The Seduction of the Crimson Rose is the fourth book in the series by Lauren Willig. The setting is England in 1803 and the plot is centered around a group of spies named after flowers. The Crimson Rose is enlisted to help identify the notorious Black Tulip, who removes any who get in his way. The Black Tulip is a supporter of Napoleon and working to advance his work in England. The Crimson Rose, the young unmarried Mary Albright, is recruited by the reckless and elusive Lord Sebastian Vaughn. Mary Albright has lost in love to her younger sister and is now dependent on her brother-in-law's generosity. Unable to stomach her new situation, she agrees to Lord Vaughn's proposition of discovering the Black Tulip in exchange for the financial means to find a suitable match and release her from her sister's house. This agreement launches Mary into the world of intrigue, seduction and danger.

Along with the story of Mary, is the narrator's story which is set in modern times. Eloise Kelly is a graduate student doing research in England on this group of spies. Her character narrates all of Willig's books. I have only read this story and there was not enough development in one book to make the narrator's life interesting. It was more of a distraction from the real story.

I did enjoy reading this book, so much so, that I read it in two days. Even though it is considered historical fiction, it is very light on the history aspect. Except for the setting, I believe very little had any touch in reality. I read some describe it as "chic lit historical fiction" and I would have to agree on that. It was more a love story then anything else and had very little character development outside the two main characters. (The characters do overlap in the books, so reading them in order may remedy this.) Over all, I would recommend this book for traveling or a quick summer read.