Under the Rose

by Nolan, Kathryn

  THE END

  Whats Next?

  Have you read Behind the Veil?

  If you haven’t met Henry and Delilah, go back and read Behind the Veil! It’s the first book in the Codex series and is as action-packed (and steamy) as Under the Rose.

  Private detectives Henry and Delilah go undercover as a fake married couple to gain the trust of Philadelphia's most eccentric heiress. But beneath this world of wealthy glamour lies one of code words, secrets, and hidden passageways. As the danger intensifies, so does the temptation to let their fake desire become real. Every feigned caress, every for-the-audience kiss only heightens the seduction, building a fire that refuses to abate. But with a priceless artifact at stake, can Henry and Delilah learn to trust each other…before it's too late?

  More from the Codex team

  Coming Summer 2020: In the Clear

  Abe Royal wants just one thing in this world—to catch the mysterious thief, Bernard Allerton. Except every clue he follows leads him to Sloane, a charming private detective that melts his icy heart. And while their lust is instant, it’s their love that could risk everything.

  A Note From The Author

  Dear Reader,

  Didn’t we once meet at Reichenbach Falls? It’s been so wonderful to be back in the Codex world again! Intrigue, glamour, literary references, action, hot sex…these books bring me a lot of joy. I had an absolute blast writing Freya and Sam’s zany adventure—and am beyond thrilled with their happily-ever-after!

  Freya and Sam have lived in my head since I first created Codex and this merry band of private detectives. I always knew they’d be featured in the second book. I always knew they’d be lifelong rivals (with a dash of second chance). And I always knew they’d meet again—dramatically—in that first chapter. But what I loved the most about these two was their devoted friendship; that once their competition was stripped away, they were actually two people who had loved each other since their freshman year of college. Like Sam says competitors can still be friends. And deep down, that’s what they were.

  Also I really, really, really enjoyed creating the members of The Empty House. Thank you for coming along on this fun adventure of secret societies, and underground auctions and Sherlock Holmes-inspired code words.

  A lot of research went into Under the Rose. Controversial author George Sand did write love letters to the French poet Alfred de Musset. Alfred even wrote an autobiographical novel about their affair. George did eventually leave Alfred for his doctor and did use basic cryptography to inscribe messages within the letters. However, many of the other details (the sexy hidden messages, their tempestuous relationship, the number thirteen) were imagined for this story.

  I’ve been obsessed with the FBI’s Training Academy at Quantico since my childhood spent watching The X-Files. That being said, many details surrounding the academy’s training have been imagined for this story (although Hogan’s Alley is real). Quantico is located in Virginia—however, it’s important to note that I moved the offices of the Deputy Director. In real life, Sam’s dad would have worked in Washington, D.C., not on the Quantico campus.

  Philosopher’s Hall is not a real place in Philadelphia—I based it on The Union League of Philadelphia. Sadly, The Grand Dame Hotel is also imagined (as were those tunnels!) and was based on The Bellevue Hotel. Both are incredibly beautiful places to see the next time you’re in the City of Brotherly Love!

  Finally, the conclusion to the Codex series will release summer of 2020! Abe will be back—and he’s hunting their biggest thief yet. And he might fall head-over-heels in love during the process. So stay safe, get the damn book back. Don’t do anything Victoria Whitney wouldn’t do.

  Love,

  Kathryn

  P.S. If you’re dying to chat spoilers and theories for the Codex books, come join Secret Passageways on Facebook!

  Acknowledgments

  Freya and Sam’s love story would not be here without the team of incredible people that make my writing life so very wonderful.

  Thank you to Faith—who pulls double duty as my best friend and developmental editor. And she’s one hell of a brainstormer too. Her thoughtful feedback, edits and notes are the backbone of all of my novels. Two X-Files nerds cannot be stopped when they get together and plot!

  Jodi, Julia and Bronwyn are my intrepid beta readers. And they’re a gorgeous team. Combined, they catch every plot hole, every pacing issue, every character flaw. They’ll answer my many questions and brainstorm with me over Facebook messenger. Plus, they make me laugh (and make me feel loved) while we’re doing it.

  A giant thank you goes to Joyce, Tammy, Lucy, Tim and Rick—who are the magical ingredients in this entire process. Also, they’re all truly spectacular human beings.

  Thank you to my community of brilliant authors, supportive writing pals and passionate readers. Every day your support lifts me up and makes this job possible—and fun. The same goes to my reader group, The Hippie Chicks, who astound me with their bravery and positivity. They were early adopters of Codex and kept me motivated when I needed it.

  To my grandfather—losing you while writing this book changed everything. But your loving support before—and your loving memories after—kept me going. Under the Rose releases just four days before your 90th birthday. I’d give anything to be able to place this book into your hands.

  To my barely-domesticated-coyote, Walter: thank you for demanding I pay attention to you while writing by placing your paw on my hand and physically dragging it off of my mouse. Our many long, daily walks, however, are where all of my best plot ideas come from.

  And always, always for Rob. He really is the world’s best husband and #1 Dog Dad. You deserve all the love letters in the world, and then some.

  Hang Out With Kathryn!

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  I’ve got a reader group on Facebook called Kathryn Nolan’s Hippie Chicks. We’re all about motivation, girl power, sexy short stories and empowerment! Come join us.

  Let’s be friends on

  Website: authorkathrynnolan.com

  Instagram at: kathrynnolanromance

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  About Kathryn

  I'm an adventurous hippie chick that loves to write steamy romance. My specialty is slow-burn sexual tension with plenty of witty dialogue and tons of heart.

  I started my writing career in elementary school, writing about Star Wars and Harry Potter and inventing love stories in my journals. And I blame my obsession with slow-burn on my similar obsession for The X-Files.

  I'm a born-and-raised Philly girl, but left for Northern California right after college, where I met my adorably-bearded husband. After living there for eight years, we decided to embark on an epic, six-month road trip, traveling across the country with our little van, Van Morrison. Eighteen states and 17,000 miles later, we're back in my hometown of Philadelphia for a bit... but I know the next adventure is just around the corner.

  When I'm not spending the (early) mornings writing steamy love scenes with a strong cup of coffee, you can find me outdoors -- hiking, camping, traveling, yoga-ing.

  Books By Kathryn

  STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL

  Edward Cavendish III and Roxy Quinn couldn’t be more different. He’s a polite, wealthy hotelier from England. She’s a scowling, bad-ass tattoo artist. But when a night of heartbreak brings them together, their chemistry – and connection – is electrifying. Seeing each other romantically is not an option – until they meet again under strictly professional circumstances.

  BOHEMIAN

  Shy, nerdy Calvin inherits his grandfather’s bookstore in funky Big Sur, but has no idea whether to sell the bookstore – or take on the challenge of keeping the store’s literary legacy alive. When a bohemian-style photo shoot brings famous super model Lucia Bell to Big Sur, sparks fly between these two total op
posites.

  LANDSLIDE

  Gabe Shaw has the perfect life in Big Sur. He’s the third-generation-owner (and bartender) at The Bar, the only place in this funky small town where the quirky locals can drink in peace. A hopeless romantic, Gabe’s only lacking one thing: his soul mate. And when a sudden storm traps a sexy, funny make-up artist named Josie in Big Sur, one night of searing passion turns into much more. Too bad Josie doesn’t believe in falling in love.

  RIPTIDE

  Avery Dacosta is an ambitious property developer, intent on building a luxury hotel on Playa Vieja’s last untouched beach. And she has no time for Finn Travis, the laid-back, hippie surfer who decides to protest this hotel – and her workplace – every day. Unfortunately, Finn’s not only the most aggravating man she’s ever met – but sexy as hell. Can these two enemies-turned-lovers ever find a middle ground?

  SEXY SHORTS (VOLUME 1)

  A sweet, dirty collection of fourteen sexy short stories.

  BEHIND THE VEIL

  Private detective Delilah Barrett is entirely unprepared for her new assignment: hunt down a stolen rare manuscript that's hidden within Philadelphia's glamorous high society. The only catch? Delilah must go undercover as a fake married couple with her new partner Henry Finch -- a devastatingly handsome librarian. But as the danger intensifies...so does the temptation to let their fake desire become real.

  UNDER THE ROSE

  To infiltrate a secret society, private detective Freya Evandale and FBI agent Sam Byrne must go undercover as a pair of thieves in a dangerous world of shifting alliances. But can these lifelong rivals close the case…without falling in love?

  WILD OPEN HEARTS

  Luna’s cheerful, hippie reputation is ruined when her billion-dollar company is caught in a scandal. And only a burly, dog-rescuing biker can help her. As these opposites give in to their electrifying attraction – will their differences keep them apart? Or will they learn to trust their wild hearts?