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The Regent Mysteries #1
With His Lady's Assistance
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B006301DS4
To help him mingle in the highest echelons of English society to investigate threats on the Prince Regent's life, super spy Captain Jack Dryden must feign an engagement to the exceedingly plain spinster, Lady Daphne Chalmers. Together, they embark on an investigation which brings them into grave peril—and makes the captain reevaluate the skinny maiden who has a most amorous effect upon him.
Humorous Regency Romance Mystery
Sensuality Level: Sweet
Approximate word count: 82,000
To help him mingle in the highest echelons of English society to investigate threats on the Prince Regent's life, super spy Captain Jack Dryden must feign an engagement to the exceedingly plain spinster, Lady Daphne Chalmers. Together, they embark on an investigation which brings them into grave peril—and makes the captain reevaluate the skinny maiden who has a most amorous effect upon him.
Humorous Regency Romance Mystery
Sensuality Level: Sweet
Approximate word count: 82,000
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
786 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bolen
79 books1,666 followersSince being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 27, 2020
This is a charming Regency romance setup for a mystery series. I liked both protagonists immensely and I particularly loved Jack's ability to take Daphne seriously from the start. There's none of that "but she's a woman" going on, even in his head. Indeed, they made a formidable team and a lot of that is the respect they extended and reciprocated.
The mystery was a bit of a plodder, though. I didn't like how it setup Jack to pay (romantic/sexual) attention to other women or that progress was so slow. It doesn't help that the villain(s) were, if not obvious, at least asking for a little scrutiny from early on (that they didn't get for far too long). I counted a handful of incidences where a little follow-up would have gone a long way to shortening the story. And I hate to suspect that's precisely why they didn't get the follow-up they deserved.
I'm also not a fan of the dark moment or the unilateral (and manipulative) action that got us there. I thought the offending party was better than that and braver and a problem solver to boot and so should have seen their way through without the carnage.
Counterbalancing that is that I detected no historical inaccuracies and that's saying something for a story that includes a good number of historical figures in close proximity to (and under scrutiny by) our heroes. I'm no historical scholar so I'm sure there are probably some gaffs. But I am an enthusiastic amateur so it's not nothing that the author managed so well. She played a little fast and loose with a naval uniform but that's about it. The frank depiction of infidelity was a bit disheartening, but I couldn't argue with the particulars. I wonder what an extensive genetic scan of that population would reveal, but recognize that for the morbid curiosity it is.
In all, this is 3½ stars that I'm rounding up for my enjoyment of the main characters. I loved their team work, I loved their journey to falling in love, and I loved watching them overcome not insignificant obstacles.
A note about Chaste/Steamy: This markets itself as "sweet" and that's a flat-out lie. There is no explicit sex, but there is enough frank anatomical talk, including in sexual contexts, to make it impossible for me to mark it chaste. And I'm a fairly generous judge of that tag. In particular, it crossed that line with Jack speculating to himself about intimate details of a naked Daphne with specifics, though that's not the only example.
The mystery was a bit of a plodder, though. I didn't like how it setup Jack to pay (romantic/sexual) attention to other women or that progress was so slow. It doesn't help that the villain(s) were, if not obvious, at least asking for a little scrutiny from early on (that they didn't get for far too long). I counted a handful of incidences where a little follow-up would have gone a long way to shortening the story. And I hate to suspect that's precisely why they didn't get the follow-up they deserved.
I'm also not a fan of the dark moment or the unilateral (and manipulative) action that got us there. I thought the offending party was better than that and braver and a problem solver to boot and so should have seen their way through without the carnage.
Counterbalancing that is that I detected no historical inaccuracies and that's saying something for a story that includes a good number of historical figures in close proximity to (and under scrutiny by) our heroes. I'm no historical scholar so I'm sure there are probably some gaffs. But I am an enthusiastic amateur so it's not nothing that the author managed so well. She played a little fast and loose with a naval uniform but that's about it. The frank depiction of infidelity was a bit disheartening, but I couldn't argue with the particulars. I wonder what an extensive genetic scan of that population would reveal, but recognize that for the morbid curiosity it is.
In all, this is 3½ stars that I'm rounding up for my enjoyment of the main characters. I loved their team work, I loved their journey to falling in love, and I loved watching them overcome not insignificant obstacles.
A note about Chaste/Steamy: This markets itself as "sweet" and that's a flat-out lie. There is no explicit sex, but there is enough frank anatomical talk, including in sexual contexts, to make it impossible for me to mark it chaste. And I'm a fairly generous judge of that tag. In particular, it crossed that line with Jack speculating to himself about intimate details of a naked Daphne with specifics, though that's not the only example.
May 20, 2018
First time I read a book that was mostly mystery and the romance was probably equal to the level of mystery. Also, this was sweet and filled with sexual tension, but no sex. Lol I'm trash so naturally, I was quite disappointed there. But, it was well written, fun and I honestly had no idea who the who0dunnit was and was pleasantly surprised. Ifound myself interested in the plot as well as the progression of their romance.
February 21, 2012
I belong to a "Clean Romance" group on Goodreads for those of us who like romance without explicit intimacy. This book was recommended on the site as a clean romance. Since it was regency I decided to buy it. It starts out with a British spy, Captain Jack Dryden, being called back from the Peninsula to help find the assassin who was targeting the Prince Regent. Of course, the spy couldn't function among the ton without someone to smooth the way, so the Prince Regent suggests a woman who has all the connections, but is sort of unattractive and thus unmarried.
Daphne Chalmers is smart and educated, but she also has to wear spectacles and doesn't care about fashion. She makes others feel at ease, and is discreet about indiscretions among those of her class. She finds Captain Dryden extremely attractive and is happy to play his faux-fiancee until they find out who is plotting to kill the Prince Regent.
There are some funny moments as they try to keep up their facade to be engaged and uncover the nefarious assassin. The author writes the main characters well. I did guess who was behind the plot quite early on, but there was a little twist at the end that surprised me. But all's well that ends well, if you know what I mean.
The thing that bothered me a bit was it's classification as "clean." For me, clean or sweet implies that there isn't any sexual relations or anything that implies it. So, With His Lady's Assistance could technically be categorized as clean, since the main characters remain chaste throughout, however, there is quite a bit of discussion about adultery and certain acts that are committed in an opera box, which is apparently okay because it's just what rich people do. There is some discussion of what happens during sexual intimacy, and a conversation between our hero and heroine about certain parts of the anatomy and what happens when you are physically intimate. (And those things could have totally been left out and weren't integral to the story. As is usually the case.) But because of the inclusion of these things, for me, I can't say this book is "clean" romance and wouldn't recommend it as such. Still, it was a nice afternoon read.
Originally reveiewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
Daphne Chalmers is smart and educated, but she also has to wear spectacles and doesn't care about fashion. She makes others feel at ease, and is discreet about indiscretions among those of her class. She finds Captain Dryden extremely attractive and is happy to play his faux-fiancee until they find out who is plotting to kill the Prince Regent.
There are some funny moments as they try to keep up their facade to be engaged and uncover the nefarious assassin. The author writes the main characters well. I did guess who was behind the plot quite early on, but there was a little twist at the end that surprised me. But all's well that ends well, if you know what I mean.
The thing that bothered me a bit was it's classification as "clean." For me, clean or sweet implies that there isn't any sexual relations or anything that implies it. So, With His Lady's Assistance could technically be categorized as clean, since the main characters remain chaste throughout, however, there is quite a bit of discussion about adultery and certain acts that are committed in an opera box, which is apparently okay because it's just what rich people do. There is some discussion of what happens during sexual intimacy, and a conversation between our hero and heroine about certain parts of the anatomy and what happens when you are physically intimate. (And those things could have totally been left out and weren't integral to the story. As is usually the case.) But because of the inclusion of these things, for me, I can't say this book is "clean" romance and wouldn't recommend it as such. Still, it was a nice afternoon read.
Originally reveiewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
February 14, 2021
This was a very fun read! I laughed out loud several times and really rooted for Daphne and Jack. My first foray into the romance novel world was through books set in the Regency era, so it’s always great to come back! Good, clean fun at its best. And it’s a series? Can’t wait to read book 2!
March 2, 2017
This was an ok historical romance with a mystery surrounding assassination attempts on the Prince Regent, a dashing captain disguised as a nobleman, and a bluestocking wallflower as his partner. As I said, it was ok - worth the 99 cents, I suppose.
The romance was predictable, and the mystery just went around in circles for most of the book, with a lot depending on feminine intuition and coincidence. When they finally figured it out, the solution came out of the blue. I prefer mysteries that give me enough clues to chew on that I feel like I'm getting somewhere. But, this wasn't really about the mystery, was it?
A couple other things irritated me as well. 'Regency Era' language was overused to the point of ridiculousness. Let’s just say I grew exceedingly tired of excessively overdone superlatives that became so numerous as to distract me from the narrative.
Another quibble is that this series is described as being a ‘sweet’ romance. Although there is no sex, I wouldn’t go so far as to call it sweet. There are references to sex and body parts that were definitely beyond sweet. Just a caution for anyone out there who checks for heat ratings like this.
The romance was predictable, and the mystery just went around in circles for most of the book, with a lot depending on feminine intuition and coincidence. When they finally figured it out, the solution came out of the blue. I prefer mysteries that give me enough clues to chew on that I feel like I'm getting somewhere. But, this wasn't really about the mystery, was it?
A couple other things irritated me as well. 'Regency Era' language was overused to the point of ridiculousness. Let’s just say I grew exceedingly tired of excessively overdone superlatives that became so numerous as to distract me from the narrative.
Another quibble is that this series is described as being a ‘sweet’ romance. Although there is no sex, I wouldn’t go so far as to call it sweet. There are references to sex and body parts that were definitely beyond sweet. Just a caution for anyone out there who checks for heat ratings like this.
March 4, 2014
An enjoyable read, a free bookbub read on my phone. Liked the historical bits , the very intelligent heroine, and the adorably straight laced hero. Will look for the other books in the series. Keeping track of the adultorous relationships was quite fun,especially after reading some of the biographies of the time, like "Duchess of Devonshire". Very fascinating, yet quite sad in a way. Anyway, Regency, mystery, love story very neatly wrapped up with quite a bit of humor. Lady Dafne presents her "fiance" by saying he is a South African diamond mine owner who can speak Bantu and Hottentot, so of course people keep asking him to speak the languages. Just a cute little story line.
August 26, 2021
A wholly enjoyable book! I had a really good time with this one. I’ll admit, I did prefer the former half to the latter, but it was all well and good nonetheless. I really liked the relationship between Jack and Daphne, it felt like they had a real friendship before things developed into more. Reading their back-and-fourth was rather entertaining, I just thought they were fantastic together.
February 11, 2021
A most decent Historical Romance
This is a decent historical novel that I enjoyed and I think that you will enjoy it too. This is a rather clean sort of historical and it pretty accurate as to the time period.
This is a decent historical novel that I enjoyed and I think that you will enjoy it too. This is a rather clean sort of historical and it pretty accurate as to the time period.
September 19, 2016
A Fun Regency Romp!
Set in 1813, this tells the story of Captain Jack Dryden of the 14th Light Dragoons, who is drafted by the Prince Regent to find the person trying to kill him. Jack, it seems, has some experience as a spy.
To enable Jack mingle among the aristocrats so he can identify the Prince’s enemies, the Prince solicits the aid of Lady Daphne Chalmers, the oldest of Lord Sidworth’s daughters. Daphne is well connected and intelligent, but no beauty. Jack finds her very clever.
Together they embark on an investigation that leads them down some rabbit trails and in the process, Jack decides there is more to Lady Daphne than her mind, which ain’t so bad either. And, there is one person who wants Jack dead, which makes for some exciting scenes toward the end.
I loved their banter and the look at Regency Society Bolen so accurately paints. There are lots of historic figures populating the story and a candid look at the infidelity that was rife in the Regency among the higher classes.
It’s a well-researched, thoroughly enjoyable, sweet read.
The Regent Mysteries Series:
With His Lady’s Assistance
A Most Discreet Inquiry
The Theft Before Christmas
An Egyptian Affair
Set in 1813, this tells the story of Captain Jack Dryden of the 14th Light Dragoons, who is drafted by the Prince Regent to find the person trying to kill him. Jack, it seems, has some experience as a spy.
To enable Jack mingle among the aristocrats so he can identify the Prince’s enemies, the Prince solicits the aid of Lady Daphne Chalmers, the oldest of Lord Sidworth’s daughters. Daphne is well connected and intelligent, but no beauty. Jack finds her very clever.
Together they embark on an investigation that leads them down some rabbit trails and in the process, Jack decides there is more to Lady Daphne than her mind, which ain’t so bad either. And, there is one person who wants Jack dead, which makes for some exciting scenes toward the end.
I loved their banter and the look at Regency Society Bolen so accurately paints. There are lots of historic figures populating the story and a candid look at the infidelity that was rife in the Regency among the higher classes.
It’s a well-researched, thoroughly enjoyable, sweet read.
The Regent Mysteries Series:
With His Lady’s Assistance
A Most Discreet Inquiry
The Theft Before Christmas
An Egyptian Affair
February 8, 2017
I knew that, starting this book, I needed a few free hours so I had the chance to finish it in one sitting. It didn't quite work out like that but every free minute, let me tell you!
I wanted to get into lady spies novels for some time now - actually, I was fine with regency spy novels, this one being a lady was just a bonus.
So, I had certain expectations. Some were met. Some were disappointed.
I loved the trust Jack placed in Daphne, definitely. In some ways unexpected. I really had expected him to lead the investigation and her answering all his questions. It seemed more like the other way round. She was the leader of the entire thing and he had to do her bidding, so, unlike the title suggests, it is all happening With Her Captain's Assistance.
Big. Thumb. Up.
The romance didn't come short, lucky me. I didn't quite like how she lost confidence at some point, but it all worked out - I'm not spoilering anyone by saying that, am I?
I wanted to get into lady spies novels for some time now - actually, I was fine with regency spy novels, this one being a lady was just a bonus.
So, I had certain expectations. Some were met. Some were disappointed.
I loved the trust Jack placed in Daphne, definitely. In some ways unexpected. I really had expected him to lead the investigation and her answering all his questions. It seemed more like the other way round. She was the leader of the entire thing and he had to do her bidding, so, unlike the title suggests, it is all happening With Her Captain's Assistance.
Big. Thumb. Up.
The romance didn't come short, lucky me. I didn't quite like how she lost confidence at some point, but it all worked out - I'm not spoilering anyone by saying that, am I?
March 24, 2012
To help him mingle in the highest echelons of English society to investigate threats on the Prince Regent's life, super spy Captain Jack Dryden must feign an engagement to the exceedingly plain spinster, Lady Daphne Chalmers. Together they embark on an investigation which brings them into grave peril – and makes the captain reevaluate the skinny maiden who has a most amorous effect upon him.
The plot line has some basis in history, but is VERY LOOSELY incorporated, especially the parts that deal with the personal aspects of Prinny's life. The thing that saves this story line is the humor and how Lady Daphne totally befuddles Captain Jack.
The plot line has some basis in history, but is VERY LOOSELY incorporated, especially the parts that deal with the personal aspects of Prinny's life. The thing that saves this story line is the humor and how Lady Daphne totally befuddles Captain Jack.
May 10, 2021
The f--- word is inexcusable in my estimation
Sorry, though there was no bad sexual content you ruined it for me with that abominable f ---word. And to me Captain Jack was too modest and should.have been given his own house and land along with being given the award of being an earl. Then He and Daphne could go on with there sluething. I was deflated with the end even though you intended to go on with the story it could have been a stand alone book with that ending . Just my opinion. Otherwise I enjoyed the mystery.
Sorry, though there was no bad sexual content you ruined it for me with that abominable f ---word. And to me Captain Jack was too modest and should.have been given his own house and land along with being given the award of being an earl. Then He and Daphne could go on with there sluething. I was deflated with the end even though you intended to go on with the story it could have been a stand alone book with that ending . Just my opinion. Otherwise I enjoyed the mystery.
July 28, 2013
This was on my wish list and on my last Amazon order I decided to give it a try. I am glad I did as it is very entertaining. There is great dialog, a good mystery and some romance. It is listed as a Humorous Regency Romance Mystery and it is. This is the first of a new series and I am waiting for A Most Discreet Inquiry, book 2 due out in August.
January 28, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved how Lady Daphne and Captain Jack Dryden both had moral values above the norm of the day, and fell in love with each other's intelligence, honor, and moral fiber over their looks. And then she became beautiful to him, and he "worthy" of her.
August 5, 2014
Despite other slightly blasé reviews, I genuinely liked this novel from start to finish. I found the characters endearing, and the mystery intriguing enough. I will most certainly be looking forward to reading the following books in this series. :)
February 5, 2012
More Regency Romance than a true mystery.
Both hero and heroine were cute.
She is a plain, spectacle wearing spinster.
He is a dashing spy.
No graphic details- clean romance.
Both hero and heroine were cute.
She is a plain, spectacle wearing spinster.
He is a dashing spy.
No graphic details- clean romance.
November 8, 2015
A very well written story. I admit I was gripped by the plot, as I love anything to do with Prinny. Lovely characters and a very nice balanced book. Very enjoyable read.
September 11, 2020
Fun overall, but...
This series of Regency mysteries is set up like a classic movie with a witty and competent couple who work together - and occasionally at odds - to solve a mystery (think Nick and Nora). Overall I enjoyed it, but like a movie it got kind of slapsticky and overwrought at the action-filled climax, which works a lot better on screen than on the page. What might have been funny to watch felt oddly paced and out of character when read.
I liked Jack and Daphne, and I like stories that continue after the couple is committed to each other rather than acting like all plot ends after the wedding, so I’ll try the next one to see if things get better or worse, especially in light of:
CW: casual racism
1. At least twice, people who are greatly in debt have gone so far as to borrow from “the Jews.” This isn’t elaborated on, there are no Jewish characters introduced, it’s just hanging out there as a thing people greatly in debt may be forced to do. It could so easily have been left out without changing anything about the story and yet there it was - at least twice, so you know it’s purposeful.
2. Jack, our hero, ends up having to deal with a cover story that our heroine, Daphne, made up for him. She decides that he owns a diamond mine in South Africa, a place and a business he knows little about. She also says he can speak Bantu and Hottentot, and twice he’s put in a position where he has to say something in Hottentot to people who don’t understand the language, so he just says what comes to mind. Once he says “Zulu” and the other time he says something I didn’t know at all. Again, this cover story could have been almost anything without changing the plot, so it feels weird and uncomfortable that it’s this. Even if I enjoy the series, I may need to stop before the book that’s set in Egypt.
This series of Regency mysteries is set up like a classic movie with a witty and competent couple who work together - and occasionally at odds - to solve a mystery (think Nick and Nora). Overall I enjoyed it, but like a movie it got kind of slapsticky and overwrought at the action-filled climax, which works a lot better on screen than on the page. What might have been funny to watch felt oddly paced and out of character when read.
I liked Jack and Daphne, and I like stories that continue after the couple is committed to each other rather than acting like all plot ends after the wedding, so I’ll try the next one to see if things get better or worse, especially in light of:
CW: casual racism
1. At least twice, people who are greatly in debt have gone so far as to borrow from “the Jews.” This isn’t elaborated on, there are no Jewish characters introduced, it’s just hanging out there as a thing people greatly in debt may be forced to do. It could so easily have been left out without changing anything about the story and yet there it was - at least twice, so you know it’s purposeful.
2. Jack, our hero, ends up having to deal with a cover story that our heroine, Daphne, made up for him. She decides that he owns a diamond mine in South Africa, a place and a business he knows little about. She also says he can speak Bantu and Hottentot, and twice he’s put in a position where he has to say something in Hottentot to people who don’t understand the language, so he just says what comes to mind. Once he says “Zulu” and the other time he says something I didn’t know at all. Again, this cover story could have been almost anything without changing the plot, so it feels weird and uncomfortable that it’s this. Even if I enjoy the series, I may need to stop before the book that’s set in Egypt.
July 26, 2019
A Rather Disappointing Read
I really wanted to like this book - I've read other series by Bolen and enjoyed them, but this was such a struggle that I almost quit reading halfway through. I did manage to finish it, but will not be continuing the series. First, the entire book was dialog heavy and repetitive. Daphne and Jack seemed almost childish in their interactions and their supposed relationship seemed nonexistent. I got physically angry after the tenth (or hundredth) mention of how 'unattractive ' Daphne was - both by herself and Jack. Her sudden want to be attractive seemed jarring and predictable. And even though I realize the true Princess Caroline was heavily overweight and lacked great hygiene - I again was rubbed the wrong way by how Jack mentioned it. The bit of mystery was not well executed and I wanted it solved solely so the story was over. The only reason I didn't rate the book lower is because Bolen did do excellent research of the time period and the real characters were well portrayed. I again wanted to love this book, but found it impossible.
I really wanted to like this book - I've read other series by Bolen and enjoyed them, but this was such a struggle that I almost quit reading halfway through. I did manage to finish it, but will not be continuing the series. First, the entire book was dialog heavy and repetitive. Daphne and Jack seemed almost childish in their interactions and their supposed relationship seemed nonexistent. I got physically angry after the tenth (or hundredth) mention of how 'unattractive ' Daphne was - both by herself and Jack. Her sudden want to be attractive seemed jarring and predictable. And even though I realize the true Princess Caroline was heavily overweight and lacked great hygiene - I again was rubbed the wrong way by how Jack mentioned it. The bit of mystery was not well executed and I wanted it solved solely so the story was over. The only reason I didn't rate the book lower is because Bolen did do excellent research of the time period and the real characters were well portrayed. I again wanted to love this book, but found it impossible.
November 23, 2021
Cheryl Bolen has combined mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance in one finely crafted story. Her witty banter between the characters and great detail will have you traversing recency London ballrooms, Hyde Park, as well and the docks.
Captain Jack Dryden, is the best spy and has been summoned by Prince Regent to investigate. He has a high moral character and only for spying does he allow fabrication to take place but still holding onto his morals.
Lady Daphne Chalmers, oldest daughter to Lord Sidworth. She is classified as a bluestocking spinster, friendly, confidant to many, and does not reveal gossip about it to anyone. She knows many and their secrets but is held in high esteem due to not telling what she knows.
These two traverse ballrooms, Almacks', and Carlton House investigating for the Prince to save England. Can they find the culprit before anyone is hurt? Will they foul the plot? As they eliminate suspects and add more time grows short.
This will be a great fun series that will have you hooked and waiting with baited breath for the next exciting adventure.
Captain Jack Dryden, is the best spy and has been summoned by Prince Regent to investigate. He has a high moral character and only for spying does he allow fabrication to take place but still holding onto his morals.
Lady Daphne Chalmers, oldest daughter to Lord Sidworth. She is classified as a bluestocking spinster, friendly, confidant to many, and does not reveal gossip about it to anyone. She knows many and their secrets but is held in high esteem due to not telling what she knows.
These two traverse ballrooms, Almacks', and Carlton House investigating for the Prince to save England. Can they find the culprit before anyone is hurt? Will they foul the plot? As they eliminate suspects and add more time grows short.
This will be a great fun series that will have you hooked and waiting with baited breath for the next exciting adventure.
July 15, 2022
So I see a lot of reviews here complaining about the “clean” romance with the lack of sex depictions between the two main character and how great their chemistry was, etc etc. Fine. These are all stylistic choices that are valid points to be discussed.
However.
Was no one bothered by the blatant fatphobia? Every time Jack had to go play up to Princess Caroline? About how just thinking about her “corpulent figure” made him want to vomit? How when he went to visit and she said she had been thinking about taking more frequent walks so that she wouldn’t lose her figure, his responses (to himself) are : “He refrained from telling her she had lost that a long time ago. His glance flitted over her. Some men--he consoled himself--were actually attracted to older women.”
This is disgusting. And for the author to couch it in Jack’s “devotion” to Daphne makes it even more so. It ruined his character for me for the rest of the book.
However.
Was no one bothered by the blatant fatphobia? Every time Jack had to go play up to Princess Caroline? About how just thinking about her “corpulent figure” made him want to vomit? How when he went to visit and she said she had been thinking about taking more frequent walks so that she wouldn’t lose her figure, his responses (to himself) are : “He refrained from telling her she had lost that a long time ago. His glance flitted over her. Some men--he consoled himself--were actually attracted to older women.”
This is disgusting. And for the author to couch it in Jack’s “devotion” to Daphne makes it even more so. It ruined his character for me for the rest of the book.
May 13, 2018
A Charming 3 1/2 Star Read.
Captain Jack Dryden, a master spy for England, is called back home by the Prince Regent to find out who has been making attempts on the Regent's life. Jack must assume an alias and has to rely on the Regent's suggestion of Lady Daphne Chalmers to aide him in his entry into society so he can covertly investigate them. Their subterfuge must remain a secret. He enters into a "faux" betrothal with Lady Daphne. The betrothal overjoys her parents as they didn't expect her to marry. Lady Daphne is a spinster, wears spectacles, is tall and very thin. Jack and Daphne working together is like "oil and water."
The storyline is believable, there are two engaging characters, witty dialogue, historical figures, mystery, adventure, and some laugh out loud moments which are all woven together in this charming regency romance. Good job Ms.Bolen.
Captain Jack Dryden, a master spy for England, is called back home by the Prince Regent to find out who has been making attempts on the Regent's life. Jack must assume an alias and has to rely on the Regent's suggestion of Lady Daphne Chalmers to aide him in his entry into society so he can covertly investigate them. Their subterfuge must remain a secret. He enters into a "faux" betrothal with Lady Daphne. The betrothal overjoys her parents as they didn't expect her to marry. Lady Daphne is a spinster, wears spectacles, is tall and very thin. Jack and Daphne working together is like "oil and water."
The storyline is believable, there are two engaging characters, witty dialogue, historical figures, mystery, adventure, and some laugh out loud moments which are all woven together in this charming regency romance. Good job Ms.Bolen.
May 23, 2018
Clean Recency romance with a touch of mystery
Captain Jack Dryden and Lady Daphne Chalmers are thrown together by the Prince Regent to solve the mystery of who has been making attempts on his life. As they research the possible suspects, The two fall deeply in love but how can a mere Captain in his majorities service hope to marry the daughter of an Earl? This was a wonderful story that kept me riveted throughout and I didn't miss the graphic love scenes that most romance books have at all. Jack was a wonderful and honorable hero and it was nice to have the heroine not be a beautiful paragon but an average looking intelligent woman. I had to admire Jack for seeing past her outwards appearance to the beautiful woman within. If you like clean romance with a touch of mystery, then this book will definitely fit the bill.
Captain Jack Dryden and Lady Daphne Chalmers are thrown together by the Prince Regent to solve the mystery of who has been making attempts on his life. As they research the possible suspects, The two fall deeply in love but how can a mere Captain in his majorities service hope to marry the daughter of an Earl? This was a wonderful story that kept me riveted throughout and I didn't miss the graphic love scenes that most romance books have at all. Jack was a wonderful and honorable hero and it was nice to have the heroine not be a beautiful paragon but an average looking intelligent woman. I had to admire Jack for seeing past her outwards appearance to the beautiful woman within. If you like clean romance with a touch of mystery, then this book will definitely fit the bill.
February 21, 2021
This Regency romance/mystery is top shelf because of author Cheryl Bolen's witty, and smart dialogues, peppered with great humor and depth. Master military spy Captain Jack Dryden has been summoned by the Prince Regent himself to infiltrate the ranks of the ton to find out who is trying to assassinate him. Because the captain is a mere commoner, the regent assigns him a young lady of great peer quality to familiarize the captain in the ways of the nobility. Trouble is Lady Daphne is nothing like the good captain was expecting. Tall, thin, bespectacled, spinster material, but she makes up for all of her shortcomings with the brilliance of her mind and intellect. What a romp through a group of colorful suspects with the eccentric Lady Daphne leading the way! Entertainment at its best. Read carefully. You don't want to miss all of the clever dialogue.
January 20, 2021
If you enjoy historical romance with a mystery to solve, you'll like With His Lady's Assistance by Cheryl Bolen. It is London 1813. Someone is planning to kill the Prince Regent. The Prince Regent summons Army Captain Jack Dryden of the 14th Light Dragons to use his skills as a spy to discover who it is. Since Jack is socially inferior due to his common birth, Lady Daphne Chalmers is called upon to help him infiltrate the ton. Daphne becomes Jack's fake fiance and they begin to work as a team. Both main characters are strong, brave, and loyal to the British monarch. But since they are also human, their relationship begins to change. This book is an entertaining escape back in history!
May 29, 2018
Historical English romance set around the unraveling of death threats against the Prince Regent's life where a military fellow with the help of an older single society lady find the truth.
The war spy Captain Jack Dryden with the help of Lady Daphne Chalmers find out who is threatening the Prince's life, but not without lots of dead ends and wrong suspects. There are some funny moments, but Jack and Daphne's banter is sweetly romantic with some subtly.
Perhaps too many death threats in the story, but well written. Probably a series, but my TBR list is too long as it is.
351 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
The war spy Captain Jack Dryden with the help of Lady Daphne Chalmers find out who is threatening the Prince's life, but not without lots of dead ends and wrong suspects. There are some funny moments, but Jack and Daphne's banter is sweetly romantic with some subtly.
Perhaps too many death threats in the story, but well written. Probably a series, but my TBR list is too long as it is.
351 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
December 31, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up. Captain Jack is a brilliant spy, but not comfortable with the haut ton. Then he is ordered in to a partnership of sorts with Lady Daphne. Lady Daphne had amazing perspicacity. She is immediately attracted to Jack, but he resists due to their different stations. The mystery is good and takes a bit to solve. It took second place to their relationship problems. There is profanity. Also though there is considerable talking about it, no steaminess takes place on the page.
Although the mystery is solved there are several unanswered questions which may be answered in forthcoming books. Altogether it was not a satisfying book.
Although the mystery is solved there are several unanswered questions which may be answered in forthcoming books. Altogether it was not a satisfying book.
February 12, 2021
The Captain and the Lady
When Capt. Jack Dryden is recalled from the peninsular war to a meeting with the Prince Regent, he has no idea what the problem might be. Much to his surprise, someone has tried twice to kill the Regent! Jack has been sent because he is the best spy in the Army. He'll need to be able to navigate the ton, so he is offered the help of an extraordinary lady, Daphne, to assist him. Since secrecy is of utmost importance, she must have the ability to maintain silence.
You'll love this unexpected mystery and romance as Jack and Daphne match each others wits as the perfect undercover duo.
When Capt. Jack Dryden is recalled from the peninsular war to a meeting with the Prince Regent, he has no idea what the problem might be. Much to his surprise, someone has tried twice to kill the Regent! Jack has been sent because he is the best spy in the Army. He'll need to be able to navigate the ton, so he is offered the help of an extraordinary lady, Daphne, to assist him. Since secrecy is of utmost importance, she must have the ability to maintain silence.
You'll love this unexpected mystery and romance as Jack and Daphne match each others wits as the perfect undercover duo.
February 19, 2021
This is a first in a series and I wil read on.. Capt Jack Dryden is England's super spy so when an attempt is made on the regent's life he is called to lead the investigation. A second sone , he is not familiar with the ton or its members so Prinny solicits Daphne Chalmers to introduce him and provide background on the possible suspects. Jack and Daphne decide to fake an engagement so they can work together without suspicion. His spy skills coupled with her knowledge of the ton and on the spot
instinct take them to an adventure greater than expected. A thoroughly moral chap and a spitfire and intelligent woman do find love in an enjoyable story.
instinct take them to an adventure greater than expected. A thoroughly moral chap and a spitfire and intelligent woman do find love in an enjoyable story.
April 14, 2025
This book has a good storyline with humorous, likeable characters, however I am disappointed that it has been characterized as a sweet romance. In my opinion, sweet goes hand in hand with CLEAN. This book is NOT CLEAN! While there is no sex, there are parts where they talk about the anatomy in ways that you would not discuss in a CLEAN book, i.e. the woman was virginal, so she did not understand how the male's private part changed when aroused. Also, there was a couple of F-bombs used as verbs. If one chooses to read this kind of material, that's one thing, but for those that are expecting sweet, that is false advertising. Setting all of this aside, over-all, it was a good book.
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