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The Gentleman Spy Mysteries #4
The Spy's Daughter
The fourth and final book in the darkly romantic Gentleman Spy Mysteries.
Emily March, the illegitimate daughter of Sir Henry March, has all she bountiful wealth, ample beauty, and abundant talent. But will this be enough to secure the one thing she truly a loving marriage and her own family? However, it’s not her illegitimacy that stands in her way, but a mystery her father—an agent of the crown—has never been able to solve.
Max Warthon has twice rescued Emily from the machinations of his sinister grandfather, the Earl of Warthon, enemy of Sir Henry. Max knows that getting too close to his daughter will lead to certain peril, but he cannot resist her. Played out in front of London’s high society, their whirlwind romance attracts everyone's attention — and raises the ire of the Earl.
With old secrets standing in their way, will Emily and Max be able to unravel the mystery of an ancient hatred and unmask the true enemy? Their happiness and their lives depend on it.
Emily March, the illegitimate daughter of Sir Henry March, has all she bountiful wealth, ample beauty, and abundant talent. But will this be enough to secure the one thing she truly a loving marriage and her own family? However, it’s not her illegitimacy that stands in her way, but a mystery her father—an agent of the crown—has never been able to solve.
Max Warthon has twice rescued Emily from the machinations of his sinister grandfather, the Earl of Warthon, enemy of Sir Henry. Max knows that getting too close to his daughter will lead to certain peril, but he cannot resist her. Played out in front of London’s high society, their whirlwind romance attracts everyone's attention — and raises the ire of the Earl.
With old secrets standing in their way, will Emily and Max be able to unravel the mystery of an ancient hatred and unmask the true enemy? Their happiness and their lives depend on it.
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2023
10 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Bianca M. Schwarz
9 books113 followers Bianca M. Schwarz is the author of The Gentleman Spy Mysteries: THE INNKEEPER’S DAUGHTER, THE GENTLEMAN’S DAUGHTER, THE MEMORY OF HER and THE SPY’S DAUGHTER.
THE MISSING BARONESS is the first book in the INCONVENIENT HEIRS series.
She was born in Germany, holds a degree in English Literature from the University Of North London and now makes her home in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband and son.
When she is not writing, Bianca makes it her mission to recognize the beauty in this world and takes photographs of things that inspire her.
THE MISSING BARONESS is the first book in the INCONVENIENT HEIRS series.
She was born in Germany, holds a degree in English Literature from the University Of North London and now makes her home in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband and son.
When she is not writing, Bianca makes it her mission to recognize the beauty in this world and takes photographs of things that inspire her.
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August 26, 2023
Dark Knights!
This last in the Gentleman Spy series is alive with danger, love and doing the right thing.
Maximilian Warthon, Lord Didcomb, grandson of the vicious and debauched Earl of Warthhon, has distanced himself from the wrongs of the ancient brotherhood, The Knights, but hasn’t cut the ties. Instead, he’s taken the younger Knights in a new direction of investment in the future—trade, steam engines, railways. You name it, Max is there. He’s a very wealthy man. He doesn’t much care for ton functions finding them insipid.
Emily March illegitimate daughter of Sir Henry March, is making her debut. The family and friends are all in London for the beginning of the season. Emily is feisty, generous and lovely. She also rides like a demon in the early morning in Hyde Park which is where Max first spies her. Cupids arrow pieces his heart. Max attends her come-out ball, waltzes with Emily and leaves, setting the ton all a twitter.
Max has his heart set on Emily. Max’s grandfather the Earl, head of The Knights, has his black heart set on revenge. As does Baron Ostley, a friend to the Earl. Even more disgusting is his attempt to abduct Emily and force her into intimate relations with her half brother Charles. (That connection is not known to Charles.)
Max is shaken into the realization that he can’t remain a Knight and dismiss the path of depravity that it has followed over the generations. He must make a choice.
An exciting read, although at times there’s a loss of flow that almost seems strained and sits at odds with what’s happening. Part of the Gentleman Spy journey that continues to captivate.
A Central Ave. ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
This last in the Gentleman Spy series is alive with danger, love and doing the right thing.
Maximilian Warthon, Lord Didcomb, grandson of the vicious and debauched Earl of Warthhon, has distanced himself from the wrongs of the ancient brotherhood, The Knights, but hasn’t cut the ties. Instead, he’s taken the younger Knights in a new direction of investment in the future—trade, steam engines, railways. You name it, Max is there. He’s a very wealthy man. He doesn’t much care for ton functions finding them insipid.
Emily March illegitimate daughter of Sir Henry March, is making her debut. The family and friends are all in London for the beginning of the season. Emily is feisty, generous and lovely. She also rides like a demon in the early morning in Hyde Park which is where Max first spies her. Cupids arrow pieces his heart. Max attends her come-out ball, waltzes with Emily and leaves, setting the ton all a twitter.
Max has his heart set on Emily. Max’s grandfather the Earl, head of The Knights, has his black heart set on revenge. As does Baron Ostley, a friend to the Earl. Even more disgusting is his attempt to abduct Emily and force her into intimate relations with her half brother Charles. (That connection is not known to Charles.)
Max is shaken into the realization that he can’t remain a Knight and dismiss the path of depravity that it has followed over the generations. He must make a choice.
An exciting read, although at times there’s a loss of flow that almost seems strained and sits at odds with what’s happening. Part of the Gentleman Spy journey that continues to captivate.
A Central Ave. ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
2023
June 16, 2024📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing
June 27, 2023
The Gentleman Spy Mysteries comes to an end with a book that jumps forward a few years to give Emily March, daughter of the main character from the first two books, her happily ever after and show us the characters in past books in a good place.
This is a book best read after the others in the series, as some of the more licentious parts in the second half of the book. may feel like they come out of nowhere if one isn't familiar with the cast and past events. The secret society that is at the heart of this series is presented as an investment group run by Max, grandson of the evil Earl who is really running the show and Emily's love interest. Those who know the first three books will probably feel the first half is suspenseful, as they know that things are going to get dark and depraved at some point. Schwarz gives us a lot of time with Emily and Max as a happy, courting couple before letting the villains come out to wreck havoc.
There's a prolonged period of angst after Emily witnesses the secret society's depraved meetings and thinks Max is a participant. That part of the book could have moved a little more quickly, but it shows her evolving and coming into her own a bit.
It's a little curious that Eliza and Allen are relegated to secondary characters in this book, as they were the leads in the last one. They show up briefly in the second half. Stephanie, who was rescued in the first book, shows up at the end of the book and had I now done a quick browse of that book, I don't think I could have remembered all of the events around her abduction otherwise.
It's wonderful to see all the characters in a happy place at the end of the book...though it was a suspenseful and at times difficult journey to get them there!
This is a book best read after the others in the series, as some of the more licentious parts in the second half of the book. may feel like they come out of nowhere if one isn't familiar with the cast and past events. The secret society that is at the heart of this series is presented as an investment group run by Max, grandson of the evil Earl who is really running the show and Emily's love interest. Those who know the first three books will probably feel the first half is suspenseful, as they know that things are going to get dark and depraved at some point. Schwarz gives us a lot of time with Emily and Max as a happy, courting couple before letting the villains come out to wreck havoc.
There's a prolonged period of angst after Emily witnesses the secret society's depraved meetings and thinks Max is a participant. That part of the book could have moved a little more quickly, but it shows her evolving and coming into her own a bit.
It's a little curious that Eliza and Allen are relegated to secondary characters in this book, as they were the leads in the last one. They show up briefly in the second half. Stephanie, who was rescued in the first book, shows up at the end of the book and had I now done a quick browse of that book, I don't think I could have remembered all of the events around her abduction otherwise.
It's wonderful to see all the characters in a happy place at the end of the book...though it was a suspenseful and at times difficult journey to get them there!
July 16, 2023
I am absolutely in love with the Gentleman Spy series. However, this final book had a bit too much fluff for me and not enough storyline to fully engage me. I did, however, appreciate that all of the characters' stories made it into the final book. But I could have done with less horse riding and more grit.
I don't recommend reading these books as standalones but rather as a complete series in order. That way, you can fully immerse yourself in this world and appreciate all of the characters. The first two books were five-star reads for me, while the third was a four. This one was probably a three in terms of the overall writing of the story. However, because I love the series so much, I'll give it a four as well because I adore all of these characters.
I don't recommend reading these books as standalones but rather as a complete series in order. That way, you can fully immerse yourself in this world and appreciate all of the characters. The first two books were five-star reads for me, while the third was a four. This one was probably a three in terms of the overall writing of the story. However, because I love the series so much, I'll give it a four as well because I adore all of these characters.
June 25, 2023
This was one big angst fest. The premise of this story makes little sense without having read the first three books in the series, so I highly recommend doing that. So much of this book is an easy going slice of life, except for the lunatic grandfather. I liked it, I didn’t love it, and I’m glad I finished the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 6, 2023
This series is such a luscious Regency read, spicier than many in that genre, and also darker at times - but with the happy ending a proper romance calls for. This book centers around debutante (and spy's daughter) Emily, whose feistiness I adore - she hates being passive and always fights back, strategizes, or goes after what she wants. A delightful protagonist! And Max completely won me over as the humbly reformed rake, bowled over by his newfound love for Emily. His wealthy, powerful, and truly awful grandfather opposes their match, however, and therein lies their challenge.
The sensory details are always central to what I love about Schwarz's series: the fashions, flowers, horses, pastries, dinners, landscapes, grand houses, and more. It makes for a delicious imagination-vacation in the early 1800s in England.
You'll get the most out of it if you read the previous three books - there's a nefarious secret society at work in the whole series that plays into all the main conflicts.
The sensory details are always central to what I love about Schwarz's series: the fashions, flowers, horses, pastries, dinners, landscapes, grand houses, and more. It makes for a delicious imagination-vacation in the early 1800s in England.
You'll get the most out of it if you read the previous three books - there's a nefarious secret society at work in the whole series that plays into all the main conflicts.
June 22, 2024
This was a satisfying ending to the historical mystery romance series. The overarching mystery was revealed and all the ends neatly tied making way for a wonderful romance between Emily and Max.
If you're a fan of Regency, I highly recommend this authentic series.
If you're a fan of Regency, I highly recommend this authentic series.
July 27, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Central Avenue for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is the fourth and final installment of the Gentleman Spy Mysteries series, and I have loved every single one of them. I didn't know a fourth one was coming and so I'm very excited that I get to revisit this world that Bianca has created. I'm sad that this is the final one though and I hope that this isn't the last of Bianca's writing.
Book 1: The Innkeeper's Daughter
Book 2: The Gentleman's Daughter
Book 3: The Memory of Her
Book 4; The Spy's Daughter
Bianca has always managed to balance everything in her stories. There's romance - some of it rather explicit - mystery, thrill, violence, comedy. It is so detailed and layered that it had the potential to be too much, too complicated to read, but I think she just shines in this series.
I did have to refresh my memory slightly before I read this as I couldn't immediately remember what happened at the end of book 3, but it soon felt familiar.
The thing I find most impressive is her description of clothes. It may not be a big thing or of much importance, but you can practically feel the material it's made of, the description is so visual. It really helps set the scene and the time period and makes the characters a bit more real.
It's not quite as brutal as the others. Yes there are some explicit scenes - both of a sexual and violent nature - but this one, to me, focussed more on the characters themselves rather than what they might be or not be doing. But for some it may feel a bit underwhelming given the extremes of the previous books, but for me, I thought it was a refreshing change and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The level of storytelling she has created and maintained over these four books is just sublime. The pacing is perfect, it never feels too rushed or too slow. Every character is given ample time to shine. And that they do.
I would definitely recommend reading this as a series. I mean, you could read this alone and most of the story would make sense, but by reading the previous ones, you get more of an insight into the characters and emotions, and I think it would be a detriment to the writing to not value that.
It is a satisfying conclusion to this fabulous series, and whilst I know it's the final book, I think I'll miss not having anymore to look forward to. It's been wonderful getting to know these characters and following them through the years and I'll be sad to leave them.
This is the fourth and final installment of the Gentleman Spy Mysteries series, and I have loved every single one of them. I didn't know a fourth one was coming and so I'm very excited that I get to revisit this world that Bianca has created. I'm sad that this is the final one though and I hope that this isn't the last of Bianca's writing.
Book 1: The Innkeeper's Daughter
Book 2: The Gentleman's Daughter
Book 3: The Memory of Her
Book 4; The Spy's Daughter
Bianca has always managed to balance everything in her stories. There's romance - some of it rather explicit - mystery, thrill, violence, comedy. It is so detailed and layered that it had the potential to be too much, too complicated to read, but I think she just shines in this series.
I did have to refresh my memory slightly before I read this as I couldn't immediately remember what happened at the end of book 3, but it soon felt familiar.
The thing I find most impressive is her description of clothes. It may not be a big thing or of much importance, but you can practically feel the material it's made of, the description is so visual. It really helps set the scene and the time period and makes the characters a bit more real.
It's not quite as brutal as the others. Yes there are some explicit scenes - both of a sexual and violent nature - but this one, to me, focussed more on the characters themselves rather than what they might be or not be doing. But for some it may feel a bit underwhelming given the extremes of the previous books, but for me, I thought it was a refreshing change and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The level of storytelling she has created and maintained over these four books is just sublime. The pacing is perfect, it never feels too rushed or too slow. Every character is given ample time to shine. And that they do.
I would definitely recommend reading this as a series. I mean, you could read this alone and most of the story would make sense, but by reading the previous ones, you get more of an insight into the characters and emotions, and I think it would be a detriment to the writing to not value that.
It is a satisfying conclusion to this fabulous series, and whilst I know it's the final book, I think I'll miss not having anymore to look forward to. It's been wonderful getting to know these characters and following them through the years and I'll be sad to leave them.
September 8, 2023
3.0 ⭐️/5
1.5 🌶️/5
This is the fourth book of a series, so when I got the opportunity to read this ARC, I caught up by reading book blurbs of 1-3. Admittedly I might be missing some nuances previously setup in the series. Other than that, I had no idea what to expect. The Spy’s Daughter is billed as “The fourth and final book in the darkly romantic Gentleman Spy Mysteries”, and I was expecting mystery and suspense and definitely romance.
FMC Emily March is making her debut into society and at the ripe old age of 18 she is ready to get married and have a family of her own. It will be an uphill battle for her despite being born into a family of privilege, niece of a Duke and all that, she was also born out of wedlock (yet claimed by her father). I feel like a lot of people can relate to Emily in that she still feels like an outsider despite having loving family members surround her.
Emily has set her sights on her “golden god”, Max Wharton, heir to his evil grandfather Earl Wharton. The transition from Max being her golden god to Max her best friend was sweet to watch unfold. Aside from the battle to get her dad to approve of Max, and the ton discrediting Emily as a possible match for Max due to her status as an illegitimate child, their love story was very sweet and going too well so I was wondering when the mystery would pop up.
The writing was engaging and pleasant and I enjoyed the 3rd person omniscient narrator because we got to see almost every aspect of the big mystery unfold leading up to the big reveal.
The tension builds because we as readers know gramps Earl Wharton is the big bad but the big mystery is finding out why he hates Sir Henry so much. I wish there was more buildup to not only the mystery but secret on the actions of gramps Earl Wharton. If we the audience weren’t privy to the Earl’s grand evil plan, it might have a larger impact to the suspense once it happened.
I also wish the adult relationship between Emily and Max was explored more, especially the after the big climatic event. I like how Emily decided that she didn’t want to be kept in the dark and sheltered but I wish we saw more of that in action.
I would recommend this to readers who like historical romances who enjoy but want more than just romance as the central plot. This reader would also have to not mind multiple references to abuse and torture and rape in a creepy society club.
Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for ARC. This review is voluntary and all thoughts and opinions are mine.
1.5 🌶️/5
This is the fourth book of a series, so when I got the opportunity to read this ARC, I caught up by reading book blurbs of 1-3. Admittedly I might be missing some nuances previously setup in the series. Other than that, I had no idea what to expect. The Spy’s Daughter is billed as “The fourth and final book in the darkly romantic Gentleman Spy Mysteries”, and I was expecting mystery and suspense and definitely romance.
FMC Emily March is making her debut into society and at the ripe old age of 18 she is ready to get married and have a family of her own. It will be an uphill battle for her despite being born into a family of privilege, niece of a Duke and all that, she was also born out of wedlock (yet claimed by her father). I feel like a lot of people can relate to Emily in that she still feels like an outsider despite having loving family members surround her.
Emily has set her sights on her “golden god”, Max Wharton, heir to his evil grandfather Earl Wharton. The transition from Max being her golden god to Max her best friend was sweet to watch unfold. Aside from the battle to get her dad to approve of Max, and the ton discrediting Emily as a possible match for Max due to her status as an illegitimate child, their love story was very sweet and going too well so I was wondering when the mystery would pop up.
The writing was engaging and pleasant and I enjoyed the 3rd person omniscient narrator because we got to see almost every aspect of the big mystery unfold leading up to the big reveal.
The tension builds because we as readers know gramps Earl Wharton is the big bad but the big mystery is finding out why he hates Sir Henry so much. I wish there was more buildup to not only the mystery but secret on the actions of gramps Earl Wharton. If we the audience weren’t privy to the Earl’s grand evil plan, it might have a larger impact to the suspense once it happened.
I also wish the adult relationship between Emily and Max was explored more, especially the after the big climatic event. I like how Emily decided that she didn’t want to be kept in the dark and sheltered but I wish we saw more of that in action.
I would recommend this to readers who like historical romances who enjoy but want more than just romance as the central plot. This reader would also have to not mind multiple references to abuse and torture and rape in a creepy society club.
Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for ARC. This review is voluntary and all thoughts and opinions are mine.
September 15, 2024
The Spy's Daughter is the final installment of the Gentleman Spy Mysteries and neatly sums up most of the loose ends from the prior books. I didn't find this installment to be as compelling as the third one, but I found it a significant improvement over the first one and somewhat more interesting than the second one.
This book follows Emily March, the illegitimate daughter of Sir Henry March, and her quest to finally get married and introduced into proper society now that she is all grown up. The "golden god" Maximilian Warthon (Lord Didcomb) has caught her eye after rescuing her from various evil people affiliated with the sex trafficking ring from the prior books and unfortunately, while Max himself does not partake in the illegal activities and assaults, his Grandfather and associates do. In addition, Max's grandfather has a deep hatred for Henry that none of them can figure out.
The plot is primarily about Emily and Max falling in love while her father tries to prevent a marriage to protect her from Max's evil grandfather and his grandfather tries to prevent a marriage not only because of his hatred for Henry, but because he wants Max to participate in sex trafficking despite Max making it clear he finds that abhorrent.
There isn't much action until the very end which makes this book drag a little bit, however I appreciate that Emily, Eliza (who is in this book briefly), and other women in this are not written as two dimensional characters who need to be saved by a man which is how I felt about the earlier books. The plot twist at the very end which put a cap on a mystery stemming from the first book was something I did not see coming and was very interesting. However finally the characters do live happily ever after as this is the last installment of the series. It was an interesting and uneven journey, but I am glad I stuck through and read the entire thing.
This series was published in 2015 and has been re-released on NetGalley.
Many thanks to Central Avenue Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion.
This book follows Emily March, the illegitimate daughter of Sir Henry March, and her quest to finally get married and introduced into proper society now that she is all grown up. The "golden god" Maximilian Warthon (Lord Didcomb) has caught her eye after rescuing her from various evil people affiliated with the sex trafficking ring from the prior books and unfortunately, while Max himself does not partake in the illegal activities and assaults, his Grandfather and associates do. In addition, Max's grandfather has a deep hatred for Henry that none of them can figure out.
The plot is primarily about Emily and Max falling in love while her father tries to prevent a marriage to protect her from Max's evil grandfather and his grandfather tries to prevent a marriage not only because of his hatred for Henry, but because he wants Max to participate in sex trafficking despite Max making it clear he finds that abhorrent.
There isn't much action until the very end which makes this book drag a little bit, however I appreciate that Emily, Eliza (who is in this book briefly), and other women in this are not written as two dimensional characters who need to be saved by a man which is how I felt about the earlier books. The plot twist at the very end which put a cap on a mystery stemming from the first book was something I did not see coming and was very interesting. However finally the characters do live happily ever after as this is the last installment of the series. It was an interesting and uneven journey, but I am glad I stuck through and read the entire thing.
This series was published in 2015 and has been re-released on NetGalley.
Many thanks to Central Avenue Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion.
October 4, 2023
Synopsis
As the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, Emily March's marriage prospects look dim until her rare beauty attracts the attention of an earl. Unfortunately, the earl comes with a reputation and his grandfather is the sworn enemy of Emily's father. Can the two find true love and happiness and get the blessings of both their families?
My Overall Thoughts
All of the characters seemed like caricatures. They could have been better developed. Emily is the pretty, innocent damsel without a thought in her head other than her love of horses and Max. Max is the rich, titled bad boy who turns his life of debauchery around for the love of Emily. They are both just so flat and I've met them both a hundred times before in every other bodice-ripper. Nothing makes them stand apart from all the others that came before them.
What I Didn't Love
As the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, Emily March's marriage prospects look dim until her rare beauty attracts the attention of an earl. Unfortunately, the earl comes with a reputation and his grandfather is the sworn enemy of Emily's father. Can the two find true love and happiness and get the blessings of both their families?
Potentially Offensive Content
Sex
Violence
What I Loved
The most appealing part of the novel was how well the author worked in bits of historical life. For instance, I had to look up at least four different types of carriages. She went into some detail about period garments. I enjoyed the detailed historical elements that were worked in throughout the novel. For a novel that was really a lot of fluff, I did learn a lot and put the the dictionary feature on my Kindle to good use. I really appreciated that.
As the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, Emily March's marriage prospects look dim until her rare beauty attracts the attention of an earl. Unfortunately, the earl comes with a reputation and his grandfather is the sworn enemy of Emily's father. Can the two find true love and happiness and get the blessings of both their families?
My Overall Thoughts
All of the characters seemed like caricatures. They could have been better developed. Emily is the pretty, innocent damsel without a thought in her head other than her love of horses and Max. Max is the rich, titled bad boy who turns his life of debauchery around for the love of Emily. They are both just so flat and I've met them both a hundred times before in every other bodice-ripper. Nothing makes them stand apart from all the others that came before them.
What I Didn't Love
As the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, Emily March's marriage prospects look dim until her rare beauty attracts the attention of an earl. Unfortunately, the earl comes with a reputation and his grandfather is the sworn enemy of Emily's father. Can the two find true love and happiness and get the blessings of both their families?
Potentially Offensive Content
Sex
Violence
What I Loved
The most appealing part of the novel was how well the author worked in bits of historical life. For instance, I had to look up at least four different types of carriages. She went into some detail about period garments. I enjoyed the detailed historical elements that were worked in throughout the novel. For a novel that was really a lot of fluff, I did learn a lot and put the the dictionary feature on my Kindle to good use. I really appreciated that.
September 18, 2023
I liked Emily and Max’s story. Emily has grown a lot since she first appeared as a twelve-year-old tomboy. It was really interesting to see how she responded to challenges or unexpected events as an adult. I also appreciated her slow courtship with Max. It allowed her to naturally progress from idolizing the “golden god” who saved her to falling in love with a flawed but earnest man.
Each book in this series has its own tone and theme. This one feels the most like a traditional Regency romance novel complete with a society Miss, a reformed rake, and Society balls. This is partially because of Emily’s age and social standing but is also because, unlike the other books, neither main character is a spy for the crown. Also, the previous books in the series each have at least one character who is physically and/or emotionally recovering from an acute traumatic event. Although both Emily and Max have some distinctly unpleasant memories, they mostly struggle with the fallout from other people’s actions. Even though she is recognized by her father and was raised on her uncle’s ducal estate, Emily is illegitimate and has to bend over backward to be accepted by Society. Max’s grandfather is constantly trying to clean up his grandfather’s messes on both a political and personal level. This book was a fun change of pace, but I definitely missed the spy stuff.
Trigger Warnings: Attempted kidnapping and SA as well as mentions of past violence including nonconsensual intimate encounters and physical abuse of a child
NOTE: This is the fourth book in the Gentleman Spy series and should be read after the previous books.
Each book in this series has its own tone and theme. This one feels the most like a traditional Regency romance novel complete with a society Miss, a reformed rake, and Society balls. This is partially because of Emily’s age and social standing but is also because, unlike the other books, neither main character is a spy for the crown. Also, the previous books in the series each have at least one character who is physically and/or emotionally recovering from an acute traumatic event. Although both Emily and Max have some distinctly unpleasant memories, they mostly struggle with the fallout from other people’s actions. Even though she is recognized by her father and was raised on her uncle’s ducal estate, Emily is illegitimate and has to bend over backward to be accepted by Society. Max’s grandfather is constantly trying to clean up his grandfather’s messes on both a political and personal level. This book was a fun change of pace, but I definitely missed the spy stuff.
Trigger Warnings: Attempted kidnapping and SA as well as mentions of past violence including nonconsensual intimate encounters and physical abuse of a child
NOTE: This is the fourth book in the Gentleman Spy series and should be read after the previous books.
September 2, 2023
3.75/5
Thanks to Central Avenue Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC. The Spy's Daughter is a nice wrap up to the Gentleman Spy Mysteries and this should definitely be read in order as the threads that were laid down in the Innkeeper's Daughter come to an end with this story. Sir Henry's daughter Emily is grown and is having her coming out season and so is focused on finding a husband and only one will do to her mind and that is Maximilian Warthon. Throughout the story old enemies of Sir Henry return to ruin Emily's happiness and potentially her life to get revenge on Sir Henry. The final confrontation with the ancient order, the Knights resolves all the lingering questions, and the thoroughly despicable characters meet their just ends.
It was certainly nice to have some of the characters from the beginning pop back in, along with Eliza and Allen, and that all the main characters who we have come to know get a happy ending. The final scene was lovely. I did miss the darker story elements and mystery that were present in the first two books. I felt that some of the villainous characters endings were a bit too quick and easy. Since this focused quite a bit on Emily and Max's courtship, there was a level of tension that was missing, and personally I missed the level of spiciness that was also there in those first books. Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read and a solid wrap up to bring the series to a close.
Thanks to Central Avenue Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC. The Spy's Daughter is a nice wrap up to the Gentleman Spy Mysteries and this should definitely be read in order as the threads that were laid down in the Innkeeper's Daughter come to an end with this story. Sir Henry's daughter Emily is grown and is having her coming out season and so is focused on finding a husband and only one will do to her mind and that is Maximilian Warthon. Throughout the story old enemies of Sir Henry return to ruin Emily's happiness and potentially her life to get revenge on Sir Henry. The final confrontation with the ancient order, the Knights resolves all the lingering questions, and the thoroughly despicable characters meet their just ends.
It was certainly nice to have some of the characters from the beginning pop back in, along with Eliza and Allen, and that all the main characters who we have come to know get a happy ending. The final scene was lovely. I did miss the darker story elements and mystery that were present in the first two books. I felt that some of the villainous characters endings were a bit too quick and easy. Since this focused quite a bit on Emily and Max's courtship, there was a level of tension that was missing, and personally I missed the level of spiciness that was also there in those first books. Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read and a solid wrap up to bring the series to a close.
August 12, 2024
Review of The Spy's Daughter by Bianca M. Schwarz
* * * * *
The epic finally to this historical romance series as our wicked knights are taken on by our favourite group of spies, and our sweet Emily gets her time to shine in the spotlight.
Max is Emily's hero.
She cannot get him out of her head and is sure he is the one for her. As our darling girl steps out into society - finally - she enchants the ton and may have just gained the attention of the man she desires the most.
The man with connections to a horrible group of men with ties to a dispicable world. As their union and love grow, will the ties that hold him in the shadows start to affect Emily. With his horrendous grandfather spitting hatred and evil, the evil from Emily's own past, as well as the monsters currently lurking around them now, will their love finish before it has even begun?
A very testy union between these two? One epic finale!
It's all very sweet between these two, but there is certainly no smooth sailing...which is great because if there was not rockiness then we would not have the story when need from Max and Emily, along with the well celebrated previous characters of the series.
Love that Emily's cousin came back into this as he has been a big part in Emily's youth.
A great family has come together in the end to fight the final battle. Blood will spill. Lies will be lost. Brandy will be poured.
* * * * *
The epic finally to this historical romance series as our wicked knights are taken on by our favourite group of spies, and our sweet Emily gets her time to shine in the spotlight.
Max is Emily's hero.
She cannot get him out of her head and is sure he is the one for her. As our darling girl steps out into society - finally - she enchants the ton and may have just gained the attention of the man she desires the most.
The man with connections to a horrible group of men with ties to a dispicable world. As their union and love grow, will the ties that hold him in the shadows start to affect Emily. With his horrendous grandfather spitting hatred and evil, the evil from Emily's own past, as well as the monsters currently lurking around them now, will their love finish before it has even begun?
A very testy union between these two? One epic finale!
It's all very sweet between these two, but there is certainly no smooth sailing...which is great because if there was not rockiness then we would not have the story when need from Max and Emily, along with the well celebrated previous characters of the series.
Love that Emily's cousin came back into this as he has been a big part in Emily's youth.
A great family has come together in the end to fight the final battle. Blood will spill. Lies will be lost. Brandy will be poured.
September 9, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Spy's Daughter is an absolute gem of a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It's a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and intrigue that will leave you wanting more. The characters are so well-developed that you'll feel like you know them personally, and the plot is so engaging that you won't be able to put the book down. Here are some reasons why The Spy's Daughter is a must-read:
* The romance is steamy and passionate, but it's also meaningful and adds depth to the story. You'll root for the characters to overcome their obstacles and find happiness together.
* The mystery is dark and twisty, with plenty of surprises and red herrings along the way. You'll be guessing until the very end, and the payoff is worth it.
* The setting is richly detailed and immersive, transporting you to another time and place. You'll feel like you're right there with the characters, experiencing everything they do.
Overall, The Spy's Daughter is a fantastic book that will leave you breathless. Bianca M. Schwarz is a talented author who knows how to craft a compelling story, and this book is a shining example of her skill. If you're a fan of historical romance, mystery, or just great storytelling in general, you won't want to miss this one.
The Spy's Daughter is an absolute gem of a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It's a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and intrigue that will leave you wanting more. The characters are so well-developed that you'll feel like you know them personally, and the plot is so engaging that you won't be able to put the book down. Here are some reasons why The Spy's Daughter is a must-read:
* The romance is steamy and passionate, but it's also meaningful and adds depth to the story. You'll root for the characters to overcome their obstacles and find happiness together.
* The mystery is dark and twisty, with plenty of surprises and red herrings along the way. You'll be guessing until the very end, and the payoff is worth it.
* The setting is richly detailed and immersive, transporting you to another time and place. You'll feel like you're right there with the characters, experiencing everything they do.
Overall, The Spy's Daughter is a fantastic book that will leave you breathless. Bianca M. Schwarz is a talented author who knows how to craft a compelling story, and this book is a shining example of her skill. If you're a fan of historical romance, mystery, or just great storytelling in general, you won't want to miss this one.
September 3, 2023
I did enjoy this book and I liked the main characters of Emily March and Max, Lord Didcomb. Theirs was a delightful and tender romance but having read the previous books I just knew everything wouldn’t be plain sailing for them. Max was the heir to the Earl of Warthon, who was a very vindictive man and for some unknown reason hated Emily’s father, Sir Henry March. There are secrets in Max’s past that he isn’t proud of and is yet to tell Emily. I found the first part of the book to be slow in pace but the second part had plenty of action and the tension was certainly building towards the conclusion. This does have some dangerous moments and it was good to meet up with the characters from books in the series. It does have a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2023
Title: The Spy's Daughter
Author: Bianca M. Schwarz
Genre: Historical fiction, mystery, romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
I’ve read all of The Gentleman Spy Mystery series and enjoyed this one. This was a solid read and a nice wrap-up to the series. I thought Max and Emily’s romance was a bit too easy—I expected more obstacles—but it was about what I expected from this series. I don’t really have any problems with the novel. It is what it promises to be: a romance in a historical setting, and I never felt like the characters were in any danger. I expected the HEA ending, and that’s what I got.
(Galley courtesy of Central Avenue Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)
Author: Bianca M. Schwarz
Genre: Historical fiction, mystery, romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
I’ve read all of The Gentleman Spy Mystery series and enjoyed this one. This was a solid read and a nice wrap-up to the series. I thought Max and Emily’s romance was a bit too easy—I expected more obstacles—but it was about what I expected from this series. I don’t really have any problems with the novel. It is what it promises to be: a romance in a historical setting, and I never felt like the characters were in any danger. I expected the HEA ending, and that’s what I got.
(Galley courtesy of Central Avenue Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)
September 10, 2023
While reading the spy’s daughter I found that the themes in the book didn’t resonate with my personal interests. I did not read the other books in the series and I know there is some background information I’m missing but I don’t think that information is truly needed to read this book as a stand-alone. I did love Emily’s character but the men in this story just kept getting under my skin and I would have made very different choices from what Emily made but it was interesting to see how that played out. I did like the writing style but I think my rating mostly comes down to personal interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for giving me a chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 12, 2023
I did not like how this book started with the main character when she was younger and an event that almost happened to her.
The romance part of the story was cute, but I had not read the others in the series prior to this as it said it could be read as a stand alone novel, but I think in order to care about the characters and understand their relationships I missed a lot in not having the first three read.
I'm sure this was a very good read in the series, but not having read the others I just wasn't as interested as I could have been. I may update my review later if I read the others and this one became better as a result.
The romance part of the story was cute, but I had not read the others in the series prior to this as it said it could be read as a stand alone novel, but I think in order to care about the characters and understand their relationships I missed a lot in not having the first three read.
I'm sure this was a very good read in the series, but not having read the others I just wasn't as interested as I could have been. I may update my review later if I read the others and this one became better as a result.
August 3, 2023
The last book of the series, about the daughter of the famous English Spy of the time, is a closure to the four long book adventure. It was not as intense in the mystery or adventure part, but more in the romantic side. Was not awaited, since the two previous books were so high in adventure. But the story was a good one to end the saga, though the author decided to not reveal all the hidden mysteries spread out in her previous works.
September 26, 2023
I read books 1-3 to prepare for this ARC and I am so glad I did! This book could have been read as a stand-alone but it's so much better to know all the backstory and relationships between the people! I love this series and really hope there is another book to this series! I love, love that Bianca M. Schwarz writes such strong & bad-ass women in her books! I am now adding her entire backlog of books to my TBR!
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August 22, 2023The Spy's Daughter is a captivating tale that concludes with all the characters finding themselves in a state of bliss. However, their path toward this happiness was filled with suspense and numerous challenges.
August 31, 2023
This isn’t a negative three star review, but rather I liked the book just not enough to round it up to four stars but I would still recommend it if someone asked my opinion on this book.
July 11, 2023
I liked Miss Emily March, daughter of Master Spy Sir Henry Màrch. My recommendation is that the first books need to be read in order to understand this story, and it is a good story, an old trope that works, if you know the characters, it's too confusing otherwise. We know Miss Emily to be sweet, intelligent, a great horse woman, a gifted pianist, and she is illegitimate, how and why I don't have a clue, fortunately she has a sweet , protective Step - Mother Isabella, her little brother and sister are charming, and she has a hero, Lord Maximilian Warthon, heir to an Earldom, and it's his Grandfather, who is the villian in every sense of the word, one must not trust him one minute. There is a mortal hatred the Earl of Warthon has for Sir Henry, and his plan is the death of Miss Emily, and yet it's his grandson Max who rescues her twice, and who is willing to give his life for hers if it comes to it. I liked the characters, I liked Miss Emily tremendously, and loved Lord Max, what I didn't like was the salacious behavior of the Knights, I think it was too much graphic content, for me anyway, it took away from an entertaining light suspenseful read. I love Historical Mysteries with romance that stays behind closed doors. I am waiting for the time when books have ratings equal to movies, and TV. I was going to recommend it for YA, but it's too graphic for that age group. It's not a lot, granted, just too much for me, and the book would have been better without it, I don't see that it adds anything to enhance the story.
Thank you #Netgalley
Thank you #Netgalley
June 24, 2024
Set in the early nineteenth century, readers return to the world of the Gentleman Spy Mysteries for the final book in the series. Bringing Emily March back into contact with Max Warthon, Schwarz draws readers into the ongoing conflict between Max and his cruelly sinister grandfather and the blossoming romance between Emily and Max. Readers return to Emily’s happy family life and watch as her world evolves with romance and marriage while also revisiting some of Max’s darker secrets which Emily does not know. Schwarz’s characters maintain their personalities, wit, and courage while they continue to mature as time passes and their adventures become more and more dangerous and personal. The evolution of the characters in this fourth installment seems natural and organic as they continue to experience the perils of their relationships and their world, and Schwarz naturally conveys any personality changes in the characters as they appear in the narrative. The settings shift, though many remain the same from the previous Gentleman Spy Mysteries, and readers travel to some new locales in addition to the familiar ones to give Max and Emily some new challenges and adventures. Schwarz’s last book in the series is a strong finish that sets Max and Emily up for a new life together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the advance copy.
July 7, 2023
What can I say is, that I haven't only loved this book, but I loved the whole series. Bianca Schwarz has got a way with words and absolutely colourful phantasy. Finally the reader receives the information that was still missing to understand the hatread and need for vengeance that the Earl of Warthon has had against the crown's agent Henry March and his whole family.
This book, well the whole series was kind of mystery and as a reader I needed to know the what and why.
I also have to confess that I truly appreciated all the characters summed up at the beginning of the book as it was a while that I read the previous book and so had the opportunity to refresh my mind.
Anyway what a great story to read it was. I was thrilled and sitting on pins and needles the whole time. I really read every free minute and devoured the book.
This book, well the whole series was kind of mystery and as a reader I needed to know the what and why.
I also have to confess that I truly appreciated all the characters summed up at the beginning of the book as it was a while that I read the previous book and so had the opportunity to refresh my mind.
Anyway what a great story to read it was. I was thrilled and sitting on pins and needles the whole time. I really read every free minute and devoured the book.
October 6, 2023
This is the first book by this author that I have read. It is an end to a series and would have been better read after reading the first ones. I felt the characters were well written and the storyline flowed well and even though I hadn’t read the books before, I was able to work out what was going on but I felt there was too much filler eg descriptions of houses and clothes etc. As much as I enjoyed the story, I found the explicit and violent sex scenes a little too much for this reviewer. For this reason, I won’t be going back and reading the books that came before. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.
May 27, 2023
Emily is the illegitimate daughter of Sir Henry March. She is now old enough to look for love march. She meets Max, the grandson of the evil Earl of Warthon and they fall for each other..
Ever since the first book, Emily was mentioned. Now she's all grown up... Like the rest of the series, it's suspenseful and romantic. I love the plot... It's also nice to read about the characters mentioned in the earlier books. A terrific romantic mystery. It's a standalone so it's okay to read this without reading the other books... But reading the other books does add to the enjoyment...
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
Ever since the first book, Emily was mentioned. Now she's all grown up... Like the rest of the series, it's suspenseful and romantic. I love the plot... It's also nice to read about the characters mentioned in the earlier books. A terrific romantic mystery. It's a standalone so it's okay to read this without reading the other books... But reading the other books does add to the enjoyment...
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
August 3, 2023
The last book of the series, about the daughter of the famous English Spy of the time, is a closure to the four long book adventure. It was not as intense in the mystery or adventure part, but more in the romantic side. Was not awaited, since the two previous books were so high in adventure. But the story was a good one to end the saga, though the author decided to not reveal all the hidden mysteries spread out in her previous works.
June 25, 2023
This was one big angst fest. The premise of this story makes little sense without having read the first three books in the series, so I highly recommend doing that. So much of this book is an easy going slice of life, except for the lunatic grandfather. I liked it, I didn’t love it, and I’m glad I finished the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
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