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The Spy Series #2
My Earl the Spy
Henry Howarth, the Earl of Grinstead cares for no one. Caring causes pain and he has experienced enough of that to last a lifetime. Spying for King and country keeps his mind focused and his heart firmly locked away.
Miss Millicent Holland is a companion, running away from her past.
Joshua Shambles is out to get revenge and he is a man with no conscience.
Unwittingly, Henry puts Milly in danger and feels compelled to protect her, refusing to acknowledge it is anything other that duty that is motivating him.
Dealing with the past while facing the real dangers of the present, Henry and Milly are tested beyond anything they have experienced before. Both will be changed beyond recognition in this novel of love and loss.
Miss Millicent Holland is a companion, running away from her past.
Joshua Shambles is out to get revenge and he is a man with no conscience.
Unwittingly, Henry puts Milly in danger and feels compelled to protect her, refusing to acknowledge it is anything other that duty that is motivating him.
Dealing with the past while facing the real dangers of the present, Henry and Milly are tested beyond anything they have experienced before. Both will be changed beyond recognition in this novel of love and loss.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
79 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Harrison
142 books136 followersAudrey Harrison was born about two hundred years too late. She wants to belong to a time when men were men and women were dressed in gowns and could float, simper and sigh.
In the real world she has always longed to write, writing a full manuscript when she was fourteen years old. Work, marriage and children got in the way as they do and it was only when an event at work landed her in hospital that she decided to take stock. One Voluntary Redundancy later, she found that the words and characters came to the forefront and the writing began in earnest.
Her ideal would be to write Regency Romances, but more modern characters are insisting on being heard, hence the release of’ ‘A Very Modern Lord’, a contemporary romance.
So, although at home more these days, the housework is still neglected and tea is still late on the table, but she has an understanding family, who usually shake their heads at her and sigh. That is a sign of understanding, isn’t it?
In the real world she has always longed to write, writing a full manuscript when she was fourteen years old. Work, marriage and children got in the way as they do and it was only when an event at work landed her in hospital that she decided to take stock. One Voluntary Redundancy later, she found that the words and characters came to the forefront and the writing began in earnest.
Her ideal would be to write Regency Romances, but more modern characters are insisting on being heard, hence the release of’ ‘A Very Modern Lord’, a contemporary romance.
So, although at home more these days, the housework is still neglected and tea is still late on the table, but she has an understanding family, who usually shake their heads at her and sigh. That is a sign of understanding, isn’t it?
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 13, 2023
I was pleased to receive this through Audiobook Boom in exchange for a fair review.
Unfortunately, Melanie Frazer does a terrible reading job. I often got confused as to who was speaking. But what really killed it for me was that her syrupy sweet voice for Millie is the same whether Millie is talking with friends or in a dank cell with rats. It made her come across as vapid.
The story was good though. There are a lot of references to the first book in the beginning and I felt like I might have been better of reading it first. But once you put together what went on in the end of the first book (so yeah, spoilers but I still plan to read it too), the story flows well. Henry is a spy and an Earl, and a smooth talker... except when it comes to Millie. Then his intelligence goes out the window and his smooth talking turns almost mean. Millie doesn't let him get away with it though, and he ends up feeling guilty each time he is an ass to her. It's fun to read him fall in love against his will and even without his knowledge.
There's a villain (from the first book) still on the loose an now he is threatening Millie. He's one of those villains who likes to say evil sh*t just to piss people off. There are also secrets from both their pasts and a whole lot of pride on both their parts.
I really enjoyed the first part but the second became somewhat tiring. A lot of her pushing him away because she doesn't think he truly cares, and him staying away because he doesn't think she cares. Rinse and repeat... a lot... for half the book in fact! He is also a pretty crappy spy to be honest.
I left it at 3 stars though, because the epilogue was sweet and extensive.
safety
Unfortunately, Melanie Frazer does a terrible reading job. I often got confused as to who was speaking. But what really killed it for me was that her syrupy sweet voice for Millie is the same whether Millie is talking with friends or in a dank cell with rats. It made her come across as vapid.
The story was good though. There are a lot of references to the first book in the beginning and I felt like I might have been better of reading it first. But once you put together what went on in the end of the first book (so yeah, spoilers but I still plan to read it too), the story flows well. Henry is a spy and an Earl, and a smooth talker... except when it comes to Millie. Then his intelligence goes out the window and his smooth talking turns almost mean. Millie doesn't let him get away with it though, and he ends up feeling guilty each time he is an ass to her. It's fun to read him fall in love against his will and even without his knowledge.
There's a villain (from the first book) still on the loose an now he is threatening Millie. He's one of those villains who likes to say evil sh*t just to piss people off. There are also secrets from both their pasts and a whole lot of pride on both their parts.
I really enjoyed the first part but the second became somewhat tiring. A lot of her pushing him away because she doesn't think he truly cares, and him staying away because he doesn't think she cares. Rinse and repeat... a lot... for half the book in fact! He is also a pretty crappy spy to be honest.
I left it at 3 stars though, because the epilogue was sweet and extensive.
safety
July 3, 2017
This is (again:)) a slightly altered version of my review of the audiobook that I posted on Audible:) - and it definitely contains some spoilers:)
I haven't read the first book in the series, so all the characters were completely new to me. This being said, I don't think you really need to know the first part to enjoy this one.
The plot of the book is quite intriguing. It opens with a quarrel between the two main characters, which is a good starting point as it makes the reader / listener wonder what will happen to make the two finally come together and how they will reach their happy ending. And although the idea of the main villain kidnapping the heroine is not a new one, this storyline is executed in a very nice way, keeping up the tension when the hero turns out to be held up, too:) I liked the ending part a lot, when Henry takes care of Milly during her recovery... It's such a romantic notion that he is the one who brings her back to the world of the living:) I know that his behaviour and the fact that he is allowed to do what he does is completely against the social rules of the times, still... it's a really romantic and fitting ending to their love story:)
I also liked the main characters, especially Milly - she is a strong woman in her own rights, able to make loyal friends and overcome obstacles that life throws in her face.
As for the interpretation of the book, I liked it a lot (I listened to it in one sitting - and it's 5 h 56 min long...:)). Ms Fraser is a very good narrator, able to keep the listener's interest in the story thanks to her acting abilities, among other things. She is convincing as male characters and very good at reading the females' parts. I especially liked the character of Milly in Ms Fraser's interpretation - she sounded an amiable person I would really like to meet and befriend.
The background sounds (not so frequent in the audiobooks I've listened to so far) were a nice touch - ballroom music, neighing horses... they added the feel of reality to the experience.
Generally, I think anyone who likes historical romances will like this one, especially in this interpretation.
DISCLAIMER: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.
I haven't read the first book in the series, so all the characters were completely new to me. This being said, I don't think you really need to know the first part to enjoy this one.
The plot of the book is quite intriguing. It opens with a quarrel between the two main characters, which is a good starting point as it makes the reader / listener wonder what will happen to make the two finally come together and how they will reach their happy ending. And although the idea of the main villain kidnapping the heroine is not a new one, this storyline is executed in a very nice way, keeping up the tension when the hero turns out to be held up, too:) I liked the ending part a lot, when Henry takes care of Milly during her recovery... It's such a romantic notion that he is the one who brings her back to the world of the living:) I know that his behaviour and the fact that he is allowed to do what he does is completely against the social rules of the times, still... it's a really romantic and fitting ending to their love story:)
I also liked the main characters, especially Milly - she is a strong woman in her own rights, able to make loyal friends and overcome obstacles that life throws in her face.
As for the interpretation of the book, I liked it a lot (I listened to it in one sitting - and it's 5 h 56 min long...:)). Ms Fraser is a very good narrator, able to keep the listener's interest in the story thanks to her acting abilities, among other things. She is convincing as male characters and very good at reading the females' parts. I especially liked the character of Milly in Ms Fraser's interpretation - she sounded an amiable person I would really like to meet and befriend.
The background sounds (not so frequent in the audiobooks I've listened to so far) were a nice touch - ballroom music, neighing horses... they added the feel of reality to the experience.
Generally, I think anyone who likes historical romances will like this one, especially in this interpretation.
DISCLAIMER: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.
October 23, 2018
My Earl the Spy, by Audrey Harrison.
A great story. Just what I have come to expect from Audrey Harrison. Somehow her Regency stories seem more Regency than those of other authors.
This one, involves Henry Howarth, Earl of Grinstead and Millicent Holland, cousin of Baron Glazenbrook and chaperone to Clara who is, in turn sister of Baron Charles Glazenbrook.
Henry is an operative of the British Government charged with tracking down the notorious smuggler Joshua Shambles. But Shambles is far more than just a smuggler. He is a traitor who has already made one attempt to land a French invasion force in England with the intent to destroy the British Government. His plot is foiled, but Shambles escapes, and thereby hangs the tale.
In the process of tracking Shambles, Henry and Millicent become involved, although it is at first an antagonistic relationship. What follows is a chair-edge read that nearly ends in disaster for both.
This is the second of two books about Regency spies. The first is My Lord the Spy. I'll be reviewing the other shortly.
A great story. Just what I have come to expect from Audrey Harrison. Somehow her Regency stories seem more Regency than those of other authors.
This one, involves Henry Howarth, Earl of Grinstead and Millicent Holland, cousin of Baron Glazenbrook and chaperone to Clara who is, in turn sister of Baron Charles Glazenbrook.
Henry is an operative of the British Government charged with tracking down the notorious smuggler Joshua Shambles. But Shambles is far more than just a smuggler. He is a traitor who has already made one attempt to land a French invasion force in England with the intent to destroy the British Government. His plot is foiled, but Shambles escapes, and thereby hangs the tale.
In the process of tracking Shambles, Henry and Millicent become involved, although it is at first an antagonistic relationship. What follows is a chair-edge read that nearly ends in disaster for both.
This is the second of two books about Regency spies. The first is My Lord the Spy. I'll be reviewing the other shortly.
July 9, 2017
4 1/2 stars overall
4 1/2 stars for the story
5 stars for the narration
Henry Howarth, the Earl of Grinstead, cares for no one. Caring causes pain and he has experienced enough of that to last a lifetime. Spying for king and country keeps his mind focused and his heart firmly locked away. Miss Millicent Holland is a companion, running away from her past. Joshua Shambles is out to get revenge and he is a man with no conscience. Unwittingly, Henry puts Milly in danger and feels compelled to protect her, refusing to acknowledge it is anything other that duty that is motivating him. Dealing with the past while facing the real dangers of the present, Henry and Milly are tested beyond anything they have experienced before. Both will be changed beyond recognition in this novel of love and loss
My Earl the Spy is a lovely, entertaining story about a spinster who finds her true love, but first they most both face a bout of danger. Henry and Millicent are darling. I found myself pulling for both of them as I listened to this delightful audiobook. The story is well-written; although, some of the situations Millie finds herself in would have destroyed her reputation easily. Word would have gotten out; it always gets out. Still, I enjoyed listening to this story as much as I did with the first book in the series.
One of the things that makes this story stand out is the narration. Melanie Fraser does an exceptional job with the narration, forming distinct voices for each and every character. Her delivery is smooth and very easy on the ears.
I look forward to listening to other books by this narrator and reading other books by the author.
I received this book as a gift from the narrator, and I thank her for her kindness. Her generosity has had no influence on my review of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
4 1/2 stars for the story
5 stars for the narration
Henry Howarth, the Earl of Grinstead, cares for no one. Caring causes pain and he has experienced enough of that to last a lifetime. Spying for king and country keeps his mind focused and his heart firmly locked away. Miss Millicent Holland is a companion, running away from her past. Joshua Shambles is out to get revenge and he is a man with no conscience. Unwittingly, Henry puts Milly in danger and feels compelled to protect her, refusing to acknowledge it is anything other that duty that is motivating him. Dealing with the past while facing the real dangers of the present, Henry and Milly are tested beyond anything they have experienced before. Both will be changed beyond recognition in this novel of love and loss
My Earl the Spy is a lovely, entertaining story about a spinster who finds her true love, but first they most both face a bout of danger. Henry and Millicent are darling. I found myself pulling for both of them as I listened to this delightful audiobook. The story is well-written; although, some of the situations Millie finds herself in would have destroyed her reputation easily. Word would have gotten out; it always gets out. Still, I enjoyed listening to this story as much as I did with the first book in the series.
One of the things that makes this story stand out is the narration. Melanie Fraser does an exceptional job with the narration, forming distinct voices for each and every character. Her delivery is smooth and very easy on the ears.
I look forward to listening to other books by this narrator and reading other books by the author.
I received this book as a gift from the narrator, and I thank her for her kindness. Her generosity has had no influence on my review of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 26, 2017
Henry, the Earl of Grinstead, is recruited to work for the crown, his solitary lifestyle and lack of family making him an ideal spy. Millie Holland, cousin to one of Henry's close associates, assists him in tracking down a dangerous criminal. When the criminal discovers Millie's role in his pursuit he seeks revenge, placing her life in danger. Henry is distressed at the result of his actions and promises to protect her until the danger is over, never wondering why his hard heart has softened so much towards her.
Henry is described as hardhearted in the novel, but he never seemed that way to me. His point of view showed just how much he respected and genuinely liked Millie. And when his backstory was revealed, he was even more lovable. Millie is a kind person with a great deal of inner strength. There were so many times she could have snapped back to barbs from old acquaintances and family, but she patiently treated everyone with kindness. Henry's character arc was realistic paired with Millie's gentle nature.
This is the second book in a series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone with no trouble. This is a clean romance with no descriptive violence or offensive language. I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The narration was well done, and I appreciated the little production touches like the subtle music during the ball, or hoofbeats in a carriage. The additions were never loud enough to startle me or pull me out of the narration. The narrator spoke with a pleasant accent, and performed both the male and female parts well. She gave each character their own distinct speaking voice without overacting. It was a good performance, and I would recommend this to Regency romance fans looking for a little action.
Henry is described as hardhearted in the novel, but he never seemed that way to me. His point of view showed just how much he respected and genuinely liked Millie. And when his backstory was revealed, he was even more lovable. Millie is a kind person with a great deal of inner strength. There were so many times she could have snapped back to barbs from old acquaintances and family, but she patiently treated everyone with kindness. Henry's character arc was realistic paired with Millie's gentle nature.
This is the second book in a series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone with no trouble. This is a clean romance with no descriptive violence or offensive language. I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The narration was well done, and I appreciated the little production touches like the subtle music during the ball, or hoofbeats in a carriage. The additions were never loud enough to startle me or pull me out of the narration. The narrator spoke with a pleasant accent, and performed both the male and female parts well. She gave each character their own distinct speaking voice without overacting. It was a good performance, and I would recommend this to Regency romance fans looking for a little action.
August 2, 2017
I received a copy from the narrator but all opinions are my own.
This is my first of The Spy Series by Audrey Harrison and narrated by Melanie Fraser. My Earl the Spy is second title in the series.
It was a delightful ride from start to finish, proper tea parties and afternoon calls alongside kidnapping and spying. Some nice tidbits of English history during the Napoleonic wars as well.
I definitely want to explore the rest of the series to learn more of the periphery characters in this story.
The intrepid herione, Miss Millicent Holland, is about to give up her position as companion to her cousin whose nuptials are quickly approaching. She has begun a search for new employment but all plans are disrupted when she agrees to help Henry, Earl of Grinstead, by drawing a picture of the spy he is in pursuit of to be distributed over London. Danger and misadventure abound after this event and Milly must use all her wits to survive and realize her true feelings for Henry along the way.
Melanie Fraser did an admirable job in her narration of the story on Audible. There was a diversity of characters, male and female, and I never once was confused at who was speaking. She brought Milly to life as a lady of spunk as well as manners and gave Henry a masculine quality that did credit to an aristocrat. Her pacing of the story and dramatic timing was flawless and kept me listening even when I should have been doing other things.
All around a highly enjoyable regency romance with some thrilling action along the way. Highly recommend for lovers of the genre.
This is my first of The Spy Series by Audrey Harrison and narrated by Melanie Fraser. My Earl the Spy is second title in the series.
It was a delightful ride from start to finish, proper tea parties and afternoon calls alongside kidnapping and spying. Some nice tidbits of English history during the Napoleonic wars as well.
I definitely want to explore the rest of the series to learn more of the periphery characters in this story.
The intrepid herione, Miss Millicent Holland, is about to give up her position as companion to her cousin whose nuptials are quickly approaching. She has begun a search for new employment but all plans are disrupted when she agrees to help Henry, Earl of Grinstead, by drawing a picture of the spy he is in pursuit of to be distributed over London. Danger and misadventure abound after this event and Milly must use all her wits to survive and realize her true feelings for Henry along the way.
Melanie Fraser did an admirable job in her narration of the story on Audible. There was a diversity of characters, male and female, and I never once was confused at who was speaking. She brought Milly to life as a lady of spunk as well as manners and gave Henry a masculine quality that did credit to an aristocrat. Her pacing of the story and dramatic timing was flawless and kept me listening even when I should have been doing other things.
All around a highly enjoyable regency romance with some thrilling action along the way. Highly recommend for lovers of the genre.
July 14, 2017
My Earl the Spy by Audrey Harrison is an adventurous historical clean romance set during the Regency period and the Napoleonic Wars. While the romance in this second book is subtle, there are multiple scenes with action, adventure, and near-death experiences for our heroes.
The story centers around Henry Howarth, the Earl of Grinstead, who is secretly a spy for king and country and who is tasked with discovering who may be disloyal to the crown. To track down a particularly dangerous criminal, Henry obtains the assistance of Millie Holland, who is the cousin to one of Henry's close associates. However, the criminal is privy to Millie’s involvement and soon kidnaps her and treats her not so tenderly. Henry is distressed at the result his actions brought to Millie and after they escape, he protects Millie and nurses her back to health, falling in love in the process.
While I really appreciated Millie’s strong character and the slow development of Henry’s feelings toward Millie, the dialog is a bit jilted at times and unrealistic. However, the narration by Melanie Fraser really helped. Melanie did a fantastic job and really brought the characters to life, giving each character their own distinct voice. Melanie's crisp British accent and soft refined tones were perfect for this audio and really contributed to my enjoyment of this book. I look forward to listening to Melanie in other audiobooks.
The story centers around Henry Howarth, the Earl of Grinstead, who is secretly a spy for king and country and who is tasked with discovering who may be disloyal to the crown. To track down a particularly dangerous criminal, Henry obtains the assistance of Millie Holland, who is the cousin to one of Henry's close associates. However, the criminal is privy to Millie’s involvement and soon kidnaps her and treats her not so tenderly. Henry is distressed at the result his actions brought to Millie and after they escape, he protects Millie and nurses her back to health, falling in love in the process.
While I really appreciated Millie’s strong character and the slow development of Henry’s feelings toward Millie, the dialog is a bit jilted at times and unrealistic. However, the narration by Melanie Fraser really helped. Melanie did a fantastic job and really brought the characters to life, giving each character their own distinct voice. Melanie's crisp British accent and soft refined tones were perfect for this audio and really contributed to my enjoyment of this book. I look forward to listening to Melanie in other audiobooks.
June 18, 2017
I am loving this series by the skilled author, Audrey Harrison and the most entertaining narration by the very entertaining narrator, Melanie Fraser. Such a talented pair.
The Earl, Henry, has his heart firmly locked away but as the story unfolds he show glimpses of a warm and loving heart.
Milli, a lady of 28 years of age, is a loving and caring person who has lost all hope of finding a husband and has resigned herself to this.
Henry and Milli meet again (they also appear in book 1 of this series) and the sparks begin to fly. She isn't willing to settle for second best and he is being over-cautious with his heart.
This is a beautiful and heart-warming story about how two people fall in love.
I hope you enjoy this book/audiobook as much as I have. It is a great pairing up of the skills of author and narrator and I am very happy to recommend it.
I was voluntarily provided a review copy of the audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator and this is my unbiased review.
The Earl, Henry, has his heart firmly locked away but as the story unfolds he show glimpses of a warm and loving heart.
Milli, a lady of 28 years of age, is a loving and caring person who has lost all hope of finding a husband and has resigned herself to this.
Henry and Milli meet again (they also appear in book 1 of this series) and the sparks begin to fly. She isn't willing to settle for second best and he is being over-cautious with his heart.
This is a beautiful and heart-warming story about how two people fall in love.
I hope you enjoy this book/audiobook as much as I have. It is a great pairing up of the skills of author and narrator and I am very happy to recommend it.
I was voluntarily provided a review copy of the audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator and this is my unbiased review.
June 22, 2019
❤❤❤❤❤I love this series and found this book to be better even than the first. Henry, for reasons he doesn't like to share, he has spent years being detached from any kind of feeling or emotion. He has no qualms doing whatever is necessary in his service to King and Country. He has spent years hunting down Joshua Shambles and hurting innocents along the way never bothered him.
All that changes with the lovely spinster Milly. She has been able to get his ice cold heart to feel again, and he doesn't know what to do.
This is a continuation of the spy chase from book one, and comes to it's conclusion with this one. Henry and Milly have past hurts to overcome before either one is willing to admit they love the other.
Romance - Clean/Mostly Clean
Language - Mild
Violence - Mild/Moderate
All that changes with the lovely spinster Milly. She has been able to get his ice cold heart to feel again, and he doesn't know what to do.
This is a continuation of the spy chase from book one, and comes to it's conclusion with this one. Henry and Milly have past hurts to overcome before either one is willing to admit they love the other.
Romance - Clean/Mostly Clean
Language - Mild
Violence - Mild/Moderate
September 1, 2019
Mi chiedo perché il mio perverso, auto-lesionistico subconscio – a parte la suggestione del basso prezzo – mi spinga ad acquistare i romanzi di A. H., facendomi dimenticare che ne ho in passato interrotto la lettura, quando non li ho consegnati alla mia cartella virtuale dei 'mediocri'. Mi chiedo inoltre perché le scrittrici prese dal desiderio di cimentarsi nel 'romance' regency-vittoriano non si dedichino con maggiore impegno alla lettura delle vere, numerosissime e poco note autrici del periodo: scoprirebbero un mondo.
June 19, 2017
This was a very likable traditional Regency romance. Quite a bit of adventure is involved as Henry and Millie come to know who each other truly is and what their feelings are.
The performance really enhanced the story. Subtle voice changes helped flesh out the characters. I always wonder how they can come up with a different voice for so many people.
Well, I think I'm ready for another book by the same author performed by the same reader.
The performance really enhanced the story. Subtle voice changes helped flesh out the characters. I always wonder how they can come up with a different voice for so many people.
Well, I think I'm ready for another book by the same author performed by the same reader.
October 4, 2025
A Great Regency Romance
Audrey Harrison once again, has written another great Regency romance. Her characters are realistic because they have flawed personalities. After all that Millie endured, I was happy to see her get her happy ever after with Henry. I would recommend you read "My Lord The Spy" first, as many of the characters were first introduced in it.
Audrey Harrison once again, has written another great Regency romance. Her characters are realistic because they have flawed personalities. After all that Millie endured, I was happy to see her get her happy ever after with Henry. I would recommend you read "My Lord The Spy" first, as many of the characters were first introduced in it.
August 20, 2016
I just wanted a Regency novel, and got a very unrealistic story; more in the direction of a bodice buster. The story line wasn't logical either. I was really disappointed, because I really enjoyed "The Captain's Wallflower" by the same author.
January 4, 2017
I think you have to read the first one in order for this book to make any sense because their personality are not well developed its more about the story line. Overall not a bad read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews