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Sirens & Spies
Bargaining with the Devil
Not yet published
Expected 9 Oct 26Reluctant desire smolders between an assassin and the woman he's meant to protect.
A bastard-born spy and assassin.
Ciarán Quinn is accustomed to doing the dirtiest work for the Crown. Sent to hunt down ruthless Scottish smugglers, his orders are clear: eliminate their leader by any means necessary and destroy the operation. Falling for the prickly, stubborn beauty he rescued from a fate worse than death two years earlier is not part of his mission.
A survivor haunted by the past.
Lucy Muir leads a reclusive existence along the rugged Solway Coast, closer every day to giving in to her demons. She neither wants nor needs interference in her life—particularly not from a devilishly compelling man who challenges her at every turn. Quinn’s dark good looks and rough-edged charm entice her, and his patience threatens to destroy every fragile wall she’s built.
Volatile attraction and irresistible desire.
White-hot passion blazes between them, but Lucy’s jagged edges reopen Quinn’s deepest wounds. As danger looms in every direction along the wild Scottish coast and old enemies close in, love may be the riskiest bargain of all—and the one most worth making.
A bastard-born spy and assassin.
Ciarán Quinn is accustomed to doing the dirtiest work for the Crown. Sent to hunt down ruthless Scottish smugglers, his orders are clear: eliminate their leader by any means necessary and destroy the operation. Falling for the prickly, stubborn beauty he rescued from a fate worse than death two years earlier is not part of his mission.
A survivor haunted by the past.
Lucy Muir leads a reclusive existence along the rugged Solway Coast, closer every day to giving in to her demons. She neither wants nor needs interference in her life—particularly not from a devilishly compelling man who challenges her at every turn. Quinn’s dark good looks and rough-edged charm entice her, and his patience threatens to destroy every fragile wall she’s built.
Volatile attraction and irresistible desire.
White-hot passion blazes between them, but Lucy’s jagged edges reopen Quinn’s deepest wounds. As danger looms in every direction along the wild Scottish coast and old enemies close in, love may be the riskiest bargain of all—and the one most worth making.
- GenresRomance
414 pages, ebook
Expected publication October 9, 2026
About the author
Lea Hollis
5 books10 followersLea Hollis writes award-winning steamy historical romance, receiving the 2026 Emily Award and the 2025 Golden Heart Award. Her abiding love for historical romance began when her grandmother introduced her as a teenager to Regency romances.
Lea has worn many professional hats besides that of author. This includes secondary school science teacher, professional pastry cook, and field biologist. She lives in the Upper Midwest, United States, with her human family, one dog, and four snakes. When not spending time with family or writing, she is often found hiking, dabbling in nature macro photography, knitting, or baking sweet treats.
Lea has worn many professional hats besides that of author. This includes secondary school science teacher, professional pastry cook, and field biologist. She lives in the Upper Midwest, United States, with her human family, one dog, and four snakes. When not spending time with family or writing, she is often found hiking, dabbling in nature macro photography, knitting, or baking sweet treats.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy
I wondered if this book was going to be quite static, focusing on Lucy, recovering from a traumatic experience in Paris and Quinn, a British agent assigned to protect her. She was threatened by a smuggler, the brother of a deceased person who had trafficked Lucy to France. While it took some time to get to the parts where Lucy was threatened, there were some excellent passages detailing how Lucy faced up to her traumas from her previous experience. There was also some great character development, especially of Quinn, very much a rough diamond. So the book warmed up and became a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It has been several weeks since I've read this book, and there are still such vivid images in my head of some of the scenes. I can still feel the emotions I went through as I read the book. It was a powerful read exploring Lucy's past in a way that felt nuanced and authentic. Quinn was also haunted by his past and was a perfect balance of rough and caring that allowed for sensual intimacy between the two mains. (That door scene...wow.)
It's been a while since I've read a more classic-style historical romance, and this one made me remember why I loved the genre. The setting ends up being a perfect backdrop for the characters' personal journeys. They needed the isolation just as much as they needed each other. Then other characters and settings were introduced at what I felt was the perfect time.
Although I love to read books in series order, I will say that I read this one without reading book 1 and Lea did a great job of bringing the readers up to speed without flooding us with backstory. I'm interested to see her sister's story, but I do not feel like I missed out on anything. So if you get the chance to read this one first, don't worry and definitely don't skip it!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
It's been a while since I've read a more classic-style historical romance, and this one made me remember why I loved the genre. The setting ends up being a perfect backdrop for the characters' personal journeys. They needed the isolation just as much as they needed each other. Then other characters and settings were introduced at what I felt was the perfect time.
Although I love to read books in series order, I will say that I read this one without reading book 1 and Lea did a great job of bringing the readers up to speed without flooding us with backstory. I'm interested to see her sister's story, but I do not feel like I missed out on anything. So if you get the chance to read this one first, don't worry and definitely don't skip it!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow - all sorts of bad memories get dredged up by both Lucy & Quinn but thankfully most are in the past. And the current day threats and catastrophes are handled with great proficiency.
But all that is secondary to the emotional interactions - I'm sure my husband worried for my sanity as often as I was sniffling and trying not to cry!
Wondering if Pereira might get a story next...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
But all that is secondary to the emotional interactions - I'm sure my husband worried for my sanity as often as I was sniffling and trying not to cry!
Wondering if Pereira might get a story next...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re into intrigue woven through with romance, this is the series for you. The characters are complex and fully realized. Quinn is the quintessential morally gray MMC, while Lucy’s trauma is handled with heart-wrenching honesty. And the spicy scenes are very nice.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Had the pleasure of reading this in ARC form. A fantastic read; I was invested from page one, and felt every single emotional swing from go. Can't wait to see where Lea takes this series next!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews