Book Review: Mistress Firebrand by Donna Thorland

Author: Donna Thorland 
Title: Mistress Firebrand (Renegades of the American Revolution)
Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance
Pages: 416
Published: March 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)



British Occupied Manhattan, 1777. American actress Jennifer Leighton has been packing the John Street Theater with her witty comedies, but she longs to escape the provincial circuit for the glamour of the London stage. When the playwright General John Burgoyne visits the city, fresh from a recent success in the capitol, she seizes the opportunity to court his patronage. But her plan is foiled by British intelligence officer Severin Devere. 

Severin’s mission is to keep the pleasure-loving general focused on the war effort…and away from pretty young actresses. But the tables are turned when Severin himself can’t resist Jennifer Leighton…

Months later, Jenny has abandoned her dreams of stage glory and begun writing seditious plays for the Rebels under the pen name “Cornelia,” ridiculing “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne and his army—and undermining the crown’s campaign to take Albany. By the time Severin meets up with Jenny once again, she is on a British hanging list, and Severin is ordered to find her—and deliver her to certain death. Soon, the two are launched on a desperate journey through the wilderness, toward a future shaped by the revolution—and their passion for each other…


This book was so elusive to me! I was meant to read it a while back, but something happened to my copy from NetGalley (not sure to this day) so I missed out on reading it. This was supposed to be available at my library, but it never came in. Finally – after years – this popped up for cheap on Amazon as a used book. So, of course, I grabbed this book in an instant. I got the book in the mail after a delay. Read about half of the book and lost it! HOW? WHY? And then I finally found it and hurried up and finished it up. See? Elusive. 

And let me tell you what…it was worth it. This was sooooooo good. Super good. I would even venture to say almost great. 

The story follows Jenny and Severin. Severin is a seasoned British spy and Jenny is an actress who gets sucked into the world of spies through no real fault of her own. She lands on the side of the Americans. Things happen and things go wrong. Terribly wrong.  

The beginning was the only issue I had with it. It took me a while to really get into the story. I didn’t like Jenny or Severin. Can’t put my finger on WHY. After a few pages and one event that happened, I grew to LOVE them. Jenny is who I would want to be back then if I couldn’t be royalty. Severin was drool-worthy. I couldn’t help picture a very young Jason Momoa (before he got super-duper beefed out) as him. But yes – I grow to love them. 

I had no idea how anything was going to be okay especially when John Andre got involved. It seemed so hopeless! I was legit on the edge of my seat! Such a fun ride. 

I really adore spies and espionage. It was done so well. I also love the American Revolution so the blend was amazing and worked well. 

The cover is so pretty. Sorry random thought there. 

Yes, lots of drama, intrigue, and action in this one. I was worried Jenny and Severin would be torn apart by this bloody war. John Andre is a scary fellow! I wouldn’t want to mess with him especially when comes down to intrigue. 


Overall, this was really good. The beginning was meh and it took me a while to fall in love with our two main characters. Besides that, I really enjoyed this journey. So good. There is romance but there is also action and intrigue mixed in! A very good blend. I recommend this. I’ll give it 4 stars.