The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation series Book 2)

It has been quite some time since I read the first book in this series but I immediately fell into the story again. I love the juxtaposition of a modern day historian's discovery of the papers of Regency heroes and heroines with the story of the heroes and heroines as they were living their story.I found many parts of the story to be laugh-out-loud funny. In fact, I was laughing so hard that I had to put down the book to wipe my eyes. The situations as two rank amateurs get involved in uncovering a dastardly French agent were both thrilling and amusing. I especially liked the friends-to-lovers plot as Henrietta and Miles each realize that their long-standing friendship was growing into something more but who don't realize or believe that the other has come to the same realization.I like the modern parts of the story too which has Eloise wondering very much about Colin Selwick who is definitely a man of mystery. I am eager to carry on with this series to find out what happens next in 1803 and also what happens next for Eloise and Colin.

Okay, so it's kind of indulgent, but I really enjoy this series. They will never be great literature, but it's a fun story with dynamic characters and some excellent turns of phrase, and it follows along neatly in the footsteps of its predecessor, The Pink Carnation, as well as The Scarlet Pimpernel, albeit with a little more explicit content. As in the first book, there is a very explicit (multiple pages long) sex scene between a married couple, and it should NOT be read by children (says the girl who was accidentally loaned it by a family friend in seventh grade), but it is an enjoyable story that doesn't take itself too seriously, and the premise is way cool. I mean, female spies in the Napoleonic Wars? It doesn't get much cooler than that. This is totally wish-fulfillment historical chick lit (and I do NOT mean the sex scenes here, but the adventure part), and although I've seen it get some pretty bad press, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am pretty choosy about books. The frame story makes it even cooler, and honestly, I'm just waiting for them to be made into movies.P.S. Thankfully, Lauren Willig stopped writing excruciatingly detailed sex scenes after the second book (this one). Something to look forward to. (:

Miles and Henrietta may be more bumbling as spies than the Pink Carnation and the Purple Gentian, but they just prove that anyone can be of service to their country if their hearts are in the right place! And, of course, they were a little distracted by the whole falling in love thing. They made a very cute couple!I enjoyed how the definitions from the Pink Carnation's code book at the beginning of each chapter informed what would happen in the chapter. The double meanings were great. And I liked how the modern-day story tied in with what was going on in the past.My only complaint is that the romance between Eloise and Colin in the present-day is proceeding very slowly. Guess I'll just have to continue with the rest of the series to see where they end up.

This is the second in the Pink Carnation series and I am finding these books very enjoyable. While they have romance, they also feature female adventurers, intrigue, and quite a bit of humor. These aren't meant for someone looking for a serious historical read or pure romantic fiction. These books are like delicious junk food that must occasionally be indulged in. I'd probably be bored if I read them straight through so I am saving them for when i need something light to cheer me up.

Very good characters and an enjoyable read. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.

Love this author!

Yet again, Ms. Willig impressed me with her lighthearted take on historical romance/mystery! Although I read these books in the completely WRONG order (first Emerald Ring, then Pink Carnationa, and finally Black Tulip), I was taken in by all of them--this one no less than the others. Although I felt that the "oh no heroine might be compromised marry her off quickly" story line was somewhat repetitive between this installment and Emerald Ring, the stories of Henrietta and Miles vs. Letty and Geoff were different enough to keep me intrigued. I'll just say that I can't wait for the 4th Pink Carnation novel!

Light, fluffy easy read

I would recommend this and the rest of the Pink Carnation series to anyone else who likes 'feel good' entertainment. The historical aspect is absolutely brilliant with fantastic attention to detail and the author's notes attaches. I have read and reread this series since I discovered it last year.

This makes for quite a good love story rather than a spy story, as their is not much spying going on in it. I knew who the Black Tulip was before the end of the book. It seems to very similar to The Pink Carnation.