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Surprised Heirs #2
Her Tempting Traitor
She’s the only one who can save him…but this ex-spy doesn’t want her help!
Miss Gabrielle Lindsay, niece to the Duke of Exingham, has done the impossible: turned her privileged status into an unofficial veterinary education—despite the fact that no respectable institution would grant her the title. She’s proud of her skills, respected for her work, and perfectly content with a life spent healing animals. So why then did she agree to help her uncle with his investigation?
Because of the pregnant elephant, of course.
Under the guise of treating an ailing pachyderm, Gabby infiltrates Inverlochy Castle, where Cassian Grey—former spy, current prime suspect—is hiding. Her task? Get close, dig up evidence of treason, and expose his secrets. Simple.
But Cassian is anything but simple. Brooding, sharp-eyed, and far too perceptive, he sees through her charm. Worse, he intrigues her just as much as he frustrates her. His wounded leg and violent past should make him untouchable, yet something in him calls to her instincts—to heal, to understand, to get under his skin. Well. At the very least, his clothes.
Cassian has spent a lifetime keeping people out, and Gabby has never met a puzzle she couldn’t unravel. The question is: which of them will break first?
Warning: Another super-spicy adventure with convoluted schemes and hilarious grumpy/sunshine hijinks from the undisputed queen of historical rom-com
Miss Gabrielle Lindsay, niece to the Duke of Exingham, has done the impossible: turned her privileged status into an unofficial veterinary education—despite the fact that no respectable institution would grant her the title. She’s proud of her skills, respected for her work, and perfectly content with a life spent healing animals. So why then did she agree to help her uncle with his investigation?
Because of the pregnant elephant, of course.
Under the guise of treating an ailing pachyderm, Gabby infiltrates Inverlochy Castle, where Cassian Grey—former spy, current prime suspect—is hiding. Her task? Get close, dig up evidence of treason, and expose his secrets. Simple.
But Cassian is anything but simple. Brooding, sharp-eyed, and far too perceptive, he sees through her charm. Worse, he intrigues her just as much as he frustrates her. His wounded leg and violent past should make him untouchable, yet something in him calls to her instincts—to heal, to understand, to get under his skin. Well. At the very least, his clothes.
Cassian has spent a lifetime keeping people out, and Gabby has never met a puzzle she couldn’t unravel. The question is: which of them will break first?
Warning: Another super-spicy adventure with convoluted schemes and hilarious grumpy/sunshine hijinks from the undisputed queen of historical rom-com
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2025
62 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 30, 2025
This is my 16th book by Caroline Lee. I started reading her in July, 2021. I was glad to see she had a new series out and I really enjoyed book 1. Looking forward to reading this one. I know book 1 just came out in March but for me that was over 60 books ago and the book by her prior to that was a year ago. It just seemed like it's been awhile since I read one of her books.
This was a cute read. I liked Gabrielle and Cassian. Caroline Lee writes cute HistRomComs. Her characters sometimes say things they didn't say back them but it's always so cute. Not a huge fan she used Fook instead of Fuck but I think she does that in all her books because they seem to be mostly Scottish tropes. Cute read.
This was a cute read. I liked Gabrielle and Cassian. Caroline Lee writes cute HistRomComs. Her characters sometimes say things they didn't say back them but it's always so cute. Not a huge fan she used Fook instead of Fuck but I think she does that in all her books because they seem to be mostly Scottish tropes. Cute read.
November 27, 2025
Caroline Lee makes Historical Romance (Comedy) mysteries like no other! I’m not usually keen on a mystery plot being the primary focus of the HRs I read, but this book is so much more than that. Gabby was one of my favorite accessory characters in the Surprise! Dukes series and it was so fun to see her all grown up, having become a veterinarian, and still have so much of what was interesting about her remain. I especially loved her interactions with Gus and how gentle she was with him. Cassian was a puzzle at first and I enjoyed learning more about him and his background, and especially his inability to resist Gabby. As expected in Lee’s works, this book is pretty steamy and full of hilarious situations and dialogue; however, there are some serious conversations that are handled respectfully and well, too. I knew from the first chapter that I’d be enjoying this one as much as the last.
I very thankfully received an early version of this book and am providing my honest and voluntary review.
I very thankfully received an early version of this book and am providing my honest and voluntary review.
June 27, 2025
Well what a fun read that was! I’m always so entertained by Caroline Lee’s books. The humour, banter between the characters and internal dialogue is just a few things that makes this book so great.
There’s also an investigation to complete and true love to blossom in the second book of this series.
Gabrielle (Gabby) Lindsay is smart, sassy and when she knows what she wants, she will get it. That includes training as a veterinarian. Her uncle runs an investigation agency and is tasked with discovering if a man has committed treason against the crown and Gabby is the perfect person for this job.
Cassian Grey is a widower with a son who he hardly knows due to his job as a spy for the crown that kept him away. He was permanently wounded on his last mission that left him learning to walk again and rumours of him being a traitor.
A pregnant elephant in need of help brings Gabby and her twin brother Hunter into Cassian’s home life. One will investigate Cassian to uncover if he’s a traitor and the other will try to save the elephant.
Hilarious mayhem follows as a completely unprepared Hunter tries to pretend he is a veterinarian and Gabby tries to get closer to a grumpy and emotionally hurt Cassian. Add in a sulky preteen who hates his father, an eccentric couple with a love of exotic animals and a male llama who has an identity crisis and a brilliantly beautifully written and funny book is born.
Caroline Lee never fails to amaze me with her writing style and detail. Her books always draw me straight into the plot and keeps me there until the final page. As with all of her other books, there is spicy open door scenes that fit seamlessly into the narrative and are very well written.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fun historical romance with secondary plots that just add to the enjoyment of the story.
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
There’s also an investigation to complete and true love to blossom in the second book of this series.
Gabrielle (Gabby) Lindsay is smart, sassy and when she knows what she wants, she will get it. That includes training as a veterinarian. Her uncle runs an investigation agency and is tasked with discovering if a man has committed treason against the crown and Gabby is the perfect person for this job.
Cassian Grey is a widower with a son who he hardly knows due to his job as a spy for the crown that kept him away. He was permanently wounded on his last mission that left him learning to walk again and rumours of him being a traitor.
A pregnant elephant in need of help brings Gabby and her twin brother Hunter into Cassian’s home life. One will investigate Cassian to uncover if he’s a traitor and the other will try to save the elephant.
Hilarious mayhem follows as a completely unprepared Hunter tries to pretend he is a veterinarian and Gabby tries to get closer to a grumpy and emotionally hurt Cassian. Add in a sulky preteen who hates his father, an eccentric couple with a love of exotic animals and a male llama who has an identity crisis and a brilliantly beautifully written and funny book is born.
Caroline Lee never fails to amaze me with her writing style and detail. Her books always draw me straight into the plot and keeps me there until the final page. As with all of her other books, there is spicy open door scenes that fit seamlessly into the narrative and are very well written.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fun historical romance with secondary plots that just add to the enjoyment of the story.
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
June 26, 2025
Miss Gabrielle Lindsay, niece to the Duke of Exingham, has done the impossible: turned her privileged status into an unofficial veterinary education despite the fact that no respectable institution would grant her the title. So why then did she agree to help her Uncle Bull with his investigation? Because of the pregnant elephant, of course. Gabby with her twin Hunter infiltrate Inverlochy Castle, where Cassian Grey—former spy, current prime suspect—is hiding.
The author has done it yet again with another, witty, steamy, entertaining, intriguing romcom. The characters have lovely depth but she doesn’t do two dimensional characters. I loved both Cassian & Gabby, the air crackled whenever they were close & I loved how they fell for each other & I was routing for them all the way through. However the icing on the cake & the cherry on top were the secondary characters Gus who began as petulant & turned into a lovely young man, A not so young couple acting like randy teenagers, Hunter pretending to be a Vet & having to examine Elizabeth – I ached from laughing & llamas who were confused. I’m always amazed how the author interweaves so many facts& serious moments in amongst the fun. Plus there was more from Bull!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The author has done it yet again with another, witty, steamy, entertaining, intriguing romcom. The characters have lovely depth but she doesn’t do two dimensional characters. I loved both Cassian & Gabby, the air crackled whenever they were close & I loved how they fell for each other & I was routing for them all the way through. However the icing on the cake & the cherry on top were the secondary characters Gus who began as petulant & turned into a lovely young man, A not so young couple acting like randy teenagers, Hunter pretending to be a Vet & having to examine Elizabeth – I ached from laughing & llamas who were confused. I’m always amazed how the author interweaves so many facts& serious moments in amongst the fun. Plus there was more from Bull!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 4, 2025
A Delightful Escape: A Hilarious and Heartwarming Romance by Caroline Lee!
This book is a truly perfect story to lift my spirits and keep me thoroughly entertained, showcasing why Caroline Lee is always a hilarious and wonderful read. It features Gabby and Cassian in an exciting, passion-filled narrative that is brimming with charm and wit. The story promises a journey filled with delightful intrigue as the protagonists navigate a web of secrets, all leading to their well-deserved happy ending.
I enthusiastically highlight the book's engaging blend of laugh-out-loud humor and genuinely heartwarming moments, making for an incredibly exciting and enjoyable read. One particularly charming and inventive aspect I noted is the clever use of unique names, adding to the book's distinctive personality. And, in a truly unexpected and hilarious twist, the delightful inclusion of an elephant as a character adds a layer of pure comedic genius, leaving me constantly amused and wondering what other delightful surprises await!
Overall, I highly recommend this romance for anyone looking for a read that is both incredibly funny and deeply heartfelt, with plenty of joyful twists and turns to keep you absolutely hooked. It's clearly a book designed to entertain, uplift, and bring a smile to your face, a testament to Caroline Lee's wonderful storytelling.
This book is a truly perfect story to lift my spirits and keep me thoroughly entertained, showcasing why Caroline Lee is always a hilarious and wonderful read. It features Gabby and Cassian in an exciting, passion-filled narrative that is brimming with charm and wit. The story promises a journey filled with delightful intrigue as the protagonists navigate a web of secrets, all leading to their well-deserved happy ending.
I enthusiastically highlight the book's engaging blend of laugh-out-loud humor and genuinely heartwarming moments, making for an incredibly exciting and enjoyable read. One particularly charming and inventive aspect I noted is the clever use of unique names, adding to the book's distinctive personality. And, in a truly unexpected and hilarious twist, the delightful inclusion of an elephant as a character adds a layer of pure comedic genius, leaving me constantly amused and wondering what other delightful surprises await!
Overall, I highly recommend this romance for anyone looking for a read that is both incredibly funny and deeply heartfelt, with plenty of joyful twists and turns to keep you absolutely hooked. It's clearly a book designed to entertain, uplift, and bring a smile to your face, a testament to Caroline Lee's wonderful storytelling.
July 20, 2025
I really enjoyed Surprise! Dukes series, so was happy to see this Surprised Heirs series.
Gabby and Hunter, twin niece a and nephew of Rourke Duke of Exingham, both work when necessary for Rourkes younger brother Bull and his fete tube agency when needed. But Gabby's passion and real job is as a vet although she's not recognised as such because she's a woman. So when Bull gets a job in from the princess asking to confirm if Cassian Grey is a traitor or not Bull th wwiinks Hunter may be the person for the job, but how to get him into the household with Cassian? Well Cassians uncle has a menagerie and a sick elephant. So Hunter is despatched as a vet with Fannie along side as his secretary.
On arrival the elephants owner won't allow anyone near the elephant but a qualified bet so Hunter has to take instructions from Fannie daily, whilst she gets to know Cassian and his son Gus.
I loved this for all the usual reasons with the author, the humour, the double entendres, and mix of fact and fiction. I enjoyed seeing art the characters from the Surprise! Dukes series again, however briefly.
But do elephants sneeze?
Gabby and Hunter, twin niece a and nephew of Rourke Duke of Exingham, both work when necessary for Rourkes younger brother Bull and his fete tube agency when needed. But Gabby's passion and real job is as a vet although she's not recognised as such because she's a woman. So when Bull gets a job in from the princess asking to confirm if Cassian Grey is a traitor or not Bull th wwiinks Hunter may be the person for the job, but how to get him into the household with Cassian? Well Cassians uncle has a menagerie and a sick elephant. So Hunter is despatched as a vet with Fannie along side as his secretary.
On arrival the elephants owner won't allow anyone near the elephant but a qualified bet so Hunter has to take instructions from Fannie daily, whilst she gets to know Cassian and his son Gus.
I loved this for all the usual reasons with the author, the humour, the double entendres, and mix of fact and fiction. I enjoyed seeing art the characters from the Surprise! Dukes series again, however briefly.
But do elephants sneeze?
June 29, 2025
Gabby and Cassian 🥰
Second book in the Surprised Heirs! And OMG!!! This one was so amazing!!! And so funny!!! The way she created her characters is out of this universe!!! And the names🤦🏻♀️ She got me each time laughing so hard 🤣 and the double sense in all her writing is probably why I love her books so much! Cassian and Gabby chemistry is so on point. The way she tells her stories, real or fake , makes you wonder if it’s the truth or just made up. Really, I can’t help myself when I start reading her books, read it in less than 3 hours because it was that good!!! So I will recommend all her series and be sure to know that if you start reading them, people around you will know that you can’t have a straight face and for that, she’s the Queen of Historical ROM-COM. Congrats Caroline! I’m your fan forever 😌
Second book in the Surprised Heirs! And OMG!!! This one was so amazing!!! And so funny!!! The way she created her characters is out of this universe!!! And the names🤦🏻♀️ She got me each time laughing so hard 🤣 and the double sense in all her writing is probably why I love her books so much! Cassian and Gabby chemistry is so on point. The way she tells her stories, real or fake , makes you wonder if it’s the truth or just made up. Really, I can’t help myself when I start reading her books, read it in less than 3 hours because it was that good!!! So I will recommend all her series and be sure to know that if you start reading them, people around you will know that you can’t have a straight face and for that, she’s the Queen of Historical ROM-COM. Congrats Caroline! I’m your fan forever 😌
June 29, 2025
All the humor and hijinks you’d expect in a Caroline Lee historical romance. Gabby’s the next one on the case, this time involving a man who may be a traitor to the crown and a castle full of animals, including a pregnant elephant. Since Gabby is trained in the veterinary sciences, she’s assigned to infiltrate the castle. Except, she knows full well that she won’t be taken seriously as a doctor, so she has to have her twin brother pretend to be the veterinarian. And so they go and they meet Cassian, who’s struggling with his failed mission, injuries, and a son who is resentful of him. Luckily, we all know Cassian is not actually a traitor, but it’s fun to see Gabby come to that conclusion. Lots of bonding between Gabby and Gus (Cassian’s son) and some soul-baring bathtime fun. Funny and steamy, as expected.
June 25, 2025
In Her Tempting Traitor, Caroline Lee weaves an engaging tale of intrigue, wit, and unexpected connection. Gabrielle Lindsay is resourceful and bold and enters Inverlochy Castle under the guise of treating a pregnant elephant but soon finds herself entangled in more than just a veterinary mission. Cassian Grey, a wounded ex-spy with secrets to spare, becomes her unlikely counterpart. Their chemistry crackles amid clever banter and layered emotional beats, with enough twists to keep the pages turning. It’s a full of humor, spirited, and clever read, driven by a heroine who refuses to be underestimated and a hero who’s more than just his scars.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 28, 2025
What a fantastically fun read this was, Gabby and Cassian were both born on the wrong side of the blanket yet found their feet as a veterinarian and spy for Queen and country. When Gabby meets Cassian at his uncle Dickie's estate where he spends his life around animals when he is not working as a spy, she is fascinated by this injured, tortured soul whilst touting her brother as a veterinarian to gain access to his uncle's allegedly pregnant elephant. Their attraction is almost instantaneous and steamy. However he is a suspected traitor to the crown can Gabby and her connections find out the truth and exonerate him or will he face the hangman's noose. This is a great steamy, fun HistRomCom that expands the world of Surprised Heirs that brings back previous characters from the series.
December 7, 2025
We have Bulls niece Miss Gabrielle Lindsay, niece to the Duke of Exingham, who is a skilled veterinarian! She constantly battles the prejudices of men in her profession.
She and her brother hunter must investigate a man who is thought to be a traitor to England!
Cassian Grey has sacrificed his life and now a part of his limb in service to the crown!
He has a son who has remained with his wife’s in-laws after her passing!
Gus has a love of animals and makes friends with Gabrielle aka Gabby!
Gabby has never been drawn to anyone the way she is to Cassian but how can she kiss a traitor?
There are naughty laugh out loud moments involving animals flatulence and so much more! Love this author and her hilarious use of names and family!
She and her brother hunter must investigate a man who is thought to be a traitor to England!
Cassian Grey has sacrificed his life and now a part of his limb in service to the crown!
He has a son who has remained with his wife’s in-laws after her passing!
Gus has a love of animals and makes friends with Gabrielle aka Gabby!
Gabby has never been drawn to anyone the way she is to Cassian but how can she kiss a traitor?
There are naughty laugh out loud moments involving animals flatulence and so much more! Love this author and her hilarious use of names and family!
July 7, 2025
What a great story about Gabrielle and Cassian. Gabby has always loved animals and is now an unofficial veterinarian since she is a female. She is traveling with her brother Hunter who is pretending to be the vet to treat a sick pregnant elephant. They are there to find out what happened to Cassian and his men when his last mission was a total failure causing loss of men as well as his foot. Watching Cassian upon their arrival shows his captivation of her. There are lots of twist and turns in this story that will keep you captivated and motivated to not put the book down till you find out the whole story and believe me you won’t be disappointed.
June 22, 2025
The perfect story to lift one's spirits and keep one entertained!
Gabrielle and Cassian bring us an exciting, passion filled romance with lots of stuff which has been covered up and needing to be exposed in order for them to find their happy every after.
It really was a very exciting read, so funny and yet it has serious moments too. I loved the inventiveness of some of the names used and in addition to a child character there is an elephant (of all things - what next? Lol!).
I definitely enjoyed reading an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
Gabrielle and Cassian bring us an exciting, passion filled romance with lots of stuff which has been covered up and needing to be exposed in order for them to find their happy every after.
It really was a very exciting read, so funny and yet it has serious moments too. I loved the inventiveness of some of the names used and in addition to a child character there is an elephant (of all things - what next? Lol!).
I definitely enjoyed reading an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
June 26, 2025
Once again Caroline has knocked a great one out!! A sassy heroine who knows what she wants. A brooding hero who ends up in a kilt! Classic. It has all the banter and giggles that I have come to expected from this author. It took plenty twists and turns that were perfect! Must admit though Gus and Elizabeth stole to show for me. Also there are the usually amazing author notes at the end!!! I look forward to reading these every time! Tempted to read first sometimes.
July 1, 2025
Oh heavens I had a splendid time reading the tale about Gabby and Augustus romance. Well it was the story before the two found out that they are smitten with the other. Both had quite a story to tell. The characters Elizabeth, Sir Richard and his wife are awesomely written in. They truly kept humor going. The poor staff wondered if they are working in a circus house. The story was entertaining and I had a great time reading it.
July 18, 2025
Her Tempting Traitor
By Caroline Lee
What a wonderful romp as only the irreverent, humorous Ms. Lee can bring us. So much of this is tongue-in-cheek humor which involves mystery, spies, secrets and the royal family. It also has some very hot steamy scenes and the requisite love, romance and happily ever after. If you like this lighthearted, not to be taken too seriously, sort of romance, this one’s for you. Enjoy. I did !!
By Caroline Lee
What a wonderful romp as only the irreverent, humorous Ms. Lee can bring us. So much of this is tongue-in-cheek humor which involves mystery, spies, secrets and the royal family. It also has some very hot steamy scenes and the requisite love, romance and happily ever after. If you like this lighthearted, not to be taken too seriously, sort of romance, this one’s for you. Enjoy. I did !!
July 21, 2025
Wonderful book! Funny, of course (Lee is the queen of historical romcoms, after all!), but also with an hint of angst, because poor Cassian was undergoing a great deal of trouble and stress and it showed! Luckily he found Gabby, who’s a great woman, very capable and kind. I loved the animal shenanigans and the side characters very much and I can’t wait for Hunter’s story (but most of all for Bull’s!)
June 26, 2025
This second book brought more of the irreverence that I expect from Caroline Lee than the first book. This book is fun and I read it straight through. Gabby and Cassian are a great couple and there is no big angst. Well written, great steam and wonderful characters (always up for more Bull). An unexpected twist for Cassian made this a very good story. Hunter is next and I can’t wait.
June 27, 2025
Gabby, a spirited, veterinarian and detective and her brother are investigating Cassian. They think he may be a traitor. As her brother pretends to be a vet, she gets to know Cassian. She soon realizes he could not be a traitor.
This is a fun, silly and hot romance with a cute little boy, a pregnant elephant and a menagerie of animals.
This is a fun, silly and hot romance with a cute little boy, a pregnant elephant and a menagerie of animals.
June 27, 2025
Really Great Series
I always enjoy this authors books and her sense of humor. I loved Gabby and Cassian's story. It's fun and witty and made me laugh. These two are so good together. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down. I anxiously await the next book.
I always enjoy this authors books and her sense of humor. I loved Gabby and Cassian's story. It's fun and witty and made me laugh. These two are so good together. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down. I anxiously await the next book.
June 30, 2025
Gabby and Cassian are absolutely adorable together. Their love story is perfect. Of course, Caroline gives us a hysterical pregnant elephant, because it wouldn’t be a Caroline Lee book without some absurd hilarity. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I adored Hunter in this book. I still thought of him as a child, but he has grown into quite the dreamy man. I can’t wait for his love story.
July 1, 2025
Shew-wee! What a delicious story, it has everything you need, in one great story a spy,whos possibly a traitor, a lady animal dr, whose sent to investigate him, an elphant...wait what??..mix that all together and through in a quirky mix of characters and a lot of heat, and you've just read a fabulous book! Go on now, you know you want to!
June 24, 2025
A fun, exciting and passionate romance. Gabrielle and Cassian are so perfectly spicy together, loved their connection and banter. A grumpy meets sunshine story with all the feels and wonderful happy ending.
July 1, 2025
If You lo e history romance and comedy in one well all I can say
When her uncle sends her to find out of he is a traitor or not it leads to them falling in love and this book is full of all Caroline laughs you won't be disappointed best laugh
When her uncle sends her to find out of he is a traitor or not it leads to them falling in love and this book is full of all Caroline laughs you won't be disappointed best laugh
July 2, 2025
Loved it!
August 16, 2025
Gabby is sent to a remote estate to investigate a traitor, Cassian, and mayhem ensues as only Caroline Lee can deliver. I highly recommend this funny, sexy, riot.
July 18, 2025
I remember Gabby and her brother from the book they were in as children. She was always carrying around a pet and she kept her love of animals in this book with her veterinary training. But she’s not a man and can’t get an official degree and be accepted in a man’s world so when it’s time to go undercover to treat an ill elephant her brother Hunter must pretend to be the veterinarian. I thought it a shame that she wasn’t allowed close enough to observe and assist. The poor elephant would have been treated properly a lot sooner. And she kept putting off sneaking in to examine her by spending time with Cassian trying to figure out what happened to him and his men on his last mission and losing her heart in the process. I loved that his son Gus was passionate about helping the animals too and that his great uncle and aunt had welcomed them both into their home. The uncle was old fashioned on his opinions about what women were capable of and doesn’t want to accept Gabby’s assessment at first. Hunter was kind of bumbling along and I’m surprised his services weren’t terminated early on. This was a tongue in cheek funny steamy historical romance.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews