Alexandra Talbot is at the British Museum to see the Rosetta Stone, to help shore up research her later father and uncle did about the city of Per-Ramesses and the tomb of Nourbese, Pharaoh’s beloved. But when she arrives, and the director finds out that “Alex” Talbot is a woman and not a man, she is refused permission to see the stone, until Lord Blakeney comes to her aid.

Half-Bedouin, half-British, Lord Blakeney has been corresponding with Alex’s father for years. He’s set to lead Mr. Talbot on an expedition to Egypt in search of Per-Ramesses, and is saddened to learn of the man’s death. He wants to help Alex, who fascinates him, but having been introduced to her as Lord Blakeney, he doesn’t quite know how to tell her he’s also Sheikh Altair Mazir.

Alex agrees to let Lord Blakeney guide her on her expedition. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with him, or learn the many secrets he hides along the way, but she does. She’s also fighting against someone who wants her dead, and doesn’t want Per-Ramesses found. Will Alex find her lost city, and will Altair protect her? More importantly, will they learn to trust each other?

I love all things ancient Egyptian, so I was fascinated by the blurb for Mirage. The story does not disappoint, and is full of wonderfully done research and fascinating adventure as Alex searches for Per-Ramesses. It was also delightful to watch Alex and Altair learn to love each other and deal with each other’s strong characters.

Their love is strong, and it was a pleasure to watch it unfold. If you like adventure, romance and history then Mirage is the book for you.