowded reception for German and French industrialists. He’d turned and bumped into her standing behind him. She’d smiled at his profuse apologies and said she’d forgive him if he fetched her a glass of champagne. The next morning, he sent her a note with a posy of flowers asking permission to call on her. A week later she was installed in the small but comfortable townhouse. Many times since then she’d asked him if he loved her and he always assured her he did. But he didn’t. He couldn’t remember loving any woman. Obsessed with lust over her, yes, but actually in love? No. And he would never fall into that trap. His satisfied smile disappeared. The meeting today had worried him intensely. Like it or not, he must travel to Brussels immediately.
Maryanne waited until she heard the front door close before opening the packet. A diamond and pearl necklace twinkled up at her. She kissed it lightly, murmuring in German how beautiful it was, then sat down and pulled the perfumed notepaper and pen towards her.
