1814 . Austrian cavalry officer Major Ewen Blaine must locate and escort Napoleon’s Empress and her son, Louis, to Vienna. He knows his mission is rife with political intrigue—the beguiling Empress is being used as a pawn between warring powers. In an abandoned chateau near Paris, Blaine finds the Empress alone. One impulsive kiss and he knows this beautiful, strong-willed woman is no pawn—and she’s even more dangerous than he imagined. As the pair travel incognito as husband and wife, Blaine realizes the Empress has awakened feelings in his shattered heart, testing his willpower. When she toys with Blaine to gain the upper hand, he must rely on his deep sense of duty to fight passions that threaten disaster for both. Again and again, Blaine puts his life on the line to protect his forbidden love during their risky escape across the German States. Traitorous officer LeGrande is in hot pursuit—Blaine’s former best friend is now a turncoat in French service and a ruthless nemesis—hell-bent on personal vengeance. Danger and deception lurk at every turn. Chased to the steps of Schönbrunn Palace by LeGrande, the Empress, and Blaine battle toward their journey’s breathless end. But even with safety almost within reach, Blaine finds nothing is as it seems. Now, it is his fiery companion who must become his protector… Fans of historical thrillers with a romantic subplot with plenty of breathless action and intrigue will love the Empress’s Escape. Title - A High-Stakes Rescue in the Final Days of an Empire Review - The Empress' Escape by Richard Caldwell delivers an engaging blend of historical intrigue and fast-paced adventure. Set against the backdrop of Napoleon's downfall, the novel follows a seasoned military officer tasked with rescuing the empress in a desperate race across Europe. Caldwell brings the era to life with rich historical detail and well-paced action. The suspense makes for a compelling read - perfect for fans of historical thrillers with a touch of romance. Paula Judith Johnson