Review: The Turncoat: Renegades of the Revolution by Donna Thorland

Description (from cover):

‘They are lovers on opposites sides of a brutal war, with everything at stake and no possibility of retreat. They can trust no one–especially not each other.

Major Lord Peter Tremayne is the last man rebel bluestocking Kate Grey should fall in love with, but when the handsome British viscount commandeers her home, Kate throws caution to the wind and responds to his seduction. She is on the verge of surrender when a spy in her own household seizes the opportunity to steal the military dispatches Tremayne carries, ensuring his disgrace–and implicating Kate in high treason. Painfully awakened to the risks of war, Kate determines to put duty ahead of desire, and offers General Washington her services as an undercover agent in the City of Brotherly Love.

Months later, having narrowly escaped court martial and hanging, Tremayne returns to decadent, British-occupied Philadelphia with no stomach for his current assignment–to capture the woman he believes betrayed him. Nor does he relish the glittering entertainments being held for General Howe’s idle officers. Worse, the glamorous woman in the midst of this social whirl, the fiancee of his own dissolute cousin, is none other than Kate Grey herself. And so begins their dangerous dance, between passion and patriotism, between certain death and the promise of a brave new future together.’

My thoughts:

I tend to read a lot of British and European history, but one of my favorite periods in American history is the American Revolution. So when I had a chance to read this book, I was excited. However, my excitement was short-lived. I was expecting this one to be more focused on the spy network between the English and the Americans in the Revolutionary War, but this one was steeped in gaudy romance. With more than graphic scenes of rape and sex, it most definitely wasn’t my idea of a good read. Sure the main gist of the book was good, if not a little reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet with all the ‘star-crossed lovers’ mess, but the overwhelmingly graphic sex scenes that occurred quite frequently were enough to put me off this book.

Sure, I am a reader who enjoys somewhat a good love story, but this one was way over the top. I could really care less about what happens in the bedroom with the characters in a book and actually prefer an subtle suggestion, but definitely not any details. I hate books like this because it makes it feel like it’s for the more romantically inclined. I like to read about history and real events that actually happened, not sex. If I did enjoy this, I would be reading erotica or something. Most definitely not my cup of tea. So disappointed in this one because it has been quite some time since I have read a fantastic American Revolution based historical fiction novel and I was hoping this would bridge the gap.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy historical romance. If you are looking for a story featuring more historical leanings, then this book is not for you. Apparently this is the first book in a trilogy and I think I’m going to pass on the next installments of this series. Definitely not what I was expecting and more of a let down than a good book to read.

Overall Rating: 1

Title:  The Turncoat: Renegades of the Revolution
Author:  Donna Thorland
Series:  Renegades of the Revolution #1
Publisher:  NAL Trade
Publication Date:  March 5, 2013
Pages:  432
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Get It:  Amazon; Barnes & Noble

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for my honest review. I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.