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Unmasking the Spy
Alicia Kinsey is the only child of an antiquities-collecting baron living in trendy London. She tends her live-in aunt and dreams of making a love match. But while her father plots to marry her off to a social-climbing wretch, a masked gentleman emerges from the shadows to steal a kiss... and her heart.
Ian Morrissey, an ex-government spy, is stuck in London against his will as a favor for a friend. All he wants is to return to his country home and live a low-profile life of bachelor solitude. Instead he finds himself on the hunt for a thief... and in bed with the thief's daughter!
Ian Morrissey, an ex-government spy, is stuck in London against his will as a favor for a friend. All he wants is to return to his country home and live a low-profile life of bachelor solitude. Instead he finds himself on the hunt for a thief... and in bed with the thief's daughter!
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2012
32 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Janet Kent
18 books3 followersJanet loves everything about Regency England: the clothes, the balls, the dancing, and particularly the opportunity to inveigle oneself in deliciously compromising positions with sexy Regency rakes! Her first historical romance, UNMASKING THE SPY, debuted in October 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 19, 2015
What to say about this? I'm not altogether sure how I feel if I'm honest. An easy 3-3.5 stars.
This was a good enough read, which did entertain me. A few years ago it's exactly what I would have loved to read, in fact I went through a whole Regency romance period where that's all I would read.
There were some things that bugged me, like "honey" and too-tight pantaloons, but the capers of Alicia and Ian kind of made up for that. I loved reading about Alicia's balls and soirées and the passion between "Elizabeth" and "Rouge" was excellent, if a little steamy. I did feel like screaming at Alicia and Ian to just be bloody honest with each other though. I mean, seriously? HOW could they not know who was who, regardless of how dark it was?
But boy does Unmasking the Spy have some thrills. Although I'd pretty much guessed the who-dunnit, the twist at the end was marvellous any brought the rating up a little. But the ending itself was a bit of a let down. SHE HAD A CONCUSSION!
The worst part of this book is that Ian even said himself that he couldn't control himself. Things like that make me feel sick and bring out the angry feminist inside of me.
I'd probably call this a Young-New-Adult Regency Romance if I had to categorise it.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
This was a good enough read, which did entertain me. A few years ago it's exactly what I would have loved to read, in fact I went through a whole Regency romance period where that's all I would read.
There were some things that bugged me, like "honey" and too-tight pantaloons, but the capers of Alicia and Ian kind of made up for that. I loved reading about Alicia's balls and soirées and the passion between "Elizabeth" and "Rouge" was excellent, if a little steamy. I did feel like screaming at Alicia and Ian to just be bloody honest with each other though. I mean, seriously? HOW could they not know who was who, regardless of how dark it was?
But boy does Unmasking the Spy have some thrills. Although I'd pretty much guessed the who-dunnit, the twist at the end was marvellous any brought the rating up a little. But the ending itself was a bit of a let down. SHE HAD A CONCUSSION!
The worst part of this book is that Ian even said himself that he couldn't control himself. Things like that make me feel sick and bring out the angry feminist inside of me.
I'd probably call this a Young-New-Adult Regency Romance if I had to categorise it.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
August 7, 2020
I was going through my list and saw this one I had requested a few years ago.
It was definitely the kind of Regency books I used to read.
But since my requesting books have veered to other genres over the years this kind of book isn’t one I tend to favour. However, I read it.
It’s a fair enough story with great characters and a good story line in my opinion. I enjoyed it but I didn’t love it.
It was definitely the kind of Regency books I used to read.
But since my requesting books have veered to other genres over the years this kind of book isn’t one I tend to favour. However, I read it.
It’s a fair enough story with great characters and a good story line in my opinion. I enjoyed it but I didn’t love it.
August 11, 2013
I found this in Read Now section on NetGalley.
Alicia Kinsey managed to convince her heartless father to give her two weeks to get used to the idea of marrying her cousin, who is a complete idiot who is also very mean. The guy only serves one purpose - so we feel sorry for Alicia. She dreams of a love match with a fairytale prince.
At the same time Ian Morrissey is doing a favour for his friend investigating Alicia's father. Someone has left a note accusing her father of being a thief and Ian's job is to check if there is any truth in the accusation.
Their meeting is accidental with both of them trying to investigate Alicia's father's library. Both are hidden behind masks. Ian doesn't have a very high opinion of Alicia Kinsley, but likes a person he met at her house. Alicia, on the other hand, jumped at the conclusion that he is mocking her family. So, there is a lot of misunderstanding between the two.
It's a fast and short historical romance, but I can't help but feel it was too short. The characters didn't have enough time to develop properly and various relationships and conclusions weren't completed - Alicia and Ian's sisters, Alicia and her father, Alicia's great-aunt and Alicia's father and so on are all left hanging somehow.
Alicia Kinsey managed to convince her heartless father to give her two weeks to get used to the idea of marrying her cousin, who is a complete idiot who is also very mean. The guy only serves one purpose - so we feel sorry for Alicia. She dreams of a love match with a fairytale prince.
At the same time Ian Morrissey is doing a favour for his friend investigating Alicia's father. Someone has left a note accusing her father of being a thief and Ian's job is to check if there is any truth in the accusation.
Their meeting is accidental with both of them trying to investigate Alicia's father's library. Both are hidden behind masks. Ian doesn't have a very high opinion of Alicia Kinsley, but likes a person he met at her house. Alicia, on the other hand, jumped at the conclusion that he is mocking her family. So, there is a lot of misunderstanding between the two.
It's a fast and short historical romance, but I can't help but feel it was too short. The characters didn't have enough time to develop properly and various relationships and conclusions weren't completed - Alicia and Ian's sisters, Alicia and her father, Alicia's great-aunt and Alicia's father and so on are all left hanging somehow.
August 4, 2013
I had a feeling that I wouldn't like the book. I was wrong. Its not a great book or something like that but it wasn't bad and I read it all with in a continued reading and not with breaks every 5 minutes because someone or something was getting on my nerves. I wasn't boring but it was actually a little interesting.
I found ironic the romance between the two main characters. They loved and hated eachother at the same time without realising it. The romance and the mystery were balanced. The stolen properties were the reason they met and I would have hated if the book was not focused enough on it.
I found ironic the romance between the two main characters. They loved and hated eachother at the same time without realising it. The romance and the mystery were balanced. The stolen properties were the reason they met and I would have hated if the book was not focused enough on it.
September 5, 2013
Every now and then a story you pick up really surprises you. On the surface it shouldn't be anything special, just a nice, entertaining story with a few twists and turns, but there is something about it that you just really like.
Well, this one, provided by netgalley, surprised me quite a lot. It wasn't earth-shatteringly WoW! but there were one or two things about it that I really, really liked.
So, what did I like?
- The heroine wants love. She wants the full-on romantic experience of being in love, and marrying someone she loves and who loves her. When I first read that it sounded so corny, after all this was a period of history when a lot of aristocratic women didn't marry for love, nor did they expect to marry for love. But the way the heroine states her case and how it's written, it really is perfectly logical. Hard to explain, but it really works.
- Kind of related to that, is how the author manages to set this one in the morality of the time in a way which is accessible. The heroine's father tells her in no uncertain terms that she will marry the man he wants her to marry, with no ifs not buts and no choice. Her chosen husband is just about your worst nightmare, but her father does not care one iota. This feels realistic to me. Likewise, the heroine explains to us that she understands her father can't make her marry against her will, but he can coerce her by removing her allowance and essentially keeping her prisoner. This feeling of total lack of power over your own choices and destiny feels very in context of the time, and is too often missing in historical romances, or not written in a compelling way.
- The hero and heroine are both relatively unremarkable people. The hero just wants to stay on his estate being a farmer, and the heroine just wants a relatively normal life. There is something about love between relatively normal people in historical romances that I find very appealing.
I guess it would be easy to question how they manage to not realize who the other is during their night escapades, but it's handled well enough that it didn't bother me.
4 stars. I really enjoyed it, I'm keeping it and I'm looking forward to the next by this author.
Well, this one, provided by netgalley, surprised me quite a lot. It wasn't earth-shatteringly WoW! but there were one or two things about it that I really, really liked.
So, what did I like?
- The heroine wants love. She wants the full-on romantic experience of being in love, and marrying someone she loves and who loves her. When I first read that it sounded so corny, after all this was a period of history when a lot of aristocratic women didn't marry for love, nor did they expect to marry for love. But the way the heroine states her case and how it's written, it really is perfectly logical. Hard to explain, but it really works.
- Kind of related to that, is how the author manages to set this one in the morality of the time in a way which is accessible. The heroine's father tells her in no uncertain terms that she will marry the man he wants her to marry, with no ifs not buts and no choice. Her chosen husband is just about your worst nightmare, but her father does not care one iota. This feels realistic to me. Likewise, the heroine explains to us that she understands her father can't make her marry against her will, but he can coerce her by removing her allowance and essentially keeping her prisoner. This feeling of total lack of power over your own choices and destiny feels very in context of the time, and is too often missing in historical romances, or not written in a compelling way.
- The hero and heroine are both relatively unremarkable people. The hero just wants to stay on his estate being a farmer, and the heroine just wants a relatively normal life. There is something about love between relatively normal people in historical romances that I find very appealing.
I guess it would be easy to question how they manage to not realize who the other is during their night escapades, but it's handled well enough that it didn't bother me.
4 stars. I really enjoyed it, I'm keeping it and I'm looking forward to the next by this author.
July 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to the publisher for sending this to me from Net Galley. I love historical fiction. This book was well written and the characters personalities came out throughout the book. The heroine is looking for a husband so that she does not have to marry her obnoxious cousin. Throughout the book there were twists and turns. The majority of the time I was able to guess at what was going to happen next. The ending was typical of a romantic suspense. This was an easy light read, and I was able to finish it in one sitting – rather unusual for me.
July 25, 2013
A good read from Janet Kent. Just as you believe you’ve figured out the plot another twist is presented which keeps the pages turning. A bit of work to continue reading in the middle – don’t give up - the pace picks up again and you will be glad you kept reading. A bit of history, a bit of mystery and a huge dose of romance! NetGalley provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2022
Had potential Mar 2022
This could have been an exceptional story but the writing was immature and bland full of repetitive unnecessary twaddle causing skipping numerous pages on a regular basis.
This could have been an exceptional story but the writing was immature and bland full of repetitive unnecessary twaddle causing skipping numerous pages on a regular basis.
June 7, 2017
Hard to read and rate a book with nothing but blank pages. Have downloaded 4 times with same results. Might be a free read but still not nice
June 26, 2017
There is nothing there
All pages are blank. Have tried on other devices, same thing. Should get my money back. Has any one been able to read it?
All pages are blank. Have tried on other devices, same thing. Should get my money back. Has any one been able to read it?
November 18, 2017
It would have been nice to read the book, however, only the front cover and face page were delivered. Not impressed, Kindle.
January 20, 2018
No download
The reason I gave this book 1 star is for the simple fact that I couldn't download it. I tried 4 times and even though it said it was downloading the pages were blank.
The reason I gave this book 1 star is for the simple fact that I couldn't download it. I tried 4 times and even though it said it was downloading the pages were blank.
April 26, 2018
I didn’t read. It was an incomplete download. I couldn’t get past page 1.
May 13, 2018
Good book
August 6, 2013
That summary doesn't do this book justice at all! I'll be honest, I had a slow start with this book. I had this feeling it was predictable and cliche...and boy was I wrong! The story played out not at all as I expected throughout it and when I began to realize this...I became hooked. If it wasn't playing out as expected, then how would it all play out? I must find out! There was only one aspect that was predictable, but honestly...I couldn't imagine it any other way.
This book put me through so many loops....the twists it came up with were nothing short of being adored, without being over the top. They were believable and every bit of perfection.
I was actually afraid this would be some petty love-at-first-sight story. While there was of course an initial undeniable attraction, it was not so far as to be over the top or considered love. I love that it played out in such a way that the characters got to know each other; despite their very odd and perhaps ill-advised ways of going about it.
One of my favorite things about this story is how much it made me think of Pride and Prejudice (2005), my favorite movie. (I know this is a literature post and therefore I should mention the book....but dear goodness I hated the book.) I don't say this so much in form of plot or anything...but the overall feel of the book just had that sort of magic that P&P has.
Not to mention, I felt it gave a wonderful moral to not judge others because of pride or prejudices, and to be wary of misunderstandings, as they are very easily made. (Perhaps the best aspect to me. I love a good moral. haha)
And I just have to say....Ian Morrisey reminded me so much of my beloved Darcy. Not near enough to win my heart as much as Darcy, no one can ever do that (except my real life love of course!! haha) But still, he had a certain aura about him as Darcy has. Not to mention I couldn't help but picture Pemberley when reading about Heatherley, and his sisters. The English atmosphere and speech helped as well, I'm sure.
I could go on and on. So, being reminded of my darling Pride and Prejudice, I couldn't help but have a certain fondness for this book. If you're a fan, I would highly recommend. If not, I'd still recommend. There's just enough similarities and far enough differences to please either way!
The characters in this story are very well-written. Very full of depth, emotions, humanity. If you've read any of my other book reviews, you'll know how incredibly important that aspect is to me, and this book most certainly did not disappoint! They were a great breath of fresh air, to be honest. The heroine was no damsel in distress; despite getting herself into quite a few situations where she needed rescuing, she could still hold her own, and I find her to be quite a strong woman. The hero is handsome, but perhaps leans on the line of "knight in aluminum foil," as the saying goes. The villain is easily hated, and all the minor characters are just too much fun! Everyone has their own personality and I love that!
This is a book that I definitely want to add to my collection! If you enjoy romance, mystery, period pieces, humor, great moral, good twist or a bit of thinking, this is for you!
This book put me through so many loops....the twists it came up with were nothing short of being adored, without being over the top. They were believable and every bit of perfection.
I was actually afraid this would be some petty love-at-first-sight story. While there was of course an initial undeniable attraction, it was not so far as to be over the top or considered love. I love that it played out in such a way that the characters got to know each other; despite their very odd and perhaps ill-advised ways of going about it.
One of my favorite things about this story is how much it made me think of Pride and Prejudice (2005), my favorite movie. (I know this is a literature post and therefore I should mention the book....but dear goodness I hated the book.) I don't say this so much in form of plot or anything...but the overall feel of the book just had that sort of magic that P&P has.
Not to mention, I felt it gave a wonderful moral to not judge others because of pride or prejudices, and to be wary of misunderstandings, as they are very easily made. (Perhaps the best aspect to me. I love a good moral. haha)
And I just have to say....Ian Morrisey reminded me so much of my beloved Darcy. Not near enough to win my heart as much as Darcy, no one can ever do that (except my real life love of course!! haha) But still, he had a certain aura about him as Darcy has. Not to mention I couldn't help but picture Pemberley when reading about Heatherley, and his sisters. The English atmosphere and speech helped as well, I'm sure.
I could go on and on. So, being reminded of my darling Pride and Prejudice, I couldn't help but have a certain fondness for this book. If you're a fan, I would highly recommend. If not, I'd still recommend. There's just enough similarities and far enough differences to please either way!
The characters in this story are very well-written. Very full of depth, emotions, humanity. If you've read any of my other book reviews, you'll know how incredibly important that aspect is to me, and this book most certainly did not disappoint! They were a great breath of fresh air, to be honest. The heroine was no damsel in distress; despite getting herself into quite a few situations where she needed rescuing, she could still hold her own, and I find her to be quite a strong woman. The hero is handsome, but perhaps leans on the line of "knight in aluminum foil," as the saying goes. The villain is easily hated, and all the minor characters are just too much fun! Everyone has their own personality and I love that!
This is a book that I definitely want to add to my collection! If you enjoy romance, mystery, period pieces, humor, great moral, good twist or a bit of thinking, this is for you!
July 29, 2013
This was a wonderful book. Alicia and Ian remind me of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. They annoy one another, find each to be snarky horrid and downright unsuitable and yet they are attracted. Difference here, they didn’t know they were in love with each other. They had no idea that they had fallen for each other.
Ian comes to town to investigate Alicia’s dad in the process of sneaking into her home is caught by Alicia only Alicia says she is someone else and whammo… chemistry takes place.
In society they see each other not knowing they are secretly falling for each other and here the are kind and polite to one each other while thinking that they so aren’t suited for each other. He thinks she is the typical society girl who is occasionally witty and charming and she thinks he is kind and yet snobbish. He continuously saves her from the man who her father has agreed to let marry her.
All the while Ian is still trying to prove her dad’s innocence and get out of London. As things progress, something puts these two together as Ian and Alicia and they get snarky to each other still not knowing they are the masked man and her secret identity.
He begins to care for her as Alicia and she gets angrier at him. It’s funny to see really the antics and thoughts of these two. It truly is like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and there interludes with each other.
If you want a nice fun romance that will make you swoon and are ready for another Mr. Darcy this is the book for you.
Ian comes to town to investigate Alicia’s dad in the process of sneaking into her home is caught by Alicia only Alicia says she is someone else and whammo… chemistry takes place.
In society they see each other not knowing they are secretly falling for each other and here the are kind and polite to one each other while thinking that they so aren’t suited for each other. He thinks she is the typical society girl who is occasionally witty and charming and she thinks he is kind and yet snobbish. He continuously saves her from the man who her father has agreed to let marry her.
All the while Ian is still trying to prove her dad’s innocence and get out of London. As things progress, something puts these two together as Ian and Alicia and they get snarky to each other still not knowing they are the masked man and her secret identity.
He begins to care for her as Alicia and she gets angrier at him. It’s funny to see really the antics and thoughts of these two. It truly is like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and there interludes with each other.
If you want a nice fun romance that will make you swoon and are ready for another Mr. Darcy this is the book for you.
August 30, 2014
Heroine Alicia is looking for a husband on her own so she's not forced into marrying her weird and creepy cousin at her father's insistence. She has a very short window before the announcement. You find out why her dad is pushing the marriage later. While attending the required parties and balls, she comes across the hero and makes a fool of herself every time she sees him.
The hero, Ian Morrisey, is after a thief as a favor for his mysterious friend and former colleague. To his dismay he has to rub shoulders with the boring and superficial society members to find the thief. During his investigation in the middle of the night he runs across a woman in the alleged thief's household whom he believes is the thief's house guest, when in reality it's the daughter of the man he's investigating. (That's not a spoiler.) Neither of them know who the other is since he wears a mask and she apparently sits in the dark so he doesn't recognize her.
When they meet at balls or soirees, she's rude and condescending to him even though he ends up 'rescuing' her numerous times from the creepy cousin. An innocent event occurs I won't give away that brings on a sequence of other events including suspense, drama, romance and a couple of hold-your-breath moments.
A bit predictable but a fast, easy read that includes plenty of humor, romance, a number of surprises and an eccentric, wacky old woman.
The hero, Ian Morrisey, is after a thief as a favor for his mysterious friend and former colleague. To his dismay he has to rub shoulders with the boring and superficial society members to find the thief. During his investigation in the middle of the night he runs across a woman in the alleged thief's household whom he believes is the thief's house guest, when in reality it's the daughter of the man he's investigating. (That's not a spoiler.) Neither of them know who the other is since he wears a mask and she apparently sits in the dark so he doesn't recognize her.
When they meet at balls or soirees, she's rude and condescending to him even though he ends up 'rescuing' her numerous times from the creepy cousin. An innocent event occurs I won't give away that brings on a sequence of other events including suspense, drama, romance and a couple of hold-your-breath moments.
A bit predictable but a fast, easy read that includes plenty of humor, romance, a number of surprises and an eccentric, wacky old woman.
January 26, 2014
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don't often read historical romances but this one definitely hit the spot for me. Unmasking the spy is a great romance about Alicia and her hopes to marry for love. Her father ends up agreeing to marry her to her cousin Louis. I loved her ideas on how to get him to find himself a different bride. Ian is sent to investigate Alicia's dad. While there, he runs into "Elizabeth". They end up agreeing to meet other nights while he continues to look into her father. They both fall in love but can they begin to court normally?
I really loved this book. I loved Alicia and Ian and enjoyed the switching between characters. I loved the mystery of who the jewel thief and I loved to hate Louis.
I don't often read historical romances but this one definitely hit the spot for me. Unmasking the spy is a great romance about Alicia and her hopes to marry for love. Her father ends up agreeing to marry her to her cousin Louis. I loved her ideas on how to get him to find himself a different bride. Ian is sent to investigate Alicia's dad. While there, he runs into "Elizabeth". They end up agreeing to meet other nights while he continues to look into her father. They both fall in love but can they begin to court normally?
I really loved this book. I loved Alicia and Ian and enjoyed the switching between characters. I loved the mystery of who the jewel thief and I loved to hate Louis.
August 3, 2013
First I'll do a small recap. the story is set mainly in London, where Alicia is a socialite fighting against the undesired marriage to her cousin. She meets Ian who is actually a spy sent to investigate the accusations hurled at her father. He dresses up in a mask(calling himself Rogue) and while breaking into her home he stumbles upon Elizabeth. And so on the story goes...
I found this to be an unoriginal yet endearing romance. Alicia and Ian were both intriguing characters and had a charm you can't help but love. And I adored aunt Beatrix. She was hilarious.
But then again the plot was nothing new and the storytelling seemed rather rushed towards the end(specially the part where Ian realized that Elizabeth was none other than Alicia).
My rating: 3.5 stars
I found this to be an unoriginal yet endearing romance. Alicia and Ian were both intriguing characters and had a charm you can't help but love. And I adored aunt Beatrix. She was hilarious.
But then again the plot was nothing new and the storytelling seemed rather rushed towards the end(specially the part where Ian realized that Elizabeth was none other than Alicia).
My rating: 3.5 stars
February 3, 2014
Un bel Regency con una protagonista femminile che per una volta mi è veramente piaciuta, l'eroe un po' meno ma poteva andare. Il titolo mi sembra un po' fuorviante perché Ian è una ex spia a cui viene chiesta di condurre un'indagine... quindi non c'è niente di spionaggio nella trama! Molto bello anche il personaggio di aunt Beatrix, questa nonnina mezza pazza grintosissima. La fine non mi è piaciuta proprio, avrei preferito che i due si confrontassero piuttosto di cadere l'uno fra le braccia dell'altro esprimendosi tutto il loro amore... nella vita reale non succede così!!! Anzi, alcune bugie ci vogliono anni per perdonarle!
Si ringrazia NetGalley per la gentile preview.
Voto: 3.5 stelle
Si ringrazia NetGalley per la gentile preview.
Voto: 3.5 stelle
January 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It was clever, well thought out and held the readers interest. I liked the characters. Alicia was witty, and her ploys to stop her cousin from wanting her were silly yet entertaining. I really liked the way the story played out. It's definitely an interesting historical read!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews