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The Jordans #1
The Secrets of A Lady
Audrey Jordan isn't your typical Regency lady. To escape unrequited feelings for her brother's best friend Griffin Berenger, she entered a life of a spy. But her current case has brought her back to the man she once loved and lost, a man who is now a broken widower. Audrey and her brother are stalking his neighbor, a man who may be plotting to kill the Prince. Staying in Griffin's home, Audrey is reminded of all the desires and feelings he once stirred in her. As for Griffin, he finds himself obsessed with Audrey, and driven to protect her even if it threatens her case. But as their desire for each other grows, the case Audrey and her brother are investigating heats up. And if she cannot arrest the blackguard in her sights, she may not live, let alone get to live happily ever after with the man of her dreams. 86,000 words
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2011
38 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Petersen
19 books229 followersJenna Petersen now writes historical romance exclusively as Jess Michaels. Please check out her self-published and Samhain publishing books here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jenna no longer supports her HarperCollins/Avon books due to price gouging and refusal to return author rights.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jenna no longer supports her HarperCollins/Avon books due to price gouging and refusal to return author rights.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 8, 2021
I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood or what.
But I found it hard to engage in the story or the characters.
The overall gist of the story line was fine, but maybe the way it was executed didn't work.
Found myself skimming about half of the book.
But I found it hard to engage in the story or the characters.
The overall gist of the story line was fine, but maybe the way it was executed didn't work.
Found myself skimming about half of the book.
October 12, 2011
Okay read did not like the way characters were shaped up,have read much good books by this author,this left me disappointed
September 2, 2011
3.75 stars!
Audrey Jordan is a spy. She helps her brother solve cases for the War Department. Though circumstances forced her into this line of duty she does love the thrill and challenge of it. She’s impulsive, stubborn and wears her heart on her sleeve. Audrey was a heroine I enjoyed reading a lot. Her love for Griffin was palpable but she was not willing to settle for anything less than him loving her back.
Griffin Berenger was a little more complicated but I loved him as the hero of this book. He’s controlled, protective and guarded with his emotions and trust after having a lying, deceitful wife. He tries so hard to stay away from Audrey because he’s convinced he cannot give her what she deserves: love. He thinks he has no love left to give as without trust there cannot be love and betrayal has made it hard for him to trust women claiming to love him.
THE SECRETS OF A LADY starts off very intriguingly as the prologue describes the Audrey being at the Griffin's (her brother's best friend and her childhood crush) wedding celebration. She gets drunk, kisses the newly married Griffin and getting caught by the wife. Drunken Audrey is escorted out the room by her brother and fade-out...
First chapter we've fast-forwarded 5 years and the scene opens with Audrey and her brother watching a now widowed Griffin at the cemetery, at his wife's grave. And this solves the married hero problem. I must admit I was a little worried after the prologue how the married thing was going to be solved. This was an adequate solution.
The romance between Griffin and Audrey was exquisitely done. It's an intricate love story, with its share of complicating factors. Risky decisions are made and the plot lands both Griffin and Audrey in some tricky situations and I liked that Jenna Petersen never let them take the easy, obvious road. They have to work for their HEA and I always like reading that as I’m not one to take the easy way with anything.
This historical romance is set in the early 19th century and the plot is centered on spies. Readers who don’t like historical spy romance (I know some) should not read this book as the major part of the plot centers on this trope. I enjoy historical spy romances when they are well done and I know from experience that Jenna Petersen does them well.
In THE SECRETS OF A LADY Audrey and her brother Noah are after the mastermind of a plan to kill the Prince Regent and they need Griffin's help to get close to one of the traitors. So the villain is known and the plot revolves around catching him and bringing him to justice before he can execute his evil plans. Petersen doesn't go easy on her main characters and her villains are so utterly evil you hate them as much as the main characters do yet she never takes them truly over the top. She does end them in horrible yet deserved ways and this particular villain suffered that same fate.
I loved the insertion of the secondary characters in the story and their roles in the plot and the romance. There are enough secondary characters to make the book more plot-driven than character-driven yet they never take the focus away from Audrey and Griffin, if anything they complement them perfectly. I especially loved the bond between Audrey and Noah. Noah was a great brother, protective but not smothering her.
I really like Jenna Petersen's historicals and THE SECRETS OF A LADY was no exception. Her writing is fluent and fast-paced, mixing the spy stuff and the romance nicely together, she does a great job of balancing them in a way that neither takes the upper hand, yet they're both strong elements in the book. Especially the second half kept me turning the pages quicker and quicker as to find out what would happen next.
In fewer than 200 pages Jenna Petersen penned a well-rounded story and gave me characters with depth to them. A story of betrayal in different forms, a deeply rooted love and a happy end that resonated with me because of the battle fought to get to it. So another win in my book for Jenna Petersen and I am ready for the next in this trilogy, brother Nathan.
Memorable Scenes:
- The first kiss between Griffin and Audrey (not the one in the prologue) > this gave a perfect little taste of what to expect from the love scenes.
- The scene where Griffin explains to Audrey about his marriage > emotionally gripping
Audrey Jordan is a spy. She helps her brother solve cases for the War Department. Though circumstances forced her into this line of duty she does love the thrill and challenge of it. She’s impulsive, stubborn and wears her heart on her sleeve. Audrey was a heroine I enjoyed reading a lot. Her love for Griffin was palpable but she was not willing to settle for anything less than him loving her back.
Griffin Berenger was a little more complicated but I loved him as the hero of this book. He’s controlled, protective and guarded with his emotions and trust after having a lying, deceitful wife. He tries so hard to stay away from Audrey because he’s convinced he cannot give her what she deserves: love. He thinks he has no love left to give as without trust there cannot be love and betrayal has made it hard for him to trust women claiming to love him.
THE SECRETS OF A LADY starts off very intriguingly as the prologue describes the Audrey being at the Griffin's (her brother's best friend and her childhood crush) wedding celebration. She gets drunk, kisses the newly married Griffin and getting caught by the wife. Drunken Audrey is escorted out the room by her brother and fade-out...
First chapter we've fast-forwarded 5 years and the scene opens with Audrey and her brother watching a now widowed Griffin at the cemetery, at his wife's grave. And this solves the married hero problem. I must admit I was a little worried after the prologue how the married thing was going to be solved. This was an adequate solution.
The romance between Griffin and Audrey was exquisitely done. It's an intricate love story, with its share of complicating factors. Risky decisions are made and the plot lands both Griffin and Audrey in some tricky situations and I liked that Jenna Petersen never let them take the easy, obvious road. They have to work for their HEA and I always like reading that as I’m not one to take the easy way with anything.
This historical romance is set in the early 19th century and the plot is centered on spies. Readers who don’t like historical spy romance (I know some) should not read this book as the major part of the plot centers on this trope. I enjoy historical spy romances when they are well done and I know from experience that Jenna Petersen does them well.
In THE SECRETS OF A LADY Audrey and her brother Noah are after the mastermind of a plan to kill the Prince Regent and they need Griffin's help to get close to one of the traitors. So the villain is known and the plot revolves around catching him and bringing him to justice before he can execute his evil plans. Petersen doesn't go easy on her main characters and her villains are so utterly evil you hate them as much as the main characters do yet she never takes them truly over the top. She does end them in horrible yet deserved ways and this particular villain suffered that same fate.
I loved the insertion of the secondary characters in the story and their roles in the plot and the romance. There are enough secondary characters to make the book more plot-driven than character-driven yet they never take the focus away from Audrey and Griffin, if anything they complement them perfectly. I especially loved the bond between Audrey and Noah. Noah was a great brother, protective but not smothering her.
I really like Jenna Petersen's historicals and THE SECRETS OF A LADY was no exception. Her writing is fluent and fast-paced, mixing the spy stuff and the romance nicely together, she does a great job of balancing them in a way that neither takes the upper hand, yet they're both strong elements in the book. Especially the second half kept me turning the pages quicker and quicker as to find out what would happen next.
In fewer than 200 pages Jenna Petersen penned a well-rounded story and gave me characters with depth to them. A story of betrayal in different forms, a deeply rooted love and a happy end that resonated with me because of the battle fought to get to it. So another win in my book for Jenna Petersen and I am ready for the next in this trilogy, brother Nathan.
Favorite Quotes:
All she had to do was go into the room once Noah had convinced Griffin to help them. Oh, and keep herself from fainting with nervousness, and remember to breathe, and speak, and make an effort to appear calm. Just because she’d never been able to do any of those things near Griffin before…
Griffin settled into a chair beside the crackling fire and covered his face with his hands. What had he just done? No, he knew the answer to that question. He had opened Pandora’s Box and now it was too late to turn back.
“Audrey.”
Her name burned his lips as much as her kiss had five years before.
Blood raced hot in his veins and the evidence of her power over his body grew. He swelled against the barrier of his trousers after just her kiss.
His warm lips sent moist heat through her veins and turned her knees to water. It took all her willpower not to lean against him and beg him for more.
“Are you planning on explaining yourself, Griffin Berenger, or just dragging me back to your home like the puffed up, pompous…” she trailed off, trying to find the right word. “Brute that you are?”
August 20, 2014
Audrey Jordan has loved her brother’s best friend Griffin Berenger since she was a little girl. Once, she even kissed him. Too bad it was at his wedding to another woman! Five years later, Audrey works with her brother, Noah, as a spy for the War Department. Their latest assignment brings them back to Griffin’s townhouse in London which happens to be right next door to their latest target. Audrey has spent the last five years trying to forget her girlhood infatuation with Griffin Berenger and he has spent the last five years trying to hide the feelings stirred by Audrey Jordan’s kiss. Now that they are living under the same roof, will they be able to resist their mutual attraction?
Audrey is intelligent, determined, and sensible. As a spy, she’s learned to adapt well to new and difficult situations which serves her well in juggling the affections of her latest assignment (Mr. Ellison), her lingering and growing attraction to Griffin, and how best to succeed in her mission. When she’s thrust back into Griffin’s life, all of those traits she held as a child come bubbling to the surface – her stubborn streak comes out in full force and she makes some impulsive decisions which land her in trouble both physically and with Griffin. Despite her impulsiveness, she is also sensible enough to attempt creating a barrier between herself and Griffin in order to protect her fragile heart. She is open about her thoughts and feelings, but understands the many reasons why Griffin will never be interested in her and why she maintain a professional demeanor around him. Audrey is also confident enough in herself to know that she deserves love and refuses to settle for anything less.
Griffin was a little on the broody side, but this stems from a deep betrayal by his now-dead wife. As a result, he is distrustful of many of the people around him, unsure who did or did not know of his wife’s deceit. Griffin is decisive, sometimes forceful, and very protective of Audrey. He doesn’t like her dangerous involvement with the War Department, but also recognizes her desire for independence and respects those boundaries as best he can.
Audrey and Griffin’s love story is a complicated one, which makes for an interesting story. Not only do the spy story elements create dramatic situations, but the deep emotion Audrey and Griffin feel for one another in those situations adds an extra layer to the narrative.
I would have liked to see Audrey and Griffin’s relationship develop a little more. I also felt as if Audrey was under-utilized as a spy (a sentiment shared by Audrey a few times in the book). For this assignment, Audrey was essentially just bait – there to flirt and act the “pretty Miss,” but no real ‘spy’ work done; or at least not explained that way. The role seemed to work for this assignment, which is fine, but I would have appreciated references to other assignments that show off Audrey’s real abilities as a successful spy.
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] com
Audrey is intelligent, determined, and sensible. As a spy, she’s learned to adapt well to new and difficult situations which serves her well in juggling the affections of her latest assignment (Mr. Ellison), her lingering and growing attraction to Griffin, and how best to succeed in her mission. When she’s thrust back into Griffin’s life, all of those traits she held as a child come bubbling to the surface – her stubborn streak comes out in full force and she makes some impulsive decisions which land her in trouble both physically and with Griffin. Despite her impulsiveness, she is also sensible enough to attempt creating a barrier between herself and Griffin in order to protect her fragile heart. She is open about her thoughts and feelings, but understands the many reasons why Griffin will never be interested in her and why she maintain a professional demeanor around him. Audrey is also confident enough in herself to know that she deserves love and refuses to settle for anything less.
Griffin was a little on the broody side, but this stems from a deep betrayal by his now-dead wife. As a result, he is distrustful of many of the people around him, unsure who did or did not know of his wife’s deceit. Griffin is decisive, sometimes forceful, and very protective of Audrey. He doesn’t like her dangerous involvement with the War Department, but also recognizes her desire for independence and respects those boundaries as best he can.
Audrey and Griffin’s love story is a complicated one, which makes for an interesting story. Not only do the spy story elements create dramatic situations, but the deep emotion Audrey and Griffin feel for one another in those situations adds an extra layer to the narrative.
I would have liked to see Audrey and Griffin’s relationship develop a little more. I also felt as if Audrey was under-utilized as a spy (a sentiment shared by Audrey a few times in the book). For this assignment, Audrey was essentially just bait – there to flirt and act the “pretty Miss,” but no real ‘spy’ work done; or at least not explained that way. The role seemed to work for this assignment, which is fine, but I would have appreciated references to other assignments that show off Audrey’s real abilities as a successful spy.
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] com
August 20, 2014
Audrey Jordan has loved her brother’s best friend Griffin Berenger since she was a little girl. Once, she even kissed him. Too bad it was at his wedding to another woman! Five years later, Audrey works with her brother, Noah, as a spy for the War Department. Their latest assignment brings them back to Griffin’s townhouse in London which happens to be right next door to their latest target. Audrey has spent the last five years trying to forget her girlhood infatuation with Griffin Berenger and he has spent the last five years trying to hide the feelings stirred by Audrey Jordan’s kiss. Now that they are living under the same roof, will they be able to resist their mutual attraction?
Audrey is intelligent, determined, and sensible. As a spy, she’s learned to adapt well to new and difficult situations which serves her well in juggling the affections of her latest assignment (Mr. Ellison), her lingering and growing attraction to Griffin, and how best to succeed in her mission. When she’s thrust back into Griffin’s life, all of those traits she held as a child come bubbling to the surface – her stubborn streak comes out in full force and she makes some impulsive decisions which land her in trouble both physically and with Griffin. Despite her impulsiveness, she is also sensible enough to attempt creating a barrier between herself and Griffin in order to protect her fragile heart. She is open about her thoughts and feelings, but understands the many reasons why Griffin will never be interested in her and why she maintain a professional demeanor around him. Audrey is also confident enough in herself to know that she deserves love and refuses to settle for anything less.
Griffin was a little on the broody side, but this stems from a deep betrayal by his now-dead wife. As a result, he is distrustful of many of the people around him, unsure who did or did not know of his wife’s deceit. Griffin is decisive, sometimes forceful, and very protective of Audrey. He doesn’t like her dangerous involvement with the War Department, but also recognizes her desire for independence and respects those boundaries as best he can.
Audrey and Griffin’s love story is a complicated one, which makes for an interesting story. Not only do the spy story elements create dramatic situations, but the deep emotion Audrey and Griffin feel for one another in those situations adds an extra layer to the narrative.
I would have liked to see Audrey and Griffin’s relationship develop a little more. I also felt as if Audrey was under-utilized as a spy (a sentiment shared by Audrey a few times in the book). For this assignment, Audrey was essentially just bait – there to flirt and act the “pretty Miss,” but no real ‘spy’ work done; or at least not explained that way. The role seemed to work for this assignment, which is fine, but I would have appreciated references to other assignments that show off Audrey’s real abilities as a successful spy.
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] com
Audrey is intelligent, determined, and sensible. As a spy, she’s learned to adapt well to new and difficult situations which serves her well in juggling the affections of her latest assignment (Mr. Ellison), her lingering and growing attraction to Griffin, and how best to succeed in her mission. When she’s thrust back into Griffin’s life, all of those traits she held as a child come bubbling to the surface – her stubborn streak comes out in full force and she makes some impulsive decisions which land her in trouble both physically and with Griffin. Despite her impulsiveness, she is also sensible enough to attempt creating a barrier between herself and Griffin in order to protect her fragile heart. She is open about her thoughts and feelings, but understands the many reasons why Griffin will never be interested in her and why she maintain a professional demeanor around him. Audrey is also confident enough in herself to know that she deserves love and refuses to settle for anything less.
Griffin was a little on the broody side, but this stems from a deep betrayal by his now-dead wife. As a result, he is distrustful of many of the people around him, unsure who did or did not know of his wife’s deceit. Griffin is decisive, sometimes forceful, and very protective of Audrey. He doesn’t like her dangerous involvement with the War Department, but also recognizes her desire for independence and respects those boundaries as best he can.
Audrey and Griffin’s love story is a complicated one, which makes for an interesting story. Not only do the spy story elements create dramatic situations, but the deep emotion Audrey and Griffin feel for one another in those situations adds an extra layer to the narrative.
I would have liked to see Audrey and Griffin’s relationship develop a little more. I also felt as if Audrey was under-utilized as a spy (a sentiment shared by Audrey a few times in the book). For this assignment, Audrey was essentially just bait – there to flirt and act the “pretty Miss,” but no real ‘spy’ work done; or at least not explained that way. The role seemed to work for this assignment, which is fine, but I would have appreciated references to other assignments that show off Audrey’s real abilities as a successful spy.
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] com
June 5, 2012
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I have always been a big fan of Jenna Petersen's work and The Secrets of a Lady does not disappoint. This book was very reminiscent of Jenna's previous Lady Spy series which I just adored.
Audrey Jordan has always been in love with her brothers best friend Griffin Berenger. In attempt to forget her feelings for Griffin who has just married, Audrey decides to leave London and become a spy for the Crown with her brother. Now five years later, both Audrey and her brother are back in London working on a case to thwart an assassination attempt on the Prince and they need Griffin's help. Audrey and her brother have reason to suspect Griffin's neighbor of being part of the attempt and wish to be close to him so they can watch him. In an attempt to help both Audrey and her brother, Griffin opens up his London home to them both. Griffin, now a widower is still trying to get over all of the pain and regret from his marriage. He finds it hard to trust women, but finds himself battling feelings of desire for Audrey and wants nothing but to protect her from the case she is working on.
Audrey is not your typical English lady even before she became a spy. She is feisty and feels that she can take care of herself. I liked that she was also vulnerable and open about her thoughts and feelings. She also cares very deeply about the ones that she is close to.
With Griffin, even though he is slight grumpy at times it's totally understandable. We are able to see him battle the demons his late wife created in him. He has many issues with trust in the beginning of the book because of her and it's great to see him conquer them and become the man he was before her. He is very protective of Audrey and I loved it. Even if he wasn't aware of his feelings for Audrey, as the reader I was able to see them.
I really liked this book and I thoroughly enjoyed Griffin and Audrey together. I think they both balance each other out well and that the sparks between them were electric. I can't wait to see what's in-store for Audrey's brother Noah in the next book.
**ARC copy provided by author**
I have always been a big fan of Jenna Petersen's work and The Secrets of a Lady does not disappoint. This book was very reminiscent of Jenna's previous Lady Spy series which I just adored.
Audrey Jordan has always been in love with her brothers best friend Griffin Berenger. In attempt to forget her feelings for Griffin who has just married, Audrey decides to leave London and become a spy for the Crown with her brother. Now five years later, both Audrey and her brother are back in London working on a case to thwart an assassination attempt on the Prince and they need Griffin's help. Audrey and her brother have reason to suspect Griffin's neighbor of being part of the attempt and wish to be close to him so they can watch him. In an attempt to help both Audrey and her brother, Griffin opens up his London home to them both. Griffin, now a widower is still trying to get over all of the pain and regret from his marriage. He finds it hard to trust women, but finds himself battling feelings of desire for Audrey and wants nothing but to protect her from the case she is working on.
Audrey is not your typical English lady even before she became a spy. She is feisty and feels that she can take care of herself. I liked that she was also vulnerable and open about her thoughts and feelings. She also cares very deeply about the ones that she is close to.
With Griffin, even though he is slight grumpy at times it's totally understandable. We are able to see him battle the demons his late wife created in him. He has many issues with trust in the beginning of the book because of her and it's great to see him conquer them and become the man he was before her. He is very protective of Audrey and I loved it. Even if he wasn't aware of his feelings for Audrey, as the reader I was able to see them.
I really liked this book and I thoroughly enjoyed Griffin and Audrey together. I think they both balance each other out well and that the sparks between them were electric. I can't wait to see what's in-store for Audrey's brother Noah in the next book.
**ARC copy provided by author**
June 26, 2012
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started reading this, but I presumed it to be a romance novel, and when starting, the time period was listed as the Jane Austen era, basically. What came next was more of a surprise. A spy story!
The novel begins with Audrey Jordan getting drunk at the wedding of her childhood crush, Griffin Berenger. She kisses him, and his newly wedded wife swears vengeance. Some years later, the wife is a late wife and Griffin is alone. Meanwhile, Audrey has been with her brother learing to be a spy. And they need Griffin's help.
One of Griffin's neighbours is a creepy man plotting to kill the Prince Regent. To get closer to him and his plots, Audrey puts up with his sleazy wooing. Audrey and her brother move in with Griffin to keep an eye on the creepy neighbour / would-be suitor. To Griffin's surprise, he finds himself more and more concerned about Audrey's safety, and ... kissing her ...
I rather enjoyed this novel, I have to say. It was well-paced, interesting to find out what was going to happen, good use of sexual tension, and I really liked the characters. Well, aside from Mr. Creepy Sleazebag, that is. Eww, he made my skin crawl. Which in turn is something I applaud the author for - great characterisation!
How and if ladies actually did spying back in them days, I wouldn't know. They might have done. To read about a young woman who is some kind of 19th Century Ros or Ruth is entertaining, though. Not sure about the sex, because it felt a bit too ... unchaste for the times, but it was done in the right way. So to speak.
If you like a bit of excitement and adventure and a bit of danger in your historical romances, this is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next two novels in The Jordans series, which have already been released. Or at least one has and the third one is on the way. :)
Either way, there's nothing much to comment on (aside from one use of the Americanised "scotch" instead of "whisky" somewhere near the beginning), but it sure made my train journey to London and back seem a lot shorter than it was. 4 out of 5 wooden boxes.
The novel begins with Audrey Jordan getting drunk at the wedding of her childhood crush, Griffin Berenger. She kisses him, and his newly wedded wife swears vengeance. Some years later, the wife is a late wife and Griffin is alone. Meanwhile, Audrey has been with her brother learing to be a spy. And they need Griffin's help.
One of Griffin's neighbours is a creepy man plotting to kill the Prince Regent. To get closer to him and his plots, Audrey puts up with his sleazy wooing. Audrey and her brother move in with Griffin to keep an eye on the creepy neighbour / would-be suitor. To Griffin's surprise, he finds himself more and more concerned about Audrey's safety, and ... kissing her ...
I rather enjoyed this novel, I have to say. It was well-paced, interesting to find out what was going to happen, good use of sexual tension, and I really liked the characters. Well, aside from Mr. Creepy Sleazebag, that is. Eww, he made my skin crawl. Which in turn is something I applaud the author for - great characterisation!
How and if ladies actually did spying back in them days, I wouldn't know. They might have done. To read about a young woman who is some kind of 19th Century Ros or Ruth is entertaining, though. Not sure about the sex, because it felt a bit too ... unchaste for the times, but it was done in the right way. So to speak.
If you like a bit of excitement and adventure and a bit of danger in your historical romances, this is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next two novels in The Jordans series, which have already been released. Or at least one has and the third one is on the way. :)
Either way, there's nothing much to comment on (aside from one use of the Americanised "scotch" instead of "whisky" somewhere near the beginning), but it sure made my train journey to London and back seem a lot shorter than it was. 4 out of 5 wooden boxes.
August 7, 2011
With the exciting backdrop of post-Napoleonic Wars England, Audrey and Griffin come together and sparks fly as Audrey tries desperately to prove herself in her brother Noah's world of espionage.
Sometimes, I've found, the whole spy aspect of these romances can become too much for me. They can draw attention away from the love story unfolding. This didn't happen at all in the story Petersen shares. The romance is full of heated kisses and a push and pull that leaves you on edge, hoping they just drop their doubts and self-imposed hindrances and make out! And that they do!
I fell in love with Griffin's driving need to see Audrey safe and secure, and preferably with him, instead of the antagonist. The antagonist- Douglas Ellison - is a slimy, filthy character bent on assassination and sending England back into turmoil and treachery, all the while courting Audrey.
Noah Jordan and his sister Audrey are bound and determined to set things right and see Ellison in jail. They need to set up camp near the assassin, so they might find out who else is in on the deadly plot... and Griffin's London house just so happens to be neighbors to Ellison's.
Reeling from a failed marriage & the untimely death of a despicable wife, Griffin agrees to house the brother-and-sister spies. He has to endure watching the woman whose kiss five years before sent his world upside down, play at being enamored of a wretch like Douglas Ellison, and he's finding it quite hard, indeed.
Thoughts of Audrey's drunken kiss five years before have been haunting him ever since, and he's bound and determined not to let another liar like his wife into his heart, but Audrey isn't like Luci. No, she's more wholesome. She's everything he's ever dreamed or hoped to have, in fact, and she's letting herself be the object of the cad Ellison's affections.
It's a wonderful love story, and I can't wait to read the rest in the series!
This book is set for publication in September, and its companions will be published in October and November.
Sometimes, I've found, the whole spy aspect of these romances can become too much for me. They can draw attention away from the love story unfolding. This didn't happen at all in the story Petersen shares. The romance is full of heated kisses and a push and pull that leaves you on edge, hoping they just drop their doubts and self-imposed hindrances and make out! And that they do!
I fell in love with Griffin's driving need to see Audrey safe and secure, and preferably with him, instead of the antagonist. The antagonist- Douglas Ellison - is a slimy, filthy character bent on assassination and sending England back into turmoil and treachery, all the while courting Audrey.
Noah Jordan and his sister Audrey are bound and determined to set things right and see Ellison in jail. They need to set up camp near the assassin, so they might find out who else is in on the deadly plot... and Griffin's London house just so happens to be neighbors to Ellison's.
Reeling from a failed marriage & the untimely death of a despicable wife, Griffin agrees to house the brother-and-sister spies. He has to endure watching the woman whose kiss five years before sent his world upside down, play at being enamored of a wretch like Douglas Ellison, and he's finding it quite hard, indeed.
Thoughts of Audrey's drunken kiss five years before have been haunting him ever since, and he's bound and determined not to let another liar like his wife into his heart, but Audrey isn't like Luci. No, she's more wholesome. She's everything he's ever dreamed or hoped to have, in fact, and she's letting herself be the object of the cad Ellison's affections.
It's a wonderful love story, and I can't wait to read the rest in the series!
This book is set for publication in September, and its companions will be published in October and November.
September 13, 2016
Originally reviewed for: Historical Romance Lover blog
The story opens with Audrey Jordan getting drunk because the man she loves, Griffin Berenger, is getting married to someone else. Shortly after the I dos, Audrey finds Griffin in his study and kisses him. Unfortunately, Griffin's new wife catches them and vows vengeance against Audrey.
Audrey tries to go on with her life, but Griffin's wife makes her life miserable during the season and Audrey decides to join her brother as a spy for the Crown.
Several years later, Audrey and her brother are on a case and ask Griffin if they can use his townhouse to get closer to a suspect that is plotting to kill the Prince Regent.
Unknown to Audrey, Griffin has been thinking about that kiss since the day that it happened and while they are living with him can think of nothing but doing it again! Audrey has tried to get on with her life, but living with Griffin has brought back all her old feelings for him.
Unfortunately, Audrey's undercover work has her being courted by the creepy neighbor who is behind the plot to kill the Prince Regent. Griffin has a hard time keeping his jealously from showing and that might just blow the undercover work that Audrey is doing!
Fortunately, between being courted by another man and trying to find evidence to convict him Audrey and Griffin find a way to reconnect themselves.
I really liked this book because of the added element of the spying. I've read several books where the male lead is a spy, but very few where the heroine is the one doing the spying. So along with the historical romance of the story you get an spy novel too.
The story opens with Audrey Jordan getting drunk because the man she loves, Griffin Berenger, is getting married to someone else. Shortly after the I dos, Audrey finds Griffin in his study and kisses him. Unfortunately, Griffin's new wife catches them and vows vengeance against Audrey.
Audrey tries to go on with her life, but Griffin's wife makes her life miserable during the season and Audrey decides to join her brother as a spy for the Crown.
Several years later, Audrey and her brother are on a case and ask Griffin if they can use his townhouse to get closer to a suspect that is plotting to kill the Prince Regent.
Unknown to Audrey, Griffin has been thinking about that kiss since the day that it happened and while they are living with him can think of nothing but doing it again! Audrey has tried to get on with her life, but living with Griffin has brought back all her old feelings for him.
Unfortunately, Audrey's undercover work has her being courted by the creepy neighbor who is behind the plot to kill the Prince Regent. Griffin has a hard time keeping his jealously from showing and that might just blow the undercover work that Audrey is doing!
Fortunately, between being courted by another man and trying to find evidence to convict him Audrey and Griffin find a way to reconnect themselves.
I really liked this book because of the added element of the spying. I've read several books where the male lead is a spy, but very few where the heroine is the one doing the spying. So along with the historical romance of the story you get an spy novel too.
August 23, 2014
I really dislike not being able to give a favorite author at least a four star review. While Jess/Jenna put a spin on the time old scenario of "young woman is supposed to marry a man she doesn't love because she can't have the one she does and she does something outrageous to get out of it" by having the heroine run off to the Continent with her brother and begin training as a spy, I just couldn't love this book. Audrey has loved Griffin almost her entire life and drunkenly confesses her love on his wedding day and gets caught kissing him by his new wife. Scandal is barely avoided. Flash forward 5 years and Griffin in now a widower who's gun shy about love. Audrey has trained to be a spy and needs Griffin's help to catch a treasonous neighbor. Conflict ensues about her being capable as well as her tactics used to bringing the traitor to justice. The back and forth arguments about her tactics were drawn out and became tiresome. I tried liking both characters who have good qualities, like Audrey's determination and Griffin's need to protect Audrey, but I felt they could have worked more together toward the goal of arresting the neighbor, who is conveniently courting Audrey. Instead, it felt like all they did was argue and work against each other. I did like Audrey's brother, Noah, and fellow spy, Hannah, and would have liked to see more of her character. I plan on reading the remaining books in the series and hope I can connect better with the characters in those books more so than I did with Audrey and Griffin.
August 25, 2014
I really dislike not being able to give a favorite author at least a four star review. While Jess/Jenna put a spin on the time old scenario of "young woman is supposed to marry a man she doesn't love because she can't have the one she does and she does something outrageous to get out of it" by having the heroine run off to the Continent with her brother and begin training as a spy, I just couldn't love this book. Audrey has loved Griffin almost her entire life and drunkenly confesses her love on his wedding day and gets caught kissing him by his new wife. Scandal is barely avoided. Flash forward 5 years and Griffin in now a widower who's gun shy about love. Audrey has trained to be a spy and needs Griffin's help to catch a treasonous neighbor. Conflict ensues about her being capable as well as her tactics used to bringing the traitor to justice. The back and forth arguments about her tactics were drawn out and became tiresome. I tried liking both characters who have good qualities, like Audrey's determination and Griffin's need to protect Audrey, but I felt they could have worked more together toward the goal of arresting the neighbor, who is conveniently courting Audrey. Instead, it felt like all they did was argue and work against each other. I did like Audrey's brother, Noah, and fellow spy, Hannah, and would have liked to see more of her character. I plan on reading the remaining books in the series and hope I can connect better with the characters in those books more so than I did with Audrey and Griffin.
August 30, 2014
Intrigue and tension galore.
This book was a delightful and refreshing departure from the usual spy regencies I’m used to reading. Yes, there might have been some unrealistic scenarios, but I found myself immediately drawn to the conflict, and sensual tension between Audrey Jordon and Griffin Berenger. Ms. Petersen does a wonderful job of playing up one of my favorite tropes: forbidden love.
Audrey places a drunken kiss on her brother’s best chum on his wedding day. She’s been in love with him for some time, and has a great deal of difficulty accepting the fact that he’s no longer available. Griffin’s new wife who is hussy and a half, catches the kiss, and drags the scandal on, until she passes on five years later while pregnant.
Griffin and Audrey meet again, while her brother Noah is doing some investigative work for the crown. Much to Audrey’s surprise, her affection to Griffin is rekindled, and when admits his own attraction to her things go awry.
Be prepared to develop a huge disdain for this books protagonist. He’s such pompous arse it isn’t funny.
Overall this book was a great read, and if you haven’t read any of Jenna Petersen’s/Jess Michaels books, consider this my endorsement on the matter. I look forward to reading the rest of this series
This book was a delightful and refreshing departure from the usual spy regencies I’m used to reading. Yes, there might have been some unrealistic scenarios, but I found myself immediately drawn to the conflict, and sensual tension between Audrey Jordon and Griffin Berenger. Ms. Petersen does a wonderful job of playing up one of my favorite tropes: forbidden love.
Audrey places a drunken kiss on her brother’s best chum on his wedding day. She’s been in love with him for some time, and has a great deal of difficulty accepting the fact that he’s no longer available. Griffin’s new wife who is hussy and a half, catches the kiss, and drags the scandal on, until she passes on five years later while pregnant.
Griffin and Audrey meet again, while her brother Noah is doing some investigative work for the crown. Much to Audrey’s surprise, her affection to Griffin is rekindled, and when admits his own attraction to her things go awry.
Be prepared to develop a huge disdain for this books protagonist. He’s such pompous arse it isn’t funny.
Overall this book was a great read, and if you haven’t read any of Jenna Petersen’s/Jess Michaels books, consider this my endorsement on the matter. I look forward to reading the rest of this series
July 8, 2013
I thought it was a good book. I wish that they focused a bit more on griffin and Audrey's relationship. What I mean is that he seems to have suddenly loved her forever, but I didn't really see it. I got that he loved her but there was no real build up in their relationship. They just seemed to be all of each other the moment they met.
I also had issue with Audrey as a spy. I didn't really feel like she could take care of herself. For example when Audrey is in the garden with Ellison, I was trying to figure out how was she trained in any way. She gets alone with him and freaks and goes limp. Maybe if they explained how her training couldn't help her, but I just didn't see any evidence of Audrey being a spy.
I also wished that they didn't rush the climax of the book. I though the whole bad guys plot was rushed at the end and I never really felt like we got a satisfactory ending as to the bad guys, who they were and what happened.
That being said I did enjoy the book. it was fun. I just thought it could be better.
I also had issue with Audrey as a spy. I didn't really feel like she could take care of herself. For example when Audrey is in the garden with Ellison, I was trying to figure out how was she trained in any way. She gets alone with him and freaks and goes limp. Maybe if they explained how her training couldn't help her, but I just didn't see any evidence of Audrey being a spy.
I also wished that they didn't rush the climax of the book. I though the whole bad guys plot was rushed at the end and I never really felt like we got a satisfactory ending as to the bad guys, who they were and what happened.
That being said I did enjoy the book. it was fun. I just thought it could be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2012
Good writing but way too melodramatic. Both the hero and heroine were stubborn to the point of idiocy. For spies (at least the heorine), they were not all that intelligent (or even appear to possess common sense). They made rash and irrational decisions at every turn, and didn't seem to have think through their decisions at all. Audrey, the heroine, was trying to glean information out of a suspected traitor and yet she was blasse about it, believing that she can handle him and frequently allowing herself to be put in to a disadvantaged position. The hero was overprotective, possessive and jealous. He didn't understand her job. Yes, she was stubborn and not all that bright, but instead of ranting and raving at her, he could have chosen other ways to help her. Nope, not impressed at all with either character.
Ultimately, I wasn't convinced that Audrey and Griffin loved each other and could live happily ever after. I wasn't even convinced they had a healthy relationship.
I usually love Jenna Petersen's work, but I'm quite disappointed with this one.
Ultimately, I wasn't convinced that Audrey and Griffin loved each other and could live happily ever after. I wasn't even convinced they had a healthy relationship.
I usually love Jenna Petersen's work, but I'm quite disappointed with this one.
June 17, 2013
I enjoyed the action of this novel but thought the relationship part was just too melodramatic and underdeveloped for my taste. My other problem with the book is that I didn't get a sense of the seasoned trained spy that Audrey was supposed to be. Otherwise, I did enjoy the dynamic between Audrey and her brother, Noah as well as Griffin.
August 30, 2016
For $2.99 this was a good book! Enjoyed the "dance" of Griffin and Audrey. A five year growing/unrequited love period. Spy story wasn't very good but I could overlook in favor of the romance.
November 20, 2014
Decent book with an interesting plot, but I didn't fall in love with the characters and Griffin, the hero, was kind of a dumbass.
March 21, 2014
3.5 stars
November 2, 2015
2015 reading challenge - a trilogy (book 1)
August 16, 2016
Rated 3.5
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