Abandoned Vows

Forged Alliances #4

by Lavinia Glen

She walked away without a backward glance. Now he’s divorcing the only woman he’s ever loved.

Alice thought Nathaniel was her everything—her partner agent, her ardent lover, the husband she adored. But when an unexpected title inheritance drags him back home, everything changes. Trapped in a cold, unwelcoming estate, despised by his family and neglected by the man who once worshipped her, Alice does the she leaves.

Nathaniel never stopped loving his wife, but when she walked away from their marriage and returned to their old life without him, something inside him broke. Five years later, convinced he’s been replaced and forgotten, he makes a final, devastating he petitions for divorce.

But when fate throws them together on one last mission for the Foreign Office, Alice and Nathaniel can’t resist the fire still burning between them. Their chemistry explodes into a torrid affair. One that reopens old wounds and exposes the mistakes that once drove them apart.

Can they right the wrongs of the past and save their marriage… or are their vows destined to be forever abandoned?



Estranged coupleMarriage in shamblesTorrid affair (with each other)Secret MissionMisunderstandings

Genres: Second Chance, Historical

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes for me

London 1867 Alice and Nathaniel

Opens with they’ve been apart 5 years. He sends a letter saying he’s filing for divorce. Breaks her heart because she still loves him and hoped he felt the same. He thinks she’s been unfaithful.

He’s mailed her divorce papers but she hasn’t opened it.

They are put on one last job together. Both loving and missing the other, but thinking it’s one sided.

35% in and this makes me so sad. I want them to just talk!!!


Safety: she hasn’t even considered being with anyone else. At 45% he confirms he hasn’t either.

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers

Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞 (I was definitely turned off by how oblivious the hero was to his mother’s manipulations)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Just a touch
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused?
How did the speed of the story feel?
When mains are first on page together: very soon in, chapter 1
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever for the mains but there is a bit of a cliffy for the next book (his wife is missing)
Epilogue: Yes but it’s basically a prologue for a future story
Format: voluntarily read an advanced read copy from the author (Thank you!) in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I like Glen’s books and want to try them all!
Mains: Nathaniel Greystone and Alice
(Descriptions found at end of my review)

Should I read in order?
I don’t think it’s totally necessary but there are definitely some scenes with characters from prior books. Also, Alice is in book 3 as a side character that might make you curious – so in order would be delightful.

Basic plot:
Nathaniel has served Alice with divorce papers – believe that is what she wants in life – but first they must get through one more mission together.

Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian romance – 1867
- second chance – they’ve been separated for 5 years
- marriage in jeopardy – he’s filed for divorce
- spy work – they both have worked for the Foreign Office
- masquerade with Hades and Persephone play
- you’re okay with assumptions and lack of communication driving up the angst
- higher steam – 5ish full scenes

Ages:
- he’s 35, didn’t catch her age

First line:
A letter from her husband topped the neat stack of correspondence waiting for her on the entrance table.

My thoughts:
So I liked this one more than I thought I would! Because this one did have a number of tropes that just aren’t my favorite.

I struggle with second chance – it worked for me here because I felt like they had been separated for so long and it was a misunderstanding (basically) and I kinda love that miscommunication/lack of communication angst. So I got to enjoy the uncertainty between them and the make up.

It was marriage in jeopardy – it worked for me because there was more hurt on both sides instead of anger and hatred I have found in some others with this trope. It made it more angsty and emotional for me.

Spies – I usually don’t love this because I honestly don’t care 😆 and think it takes me away from mains. But in this one they were together for a lot of the book and I loved them working together after being separated for so long.

Something that didn’t work the best was the evil mother in law. I know I complain about this every time I come across it (because I have TRUAMA) but there is nothing unsexier to me than a man that cannot see, or worse, goes along with his mother’s manipulations and hurt. So I wanted the hero to put her in his place much longer than he did and thought he was a bit of an idiot about that whole thing. But I did kinda love Nathaniel so I guess I’ll forgive him….

Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 8 books
Average rating from me: 4.63 stars
Favorite book: Depends on the day….maybe The Marquess and His Muse??

Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize


He struggled to remain impassive, aware she could read him like an open book and not wanting to give her the satisfaction of knowing the effect she still had on him. The truth was he was still pathetically, idiotically attracted to his own wife, whom he was divorcing.
---
He had almost kissed her. Kissed her? He had wanted to devour her. Take her against the wall. Lift those ugly skirts and fuck her until he quenched this fire in his blood. Until she came undone in his arms. Until she recognized she was his.
Madness.



Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.

- labor and childbirth death on page
- feelings of infidelity – the hero believes the heroine cheated on him
- toxic family members manipulating, gas lighting and attempting to destroy a marriage
- some scenes of violence

Author content warnings? Didn’t see any (I always encourage you to check author’s websites, since Amazon penalizes authors for certain content warning words in their novels)


Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:

Safe sex: He pulls out the first scene but no the second
How’s the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? There’s thoughts of having future children and a side character gives birth on page. Mention of pregnancy in epilogue
Chapter 6 – 🔥 at the sex club – fingering against the wall, oral for her in the peephole bedroom, bj for him, doggy bent over the bed
“Fuck, you are drenched,” he rasped. “Is all this for me, Alice?”
Chapter 11 – 🔥 kisses, bath scene – fingering for her followed a bit later by missionary
”Ready for more?” he whispered in her ear, his voice smoky and dark as midnight.
Chapter 15 – 🔥 kiss, sex on the sofa
”Look at me,” he commanded, and she opened her eyes. “That’s right. Look at me while you come. So that you never forget who you belong to.”
When she didn’t reply, too dazed to even form words, he snarled, “Say it. Say you are mine.”
“I’m yours.”
Chapter 16 – remembered scene (short)
Chapter 24 – 🔥 her on top
”Do you want me, Alice?” he taunted, knowing damn well that she did. “Take me, then. I’m all yours. Take what you want, darling.”
Chapter 27 – 🔥 kisses, fingering for her, light spanking, her on the bed with him standing
“But I won’t. Not yet.” He withdrew his hand, and she growled like an animal. He only smiled. But it wasn’t a pleasant smile. It was dark, and dangerous. Promising retribution. “I want to punish you a little. Torture you for the pain you’ve caused.”
Chapter 29 - kiss

Total chapters: 34 and an epilogue (and prologue)


Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs


Full break down on what my ratings above mean here:
Overall: How I felt about it everything considered!
Readability: How ‘readable’ was the book? Did I fly through it? Did I have to tell myself to pick it back up repeatedly? Were any passages confusing? (I will probably score like (1) is literally unreadable due to formatting/typing errors, etc (2) There were lots of errors that made it difficult to read OR It was extremely confusing and I had to reread passages to make sense of it OR I disliked it so much I had to bribe myself to keep reading (3) I didn’t really want to keep reading and would have preferred to abandon the read and start something else OR some minor continuity issues/confusion (4) I liked it fine, maybe a minor error or 2. I was happy to pick it up when I had time. (5) I never wanted to put this down. I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it. I hid in the bathroom from my kids to read. I threw inappropriate food at my children for dinner so I could read instead.)
Feels: Totally subjective to each person but did the book give me any tingles? Any butterflies? Did it rip my heart out (in a good way?)
Emotional depth: How well do I feel I know the characters at the end? How much did I feel their emotions throughout the story?
Sexual tension: Again, subjective, but how strong was the wanting and longing to me between the characters? A book might have strong sexual tension without a single touch.
Romance: Was there romance? Did romantic things happen? This can be actions/words/thoughts of the characters and again is subjective.
Sensuality: This is how the intimate scenes are written. Kisses and sexual scenes – how sensual were they? Were they on the mechanical side? Was there emotional pull tied in? Were the details explicit or flowery? These are subjective but generally (1) too short to get a good judgment (2) not all what I'm looking for - very vague or flowery prose (3) either not explicit enough or not enough emotional pull (too mechanical/physically descriptive without the emotions) (4) what I love in a scene (5) absolute perfection - perfect balance of emotional longing and explicit descriptions
Sex Scene Length: How long the bedroom scenes are (generally (1) is 1-3 sentences (2) is a few paragraphs to a page-ish (3) is about average, a few pages (4) more well developed scenes, quite a few pages with descriptions (5) the majority of the book takes place in the bedroom. This is always hard to tell for me on audio!
Steam Scale: Generally, each flame is a scene. If scenes are super close together I sometimes combine them. If a scene is super short or so vague I don’t know what’s happening, I don’t count it. There’s some levels of grey but generally the number of flames is how many sex scenes there are (I max out at 5 so I’ll put a + after if there’s more than that)


Find me
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Book Clubs
The Ton and the Tartans (Historical Romance)
Upturned Petticoats and Undone Cravats (Historical Romance with Steam Requirements)
A Love Less Ordinary (Science Fiction, Paranormal, Monster, Fantasy)
Modern Manuscripts (Contemporary Romance)
Words for the Wicked (Contemporary Romance with Steam Requirements)
Vintage Romance (Old School Romance – published 2000 and prior)

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pretty new author for me. This is my 9th book by her. Lavinia was in one of my steamy FB take over groups and who books seemed interesting so though I'd check her out and I’m so glad I did. I have enjoyed her writing and already have 3 of her books on my favorite monthly reads list. I have really liked this series.

I loved Alice and Nathaniel. I loved this story. I thought they were an awesome couple. I like the spy storyline. I always hate that couples back then had such terrible miscommunication between each other. The sex was super HOT and lots of it!!!! I have really been loving this series and again adding another of her books to my favorite books read in Nov, 2025. I would definitely recommend.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lavinia Glen delivers a storm of passion and heartbreak in Abandoned Vows. Alice and Nathaniel’s fractured marriage; torn apart by duty, betrayal, along with five years of separation and silence, crackles back to life when fate forces them together in a mission for the Foreign Office. Their reunion is equal parts anguish and temptation, a reminder that love can survive even the deepest wounds. Glen balances espionage intrigue with raw emotional intensity, leaving readers breathless and desperate for the Duke of Dalton’s tale in Forgotten Vows.

[Unapologetic Termagant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. Abandoned Vows comes (heh) in strong and doesn’t let up. The action, both in terms of Alice and Nathaniel’s spy work and the renewal of their marital relations, is established very quickly, to the point that I was expecting it to be at the detriment of forging a believable emotional rapport between the estranged couple. However, my worries proved to be unfounded; Lavinia Glen gave us a beautiful, emotionally charged, and entirely believable story of soulmates torn apart by circumstances surrounding them and their own hang-ups. Despite the backdrop of espionage and a sensitive diplomatic mission, the relationship between the Greystones was so sweet, lovely, and cozy, especially when they hunkered down in the love nest of their marital home, where they kept no servants and were basically in a world of their own.

I really liked both protagonists; Alice was such a compelling, complicated woman, proud and self-reliant to the point of sometimes behaving irrationally out of fear of having her independence curtailed. Nathaniel was confident, but never to the point of being overbearing or domineering, and the utter awe he felt for Alice was incredibly sweet (he described her, correctly, as "brave, sarcastic, and always willing to be bribed with food").

As I mentioned, due to the propulsive beginning of the book, I was worried that context of their work as spies and their relationship would be lacking, but, thankfully, I was wrong. While I wish there’d been just a bit more information about how Alice in particular got into their line of work, the central relationship was well-established and believable, even without ever going into flashbacks to see them in happier times. They really did read as long-time spouses, familiar with each other’s quirks and little tells, even after an agonizing five-year separation.

As always with Ms Glen, the steam is one of the best aspects of the book. These people know each other inside and out, but Lavinia still managed to find ways to make each of their numerous encounters fresh and unique. We had some really great stuff here, including exhibitionism, spanking, and some wonderful and pearl-clutching dirty talk from Nathaniel.

I have followed Ms Glen’s work for years now, and, while her storylines have always been fantastic, I’m so happy to see how with each book she grows stronger and more confident as a writer. Despite some occasional slips into a bit of anachronistic dialogue, overall, the writing was strong, smooth, and enjoyable. All in all, I really loved Abandoned Vows, and am looking forward to the next book in the series, which is set up perfectly in this one.

Huge thanks to Lavinia Glen for the ARC.

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage in shambles at its very best!
A working-class girl and a nobleman’s spare, both government spies, Alice & Nathaniel have been married for a decade. Their class-difference was never an issue until he suddenly became the viscount. She fled before his new world could crush her – and he didn’t follow.
Now, convinced she’s moved on, he files for divorce.

They haven’t met in person for five years, until a mission for the Crown forces them back into each other’s orbit. While completing their dangerous task, this couple, still very much in love, must face betrayal, misunderstandings, supressed anger, pride, fear, disappointment, penned-up passion and an all-consuming longing to make things right and find their way home. But where is home?

Alice is a chameleon; perfect at blending in, but afraid to show herself, afraid she won’t measure up – and Nate was everything to her until he wasn’t. Brilliant at their jobs, but blinded by love, they both messed up, and his family wasn’t anything but helpful.
They confront, comfort and care for each other, but no matter what emotion their experiencing, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Lots of angry kissing and f-ing, but also breathtaking tenderness and devotion. This book was hot and utterly scrumptious!
I loved that their mission was the glue but never overshadowed the couple. The other side plot with her former spy partner was a nifty twist; you can feel it coming but are left clueless till the reveal.
And finally a shoutout to an unusual side-character: the home they once shared. I loved how it was written – a cozy safe haven, full of memories, precious – and how it affected the MCs.

This book was a feast for the senses, an incredible emotional rollercoaster! Heartrending and mending, full of conflict, inner turmoil and pure and simple love. The evocative writing and pacing had me engrossed from the first chapter! I could see and feel the story, feel the connection between the MCs, how invested they were, how much it hurt.
In short: it was absolutely exquisite!

[Imromanticallyinvolved · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
Marriage in trouble is my jam lately and this is one of my favorites! I connected and empathized with both Nathaniel and Alice and understood each of their reasons for estrangement. Glen did a great job of not making me lean towards either of them which is sometimes what happens for me.

The couples spy work was integrated so perfectly and didn't take away from the romance at all. It showed how well matched these two really were. They were a team, perfectly attuned to each other.

I was glued to their story. Their passion in every aspect - anger, fear, lust, work, play and especially love was so palpable. I was frustrated with both and I admired them both.

Their chemistry was unquestionable and might have even become more potent and explosive in their years apart. If only they never had to leave their bed! But in the light of day, their problems still exist.

I was slightly annoyed by Alice's resistance but with each conversation they had I learned to understand her doubts and fears as did Nathaniel. I loved how Nathaniel set out to prove through actions and not just words that Alice could fully trust him and what they had was worth fighting for. I loved seeing Alice break free from her doubts and grasp her future with both hands. The one drawback I have with this story is how one antagonist is explained away near the end. I felt their actions were a little too nefarious to be brushed off.

Nevertheless, this is a beautifully written story of love conquering all. Vulnerability turns to power, feeling disregarded changes to feeling valued, and learning to turn towards those that matter instead of away. A lesson in love that I highly recommend!

I was honored to receive an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping!
So many lies and falsehoods desperately needing to have their truths revealed before they destroy a passionate and worthwhile, loving marriage between Alice and Nathaniel.
This is a remarkably well told second chance story with a most satisfactory outcome and it has two estranged - but not so estranged - characters who captured me with their tale and I am happy to recommend this book to lovers of a really good romantic story.
I write my review having just finished reading an early copy of the book.

[Poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

marriage in trouble done right. lavinia glen writes so well. excited for dalton's story!

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Abandoned Vows, Lavina Glen crafts a gripping tale of love lost and rediscovered, weaving an emotional journey that captivates from the first page. Alice and Nathaniel’s passionate marriage unravels under the strain of family obligations and unmet expectations. Five years after Alice walks away, Nathaniel, heartbroken but resolute, petitions for divorce. Yet fate isn’t ready to let them part. Thrust together on a final mission, their undeniable chemistry reignites, forcing them to confront old wounds and lingering regrets. Can they heal the past and reclaim their love, or are their vows beyond repair?

This story is an extraordinary exploration of a couple whose deep love nearly slips through their fingers. Alice, a determined working-class woman, and Nathaniel, a nobleman’s spare turned viscount, share a decade-long marriage rooted in partnership as government spies. Their class disparity was never an issue—until Nathaniel inherits his title, shifting their dynamic. The change in societal expectations leaves Alice feeling unmoored, incapable of fitting into the role required of her. Coupled with the hostility from Nathaniel’s family, she makes the heartbreaking decision to leave.

Five years later, Nathaniel, still haunted by his love for Alice, seeks closure through divorce. But destiny has other plans. Reunited for one last mission, it’s immediately evident that their passion hasn’t faded. Their chemistry sizzles off the page, with steamy, intense scenes that are both heartfelt and electrifying—be warned, this book doesn’t shy away from explicit, passionate moments.

Throughout the story, I found myself reflecting on the power of communication—or the lack thereof. Alice and Nathaniel’s struggles are rooted not in the absence of love, but in their inability to express vulnerabilities and fears. This emotional disconnect was both frustrating and poignant, especially as Alice seemed willing to sacrifice her happiness to avoid discomfort. Thankfully, Nathaniel’s determination to bridge the gap and confront their issues head-on provides the emotional payoff readers crave.

Lavina Glen’s writing captivates with evocative prose and deeply nuanced character development. She artfully explores the intricate layers of love, pride, and redemption, crafting Nathaniel and Alice’s journey into an experience that is both profoundly relatable and unforgettable. The story’s emotional richness, intertwined with its passionate romance, makes for an utterly compelling read. Nathaniel and Alice are a couple whose story left a lasting impression on me.

If you’re seeking a novel filled with heartfelt second chances, sizzling chemistry, and richly drawn characters, Abandoned Vows is the perfect choice. It’s a standout in the series, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment, which has been set up beautifully within these pages.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

I love this series and the end of The Duke's Undying Devotion gave such a great segue into this story that stoked my curiosity and desire to see Alice's story be told, when she burst into Michael and Josephine's home with the newborn twins needing care. This book tell's Alice and Nathaniel's story - their beginning, all the miscommunication, pride, and mistunderstandings that lead to their rift and heartbreak, and how they found their way back together. A lovely passionate, suspenseful story of a second chance at love, with a spy story gently folded in to add a bit of extra intensity and intrigue.

Alice and Nathaniel have worked together as spies for many years, and they were perfect partners, both in the field and in private - they have been married for over a decade. Unfortunately, when Nathaniel's elder brother died, he became a viscount, and that started a series of drastic changes in their lives that Alice felt she was not able to adapt to or be accepted for in their new world order, and she left. Nathaniel thought to give her space and that she wanted to return to thier old life and spycraft. They have been living separate lives for half of their marriage.

Things come to a head when Nathaniel believes he has been betrayed deeply by the wife he still loves, and petitions for a divorce, but the two are forced to work together one last time. Their emotions and passion for each other are unchanged, but there is much that they leave unspoken either, leading to continued misunderstandings, fears, and feelings of betrayal that continue to threaten their tenuous reconciliation.

Passionate, emotional story, with lovely links back to previous stories and characters, as well as driving forward a segue to the next story. My only quibble is that there is the suggestion that Nathaniel's mother (IMO a truly terribly overbearing manipulative snob) may not dislike Alice as much as she perceives does not read true. Mother dearest did not get what she deserved considering how she interfered - and there was no addressing the intercepted messages and other things she may have done to undermine Alice (and likely her previous daughter in law as well) Also, while Nathaniel took steps to give Alice control of the household, by sending his mother to the dower house and removing his sister in law, what about the previous servants who obviously were under the control of the Dowager, both in the country and in London - they obviously spied and communicated with her, which is deceitful and worked to undermine their relationship as well. Considering their job was to root out the spies in Dalton's network, Nathaniel needs to root out the spies and double agents in his own households as well.

4.75 stars out of 5

[Debbie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book about second chance love.
The couple Nathaniel and Alice had so much chemistry, passion and intuitive energy that it was hard to imagine that they could be estranged from each other for so long. They had some serious misunderstandings in their marriage that caused them both to lose trust in the other.

They used to work together as a married couple as spies for the English Foreign Office before Nathaniel unexpectedly became the Viscount of Greystone after his brother died. Alice joined him for a short time before leaving him and returning to work for the Foreign Office.
Five years later they are put together again by the head of the Foreign Office to investigate who is responsible for leaking classified information.

The couple are both still so attracted to each other that they resume their marital relationship. While they work together seamlessly just as they used to on their mission, the root cause of their marriage breakdown is still to be resolved. As they spend time together they try to work out what they can do to repair their relationship but it might be too late if they can’t talk to each other about difficult subjects and learn to trust each other in every aspect of their lives.

This was a great read, the plot was really interesting and well paced. I was drawn into the book very quickly and enjoyed it to the end. Nathaniel and Alice are a power couple and they had a few surprises that needed to be addressed before they could repair their relationship. I am looking forward to the next book in this series as the epilogue gave an insight into what the next book will be about and it looks like it will be another great read!

I received a copy of this book by the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating blend of historical second chance romance and espionage mystery with its added class disparity and troubled marriage tropes, featuring an estranged mature couple who, after years of separation, have petitioned for divorce but now have to work together again as a spy team. The very well written plot is full of emotion, suspense and lots of steamy love scenes. I really liked the characters. Their inner conflicts, the feelings, the tension and the explosive chemistry between them were palpable throughout the book.
Readers will encounter characters from previous books in the series, but the story can be read as a standalone.

Alice and Nathaniel Greystone were once a great team, agents of the Crown and a happily married couple, until Nate inherited the title after his brother's death and was forced to give up his work, their shared home, and his life. Alice, the illegitimate daughter of an actress, never fit into the aristocratic lifestyle and was subtly bullied by his relatives until she left him.
Five years later, they meet again on a secret mission. Together, they must track down a traitor in their own ranks. Their old feelings and passion are rekindled, but old doubts, fears, secrets, misunderstandings, and schemes threaten to keep them apart, and Alice must choose between the man she loves and the obligations that come with it, or remain true to herself and continue the work she loves and excels at…

If you like emotional second chance romance novels mixed with suspense and plenty of spice, you'll definitely enjoy this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Mary Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abandoned Vows sums up its protagonists well: “They were experts at ferreting out information, yet when it came to their own lives, they became completely inept.” That’s because both Nathaniel and Alice have spent years as agents for the crown, and hiding things, keeping their true selves hidden, is second nature to them. But this married couple has been estranged for years after Nathaniel came into a title and Alice didn’t feel she could be a viscountess. One last mission brings them together, and all the reasons they want to be together tangle with all of their history that says that they can’t.

Both of these characters are flawed; Nathaniel persists in believing the worst of Alice while she persists in doubting herself. This is one of those cases where you want to grab these people by their shoulders and shake them and say, “just talk to each other!” But Nathaniel and Alice are challenged by the case they’re working, by their stubborn assumptions, and by the fact that they can’t keep their hands off one another whenever they’re together.

Glen knows how to generate steam, and this couple’s encounters are explosive. And yet after a while it becomes clear that this simply avoids conversation, and by the end, Glen uses a deus ex machina device to get Alice to move forward. I liked Nathaniel more, as he was able to address his flaws over more time than Alice was given.

This is a grand read, and it cements for me that Glen is one of the up-and-coming authors of historical romance. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The key aspect of their story is that, sometimes, in relationships and marriage, love isn't enough.

You can love a person, and it can still not be enough reason to be with them. Alice struggles with this throughout the book, and it takes a while for her to come to terms with her husband's change in station and circumstance, and thus, her own. As a working-class woman, she has a valid point. Society is too rigid for allowances to be made for her background. She's also in a very peculiar position for women of that time - she is completely independent and employed, things she would lose as Lady Greystone.

Nathaniel, on the other hand, accepts these changes and tries to do his best, except he loses sight of his wife and doesn't go after her. Only when he believes she is moving on does he make a play for her and their marriage.

Lavinia never fails to deliver emotional stories, so be ready for it. At points, I thought they wouldn't make it as the differences between them seemed too big to overcome. I stand by my opinion that love sometimes isn't enough, but it can be enough of a reason to compromise and communicate and maybe, just maybe, get everything you want.

I absolutely loved the context of this book - espionage in the late 1800's? Yes, please! It also serves as a means to an end, a way for Alice and Nathaniel to reunite after being 5 years apart.

Thanks to Lavinia for the ARC.

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was a crazy, emotional read for me. I angry-read many pages so that I could see how in the world things would work out. Nathaniel and Alice’s story was crammed to the gills with angst and longing. There was SO MUCH misunderstanding and miscommunication at times that I wanted to lash out irrationally. I was certainly happy to see their HEA as it was extremely hard won.

I do have to say that I was frustrated that the climax of the story at the end was a bit abrupt. The entire book built and built, but I felt the ending sort of happened quickly in a small unsuspecting way. I also found the explanation of the mother in law’s behavior at the end a cop out. It just didn’t fit with what had been built so far for her persona, and I didn’t like that ending for her.

Nevertheless, this book was full of desire, redemption, and steam. Their banter and fights were really enjoyable. And Nathaniel’s mouth…..🔥🥵🔥. Even though I did a lot of angry reading, I was thoroughly engaged in their story and not bored in the least. It will be fun to see how the next story develops! I would highly recommend.

[Belinda Magro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally love Lavinia's books but this one was not a favourite of mine.

She did the marriage in trouble, second chance romance perfect. The angst, miscommunication and hurt felt by the main characters was genuine and raw. I just felt that the miscommunication from both characters and the indeciveness of Alice, the heroine frustrated in the end. None of the characters were born into a life and responsibilities required of a Peer and I can understand Alice's hesitation, but I felt like she could have tried harder to come to terms with it in my opinion.

Unfortunately this one was just not my favourite of hers, but I cannot wait to read Lavinia's next book.

I received an arc via the author and this review is my own and submitted voluntarily.

[MegRo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello steamy.

Alice and Nathaniel are espionage masters and have been married f.o.r.e.v.e.r but estranged for 5 years due to some…misunderstandings. Brought back together for a mission, sparks FLY, like, immediately.

It’s obvious these two love each other. And even more obvious they lust after each other. But the dear reader has to wait for them to figure out how to speak to each other, be vulnerable, etc. You know, the stuff you have to do as an adult in the marriage. OH and they have to do their job and figure out the mystery/murder/crime involving the Russian diplomatic agents.

This was a spicy, quick read. Smart and sassy heroine. Loving hero with a dirty mouth.

Yes please.

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I loved its second-chance trope. The main characters, Alice and Nathaniel, are endearing. They can also become annoying in their lack of communication. Alice and Nathaniel are mutually intensely attracted to one another and still love each other. But misunderstandings constantly make them question their marriage. It is more than a passionate romance. While Alice and Nathaniel struggle in their marriage, they participate in a mission, and the novel also features an intriguing investigation and actions.
Altogether, that creates intense emotional scenes and makes a gripping tale.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a little too much steam for me, but I enjoyed the storyline. Two people thrown together as spies for the Crown. They find love and marriage only for the hero to find himself as a viscount. His family isn’t very receptive to his wife and he doesn’t seem to help so she leaves. After 5 years he seeks a divorce, but the Crown needs them both again. Will this make or break their relationship? It was an interesting read.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice and Nathaniel are estranged, but are still agents, when he returns home to assume his new title and control of his estates, his family make their disapproval of Alice clear and she leaves to go back to her old ways. Years later Nathaniel starts divorce proceedings until he is drawn back into his old world working with his estranged wife where feelings, passions resurface can they make their marriage work despite his elevated status and his family's disapproval.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a passionate story! I enjoyed the story so much. The miscommunications, the interlopers poisoning the relationship, and the inability of Nathaniel and Alice to face their struggles rather than running keep the story moving and interesting. Both struggle with feeling like they are not good enough. Those parts were so touching! Great story!

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I'm not a fan of spanking. Maybe... possibly, reluctantly... with m/m because they have similar power dynamics. But m/f? Absolutely not.
Thank you to Lavinia Glen for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Emma Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Drama steam second chances older characters(well older from normal romance books) just what I needed. This series is brilliant.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was steamy, fast-paced, action-packed and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little spying, some conflict, touch of inner struggle and lots of steam. An enjoyable, well paced book that will entertain you and touch your heart.