The Spy's Song

The Swans of Paris, Book 3

Romance - Historical
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 11/08/2026
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Spy’s Song, book three of Giovanna Siniscalchi's The Swans of Paris series, is set in 1815, when London ballerina Louise Bonnechoix conceals that she is Napoleon Bonaparte’s daughter. As Napoleon returns to power in France, British intelligence discovers her identity. Rodrick de Montfort, a British spy carrying orders from French diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, abducts Louise to take her across the Channel to her father. For Louise, the journey promises the recognition she has awaited for years. As she travels through France with Rodrick, their attraction tests the ties guiding each of them. Talleyrand has plans for Louise that reach beyond her reunion with Napoleon. With the French army preparing to face Britain's Duke of Wellington, she receives orders to assassinate the British commander, drawing Rodrick into the diplomat's scheme.

In The Spy’s Song, Giovanna Siniscalchi delivers a passionate Napoleonic historical romance whose espionage gives the love story a wonderful sense of anticipation. What struck me most was how naturally Louise’s rapport with Rodrick changes as his tenderness comes through in their spirited exchanges. Their vulnerable moments have that satisfying feeling of two people discovering how much they mean to each other. That's the sort of romance I want to read. The author's understanding of the period is just as impressive, particularly in the way military dress fits naturally into a society ruled by aristocratic convention. You can picture the French château beyond its poplar-lined road, with cultivated fields rising toward the ridge. You can practically hear carriages crowding Brussels's Rue Ducale as Hanoverian officers step from an inn ahead of Waterloo. I was completely taken with the romance amid the approaching war, and historical romance readers are in for a treat. Very highly recommended.

Miche Arendse

The Spy's Song by Giovanna Siniscalchi is set in 1815 and follows Louise Bonnechoix, a talented ballerina who discovers that she is the illegitimate daughter of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revelation turns her life upside down, especially when British spy Rodrick de Montfort kidnaps her with orders to take her to France. Louise is determined to find her father and, as events unfold, she even disguises herself as a soldier to join the French cavalry. With the Battle of Waterloo approaching, she and Rodrick find themselves caught up in events that will test their courage, loyalties, and feelings for each other.

What I liked most about The Spy's Song by Giovanna Siniscalchi was how easily it brought together history, adventure, espionage, and romance. I found Louise to be a really enjoyable character because she is independent and not afraid to take risks, even when things get difficult. Rodrick was another highlight for me. I liked his sarcastic humor and the way his seemingly carefree attitude hides a more complicated side. I also enjoyed watching their relationship develop, as their banter and growing feelings add plenty of charm to the story. The historical setting gives the plot an interesting backdrop, and I thought the political tension surrounding Napoleon's return helped keep things engaging. The writing is descriptive without being difficult to follow, and there is a good balance of action, romance, and character development. Overall, I found this to be a fun and entertaining read, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a bit of adventure and intrigue.

Rabia Tanveer

The Spy's Song is the third book in Giovanna Siniscalchi's Swans of Paris series. Set in the days before Waterloo, the story follows Louise Bonaparte, a ballerina known as the Salamander and Napoleon’s secret daughter. All her life, she has been loyal to France and to the father who doesn’t know she is coming. Now she wants to reach Napoleon as Europe rises against him. However, she can’t do it alone. Rodrick de Montfort, a cynical British spy, is ordered to deliver her to Napoleon. Rodrick has survived fifteen years in the shadows by trusting no one and showing no weakness. Soon, the two travel across war-torn France under false names, bantering and evading suspicion. Before they know it, the chemistry between them reaches a boiling point. Wanting Louise becomes the one secret Rodrick can’t control, and neither can she hide her affection for him. She believes loyalty is worth any sacrifice, but he knows what it can cost. Can they trust each other when love starts to look like betrayal?

Author Giovanna Siniscalchi created a witty, romantic, and thrilling story that was entertaining from start to finish. I absolutely loved Louise. She’s stubborn, proud, and brave, and she never lets anyone tell her what to do. Rodrick is perfect for her. He’s sarcastic, protective, and has a dry sense of humor. His funny dialogue had me laughing out loud at times, and I loved him. He was easy to relate to and so very human. Out of all the side characters, I liked James the best. His quiet little remarks were hilarious, and I got attached to him fast. I loved the scene on the ship with the huge, moody horse. I also liked the quotes at the start of the chapters. The scene where Louise finally meets her father caught me off guard, and I got a little emotional too. The pace was perfect; the character development was believable, and the story was incredibly interesting. The Spy’s Song is for readers who want a funny, romantic story with spies and an enemies-to-lovers trope.