Not sure about this one. 
 The book started really well and I thought I was on to a winner. But it went down hill fast. 
 The romance aspect left a bit to be desired. 
 (view spoiler)[ Alexander and Rina were quick to make a baby together. Must have been pretty active in that department from the beginning. Which makes me think, it must not have been hard for him to move on with her, which was a bit surprising considering all the corny love words he liked to spout. After all, they didn't need to have a baby to avoid being killed (unlike Sophie)....Actions speak louder than words I think. Also, I think it was doubtful the Empress would have killed Sophie if he didn't marry Rina. She needed Sophie and all she had to do was threaten Alexander to get what she wanted from her. 
 I also hated how Sophie cheated on Peter. She didn't have much of a choice and Peter certainly didn't deserve any remorse from her in relation to it but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Especially when she wanted to make it a regular thing and decided she really liked Sergei, in a romantic sense, after all. I actually wanted her with Sergei from the beginning but when it happened it just didn't work because of what had come before in the story. (hide spoiler)] 
 In general, the romance plot moved too quickly. Both in the good and bad aspects.