I'm devouring this series. I'm already a third of the way through the fourth book, and quite put out that there isn't a fifth on the shelves already.

Nicholas reminds me a bit of the male lead in Holly Lisle's Stardoc series in that he drives me nuts by not being more forthcoming about what he's about. I just want to shake him and tell him and Julia to actually share strategy together. I'd be over the moon if they actually manage it in the next book.

I also felt a little cheated that the big romantic declaration was paraphrased. If Raybourn had given us a solid romantic interlude, some physical affection on paper instead of off screen, I might not have been so irked.

Still, the mysteries in the books are good, and there *is* a draw in the relationship between Brisbane and Julia. I just wish that there was a bigger payoff in the latter. :P