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Sinful Family Secrets #2
Micile minciuni ale dragostei
O eroină puternică, un erou seducător şi o aventură palpitantă condimentată cu secrete şi intrigi din care numai o iubire adevărată poate ieşi învingătoare
Evelyn Hadley-Attwater are totul la dispoziţie - o viaţă mondenă, rochii elegante, petreceri rafinate şi, nu în ultimul rând, un soţ iubitor. Nimeni, nici măcar bărbatul cu care s-a măritat, nu bănuieşte însă că odinioară ea era Eve, femeia care lucra pentru cea mai enigmatică agenţie de informaţii din Anglia. Chemată pentru o ultimă misiune, Evelyn este din nou vrăjită de emoţiile pe care viaţa ei anterioară i le oferea, iar amintirile legate de misteriosul şi fermecătorul ei şef se dovedesc o tentaţie prea mare...
Adrian Hadley-Attwater este un gentilom respectabil, plin de demnitate. Dar chiar şi bărbaţii cu un comportament ireproşabil au propriile secrete. Secrete pe care le ascund de restul lumii, de familii, de soţii. Secrete care au un preţ. Acum vălul care le acoperă este pe punctul să se destrame şi jocul ademenitor de-a şoarecele şi pisica va pune la încercare limitele unei iubiri considerate de nezdruncinat...
Evelyn Hadley-Attwater are totul la dispoziţie - o viaţă mondenă, rochii elegante, petreceri rafinate şi, nu în ultimul rând, un soţ iubitor. Nimeni, nici măcar bărbatul cu care s-a măritat, nu bănuieşte însă că odinioară ea era Eve, femeia care lucra pentru cea mai enigmatică agenţie de informaţii din Anglia. Chemată pentru o ultimă misiune, Evelyn este din nou vrăjită de emoţiile pe care viaţa ei anterioară i le oferea, iar amintirile legate de misteriosul şi fermecătorul ei şef se dovedesc o tentaţie prea mare...
Adrian Hadley-Attwater este un gentilom respectabil, plin de demnitate. Dar chiar şi bărbaţii cu un comportament ireproşabil au propriile secrete. Secrete pe care le ascund de restul lumii, de familii, de soţii. Secrete care au un preţ. Acum vălul care le acoperă este pe punctul să se destrame şi jocul ademenitor de-a şoarecele şi pisica va pune la încercare limitele unei iubiri considerate de nezdruncinat...
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2012
102 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Alexander
64 books1,323 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
July 15, 2018
This book was unique because I think it is only one of two historical romances I have read that begins after the hero and heroine are already married but not estranged. A very enjoyable read.
December 17, 2022
Oh my, what a web and all!
A happy marriage between two people who have an intertwined secret past - with one person being unaware about the intertwined part! And the secret has to outed for them to truly have their HEA. But is this the deception forgivable? Or even necessary?
Mr and Mrs. Smith, anyone?
I enjoyed some parts of this double deception and smoke and mirrors story but some things were eye-rollingly unbelievable like really! How could she not know or suspect?
But still, an entertainment through and through. And non stop action.
3.5*
A happy marriage between two people who have an intertwined secret past - with one person being unaware about the intertwined part! And the secret has to outed for them to truly have their HEA. But is this the deception forgivable? Or even necessary?
Mr and Mrs. Smith, anyone?
I enjoyed some parts of this double deception and smoke and mirrors story but some things were eye-rollingly unbelievable like really! How could she not know or suspect?
But still, an entertainment through and through. And non stop action.
3.5*
March 18, 2012
DNF. Unbelievable plot from beginning to middle (where I decided life was too short to read the rest), and infuriatingly stupid hero and heroine, who are supposed to be top spies, but who seem dull, thick and completely pointless. I honestly don't think the heroine could inveigle her way out of a paper bag. I spent the whole time reading this tripe wandering why the author didn't make the current head spy the hero and the heroine's sidekick the heroine. They were far more interesting characters.
1 star. Ugh.
1 star. Ugh.
February 19, 2012
*3.5 Stars*
I thought this premise was absolutely marvelous. It’s just so rare to see something like it! The hero and heroine are already married when the story begins—and they’re happy to boot. The heroine, Evelyn, was a spy before her marriage—although she hasn’t admitted that to her husband. She plans to one day, but she’s thinking more along the lines of confessing when he’s on his death bed. She gets contacted by her old organization and is compelled to help them on another case. She doesn’t want to, because she’s happy and doesn’t want to risk her marriage, but they make her an offer she can’t refuse. What follows is an amusing tale of Evelyn trying to complete the tasks assigned to her while her husband starts to suspect the worst.
Victoria Alexander has an engaging writing style that easily pulls the reader in. I started reading and was immediately charmed. The characters were so fun and the situation was so funny. Evelyn and her husband are always honest with each other, about the present at least ;), so when Adrian notices that she seems distracted and that she has been visiting places that she didn’t mention to him, he finds himself becoming worried. He has been feeling rather restless lately, himself, so he worries that she is experiencing the same thing. Her occasional mentions of him not being very adventurous have him nervous that she might start searching for that adventure with someone else. Evelyn is, of course, completely clueless about his worries. This leads to a hilarious story with some rather farcical situations.
Evelyn and Adrian are great together. They don’t have a very passionate feel to their relationship, but you can feel the love and affection between them whenever they’re together. Although they’re both happy and in love, Adrian has always felt a slight insecurity about Evelyn’s reasons for marrying him. Was she as in love as he was, or was he just convenient? His insecurity leads him into some awkward situations that are embarrassing for him, but hilarious for the reader. He has the unfortunate habit of making a bad situation worse by developing an even more convoluted plan to fix the original bad plan. His friend, Max—loved him!—might see it’s a bad idea, but Adrian’s determined to do things his way. Occasionally I had to shake my head. Love must have made him stupid. Lol.
I really enjoyed the book, but as the story progressed I started to become less and less amused by the lies and omissions. I still giggled over the funny scenes, but underneath that I started to become dissatisfied with the way Evelyn couldn’t keep a good mad going. I know that she loves Adrian, but I wanted her to stand up for herself and mean it when she said she was angry. It seemed like she became angry only because she wanted him to apologize and cajole her out of her temper. That left me with the feeling that he never actually had to atone for his wrongdoings. I don’t even think he was actually sorry. The fact that he kept layering deceit on top of deceit, all while tricking her, irritated me. I liked his character and understood that he got a little too caught up in his plots, but that doesn’t change the fact that what he did was wrong. I wouldn’t have minded so much if Evelyn had responded differently. My dissatisfaction with this aspect dropped my grade significantly.
Sprinkled through the book there was a cute secondary romance. They were tied in with the spy thing, so it never took away from the main romance. It actually provided a fuller picture of the spy plot and everyone’s connection to the organization. Plus, they were just adorable together. I liked that Max was the one who found himself dissatisfied with the relationship they had. He wanted to sleep with her through the night and wake with her in the morning. So sweet… It was fun watching him try to convince his lady that they should enter into something more permanent.
Although I had my issues with this book, I still thought it was a blast to read. The humor was perfect and I found myself grinning frequently. I can’t wait to see what will come next in this series.
Favorite Quote:
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
*For a sneak peek, check out my Tempting Teaser on Fiction Vixen*
I thought this premise was absolutely marvelous. It’s just so rare to see something like it! The hero and heroine are already married when the story begins—and they’re happy to boot. The heroine, Evelyn, was a spy before her marriage—although she hasn’t admitted that to her husband. She plans to one day, but she’s thinking more along the lines of confessing when he’s on his death bed. She gets contacted by her old organization and is compelled to help them on another case. She doesn’t want to, because she’s happy and doesn’t want to risk her marriage, but they make her an offer she can’t refuse. What follows is an amusing tale of Evelyn trying to complete the tasks assigned to her while her husband starts to suspect the worst.
Victoria Alexander has an engaging writing style that easily pulls the reader in. I started reading and was immediately charmed. The characters were so fun and the situation was so funny. Evelyn and her husband are always honest with each other, about the present at least ;), so when Adrian notices that she seems distracted and that she has been visiting places that she didn’t mention to him, he finds himself becoming worried. He has been feeling rather restless lately, himself, so he worries that she is experiencing the same thing. Her occasional mentions of him not being very adventurous have him nervous that she might start searching for that adventure with someone else. Evelyn is, of course, completely clueless about his worries. This leads to a hilarious story with some rather farcical situations.
Evelyn and Adrian are great together. They don’t have a very passionate feel to their relationship, but you can feel the love and affection between them whenever they’re together. Although they’re both happy and in love, Adrian has always felt a slight insecurity about Evelyn’s reasons for marrying him. Was she as in love as he was, or was he just convenient? His insecurity leads him into some awkward situations that are embarrassing for him, but hilarious for the reader. He has the unfortunate habit of making a bad situation worse by developing an even more convoluted plan to fix the original bad plan. His friend, Max—loved him!—might see it’s a bad idea, but Adrian’s determined to do things his way. Occasionally I had to shake my head. Love must have made him stupid. Lol.
I really enjoyed the book, but as the story progressed I started to become less and less amused by the lies and omissions. I still giggled over the funny scenes, but underneath that I started to become dissatisfied with the way Evelyn couldn’t keep a good mad going. I know that she loves Adrian, but I wanted her to stand up for herself and mean it when she said she was angry. It seemed like she became angry only because she wanted him to apologize and cajole her out of her temper. That left me with the feeling that he never actually had to atone for his wrongdoings. I don’t even think he was actually sorry. The fact that he kept layering deceit on top of deceit, all while tricking her, irritated me. I liked his character and understood that he got a little too caught up in his plots, but that doesn’t change the fact that what he did was wrong. I wouldn’t have minded so much if Evelyn had responded differently. My dissatisfaction with this aspect dropped my grade significantly.
Sprinkled through the book there was a cute secondary romance. They were tied in with the spy thing, so it never took away from the main romance. It actually provided a fuller picture of the spy plot and everyone’s connection to the organization. Plus, they were just adorable together. I liked that Max was the one who found himself dissatisfied with the relationship they had. He wanted to sleep with her through the night and wake with her in the morning. So sweet… It was fun watching him try to convince his lady that they should enter into something more permanent.
Although I had my issues with this book, I still thought it was a blast to read. The humor was perfect and I found myself grinning frequently. I can’t wait to see what will come next in this series.
Favorite Quote:
"However, if we are to be friends, you should know I have few scruples, my morals are questionable, and I am quite selfish."
"What a ringing endorsement for friendship."
"But I am unfailingly loyal to my friends. I am a friend you can always count on for very nearly anything."
Evelyn cast her a skeptical glance. "I thought you didn't have any friends?"
"That's why." Beryl sighed. "Unfailing loyalty takes a great deal out of me."
"Friends do not steal their friends' cooks." Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "Or their husbands."
"Yet another argument for friendship because otherwise, make no mistake, I would have your husband in a minute if the opportunity presented itself."
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
*For a sneak peek, check out my Tempting Teaser on Fiction Vixen*
February 24, 2022
Ik heb heel veel tekst overgeslagen van dit verhaal omdat het gewoon te saai was . Er gebeurde te weinig om mijn aandacht vast te houden . Het was net als met zo'n soap serie , je komt terug van 2 weken vakantie - kijk de eerstvolgende aflevering en hebt totaal niet het idee dat je ook maar iets gemist hebt .
January 13, 2012
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
Fun, witty, and full of surprises
I’ve come to expect quite a bit from Ms. Alexander when I read her now. I expect her characters to be likeable, smart, and witty. What I love is that I can count on Ms. Alexander to deliver. This book has all of the above.
I thought it might be like that movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but it wasn’t...which is a good thing.
In this Victorian setting, we first see Eve, an agent of the crown, age 27, retiring from several years as a spy. She is addressing her letter to “Sir.” That is all she’s ever known about him. Well, not completely. She’s been borderline flirting with him via these letters, and he has flirted right back, but she’s ending their (I’m hesitant to use the word relationship) relationship. He is her road never traveled.
Eve marries a steadfast, courteous, responsible man named Adrian who is everything she has ever dreamed-normal. The opposite of her fast-paced life. And they are so happy...for 2 years. Then Eve is blackmailed back into the Agency.
--Spoiler Alert, kind of---It's not really a spoiler, but will mark it as such anyways:
A few twists and turns led me to the right assumption that Adrian is “Sir” (not a spoiler since you pretty much know by the second chapter). But what I won’t spoil for you is whether he knows Eve and his darling wife Evelyn are one and the same, or not?
A few more twists and turns caught me off guard and we have Adrian thinking his wife is having an affair. What does he do? Why burst in on the couple, of course. And naturally, he’s wrong, causing much embarrassment, and gaining Eve a wonderful new friend who I never in a million years thought I would like. But I did. Again, kudos to Ms. Alexander for twisting the plot in a way that had me expecting one thing, but instead something completely different happens. And the fun of this story is that I never feel confused or irritated by too much going on, it flows well, and it’s easy to read.
Victoria Alexander has a way of making me think she’s using a cliché and then skillfully turning it around on me until I can’t figure out why I ever doubted her originality? I love her dialogue, and I truly enjoy the characters and plots. This is my third or fourth read of hers, and I can’t wait until the next.
***Thank you to Kensington for the ARC
Fun, witty, and full of surprises
I’ve come to expect quite a bit from Ms. Alexander when I read her now. I expect her characters to be likeable, smart, and witty. What I love is that I can count on Ms. Alexander to deliver. This book has all of the above.
I thought it might be like that movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but it wasn’t...which is a good thing.
In this Victorian setting, we first see Eve, an agent of the crown, age 27, retiring from several years as a spy. She is addressing her letter to “Sir.” That is all she’s ever known about him. Well, not completely. She’s been borderline flirting with him via these letters, and he has flirted right back, but she’s ending their (I’m hesitant to use the word relationship) relationship. He is her road never traveled.
Eve marries a steadfast, courteous, responsible man named Adrian who is everything she has ever dreamed-normal. The opposite of her fast-paced life. And they are so happy...for 2 years. Then Eve is blackmailed back into the Agency.
--Spoiler Alert, kind of---It's not really a spoiler, but will mark it as such anyways:
A few twists and turns led me to the right assumption that Adrian is “Sir” (not a spoiler since you pretty much know by the second chapter). But what I won’t spoil for you is whether he knows Eve and his darling wife Evelyn are one and the same, or not?
A few more twists and turns caught me off guard and we have Adrian thinking his wife is having an affair. What does he do? Why burst in on the couple, of course. And naturally, he’s wrong, causing much embarrassment, and gaining Eve a wonderful new friend who I never in a million years thought I would like. But I did. Again, kudos to Ms. Alexander for twisting the plot in a way that had me expecting one thing, but instead something completely different happens. And the fun of this story is that I never feel confused or irritated by too much going on, it flows well, and it’s easy to read.
Victoria Alexander has a way of making me think she’s using a cliché and then skillfully turning it around on me until I can’t figure out why I ever doubted her originality? I love her dialogue, and I truly enjoy the characters and plots. This is my third or fourth read of hers, and I can’t wait until the next.
***Thank you to Kensington for the ARC
Read
August 27, 2017Evelyn Hadley-Attwater, the Countess of Waterston was contacted to meet Sir Maxwell Osgood. He had been her contact to do spy type work until two years previous when she quit to marry her husband, Adrian. Someone had taken a file belonging to him and he needed it back. It had information in it with names of three previous directors before him. Eve's name had been removed from all paperwork he had. Max didn't want his former boss to find out. The former director had also resigned two years previous. Eve and Max's former boss had never met in person. Their contact was all through letters and notes.
Eve didn't want to go back to work as a spy but felt she had no choice. She didn't tell her husband but he noticed that she seemed distracted and was watching her movements. He was afraid she might be getting bored with him and meeting someone else. He went so far as to get a hotel key where he thought that his wife might be meeting someone and went into the room. He was relieved and embarrassed that it was two other people he knew that were having an affair. He discovered that the room was occupied by Beryl Dunwell and Derrick Radington the day after he and Eve had attended a party at the Dunwell home.
Adrian went home to confront Eve's secretary to find Eve. Celeste had also worked with Eve during her time as a spy and Celeste had worked with Max longer than Eve had. They worked together and were best friends but didn't tell each other everything. Eve didn't know that Celeste was sleeping with Max and suspected that Celeste wasn't her real name. Celeste DeRochette told Adrian that Eve had gone to run errands and was stopping by Fenwick and Sons bookstore.
Celeste didn't tell Adrian that Eve had gone there to get further instructions because she hadn't found anything searching through the library of the Dunwell's home. Adrian had wondered why they even attended the event. Eve had refused the invitation when it was received and then changed her mind and they had gone. With that bit of information, Adrian figured out that she was working for Max once again.
Eve didn't know that her guardian had been a former director in the work she had done for the crown. Her husband had been her former boss, known only as Sir. He had been the one who had directed her activities. They were married but they didn't talk about their pasts. She thought that her husband knew nothing about her past. Adrian then went to see Max who told him that the file had been stolen and he was worried that the death of Eve's guardian, George, had not been of natural causes. Max told Adrian that he was worried because the file had been returned and he hadn't discovered the motive for it being stolen in the first place.
Adrian told Max next that he wanted to go back to being Sir for a while. It was his intention to deceive Eve into thinking that Sir wanted to become personally involved with her to see if she was secretly in love with Sir rather than Adrian himself, although they were one and the same. Max told him that he was playing a dangerous game with his wife.
Eve decided to teach her husband a lesson and moved out. She moved back into a house she owned that once belonged to her parents. She didn't remember her parents or ever living there but it was the only thing of her parents that she still had. She had kept the house and Celeste lived there. She decided it was time to refurbish the house because she had never done anything to the house from the time she owned it after her parents death.
Celeste went to Max to ask him to do something because she wanted her privacy returned. Max wanted Celeste to marry him and she had refused because she didn't think she was good enough for him. Max told Celeste that he knew that she had been moved from family to family during her youth. One family that had taken her in had a daughter the same age as Celeste. She had gotten married, had 5 children and then husband died. The daughter herself died after her parents and siblings had all died. She had no one left and had written to Celeste. Celeste was now using all her money to raise the 5 children. That didn't deter Max, he was still trying to get Celeste to agree to his proposal. He didn't know what to do about Adrian and Eve.
Adrian and Eve saw each other a few days after their fight. Eve was disappointed that Adrian hadn't done much to win her back. She thought that after 2 days of being gone that he would make an attempt to get her to go home with him after having dinner together but he just told her good-night and went home. Adrian had plans for the next night when they were both to attend a masquerade ball. She had been receiving flowers and notes from Sir and was not responding. She wasn't interested in playing the flirty games they had once played before she married. She wanted Adrian back.
She went to the ball and Sir was there and made a move on Eve but she rejected him and told him she was in love with her husband. Adrian was relieved and went into a room to change his masquerade costume in order to return to the party as Adrian and win back his wife. He didn't realize that Max had arranged for her to be kidnapped when she left the party early to go home to Adrian. Adrian had to go rescue her and kept changing the subject after the rescue when she asked how much he paid for her ransom.
Eve and Adrian spent the night together but he received a note from Max and had to leave. Max sent a note to Adrian because the director after George was found murdered that morning.
Eve was curious to find out about the ransom and found the hidden key to his desk. She searched through the papers and discovered half written notes from Sir to her and a reference to her being kidnapped. She figured out that he was Sir and decided to trick him.
Beryl Dunwell came to visit and they got the idea of her letting Adrian know that she had decided to have an affair with Sir. She sent a note saying that she would meet him in the same room where he had burst in on Beryl and Radington. Adrian went there and she was behind a screen pretending to be undressing while he was getting madder and madder. He was just about to confront her and admit to Sir being Adrian when some men came in and kidnapped him.
Eve went to Max and they figured out that Max's assistant was the culprit but they still didn't know why. They hoped that Adrian had been taken to the same warehouse that Max had arranged for Eve to be taken just the night before. It was there that they found Adrian. Eve confronted the man holding a knife to Adrian's throat. It seemed the man was her cousin. He had killed his own father and Eve's guardian, along with the former director to make it look like the plot was against the department. When in actuality, he was after money that would be coming to Eve when she turned 30 the next week. If her husband were murdered first, his money would also come to Eve. If Eve were to have died first, her money would then go to her husband. He planned to kill Eve after her birthday so he could claim all of her possessions as her only living relative. He didn't know of her connection and her skill with a gun. He thought that she wouldn't shoot him but she proved him wrong and he ended up dead. Adrian was saved.
Adrian then tried talking to Eve and found out that she had discovered that he and Sir were one and the same. Max convinced Celeste to marry him.
Eve didn't want to go back to work as a spy but felt she had no choice. She didn't tell her husband but he noticed that she seemed distracted and was watching her movements. He was afraid she might be getting bored with him and meeting someone else. He went so far as to get a hotel key where he thought that his wife might be meeting someone and went into the room. He was relieved and embarrassed that it was two other people he knew that were having an affair. He discovered that the room was occupied by Beryl Dunwell and Derrick Radington the day after he and Eve had attended a party at the Dunwell home.
Adrian went home to confront Eve's secretary to find Eve. Celeste had also worked with Eve during her time as a spy and Celeste had worked with Max longer than Eve had. They worked together and were best friends but didn't tell each other everything. Eve didn't know that Celeste was sleeping with Max and suspected that Celeste wasn't her real name. Celeste DeRochette told Adrian that Eve had gone to run errands and was stopping by Fenwick and Sons bookstore.
Celeste didn't tell Adrian that Eve had gone there to get further instructions because she hadn't found anything searching through the library of the Dunwell's home. Adrian had wondered why they even attended the event. Eve had refused the invitation when it was received and then changed her mind and they had gone. With that bit of information, Adrian figured out that she was working for Max once again.
Eve didn't know that her guardian had been a former director in the work she had done for the crown. Her husband had been her former boss, known only as Sir. He had been the one who had directed her activities. They were married but they didn't talk about their pasts. She thought that her husband knew nothing about her past. Adrian then went to see Max who told him that the file had been stolen and he was worried that the death of Eve's guardian, George, had not been of natural causes. Max told Adrian that he was worried because the file had been returned and he hadn't discovered the motive for it being stolen in the first place.
Adrian told Max next that he wanted to go back to being Sir for a while. It was his intention to deceive Eve into thinking that Sir wanted to become personally involved with her to see if she was secretly in love with Sir rather than Adrian himself, although they were one and the same. Max told him that he was playing a dangerous game with his wife.
Eve decided to teach her husband a lesson and moved out. She moved back into a house she owned that once belonged to her parents. She didn't remember her parents or ever living there but it was the only thing of her parents that she still had. She had kept the house and Celeste lived there. She decided it was time to refurbish the house because she had never done anything to the house from the time she owned it after her parents death.
Celeste went to Max to ask him to do something because she wanted her privacy returned. Max wanted Celeste to marry him and she had refused because she didn't think she was good enough for him. Max told Celeste that he knew that she had been moved from family to family during her youth. One family that had taken her in had a daughter the same age as Celeste. She had gotten married, had 5 children and then husband died. The daughter herself died after her parents and siblings had all died. She had no one left and had written to Celeste. Celeste was now using all her money to raise the 5 children. That didn't deter Max, he was still trying to get Celeste to agree to his proposal. He didn't know what to do about Adrian and Eve.
Adrian and Eve saw each other a few days after their fight. Eve was disappointed that Adrian hadn't done much to win her back. She thought that after 2 days of being gone that he would make an attempt to get her to go home with him after having dinner together but he just told her good-night and went home. Adrian had plans for the next night when they were both to attend a masquerade ball. She had been receiving flowers and notes from Sir and was not responding. She wasn't interested in playing the flirty games they had once played before she married. She wanted Adrian back.
She went to the ball and Sir was there and made a move on Eve but she rejected him and told him she was in love with her husband. Adrian was relieved and went into a room to change his masquerade costume in order to return to the party as Adrian and win back his wife. He didn't realize that Max had arranged for her to be kidnapped when she left the party early to go home to Adrian. Adrian had to go rescue her and kept changing the subject after the rescue when she asked how much he paid for her ransom.
Eve and Adrian spent the night together but he received a note from Max and had to leave. Max sent a note to Adrian because the director after George was found murdered that morning.
Eve was curious to find out about the ransom and found the hidden key to his desk. She searched through the papers and discovered half written notes from Sir to her and a reference to her being kidnapped. She figured out that he was Sir and decided to trick him.
Beryl Dunwell came to visit and they got the idea of her letting Adrian know that she had decided to have an affair with Sir. She sent a note saying that she would meet him in the same room where he had burst in on Beryl and Radington. Adrian went there and she was behind a screen pretending to be undressing while he was getting madder and madder. He was just about to confront her and admit to Sir being Adrian when some men came in and kidnapped him.
Eve went to Max and they figured out that Max's assistant was the culprit but they still didn't know why. They hoped that Adrian had been taken to the same warehouse that Max had arranged for Eve to be taken just the night before. It was there that they found Adrian. Eve confronted the man holding a knife to Adrian's throat. It seemed the man was her cousin. He had killed his own father and Eve's guardian, along with the former director to make it look like the plot was against the department. When in actuality, he was after money that would be coming to Eve when she turned 30 the next week. If her husband were murdered first, his money would also come to Eve. If Eve were to have died first, her money would then go to her husband. He planned to kill Eve after her birthday so he could claim all of her possessions as her only living relative. He didn't know of her connection and her skill with a gun. He thought that she wouldn't shoot him but she proved him wrong and he ended up dead. Adrian was saved.
Adrian then tried talking to Eve and found out that she had discovered that he and Sir were one and the same. Max convinced Celeste to marry him.
January 27, 2012
Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea. ~Henry Fielding
According to the UK Tea Guild, The Langham offered outstanding quality and consistently high standards in tea service during 2011.
According to the awards on her resume, Victoria Alexander sets the high standards in historical romance. Her latest release, MY WICKED LITTLE LIES, has raised the bar even higher. In fact, The Langham contributes twice to the plot in this Victorian romance, confirming that Love and Scandal are the best sweeteners of historical romances.
Alexander brings Victorian society to life in MY WICKED LITTLE LIES – it is connected to her recent books, THE PERFECT MISTRESS and HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS but can be read as a standalone story. Whereas the Mistress books focused on bringing together the hero and the heroine, MY WICKED LITTLE LIES tackles the questions, “when did passion become comfortable?”
This is not Mr. and Mrs. Smith in the Victorian Era. MY WICKED LITTLE LIES explores relationships between husband, wife, friends, lovers, and even a Dowager Countess (it wouldn’t be a humorous historical without a domineering mother). Alexander even gives us a surprise friendship and unexpected lovers. Portia – the third friend from the Mistress series – makes a guest appearance, hinting her story is to come.
Alexander’s strength is her signature banter between the characters. She envelopes readers with the distinct British gentility as they sip tea, dance waltzes, and battle spies without a blink. But it is not all puff pastries. Alexander delivers fleshed out characters with imperfections that lead to misunderstandings to which readers can relate. The crossed signals, of course, add comic relief as the characters rediscover that love has fueled the passion all along – how shocking!
My favorite line is found on page 327, “Although I have always found a good biscuit to be most conducive to clever planning.” (This is probably coincidental, but 327 is a significant number at The Langham).
Recommended read for those who enjoy life's riches - afternoon tea, clotted cream, shortbread biscuits, and Masterpiece Theater.
According to the UK Tea Guild, The Langham offered outstanding quality and consistently high standards in tea service during 2011.
According to the awards on her resume, Victoria Alexander sets the high standards in historical romance. Her latest release, MY WICKED LITTLE LIES, has raised the bar even higher. In fact, The Langham contributes twice to the plot in this Victorian romance, confirming that Love and Scandal are the best sweeteners of historical romances.
Alexander brings Victorian society to life in MY WICKED LITTLE LIES – it is connected to her recent books, THE PERFECT MISTRESS and HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS but can be read as a standalone story. Whereas the Mistress books focused on bringing together the hero and the heroine, MY WICKED LITTLE LIES tackles the questions, “when did passion become comfortable?”
This is not Mr. and Mrs. Smith in the Victorian Era. MY WICKED LITTLE LIES explores relationships between husband, wife, friends, lovers, and even a Dowager Countess (it wouldn’t be a humorous historical without a domineering mother). Alexander even gives us a surprise friendship and unexpected lovers. Portia – the third friend from the Mistress series – makes a guest appearance, hinting her story is to come.
Alexander’s strength is her signature banter between the characters. She envelopes readers with the distinct British gentility as they sip tea, dance waltzes, and battle spies without a blink. But it is not all puff pastries. Alexander delivers fleshed out characters with imperfections that lead to misunderstandings to which readers can relate. The crossed signals, of course, add comic relief as the characters rediscover that love has fueled the passion all along – how shocking!
My favorite line is found on page 327, “Although I have always found a good biscuit to be most conducive to clever planning.” (This is probably coincidental, but 327 is a significant number at The Langham).
Recommended read for those who enjoy life's riches - afternoon tea, clotted cream, shortbread biscuits, and Masterpiece Theater.
August 26, 2016
This book should have been a short story or novella. As it was, there was very little plot spread over too many pages.
July 10, 2012
Taking place during the Victorian era, MY WICKED LITTLE LIES gives us a strong, independent heroine who knows her own mind. Will Adrian manage his wife, the spy, before it's too late, or will he finally realize that there's no controlling Evie without some well-deserved groveling? Entertaining repartee is the best part of this engaging historical romance!Evelyn "Evie" Hadley-Attwater, the Countess of Waterson, has kept her past a secret from her husband. He assured her before they married that neither of them need reveal their past, but instead, should begin with their present and future together. Evie spent five years of service to her queen as an agent in a secret organization. When she left the organization and married Adrian Hadley-Attwater, the Earl of Waterson, she never expected to be called back to service as a spy. But, her fellow agents are in danger of discovery and she has no choice but to help find a missing file before the secrets of the organization become known to all. Can she outwit the man she loves without lying to him outright?
Two years after their marriage and Adrian is still smitten with his wife, maybe even more so than when they first met. But, she has been distracted lately and although he yearns for some excitement himself, he's not altogether sure a woman should have those feelings too. Not that he would ever be unfaithful to Evie, but he can't seem to explain his restlessness and the cure for it. Evie's odd behavior makes Adrian suspicious of his wife in ways he's never before considered. Following her reveals more than he cares to know about himself, but can he truly trust his wife unconditionally?
Taking place during the Victorian era, MY WICKED LITTLE LIES gives us a strong, independent heroine who knows her own mind. Evie's confident attitude toward her former colleague, when she discovers that he wants her back as an agent for one more assignment, is a great introduction to a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to do whatever is necessary to get it. Evie's past as a spy drew me into the story immediately. I liked her spunk and found her ways of handling her besotted husband and his misdeeds true to her character. I liked how she was never quite sure if she was pushing Adrian too far, but she couldn't resist doing it anyway because she felt it was the only way to know if their love was true.
Adrian is adorable when he suspects the worst from his wife. It's without question that they both have a deep love for one another, but like most couples, they have miscommunication that runs amok. Adrian can't help but get himself into a bit of hot water with his wife, and it's amusing to watch him try to squirm out of every predicament. Adrian's family and Evie's best friend, Celeste DeRochette, add to the charming and sometimes naughty situations that made me laugh and kept me reading. Adrian's mother, Helena, is especially entertaining with her meddling ways that are half-expected but not always fully-appreciated by her family. Of course, that won't stop her or even give her pause, which endeared her to me instantly. Even though the plot is sometimes predictable, the banter and relationships amongst the characters make for a very fun read.
Author Victoria Alexander's talent shines in believable situations influenced by engaging repartee that immediately draws the reader to her characters. MY WICKED LITTLE LIES is a feel-good adventure in forever love. I'm looking forward to more revelations in Ms. Alexander's SINFUL FAMILY SECRETS series.
My 4 Blue Ribbon review courtesy of Romance Junkies.
April 7, 2013
Evelyn, has The Life, married with a adoring husband, parties and friends, and nothing could bring a dark cloud over her happiness, until her past comes back to haunt her. Evelyn once was a spy who worked for the british government, but gave that all up when she married, and now they need her again, only she despises herself for having to be forced to lie to her husband, the love of her life, but when a old beau comes back into her life, she doesn't know who she will really choose. Adrian, although a gentleman once had a secret life in his past as well, but that kind of life is history, until his wife starts acting a bit odd, and he is determined to find out why. When he discovers what is really going on, he decides to play a game with Evelyn, one that could bring in a danger to them both that neither of them could foresee, and with test the bounds of their love.....
My Wicked Little Lies, is the second in this series, and I have seen this one on the shelves for months, and even though its been a while since I have read from this author, I thought why not?? So the minute I got home I started reading, and it caught my attention from the very first chapter, and held it until the very last. I have to say this is probably one of my favorite books so far from this author. I have always loved all the other books that I had read previous by Alexander, however this one I think tops them all. I have a certain weakness for spy stories, especially in a historical romance, and the setting was just perfect. I just loved how the characters in the book, had already fallen in love, and takes places two years after they get married, and we see a lovely story unravel, with an thrilling plot, that curled my toes with anticipation, the characters strongly portrayed and so endearing one couldn't help but fall in love with Evelyn and Adrian and even the side characters as well. I think one of my favorite aspects of this book, is how Evelyn is very strong willed but not too strong, just enough that just wanted me to shout "You go Girl"!!! Adrian is very Alpha at times and very stubborn and it was almost comical watching these two hash it out at different segments throughout the story. Overall a beautifully written story, with a balanced flow, well written characters, and a plot that will steal your breath and .....your heart! Definitely a Keeper!!!!
My Wicked Little Lies, is the second in this series, and I have seen this one on the shelves for months, and even though its been a while since I have read from this author, I thought why not?? So the minute I got home I started reading, and it caught my attention from the very first chapter, and held it until the very last. I have to say this is probably one of my favorite books so far from this author. I have always loved all the other books that I had read previous by Alexander, however this one I think tops them all. I have a certain weakness for spy stories, especially in a historical romance, and the setting was just perfect. I just loved how the characters in the book, had already fallen in love, and takes places two years after they get married, and we see a lovely story unravel, with an thrilling plot, that curled my toes with anticipation, the characters strongly portrayed and so endearing one couldn't help but fall in love with Evelyn and Adrian and even the side characters as well. I think one of my favorite aspects of this book, is how Evelyn is very strong willed but not too strong, just enough that just wanted me to shout "You go Girl"!!! Adrian is very Alpha at times and very stubborn and it was almost comical watching these two hash it out at different segments throughout the story. Overall a beautifully written story, with a balanced flow, well written characters, and a plot that will steal your breath and .....your heart! Definitely a Keeper!!!!
February 16, 2012
I had to hover over the two and three star slots for a few minutes before I could decide. Ultimately, I expect more from a writer like Victoria Alexander. I decided on two.
This book had a cute premise-- a former spy, who is now retired and happily married, is re-enlisted to help find a missing file. Contained in the file are the super secret names of the heads of her spy agency. She must lie to her husband of two years, for whom she left the exciting life of espionage behind.
"Sir," the former head and her former mentor, was a shadowy figure she fell for in a distant, unrequited way. His letters to her painted a fantasy in her mind, but upon meeting her husband, all was forgotten. She loves him for his staid, predictable, solid strength.
Right... you see it coming, too? Exactly.
EVERY point of tension and conflict is forced, silly, and transparent. The "big reveal" is obvious from page one. It's actually a shame, since the premise is cute. But Alexander not only makes both her lead characters too dim-witted to pull off their alleged pasts as "spies." She draws them with a lack of depth and shading. The secondary couple is more interesting. I found myself far more curious about their story.
Could have been a wonderful change-- two married, somewhat older people with rich backgrounds, rediscovering excitement and love. It wasn't. Bummer.
This book had a cute premise-- a former spy, who is now retired and happily married, is re-enlisted to help find a missing file. Contained in the file are the super secret names of the heads of her spy agency. She must lie to her husband of two years, for whom she left the exciting life of espionage behind.
"Sir," the former head and her former mentor, was a shadowy figure she fell for in a distant, unrequited way. His letters to her painted a fantasy in her mind, but upon meeting her husband, all was forgotten. She loves him for his staid, predictable, solid strength.
Right... you see it coming, too? Exactly.
EVERY point of tension and conflict is forced, silly, and transparent. The "big reveal" is obvious from page one. It's actually a shame, since the premise is cute. But Alexander not only makes both her lead characters too dim-witted to pull off their alleged pasts as "spies." She draws them with a lack of depth and shading. The secondary couple is more interesting. I found myself far more curious about their story.
Could have been a wonderful change-- two married, somewhat older people with rich backgrounds, rediscovering excitement and love. It wasn't. Bummer.
March 19, 2012
I just finished reading ‘My Wicked Little Lies’ and it was pretty good. I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5 simply because while it was enjoyable, there were a few slow moments, where I wanted to skip parts. For the most part, the plot was fantastic, there was a lot going on to grab the attention, but a couple times it moved a little slow.
I really liked reading this story though and I wouldn’t mind reading it again, and while I got this book free, I would not regret having paid for it. The characters were believable, the plot unique, and unlike anything I’ve read before.
It was a pleasant change to the cliché normally created in a historical romance. I especially liked the way Evie played such a large part of the story, and not just in the ballroom, but on the ‘battle field’ as well. I know that is hard to do given the time period, and I am impressed. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the story! Definitely recommended!
The ending was a huge shock…I wasn’t really prepared for it, so that’s good- and I loved the secondary romance that went along side by side with the main plot. My favorite part would have been the Rouse section however as I really love a little revenge in romances, particularly when you know the characters will end up together regardless.
Over all, it’s one of the better romances I’ve read lately, and I look forward for more from this author.
I really liked reading this story though and I wouldn’t mind reading it again, and while I got this book free, I would not regret having paid for it. The characters were believable, the plot unique, and unlike anything I’ve read before.
It was a pleasant change to the cliché normally created in a historical romance. I especially liked the way Evie played such a large part of the story, and not just in the ballroom, but on the ‘battle field’ as well. I know that is hard to do given the time period, and I am impressed. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the story! Definitely recommended!
The ending was a huge shock…I wasn’t really prepared for it, so that’s good- and I loved the secondary romance that went along side by side with the main plot. My favorite part would have been the Rouse section however as I really love a little revenge in romances, particularly when you know the characters will end up together regardless.
Over all, it’s one of the better romances I’ve read lately, and I look forward for more from this author.
March 9, 2017
I don't know what it is lately but there are some authors who just don't seem to measure up to their older work. Victoria Alexander must have switched publishers or something because this is the third book in this new series and I liked it the least. I didn't really see a plot, I didn't see much to the characters and by the time the big secrets were discovered, neither of characters seemed to care. I'm just so dissatisfied with this. The leads kept telling me and other characters how much they loved one another but I just couldn't see it. I hate hate hate the tell not show tactic. The only thing that saved this book was an amusing sub-romance that I would have rather been the star. Those characters were much more interesting.
June 24, 2022
Scribd
BUT BUT BUT WAIT!! NO HEA??! Am I missing the ending? They're still separated? She's still living in her house? Wtf is going on?? He says she's right to be angry and that's it? Is there another version that I missed. I'm confused.
Until I get the rest of the book this is ANOTHER 1 star book in this series. I'm not sure how this author manages to write books with such interesting premises that I rate 1 star as in so bad or stupid to consider a waste of time or completely enraging. This is the latter. How do you end a book in the middle of the conflict? That's not romantic. That's real life! Yuck.
BUT BUT BUT WAIT!! NO HEA??! Am I missing the ending? They're still separated? She's still living in her house? Wtf is going on?? He says she's right to be angry and that's it? Is there another version that I missed. I'm confused.
Until I get the rest of the book this is ANOTHER 1 star book in this series. I'm not sure how this author manages to write books with such interesting premises that I rate 1 star as in so bad or stupid to consider a waste of time or completely enraging. This is the latter. How do you end a book in the middle of the conflict? That's not romantic. That's real life! Yuck.
August 30, 2012
Fantastic! It is rare to find romance novels where the protagonists are already married - let alone happily. I did enjoy the characters (both main and ancillary) and the plot was both far-fetched/absurd as well as hilarious. As the antics escalated, even though I knew all that required to solve it was an honest conversation, I still didn't mind. Of course, within the first two pages, I knew the "surprise," but I think that was the point. Terribly funny and enjoyable. :D (Plus, there are spies!)
January 5, 2012
I liked this one - book starts with hero and heroine already married for two years - which is def different! Their past spy lives come into play which causes conflict. Some very cute dialogue in this one. I also loved the supporting character of Max. Review to come
April 26, 2012
I was totally caught up in the deception and lies but it was painfully hard to read sometimes i just wanted to scream. Just talk to each other already! and figure it all out!
July 18, 2022
This was a gorgeous, witty, secret identity-type story, a la Mr & Mrs Smith.
Lady Evelyn Waterston has everything her heart desires; a handsome, devoted husband whom she deeply loves, very comfortable finances, charity work and her husband's large family to keep her occupied and a wonderful best friend. Unfortunately, her past is about to make a reappearance.
Before her marriage two years ago, Lady Evelyn was 'Eve' a secret agent for the British Crown. Her cover was that of a wealthy orphaned heiress who gained entree to the best parties and political events to gather information as required by her handler, the enigmatic and mysterious 'Sir'. Eve and Sir only ever communicated via letter, and over the years Evelyn developed a fascination with his semi-flirtatious correspondence and had a sort of crush on him. After five years of service, Evelyn wanted out so she could start to live life without deception and hopefully find a husband and start a family. After her retirement she never heard from Sir again.
Out of the blue she is recalled to duty. A top secret file has been stolen, listing the real identities of all the most prominent men in the organisation, including 'Sir', putting all those men in grave danger.
While Evelyn is trying to be stealthy, her new husband (to whom she has never told the truth about her past occuption), thinks she's having an affair.
The two are so deeply in love, that when her fidelity is questioned, Evelyn is angry and hurt by her husband's lack of faith in her.
But Evelyn is not the only one with secrets. Her husband Adrian knows exactly who Evelyn was. Adrian also retired from a secret life when he married. He was the head of the same organisation until his elder brother died two years ago and he ascended to his title.
When Adrian finally realises what Evelyn is up to he sets up a honey-trap to discover once and for all if his beloved wife truly loves him, Adrian, or if she just settled for him after ending her association with Sir before their flirtatious letters could become reality.
This was such a fun read. It was a nice change to read a story where the main characters are already deeply in love. The idea that their love for one another is why their actions (or the misinterpretation of their actions), causes such depth of emotion, be it jealousy, anger, betrayal or hurt. Plus, the banter between husband and wife is magnificent 👌.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Lady Evelyn Waterston has everything her heart desires; a handsome, devoted husband whom she deeply loves, very comfortable finances, charity work and her husband's large family to keep her occupied and a wonderful best friend. Unfortunately, her past is about to make a reappearance.
Before her marriage two years ago, Lady Evelyn was 'Eve' a secret agent for the British Crown. Her cover was that of a wealthy orphaned heiress who gained entree to the best parties and political events to gather information as required by her handler, the enigmatic and mysterious 'Sir'. Eve and Sir only ever communicated via letter, and over the years Evelyn developed a fascination with his semi-flirtatious correspondence and had a sort of crush on him. After five years of service, Evelyn wanted out so she could start to live life without deception and hopefully find a husband and start a family. After her retirement she never heard from Sir again.
Out of the blue she is recalled to duty. A top secret file has been stolen, listing the real identities of all the most prominent men in the organisation, including 'Sir', putting all those men in grave danger.
While Evelyn is trying to be stealthy, her new husband (to whom she has never told the truth about her past occuption), thinks she's having an affair.
The two are so deeply in love, that when her fidelity is questioned, Evelyn is angry and hurt by her husband's lack of faith in her.
But Evelyn is not the only one with secrets. Her husband Adrian knows exactly who Evelyn was. Adrian also retired from a secret life when he married. He was the head of the same organisation until his elder brother died two years ago and he ascended to his title.
When Adrian finally realises what Evelyn is up to he sets up a honey-trap to discover once and for all if his beloved wife truly loves him, Adrian, or if she just settled for him after ending her association with Sir before their flirtatious letters could become reality.
This was such a fun read. It was a nice change to read a story where the main characters are already deeply in love. The idea that their love for one another is why their actions (or the misinterpretation of their actions), causes such depth of emotion, be it jealousy, anger, betrayal or hurt. Plus, the banter between husband and wife is magnificent 👌.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
July 12, 2018
Evelyn and Adrian are a happily married couple. She has never told him that she was formerly a spy for Queen and country. He has never told her that he was her boss when she was a spy for Queen and country.
This is a charming story.
Evie and Adrian are perfect for one another. But, he decides that she has been very distracted and for some idiotic reason he believes she is having an affair. She is not.
There are misunderstandings and missed communications. There is a great deal of humor. And there is love.
Ms Alexander writes about people that make me laugh. This book is no exception. One of the funniest scenes I have read recently is a scene where a jealous husband bursts into the wrong hotel room.
Evie and Adrian are well rounded characters. They are both very intelligent and witty. He comes from a strong family background with a loving mother and brothers and sisters. She comes from a background which was without a family. His family has made her welcome and she loves them for that.
Evie and Adrian are a very romantic couple. They are also devious and vengeful. All in a good way of course.
Evie has a best friend, Celeste, and Adrian has a best friend, Max. Both best friends are wonderful characters who add a great deal to the story. All the secondary characters are entertaining.
There is a mystery which runs throughout the story, but it is not brought to full importance until the end of the book. The plot is filled with humor and that is something I always like.
This is a terrific book. Just what I would expect from Ms Alexander.
If I had any small complaint, it was that at times the story seemed to slow way down.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to laugh and enjoy a romance at the same time.
This is a charming story.
Evie and Adrian are perfect for one another. But, he decides that she has been very distracted and for some idiotic reason he believes she is having an affair. She is not.
There are misunderstandings and missed communications. There is a great deal of humor. And there is love.
Ms Alexander writes about people that make me laugh. This book is no exception. One of the funniest scenes I have read recently is a scene where a jealous husband bursts into the wrong hotel room.
Evie and Adrian are well rounded characters. They are both very intelligent and witty. He comes from a strong family background with a loving mother and brothers and sisters. She comes from a background which was without a family. His family has made her welcome and she loves them for that.
Evie and Adrian are a very romantic couple. They are also devious and vengeful. All in a good way of course.
Evie has a best friend, Celeste, and Adrian has a best friend, Max. Both best friends are wonderful characters who add a great deal to the story. All the secondary characters are entertaining.
There is a mystery which runs throughout the story, but it is not brought to full importance until the end of the book. The plot is filled with humor and that is something I always like.
This is a terrific book. Just what I would expect from Ms Alexander.
If I had any small complaint, it was that at times the story seemed to slow way down.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to laugh and enjoy a romance at the same time.
March 12, 2021
3.5 Stars
Evelyn Hadley-Attwater has it all --- a genteel Victorian life replete with loving husband, ball gowns and elegant parties. She was once "Eve," a spy for England's most enigmatic intelligence agency. Summoned for one final assignment, the excitement of her former life and memories of her mysterious, flirtatious boss "Sir" prove too tempting.
Adrian Hadley-Attwater is a respectable, dignified gentleman. But even the most proper gentlemen have secrets of their own. Secrets from the rest of the world, from their families, from their wives. Secrets that have a price. Now, as a veil of secrecy frays, a tantalizing game of cat and mouse will test the bounds of unfailing love.
It was an interesting deception on the part of both parties. I did think Adrian was really in the wrong for most of this book, I can see his motivations, however, the execution of his 'figuring out what he needed to know' was gone about the wrong way.
Evelyn Hadley-Attwater has it all --- a genteel Victorian life replete with loving husband, ball gowns and elegant parties. She was once "Eve," a spy for England's most enigmatic intelligence agency. Summoned for one final assignment, the excitement of her former life and memories of her mysterious, flirtatious boss "Sir" prove too tempting.
Adrian Hadley-Attwater is a respectable, dignified gentleman. But even the most proper gentlemen have secrets of their own. Secrets from the rest of the world, from their families, from their wives. Secrets that have a price. Now, as a veil of secrecy frays, a tantalizing game of cat and mouse will test the bounds of unfailing love.
It was an interesting deception on the part of both parties. I did think Adrian was really in the wrong for most of this book, I can see his motivations, however, the execution of his 'figuring out what he needed to know' was gone about the wrong way.
January 27, 2022
I love that the main characters start of married and in love! You never see that in romance novels. The banter between all of the characters gives them all a lively, witty charm. There were certainly twists and turns I wasn't expecting too. Normally I can tell what the entire plot of a romance book will be just from reading the blurb or the first chapter.
The only reasons I gave this 4 stars is because I felt like more could have been done with Max and Celeste. They had amazing banter and chemistry. For Adrian and Evelyn though, for the steamier parts, the mentions of "teeth" for the particular acts associated with them made me cringe because it looked painful in my mind. Those are acts people don't generally want associated with teeth. I know some people like pain and all, but it really took me out of the story.
The only reasons I gave this 4 stars is because I felt like more could have been done with Max and Celeste. They had amazing banter and chemistry. For Adrian and Evelyn though, for the steamier parts, the mentions of "teeth" for the particular acts associated with them made me cringe because it looked painful in my mind. Those are acts people don't generally want associated with teeth. I know some people like pain and all, but it really took me out of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2021
the premise of this book hooked me, however I felt a little disappointed. I think I wanted something different. I wanted that epistolary romance that I felt like could have been. I wanted a bit more drama between the h/H instead of what I feel was just a simple miscommunication. I mean honestly I wanted more groveling from Adrian, because from my perspective the Evie had every reason to feel a bit more upset.
So in all, it was fun and cute, and the secondary romance was a welcome inclusion that I felt could have been a standalone if the author wanted to pursue it. Max and Celeste were just that fun.
So not bad. I just think I wanted more.
So in all, it was fun and cute, and the secondary romance was a welcome inclusion that I felt could have been a standalone if the author wanted to pursue it. Max and Celeste were just that fun.
So not bad. I just think I wanted more.
September 1, 2025
The end was so disappointing and anti-climactic, that I am mentioning it right in the first sentence!
What started so promising (both main characters have a past they hide from each other, although the hero has more to hide) turned to something frustrating and disenchanting.
The stages of the story reminded me of a funny play at a theater I once attended, but while the play was really hilarious from the beginning til the end this book wasn’t.
The heroine‘s reaction was too mild, too tepid. She should have made the hero suffer for his deception.
I really expected the author to give us a different ending - I feel cheated ☹️😠
What started so promising (both main characters have a past they hide from each other, although the hero has more to hide) turned to something frustrating and disenchanting.
The stages of the story reminded me of a funny play at a theater I once attended, but while the play was really hilarious from the beginning til the end this book wasn’t.
The heroine‘s reaction was too mild, too tepid. She should have made the hero suffer for his deception.
I really expected the author to give us a different ending - I feel cheated ☹️😠
February 10, 2024
Pretty cute. Evie and Adrian have been married 2 years. Great relationship, everything is cool. Until Evie gets called up by her old job as a spy for a quick assignment. But…. Her hubby immediately suspects she’s keeping a secret because she’s acting a little weird. But… no surprise, he was also a spy and HER BOSS that she never met in person.
So lots of secrets on top of secrets. A cute secondary romance. A fake kidnapping, a dummy that keeps the letters that will definitely get him in trouble.
So lots of secrets on top of secrets. A cute secondary romance. A fake kidnapping, a dummy that keeps the letters that will definitely get him in trouble.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2017
This had to be the silliest story I have read in a long time. It was like reading a slap stick sit-com that fell flat on its face. The heroine was silly and the hero wasn't much better. It was like reading in the Victorian Period with current day language. I confess that I skipped most of the last half of the book. I barely read the ending. I think I am going to go back to reading Georgette Heyer.
November 27, 2023
"My Wicked Little Lies" by Victoria Alexander continues two years after secret agent "Eve" Evelyn Turner 28 unwittingly marries her boss "Sir" aka Lord Adrian Hadley-Attwater 30 for secure dependable love. Their best friends share a bed, but never all night, her secretary-companion Celeste DeRochette violet eyes behind spectacles hide former actress disguise expert, three years in bed (X-rated titillations before big finale culmination p305) with blonde ex-rake Sir Maxwell, current head of England's Department of Domestic and International Affairs. Now Countess of Waterston, society obligations fill Eve's life, but Sir ordered her record expunged, so only she can trace a stolen file listing agents' true identities. Whodunit? Max wagers the Waterstone couples' comittment to the agency, that Adrian posing as "Sir" cannot fool Eve p198.
A former agency chief recently died; Eve's never-met guardian Sir George Hardwell was in excellent health but elderly. Just when my interest flagged on soap opera style inaction, sudden thrills flare. Everyone hides secrets, has "lies of omission" p47 ad nauseum. He says she says, he's worried she's worried, he asks his friend, she asks hers, "What should I do?". Most excitement is dashingly daring Beryl. "I have put a great deal of effort into my wicked reputation, and I should hate for it to have been a waste" p264. Adrian's former admirer now married to suspect Lord Dunwell, is caught flagrante delicto though not actually "pouring tea" by Adrian, and proposes friendship to Eve p121. Adrian says "We have complete and total honesty .. about the present. The past is another matter entirely" p137. Shocking kidnappings explode light banter, suspicions. Eve regrets lost opportunity to "dance naked on a rooftop under the stars.. an example" p205.
(Spoilers:
Disguise is an over-used impossible device. Sir, "favors his left hand" p183, adds 2" shoe lifts, lowers his voice register, but one's inflections, gestures, gait, are difficult to alter. Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother" uses gait recognition for school security. An old good friend, his sister shared same unmistakeable rolling hips from the back. White-haired actress Annette Crosbie
http://www.celebritysmug.com/video/10... joke punchline is time 12:30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOVKKr... iced cat
has same voice as daughter dark-haired Selina Griffiths. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grrlqA... Physical characteristics are shared among families, passed on genetically.
(Aside - she says nothing in this trailer, but the film is a hoot http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/... Calendar Girls)
Prologue in an elegant typeface simulates slanting nibs, quill pens, elegant handwriting. Section titles include appropriate quotations.
I Lies of Omission
"Ask no questions, and you'll be told no lies." - Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
http://www.dickens-literature.com/Gre...
II Deception
"The one charm about marriage is that it makes a life of deception absolutely necessary for both parties." - Oscar Wilde (single homosexual knows from observation?)
http://www.enotes.com/picture-dorian-...
III Ruse
"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" - Sir Walter Scott, Marmion 1808
http://allpoetry.com/poem/8479539-Mar...
IV Revelation
"but at the length, truth will out" - William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice Act 2:Sc 2:line 645
http://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/...
Effingtons, from another series "Wedding Bargain",
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
appear in passing cameo hosting masquerade ball. A prequel with more action would be fun. But overall, a different enough well-dressed well-spoken romp encouraging more visits to VA (traditionally initials of Queen Victoria and her beloved mourned for a lifetime consort Prince Albert, the epitome of Love Forever if one ignores Mr Brown, and a pinnacle of museums in London).
Typos:
p250 "What I have learned is that some two years ago, around the time you allegedly left the department, which I am now seeing in an entirely different light" more comprehensible as "What I have learned concerns two years ago"
p263 "my powered wig" is "powdered"
A former agency chief recently died; Eve's never-met guardian Sir George Hardwell was in excellent health but elderly. Just when my interest flagged on soap opera style inaction, sudden thrills flare. Everyone hides secrets, has "lies of omission" p47 ad nauseum. He says she says, he's worried she's worried, he asks his friend, she asks hers, "What should I do?". Most excitement is dashingly daring Beryl. "I have put a great deal of effort into my wicked reputation, and I should hate for it to have been a waste" p264. Adrian's former admirer now married to suspect Lord Dunwell, is caught flagrante delicto though not actually "pouring tea" by Adrian, and proposes friendship to Eve p121. Adrian says "We have complete and total honesty .. about the present. The past is another matter entirely" p137. Shocking kidnappings explode light banter, suspicions. Eve regrets lost opportunity to "dance naked on a rooftop under the stars.. an example" p205.
(Spoilers:
Disguise is an over-used impossible device. Sir, "favors his left hand" p183, adds 2" shoe lifts, lowers his voice register, but one's inflections, gestures, gait, are difficult to alter. Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother" uses gait recognition for school security. An old good friend, his sister shared same unmistakeable rolling hips from the back. White-haired actress Annette Crosbie
http://www.celebritysmug.com/video/10... joke punchline is time 12:30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOVKKr... iced cat
has same voice as daughter dark-haired Selina Griffiths. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grrlqA... Physical characteristics are shared among families, passed on genetically.
(Aside - she says nothing in this trailer, but the film is a hoot http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/... Calendar Girls)
Prologue in an elegant typeface simulates slanting nibs, quill pens, elegant handwriting. Section titles include appropriate quotations.
I Lies of Omission
"Ask no questions, and you'll be told no lies." - Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
http://www.dickens-literature.com/Gre...
II Deception
"The one charm about marriage is that it makes a life of deception absolutely necessary for both parties." - Oscar Wilde (single homosexual knows from observation?)
http://www.enotes.com/picture-dorian-...
III Ruse
"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" - Sir Walter Scott, Marmion 1808
http://allpoetry.com/poem/8479539-Mar...
IV Revelation
"but at the length, truth will out" - William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice Act 2:Sc 2:line 645
http://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/...
Effingtons, from another series "Wedding Bargain",
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
appear in passing cameo hosting masquerade ball. A prequel with more action would be fun. But overall, a different enough well-dressed well-spoken romp encouraging more visits to VA (traditionally initials of Queen Victoria and her beloved mourned for a lifetime consort Prince Albert, the epitome of Love Forever if one ignores Mr Brown, and a pinnacle of museums in London).
Typos:
p250 "What I have learned is that some two years ago, around the time you allegedly left the department, which I am now seeing in an entirely different light" more comprehensible as "What I have learned concerns two years ago"
p263 "my powered wig" is "powdered"
November 23, 2016
It was an easy read...didn't even know that it was part of a series, nor did I feel the story was hampered because I hadn't read earlier versions. (that is definitely a nice change - many times books are hinging on the fact that you know what's going on).
May 17, 2017
This book is amazingly stupid. The characters (all of them..main, side..no one is excluded) annoyed the shiz out of me. The only thing that kept me from DNF'ing it was sheer stubbornness. I refused to let it defeat me in any way.
July 8, 2018
Having met our leading pair of characters previously getting to know Evelyn and Adrian's personas in more depth was interesting reading.
This oh-so-proper couple turned out to be surprisingly unconventional after all.
This oh-so-proper couple turned out to be surprisingly unconventional after all.
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