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In The Crown's Secret Service #1
A Spy Unmasked (The In the Crown's Secret Service Series)
MP3 CD Format London, 1820
The mission did not go quite as Robert Ware--known in society as the new Earl of Kirkland--planned. A spy in the service of His Majesty, Robert is a "guest" at a masquerade party as he retrieves vital information for a murder investigation. Until he's quite unexpectedly interrupted by an exquisite, masked woman with glittering green eyes. And a pistol she has cocked and aimed right at him . . .
Lady Sophia Merrill has defiantly taken up justice's shining sword, determined to expose the brigand who murdered her eccentric but brilliant father, and stole his latest invention. Now she must masquerade as Robert's betrothed in order to infiltrate the Inventor's Society and find the killer. But the undeniable potent attraction between them not only imperils the investigation, but Sophia's reputation . . . and both of their lives.
Contains mature themes.
The mission did not go quite as Robert Ware--known in society as the new Earl of Kirkland--planned. A spy in the service of His Majesty, Robert is a "guest" at a masquerade party as he retrieves vital information for a murder investigation. Until he's quite unexpectedly interrupted by an exquisite, masked woman with glittering green eyes. And a pistol she has cocked and aimed right at him . . .
Lady Sophia Merrill has defiantly taken up justice's shining sword, determined to expose the brigand who murdered her eccentric but brilliant father, and stole his latest invention. Now she must masquerade as Robert's betrothed in order to infiltrate the Inventor's Society and find the killer. But the undeniable potent attraction between them not only imperils the investigation, but Sophia's reputation . . . and both of their lives.
Contains mature themes.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published November 10, 2014
14 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Tina Gabrielle
40 books418 followersAmazon best-selling author Tina Gabrielle is an attorney and mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away.
Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, "Lady Of Scandal," was nominated as best first historical romance by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina loves to hear from readers. Please visit her website to learn about upcoming releases and to join her newsletter and enter to win free monthly contests and giveaways. www.tinagabrielle.com
Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, "Lady Of Scandal," was nominated as best first historical romance by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina loves to hear from readers. Please visit her website to learn about upcoming releases and to join her newsletter and enter to win free monthly contests and giveaways. www.tinagabrielle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 20, 2018
This was a cute little Regency spy romance, with a big twist at the end that I never saw coming. The story line is more of a "how to catch 'em" instead of a "whodunnit" so I was shocked when it did turn into a "whodunnit" at the very end. The H is Robert, the newly minted Earl of Kirkland. Robert is also a spy who is kinda like a Regency Era James Bond. The guy is as handsome and witty as a young Roger Moore and he's also a mechanical engineering genius who knows how to crack any safe within the Ton. I LOVED Robert ! Robert's Home Office handler is the Marquess of Westover and the latter has given him the mission of uncovering proof that the dastardly Viscount Delmont is behind a series of murders and fraudulent activity within the Inventors' Society. Delmont is the leader of the Inventors' Society and he is also a suspect in the murder of the heroine's inventor father.
The heroine is Lady Sophia and she's a fabulous girl ! She's not only beautiful and funny but she's also a chemical engineering protege who wants to follow in her late father's footsteps. The novel opens with a very exciting scene where Robert infiltrates Delmont's masquerade ball to do his James Bond thing and break into the villain's safe. The H succeeds in his mission but just when he is about to leave the study, a masked Sophia enters and points a pistol at him. He soon figures out that she's not one of Delmont's allies, but before they can escape a guard enters and catches them. Robert is forced to kill the guard and escape with Sophia before they're caught. The H is exasperated with the bewitching Sophia and soon discovers that she also wants to prove Delmont's guilt. His handler, The Marquess of Westover, who is also a friend of Sophia's late father, sends the MC's on a mission at Viscount Delmont's upcoming week long house party. The MC's are to pretend that they're engaged and Sophia gets her newly widowed cousin Jane to act as her chaperone.
The events at the house party are a mixture of fun, excitement, passion, intrigue and there's even a little bit of chicanery thrown in when Viscount Delmont's dumbass eccentric, turban wearing wife holds a seance. There's a real mixed group of attendees at the house party, almost straight out of a Poirot or Marple novel. We meet a couple of new baronets ( Lords Falk and Maxwell ) who earned their titles because of their contribution as Royal stationers. These guys are like caricatures because one is very short and fat while the other is tall and super skinny. They're both business partners and members of the Inventors' Society who are always squabbling and competing to be in Delmont's good graces. Then there's a December-March couple called Mr. and Mrs. Brass. The husband is a kindly and talented 60 something year old jeweller and engraver while Mrs. Brass is a plain, sour puss 20 something year old gold digger who wants to be invited to all Ton type soirees. Mrs. Brass also has an annoying habit of salivating over the H, in spite of his fiancee being present. Finally, there's a young gunpowder scientist called Mr. Heinz, who develops a bit of an infatuation for Sophia. Viscount Delmont also keeps trying to leer and paw at the heroine.
I won't go into any further details about the actual plot because it will definitely spoil the enjoyment for future readers in this type of romance novel. I will add, though, that Robert has a bit of a guilt complex about the death of his first wife Gwendolyn. It makes things difficult for him to open his heart to the heroine at first, but it's not because he had any great undying love for Gwendolyn. What he felt for his first wife was just an affection and friendship; it's nothing even close to the passion he feels around Sophia. He does feel guilty for her death because she had died in an explosion that he had engineered for a French villain. If I had thought, for one minute, that Sophia was second best in his affections, my rating for this book would've been lower. I enjoyed all of Sophia's Nancy Drewish escapades as she assists Robert with the mission and the final scenes where the villains are either killed or jailed were great ! The next book in the series will feature Sophia's cousin Jane and Robert's friend Gareth.
The heroine is Lady Sophia and she's a fabulous girl ! She's not only beautiful and funny but she's also a chemical engineering protege who wants to follow in her late father's footsteps. The novel opens with a very exciting scene where Robert infiltrates Delmont's masquerade ball to do his James Bond thing and break into the villain's safe. The H succeeds in his mission but just when he is about to leave the study, a masked Sophia enters and points a pistol at him. He soon figures out that she's not one of Delmont's allies, but before they can escape a guard enters and catches them. Robert is forced to kill the guard and escape with Sophia before they're caught. The H is exasperated with the bewitching Sophia and soon discovers that she also wants to prove Delmont's guilt. His handler, The Marquess of Westover, who is also a friend of Sophia's late father, sends the MC's on a mission at Viscount Delmont's upcoming week long house party. The MC's are to pretend that they're engaged and Sophia gets her newly widowed cousin Jane to act as her chaperone.
The events at the house party are a mixture of fun, excitement, passion, intrigue and there's even a little bit of chicanery thrown in when Viscount Delmont's dumbass eccentric, turban wearing wife holds a seance. There's a real mixed group of attendees at the house party, almost straight out of a Poirot or Marple novel. We meet a couple of new baronets ( Lords Falk and Maxwell ) who earned their titles because of their contribution as Royal stationers. These guys are like caricatures because one is very short and fat while the other is tall and super skinny. They're both business partners and members of the Inventors' Society who are always squabbling and competing to be in Delmont's good graces. Then there's a December-March couple called Mr. and Mrs. Brass. The husband is a kindly and talented 60 something year old jeweller and engraver while Mrs. Brass is a plain, sour puss 20 something year old gold digger who wants to be invited to all Ton type soirees. Mrs. Brass also has an annoying habit of salivating over the H, in spite of his fiancee being present. Finally, there's a young gunpowder scientist called Mr. Heinz, who develops a bit of an infatuation for Sophia. Viscount Delmont also keeps trying to leer and paw at the heroine.
I won't go into any further details about the actual plot because it will definitely spoil the enjoyment for future readers in this type of romance novel. I will add, though, that Robert has a bit of a guilt complex about the death of his first wife Gwendolyn. It makes things difficult for him to open his heart to the heroine at first, but it's not because he had any great undying love for Gwendolyn. What he felt for his first wife was just an affection and friendship; it's nothing even close to the passion he feels around Sophia. He does feel guilty for her death because she had died in an explosion that he had engineered for a French villain. If I had thought, for one minute, that Sophia was second best in his affections, my rating for this book would've been lower. I enjoyed all of Sophia's Nancy Drewish escapades as she assists Robert with the mission and the final scenes where the villains are either killed or jailed were great ! The next book in the series will feature Sophia's cousin Jane and Robert's friend Gareth.
October 30, 2014
I LOVED this book. What made this story so excellent was the amazing plot the author developed, with rich characters and complicated emotions. It was such a great story to read and it had me dying to know what happens!
Lady Sophia has been unsuccessfully trying to find out what happened to her father. He died under very mysterious circumstances and she is seeking revenge for the heart breaking loss she has endured. Her father, although a noble, was a scientist and was deemed the ‘Mad Marquess’ by the ton. That nickname stung to the sensible Sophia and she has shunned ton events for many years. She is still young and very beautiful, but realizes the life of a lady is not her calling. She has her own inventions she likes to tinker with in her father’s empty laboratory, but the death of her father cannot go unavenged.
She meets Robert one evening at Lord Delmont’s ball. Robert is investigating Delmont as he thinks the Scientific Club he belongs to is up to nefarious deeds, possibly selling military secrets. Robert works for the Home office and is officially a spy. His speciality is safe cracking. He is shocked to find himself being accosted by Sophia while investigating the safe at Delmont’s house. It’s an interesting introduction as neither is willing to explain what they are after. They are caught and together they flee the house before they are unmasked.
Sophia refuses to be left to the side lines, so Robert’s superior contrives a plan that the two should pretend to be engaged in order to secure an invitation to a Scientific Club week long get together at Delmont’s country estate. Robert is livid at this plan. He wants nothing to do with Sophia, for a couple of reasons. One he finds her distracting and rash, two he has taken a vow of celibacy and she tempts him and three, he wants to work alone. Robert is overruled and off the two go to the country party.
Sophia wants revenge and information, but she never imagined she’d have to pretend to be engaged in order to get in the game. She finds Robert a mystery. He’s handsome as sin and she appreciates his intellect and cunning. She quickly realizes however, that Robert is going to insist she sit on the sidelines and chat with the other wives at the event, rather than sleuth around with him. This does not sit well with her and I totally loved the sparring the two do over who will take on which deeds.
Being at the Delmont’s is a challenge for Sophia as she firmly believes that he is responsible for the death of her father. She despises the man and it gets even worse for her when Delmont takes a sexual interest in Sophia and wants to seduce her. Being under his roof is torture enough. This is where Robert shows what a good man he is. He is very protective of Sophia, although he rebels at the thought of her being ‘his’ permanently. He has a past that torments him. His demons and memories stop him from establishing deep relationships and even superficial sexual ones. He has to focus on his job or drown in memories that haunt him and taunt him when he looks at Sophia and knows that he isn’t worthy of her.
As they investigate over the week, there is plenty of time for them to spend together and get to know one another. They find that they like each other. She admires him and thinks of him as the kind of man she would have liked to marry if her life wasn’t the way it turned out. Robert finds Sophia to be a strong and intellectual woman that he is compatible with on many levels. They share a few kisses, which raises the temperature of their relationship and starts to make the fake engagement feel a little bit more real.
Sophia and Robert’s investigation doesn’t turn up the information they hope for. They spend time with an odd assortment of characters that belong to the Scientific community and try to figure out what special skill each has that the mastermind and Delmont want. There are a few close calls and when Sophia comes under suspicion by Delmont, Robert is her avenging angel and rescues her. When Delmont tries to get rid of Sophia through extremely dangerous means, Robert once again rescues her.
Sophia is confident and smart. She can go back to her life after this party and resume her activities; however she doesn’t want to let one experience pass her by. She pushes Robert to his breaking point and the two share a night of exquisite love making. The scene was so well written and it came at the perfect point in the plot that it makes so much sense that these two would reach out for each other and stop trying to fight what in inevitable.
They are caught in the action by the house guests and the sham engagement must become a wedding in truth. They leave the party and head directly to London to be married. Robert shares his dark past with Sophia and tells her that they will not consummate the marriage and she can get an annulment. He can’t live with himself if his work puts her in danger. This does not sit well with Sophia and after a few days of wedded bliss, she storms the castle. She is in love with Robert and cares for him deeply. It’s such a relief when her feelings are returned.
The mystery of the Scientific club and Sophia’s father’s death is still not resolved. They become partners in crime and investigate together. They finally figure out what is behind the club and the illegal activity that must be stopped. The major surprise is who is the mastermind. I was so surprised when I read who was behind the betrayal. It was moments like this that made the book so amazing. The saying ‘the truth shall set you free’ is very accurate about this ending. Robert is freed from his past and Sophia has the resolution she so desperately wanted. The icing on the cake was the fact that they found each other and now have the rest of their lives to spend together.
I adored this book. The plot was a great page turner. It had me guessing from one moment to the next what evil lurked around the corner, whether Robert would kiss Sophia and who was the mastermind. This book is everything you hope for in a historical romance novel – love, a great mystery, adventure and a very satisfying ending!
November 19, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book. The plot was interesting, and it was unraveled in a fast pace engaging manner that I appreciated. I was really invested in the characters journey and that is always a fabulous thing. While I liked Lady Sophia and admired her determination to seek justice for her father’s death, I loved Robert. He drew me into the story, and I felt his anguish and the battle he underwent fighting his attraction and need for Sophia. I loved his past and how it shaped his character to where we have the perfect blend of tortured hero, charming and roguish gentleman but so honorable. The chemistry between the characters felt real, and it was sweet and steamy, the perfect combination. I will definitely read more from this author and I am already on edge for book 2.
May 8, 2015
I liked the concept of this book and really wanted to like it, but right away items kept throwing themselves in my path of appreciation.
“She came forward, slowly stepping into the swath of moonlight until her features were fully illuminated”.
Why on earth is she standing in a beam of moonlight?! Is it natural in the Victorian era to step into a dark room until you are standing in the center of moonlight?
“She had fiery red hair.”
Um, this is moonlight, not daylight. Any redhead will tell you that in evening light their hair may be red to auburn, but most definitely not fiery.
“…a mesmerizing green that glittered [eyes]…”
This is some moonlight! I have a hard time seeing my husband’s eye color (which changes and is thus wonderful to gaze at) in our living room, and yet our hero can see the heroine’s eye color by moonlight? Wow.
“He roughly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against a mainmast of solid, male muscle.
Of course she’s pulled on solid muscle- because in a romance book would we want our heroine to be held by a wimp, but common, does it really need to be stated in such a way in the very beginning of the book? And what the heck is mainmast? I had to google it and am given the same definition in 3 different sites (including Merriam-Webster) it’s a sailing ship's mast. Hm, not a word I would have used to describe a man’s chest, but I’m not a published author so what do I know?
“…she could make out brilliant blue eyes, their color like polished sapphires”
Again, this is some amazing moonlight that reveal polished sapphire color eyes.
“…she had never seen a face as vividly handsome.”
She is supposed to be afraid for her life, and the second thought she has is “Oh, I’ve got a hottie here!” ?!?! I know this is historical Romance, but COMMON!
The premise is Spy Hero Robert meets Heroine Sophia at a party, both having the same goal to rob the guy throwing the party of random evidence in order to prove he’s our villain. Robert saves our lovely damsel right away, cause he’s a gentleman and thus wants to interrogate her- as all gentlemen do. He captures her and it’s revealed she’s trying to avenge her father’s death and will not be persuaded to leave it to the professional spies. Why she doesn’t find them capable is not explained.
She both makes claims of fearing for her life and wanting to stand up to him, but without a smooth transition of thoughts between to make it feel like our heroine has multiple voices in her head or is two split personalities. Likewise we have this problem with our Hero, who goes from brooding hulking man to suave “jungle cat” rake, than back to grumpy hulk again without the greatest transition so it feels a lot like split personality disorder.
But what ultimately got me to the\ “I will read no more!” point is the painful way the story is put together of convenience. She needs a chaperone? Oh, no worries, her cousin has an invite too, don-cha-know! Hate working with this man? Oh, but there’s such an attraction… of course there is! They will fight each other, learn to work together, give up fighting the attraction, fall in love, be put into peril danger, confess said love because of said danger, and Happy-Ever-After. And even if I’m wrong, the above reasons have persuaded me that I don’t care, I’d much rather move on to the next book in my kindle. Just not subtle and unique enough to tempt me to story’s end.
“She came forward, slowly stepping into the swath of moonlight until her features were fully illuminated”.
Why on earth is she standing in a beam of moonlight?! Is it natural in the Victorian era to step into a dark room until you are standing in the center of moonlight?
“She had fiery red hair.”
Um, this is moonlight, not daylight. Any redhead will tell you that in evening light their hair may be red to auburn, but most definitely not fiery.
“…a mesmerizing green that glittered [eyes]…”
This is some moonlight! I have a hard time seeing my husband’s eye color (which changes and is thus wonderful to gaze at) in our living room, and yet our hero can see the heroine’s eye color by moonlight? Wow.
“He roughly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against a mainmast of solid, male muscle.
Of course she’s pulled on solid muscle- because in a romance book would we want our heroine to be held by a wimp, but common, does it really need to be stated in such a way in the very beginning of the book? And what the heck is mainmast? I had to google it and am given the same definition in 3 different sites (including Merriam-Webster) it’s a sailing ship's mast. Hm, not a word I would have used to describe a man’s chest, but I’m not a published author so what do I know?
“…she could make out brilliant blue eyes, their color like polished sapphires”
Again, this is some amazing moonlight that reveal polished sapphire color eyes.
“…she had never seen a face as vividly handsome.”
She is supposed to be afraid for her life, and the second thought she has is “Oh, I’ve got a hottie here!” ?!?! I know this is historical Romance, but COMMON!
The premise is Spy Hero Robert meets Heroine Sophia at a party, both having the same goal to rob the guy throwing the party of random evidence in order to prove he’s our villain. Robert saves our lovely damsel right away, cause he’s a gentleman and thus wants to interrogate her- as all gentlemen do. He captures her and it’s revealed she’s trying to avenge her father’s death and will not be persuaded to leave it to the professional spies. Why she doesn’t find them capable is not explained.
She both makes claims of fearing for her life and wanting to stand up to him, but without a smooth transition of thoughts between to make it feel like our heroine has multiple voices in her head or is two split personalities. Likewise we have this problem with our Hero, who goes from brooding hulking man to suave “jungle cat” rake, than back to grumpy hulk again without the greatest transition so it feels a lot like split personality disorder.
But what ultimately got me to the\ “I will read no more!” point is the painful way the story is put together of convenience. She needs a chaperone? Oh, no worries, her cousin has an invite too, don-cha-know! Hate working with this man? Oh, but there’s such an attraction… of course there is! They will fight each other, learn to work together, give up fighting the attraction, fall in love, be put into peril danger, confess said love because of said danger, and Happy-Ever-After. And even if I’m wrong, the above reasons have persuaded me that I don’t care, I’d much rather move on to the next book in my kindle. Just not subtle and unique enough to tempt me to story’s end.
June 1, 2015
Great read..
This book was entertaining at the very beginning. Sophia was impatient and brave, and Roberts was impatient and frustrated. The chemistry between the two was fantastic and, naturally, neither wanted to admit it. Well, the chemistry was worth reading about until Sophia suddenly became TSTL. The minute she thought, “Stay out of my business, be damned” (Robert told her to stay out of his business) I knew she was going to get ignorant and act like she knew about being a spy like Robert, a killer like Robert. Really? Why does an author want a heroine to be TSTL? Don’t they ever read and wonder why another author would do that? Or is that where the author got the idea? Well, she didn’t stay too stupid for too long, thankfully.
I liked the secondary characters, too: Gareth, Wendover and Viscount Delmont, who, by the way, played a very sleazy character who you just loved to hate, and his wife was as goofy as hell but you couldn’t help but like her.
The storyline was wonderful: murder, mayhem and ‘something more.’. Very exciting all the way through the book.
There was also some great sexual tension in this book and some wonderfully written sexcapades.
A really good book. I would definitely read this author again.
Good grief! It took me 5 days to read this book, thanks to my daughter getting me hooked on a TV program and it had 30 episodes for me to catch up on. Usually I finish a book like this in 1 day but that's not going to happen when you spend 3 days in front of the TV. LOL..
This book was entertaining at the very beginning. Sophia was impatient and brave, and Roberts was impatient and frustrated. The chemistry between the two was fantastic and, naturally, neither wanted to admit it. Well, the chemistry was worth reading about until Sophia suddenly became TSTL. The minute she thought, “Stay out of my business, be damned” (Robert told her to stay out of his business) I knew she was going to get ignorant and act like she knew about being a spy like Robert, a killer like Robert. Really? Why does an author want a heroine to be TSTL? Don’t they ever read and wonder why another author would do that? Or is that where the author got the idea? Well, she didn’t stay too stupid for too long, thankfully.
I liked the secondary characters, too: Gareth, Wendover and Viscount Delmont, who, by the way, played a very sleazy character who you just loved to hate, and his wife was as goofy as hell but you couldn’t help but like her.
The storyline was wonderful: murder, mayhem and ‘something more.’. Very exciting all the way through the book.
There was also some great sexual tension in this book and some wonderfully written sexcapades.
A really good book. I would definitely read this author again.
Good grief! It took me 5 days to read this book, thanks to my daughter getting me hooked on a TV program and it had 30 episodes for me to catch up on. Usually I finish a book like this in 1 day but that's not going to happen when you spend 3 days in front of the TV. LOL..
November 2, 2014
With sweet romance mixed with an intriguing mystery, A Spy Unmasked was an enjoyable read. It was a great romance and I really liked it.
Sophia was a determined character. She wanted to take down her father's killer and she would find a way to do it no matter what. She was clever and knew how to play the game. I thought she was a great heroine.
Robert was likable as well. He was extremely skilled and clever, but also sweet and a kinder man than he let on. I thought he was wonderful.
The romance was lovely, sweet, with some spice. Sophia and Robert were a perfect match and I thought they were great together.
The plot moved quickly and kept me interested the entire way through. The mystery of who was behind the murders was great and actually managed to take me by surprise. I didn't suspect who the culprit turned out to be. I enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
A Spy Unmasked was a delightful historical romance that I really liked. Romance lovers, this is a book you'll definitely want to check out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Sophia was a determined character. She wanted to take down her father's killer and she would find a way to do it no matter what. She was clever and knew how to play the game. I thought she was a great heroine.
Robert was likable as well. He was extremely skilled and clever, but also sweet and a kinder man than he let on. I thought he was wonderful.
The romance was lovely, sweet, with some spice. Sophia and Robert were a perfect match and I thought they were great together.
The plot moved quickly and kept me interested the entire way through. The mystery of who was behind the murders was great and actually managed to take me by surprise. I didn't suspect who the culprit turned out to be. I enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
A Spy Unmasked was a delightful historical romance that I really liked. Romance lovers, this is a book you'll definitely want to check out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 12, 2014
A Spy Unmasked by Tina Gabrielle was a joy to read. I love historical females who are more than a pretty face. Lady Sophia filled that bill. She's adventurous, intelligent and unafraid -- a perfect match for spy Robert Ware, Earl of Kirkland.
I found it particularly symbolic that the book opens with Lady Sophia Merrill and Robert Ware meeting at a masked ball. The wild ride they have through the woods and him unmasking her sets off a series of unfolding events where the villains are unmasked. You'll be surprised when the final face is revealed.
Pick this one up and spend some time with it. You'll fall in love with the Earl and want to be Lady Sophia. Tina Gabrielle gives us another reading adventure. A winner in my book.
I found it particularly symbolic that the book opens with Lady Sophia Merrill and Robert Ware meeting at a masked ball. The wild ride they have through the woods and him unmasking her sets off a series of unfolding events where the villains are unmasked. You'll be surprised when the final face is revealed.
Pick this one up and spend some time with it. You'll fall in love with the Earl and want to be Lady Sophia. Tina Gabrielle gives us another reading adventure. A winner in my book.
October 30, 2014
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
Loved this book, the mystery and the love story will keep you hooked. The book was fast paced which was a big plus since it's a mystery too. There is a deadline and H&H are busy trying to figure the villain behind the murders for some inventors. Lady Sophia's father was murdered and she suspects the leader of the Inventor's Society. Robert Ware, Earl of Kirkland is a spy and has been assigned this case. The two are forced to work together to uncover why these people are being killed and who is the main person behind this scheme. Great novel! I look forward to reading more books.
Loved this book, the mystery and the love story will keep you hooked. The book was fast paced which was a big plus since it's a mystery too. There is a deadline and H&H are busy trying to figure the villain behind the murders for some inventors. Lady Sophia's father was murdered and she suspects the leader of the Inventor's Society. Robert Ware, Earl of Kirkland is a spy and has been assigned this case. The two are forced to work together to uncover why these people are being killed and who is the main person behind this scheme. Great novel! I look forward to reading more books.
December 31, 2014
2.5 stars
meh
meh
July 14, 2020
I am not a writer and never could be. Even reading hundreds of books a year, I could never write like these authors do. With that being said, I don’t write great reviews. I don’t rehash or dissect the books or stories. If I liked or loved a book; I used to just say “Love this book. Get it” or something along those lines. I am trying to be better about my reviews because I noticed some authors do actually see them.
Reading over 380 books last year, over 1500 in 5 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years, I have my handful that I love and get all their new releases. Lately, I have started reading some new authors. I am a visual person so the first thing that catches my eye is the cover. From there I do my research to make sure the book is regency historical romance and has sex in it.
Tina Gabrielle is one of those new authors. I loved this book. I loved the story and the characters and of course the sex was well written. I am going to download all her other books. I would recommend this book.
Reading over 380 books last year, over 1500 in 5 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years, I have my handful that I love and get all their new releases. Lately, I have started reading some new authors. I am a visual person so the first thing that catches my eye is the cover. From there I do my research to make sure the book is regency historical romance and has sex in it.
Tina Gabrielle is one of those new authors. I loved this book. I loved the story and the characters and of course the sex was well written. I am going to download all her other books. I would recommend this book.
September 25, 2022
DNF 15%
I could not suspend my disbelief enough to get into this book. Too many contrivances and a TSTL heroine.
I have no idea what the heroine's scheme was at the beginning of the book? She pulled a gun on a potentially dangerous unknown person when she could not afford to get caught. How did she even know he had removed files from the safe? She didn't enter the room until after he had closed the safe and put everything away.
The biggest offense was the incredibly stupid idea to have her work with the hero on a dangerous mission. Why you ask? Because she's so stupid and reckless that she will get herself killed and/or jeopardize a delicate operation, so she needs to be watched. In that situation you put her under house arrest and slap a guard on her, not send a completely untrained person who has shown they lack judgment into danger. Plus that endangers his agent that has to babysit her while simultaneously trying to do his mission. It seems like spying 101 not to send noobs into undercover situations.
I could not suspend my disbelief enough to get into this book. Too many contrivances and a TSTL heroine.
I have no idea what the heroine's scheme was at the beginning of the book? She pulled a gun on a potentially dangerous unknown person when she could not afford to get caught. How did she even know he had removed files from the safe? She didn't enter the room until after he had closed the safe and put everything away.
The biggest offense was the incredibly stupid idea to have her work with the hero on a dangerous mission. Why you ask? Because she's so stupid and reckless that she will get herself killed and/or jeopardize a delicate operation, so she needs to be watched. In that situation you put her under house arrest and slap a guard on her, not send a completely untrained person who has shown they lack judgment into danger. Plus that endangers his agent that has to babysit her while simultaneously trying to do his mission. It seems like spying 101 not to send noobs into undercover situations.
July 21, 2019
An enjoyable historical romance
This was an interesting story. What I enjoyed was that the interactions with Sophia and Robert were considerably more realistic of the times. There were chaperons to be avoided and prying eyes constantly on the look out for indiscretions.
Sophia was a fun heroine, very determined, outspoken and certain in her actions. Robert was easy charming and most definitely ready for his life to change not that he knew that when their adventure began.The mystery is interesting, lots of nice clues left along the way allowing the reader to guess who and what was happening. If you enjoy historical romances then it’s likely you will enjoy A Spy Unmasked.
This was an interesting story. What I enjoyed was that the interactions with Sophia and Robert were considerably more realistic of the times. There were chaperons to be avoided and prying eyes constantly on the look out for indiscretions.
Sophia was a fun heroine, very determined, outspoken and certain in her actions. Robert was easy charming and most definitely ready for his life to change not that he knew that when their adventure began.The mystery is interesting, lots of nice clues left along the way allowing the reader to guess who and what was happening. If you enjoy historical romances then it’s likely you will enjoy A Spy Unmasked.
November 15, 2021
Definite "okay" for me. There were some issues, some eye rolls, some entertainment, some ups & downs. Not the best, not the worst. We have a smart, chemist h (+ points) who is strong-willed & determined (+ points), but constantly getting in the way with her stubborn desire to "help" & naivety (--points). There's a spy, badass H (+ points) whose behavior & emotions lack consistency (-points). And so forth - for every thing I like about this book, there was something that detracted from it. Left a week later with not a super clear memory of the book, other than "I know I didn't hate it, but I don't think I loved it either" - hence, we arrive at 3 stars.
June 14, 2019
(2014) Two individuals share a kiss in a Lord's library because they are discovered. They don't know each other, but it is the only way to avoid serious detection they are searching for something. Alas, they wind up having to work together as an engaged couple at the Lord's country mansion for a week. Of course, love ensues.
February 25, 2023
The book was light and entertaining. I enjoyed a cozy spy story more than a romantic one. Instalove is not my favorite trope. However, I liked the fake relationship aspect of this book, and here it was implemented as a short and light story just fine
July 3, 2024
Meh. 2.5 stars but could have been the narrator.
January 11, 2025
This book is like Reacher season 1 and Bridgeton mixed together. Such an interesting plot/mystery.
April 21, 2025
Not bad but I knew who the villain was before it was revealed. The heroine was brave, but she always got caught and the hero always had to save her.
July 7, 2017
Lots of twists and turns as a spy tries to deal with the determined woman seeking justice. Great for fans of Regency-set romantic suspense.
August 15, 2015
Spy stories are my favorite of the Regency historicals. I love the intrigue and mystery as an additional element to the plot, the dashing men and daring ladies who serve the Crown, to uncover secrets and to right wrongs. It's also the fact that I'm a complete sucker for a hero or heroine who serves his country. To me, there's no nobler sacrifice.
This story had a great plot and a great mystery. There were times during the story when I would get really annoyed with Sophia and would be tempted to not finish the book, but the mystery drew me back in.
As for Sophia, she was impulsive, reckless, headstrong and not the spy. She was merely on a mission to uncover her father's murderer as she stumbles upon Robert as he is carrying out his mission and ends up getting involved. There were moments when I wanted to slap her silly because of her impulsiveness when she could have put the investigation in jeopardy and there were moments when I didn't mind her so much. She had a strength and courage that saw her through some of the more difficult times of the investigation, and enough self-awareness and bravery to fight for what she believed in and what she wanted with Robert towards the end.
I loved Robert. He was the perfect Regency James Bond-esque spy for me. He was handsome, skilled and very, very tortured. Both he and Sophia resist their attraction to each other for the better half of the story as he tries to protect her from himself and from the people he's investigating, and as Sophia tries to convince him that she is worthy of being an equal partner in the investigation while it's clear that she is not. The whole resisting their attraction thing is becoming a bit of a pet peeve of mine. I'm getting very tired of couples fighting against each other for the better part of the book. I want them to want each other and then hold on and not let go ... but that's neither here nor there.
Regardless of Robert's desire to resist Sophia, there are some wonderful moments when he finds that he can't.
"The iris-blue hue of his eyes sharpened. "I despise the idea of any man touching you, gazing upon you with ill-disguised lust."
"Why? Because we are supposed to act the loving couple?"
"No. Because it makes my gut clench and my blood pound and because I want to beat any admirer to a bloody pulp."
Ah, such passion. Such unrestrained brutal honestly to his feelings for Sophia. Any girl would be swooning to be on the receiving end of that. I know I did when I read it.
The mystery they were to solve was well integrated into the overall story and I really enjoyed it. I probably enjoyed the mystery more than the romance itself, at least that was the case in the earlier parts of the story. As the story progressed and Robert started to thaw with regards to his feelings for Sophia and Sophia started to understand Robert's tortured soul a lot better, I really got to enjoying the romance in the story too.
All in all, a great start to the series. I'm particularly looking forward to the next book in the series and reading Jane and Gareth's story.
This story had a great plot and a great mystery. There were times during the story when I would get really annoyed with Sophia and would be tempted to not finish the book, but the mystery drew me back in.
As for Sophia, she was impulsive, reckless, headstrong and not the spy. She was merely on a mission to uncover her father's murderer as she stumbles upon Robert as he is carrying out his mission and ends up getting involved. There were moments when I wanted to slap her silly because of her impulsiveness when she could have put the investigation in jeopardy and there were moments when I didn't mind her so much. She had a strength and courage that saw her through some of the more difficult times of the investigation, and enough self-awareness and bravery to fight for what she believed in and what she wanted with Robert towards the end.
I loved Robert. He was the perfect Regency James Bond-esque spy for me. He was handsome, skilled and very, very tortured. Both he and Sophia resist their attraction to each other for the better half of the story as he tries to protect her from himself and from the people he's investigating, and as Sophia tries to convince him that she is worthy of being an equal partner in the investigation while it's clear that she is not. The whole resisting their attraction thing is becoming a bit of a pet peeve of mine. I'm getting very tired of couples fighting against each other for the better part of the book. I want them to want each other and then hold on and not let go ... but that's neither here nor there.
Regardless of Robert's desire to resist Sophia, there are some wonderful moments when he finds that he can't.
"The iris-blue hue of his eyes sharpened. "I despise the idea of any man touching you, gazing upon you with ill-disguised lust."
"Why? Because we are supposed to act the loving couple?"
"No. Because it makes my gut clench and my blood pound and because I want to beat any admirer to a bloody pulp."
Ah, such passion. Such unrestrained brutal honestly to his feelings for Sophia. Any girl would be swooning to be on the receiving end of that. I know I did when I read it.
The mystery they were to solve was well integrated into the overall story and I really enjoyed it. I probably enjoyed the mystery more than the romance itself, at least that was the case in the earlier parts of the story. As the story progressed and Robert started to thaw with regards to his feelings for Sophia and Sophia started to understand Robert's tortured soul a lot better, I really got to enjoying the romance in the story too.
All in all, a great start to the series. I'm particularly looking forward to the next book in the series and reading Jane and Gareth's story.
November 10, 2014
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
A fun and intriguing read this is the first book in a fabulous new series. I found the characters fun and intriguing, both determined and yet kind and heartwarming. They are characters you would love to meet in person. A wonderfully fabulous read.
Opening Scene:
May 10, 1820
London, Viscount Delmont’s ballroom
Robert Ware adjusted his black half mask and sipped a glass of claret as he surveyed the glittering ballroom.
The Review:
Robert Ware, the Earl of Kirkland is a spy in the service of His Majesty. On a mission to retrieve vital information for a murder investigation, Robert disguised as a guest in a masked ball is uncovered by an alluring masked woman, with stunning green eyes and a gun pointed and primed to shoot him.
Lady Sofia Merrill is determined to uncover her father’s murderer at any cost, even if it means masquerading as Robert’s betrothed, in order to infiltrate the Inventor’s Society and find the killer. But soon their attraction for each other affects their investigation and Sofia’s reputation, making things perilous and dangerous, after all the killer has killed before and will again.
Notable Scene:
He flashed his most charming smile. “Careful,” he murmured. “Is it loaded?”
“Of course it’s loaded,” she snapped.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“What’s yours?”
“As we are both masked, let’s keep it mysterious. You may call me Robert.”
“All right,” she said. “What are you doing in here, Robert?”
“I needed to escape the heat and noise of the ballroom.”
“That’s what the terrace is for.”
“Ah, but I thought to read.”
She glanced at the book in his hand. “Gulliver’s Travels? I’d hardly mark you as a man inclined to read Swift.”
“How intriguing. What type of man do you believe I am?”
“A false one. Are you one of Viscount Delmont’s spies?”
“A spy? I have no idea what you mean. I already told you. I’m a guest.”
His eyes narrowed, and he studied her more closely. If she was employed by Delmont, then she would have known he was not. So who the hell was she?
FTC Advisory: Scandalous through Net Galley provided me with a copy of A Spy Unmasked by Tina Gabrielle. Published through Entangled Publishing, LLC. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
A fun and intriguing read this is the first book in a fabulous new series. I found the characters fun and intriguing, both determined and yet kind and heartwarming. They are characters you would love to meet in person. A wonderfully fabulous read.
Opening Scene:
May 10, 1820
London, Viscount Delmont’s ballroom
Robert Ware adjusted his black half mask and sipped a glass of claret as he surveyed the glittering ballroom.
The Review:
Robert Ware, the Earl of Kirkland is a spy in the service of His Majesty. On a mission to retrieve vital information for a murder investigation, Robert disguised as a guest in a masked ball is uncovered by an alluring masked woman, with stunning green eyes and a gun pointed and primed to shoot him.
Lady Sofia Merrill is determined to uncover her father’s murderer at any cost, even if it means masquerading as Robert’s betrothed, in order to infiltrate the Inventor’s Society and find the killer. But soon their attraction for each other affects their investigation and Sofia’s reputation, making things perilous and dangerous, after all the killer has killed before and will again.
Notable Scene:
He flashed his most charming smile. “Careful,” he murmured. “Is it loaded?”
“Of course it’s loaded,” she snapped.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“What’s yours?”
“As we are both masked, let’s keep it mysterious. You may call me Robert.”
“All right,” she said. “What are you doing in here, Robert?”
“I needed to escape the heat and noise of the ballroom.”
“That’s what the terrace is for.”
“Ah, but I thought to read.”
She glanced at the book in his hand. “Gulliver’s Travels? I’d hardly mark you as a man inclined to read Swift.”
“How intriguing. What type of man do you believe I am?”
“A false one. Are you one of Viscount Delmont’s spies?”
“A spy? I have no idea what you mean. I already told you. I’m a guest.”
His eyes narrowed, and he studied her more closely. If she was employed by Delmont, then she would have known he was not. So who the hell was she?
FTC Advisory: Scandalous through Net Galley provided me with a copy of A Spy Unmasked by Tina Gabrielle. Published through Entangled Publishing, LLC. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
November 8, 2014
Another book I got from Netgalley for an honest review. It took me a couple of days to get through it but because of private reasons.
Anyway, the story is nice. A mask ball – a man and a woman who do not know each other. Robert Ware, the Earl of Kirkland, is a spy for the crown and attending a masquerade party to be able to investigate a couple of safes and retrieve documents. Being in the library of the house, a forbidden part of the house, documents in hand, he’s found by beautiful masked woman with red hair and glittering green eyes. Things happen and they have to flee together.
But Sophia isn’t just anybody, she’s the daughter of a famous inventor who was recently killed, now she’s searching for clues who murdered her precious father. Quickly she learns that he is a spy and that his boss wants to send him to a week long house party but only married or engaged couples are invited so they pose as nearly betrothed, chaperoned by Sophia’s cousin Julia, to find more information about the Inventor’s Society and to find the killer.
+
Of course there is a lot of baggage Robert brings into this new partnership for example the death of somebody because he blames himself for it. And there are the inventions and the fact that most inventors didn’t want to see females in their branch.
Tina Gabrielle plays with the attraction of those two people to each other, their passion and the chemistry. She knows that in some situations the only way out is marriage – because it is all about reputation. Sometimes I make myself think about reputation nowadays and things have changes such a lot. Nobody cares about sex before marriage anymore or to get married at all. I mean how many girls really save their maidenhood for their husband and the wedding night? I do now know a single person and I work with lots. It’s amazing how much things have changed in not even 200 years – thankfully!
The author paints a nice picture of those days but for me there was too much about the “case” in the end and too little about the relationship. I hoped for more passion, more love scenes and maybe even more tension because everything seemed to go so smooth in the end.
The style was nice but not thrilling. The characters well developed. Nice and easy storyline – 4 stars.
Anyway, the story is nice. A mask ball – a man and a woman who do not know each other. Robert Ware, the Earl of Kirkland, is a spy for the crown and attending a masquerade party to be able to investigate a couple of safes and retrieve documents. Being in the library of the house, a forbidden part of the house, documents in hand, he’s found by beautiful masked woman with red hair and glittering green eyes. Things happen and they have to flee together.
But Sophia isn’t just anybody, she’s the daughter of a famous inventor who was recently killed, now she’s searching for clues who murdered her precious father. Quickly she learns that he is a spy and that his boss wants to send him to a week long house party but only married or engaged couples are invited so they pose as nearly betrothed, chaperoned by Sophia’s cousin Julia, to find more information about the Inventor’s Society and to find the killer.
+
Of course there is a lot of baggage Robert brings into this new partnership for example the death of somebody because he blames himself for it. And there are the inventions and the fact that most inventors didn’t want to see females in their branch.
Tina Gabrielle plays with the attraction of those two people to each other, their passion and the chemistry. She knows that in some situations the only way out is marriage – because it is all about reputation. Sometimes I make myself think about reputation nowadays and things have changes such a lot. Nobody cares about sex before marriage anymore or to get married at all. I mean how many girls really save their maidenhood for their husband and the wedding night? I do now know a single person and I work with lots. It’s amazing how much things have changed in not even 200 years – thankfully!
The author paints a nice picture of those days but for me there was too much about the “case” in the end and too little about the relationship. I hoped for more passion, more love scenes and maybe even more tension because everything seemed to go so smooth in the end.
The style was nice but not thrilling. The characters well developed. Nice and easy storyline – 4 stars.
November 7, 2014
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
When Lady Sophia Merrill's father is found dead in a brothel in St Giles, ruled as an overdose of opium, Sophia is determined to track down the killer knowing that her father must have been murdered. In trying to get evidence, she runs into the hero, Robert, the Earl of Kirkland who is also investigating a series of murders on behalf of the crown.
In order to keep her safe, Robert's superior decides to have Sophia accompany Robert in their mission to discover the mastermind behind the murders & Sophia & Robert are thrown together in a pretense engagement.
I thought it was cruel *smirk* that the author made Robert celibate by choice after his wife died. Poor man was agonized with the temptation that is Sophia.
"He might be celibate by choice, but he wasn’t a monk, and his eyes were drawn to the swell of her breasts, the voluptuous curve of her hips. With the flickering candlelight behind her, he could make out the shape of a hip, a long, slender leg. Her hair was loose, a bounty of chestnut tresses any red-blooded male would long to touch as he kissed her full lips."
Love the sexual tension! The chemistry between Sophia & Robert was wonderful. Sophia is intelligent & her persistence in tracking down her father's murder was done very well. She didn't come over as being stupidly stubborn or irritating in her persistence. Robert is constantly fighting his guilt that he caused his wife's death & presents an aloof & cold facade which Sophia soon sees through.
"She had come to the conclusion that there was much more to the Earl of Kirkland than he wanted her to believe. He wanted her to think him cool and aloof, the consummate spy. He used words to insult and inflame, but she was no longer fooled"
The only issue I had with the story was that the ending was a bit rushed but otherwise this was a great read.
When Lady Sophia Merrill's father is found dead in a brothel in St Giles, ruled as an overdose of opium, Sophia is determined to track down the killer knowing that her father must have been murdered. In trying to get evidence, she runs into the hero, Robert, the Earl of Kirkland who is also investigating a series of murders on behalf of the crown.
In order to keep her safe, Robert's superior decides to have Sophia accompany Robert in their mission to discover the mastermind behind the murders & Sophia & Robert are thrown together in a pretense engagement.
I thought it was cruel *smirk* that the author made Robert celibate by choice after his wife died. Poor man was agonized with the temptation that is Sophia.
"He might be celibate by choice, but he wasn’t a monk, and his eyes were drawn to the swell of her breasts, the voluptuous curve of her hips. With the flickering candlelight behind her, he could make out the shape of a hip, a long, slender leg. Her hair was loose, a bounty of chestnut tresses any red-blooded male would long to touch as he kissed her full lips."
Love the sexual tension! The chemistry between Sophia & Robert was wonderful. Sophia is intelligent & her persistence in tracking down her father's murder was done very well. She didn't come over as being stupidly stubborn or irritating in her persistence. Robert is constantly fighting his guilt that he caused his wife's death & presents an aloof & cold facade which Sophia soon sees through.
"She had come to the conclusion that there was much more to the Earl of Kirkland than he wanted her to believe. He wanted her to think him cool and aloof, the consummate spy. He used words to insult and inflame, but she was no longer fooled"
The only issue I had with the story was that the ending was a bit rushed but otherwise this was a great read.
November 19, 2014
Her inventor father was murdered and she has an inkling of who did it, but no evidence to back it up. So Lady Sophia Merrill sets out to find the evidence against the perpetrator by braking into his study and acquiring the evidence against Viscount Delmont, but she is foiled when someone else gets there first.
Industrious and cocksure Robert Ware, the new Earl of Kirkland has a colorful background which includes spying for the crown. When Robert discovers the pretty young woman trying to obtain secrets he is after, they both must make their escape before they are found out. When Robert brings the unwilling lady to his superior, the Marquess Wendover's home, he discovers her identity.
Sophia insists she will not stop until she brings her father's murderers to justice, so a plan is concocted for Robert and Sophia to pose as a betrothed couple to gain access to an extended party at the home of Viscount Delmont n the company of the London Inventor's Society. There they will assist one another find the evidence to bring Delmont down, but the more time that Robert spends in Sophia's company, the more attracted he becomes of her and that is bad for him. He has sworn off women after his wife's untimely death and chooses a celibate life, but Sophia Merrill is a detriment to that celibacy.
Each day that goes by gets Sophia and Robert deeper into the mystery and close to uncovering the crime that led to her father's murder and those who will stop at nothing to prevent the crime from coming to light. Each minute spent in each other's company reveals an attraction for one another that neither Robert nor Sophia can deny. Can that attraction come to fruition for the man who pushes women away, or will Sophia be the one to crack that wall that Robert has so expertly built around his heart. Only by reading A Spy Unmasked by Tina Gabrielle, will you find out.
~KIMBERLY~
November 16, 2014
Full review up on the blog: http://gloriousbooks.blogspot.com/201...
I've been reading a lot of books lately where the story gets split because of some event or another and I end up liking one part of the book a lot more than the other. This one was no exception. The Earl of Kirkland is a spy investigating the goings on in a secret society until Lady Sophia almost blows the whole operation. There is a point in the story where Sophia gets involved in the whole spying business a lot more than before. It's at that point where the read started to go a little off the rails in my opinion.
I liked most of the read. The espionage aspect of the story was very enjoyable. I'm not usually one for crime solving and spy novels, so to enjoy that side of it was refreshing. It gave the book the suspense and sense of adventure it needed. The spying involved was pretty simple and repetitive, but I still found myself liking it. Most of all though, I liked how the author stuck with it throughout the book. The main focus was definitely the plot and not the romance which was great.
My big problem was the ending of the book. Not so much right at the end, but several of the later chapters. Things moved way too fast. There was a really nice pace going between Sophia and Robert's relationship and then it just went full speed ahead in the worst of ways. It made sense at the start, but to have it go from 0 to 60 in just a few chapters was just terrible considering both characters refused to work together in the start. It wasn't believable in the end which was disappointing.
Overall I was pretty much on and off with this read. I liked the characters, until I didn't anymore and I liked the plot, until it became a little dry. It was okay.
I've been reading a lot of books lately where the story gets split because of some event or another and I end up liking one part of the book a lot more than the other. This one was no exception. The Earl of Kirkland is a spy investigating the goings on in a secret society until Lady Sophia almost blows the whole operation. There is a point in the story where Sophia gets involved in the whole spying business a lot more than before. It's at that point where the read started to go a little off the rails in my opinion.
I liked most of the read. The espionage aspect of the story was very enjoyable. I'm not usually one for crime solving and spy novels, so to enjoy that side of it was refreshing. It gave the book the suspense and sense of adventure it needed. The spying involved was pretty simple and repetitive, but I still found myself liking it. Most of all though, I liked how the author stuck with it throughout the book. The main focus was definitely the plot and not the romance which was great.
My big problem was the ending of the book. Not so much right at the end, but several of the later chapters. Things moved way too fast. There was a really nice pace going between Sophia and Robert's relationship and then it just went full speed ahead in the worst of ways. It made sense at the start, but to have it go from 0 to 60 in just a few chapters was just terrible considering both characters refused to work together in the start. It wasn't believable in the end which was disappointing.
Overall I was pretty much on and off with this read. I liked the characters, until I didn't anymore and I liked the plot, until it became a little dry. It was okay.
November 12, 2016
When Lady Sophia Merrill's father is found dead in a brothel in St Giles, ruled as an overdose of opium, Sophia is determined to track down the killer knowing that her father must have been murdered. In trying to get evidence, she runs into the hero, Robert, the Earl of Kirkland who is also investigating a series of murders on behalf of the crown. In order to keep her safe, Robert's superior decides to have Sophia accompany Robert in their mission to discover the mastermind behind the murders & Sophia & Robert are thrown together in a pretense engagement.
I thought it was cruel *smirk* that the author made Robert celibate by choice after his wife died. Poor man was agonized with the temptation that is Sophia.
;He might be celibate by choice, but he wasn’t a monk, and his eyes were drawn to the swell of her breasts, the voluptuous curve of her hips. With the flickering candlelight behind her, he could make out the shape of a hip, a long, slender leg. Her hair was loose, a bounty of chestnut tresses any red-blooded male would long to touch as he kissed her full lips;
love ve the sexual tension! The chemistry between Sophia & Robert was wonderful. Sophia is intelligent & her persistence in tracking down her father's murder was done very well. She didn't come over as being stupidly stubborn or irritating in her persistence. Robert is constantly fighting his guilt that he caused his wife's death & presents an aloof & cold facade which Sophia soon sees through.quot;She had come to the conclusion that there was much more to the Earl of Kirkland than he wanted her to believe. He wanted her to think him cool and aloof, the consummate spy. He used words to insult and inflame, but she was no longer fooled ;
I thought it was cruel *smirk* that the author made Robert celibate by choice after his wife died. Poor man was agonized with the temptation that is Sophia.
;He might be celibate by choice, but he wasn’t a monk, and his eyes were drawn to the swell of her breasts, the voluptuous curve of her hips. With the flickering candlelight behind her, he could make out the shape of a hip, a long, slender leg. Her hair was loose, a bounty of chestnut tresses any red-blooded male would long to touch as he kissed her full lips;
love ve the sexual tension! The chemistry between Sophia & Robert was wonderful. Sophia is intelligent & her persistence in tracking down her father's murder was done very well. She didn't come over as being stupidly stubborn or irritating in her persistence. Robert is constantly fighting his guilt that he caused his wife's death & presents an aloof & cold facade which Sophia soon sees through.quot;She had come to the conclusion that there was much more to the Earl of Kirkland than he wanted her to believe. He wanted her to think him cool and aloof, the consummate spy. He used words to insult and inflame, but she was no longer fooled ;
November 12, 2014
This story got moving straight away. Readers don't need to wait for more than a chapter to get to the good stuff. Safecracking, check. Hero being accosted by a masked redhead, check. A kiss to avoid discovery by the traitor's guards, check. When a story starts like that, how can you stop reading? Easy -- you can't. My advice is to keep reading through the night and take a nap during your lunch hour tomorrow.
I do have to admit that I thought I knew what was going to happen when I started reading this book. I assumed that the story was going to go through some expected twists and turns and would end up in a completely obvious, though satisfying, place. I was wrong. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that there is an unexpected turn in the story that had me thinking "What? ... Who? ... When? ... What just happened?"
This book is -- for me -- all about the characters. Lady Sophia and Lord Kirkland are multifaceted, beautifully conflicted characters. They could have been caricatures of the grieving debutante and arrogant spy, but they weren't. Kudos to the author for taking the unexpected road for both the hero and the heroine.
This was a wonderful story that had the perfect mix of romance and mystery. I don't read historical romances very often but because this book was such a pleasure to read, I may have to put the genre back into my regular reading rotation.
NOTE: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and errors are my own. This review is excerpted from my book blog.
I do have to admit that I thought I knew what was going to happen when I started reading this book. I assumed that the story was going to go through some expected twists and turns and would end up in a completely obvious, though satisfying, place. I was wrong. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that there is an unexpected turn in the story that had me thinking "What? ... Who? ... When? ... What just happened?"
This book is -- for me -- all about the characters. Lady Sophia and Lord Kirkland are multifaceted, beautifully conflicted characters. They could have been caricatures of the grieving debutante and arrogant spy, but they weren't. Kudos to the author for taking the unexpected road for both the hero and the heroine.
This was a wonderful story that had the perfect mix of romance and mystery. I don't read historical romances very often but because this book was such a pleasure to read, I may have to put the genre back into my regular reading rotation.
NOTE: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and errors are my own. This review is excerpted from my book blog.
November 10, 2014
'A dangerous man'!
A singular reflection by Lady Sophia Merrill about Ware as they are chased through Viscount Delmont's estate grounds.
London 1820. Robert Ware, the new Earl of Kirkland, tortured soul, decent man and Home Office spy collides with Lady Sophia Merrill, gorgeous, intelligent young woman, with enticing or fiery green eyes (depending on how you interact with her) and the determination of a terrier.
Their meeting is one to remember. It's not everyday your interrupted whilst trying to break into your host's safe. It's not at every masquerade that you end up fleeing for your life accompanied by the most interfering, gorgeous bundle of womanhood, or depending on your point of view, the most impertinent, frustrating, demanding, Adonis of a man.
Sophia is searching for clues as to who murdered her father, the Marquess of Haverton, an eccentric inventor, dubbed the 'mad' Marquess. Robert is searching for clues to a case he is investigating for Her Majesty's government centring around the London Inventors' Society. Right from the moment these two meet, the sparks fly and the awareness thermometer sizzles.
Thrown into each others company by his superior, the Marquess of Wendover, Sophia and Robert are determined to outwit those responsible for a spate of murders associated with the Society and involving the decidedly despicable Viscount Delmont. However, it's the master mind behind the nefarious doings that they seek.
A nicely paced story balancing intrigue and romance, and surprises all round.
A NetGalley ARC
A singular reflection by Lady Sophia Merrill about Ware as they are chased through Viscount Delmont's estate grounds.
London 1820. Robert Ware, the new Earl of Kirkland, tortured soul, decent man and Home Office spy collides with Lady Sophia Merrill, gorgeous, intelligent young woman, with enticing or fiery green eyes (depending on how you interact with her) and the determination of a terrier.
Their meeting is one to remember. It's not everyday your interrupted whilst trying to break into your host's safe. It's not at every masquerade that you end up fleeing for your life accompanied by the most interfering, gorgeous bundle of womanhood, or depending on your point of view, the most impertinent, frustrating, demanding, Adonis of a man.
Sophia is searching for clues as to who murdered her father, the Marquess of Haverton, an eccentric inventor, dubbed the 'mad' Marquess. Robert is searching for clues to a case he is investigating for Her Majesty's government centring around the London Inventors' Society. Right from the moment these two meet, the sparks fly and the awareness thermometer sizzles.
Thrown into each others company by his superior, the Marquess of Wendover, Sophia and Robert are determined to outwit those responsible for a spate of murders associated with the Society and involving the decidedly despicable Viscount Delmont. However, it's the master mind behind the nefarious doings that they seek.
A nicely paced story balancing intrigue and romance, and surprises all round.
A NetGalley ARC
November 20, 2014
Originally posted at Bunny's Review
I have always wondered if female spies were part of regency England. No matter what a female is able to go places and do things that no man will ever be able to accomplish. The best part about historical books is that I can live thru them. With History being a favorite subject of mine I read most anything dealing with his. If the book has some romance in it then the better.
Sophia is a headstrong female with thoughts and ideas before her time. Ideas that most regency men look down at and say women should not have thoughts like that in her head. Pausing here, some men have not changed there thinking in this. Sophia just wants to make the world a better place with her ideas and she believes in herself.
Robert is a spy who will go to any length to capture the suspect, to help keep his king and country safe. He lives a lonely life after Gwen and does not believe he deserves happiness. When Sophia is thrust upon him he believes he can keep his heart out of the problem. However it may not be Valentine’s but cupid’s arrow has found it mark.
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast fun read. I recommend this book to any who enjoy historical romance.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.
I purchased this book at Amazon November 2014
I have always wondered if female spies were part of regency England. No matter what a female is able to go places and do things that no man will ever be able to accomplish. The best part about historical books is that I can live thru them. With History being a favorite subject of mine I read most anything dealing with his. If the book has some romance in it then the better.
Sophia is a headstrong female with thoughts and ideas before her time. Ideas that most regency men look down at and say women should not have thoughts like that in her head. Pausing here, some men have not changed there thinking in this. Sophia just wants to make the world a better place with her ideas and she believes in herself.
Robert is a spy who will go to any length to capture the suspect, to help keep his king and country safe. He lives a lonely life after Gwen and does not believe he deserves happiness. When Sophia is thrust upon him he believes he can keep his heart out of the problem. However it may not be Valentine’s but cupid’s arrow has found it mark.
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast fun read. I recommend this book to any who enjoy historical romance.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.I purchased this book at Amazon November 2014
March 13, 2015
A SPY UNMASKED, delivers so much more than a smoking hot cover.
Sexy, smart, and laced with historical curiosities, A SPY UNMASKED is multifaceted and beautifully done. As the title hints, our hero has more to him that originally meets the eye…and so does the book.
Robert Ware, a spy in service of her majesty the queen, teams up with Lady Sophia Merrill, the daughter of an inventor, in order to solve the mystery of her father’s murder. Disguised as a betrothed couple, they infiltrate a secret society of inventors, attending an elaborate, week-long retreat at the odious Lord Delmont’s estate. Here, the safe-cracking spy and scientific-minded lady hope to uncover the clues they need to expose the killer.
One of my favorite things about this book was the fun Gabrielle had tying in technological and scientific curiosities of the time as well as a budding pre-Victorian spiritualism. The way she describes events, characters, and settings evokes a neat precision that I really enjoyed in Gabrielle’s writing. What’s behind the mask? A romance that’s as smart as it is sexy.
Sexy, smart, and laced with historical curiosities, A SPY UNMASKED is multifaceted and beautifully done. As the title hints, our hero has more to him that originally meets the eye…and so does the book.
Robert Ware, a spy in service of her majesty the queen, teams up with Lady Sophia Merrill, the daughter of an inventor, in order to solve the mystery of her father’s murder. Disguised as a betrothed couple, they infiltrate a secret society of inventors, attending an elaborate, week-long retreat at the odious Lord Delmont’s estate. Here, the safe-cracking spy and scientific-minded lady hope to uncover the clues they need to expose the killer.
One of my favorite things about this book was the fun Gabrielle had tying in technological and scientific curiosities of the time as well as a budding pre-Victorian spiritualism. The way she describes events, characters, and settings evokes a neat precision that I really enjoyed in Gabrielle’s writing. What’s behind the mask? A romance that’s as smart as it is sexy.
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