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The Spy Matchmaker #1
The Husband Mission
Katherine Collins is on a mission. With no means and few prospects, the spirited spinster is financially beholden to her stepsister Constance, who stands to inherit a large fortune--if she marries in the next six weeks. What better than to present Constance with the perfect husband, Alexander Wescott, Lord Borin? After all, Katherine has been spying on the handsome, wealthy viscount, just to make sure he’s the man she hopes.
Alex cannot understand why he’s under surveillance, but it seems to have something to do with the intriguing Katherine. Rejected for service by England’s spymaster and encouraged to set up his nursery instead, he ought to be searching for a wife. But what wife can compare to the excitement of international espionage? Unless, of course, she’s up for a little espionage herself.
“Regina Scott pens a fast-paced riddle of a tale…Her excellent cast of characters brings great charm and humor to this romantic romp.” – RT Book Reviews
First book in the Spy Matchmaker series, this sweet Regency romance was originally published by Kensington. The Spy Matchmaker: all the intrigue of love.
Here’s a sneak peek:
Katherine hurried to the front door and snatched it open. The gentleman standing there was obviously expecting trouble. His eyes were narrowed, and his shoulders were so tense that she wondered he didn’t rip free from the close-fitting grey coat. She had to admit, however, that his air of expectancy in no way detracted from his charm. His hair was nearly as golden as her stepsister’s, though not as wavy, being modestly cut around his oval face. He had high cheekbones and a determined chin. It was a manly face, a face a sculptor would love, with well-shaped angles and planes. But by far his best feature was his deep-set vivid blue eyes ringed by golden lashes. No woman could resist him, she was certain. What an excellent choice she’d made for Constance.
She nearly sighed aloud with pleasure, but, realizing that would ruin all, she merely hid her delight beneath a deep curtsey. “Good afternoon, sir. Our servants are busy at the moment. I am the lady of the house. How might I assist you?”
She rose to watch him and marveled at how easily she read his emotions on his face. The quirk of his firm lips told her he knew he was at a disadvantage. A puff of a sigh informed her he wasn’t sure what to do about it. She could understand his dilemma. The rules of polite society dictated that a gentleman could not simply introduce himself to a lady, even if he suspected she’d had a lad following him all about London. She decided to make it easy for him and achieve her own purposes in the process.
“Most likely you are here to see my stepsister Constance Templeman. Any number of gentlemen visit for that reason. When one is the belle of the Season, one must expect adulation, I suppose.”
His brow cleared. “Yes, that is exactly why I am here. Miss Templeman. Might I have a moment of her time?” He smiled.
My, what a charming smile. The light shone from eyes bluer than a late afternoon sky, and the ends of his mouth curled up in the most beguiling manner. She fancied she even saw the beginnings of a dimple near one corner of his lips. Surely this was one suitor Constance wouldn’t refuse. Perhaps they might yet keep her stepsister’s fortune in hand. Six weeks remained until her twenty-first birthday, after all.
But the stunning gentleman on her front step must never know that he had been chosen for the role of husband to the fair Constance.
Alex cannot understand why he’s under surveillance, but it seems to have something to do with the intriguing Katherine. Rejected for service by England’s spymaster and encouraged to set up his nursery instead, he ought to be searching for a wife. But what wife can compare to the excitement of international espionage? Unless, of course, she’s up for a little espionage herself.
“Regina Scott pens a fast-paced riddle of a tale…Her excellent cast of characters brings great charm and humor to this romantic romp.” – RT Book Reviews
First book in the Spy Matchmaker series, this sweet Regency romance was originally published by Kensington. The Spy Matchmaker: all the intrigue of love.
Here’s a sneak peek:
Katherine hurried to the front door and snatched it open. The gentleman standing there was obviously expecting trouble. His eyes were narrowed, and his shoulders were so tense that she wondered he didn’t rip free from the close-fitting grey coat. She had to admit, however, that his air of expectancy in no way detracted from his charm. His hair was nearly as golden as her stepsister’s, though not as wavy, being modestly cut around his oval face. He had high cheekbones and a determined chin. It was a manly face, a face a sculptor would love, with well-shaped angles and planes. But by far his best feature was his deep-set vivid blue eyes ringed by golden lashes. No woman could resist him, she was certain. What an excellent choice she’d made for Constance.
She nearly sighed aloud with pleasure, but, realizing that would ruin all, she merely hid her delight beneath a deep curtsey. “Good afternoon, sir. Our servants are busy at the moment. I am the lady of the house. How might I assist you?”
She rose to watch him and marveled at how easily she read his emotions on his face. The quirk of his firm lips told her he knew he was at a disadvantage. A puff of a sigh informed her he wasn’t sure what to do about it. She could understand his dilemma. The rules of polite society dictated that a gentleman could not simply introduce himself to a lady, even if he suspected she’d had a lad following him all about London. She decided to make it easy for him and achieve her own purposes in the process.
“Most likely you are here to see my stepsister Constance Templeman. Any number of gentlemen visit for that reason. When one is the belle of the Season, one must expect adulation, I suppose.”
His brow cleared. “Yes, that is exactly why I am here. Miss Templeman. Might I have a moment of her time?” He smiled.
My, what a charming smile. The light shone from eyes bluer than a late afternoon sky, and the ends of his mouth curled up in the most beguiling manner. She fancied she even saw the beginnings of a dimple near one corner of his lips. Surely this was one suitor Constance wouldn’t refuse. Perhaps they might yet keep her stepsister’s fortune in hand. Six weeks remained until her twenty-first birthday, after all.
But the stunning gentleman on her front step must never know that he had been chosen for the role of husband to the fair Constance.
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First published May 1, 2002
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620 people want to read
About the author
Regina Scott
136 books1,008 followersRegina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.
She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .
She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 5, 2018
2.25ish stars. Still a Kindle freebie romance - sorry, I know I've been binging on these lately, but I think I'm about at the end of that cycle for a while. Katherine Collins is trying to get her stepsister Constance quickly married off so Constance doesn't lose her fortune. She chooses Alexander Wescott, Lord Borin, to throw Constance at.
Alex is more interested in Katherine than Constance, but really he's not interested in marriage at all right now: he wants to be a spy for England. And to prove himself to the spymaster, he decides to dig into something fishy that appears to be going on in the Collins household.
Regency-era silliness that just never engaged me. I skimmed through most of it and deleted it from my Kindle. It's possible that I was more critical than usual because I've had my fill of this genre, but I'd only recommend it if you like the sweet, rather silly historical romances.
Time to go read a classic or two.
Alex is more interested in Katherine than Constance, but really he's not interested in marriage at all right now: he wants to be a spy for England. And to prove himself to the spymaster, he decides to dig into something fishy that appears to be going on in the Collins household.
Regency-era silliness that just never engaged me. I skimmed through most of it and deleted it from my Kindle. It's possible that I was more critical than usual because I've had my fill of this genre, but I'd only recommend it if you like the sweet, rather silly historical romances.
Time to go read a classic or two.
Want to read
January 5, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/5/2018)! 💝
February 8, 2018
I just didn't buy it. I normally like Scott's books but this one had some elements that left me scratching my head. Katherine was a good character. Her ability to manage everything kept the story light and cute. I cheered for her. Alex on the other hand made my hand itch.......I just wanted to slap him. I just didn't buy his sudden change of heart or his love. Every time he layed his hands on Katherine my hand started to itch again:} What a sad leading man. This is a silly regency romance with the some great characters, too bad the leading man ruined the book for me. Very clean.
March 11, 2019
This was fun. I mean, it's also ridiculous, but it's charming, so I'm allowing it's ridiculousness.
I mean, the heroine, and her family are all about the well-intentioned scheme, so obviously I was all over that. The family is completely charming. A few parts of this were a bit too idealized or moralizing, but mostly it manages to avoid anything too problematic. Dialogue at the end gets a bit cheesy, but it's a romance, and a sort of family-centric one at that. Plus, it's not egregious, just a bit too overly earnest for my personal tastes.
And, well, okay, you do basically have to put up with a moustache-twirlingly-evil villain. Seriously, he may as well have had "I am 100% evil and horrible" stamped on his forehead in red block letters, so subtle was he in his evilness. I basically skimmed anytime he showed up on page, mostly because I find the type unspeakably tedious. Especially given everything else was fairly charming.
If you can overlook the over-the-top villain (and he's not on page all that much), this is a fun read.
I mean, the heroine, and her family are all about the well-intentioned scheme, so obviously I was all over that. The family is completely charming. A few parts of this were a bit too idealized or moralizing, but mostly it manages to avoid anything too problematic. Dialogue at the end gets a bit cheesy, but it's a romance, and a sort of family-centric one at that. Plus, it's not egregious, just a bit too overly earnest for my personal tastes.
And, well, okay, you do basically have to put up with a moustache-twirlingly-evil villain. Seriously, he may as well have had "I am 100% evil and horrible" stamped on his forehead in red block letters, so subtle was he in his evilness. I basically skimmed anytime he showed up on page, mostly because I find the type unspeakably tedious. Especially given everything else was fairly charming.
If you can overlook the over-the-top villain (and he's not on page all that much), this is a fun read.
August 17, 2022
How do you ensure that your beautiful step sister marries before her 21 st birthday to claim her inheritance? Why spy in a potential suitor, of course! Then fall in love with him yourself. Oh th3 antics of Katherine as she tries to right a wrong.
Especially funny was when Alex tried to disguise himself as a footman from a catering company, but Katherine and her butler could see through his ruse!
A winner from Regina Scott. If you like Regency and spies, try this one on for great laughs and a pretty great story.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
Especially funny was when Alex tried to disguise himself as a footman from a catering company, but Katherine and her butler could see through his ruse!
A winner from Regina Scott. If you like Regency and spies, try this one on for great laughs and a pretty great story.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
September 29, 2023
Okay, one--who started this thing of Regency spy stories? Because I've read/seen a number of that genre floating around lately, and it's quite the combination!
Two--if you're looking for a serious spy story, you might want to look elsewhere, because this one is an absolute romp! Hilariously silly and improbable, but in the same way that you find in a lighthearted modern-day spy story, so I didn't feel like growling about inaccuracies--more just cracking up over the near slapstick of it all. You've got everybody going behind everybody's back to spy and meddle and try to make things work, and I'm over here slapping my forehead about how badly this is all going to go... And that was only the marriage plot, not any actual spy stuff that might or might not be actually going on!
Loved the family, the servants, and all their relationships. <3<3<3 Seriously, they were the best. Chuckled out loud at everyone standing around, trying to listen through keyholes, when a proposal seemed to be imminent!
A couple elements I didn't like--early on, the hero had been "seeing" an actress. We don't get into detail about what exactly that entails, but the way it's portrayed and talked about, it's hard to keep your mind from going down the more sordid path. That made me uncomfortable. Even more, though, were a couple of scenes that got pretty sensual/physical--if not in actuality, then in imagination, and would have had me putting down the book if they'd gone about a step farther. They didn't cross that line, but they came right up to it, and I would have rated it quite a bit higher if they hadn't. That's really the only element that knocks my rating down, because the rest was just so fun!
3.5 stars
Two--if you're looking for a serious spy story, you might want to look elsewhere, because this one is an absolute romp! Hilariously silly and improbable, but in the same way that you find in a lighthearted modern-day spy story, so I didn't feel like growling about inaccuracies--more just cracking up over the near slapstick of it all. You've got everybody going behind everybody's back to spy and meddle and try to make things work, and I'm over here slapping my forehead about how badly this is all going to go... And that was only the marriage plot, not any actual spy stuff that might or might not be actually going on!
Loved the family, the servants, and all their relationships. <3<3<3 Seriously, they were the best. Chuckled out loud at everyone standing around, trying to listen through keyholes, when a proposal seemed to be imminent!
A couple elements I didn't like--early on, the hero had been "seeing" an actress. We don't get into detail about what exactly that entails, but the way it's portrayed and talked about, it's hard to keep your mind from going down the more sordid path. That made me uncomfortable. Even more, though, were a couple of scenes that got pretty sensual/physical--if not in actuality, then in imagination, and would have had me putting down the book if they'd gone about a step farther. They didn't cross that line, but they came right up to it, and I would have rated it quite a bit higher if they hadn't. That's really the only element that knocks my rating down, because the rest was just so fun!
3.5 stars
December 10, 2021
It was similar to Marion Chesney's style (which I love), funny and with a fast pace. I have a great time with the comedy parts. There was also the camaraderie/family atmosphere that made it sweeter.
Of course, such romances aren't strictly historically accurate. I accept it. But this time it was a bit too much, e.g. too many things did Borin pretending to be a servant (I don't believe the aristocrat would have been able to do it on spot, without hours/days of training), or that Katherine gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek, as thanks - it was Regency era, people. I have the problem not so much with those inaccuracies, but that they weren't necessary. Sometimes in such stories, for plot some historical inaccuracies are necessary - I accept them then. But I don't like when they are added without good reason.
Still, I have had a nice time.
It was the fourth book by Regina Scott, I have read. I liked the previous ones but I rated them somewhere between 2-3 stars. This one increased my interest in her romances.
Of course, such romances aren't strictly historically accurate. I accept it. But this time it was a bit too much, e.g. too many things did Borin pretending to be a servant (I don't believe the aristocrat would have been able to do it on spot, without hours/days of training), or that Katherine gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek, as thanks - it was Regency era, people. I have the problem not so much with those inaccuracies, but that they weren't necessary. Sometimes in such stories, for plot some historical inaccuracies are necessary - I accept them then. But I don't like when they are added without good reason.
Still, I have had a nice time.
It was the fourth book by Regina Scott, I have read. I liked the previous ones but I rated them somewhere between 2-3 stars. This one increased my interest in her romances.
July 30, 2018
She is called The Colonel by her family as she likes to manage their lives and is very good at it. Her "War Room" in the attic is much like that of a detective in that each part of his life has been researched and the information added to the appropriate column.
Why? Her step-sister, Constance Templeman, will lose her entire fortune to a cousin if she is not wed by her twenty-first birthday...only weeks away. Constance is shy and retiring and very selective. Lord Borin seems the perfect candidate and the plan is to entice him to knock on their door when he realizes he has been followed and then pursues that young spy.
But what she doesn't count on is the electricity between Borin and herself. And then that cousin, Lord Templeman determines he must thwart Borin's calling on Constance as he will not have that fortune denied him.
Alexander Wescott, Viscount Borin has his own life under good management and is rather bored with his life and so he applies at the war office to become one of the gentlemen spies he knows that they use. However, this sprite of a woman has he considers if being a spy can balance with the role of a devoted husband.
This is the first in a series and it was complete as a stand alone. I enjoyed this diversion from my usual group of JAFF books.
Why? Her step-sister, Constance Templeman, will lose her entire fortune to a cousin if she is not wed by her twenty-first birthday...only weeks away. Constance is shy and retiring and very selective. Lord Borin seems the perfect candidate and the plan is to entice him to knock on their door when he realizes he has been followed and then pursues that young spy.
But what she doesn't count on is the electricity between Borin and herself. And then that cousin, Lord Templeman determines he must thwart Borin's calling on Constance as he will not have that fortune denied him.
Alexander Wescott, Viscount Borin has his own life under good management and is rather bored with his life and so he applies at the war office to become one of the gentlemen spies he knows that they use. However, this sprite of a woman has he considers if being a spy can balance with the role of a devoted husband.
This is the first in a series and it was complete as a stand alone. I enjoyed this diversion from my usual group of JAFF books.
August 13, 2017
Hanging
I love reading Miss Scott's stories! I was surprised to be left hanging. What happened to the Uncle? I was sad that the hero left possibly vital spy info in the dark as he was too consumed with his love interest... perhaps reinforcing his inability to be a spy. I hope to hear more about her little brothers adventures... and the butler! And the good uncle!
I love reading Miss Scott's stories! I was surprised to be left hanging. What happened to the Uncle? I was sad that the hero left possibly vital spy info in the dark as he was too consumed with his love interest... perhaps reinforcing his inability to be a spy. I hope to hear more about her little brothers adventures... and the butler! And the good uncle!
February 22, 2013
I enjoyed this one, the plot and characters were likable. Katherine was a fun heroine, might be considered a bit of a stalker, but in a good way. Her stepsister is about to lose her fortune if she doesn't marry in six weeks. To help her along Katherine decides to find a groom for her. She chooses Lord Borin, but wants to know more about him first so she starts spying and gathering info. In the meantime, Alex (Lord Born) is restless and bored with his life. He wants to become a spy, but has been turned down. He realizes someone is following him and decides this is his chance to prove himself. It was really quite entertaining and thought Katherine and Alex had a nice relationship. My only complaint was the ending seemed a bit abrupt, I would have liked a little more closure in regards to the scheming cousin and what happens with everyone. I guess we're given little hints, but it could have been flushed out better. Overall, a fun regency.
Content: Clean.
Content: Clean.
February 16, 2021
The starting was boring. The middle was okay. The end was perfect. I was so bored in the beginning , I stoped reading this book. After completing 5-6 books, I thought ' Let's complete this boring book.' But oh!!! This book took me by surprise.
Things I liked about this book:-
Characters- Katherine, Constance & Alexander(Lord Borin)
Things I hated about this book:-
Writing style(Sometimes I had to re-read a paragraph again & again to understand the meaning.
Things that were okay:-
Plot(Starting was slow, Middle was a bit fast, Ending was perfect)
Things I liked about this book:-
Characters- Katherine, Constance & Alexander(Lord Borin)
Things I hated about this book:-
Writing style(Sometimes I had to re-read a paragraph again & again to understand the meaning.
Things that were okay:-
Plot(Starting was slow, Middle was a bit fast, Ending was perfect)
January 9, 2018
This story was more than a little bit silly. But it was written in such a way, it’s unclear if the author meant it to be silly or not.
While it’s well edited for this day and age there seems to be several words that the author doesn’t understand. This includes my pet peeve of could. It is “I couldn’t care less” folks. If you say I could care less then that means you DO care. Ugh.
August 3, 2017
I think this was supposed to be farcical and entertaining but it just seemed chaotic and weak-minded. I think I made it just 20% or 25% through the book. This is a DNF.
January 24, 2018
I had read novels by Regina Scott before, but this was the first time reading a story like this one. I have learned over time that a novelist can surprise you when they picture up a different time period to write in. This story might have been different than the ones I have read before, but it was just as good- if not better.
"The Husband Mission" is a quirky tale about a less than average family. Under one roof is a drunken war hero (Uncle)- who was hurt in the line of battle, a butler- who stood one the front lines with the Uncle, the oldest Niece- who has the brains to handle any situation that comes her way, the step-niece- who might be a little naive but is smarter than anyone thinks, the house keeper- who is loyal to a fault, and last but not least the nephew- who finds mischief to keep himself occupied.
With so many characters under one roof, there's no telling what they will get into from day to day, but with someone trying to attack their way of life there's only one thing to do- find a husband for the step-niece! Will they be able to trick this young man into saving their future, or will he follow his own heart to someone else all together?
"The Husband Mission" is a quirky tale about a less than average family. Under one roof is a drunken war hero (Uncle)- who was hurt in the line of battle, a butler- who stood one the front lines with the Uncle, the oldest Niece- who has the brains to handle any situation that comes her way, the step-niece- who might be a little naive but is smarter than anyone thinks, the house keeper- who is loyal to a fault, and last but not least the nephew- who finds mischief to keep himself occupied.
With so many characters under one roof, there's no telling what they will get into from day to day, but with someone trying to attack their way of life there's only one thing to do- find a husband for the step-niece! Will they be able to trick this young man into saving their future, or will he follow his own heart to someone else all together?
March 18, 2018
This Regency romance features a spunky, organized, and very strong heroine. Katherine is determined to see her step-sister wed before her 21st birthday so she doesn’t lose her inheritance to her evil cousin. She sets out on a mission to entrap the perfect husband for Constance in the form of Alex Wescott, Viscount Borin. But Alex on his own mission to prove to the Foreign office that he is capable of being a spy. When he discovers a tail as he walks through London, he determines to follow the kid back home and solve the mystery of who is having him followed, and why. So when he knocks on Katherine’s home, he unwittingly steps into her plans for her sister. This story has delicious twists and turns that made me laugh and smile throughout. It is a fun, light Regency romance with lovable characters that you don’t want to ever stop reading about. Great story. I’m glad I read it.
November 14, 2018
The Husband Mission (The Spy Matchmaker 1) - PG
Violence: no
Language: no
Sex: nope
So clever! I've only read one other Regina Scott book (I liked it fine), but after this one, I'm reconsidering my stance on not spending time/money on her books (this one was free!). Our heroine is a no-nonsense woman who is holding her haute ton family together, regardless of their eccentricities. She's nicknamed Colonel because she gets things done. Things get really thick when she finds the perfect man for her sister. Highly recommend.
Violence: no
Language: no
Sex: nope
So clever! I've only read one other Regina Scott book (I liked it fine), but after this one, I'm reconsidering my stance on not spending time/money on her books (this one was free!). Our heroine is a no-nonsense woman who is holding her haute ton family together, regardless of their eccentricities. She's nicknamed Colonel because she gets things done. Things get really thick when she finds the perfect man for her sister. Highly recommend.
January 12, 2018
The Husband Mission (The Spy Matchmaker Book 1)
The love story of Alex and Katherine. Katherine is plotting to marry her septsister, Constance, to Lord Borin. Everything is going wrong he has falling for the wrong sister. Constance must marry before her next birthday or lost her fortune. Axes is thought to be spy. What next? OK story.
The love story of Alex and Katherine. Katherine is plotting to marry her septsister, Constance, to Lord Borin. Everything is going wrong he has falling for the wrong sister. Constance must marry before her next birthday or lost her fortune. Axes is thought to be spy. What next? OK story.
February 6, 2021
Enjoyable, funny and a little mystery. Perfect!
June 3, 2021
Too graphic for my taste.
January 23, 2018
WONDERFUL STORY OF A MANAGING WOMAN'S LOVE!
16 years & up can read this wonderful 5 star story of Katherine, a managing woman, who has her step-sister to try find a husband she will accept, her uncle, who is guardian of the three of them bringing up, Eric her little brother who will need to be sent off to school in a few years! To top off this likely house is a wonderful cook and Butler who had served in the military with her uncle. Katherine has Eric and her Butler, Bixby, shadow out Viscount Boris, who she has studied down to a science, his favorite foods, color, scent, his schedule; she knew almost as much about him as he did himself. Constance, needed to be married within a certain amount of time for her Father's fortune to go to her instead of the odious nephew that inherited her Father's title. I really enjoyed reading about how Katherine managed every member of her family and while she contrived to put Boris & Constance together, somehow they both seemed to defy her wishes which she doesn't understand, so she manages on. There are spies of Napoleon 's running around the Ton, which leads Boris to London's highest spy chief when he discovers he has been followed. It is almost laughable how some of the being followed and outright lies spread in some places, are believed by people who are willing to try to benefit in them. All in all, this managing woman, all the subterfuge, past military, angry vicious Lord who has warned Boris & Katherine along with Constance, what he would do to any man offering for her, Viscount Boris, and some of England 's top spies that ferret out which are lies & which are not, are all such a wonderful read. Our wonderful Katherine is definitely not your fresh out of the school room simpering MISS.
16 years & up can read this wonderful 5 star story of Katherine, a managing woman, who has her step-sister to try find a husband she will accept, her uncle, who is guardian of the three of them bringing up, Eric her little brother who will need to be sent off to school in a few years! To top off this likely house is a wonderful cook and Butler who had served in the military with her uncle. Katherine has Eric and her Butler, Bixby, shadow out Viscount Boris, who she has studied down to a science, his favorite foods, color, scent, his schedule; she knew almost as much about him as he did himself. Constance, needed to be married within a certain amount of time for her Father's fortune to go to her instead of the odious nephew that inherited her Father's title. I really enjoyed reading about how Katherine managed every member of her family and while she contrived to put Boris & Constance together, somehow they both seemed to defy her wishes which she doesn't understand, so she manages on. There are spies of Napoleon 's running around the Ton, which leads Boris to London's highest spy chief when he discovers he has been followed. It is almost laughable how some of the being followed and outright lies spread in some places, are believed by people who are willing to try to benefit in them. All in all, this managing woman, all the subterfuge, past military, angry vicious Lord who has warned Boris & Katherine along with Constance, what he would do to any man offering for her, Viscount Boris, and some of England 's top spies that ferret out which are lies & which are not, are all such a wonderful read. Our wonderful Katherine is definitely not your fresh out of the school room simpering MISS.
January 6, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It was cute and generally clean. I was amused by how well Katherine can manage everything (everyone) in her life. She is very efficient and a little bit of a stalker when needed. I liked that she was strong and willing to take charge. I didn't really understand why Constance couldn't see clearly, or care, what would happen if she lost her inheritance but it was essential to the story I suppose. I also loved that Katherine had loved her stepfather. So often the step parent is written as evil so I was happy to see devoted family members. And the sweet and devoted servants-I loved Bixby.
I didn't love Alex as much but I'm always turned off when a character is hooked up with someone/has a mistress. And he seemed kind of useless in life. Basically I lose respect for a character like that so I had a harder time with Alex. I will hope that I can respect him better in the future. I feel like he will be a faithful husband.
There was a little mystery involved for the characters though the reader was able to see the answer pretty clearly.
Overall I liked the book and would be interested in continuing on with the series.
Sex: Some kisses that are referred to as lustful kisses but not graphic.
No language or violence
I didn't love Alex as much but I'm always turned off when a character is hooked up with someone/has a mistress. And he seemed kind of useless in life. Basically I lose respect for a character like that so I had a harder time with Alex. I will hope that I can respect him better in the future. I feel like he will be a faithful husband.
There was a little mystery involved for the characters though the reader was able to see the answer pretty clearly.
Overall I liked the book and would be interested in continuing on with the series.
Sex: Some kisses that are referred to as lustful kisses but not graphic.
No language or violence
December 23, 2020
Easy light read. No hot sex scenes just some heavy kissing and embraces. Alex Wescott, Lord Borin wants to be a spy for England against the French but the head spymaster thinks he is just a bored young Lord and would not do well as a spy and should find himself a bride.
Katherine Collins is looking for a husband for her stepsister and has her sights set on him and has been spying on him from her own War Room. Her stepsister Constance has not found anyone she likes and if she is not married by her birthday she will loose her home and the fortune she is due to inherit. Katherine has been taking care of the whole family including her Uncle Richard a war hero who spends too much time with a bottle. She has help with the spying from her younger brother and the butler who are very funny.
There is a good cast of characters here and overall a good story. Alex is a little stiff at times and takes a long time to figure out that he has strong feelings for Katherine. She plays the harp and he sees that the awful cousin gives it back to her as he has taken it just to annoy her. Her joy at having it back makes him very happy for her and wondering about his feelings for her. I will read again
Katherine Collins is looking for a husband for her stepsister and has her sights set on him and has been spying on him from her own War Room. Her stepsister Constance has not found anyone she likes and if she is not married by her birthday she will loose her home and the fortune she is due to inherit. Katherine has been taking care of the whole family including her Uncle Richard a war hero who spends too much time with a bottle. She has help with the spying from her younger brother and the butler who are very funny.
There is a good cast of characters here and overall a good story. Alex is a little stiff at times and takes a long time to figure out that he has strong feelings for Katherine. She plays the harp and he sees that the awful cousin gives it back to her as he has taken it just to annoy her. Her joy at having it back makes him very happy for her and wondering about his feelings for her. I will read again
May 17, 2019
Alexander Westcott, Lord Borin, is certain he is being followed, but cannot discover why. The trail leads him to the Collins household where Miss Katherine Collins attempts to interest him in her stepsister, Constance. Is there something more behind Lord Borin's shadows, or will the truth destroy a love meant to be?
"The Colonel", Katherine's nickname in the household, had me amused from start to finish. She manages everything she can to ensure the nest for her family. Of course, this leads to trouble, and the perfect husband for her stepsister might be more perfect for her than she realizes.
Lord Borin, eager to be of use to Lord Hastings (a spymaster), sets out to discover not only who is spying on him but also the veracity behind the rumors circulating that there is a spy among the ton. He has more desire than skill for the job, but he manages to keep me amused just as much as Katherine did.
For a sweet Regency Romance with a touch of mystery, this would be an excellent choice.
"The Colonel", Katherine's nickname in the household, had me amused from start to finish. She manages everything she can to ensure the nest for her family. Of course, this leads to trouble, and the perfect husband for her stepsister might be more perfect for her than she realizes.
Lord Borin, eager to be of use to Lord Hastings (a spymaster), sets out to discover not only who is spying on him but also the veracity behind the rumors circulating that there is a spy among the ton. He has more desire than skill for the job, but he manages to keep me amused just as much as Katherine did.
For a sweet Regency Romance with a touch of mystery, this would be an excellent choice.
January 7, 2018
Somewhat reminiscent of The Perfect Fiancé, in that the heroine seeks to matchmake a man, who is then attracted to the matchmaker. In this case, there is much more subterfuge by Katherine, wherein she first investigates the man to make sure he is good enough for her stepsister.
This is not meant to be a serious story. While her stepfather had been very fond of Katherine, neither she nor her younger brother were left a bequest to help them in their future, thus their dependency on their stepsister. Constance is a naive character, holding out for love; her father had tried to help her along by stipulating she had to be married to inherit.
I found the complicity of the servants in Katherine's scheme to protect her uncle from doing something stupid and their help in her investigation amusing. Then there is her stepfather's greedy heir complicating the mission the reader will love to hate. Overall this is well-written and an easy read.
This is not meant to be a serious story. While her stepfather had been very fond of Katherine, neither she nor her younger brother were left a bequest to help them in their future, thus their dependency on their stepsister. Constance is a naive character, holding out for love; her father had tried to help her along by stipulating she had to be married to inherit.
I found the complicity of the servants in Katherine's scheme to protect her uncle from doing something stupid and their help in her investigation amusing. Then there is her stepfather's greedy heir complicating the mission the reader will love to hate. Overall this is well-written and an easy read.
November 3, 2025
England 1813. This had kisses only & 3 stars. I finished
this on 10/31/25.
Sir Richard was previously wounded & a spy in the war
game. And served as the nominal head of household.
He drank too much. But his niece Katherine ran the show.
She down-played her attractiveness. Also her brother Eric
& her sweet, beautiful blonde step-cous. Constance resided
there.
Alex Wescott, wealthy/ titled, was turned down as a spy
by the spymaster at Whitehall. He wanted adventure.
Katherine chose him as the ideal match for Connie. Who
needed to wed before her 21st birthday or her inheritance
would revert to her preachy, judgmental male cous. Alex
wanted to know who was following him ? Why?
This had some funny aspects. Alex & Connie didn't click.
He preferred the personality and looks of Katherine.
He grew up some, but he did not fully understand how
his convos affected others.
this on 10/31/25.
Sir Richard was previously wounded & a spy in the war
game. And served as the nominal head of household.
He drank too much. But his niece Katherine ran the show.
She down-played her attractiveness. Also her brother Eric
& her sweet, beautiful blonde step-cous. Constance resided
there.
Alex Wescott, wealthy/ titled, was turned down as a spy
by the spymaster at Whitehall. He wanted adventure.
Katherine chose him as the ideal match for Connie. Who
needed to wed before her 21st birthday or her inheritance
would revert to her preachy, judgmental male cous. Alex
wanted to know who was following him ? Why?
This had some funny aspects. Alex & Connie didn't click.
He preferred the personality and looks of Katherine.
He grew up some, but he did not fully understand how
his convos affected others.
January 4, 2018
A lovely book with just one flaw
First the bad news: the author of this delicious novel does not understand the meaning of "quipped" and uses it inappropriately in ways that positively jar the reader. A quip is a joke, not a comment or exclamation, so 'quipped' means 'joked.' The author regrettably uses it in places where joking is emphatically inappropriate.
Outside of this problem, the book is as perfect as a Regency romance can be. The book has gentle humor and believable cheracters who, minor as well as major, grow. The scrapes into which the heroine gets and her motivation are reasonable and not the melodramatic absurdities found in so many books in the genre. The writing is engaging, and the author does not force 21st century morality on these earlty 19th century characters. Definitely worth the read.
First the bad news: the author of this delicious novel does not understand the meaning of "quipped" and uses it inappropriately in ways that positively jar the reader. A quip is a joke, not a comment or exclamation, so 'quipped' means 'joked.' The author regrettably uses it in places where joking is emphatically inappropriate.
Outside of this problem, the book is as perfect as a Regency romance can be. The book has gentle humor and believable cheracters who, minor as well as major, grow. The scrapes into which the heroine gets and her motivation are reasonable and not the melodramatic absurdities found in so many books in the genre. The writing is engaging, and the author does not force 21st century morality on these earlty 19th century characters. Definitely worth the read.
January 4, 2018
I think this was supposed to be farcical and entertaining but it was just annoying with a weak hero and a dumb heroine.
The hero is constantly bored because everything in his life goes well, to have a purpose he would like to be a spy, but he fails to see that he lacks all scills being a spy would require.
The heroine and her sister don't have a grain of common sense: without money they will land in the poor house. Every female of that time learnt while still in leading strings the necessitiy to marry. It is hard to believe that a girl with three seasons and a fortune for a dowery would still be unmarried.
The author is not well versed in manners, speech, and behaviour of that time, other authors have shown how to write a parody on that time. I recommend "Ridiculous" by DL Carter.
The hero is constantly bored because everything in his life goes well, to have a purpose he would like to be a spy, but he fails to see that he lacks all scills being a spy would require.
The heroine and her sister don't have a grain of common sense: without money they will land in the poor house. Every female of that time learnt while still in leading strings the necessitiy to marry. It is hard to believe that a girl with three seasons and a fortune for a dowery would still be unmarried.
The author is not well versed in manners, speech, and behaviour of that time, other authors have shown how to write a parody on that time. I recommend "Ridiculous" by DL Carter.
January 5, 2018
Loved this book!
Only in Recency England can you find such espionage among the peers. An astute woman needs to find her lovely stepsister a good husband before she attains her majority. Her first choice unfortunately has no interest in marriage to anyone. It doesn't help that the cousin who acquired a title when his young cousin's father died is doing everything he can to prevent her marriage, including subterfuge and lies (after all, if she doesn't marry, he inherits her money as well ). Of course this book has a happy ending as well as being a sweet read. It is also grammatically correct, which means there are no distractions. Thanks for a great read...I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
Only in Recency England can you find such espionage among the peers. An astute woman needs to find her lovely stepsister a good husband before she attains her majority. Her first choice unfortunately has no interest in marriage to anyone. It doesn't help that the cousin who acquired a title when his young cousin's father died is doing everything he can to prevent her marriage, including subterfuge and lies (after all, if she doesn't marry, he inherits her money as well ). Of course this book has a happy ending as well as being a sweet read. It is also grammatically correct, which means there are no distractions. Thanks for a great read...I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
February 5, 2018
To catch a spy.
Alexander, Viscount Borin, wishes to join the secret service and help his country against Napoleon. Unfortunately the spy mastery, Lord Hastings, doesn't think that he would be suitable.
Miss Katherine Collins comes from a family of soldiers and has determined that Alex would be the perfect husband for her step sister. She has determined this by finding out all that she can about him by questioning acquaintances and old family retainers in addition to having him followed.
This leads to Lord Boron making the acquaintance of the family but finds Katherine more to his liking.
Meantime we have a spy loose amongst the aristocracy and a villainous cousin!
A very lively fast paced tale that is suitable for all ages.
Alexander, Viscount Borin, wishes to join the secret service and help his country against Napoleon. Unfortunately the spy mastery, Lord Hastings, doesn't think that he would be suitable.
Miss Katherine Collins comes from a family of soldiers and has determined that Alex would be the perfect husband for her step sister. She has determined this by finding out all that she can about him by questioning acquaintances and old family retainers in addition to having him followed.
This leads to Lord Boron making the acquaintance of the family but finds Katherine more to his liking.
Meantime we have a spy loose amongst the aristocracy and a villainous cousin!
A very lively fast paced tale that is suitable for all ages.
July 31, 2018
Clean entertaining regency romance
Though I initially thought the premise was quite silly I soon got wrapped up in the book. Miss Collins was quite manipulative but not in a absent minded debutante kind of way. From her very own ‘war office’ she researched the perfect husband. Not for herself of course, but for her stepsister. However, Lord Bordin had other plans. I enjoyed seeing how all the characters grew and changed during the course of this story. I couldn’t help wonder how she didn’t see the obvious subterfuge from her cousin more clearly. It wasn’t even thoroughly touched on so I can only assume in another story we will learn more. The couple were perfect for each other and would make a great spy team. I hope to hear more of their adventures!
Though I initially thought the premise was quite silly I soon got wrapped up in the book. Miss Collins was quite manipulative but not in a absent minded debutante kind of way. From her very own ‘war office’ she researched the perfect husband. Not for herself of course, but for her stepsister. However, Lord Bordin had other plans. I enjoyed seeing how all the characters grew and changed during the course of this story. I couldn’t help wonder how she didn’t see the obvious subterfuge from her cousin more clearly. It wasn’t even thoroughly touched on so I can only assume in another story we will learn more. The couple were perfect for each other and would make a great spy team. I hope to hear more of their adventures!
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