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Lord and Lady Spy #2
True Spies
He's Getting Tired of Deception...
Baron Winslow Keating is honor-bound to finish one last mission as an elite spy for the Barbican group even though he just wants to go home and be with his family. But after years of secrecy and absence, his daughters hardly know him, and his wife has given up on him.
She Wants to Try a Little Intrigue...
Lady Elinor has had enough of domestic boredom. She contemplates an affair with a rakish spy, only to discover a world of intrigue and treachery that she never knew existed. Even more shocking, her neglectful husband is suddenly very attentive—quite the jealous type—and apparently there is much more to him than she ever knew.
Baron Winslow Keating is honor-bound to finish one last mission as an elite spy for the Barbican group even though he just wants to go home and be with his family. But after years of secrecy and absence, his daughters hardly know him, and his wife has given up on him.
She Wants to Try a Little Intrigue...
Lady Elinor has had enough of domestic boredom. She contemplates an affair with a rakish spy, only to discover a world of intrigue and treachery that she never knew existed. Even more shocking, her neglectful husband is suddenly very attentive—quite the jealous type—and apparently there is much more to him than she ever knew.
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
66 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Shana Galen
98 books1,547 followersShana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 22, 2018
True Spies is a spoof on the movie True Lies.<--although, I think most of you could have figured that one out on your own)
And, like Galen's take on Mr. & Mrs. Smith, it's a pretty cute story that's worth reading.
Ok, so Baron Winslow Keating (or simply, Baron, to the other agents) is one of England's best spies and has been for years. The Barbican group has been his life since he was a young man, and he's at the top of his game now.
Fortunately for him, his wife is a sweet little thing who's so in love with him that he's been able to pretty much blow her off for the entirety of their marriage, secure in the knowledge that she'll be safely tucked away at his home, raising their daughters and helping her friends plan dinner parties.
And that was the end of his thoughts for his wife - after all, it's not like he was in love with her or anything. Their marriage had been one of convenience.
Convenient for him, anyway.
So, that was that.
Until one day, Elinor decides she'd had enough.
As she sat there in her home, waiting...again...for her husband to take her to her friend's ball and not showing up...again. She asked herself why in the world is she still waiting around on her husband to fall in love with her after all these years?! He's never even pretended to care about her, so what does it matter if she goes out alone and makes herself happy?
Off with the dowdy, married, old-lady dress and into the slinky, sexy, experienced-woman stuff.
And, of course, this is when Baron's extracurricular activities lead him to be at the same ball as his wife. Who he suddenly realizes is quite...beautiful?!
He also suddenly realizes he's not the only one who's noticed what a gorgeous woman he's married to!
Who the fuck are these young guys who are fawning all over his wife?!?
Suddenly, all of Baron's considerable skills are being used to spy on his wife, who has been hoodwinked by this weasely little asshole who offered her some excitement in the form of helping England as a spy.
A spy!?
More like a douchebag who uses that as a line to pick up vulnerable women.
Well, shit. He realizes his wife is a vulnerable woman, and it's all his fault. But no big deal, because she's crazy about him! All he'll need to do is show a little bit of interest in her and she'll be putty in his hands again, right?
Eh.
Turns out, his sweet little Elinor isn't as sweet as she once was, and to top it off, she's pretty much over his horseshit.
So what's a spy to do when he realizes that he's royally fucked it up for more than a decade, and worse, that he's finally fallen in love with his wife?
Alright. Baron is such a self-centered ass, and he's taken his wife for granted in every possible way for the entirety of their marriage. Now, I'm not one for cheating, but when Elinor decides to have an affair, I was cheering her on. <--she doesn't, by the way!
But I felt in this instance, mainly because divorce wasn't an option in the time period, she was more than justified. He made her (unintentionally) feel unloved and unattractive due to his neglect, and his pompous attitude towards her because of the way he knew she felt about him made me grit my teeth.
Baron's saving grace in this situation was that he had never cheated on her, and once he realized that it was his attitude towards her that was the cause of their marital troubles, he never ranted or raged that she had considered cheating on him. He just put all of his efforts into winning her back.
And yes. It's quite an adorable story.
PS -If you're interested in Agent Blue? His story is told in the novella, The Spy Wore Blue, the events of which occur right before this sotry takes place.
And, like Galen's take on Mr. & Mrs. Smith, it's a pretty cute story that's worth reading.
Ok, so Baron Winslow Keating (or simply, Baron, to the other agents) is one of England's best spies and has been for years. The Barbican group has been his life since he was a young man, and he's at the top of his game now.
Fortunately for him, his wife is a sweet little thing who's so in love with him that he's been able to pretty much blow her off for the entirety of their marriage, secure in the knowledge that she'll be safely tucked away at his home, raising their daughters and helping her friends plan dinner parties.
And that was the end of his thoughts for his wife - after all, it's not like he was in love with her or anything. Their marriage had been one of convenience.
Convenient for him, anyway.
So, that was that.
Until one day, Elinor decides she'd had enough.
As she sat there in her home, waiting...again...for her husband to take her to her friend's ball and not showing up...again. She asked herself why in the world is she still waiting around on her husband to fall in love with her after all these years?! He's never even pretended to care about her, so what does it matter if she goes out alone and makes herself happy?
Off with the dowdy, married, old-lady dress and into the slinky, sexy, experienced-woman stuff.
And, of course, this is when Baron's extracurricular activities lead him to be at the same ball as his wife. Who he suddenly realizes is quite...beautiful?!
He also suddenly realizes he's not the only one who's noticed what a gorgeous woman he's married to!
Who the fuck are these young guys who are fawning all over his wife?!?
Suddenly, all of Baron's considerable skills are being used to spy on his wife, who has been hoodwinked by this weasely little asshole who offered her some excitement in the form of helping England as a spy.
A spy!?
More like a douchebag who uses that as a line to pick up vulnerable women.
Well, shit. He realizes his wife is a vulnerable woman, and it's all his fault. But no big deal, because she's crazy about him! All he'll need to do is show a little bit of interest in her and she'll be putty in his hands again, right?
Eh.
Turns out, his sweet little Elinor isn't as sweet as she once was, and to top it off, she's pretty much over his horseshit.
So what's a spy to do when he realizes that he's royally fucked it up for more than a decade, and worse, that he's finally fallen in love with his wife?
Alright. Baron is such a self-centered ass, and he's taken his wife for granted in every possible way for the entirety of their marriage. Now, I'm not one for cheating, but when Elinor decides to have an affair, I was cheering her on. <--she doesn't, by the way!
But I felt in this instance, mainly because divorce wasn't an option in the time period, she was more than justified. He made her (unintentionally) feel unloved and unattractive due to his neglect, and his pompous attitude towards her because of the way he knew she felt about him made me grit my teeth.
Baron's saving grace in this situation was that he had never cheated on her, and once he realized that it was his attitude towards her that was the cause of their marital troubles, he never ranted or raged that she had considered cheating on him. He just put all of his efforts into winning her back.
And yes. It's quite an adorable story.
PS -If you're interested in Agent Blue? His story is told in the novella, The Spy Wore Blue, the events of which occur right before this sotry takes place.
September 17, 2013
Posted on my blog: http://www.buriedunderromance.blogspo...
Lady Elinor dearly loves playing with her daughters, but she has decided it’s time to seek some more excitement in her life. Her husband, Baron Winslow (Winn) Keating, hardly ever comes home on time, and she is tired of waiting for him. Elinor’s first act of defiance was to attend a ball alone, and second in a scandalous dress. Seeing her husband’s enraged reaction to her gown only served to fuel her desire for a dalliance, maybe make him jealous, or possibly rekindle the flames of their frozen relationship.
Believed by all to be an inattentive husband, Winn is actually an elite spy for the Barbican group, and his secretive missions have prevented him from spending time with his family. Just when Winn decided to leave the group, he is given one last mission against a dangerous French enemy, one who could very well jeopardize his family’s safety.
Elinor had always been in love with Winn, and they both knew it. Elinor never felt herself worthy of Winn, but after years of a cold marriage, she finally sought more. A liaison with the young and rakish Rafe Trollope – who is supposedly a spy for the Babylon Group – seems just the thing, except Winn overheard her and decided to prevent another man from seducing his wife. Together with Agent Wolf and Saint from the first book, Lord and Lady Spy, Winn sought to not only uncover the truth of Rafe Trollope and save his marriage, but also stop Foncé, the continuing antagonist from the first book of the series.
The issue with Trollope was dealt with quickly, which left the rest of story to be filled with Elinor’s adventures (or misadventures, as they really are), and Winn’s attempts at heroism. Elinor finally got a taste of the grand adventures she’s always wanted, only to realize her family and home are what she misses most. Similarly, bereft of Elinor, Winn finally realized his love for her, and through daring actions and dangerous escapades, he melted the frozen state of his marriage and rekindled not only his love and desire for Elinor, but also an intimacy with his daughters.
True Spies is the second book in Shana Galen’s acclaimed Lord and Lady Spy series. Naturally, the villain’s escape makes way for his apprehension in forthcoming novels. Filled with highly humorous dialogue interspersed with daring intrigue and tender passion, Shana Galen has penned yet another sexy romp with just the right touch of fun and excitement. It is unlike Joanna Bourne’s books with its dark undertones; this is humor and suspense crafted in a light-hearted and amusing way, and sure to delight readers who welcome an exciting read without some dreadful angst in the mix.
*ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
Lady Elinor dearly loves playing with her daughters, but she has decided it’s time to seek some more excitement in her life. Her husband, Baron Winslow (Winn) Keating, hardly ever comes home on time, and she is tired of waiting for him. Elinor’s first act of defiance was to attend a ball alone, and second in a scandalous dress. Seeing her husband’s enraged reaction to her gown only served to fuel her desire for a dalliance, maybe make him jealous, or possibly rekindle the flames of their frozen relationship.
Believed by all to be an inattentive husband, Winn is actually an elite spy for the Barbican group, and his secretive missions have prevented him from spending time with his family. Just when Winn decided to leave the group, he is given one last mission against a dangerous French enemy, one who could very well jeopardize his family’s safety.
Elinor had always been in love with Winn, and they both knew it. Elinor never felt herself worthy of Winn, but after years of a cold marriage, she finally sought more. A liaison with the young and rakish Rafe Trollope – who is supposedly a spy for the Babylon Group – seems just the thing, except Winn overheard her and decided to prevent another man from seducing his wife. Together with Agent Wolf and Saint from the first book, Lord and Lady Spy, Winn sought to not only uncover the truth of Rafe Trollope and save his marriage, but also stop Foncé, the continuing antagonist from the first book of the series.
The issue with Trollope was dealt with quickly, which left the rest of story to be filled with Elinor’s adventures (or misadventures, as they really are), and Winn’s attempts at heroism. Elinor finally got a taste of the grand adventures she’s always wanted, only to realize her family and home are what she misses most. Similarly, bereft of Elinor, Winn finally realized his love for her, and through daring actions and dangerous escapades, he melted the frozen state of his marriage and rekindled not only his love and desire for Elinor, but also an intimacy with his daughters.
True Spies is the second book in Shana Galen’s acclaimed Lord and Lady Spy series. Naturally, the villain’s escape makes way for his apprehension in forthcoming novels. Filled with highly humorous dialogue interspersed with daring intrigue and tender passion, Shana Galen has penned yet another sexy romp with just the right touch of fun and excitement. It is unlike Joanna Bourne’s books with its dark undertones; this is humor and suspense crafted in a light-hearted and amusing way, and sure to delight readers who welcome an exciting read without some dreadful angst in the mix.
*ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
August 13, 2013
When her husband, Baron Winslow Keating, fails to show up to take her to a ball yet again, Elinor has had enough. She dons her most daring gown and goes to the ball alone and in the process, turns a new leaf. She is ready for some adventure, some passion to be brought back into her life. Elinor wants to feel needed more than planning balls and taking care of her daughters and if her husband fails to realize that, then maybe she should consider the attention of a new gentleman. Winn is flabbergasted by the new changes in Elinor. When he sees her in her daring gown he can hardly believe this is the same meek woman he married years ago. And she talks back to him! He finds himself jealous of the fact she seems to be turning to another man and he knows it is finally time to quit his secret double life as a spy. Unfortunately, a master criminal is closer than ever and when he grabs onto Elinor, Winn knows he will do whatever it takes to get her back and prove how much she means to him.
I know whenever I settle in with a Shana Galen romance I will be swept away by the adventure and romance and True Spies is no exception! I really loved the fact that this is a romance about rekindling the magic of a marriage. I also really enjoyed watching Elinor blossom from a biddable wife into a vocal, passionate woman. Her thirst for adventure takes her much father than she ever thought she would go but it brings her back to Winn. I also admired how the truth was handled when Winn finally told her his reasons for all his absences throughout the years. I thought the struggles between Winn and Elinor were believable and not quickly resolved and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this couple rediscover each other! The ending is a continuous stream of heart-pounding action and chases and I felt a bit sad when it was all over. I also loved seeing more of Lord and Lady Smythe from Lord and Lady Spy and I am so anxious for the next book to see what happens next!! This was another rollicking, laugh-out-loud, sexy and adventurous romance from one of my favorite go-to authors for smart and sexy adventures in the romance world! 4 solid stars
eARC provided by Sourcebooks via netgalley
I know whenever I settle in with a Shana Galen romance I will be swept away by the adventure and romance and True Spies is no exception! I really loved the fact that this is a romance about rekindling the magic of a marriage. I also really enjoyed watching Elinor blossom from a biddable wife into a vocal, passionate woman. Her thirst for adventure takes her much father than she ever thought she would go but it brings her back to Winn. I also admired how the truth was handled when Winn finally told her his reasons for all his absences throughout the years. I thought the struggles between Winn and Elinor were believable and not quickly resolved and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this couple rediscover each other! The ending is a continuous stream of heart-pounding action and chases and I felt a bit sad when it was all over. I also loved seeing more of Lord and Lady Smythe from Lord and Lady Spy and I am so anxious for the next book to see what happens next!! This was another rollicking, laugh-out-loud, sexy and adventurous romance from one of my favorite go-to authors for smart and sexy adventures in the romance world! 4 solid stars
eARC provided by Sourcebooks via netgalley
January 29, 2023
This book started off well enough, with a relatively believable premise, as long as you could manage not to hate the hero's guts for being such an inattentive, cold, and terrible husband. He wasn't necessarily a bad guy, but he was an fool. However, as well as it all started, it quickly devolved into utter ludicrousness. The engaging writing style and the fact that both MCs were faithful to each other were the only things that kept this from being a one star read.
August 29, 2013
This is the second book in Ms. Galen’s Lord and Lady Spies series, following Lord and Lady Smythe (which was, in part Mr. and Mrs. Smith, set in the Regency period). When I first started reading, I didn’t make the connection between the title and the Arnold Schwartzenegger/Jamie Lee Curtis movie True Lies, but it didn’t take long before the title and plot clicked. This book definitely pays tribute to the movie, and despite the dopey picture of Winslow (aka Baron in the spy organization), his description definitely reminded me of Arnold. But, never fear, this is not simply Arnold and Jamie set in corsets and breeches. Oh no. This was a delightful romp with tension and excitement.
Elinor has been married to Winn for 14 years now. They have two daughters and she is considering taking a lover (the appropriately name Rafe Trollope) because she’s tired of feeling ignored and unwanted by her own husband who she has no clue is a wildly successful spy for the Barbican Group. She quickly gets caught up in a current mission.
I was highly entertained by the appearance of Prinny in this book and how he was portrayed. Talk about a spoiled brat. I swear, he needed to be spanked and taught how to say “thank you” when people help/save him/his life. Unfortunately, he might enjoy the spanking. I’m not sure, and it’s kind of squicky to wonder about that, considering. Sometimes I gotta wonder what the real Prince Regent would think/do differently if he knew how he was going to be portrayed in literature for centuries to come.
I love how the book ends and am wildly curious to know who the other female spy within the group is. I absolutely adore Ms. Galen’s books and this is no exception. She simply can’t write these books fast enough for me!
I highly recommend anyone who likes historicals to check this book out. And yes, just as an aside, if you know the True Lies movie, there is a scene very similar to when Jamie Lee Curtis did her strip tease/dance for Arnold. Fabulously done without just rehashing the same ol’ scene.
Five stars without a qualm!
Elinor has been married to Winn for 14 years now. They have two daughters and she is considering taking a lover (the appropriately name Rafe Trollope) because she’s tired of feeling ignored and unwanted by her own husband who she has no clue is a wildly successful spy for the Barbican Group. She quickly gets caught up in a current mission.
I was highly entertained by the appearance of Prinny in this book and how he was portrayed. Talk about a spoiled brat. I swear, he needed to be spanked and taught how to say “thank you” when people help/save him/his life. Unfortunately, he might enjoy the spanking. I’m not sure, and it’s kind of squicky to wonder about that, considering. Sometimes I gotta wonder what the real Prince Regent would think/do differently if he knew how he was going to be portrayed in literature for centuries to come.
I love how the book ends and am wildly curious to know who the other female spy within the group is. I absolutely adore Ms. Galen’s books and this is no exception. She simply can’t write these books fast enough for me!
I highly recommend anyone who likes historicals to check this book out. And yes, just as an aside, if you know the True Lies movie, there is a scene very similar to when Jamie Lee Curtis did her strip tease/dance for Arnold. Fabulously done without just rehashing the same ol’ scene.
Five stars without a qualm!
October 20, 2014
True Spies is the second book in Ms. Galen's Lord and Lady Spy series. Truth be told, if I knew this when I first picked it up from the library I probably would've passed, mostly because the first book didn't particularly impress me. For those of you just picking this up - this is one of the series book where it is probably better to read them in order.
Unfortunately I find myself having some of the same problems with this book as I did the first. Childish and at times selfish actions on the part of the characters annoyed me. The plot/flow of the story didn't work well for me. And the spy thing - still not sold, because honestly they just look/seemed totally inept (with the exception of Blue). Don't get me wrong, there were enjoyable parts, and things I thought were well done too. But let me start with the things I had problems with in this book first and get it out of the way.
It took me a long time to warm up to Winn . He was okay, but not particularly impressive. Though he was certainly amusing at times - All I have to say is Winn makes for a truly ugly and comical woman (to use Blue's words: '"They'll notice one who looks like you. Baron, you look like an ape stuffed into women's garb. This will not work."') not to mention his habit of setting fire (accidentally) to houses - which is amusing but makes me question his abilities.
I'm also not quite sure how I felt about his sudden change of heart towards wife and family. Yes there was a traumatic event influencing it but I wish there was more interaction dealing with rebuilding these relationships (because that's what I thought would be the focus of this book). Unfortunately most of the book is back and forth between Winn and Elinor and her desire for adventure and desire to be a spy (and that spying business). And this brings me to Elinor.
Honestly this was the character I had the most trouble with. I felt for her and liked her and then she would say/think/do something stupid and childish that just had me shaking my head.
'"He's not a rake - well, not as much of one as he portrays." She glanced about to make certain no one else was listening then lowered her voice. "I shouldn't even tell you this, but Rafe - Mr. Trollope - told me he only acts the rake in public. It's all a facade."
"For what?"
"He's actually a spy."'
And she actually believes Rafe (a male who has shown "interest" in her) is a spy. No corroboration, no questions, just complete faith he's a spy because he tells her he is and what he says is in line with what she read about spies. Because that's exactly what a spy does, and of course book accounts of spies are 100% truth. Don't even get me started on the real spy (her husband's) quick jump to conclusions about this situation. Let's not forget Elinor wanting adventure and wanting to be a spy. You know most people when they want adventure, they take a trip or something - not randomly decide "I'm going to be a spy." It wouldn't have been so bad but it just came from nowhere. Or her first "spy" mission (the fake one) - because of course spies "look" a certain way right -I mean they want everyone to know they happen to be a real "spy".
I suppose they were meant to be entertaining but they just made me think that Elinor is childish (she's 35 with two daughters by the way, so I was expecting a bit more maturity), lacking in common sense and just plain thick headed sometimes. There were other times her character just irritated me with these sorts of things - and her barb at Winn for "foolish playing at spying" was rather hypocritical - after all if anyone was "playing" it was her. And her concerns about their daughters felt weak - if she was so concerned why fight so hard to get into this dangerous life, (where she has no particular outstanding quality to commend her) - is there no thought to what will happen to them if both their parents should die? And I have a hard time to believe such an "elite" team of spies would just accept Elinor (who is untrained and not very skilled as far as I can tell) as a spy/asset.
On the other hand I did feel Elinor's emotions towards her absentee husband Winn were well done and would've appreciated more focus on the relationship between Winn and Elinor and Winn and his two daughters (Georgie and Caro). That's what I thought I was going to read about. But it was mostly revolved around "spying" (talking about it, wanting to do it, doing it).
Which brings me to another issue. The Barbican group vs. Foncé and the Maîtriser (which readers will recognize from the first book).
"Foncé had killed half a dozen, elite, all-but-indestructible Barbican agents."
Yeah, this bothered me. Why? Because from the two books I've read, the Barbican agents don't strike me as particularly "elite" or "all-but-indestructible". Foncé should be a hell of a lot more threatening, but at the core is a coward who is really good at running away and the Barbican agents just keep bumbling after him. I mean why hasn't this team if they are so good taken him down yet? It just makes them look like incompetent amateurs. It's not a hard core spy novel and I'd normally be inclined to let this go except this was such a big focus for the book.
Those were my biggest issues with the book. It was something I wasn't expecting (which in this case, wasn't in it's favor). I wanted to see the relationship between Winn, Elinor and their daughters. I wanted to see him really try and fix what went wrong, have a relationship with his family. We see it with Elinor (to some degree), but we are only afforded a few pages to his relationship with his daughters - and then they're conveniently sent away. Instead of becoming a family again, Mom becomes a spy too which would leave the girls with neither of their parents (should something go wrong, or when 'missions' arise). Honestly that's not what I wanted.
On the other hand there were humorous parts that had me laughing. There were some emotional parts between our leads that I liked. And I really felt (at times) Elinor's mixed feelings for Winn and the pain he caused her and the girls (well, in the beginning of the book for the girls as they weren't present for much, if any of it after the start). And there's Blue - whom I adore (except for his goof at the end).
It was okay, but not for me. I will be passing on the rest of this series, but I may pick up another book from this author in the future - one without spies.
Unfortunately I find myself having some of the same problems with this book as I did the first. Childish and at times selfish actions on the part of the characters annoyed me. The plot/flow of the story didn't work well for me. And the spy thing - still not sold, because honestly they just look/seemed totally inept (with the exception of Blue). Don't get me wrong, there were enjoyable parts, and things I thought were well done too. But let me start with the things I had problems with in this book first and get it out of the way.
It took me a long time to warm up to Winn . He was okay, but not particularly impressive. Though he was certainly amusing at times - All I have to say is Winn makes for a truly ugly and comical woman (to use Blue's words: '"They'll notice one who looks like you. Baron, you look like an ape stuffed into women's garb. This will not work."') not to mention his habit of setting fire (accidentally) to houses - which is amusing but makes me question his abilities.
I'm also not quite sure how I felt about his sudden change of heart towards wife and family. Yes there was a traumatic event influencing it but I wish there was more interaction dealing with rebuilding these relationships (because that's what I thought would be the focus of this book). Unfortunately most of the book is back and forth between Winn and Elinor and her desire for adventure and desire to be a spy (and that spying business). And this brings me to Elinor.
Honestly this was the character I had the most trouble with. I felt for her and liked her and then she would say/think/do something stupid and childish that just had me shaking my head.
'"He's not a rake - well, not as much of one as he portrays." She glanced about to make certain no one else was listening then lowered her voice. "I shouldn't even tell you this, but Rafe - Mr. Trollope - told me he only acts the rake in public. It's all a facade."
"For what?"
"He's actually a spy."'
And she actually believes Rafe (a male who has shown "interest" in her) is a spy. No corroboration, no questions, just complete faith he's a spy because he tells her he is and what he says is in line with what she read about spies. Because that's exactly what a spy does, and of course book accounts of spies are 100% truth. Don't even get me started on the real spy (her husband's) quick jump to conclusions about this situation. Let's not forget Elinor wanting adventure and wanting to be a spy. You know most people when they want adventure, they take a trip or something - not randomly decide "I'm going to be a spy." It wouldn't have been so bad but it just came from nowhere. Or her first "spy" mission (the fake one) - because of course spies "look" a certain way right -I mean they want everyone to know they happen to be a real "spy".
I suppose they were meant to be entertaining but they just made me think that Elinor is childish (she's 35 with two daughters by the way, so I was expecting a bit more maturity), lacking in common sense and just plain thick headed sometimes. There were other times her character just irritated me with these sorts of things - and her barb at Winn for "foolish playing at spying" was rather hypocritical - after all if anyone was "playing" it was her. And her concerns about their daughters felt weak - if she was so concerned why fight so hard to get into this dangerous life, (where she has no particular outstanding quality to commend her) - is there no thought to what will happen to them if both their parents should die? And I have a hard time to believe such an "elite" team of spies would just accept Elinor (who is untrained and not very skilled as far as I can tell) as a spy/asset.
On the other hand I did feel Elinor's emotions towards her absentee husband Winn were well done and would've appreciated more focus on the relationship between Winn and Elinor and Winn and his two daughters (Georgie and Caro). That's what I thought I was going to read about. But it was mostly revolved around "spying" (talking about it, wanting to do it, doing it).
Which brings me to another issue. The Barbican group vs. Foncé and the Maîtriser (which readers will recognize from the first book).
"Foncé had killed half a dozen, elite, all-but-indestructible Barbican agents."
Yeah, this bothered me. Why? Because from the two books I've read, the Barbican agents don't strike me as particularly "elite" or "all-but-indestructible". Foncé should be a hell of a lot more threatening, but at the core is a coward who is really good at running away and the Barbican agents just keep bumbling after him. I mean why hasn't this team if they are so good taken him down yet? It just makes them look like incompetent amateurs. It's not a hard core spy novel and I'd normally be inclined to let this go except this was such a big focus for the book.
Those were my biggest issues with the book. It was something I wasn't expecting (which in this case, wasn't in it's favor). I wanted to see the relationship between Winn, Elinor and their daughters. I wanted to see him really try and fix what went wrong, have a relationship with his family. We see it with Elinor (to some degree), but we are only afforded a few pages to his relationship with his daughters - and then they're conveniently sent away. Instead of becoming a family again, Mom becomes a spy too which would leave the girls with neither of their parents (should something go wrong, or when 'missions' arise). Honestly that's not what I wanted.
On the other hand there were humorous parts that had me laughing. There were some emotional parts between our leads that I liked. And I really felt (at times) Elinor's mixed feelings for Winn and the pain he caused her and the girls (well, in the beginning of the book for the girls as they weren't present for much, if any of it after the start). And there's Blue - whom I adore (except for his goof at the end).
It was okay, but not for me. I will be passing on the rest of this series, but I may pick up another book from this author in the future - one without spies.
December 30, 2013
With ‘True Spies’ Ms. Galen continues her Lord and Lady Spy series that I really loved.
The character of Elinor was so well-developed that I could feel her emotions as she’s torn about her feelings toward her husband who it seems that he doesn’t care for her.
I found it very hard to like the hero. It took me more that half the book to start warming up to the guy!
His affection for Elinor wasn’t in evidence as much as was his love for his work and that bothered me all through the read.
‘True Spies’ is a romance between two mature people with children, obligations and a life that has forced both characters to take stock of themselves and their future.
Shana Galen does it again and gives us fast paced, adventure filled, well written romance about a couple trying to rediscover each other all over again. I’ve come to love the dialogue this author created.
It’s sharp, witty, clever, mature and never fails to touch my heart or tickle my funny bone. It’s brilliant!
I swear I can recommend it on dialogue alone, but I must say she plotted this one well too, so if you like a good, solid plot, than you just have to get it.
Melanie for b2b
The character of Elinor was so well-developed that I could feel her emotions as she’s torn about her feelings toward her husband who it seems that he doesn’t care for her.
I found it very hard to like the hero. It took me more that half the book to start warming up to the guy!
His affection for Elinor wasn’t in evidence as much as was his love for his work and that bothered me all through the read.
‘True Spies’ is a romance between two mature people with children, obligations and a life that has forced both characters to take stock of themselves and their future.
Shana Galen does it again and gives us fast paced, adventure filled, well written romance about a couple trying to rediscover each other all over again. I’ve come to love the dialogue this author created.
It’s sharp, witty, clever, mature and never fails to touch my heart or tickle my funny bone. It’s brilliant!
I swear I can recommend it on dialogue alone, but I must say she plotted this one well too, so if you like a good, solid plot, than you just have to get it.
Melanie for b2b
July 10, 2013
Are you ready for a little humor and action-adventure mixed in with your Regency romance?
Society beauty Lady Elinor Keaton is decidedly tired of being taken for granted by her husband. Lord Winslow (Winn) has a bad habit of ignoring and neglecting the mother of his 12- and 14-year-old daughters, leaving her with only the management of their well-staffed household to occupy her time. When he fails to appear as promised again to escort her to a ball, she makes a decision that will alter their future and the course of their marriage—resolving to make her own happiness and to cease trying to please Winn. Symbolic of this epiphany, she changes her attire--shedding her demure formal gown in favor of a more daring style--and attends the ball without an escort.
Winn is a spy for the elite Barbicon group, and his dangerous and exciting work has always taken precedence over spending time with his family, who believe that he is busy managing their estate and financial affairs. Upon his late arrival at the ball, his attention is drawn from the distance to a stunning woman who turns out to be none other than his Elinor.
At the subsequent intersection of good guys, bad guys, a fake spy, and good-girl-contemplating-going-bad, confusion reigns and heart-stopping action and chase scenes follow. Through it all Winn and Elinor discover surprising things about one another and themselves.
The plot and title of True Spies have noticeable similarities to those of 20th Century Fox’s 1994 movie, True Lies, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. This makes much of the plot highly predictable, particularly in the first half. Nonetheless, True Spies is very entertaining (as was True Lies) with plenty of comedy, romance, and suspense.
Although it is Book 2 of the Lord and Lady Spy series, True Spies stands well alone. Not having read Book 1 did not hamper my enjoyment of True Spies. The witty repartee seemed excessive at times, but the very incongruity of dialogue in the midst of flight and fight scenes was essential to the comedy. I enjoyed True Spies enough that I plan to read the rest of the series, and I don’t hesitate to recommend it to readers who enjoy a little humor and action-adventure mixed in with their Regency romance.
Society beauty Lady Elinor Keaton is decidedly tired of being taken for granted by her husband. Lord Winslow (Winn) has a bad habit of ignoring and neglecting the mother of his 12- and 14-year-old daughters, leaving her with only the management of their well-staffed household to occupy her time. When he fails to appear as promised again to escort her to a ball, she makes a decision that will alter their future and the course of their marriage—resolving to make her own happiness and to cease trying to please Winn. Symbolic of this epiphany, she changes her attire--shedding her demure formal gown in favor of a more daring style--and attends the ball without an escort.
Winn is a spy for the elite Barbicon group, and his dangerous and exciting work has always taken precedence over spending time with his family, who believe that he is busy managing their estate and financial affairs. Upon his late arrival at the ball, his attention is drawn from the distance to a stunning woman who turns out to be none other than his Elinor.
At the subsequent intersection of good guys, bad guys, a fake spy, and good-girl-contemplating-going-bad, confusion reigns and heart-stopping action and chase scenes follow. Through it all Winn and Elinor discover surprising things about one another and themselves.
The plot and title of True Spies have noticeable similarities to those of 20th Century Fox’s 1994 movie, True Lies, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. This makes much of the plot highly predictable, particularly in the first half. Nonetheless, True Spies is very entertaining (as was True Lies) with plenty of comedy, romance, and suspense.
Although it is Book 2 of the Lord and Lady Spy series, True Spies stands well alone. Not having read Book 1 did not hamper my enjoyment of True Spies. The witty repartee seemed excessive at times, but the very incongruity of dialogue in the midst of flight and fight scenes was essential to the comedy. I enjoyed True Spies enough that I plan to read the rest of the series, and I don’t hesitate to recommend it to readers who enjoy a little humor and action-adventure mixed in with their Regency romance.
March 23, 2021
I like the idea for this book in theory, but sadly it just didn't work for me at all. I really love the idea of couples that got married but have been fairly separate for some time discovering "oh wait, we actually want to make this marriage work" and/or especially the idea of historicals where the hero has been away from home for some time actually having to earn back his spouse and/or children's affections, but that wasn't really what we actually got here and I had a very hard time rooting for this couple!! On the one hand, I wanted Elinor to get what she wanted, but on the other hand, I couldn't figure out why she loved Winn and kept loving him all these years????
There just wasn't a lot of balance in the relationship since Elinor apparently spent all these years loving Winn, even as he left her alone and barely noticed her and consistently wouldn't show up when she wanted to go out in society to meet with other adults. Even as she was saying she wouldn't fall back under his spell, her resistance was minimal and his making up for his years of being a terrible, absent husband basically... didn't exist? Elinor's POV was all about how she'd loved him for 14 years even though she knew he'd never love her, and Winn's POV was all about how convenient a wife she was for him (he knew she wouldn't say no when he proposed because she was older and not one of the belles of the ball!), how he never really noticed her (see previous point) until whoops suddenly some other man was dancing with her and we can't possibly have that!!, and how all her friends were shallow and boring. I was also expecting at least some of him trying to reconnect with their daughters, but no, the girls just get sent to their grandmother's and nothing really happened on that front??? Instead, we got a whole spy plot that I just didn't care at all about, and basically no relationship development.
I would like a different book about a spy husband returning home and having to find a way to adjust to living with the wife and family he barely knows. Preferably one where the hero is someone I can root for, who is decidedly less of a worthless jerk.
There just wasn't a lot of balance in the relationship since Elinor apparently spent all these years loving Winn, even as he left her alone and barely noticed her and consistently wouldn't show up when she wanted to go out in society to meet with other adults. Even as she was saying she wouldn't fall back under his spell, her resistance was minimal and his making up for his years of being a terrible, absent husband basically... didn't exist? Elinor's POV was all about how she'd loved him for 14 years even though she knew he'd never love her, and Winn's POV was all about how convenient a wife she was for him (he knew she wouldn't say no when he proposed because she was older and not one of the belles of the ball!), how he never really noticed her (see previous point) until whoops suddenly some other man was dancing with her and we can't possibly have that!!, and how all her friends were shallow and boring. I was also expecting at least some of him trying to reconnect with their daughters, but no, the girls just get sent to their grandmother's and nothing really happened on that front??? Instead, we got a whole spy plot that I just didn't care at all about, and basically no relationship development.
I would like a different book about a spy husband returning home and having to find a way to adjust to living with the wife and family he barely knows. Preferably one where the hero is someone I can root for, who is decidedly less of a worthless jerk.
August 3, 2013
A thrilling, fast-paced historical romance that I absolutely loved! True Spies had spies, thrills, and a hot romance. In other words, what's not to like?
Elinor was a heroine who has finally decided to take a stand. Her husband has never paid much attention to her and she finally decided that she was done with it. Though she loves her husband, never having his attention has taken its toll and she won't be his doormat anymore. And that's exactly what finally gets his attention. I really liked Elinor. She was a meek woman for a long time, but, in this book, she finds her strength. And, once she does, there was no stopping her. She takes on spies and villains and doesn't back down for a second. I really liked her. I thought she was a lovely character.
Win has taken his family for granted for years. He wasn't neglectful or unloving. He just always assumed that they would be there and paid more attention to his spying. He chose to marry Elinor because he knew she would accept his excuses for being gone. Until she doesn't anymore. And, when he faces the possibility of losing her, he finally realizes how much he cares for his wife. He might have been distant in the past, but the Win that we see in this book throws all that away. He was sweet, very protective over his family, and very passionate about his wife. I absolutely adored him.
The romance was on fire. It was as if those years of distance between Elinor and Win resulted in a built up of unused passion and it all finally came out. But, these two were also genuinely sweet together. With Elinor's long held love for Win and Win's realization of his love for Elinor, this couple was so adorable. They were perfect together.
The plot was fast paced and full of thrills. I was completely hooked and the danger of the covert intrigue kept me on the edge of my seat. And the ending was just perfect.
True Spies was a wonderful historical romance. If you want an absolutely delightful HR to read, this is your book.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
Elinor was a heroine who has finally decided to take a stand. Her husband has never paid much attention to her and she finally decided that she was done with it. Though she loves her husband, never having his attention has taken its toll and she won't be his doormat anymore. And that's exactly what finally gets his attention. I really liked Elinor. She was a meek woman for a long time, but, in this book, she finds her strength. And, once she does, there was no stopping her. She takes on spies and villains and doesn't back down for a second. I really liked her. I thought she was a lovely character.
Win has taken his family for granted for years. He wasn't neglectful or unloving. He just always assumed that they would be there and paid more attention to his spying. He chose to marry Elinor because he knew she would accept his excuses for being gone. Until she doesn't anymore. And, when he faces the possibility of losing her, he finally realizes how much he cares for his wife. He might have been distant in the past, but the Win that we see in this book throws all that away. He was sweet, very protective over his family, and very passionate about his wife. I absolutely adored him.
The romance was on fire. It was as if those years of distance between Elinor and Win resulted in a built up of unused passion and it all finally came out. But, these two were also genuinely sweet together. With Elinor's long held love for Win and Win's realization of his love for Elinor, this couple was so adorable. They were perfect together.
The plot was fast paced and full of thrills. I was completely hooked and the danger of the covert intrigue kept me on the edge of my seat. And the ending was just perfect.
True Spies was a wonderful historical romance. If you want an absolutely delightful HR to read, this is your book.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
August 28, 2013
This is another amazing book in this series I loved it from the start it is filled with lots of action and a very sensual romance between Winn and his wife Elinor. Ellie has decided to finally give up loving her husband of fouteen years after all he is never there always busy with his estates he has never had time for her and she wants a bit of fun and action in her life, but Winn has come home after the death of a friend and things have changed and he has decided that he wants his wife and when she learns that he is a spy for the secret government group and Ellie is in danger but wants to help things really move along. This one will have you turning the pages and staying up late at night a truly great story that I highly recommend this one. I got this one from Netgaelley.
September 17, 2013
I didn't think I could encounter a novelty when it came to historical romances, however, I see that I was wrong. True Spies tells the story of a husband and wife duo who work as spies in the Regency era.
When I first heard of this plot, I thought I'd get a fast paced historical with a bit of romance in it. I didn't expect a married couple of fourteen years with two kids discovering their passion. I say discovering because although the heroine, Elinor, is already in love with her husband, our hero Winn, looks at their marriage as a cover for his hidden life of espionage. What starts off as a marriage of convenience turns into passion in the action filled life of our spies.
I liked both characters. Elinor is the kind of woman the society expects all women to be like, a mother and caretaker. She has been married for fourteen years and gave birth to two daughters and she doesn't have much to expect from her life, perhaps other than a response to her feelings from her husband. It's always nice to see a heroine in a historical romance who defies the rules of society, and Elinor certainly fits the bill. Although she wasn't familiar with the kind of life a spy leads, she was more than ready to learn and help. She knew her weaknesses, but she was ready to better herself despite her fears. I was glad to see there was a balance between what came to her naturally and what she was able to improvise or not, because this is a woman in the Regency era, one who wasn't trained for such a life, you can't expect her to suddenly start jumping off rooftops or fight back against men with knives or guns.
As much as Elinor was a nice heroine, Winn was a good hero. All through the book, the biggest change happened in Winn's personality. He turned from the indifferent husband to a caring man who slowly-and finally- fell in love with his wife. I have to say, it was fun to read the story almost backwards, usually what we get is the couple meeting, falling in love and then forming a family and we'd get our happily ever after, but in this story, the couple was already married with children and only after years of marriage they finally managed to get to know each other and fall in love.
Since this was a book revolving around spies, there was quite a lot of action involved, which I very much enjoyed. It was fact paced, and although it seems like it took me a while to finish it, it was easy to read.
Many of the secondary characters were nice and funny, and they more than intrigued me to hunt down any other books in the series.
A funny, fast paced historical espionage/romance story that I'm sure would appeal to those who like the genre, and those who look for something light and fun to read.
*Find this review also at Under The Covers Bookblog
When I first heard of this plot, I thought I'd get a fast paced historical with a bit of romance in it. I didn't expect a married couple of fourteen years with two kids discovering their passion. I say discovering because although the heroine, Elinor, is already in love with her husband, our hero Winn, looks at their marriage as a cover for his hidden life of espionage. What starts off as a marriage of convenience turns into passion in the action filled life of our spies.
I liked both characters. Elinor is the kind of woman the society expects all women to be like, a mother and caretaker. She has been married for fourteen years and gave birth to two daughters and she doesn't have much to expect from her life, perhaps other than a response to her feelings from her husband. It's always nice to see a heroine in a historical romance who defies the rules of society, and Elinor certainly fits the bill. Although she wasn't familiar with the kind of life a spy leads, she was more than ready to learn and help. She knew her weaknesses, but she was ready to better herself despite her fears. I was glad to see there was a balance between what came to her naturally and what she was able to improvise or not, because this is a woman in the Regency era, one who wasn't trained for such a life, you can't expect her to suddenly start jumping off rooftops or fight back against men with knives or guns.
As much as Elinor was a nice heroine, Winn was a good hero. All through the book, the biggest change happened in Winn's personality. He turned from the indifferent husband to a caring man who slowly-and finally- fell in love with his wife. I have to say, it was fun to read the story almost backwards, usually what we get is the couple meeting, falling in love and then forming a family and we'd get our happily ever after, but in this story, the couple was already married with children and only after years of marriage they finally managed to get to know each other and fall in love.
Since this was a book revolving around spies, there was quite a lot of action involved, which I very much enjoyed. It was fact paced, and although it seems like it took me a while to finish it, it was easy to read.
Many of the secondary characters were nice and funny, and they more than intrigued me to hunt down any other books in the series.
A funny, fast paced historical espionage/romance story that I'm sure would appeal to those who like the genre, and those who look for something light and fun to read.
*Find this review also at Under The Covers Bookblog
April 24, 2015
Move along folks - not much to see here. This is the story of Winn the regency spy and his unloved, ignored wife Elinor. Could not get invested in the characters, their relationship or the plot of this one. First, Winn and Ellie have been married for 15 years and have 2 daughters, 12 &14. Winn specifically chose his wife because she loved him, he didn't love her, she would make a good baroness and mother, and, most importantly, she wouldn't interfere with his spy career. After 15 years of marriage, Winn is basically a stranger to both his wife and his daughters. Ellie finally decides she has had enough and plans to pursue a relationship outside of her marriage. The state of her marriage is such that she cannot imagine Winn would even care. Naturally, it is at this point that Winn decides he may want her after all.
My problems with this story were legion must here are my high points. First, any woman that would put up with that for 15 years is no heroine in my mind - she's just sad. Second, Winn is anything but heroic. Sure he's a spy fighting for king and country, but, really, he's just an immature jerk. Third, these guys had to be the worst spies in the history of spying. The worst. Ever. Period. Fourth, Winn apparently can't make love worth toffee. In spite of his manly manliness, when it comes to showing his wife a good time, the few times they have been together over the years, he has been less than inspiring. Fifth, I think the author must have realized she was writing a hero so devoid of positive characteristics that she threw him a bone and, at least, made him faithful. Which leads me to my sixth problem. What the Sam Hill was the matter with these people????? How can two healthy people go through their 20s and 30s without really ever having sex???? I'm not sure I buy the notion that two people can pretty much be asexual throughout their "prime" years and then suddenly start burning up the sheets. How does this happen? They both,amazingly, have developed some serious mad skills while not doing anything to actually acquire those skills. At one point there is some internal dialogue going on with Winn where he thinks to himself that he is no longer a callow youth with a short fuse and now has the skills to make sure his wife is satisfied. Based on his faithfulness and lack of practice on his wife, I'm not sure I'm as confident of his abilities as he.
My problems with this story were legion must here are my high points. First, any woman that would put up with that for 15 years is no heroine in my mind - she's just sad. Second, Winn is anything but heroic. Sure he's a spy fighting for king and country, but, really, he's just an immature jerk. Third, these guys had to be the worst spies in the history of spying. The worst. Ever. Period. Fourth, Winn apparently can't make love worth toffee. In spite of his manly manliness, when it comes to showing his wife a good time, the few times they have been together over the years, he has been less than inspiring. Fifth, I think the author must have realized she was writing a hero so devoid of positive characteristics that she threw him a bone and, at least, made him faithful. Which leads me to my sixth problem. What the Sam Hill was the matter with these people????? How can two healthy people go through their 20s and 30s without really ever having sex???? I'm not sure I buy the notion that two people can pretty much be asexual throughout their "prime" years and then suddenly start burning up the sheets. How does this happen? They both,amazingly, have developed some serious mad skills while not doing anything to actually acquire those skills. At one point there is some internal dialogue going on with Winn where he thinks to himself that he is no longer a callow youth with a short fuse and now has the skills to make sure his wife is satisfied. Based on his faithfulness and lack of practice on his wife, I'm not sure I'm as confident of his abilities as he.
January 9, 2015
Are you ready for a little humor and action-adventure mixed in with your Regency romance?
Society beauty Lady Elinor Keaton is decidedly tired of being taken for granted by her husband. Lord Winslow (Winn) has a bad habit of ignoring and neglecting the mother of his 12- and 14-year-old daughters, leaving her with only the management of their well-staffed household to occupy her time. When he fails to appear as promised again to escort her to a ball, she makes a decision that will alter their future and the course of their marriage—resolving to make her own happiness and to cease trying to please Winn. Symbolic of this epiphany, she changes her attire--shedding her demure formal gown in favor of a more daring style--and attends the ball without an escort.
Winn is a spy for the elite Barbicon group, and his dangerous and exciting work has always taken precedence over spending time with his family, who believe that he is busy managing their estate and financial affairs. Upon his late arrival at the ball, his attention is drawn from the distance to a stunning woman who turns out to be none other than his Elinor.
At the subsequent intersection of good guys, bad guys, a fake spy, and good-girl-contemplating-going-bad, confusion reigns and heart-stopping action and chase scenes follow. Through it all Winn and Elinor discover surprising things about one another and themselves.
The plot and title of True Spies have noticeable similarities to those of 20th Century Fox’s 1994 movie, True Lies, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. This makes much of the plot highly predictable, particularly in the first half. Nonetheless, True Spies is very entertaining (as was True Lies) with plenty of comedy, romance, and suspense.
Although it is Book 2 of the Lord and Lady Spy series, True Spies stands well alone. Not having read Book 1 did not hamper my enjoyment of True Spies. The witty repartee seemed excessive at times, but the very incongruity of dialogue in the midst of flight and fight scenes was essential to the comedy. I enjoyed True Spies enough that I plan to read the rest of the series, and I don’t hesitate to recommend it to readers who enjoy a little humor and action-adventure mixed in with their Regency romance.
- Delta
Society beauty Lady Elinor Keaton is decidedly tired of being taken for granted by her husband. Lord Winslow (Winn) has a bad habit of ignoring and neglecting the mother of his 12- and 14-year-old daughters, leaving her with only the management of their well-staffed household to occupy her time. When he fails to appear as promised again to escort her to a ball, she makes a decision that will alter their future and the course of their marriage—resolving to make her own happiness and to cease trying to please Winn. Symbolic of this epiphany, she changes her attire--shedding her demure formal gown in favor of a more daring style--and attends the ball without an escort.
Winn is a spy for the elite Barbicon group, and his dangerous and exciting work has always taken precedence over spending time with his family, who believe that he is busy managing their estate and financial affairs. Upon his late arrival at the ball, his attention is drawn from the distance to a stunning woman who turns out to be none other than his Elinor.
At the subsequent intersection of good guys, bad guys, a fake spy, and good-girl-contemplating-going-bad, confusion reigns and heart-stopping action and chase scenes follow. Through it all Winn and Elinor discover surprising things about one another and themselves.
The plot and title of True Spies have noticeable similarities to those of 20th Century Fox’s 1994 movie, True Lies, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. This makes much of the plot highly predictable, particularly in the first half. Nonetheless, True Spies is very entertaining (as was True Lies) with plenty of comedy, romance, and suspense.
Although it is Book 2 of the Lord and Lady Spy series, True Spies stands well alone. Not having read Book 1 did not hamper my enjoyment of True Spies. The witty repartee seemed excessive at times, but the very incongruity of dialogue in the midst of flight and fight scenes was essential to the comedy. I enjoyed True Spies enough that I plan to read the rest of the series, and I don’t hesitate to recommend it to readers who enjoy a little humor and action-adventure mixed in with their Regency romance.
- Delta
September 3, 2013
I will start by saying that I am a huge fan of Shana Galen's books, and I have loved them all. So, I am not surprised that I loved True Spies, it was a very visual read for me, which is my favorite kind. Elinor is a funny, brave and determined heroine that finds herself with loose ends, because her children and a husband don't need her as much. Winn her husband is a very busy man who has had little time for his wife and family in the past. True Spies is the second in the Lord and Lady Spy novels, and is an wonderful adventure that continues the Lord and Lady Spy story line. Elinor and Winn have been married for fourteen years, and have two daughters. Winn is fairly clueless to the state of their marriage, and Elinor is unaware of what her husband actually does while he is away from home. Things heat up, when Elinor decides she is going to have a life, that doesn't include waiting around for Winn anymore.
What I love about this book, is that is a romance between two people who have been married, but never really knew each other. Winn has to work to gain the love of his own wife, and Elinor has to open her heart again. There is adventure, romance and action. I enjoyed getting to visit with some of the characters from Lord and Lady Spy, and the novella The Spy Wore Blue: A Lord and Lady Spy Novella.
One other thing that I love about Shana Galen's writing is the humor, and I will tell you that I read Chapter Two more than once. I even read it out loud, to myself, complete with the voices and attitude of the scene. No spoilers, but when Winn finds his wife in the ballroom, when he expects her to be at home, there is a very humorous encounter.
What I love about this book, is that is a romance between two people who have been married, but never really knew each other. Winn has to work to gain the love of his own wife, and Elinor has to open her heart again. There is adventure, romance and action. I enjoyed getting to visit with some of the characters from Lord and Lady Spy, and the novella The Spy Wore Blue: A Lord and Lady Spy Novella.
One other thing that I love about Shana Galen's writing is the humor, and I will tell you that I read Chapter Two more than once. I even read it out loud, to myself, complete with the voices and attitude of the scene. No spoilers, but when Winn finds his wife in the ballroom, when he expects her to be at home, there is a very humorous encounter.
August 7, 2013
True Spies= Perfect balance between action & intrique & romance!
Lady Elinor Keating can manage her household, the lessons and activities for two daughters and host formal parties. However, she can not get her husband to notice her.
He is never home, he's distant and he is always late to escort her around town. Elinor is tired of waiting. She need a change and is about to embark on an adventure with a man who claims to be a spy.
Winn, Lord Keating is preoccuppied with his job as a spy for the elite Barbican group. He has hidden his true profession from his family and friends. Early on in the story, Winn realises that spying for Crown and Country may have cost him his wife's love as well as a future with his family.
Shana Galen crafts a believable story filled with humor and emotion. I was drawn to the two main characters. I have felt the same way as Ellie (who hasn't?)and I was so hoping Winn would get it and realise what a treasure he has in Ellie. I enjoyed how Winn and Ellie's love story played out. Galen includes several sexy scenes and a few surprises!
There is a perfect balance between action and adventure as the pair aided by Barbican members Blue, Wolf and Saint hunt the elusive French spy Fonce. Fonce seems to elude the Barbican members each time. But, Winn, Ellie and Blue meet up with Fonce in the Price Regent's bedroom for a well written scene filled with clever dialogue, humor, danger and packed with adventure!!
Fonce escapes leaving room for another novel or two down the road.........
Lady Elinor Keating can manage her household, the lessons and activities for two daughters and host formal parties. However, she can not get her husband to notice her.
He is never home, he's distant and he is always late to escort her around town. Elinor is tired of waiting. She need a change and is about to embark on an adventure with a man who claims to be a spy.
Winn, Lord Keating is preoccuppied with his job as a spy for the elite Barbican group. He has hidden his true profession from his family and friends. Early on in the story, Winn realises that spying for Crown and Country may have cost him his wife's love as well as a future with his family.
Shana Galen crafts a believable story filled with humor and emotion. I was drawn to the two main characters. I have felt the same way as Ellie (who hasn't?)and I was so hoping Winn would get it and realise what a treasure he has in Ellie. I enjoyed how Winn and Ellie's love story played out. Galen includes several sexy scenes and a few surprises!
There is a perfect balance between action and adventure as the pair aided by Barbican members Blue, Wolf and Saint hunt the elusive French spy Fonce. Fonce seems to elude the Barbican members each time. But, Winn, Ellie and Blue meet up with Fonce in the Price Regent's bedroom for a well written scene filled with clever dialogue, humor, danger and packed with adventure!!
Fonce escapes leaving room for another novel or two down the road.........
September 4, 2013
Hollywood has a long history of adapting books to the screen. Recently books have started working the angle in reverse, drawing inspiration from well-loved movies. Two years ago author Shana Galen took the film Mr. and Mrs. Smith and turned into a wonderful historical story of two agents married to their careers as spies more than they were ever married to one another. She continues the series and the theme of spy marriages is crisis by taking the action film True Lies and moving it into the post Peninsula War period in True Spies.
Lord Winslow Keating has been one of the top agents for the Barbican group, known for his unorthodox methods as much as his success rate. With years of service with the group under his belt, fatigue, age, and a waning confidence in his own abilities has left Winn looking to reconnect with the other side of his life and the family he’s neglected. Little does Winn realize that his family has been getting on quite well without him for all the years of his relative absence in their lives. His daughters are wary of his affection, his staff knows not to plan on his appearance at home, but the worst is the loss of love from his wife Elinor who had finally realized that her husband wasn’t worth her heart.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
Lord Winslow Keating has been one of the top agents for the Barbican group, known for his unorthodox methods as much as his success rate. With years of service with the group under his belt, fatigue, age, and a waning confidence in his own abilities has left Winn looking to reconnect with the other side of his life and the family he’s neglected. Little does Winn realize that his family has been getting on quite well without him for all the years of his relative absence in their lives. His daughters are wary of his affection, his staff knows not to plan on his appearance at home, but the worst is the loss of love from his wife Elinor who had finally realized that her husband wasn’t worth her heart.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
September 14, 2013
I tried my best not to think of True Lies while reading this book, I mean who wants to see that when reading about Baron? Yes not me.
I liked the fact that they had been married for ages. Winslow was always away (cos he was a spy and she did not know) and Elinor grew tired of being stood up. Their marriage was not a loving happy one. She had been forgotten, and it had never been a love match. Now how can it go wrong with a premise like that?
I did feel sorry for Elinor, but then again, those were the days. Maybe she should not go and try to be involved in an affair to spice things up. Winslow could have cast her out and she would never have seen the kids again.
And Winslow, really, spend some time with your kids and wife. You are both idiots in the end.
But the book is not gonna end like that. Winslow has started to think his wife is hot. She is not gonna forgive him that easily and if you have seen True Lies you know where this is gonna go. There will be danger and spy games for both of them.
But I was not that happy about a certain thing at the end...can't tell you why. But it was irresponsible.
Spies, danger and romance between two people who have been married a long time, but not been in love.
I liked the fact that they had been married for ages. Winslow was always away (cos he was a spy and she did not know) and Elinor grew tired of being stood up. Their marriage was not a loving happy one. She had been forgotten, and it had never been a love match. Now how can it go wrong with a premise like that?
I did feel sorry for Elinor, but then again, those were the days. Maybe she should not go and try to be involved in an affair to spice things up. Winslow could have cast her out and she would never have seen the kids again.
And Winslow, really, spend some time with your kids and wife. You are both idiots in the end.
But the book is not gonna end like that. Winslow has started to think his wife is hot. She is not gonna forgive him that easily and if you have seen True Lies you know where this is gonna go. There will be danger and spy games for both of them.
But I was not that happy about a certain thing at the end...can't tell you why. But it was irresponsible.
Spies, danger and romance between two people who have been married a long time, but not been in love.
August 11, 2020
2020 Reread
Reread this on a whim. It was as entertaining as I remembered. Plus, I am always a sucker for reuniting spouses.
Also, I love the detail that the wife is pissed off when she finds out her husband's been lying to her for decades and is secretly a spy. No swooning due to be impressed by his super-important job making him all mysterious and desirable. I also forgot the scenes where the Baron works with the male lead in the previous book. They are an excellent double-act.
2015
This was fun! I don't think I liked it quite as much as the first one, but it was fun. The partnership did seem to be one of equals. They spying was fun.
I don't know, I liked both of them. I just liked this.
Oh, also, Mr. Spy-Master (aka their boss whose name starts with M, but I'm too lazy to look it) was totally matchmaking in this one again. At least in my head. And that is the only place that matters.
Reread this on a whim. It was as entertaining as I remembered. Plus, I am always a sucker for reuniting spouses.
Also, I love the detail that the wife is pissed off when she finds out her husband's been lying to her for decades and is secretly a spy. No swooning due to be impressed by his super-important job making him all mysterious and desirable. I also forgot the scenes where the Baron works with the male lead in the previous book. They are an excellent double-act.
2015
This was fun! I don't think I liked it quite as much as the first one, but it was fun. The partnership did seem to be one of equals. They spying was fun.
I don't know, I liked both of them. I just liked this.
Oh, also, Mr. Spy-Master (aka their boss whose name starts with M, but I'm too lazy to look it) was totally matchmaking in this one again. At least in my head. And that is the only place that matters.
September 24, 2013
This was a bit of a let down for me. The other books in this series were just so much better. The torpe was one of my favorites, husband and wife re-connecting but somehow the characters did not resonate with me. Winn has been a spy since before Elinor and he were married. He goes away for weeks at a time on estate business, leaving his wife to care for his home and two daughters. Elinor is a demure woman who is good at being a mother, planning parties, etc. They have a real society marriage. Then bam....she wants more excitement and he wants to relax and have a real marriage and home life. Since this is a spy book there is, of course, as spy to chase. At least Blue was part of the action so at least there was some semblance of a spy in the book. It was the spy part of the story that rose this to a three start. Now the promise of a new character will have me coming back for more as I have enjoyed the other books.
September 3, 2013
True Spies is a great follow up to Lord and Lady Spy! I was so excited to hear this book was coming out and Shana Galen did not disappoint. Elinor and Winn are an exciting and romantic couple. I love the action and sexy tension that Shana puts into her stories. Another hit for her. Keep them coming Shana!
March 22, 2014
Great Book! I really enjoyed Shana Galen's new book. True Spies is a combination of Regency romance and James Bond. Galen weaves a fast paced, dangerous plot, funny situations, and steamy sex to perfection!
January 28, 2023
So I guess this is the movie "True Lies" as a Regency spy novel?
I'm not a big fan of this as I'd rather just read an original novel than one based on a modern film. But I am a sucker for a second chance love story!
I loved Elinor, but I wasn't overly fond of Winn (he reveals that he's a spy because he's mad at Elinor? I couldn't follow his logic). He also constantly whinges about how women can't be spies and makes some questionable decisions.
More Wolf and Saint in this and Saint is pregnant! She's also still badass. I liked that part.
Again, though, the time is light, but a lot of death. Especially poor Jacob the footman, who is shot and killed? He gets shot and no one ever mentions him again. I assume he’s dead. I liked Jacob. So it’s jarring to have death and such serious stakes in this story.
The plot just starts to bend credibility a bit. So I didn't love it. Also, Fonce escaping YET AGAIN is ridiculous. I'd rather have it be a fake out (Fonce isn't the main bad guy) instead of this guy getting away twice.
I'm not a big fan of this as I'd rather just read an original novel than one based on a modern film. But I am a sucker for a second chance love story!
I loved Elinor, but I wasn't overly fond of Winn (he reveals that he's a spy because he's mad at Elinor? I couldn't follow his logic). He also constantly whinges about how women can't be spies and makes some questionable decisions.
More Wolf and Saint in this and Saint is pregnant! She's also still badass. I liked that part.
Again, though, the time is light, but a lot of death. Especially poor Jacob the footman, who is shot and killed? He gets shot and no one ever mentions him again. I assume he’s dead. I liked Jacob. So it’s jarring to have death and such serious stakes in this story.
The plot just starts to bend credibility a bit. So I didn't love it. Also, Fonce escaping YET AGAIN is ridiculous. I'd rather have it be a fake out (Fonce isn't the main bad guy) instead of this guy getting away twice.
August 20, 2013
Didn't like this one as much as I did Lord and Lady Spy but it was an okay read. Full review to come.
Full review (originally posted on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks):
True Spies is the follow-up novel to Shana Galen's Lord and Lady Spy--a sort of Mr. and Mrs. Smith retelling set in the Regency era featuring a married hero and heroine who were both spies. They both try to hide their identies from each other until the agency they both worked for forced them to work together on a mission. Lord and Lady Spy was such a great read that I thoroughly enjoy so I couldn't wait to read the next book in the series, True Spies.
I don't know if you're familiar with the old Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis movie called True Lies but True Spies is a loose retelling of that movie. The hero, Winn, belonged in the same spy agency that Adrian and Sophia (the hero and heroine of Lord and Lady Spy) worked for. No one in his family knew of Winn's spying but his being gone all the time on covert missions have taken a toll on his marriage.
His wife Elinor was tired of being ignored and taken for granted by Winn, and with their daughters all but grown up, she was also bored. Elinor wanted some excitement in her life and was contemplating an affair with a rakish spy. When Winn realized what Elinor was up to he puts a stop to it only reveal his secret identity and pulled her into a dangerous mission he was in the middle of investigating.
True Spies had many things I love in a romance novel, like a rediscovery of romance between a married hero and heroine, secret identities, spying, intrigue and action scenes. This novel was fairly fast-paced and had a number of action scenes, which was great because that kept me flipping the pages. However, I didn't particularly connect with the main characters and they sometimes got in my nerves. Elinor, despite being a novice on her first intrigue, was supposed to be a natural at being a spy but I wasn't convinced. She was too silly and only seemed to play at being a spy. There were several times she was all I'm through with this spying business only to change her mind again. As for Winn, he was supposed to be a seasoned spy but I didn't really buy that in his character. There were instances when Winn and Elinor acted very immaturely, more like teenagers rather than adults in their thirties with two grown children.
But I did like the spark between Winn and Elinor. I really love reading second-chance romances with an already married hero and heroine so it was great seeing them understand each other better and grow to trust, love and forgive and rediscover each other again amidst all the danger and intrigue.
I also liked that Elinor wasn't the typical model-with-a-perfect-body kind of heroine. She has had two children and it was nice to see that her body showed that. In my favorite scene, Elinor was self-conscious of letting Winn see her sagging skin and stretch marks and he assured her that he loved her body more now than when she was younger, saying "Nothing about you is ugly. In particular, the badges you wear from carrying my children are not ugly. I find you beautiful."*** That scene really made me go "awwww." The two major intimate scenes (while heated) were fairly mild.
Adrian and Sophia from Lord and Lady Spy both make an appearance in this novel. They were pulled from their semi-retirement to assist Winn and Blue in their mission and played significant secondary roles in True Spies. It was great getting an update on them and seeing what they've been up to.
While I didn't enjoy True Spies as much as I did Lord and Lady Spy because the hero and heroine got on my nerves a bit, I found it a good overall. Shana Galen really does a great job in mixing romance, intrigued and fast-paced action into this series so they're entertaining to read. If that's the kind of romances you like to read then you should check this series out.
**True Spies can be read as a stand-alone novel.
***Quoted from the advance reader's copy and may be subjected to change in the final edition.
Full review (originally posted on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks):
True Spies is the follow-up novel to Shana Galen's Lord and Lady Spy--a sort of Mr. and Mrs. Smith retelling set in the Regency era featuring a married hero and heroine who were both spies. They both try to hide their identies from each other until the agency they both worked for forced them to work together on a mission. Lord and Lady Spy was such a great read that I thoroughly enjoy so I couldn't wait to read the next book in the series, True Spies.
I don't know if you're familiar with the old Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis movie called True Lies but True Spies is a loose retelling of that movie. The hero, Winn, belonged in the same spy agency that Adrian and Sophia (the hero and heroine of Lord and Lady Spy) worked for. No one in his family knew of Winn's spying but his being gone all the time on covert missions have taken a toll on his marriage.
His wife Elinor was tired of being ignored and taken for granted by Winn, and with their daughters all but grown up, she was also bored. Elinor wanted some excitement in her life and was contemplating an affair with a rakish spy. When Winn realized what Elinor was up to he puts a stop to it only reveal his secret identity and pulled her into a dangerous mission he was in the middle of investigating.
True Spies had many things I love in a romance novel, like a rediscovery of romance between a married hero and heroine, secret identities, spying, intrigue and action scenes. This novel was fairly fast-paced and had a number of action scenes, which was great because that kept me flipping the pages. However, I didn't particularly connect with the main characters and they sometimes got in my nerves. Elinor, despite being a novice on her first intrigue, was supposed to be a natural at being a spy but I wasn't convinced. She was too silly and only seemed to play at being a spy. There were several times she was all I'm through with this spying business only to change her mind again. As for Winn, he was supposed to be a seasoned spy but I didn't really buy that in his character. There were instances when Winn and Elinor acted very immaturely, more like teenagers rather than adults in their thirties with two grown children.
But I did like the spark between Winn and Elinor. I really love reading second-chance romances with an already married hero and heroine so it was great seeing them understand each other better and grow to trust, love and forgive and rediscover each other again amidst all the danger and intrigue.
I also liked that Elinor wasn't the typical model-with-a-perfect-body kind of heroine. She has had two children and it was nice to see that her body showed that. In my favorite scene, Elinor was self-conscious of letting Winn see her sagging skin and stretch marks and he assured her that he loved her body more now than when she was younger, saying "Nothing about you is ugly. In particular, the badges you wear from carrying my children are not ugly. I find you beautiful."*** That scene really made me go "awwww." The two major intimate scenes (while heated) were fairly mild.
Adrian and Sophia from Lord and Lady Spy both make an appearance in this novel. They were pulled from their semi-retirement to assist Winn and Blue in their mission and played significant secondary roles in True Spies. It was great getting an update on them and seeing what they've been up to.
While I didn't enjoy True Spies as much as I did Lord and Lady Spy because the hero and heroine got on my nerves a bit, I found it a good overall. Shana Galen really does a great job in mixing romance, intrigued and fast-paced action into this series so they're entertaining to read. If that's the kind of romances you like to read then you should check this series out.
**True Spies can be read as a stand-alone novel.
***Quoted from the advance reader's copy and may be subjected to change in the final edition.
September 24, 2013
A hilarious, sexy Regency romance that will captivate you! Actually rated 4.5! Taken from my review at Romancejunkies.com:
Elinor’s daughters are older now and no longer need her as much. It is time to seek her own interests and find excitement, proving she is more than just a mother and a society hostess. Years of endless waiting, dressed in her finest and falling asleep as she longed for her husband Winn to come home have embittered her. Once more Winn has proven how little he cares for her, not even appearing to escort her to the Ramsgate Ball, as he had promised. Finally, she must accept that he will never change. If she is to find any happiness, she has to take matters into her own hands. So she sets aside her dull gowns and dons one in scarlet red to attend the ball by herself.
Recently, Lord Trollope has been paying her attention. He claims to be a spy for the Babylon Group, and she has been contemplating having an affair with him, although she cannot imagine being intimate with anyone but Winn. However, she has read about the many brave acts of certain individuals during the Peninsular War and believes life as a spy just might give her the excitement she craves in her life. Lord Trollope has even suggested that she help him with his latest mission.
Baron Winslow ‘Winn’ Keating believes he is getting too old for his current activities. His many absences from home have made him estranged from his wife and daughters. As a spy, known simply as Baron, Winn has kept his promises at work, but those to his family not so much. While his wife and daughters believe he is off supervising his many estates, he has been on assignments. All he wants now is to go home to his family, but he has promised the Barbican Group one more mission.
Finishing up his mission for the night, Winn realizes he has once more let his wife down, but seeing his carriage drive past on the way to the ball surprises him. So, instead of heading home, Winn attends the ball, but he barely recognizes the beautiful woman in red as his wife. Unfortunately, his enemy discovers Winn’s true identity and the fact that Elinor is his wife.
Overhearing his wife’s conversation with one of her close lady friends, Winn is furious when he realizes that she has arranged to meet some man named Trollope. Teaming up with Agent Wolf, Winn determines to uncover Lord Trollope’s true goals and find out more about this Babylon Group, even while he and Wolf have to deal with finding the men who threaten the Regent. To Winn’s horror, Elinor is soon drawn into the mission with dangerous and, at times, hilarious results. Can he win his wife’s love back? Will her participation in the mission satisfy her quest for excitement, or is this just the beginning?
A fun, sexy read, TRUE SPIES, the second book in bestselling author Shana Galen’s LORD AND LADY SPY series, is a laugh-out-loud, yet sensual, historical romance that is sure to become a favorite. Elinor has been in love with her husband her whole life, but for Winn it is only a marriage of convenience…until Elinor shakes up his world and he discovers just how much he loves his wife. I enjoyed this romance involving a couple who have been married for a long time and their chance at a second beginning.
Reminiscent of the movie TRUE LIES, which has a similar, albeit modern day, plot, this story is delightful as it swaps the setting for that of the Regency era, as well as exemplifies the author's creativity and sense of humor beyond the similarities. Secrets, witty banter, jealousy, forgiveness, compromise, second chances, passion, subterfuge, family dynamics and love combine to give readers an unforgettable read. The main characters from the first book in this series also play a prominent part in this story and I look forward to the next installment. In the meantime, I recommend you check out TRUE SPIES for yourself!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Elinor’s daughters are older now and no longer need her as much. It is time to seek her own interests and find excitement, proving she is more than just a mother and a society hostess. Years of endless waiting, dressed in her finest and falling asleep as she longed for her husband Winn to come home have embittered her. Once more Winn has proven how little he cares for her, not even appearing to escort her to the Ramsgate Ball, as he had promised. Finally, she must accept that he will never change. If she is to find any happiness, she has to take matters into her own hands. So she sets aside her dull gowns and dons one in scarlet red to attend the ball by herself.
Recently, Lord Trollope has been paying her attention. He claims to be a spy for the Babylon Group, and she has been contemplating having an affair with him, although she cannot imagine being intimate with anyone but Winn. However, she has read about the many brave acts of certain individuals during the Peninsular War and believes life as a spy just might give her the excitement she craves in her life. Lord Trollope has even suggested that she help him with his latest mission.
Baron Winslow ‘Winn’ Keating believes he is getting too old for his current activities. His many absences from home have made him estranged from his wife and daughters. As a spy, known simply as Baron, Winn has kept his promises at work, but those to his family not so much. While his wife and daughters believe he is off supervising his many estates, he has been on assignments. All he wants now is to go home to his family, but he has promised the Barbican Group one more mission.
Finishing up his mission for the night, Winn realizes he has once more let his wife down, but seeing his carriage drive past on the way to the ball surprises him. So, instead of heading home, Winn attends the ball, but he barely recognizes the beautiful woman in red as his wife. Unfortunately, his enemy discovers Winn’s true identity and the fact that Elinor is his wife.
Overhearing his wife’s conversation with one of her close lady friends, Winn is furious when he realizes that she has arranged to meet some man named Trollope. Teaming up with Agent Wolf, Winn determines to uncover Lord Trollope’s true goals and find out more about this Babylon Group, even while he and Wolf have to deal with finding the men who threaten the Regent. To Winn’s horror, Elinor is soon drawn into the mission with dangerous and, at times, hilarious results. Can he win his wife’s love back? Will her participation in the mission satisfy her quest for excitement, or is this just the beginning?
A fun, sexy read, TRUE SPIES, the second book in bestselling author Shana Galen’s LORD AND LADY SPY series, is a laugh-out-loud, yet sensual, historical romance that is sure to become a favorite. Elinor has been in love with her husband her whole life, but for Winn it is only a marriage of convenience…until Elinor shakes up his world and he discovers just how much he loves his wife. I enjoyed this romance involving a couple who have been married for a long time and their chance at a second beginning.
Reminiscent of the movie TRUE LIES, which has a similar, albeit modern day, plot, this story is delightful as it swaps the setting for that of the Regency era, as well as exemplifies the author's creativity and sense of humor beyond the similarities. Secrets, witty banter, jealousy, forgiveness, compromise, second chances, passion, subterfuge, family dynamics and love combine to give readers an unforgettable read. The main characters from the first book in this series also play a prominent part in this story and I look forward to the next installment. In the meantime, I recommend you check out TRUE SPIES for yourself!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
December 11, 2013
Read This Review & More Like It At Ageless Pages Reviews
Winn, code name Baron, is getting too old for this shit. Climbing across rooftops, getting shot at, gatecrashing balls? It’s all too much. Luckily, his wife Elinor is solid, reliable, and precisely where he’s always left her. At home, waiting for him. That is, until after fourteen years of marriage, Elinor decides to stop waiting and go to the ball herself.
While at the ball, Elinor is spotted by a rival operative who quickly identifies her as Baron’s wife. This spirals us down a plotline that is ever so slightly related to the 1994 action/comedy True Lies. The wife does begin a flirtation with a man pretending to be a spy, without knowing her husband’s true profession. She is drawn into foiling a terrorist plot. Everyone is captured. There is a scene reminiscent of the famous strip tease. But the plot isn’t so much a retelling as a loose guideline.
This is a sequel to 2011’s Lord and Lady Spy, and it brings back Adrian and Sophia to team with Winn and Elinor in their continued efforts to take down Fonce, the villain from the first book. Most romance novel sequels, you can skip around the series without it effecting the plot. Not really so here. Wolf and Saint are reintroduced, but the majority of the world building is left to book one. That’s not a bad thing, but again, I recommend staying in series order.
Without world building to weigh down the plot, and a great deal less bickering and babies, I enjoyed True Spies more than the original. I found it charming and lightly humorous. There were a few scenes that stuck in my craw, mostly the sniping after the first kidnapping. It was petty and didn’t make hero or heroine look good. The action scenes weren’t overly tense or exciting either, making that first “daring” escape pretty underwhelming for all the bickering about it. And the climactic end was...a little too neat, a little farcical. It didn't particularly work for me.
I will say I enjoyed the seduction test. I thought it was the standout scene, and made excellent use of the dual points of view. Elinor’s naiveté at her effect on Winn was delightful, particularly after being able to experience that effect first hand from his POV.
Blue continues to be a standout side character. His "rendezvous" with Elinor early on was actually pretty hysterical. Likewise, Adrian and Sophia were good to see. They were deployed just the right amount in the plot so it didn't feel like they overshadowed the new couple. I could have done without the babies side plot again and the woman's intuition side plot again, though. Can't Sophia just be smart and resourceful without her magic itching nose?
To conclude, a fluffy spy romance that isn’t overly special. I liked a few scenes, thought the end was a bit soft, but in all, it was an improvement on the first and a perfectly charming way to lose a few evenings.
Winn, code name Baron, is getting too old for this shit. Climbing across rooftops, getting shot at, gatecrashing balls? It’s all too much. Luckily, his wife Elinor is solid, reliable, and precisely where he’s always left her. At home, waiting for him. That is, until after fourteen years of marriage, Elinor decides to stop waiting and go to the ball herself.
While at the ball, Elinor is spotted by a rival operative who quickly identifies her as Baron’s wife. This spirals us down a plotline that is ever so slightly related to the 1994 action/comedy True Lies. The wife does begin a flirtation with a man pretending to be a spy, without knowing her husband’s true profession. She is drawn into foiling a terrorist plot. Everyone is captured. There is a scene reminiscent of the famous strip tease. But the plot isn’t so much a retelling as a loose guideline.
This is a sequel to 2011’s Lord and Lady Spy, and it brings back Adrian and Sophia to team with Winn and Elinor in their continued efforts to take down Fonce, the villain from the first book. Most romance novel sequels, you can skip around the series without it effecting the plot. Not really so here. Wolf and Saint are reintroduced, but the majority of the world building is left to book one. That’s not a bad thing, but again, I recommend staying in series order.
Without world building to weigh down the plot, and a great deal less bickering and babies, I enjoyed True Spies more than the original. I found it charming and lightly humorous. There were a few scenes that stuck in my craw, mostly the sniping after the first kidnapping. It was petty and didn’t make hero or heroine look good. The action scenes weren’t overly tense or exciting either, making that first “daring” escape pretty underwhelming for all the bickering about it. And the climactic end was...a little too neat, a little farcical. It didn't particularly work for me.
I will say I enjoyed the seduction test. I thought it was the standout scene, and made excellent use of the dual points of view. Elinor’s naiveté at her effect on Winn was delightful, particularly after being able to experience that effect first hand from his POV.
Blue continues to be a standout side character. His "rendezvous" with Elinor early on was actually pretty hysterical. Likewise, Adrian and Sophia were good to see. They were deployed just the right amount in the plot so it didn't feel like they overshadowed the new couple. I could have done without the babies side plot again and the woman's intuition side plot again, though. Can't Sophia just be smart and resourceful without her magic itching nose?
To conclude, a fluffy spy romance that isn’t overly special. I liked a few scenes, thought the end was a bit soft, but in all, it was an improvement on the first and a perfectly charming way to lose a few evenings.
September 8, 2013
I'm giving this a 4 because I love the series. It's really more like a 3.5. It was good, but I just didn't like it as much as the first one or the novella. Winn is a spy who is ready to retire and focus on his family life with his wife and daughters. His wife, Elinor, has no idea he's a spy. She thinks he neglects her and her daughters for his family estates. She's madly in love with him, but knows that he is not in love with her. Before Winn can retire, he has to go after the bad guy in the series, Fonce. After standing her up once again, Elinor decides she's done with Winn. She goes to the ball they were both supposed to attend by herself in a pretty revealing gown. She's decided she might even have an affair. While on the job, Winn sees Elinor at the ball and can't believe his eyes - and becomes jealous of every man who gets Elinor's attention. Thus begins Winn trying to win back his wife's affections.
My real problem was with Winn. While I liked who he was now, all the descriptions of his past self made me not really like him so much. His main reason for marrying Elinor was because he knew she was mad about him. He figured he could get away with pretty much everything without explanation because she adored him so much - which he did for 14 years! He even tells her early in their marriage that he doesn't love her. What I liked so much in the first book was missing here. Both Adrian and Sophia (who we get to see fairly often in this book!) were crazy about each other. They were never close, but they were on even footing about their attraction and admiration of each other. Winn just found a decent woman who would make a good baroness who was crazy about him. Those were his requirements in a wife. Nothing more. He was just so selfish in his past, it was hard to forgive him. I did like that they were an "older" couple in their 30s who had been married for quite awhile, though.
My real problem was with Winn. While I liked who he was now, all the descriptions of his past self made me not really like him so much. His main reason for marrying Elinor was because he knew she was mad about him. He figured he could get away with pretty much everything without explanation because she adored him so much - which he did for 14 years! He even tells her early in their marriage that he doesn't love her. What I liked so much in the first book was missing here. Both Adrian and Sophia (who we get to see fairly often in this book!) were crazy about each other. They were never close, but they were on even footing about their attraction and admiration of each other. Winn just found a decent woman who would make a good baroness who was crazy about him. Those were his requirements in a wife. Nothing more. He was just so selfish in his past, it was hard to forgive him. I did like that they were an "older" couple in their 30s who had been married for quite awhile, though.
September 16, 2013
WOW, what can I say - I loved this book. I have read "Lord and Lady Spy" and "Spy Wore Blue" and really liked those books but this one is my favorite "spy" book. I like to read stories where the main characters are not very young. Winn and Elinor have been married for 14 years with two girls and since theirs was basically a marriage of convenience there was no spark even left to ignite. The side story of the "spy" who tries to bed Elinor is hilarious. Winn's reaction is not that of a man who married for convenience and had me laughing out loud. Up to this point Elinor has no idea her husband is a spy and she just wants some excitement after all those years of marriage. When she learns he is a spy and wants to be a part he absolutely refuses but she is not to be put off. Their working together (albeit reluctantly for him) brings them closer together and re-ignites their passion for each other. I finished reading the book with a "sigh" and big smile.
December 28, 2023
I was shocked the same person who wrote the first book in the series wrote this one. So many plot holes and just unnecessary, awkwardly written scenes.
Horrible male lead. He ignored his wife for 14-15 years because he was a spy and then one day he suddenly notices she’s actually gorgeous and finally starts paying attention to her. This was a story of lust not love.
Also, there’s a scene where her husband is in disguise and he’s pretending to work for the villain. He has to touch her inappropriately to remove her weapons. During this scene shes panicking because thinks she may get assaulted and he’s getting turned on because her body feels oh so nice?? Um what?? Can this man not control himself?
Also why was Elinor so dumb? She thinks being a spy is all gun and games, girl you almost died twice and you still see it as fun little adventure.
Horrible male lead. He ignored his wife for 14-15 years because he was a spy and then one day he suddenly notices she’s actually gorgeous and finally starts paying attention to her. This was a story of lust not love.
Also, there’s a scene where her husband is in disguise and he’s pretending to work for the villain. He has to touch her inappropriately to remove her weapons. During this scene shes panicking because thinks she may get assaulted and he’s getting turned on because her body feels oh so nice?? Um what?? Can this man not control himself?
Also why was Elinor so dumb? She thinks being a spy is all gun and games, girl you almost died twice and you still see it as fun little adventure.
July 30, 2013
Another great book from Shana Galen. I won't lie, I was really excited to read this book. Lord and Lady Spy is one of my all time favorite books and I was so excited to jump back into this world. Shana definitely doesn't disappoint with True Spies. Yes, there were a few times when both the hero and heroine annoyed me a bit with their immaturity but I loved that we were able to see them grow. I really liked the chemistry between Winn and Elinor and enjoyed watching them grow to love and trust one another. This book starts off with a bang and keeps going until the very last page. Honestly I didn't want to stop reading. I definitely can't wait to read more.
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