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Spies and Lovers #1
An Indecent Invitation
Keeping her safe is difficult, keeping a proper distance from her is downright impossible.
Lady Lily Drummond understands only too well the danger of spy work. Her father, a preeminent master spy, has been missing for months, and her brother barely survived his final mission for the Crown. Lily is still determined to help find her father, no matter how hard her brother and his best friend try to keep her in the dark.
Busy trying to untangle the web of deceit surrounding the Earl of Windor’s disappearance, Crown spy Gray Masterson also has to ensure Lily Drummond, the gangly, awkward child who was his constant shadow growing up, doesn’t get herself ruined at her London debut. But the girl with scraped knees and elbows has evolved into a lush, sensual beauty surrounded by a bevy of suitors.
Realizing Lily is going to investigate on her own if he doesn’t let her join the hunt for her missing father, Gray assumes he can give Lily a few minor tasks to pacify her, but he quickly learns she is a valuable asset. Moreover, she fairly crackles with life and warmth—things he craves after his dark years in service.
Warning: This book contains spies, scandals, naughty liaisons in houses of ill repute, men who think they know everything and women who know they do not.
Lady Lily Drummond understands only too well the danger of spy work. Her father, a preeminent master spy, has been missing for months, and her brother barely survived his final mission for the Crown. Lily is still determined to help find her father, no matter how hard her brother and his best friend try to keep her in the dark.
Busy trying to untangle the web of deceit surrounding the Earl of Windor’s disappearance, Crown spy Gray Masterson also has to ensure Lily Drummond, the gangly, awkward child who was his constant shadow growing up, doesn’t get herself ruined at her London debut. But the girl with scraped knees and elbows has evolved into a lush, sensual beauty surrounded by a bevy of suitors.
Realizing Lily is going to investigate on her own if he doesn’t let her join the hunt for her missing father, Gray assumes he can give Lily a few minor tasks to pacify her, but he quickly learns she is a valuable asset. Moreover, she fairly crackles with life and warmth—things he craves after his dark years in service.
Warning: This book contains spies, scandals, naughty liaisons in houses of ill repute, men who think they know everything and women who know they do not.
298 pages, ebook
First published August 25, 2015
1628 people are currently reading
2875 people want to read
About the author
Laura Trentham
44 books912 followersAuthor of smart, sexy Southern contemporary romance, Regency historicals, & heartfelt Women's Fiction
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
October 6, 2015
4 - "The things I subject myself to for the good of England." Stars!
I am not a huge reader of Historical Fiction usually, I think this mainly stems from the fact that I read a library full of Mills & Boon style historical romances in my younger years, and although the stories in that genre and style absolutely hold a fond place in my heart, I in general like my heroines with a little more ‘mettle’ to them nowadays.
Laura Trentham gave me that in An Indecent Invitation, with fiery, ballsy Lady Lily Drummond, but she also managed to add a little bit of mystery, plenty of laughs and some seriously sexy times between Lily and Gray Masterson, so for me it was a win in every sense of the word.
”I have my share of scars.”
There is a lot going on in this book, what with the disappearance of Lily’s father, Gray’s investigation into that, the fact Lily is very much of interest to most of London’s eligible bachelors, and Grays’ jealousy over that, and how she manages to get herself into (and out of) numerous scrapes, with and without Gray’s assistance and over-protective back up, and I absolutely loved her, and the fact she dove into every fight whether it be verbal or physical with as much gusto as her male counterparts.
”She’s only a woman.”
Gray was pretty easy to fall for as well though, after 8 years working for the Crown as a spy, he has seen his fair share of action, and is carrying his own set of demons because of it. The Lily he remembers from eight years previous, is nothing like the Lily he starts to fall in love with, and being his best friends little sister, a man who is a brother in all but blood, adds a little more complication to their coming together, especially when he doesn’t go the most respectable route in eventually making his intentions known, and in 1812, keeping it respectable is very much the expectation.
”You’ve been etched in my memory.”
Highly entertaining, exciting, adventurous and easy to read, the first book in the Spies and Lovers series gives the reader plenty to think about, Lily’s brother Rafe poses quite a few questions, and I am hoping that the next book in the series A Brazen Bargain; due for release in January 2016 give us a few answers.
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I am not a huge reader of Historical Fiction usually, I think this mainly stems from the fact that I read a library full of Mills & Boon style historical romances in my younger years, and although the stories in that genre and style absolutely hold a fond place in my heart, I in general like my heroines with a little more ‘mettle’ to them nowadays.
Laura Trentham gave me that in An Indecent Invitation, with fiery, ballsy Lady Lily Drummond, but she also managed to add a little bit of mystery, plenty of laughs and some seriously sexy times between Lily and Gray Masterson, so for me it was a win in every sense of the word.
”I have my share of scars.”
There is a lot going on in this book, what with the disappearance of Lily’s father, Gray’s investigation into that, the fact Lily is very much of interest to most of London’s eligible bachelors, and Grays’ jealousy over that, and how she manages to get herself into (and out of) numerous scrapes, with and without Gray’s assistance and over-protective back up, and I absolutely loved her, and the fact she dove into every fight whether it be verbal or physical with as much gusto as her male counterparts.
”She’s only a woman.”
Gray was pretty easy to fall for as well though, after 8 years working for the Crown as a spy, he has seen his fair share of action, and is carrying his own set of demons because of it. The Lily he remembers from eight years previous, is nothing like the Lily he starts to fall in love with, and being his best friends little sister, a man who is a brother in all but blood, adds a little more complication to their coming together, especially when he doesn’t go the most respectable route in eventually making his intentions known, and in 1812, keeping it respectable is very much the expectation.
”You’ve been etched in my memory.”
Highly entertaining, exciting, adventurous and easy to read, the first book in the Spies and Lovers series gives the reader plenty to think about, Lily’s brother Rafe poses quite a few questions, and I am hoping that the next book in the series A Brazen Bargain; due for release in January 2016 give us a few answers.
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Read
November 4, 2023DNF at 16%
The hero pulling the heroine’s hair “to get her attention” should’ve been my cue to leave, but I soldiered on. Unfortunately, because what followed was a casual chat at tea with neighbors about the heroine’s parents’ marriage and infidelity. Because that’s the stuff you discuss with casual acquaintances. 🙄 It would be inappropriate even now, dear author, let alone the regency England.
Nope!
The hero pulling the heroine’s hair “to get her attention” should’ve been my cue to leave, but I soldiered on. Unfortunately, because what followed was a casual chat at tea with neighbors about the heroine’s parents’ marriage and infidelity. Because that’s the stuff you discuss with casual acquaintances. 🙄 It would be inappropriate even now, dear author, let alone the regency England.
Nope!
April 16, 2020
Lady Lily Drummond and Gray Materson certainly ignited the pages. The interactions between the two ensure amusement, heat and adventure.
With Lily determined to find out what happened to her father, Gray a seasoned spy for the crown finds himself suprised by the young firecracker/tomboy he once knew. Beautiful, resourceful and full of life Lily is all he desires even though he knows he should keep a polite and safe distance.
Overall a highly entertaining read, one that kept me engaged, and I can see myself re-reading this at some point.
Potential Triggers:
Freebie on amazon.
With Lily determined to find out what happened to her father, Gray a seasoned spy for the crown finds himself suprised by the young firecracker/tomboy he once knew. Beautiful, resourceful and full of life Lily is all he desires even though he knows he should keep a polite and safe distance.
Overall a highly entertaining read, one that kept me engaged, and I can see myself re-reading this at some point.
Potential Triggers:
Freebie on amazon.
November 6, 2024
Interesting plot, likeable characters and the story is revealed. I liked the determined heroine as she was clever and caring. The H fell in love with her very quickly and unusually, he believe she should be part of the action. Lots of convenient plot points, still a good story with a lot of fun, action and steam.
February 25, 2016
This book had so much potential and the writing was very good, but still the biggest complaint I have here is that it slipped sometimes in the main reason of the story: the search for heroine's father due to a kidnapping perpetrated by a dangerous spy.
Still the romance was good and all the main characters were interesting and logical (even if the heroine was on a knife's edge of TSTL a few times!)
Still the romance was good and all the main characters were interesting and logical (even if the heroine was on a knife's edge of TSTL a few times!)
August 26, 2015
5 indecently delicious stars for An Indecent Invitation. I love well written, clever, and sexy historical romance novels and Laura Trentham delivered. I couldn't find anything I didn't like in the read as I was so captivated that I read the entire novel within a few hours. I had to know what would happen next and needed the almighty happy ending.
Lady Lily Drummond is such a great character. She is spirited, passionate, loyal, and clever. She's literally a modern woman, mostly, stuck in the past. She would rather talk politics and gather information rather than sew or dance at a party. She is beautiful and smart. She's the dangerous combination men should watch out for.
Gray Masterson has grown up with Lily and her brother as her brother's best friend. He's been a spy, taken on by the Earl of of Windor. When he disappears both Lily and Gray become worried. Gray was charged by his best friend to keep Lily safe from harm but who will keep her safe from him?
The two burn for one another and can only dance around each other for so long before giving in. Lily knows no other has made her feel the way Gray does and Gray knows she deserves better but can't stop himself. They fall in love in a time when danger is lurking and things are not as they seem. There's adventure, passion, and the ultimate happiness. I loved the story and that is that.
January 31, 2021
Trigger warnings: disappearance of a parent, violence, death of a parent (in the past).
Look, I'm going to be honest: in the less than a week since I finished this book, I've forgotten almost everything it except that there's a spy aspect to the story. I can tell you that I liked the characters and their relationships. But this is under 300 pages and somehow it felt more like about 500. And that's honestly all I can tell you.
Look, I'm going to be honest: in the less than a week since I finished this book, I've forgotten almost everything it except that there's a spy aspect to the story. I can tell you that I liked the characters and their relationships. But this is under 300 pages and somehow it felt more like about 500. And that's honestly all I can tell you.
November 5, 2021
4 stars - I loved the plot, it had some interesting scenes involving espionage and some action scenes which I don’t thing you see often in HR. I also loved the romance. The fmc has been in love with the mmc since they were kids, but the mmc didn’t see her as anything more than his best friend’s annoying little sister. They haven’t seen eachother for 8 years until they meet again at a ball. At first he doesn’t recognize her (this was so enjoyable to read). I also loved the fmc. She’s a bit of a badass for a HR book. Overall this book was fun to read (I binged it in a day) and had some cute and spicy parts.
Tropes
• mmc is fmc’s best friend
• mmc and fmc haven’t seen eachother for 8 years
• mmc is a spy
• disappearce mystery
• strong fmc
Ratings
• characters: 4.5/5
• romance: 4/5
• spice scale: 3/5 (the visit to the ‘scandalous’ party was a nice touch)
• angst scale: 1.5/5
Tropes
• mmc is fmc’s best friend
• mmc and fmc haven’t seen eachother for 8 years
• mmc is a spy
• disappearce mystery
• strong fmc
Ratings
• characters: 4.5/5
• romance: 4/5
• spice scale: 3/5 (the visit to the ‘scandalous’ party was a nice touch)
• angst scale: 1.5/5
May 28, 2019
Liked this very much. Very enjoyable reading. 4☆
Want to read
December 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/10/2019)! 🎁
July 18, 2020
I enjoy historical romances with mystery and adventure. This is a good one. Lily and Gray had known each other most of their childhoods. Now, as adults they have reconnected. Gray is a spy for the crown and Lily's father is missing. Did her father get taken by Napoleon's spies? Is he still alive? I loved the main characters as well as the minor ones. The plot is exciting and fun. I will be reading more from this series.
August 1, 2024
There was some times holes in the plot or things happened that didn't make sense based on the state the character was in at the time, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
January 1, 2020
3.75 out of 5. Fun story. Really loved the characters.
December 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of spy stuff, lots of steamy scenes. A new author to me and I plan to read more of this series in particular- I love spies and sex when it’s combined with great characters.
July 6, 2015
This book had SO many things about it that I loved!
First, I loved Lily! Such a fun character! I adore reading about young ingénues who take the ton by storm. She may have been brash and never did what she was told, but her impulsiveness led to some great adventures. I enjoyed the depth the author brought to this character.
Second, I am totally down with the ‘big brother best friend’ trope. It’s always so much fun when the gentleman realizes what a catch he had in his sights for so long. Usually this comes with a heaping dose of humility. The scene where Gray realizes who Lily is was so great. I like how the author didn’t shy away from the complications of their involvement and the impact it had.
Third, I love Regency spy stories. It probably became an obsession with Shana Galen’s series. The danger element and the inclusion of Lily in the plans made this book a page turner and very exciting. It was a well conceived plot with red herrings that entice the reader, rather than frustrate.
Lastly, I loved the connection between Gray and Lily. They understood each other and brought a fulfillment that could not be found with another. I adored how they bickered and flirted with each other. This book is sexually charged and full of lusty embraces. Since Lily was so adventurous, it garnered some fantastic love scenes.
I really enjoyed this book. I am hoping that it is the first in a series as I really liked the secondary characters and wouldn’t mind spending time with them! Check out this book!
First, I loved Lily! Such a fun character! I adore reading about young ingénues who take the ton by storm. She may have been brash and never did what she was told, but her impulsiveness led to some great adventures. I enjoyed the depth the author brought to this character.
Second, I am totally down with the ‘big brother best friend’ trope. It’s always so much fun when the gentleman realizes what a catch he had in his sights for so long. Usually this comes with a heaping dose of humility. The scene where Gray realizes who Lily is was so great. I like how the author didn’t shy away from the complications of their involvement and the impact it had.
Third, I love Regency spy stories. It probably became an obsession with Shana Galen’s series. The danger element and the inclusion of Lily in the plans made this book a page turner and very exciting. It was a well conceived plot with red herrings that entice the reader, rather than frustrate.
Lastly, I loved the connection between Gray and Lily. They understood each other and brought a fulfillment that could not be found with another. I adored how they bickered and flirted with each other. This book is sexually charged and full of lusty embraces. Since Lily was so adventurous, it garnered some fantastic love scenes.
I really enjoyed this book. I am hoping that it is the first in a series as I really liked the secondary characters and wouldn’t mind spending time with them! Check out this book!
October 19, 2025
Awesome Book!!!!📕
I really enjoyed reading An Indecent Invitation( Spies and Lovers Book 1)!!!!! All about Lily Drummond who is coming out this season in London & Gray Masterson who is a prearranged family friend who is a spy in the war and works for the Earl Rafe Senior Drummond. In a card battle with her brother Rafe Junior Drummond
Gray lost the bet and is now the responsible person for her Debut on the ton of London. The most beautiful young women is at the ball capturing every one’s attention including Lord Gray. So as he’s looking for his charge he takes a shot of at swooning over this incredible woman and charming her in to a dance. Unbeknownst to him this beguiling woman is Lily, the one and only, and he has no idea. He has not seen her since she was a child of the age of fourteen. He lived on the Wintermarsh property with his dad & the Drummond and was taken under the wing of the Earl and became a spy in the War of 1812. He’s considerable older then her and is shocked to find out two Balls later that Lily is the woman every one at the Ton is after. Read about Lily & Gray as they team up to try and find the Earl who has not been seen for over a year & a half. With Rafe’s blessing Gray is allowed to train Lily to become a spy and help the two BFF’s to find the missing Earl. Lots of emotion and plenty of toe curling does occur. This book was captivating and I could not put it down. Definite Read!!!
I really enjoyed reading An Indecent Invitation( Spies and Lovers Book 1)!!!!! All about Lily Drummond who is coming out this season in London & Gray Masterson who is a prearranged family friend who is a spy in the war and works for the Earl Rafe Senior Drummond. In a card battle with her brother Rafe Junior Drummond
Gray lost the bet and is now the responsible person for her Debut on the ton of London. The most beautiful young women is at the ball capturing every one’s attention including Lord Gray. So as he’s looking for his charge he takes a shot of at swooning over this incredible woman and charming her in to a dance. Unbeknownst to him this beguiling woman is Lily, the one and only, and he has no idea. He has not seen her since she was a child of the age of fourteen. He lived on the Wintermarsh property with his dad & the Drummond and was taken under the wing of the Earl and became a spy in the War of 1812. He’s considerable older then her and is shocked to find out two Balls later that Lily is the woman every one at the Ton is after. Read about Lily & Gray as they team up to try and find the Earl who has not been seen for over a year & a half. With Rafe’s blessing Gray is allowed to train Lily to become a spy and help the two BFF’s to find the missing Earl. Lots of emotion and plenty of toe curling does occur. This book was captivating and I could not put it down. Definite Read!!!
Read
January 29, 2016DNF.
I may go back to this or not...
I may go back to this or not...
August 17, 2020
I dropped off about 2 hours into the book. All that angst between the two main characters drove me bonkers. Was this going to be a frustrated love story or a spy story?
February 28, 2020
A suspenseful, sensuous Regency romance that has a somewhat dark side, this novel keeps the reader in on the edge of one's seat all the way to the end. Lily Drummond was Gray's nemeses even as a young girl, getting into scrapes. Believing that he has to keep a watchful eye on her as she embarks on her season, he is taken aback when he discovers that the gangly girl has grown into a beautiful swan. With the disappearance of Lily's father, and her brother avoiding society after his unfortunate experiences in the war against Napoleon, it is up to Gray to discover the fate of the Earl of Windor. Lily demands to be part of his investigation and Gray eventually realises that with her determination, it is better to keep her involved than allowing her to go off on her own. Having to adjust their youthful views of one another, Gray and Lily discover a mutual attraction that simmers all the way through the book, breaking all the rules and culminating in a just conclusion. The novel is generally well written with strong characters and is a most enjoyable read, although it does need to come with an age restriction.
May 6, 2020
Very Enjoyable!
Spies everywhere and a pair of lovers too.
It has a nice balance of mystery with lots of potential suspects, a missing father, a protective brother, a friend/lover and a young lady who would do well as a spy.
Lily and Gray light up the pages with their passion and story.
I was quite amused with Lily's carnal innocence and how she goes about finding answers. There are some rather amusing scenes there.
This is a nicely written page-turner and I really did enjoy reading it.
Spies everywhere and a pair of lovers too.
It has a nice balance of mystery with lots of potential suspects, a missing father, a protective brother, a friend/lover and a young lady who would do well as a spy.
Lily and Gray light up the pages with their passion and story.
I was quite amused with Lily's carnal innocence and how she goes about finding answers. There are some rather amusing scenes there.
This is a nicely written page-turner and I really did enjoy reading it.
April 29, 2023
second read of Ms. Trentham 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I love a good mystery. A chase down the villains. Romance. Strong characters, where the h & h toot their noses to rigid hypocritical society standards.
This had ALL of that and then some. Well written story with some heat but not enough to detract from the main storyline.
I loved all the characters, even the dipsy aunt and long lost father.
5 stars ✨✨✨✨✨
I love a good mystery. A chase down the villains. Romance. Strong characters, where the h & h toot their noses to rigid hypocritical society standards.
This had ALL of that and then some. Well written story with some heat but not enough to detract from the main storyline.
I loved all the characters, even the dipsy aunt and long lost father.
5 stars ✨✨✨✨✨
October 23, 2020
Delightful regency romance with the added bonus of spies, kidnappings, and murder.
September 1, 2022
A delightful romance with a meaty plot. Thanks. Enjoyed reading this book.
May 20, 2025
ate of every last BIT! a new fav for sure
August 25, 2015
Disclosure: I received this ARC through Netgalley. Thank you to Samhain Publishing and Laura Trentham for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
Gray Masterson is a soldier and a spy, who has returned home to England, weary and wary. His best friend, Rafe Drummond, has turned recluse after sustaining injuries during the war, and his mentor is missing. This book made me realize that I have a soft spot for heroes who wear glasses -- not much is mentioned of Gray's physical appearance, other than that:
1. He has green eyes.
2. He is a large man.
3. He has scars.
4. He wears glasses.
It's when the author drops that final detail that made me sit up and pay attention to our hero. Aside from his spy work, Gray has also been tasked by Rafe to look after his sister, Lily, who is making her first appearance in society. Gray hasn't seen Lily in years, but he still believes he can anticipate what will happen to her: he thinks she'll cause a scandal, or that she'll get into trouble. Imagine his surprise when Lily turns out to be nothing that he'd expected, but everything that he'd dreamed of in a woman.
This novel plays on mistaken impressions -- a lot of it from Gray's side. He initially comes across as very arrogant and presumptuous with all of his preconceived ideas about how Lily would behave, so it is quite gratifying when Lily proves him wrong. Lily proves to be a brave and capable lady, who knows what she wants. (My one very, very small reservation about her is how she continues to refer to a man's penis as his "dangly bits.")
An Indecent Invitation focuses on two stories: the disappearance of Lily's father, the Earl of Windor, who happens to be Gray's mentor, and the love story between Lily and Gray. There's are a lot of implications regarding the Earl of Windor's mysterious disappearance, because:
1. He happens to be a top spy, so his absence could just be a small piece of a bigger problem (maybe a threat to the spy network? a threat to the crown?)
2. It is suggested in the story that Lily and her father had an unpleasant confrontation before he disappeared, and Lily feels responsible.
I'm glad the investigation/spy work wasn't overly complicated, and gave the author a lot of wiggle room to explore the relationship between her hero and heroine. There's a bit of Pride and Prejudice in how Gray initially disapproved of Lily, and how they couldn't seem to interact on the same plane of thought -- there were always misunderstandings, but I thought it highlighted how differently men and women communicate.
Then the author flips the Pride and Prejudice plot by revealing that Gray is actually the son of the Earl of Windor's estate manager, and is, in fact, not of equal rank to Lily. It didn't seem to be an impediment at the start of the story. I had the impression that Gray was well-received in London society, but it's his father who reminds him of his place, and it's a revelation that comes a bit too late in the story (around the middle part when the two have gotten over their initial prejudices and are already slowly falling in love), but it adds a very interesting twist to it. It's difficult enough that Lily is the little sister of his best friend, it becomes an almost insurmountable challenge to find out that Lily is also out of reach, socially.
The supporting characters, Rafe Drummond, and Lily's friend, Lady Minerva Bellingham, are fleshed out well, and I'm curious whether they would become a couple in the next instalments of this series. (There is no indication of it in this novel, but I think the two would be an interesting match. ^_^)
An Indecent Invitation is Book 1 in Laura Trentham's Spies and Lovers series, and releases today, August 25, 2015. This is also Laura Trentham's first historical romance novel! (She previously published a contemporary romance series.)
* * *
Gray Masterson is a soldier and a spy, who has returned home to England, weary and wary. His best friend, Rafe Drummond, has turned recluse after sustaining injuries during the war, and his mentor is missing. This book made me realize that I have a soft spot for heroes who wear glasses -- not much is mentioned of Gray's physical appearance, other than that:
1. He has green eyes.
2. He is a large man.
3. He has scars.
4. He wears glasses.
It's when the author drops that final detail that made me sit up and pay attention to our hero. Aside from his spy work, Gray has also been tasked by Rafe to look after his sister, Lily, who is making her first appearance in society. Gray hasn't seen Lily in years, but he still believes he can anticipate what will happen to her: he thinks she'll cause a scandal, or that she'll get into trouble. Imagine his surprise when Lily turns out to be nothing that he'd expected, but everything that he'd dreamed of in a woman.
"Rafe wouldn't allow it. He'd lock you away." He couldn't hide his desperation.
"I'd pick the lock."
- loc 1330
This novel plays on mistaken impressions -- a lot of it from Gray's side. He initially comes across as very arrogant and presumptuous with all of his preconceived ideas about how Lily would behave, so it is quite gratifying when Lily proves him wrong. Lily proves to be a brave and capable lady, who knows what she wants. (My one very, very small reservation about her is how she continues to refer to a man's penis as his "dangly bits.")
An Indecent Invitation focuses on two stories: the disappearance of Lily's father, the Earl of Windor, who happens to be Gray's mentor, and the love story between Lily and Gray. There's are a lot of implications regarding the Earl of Windor's mysterious disappearance, because:
1. He happens to be a top spy, so his absence could just be a small piece of a bigger problem (maybe a threat to the spy network? a threat to the crown?)
2. It is suggested in the story that Lily and her father had an unpleasant confrontation before he disappeared, and Lily feels responsible.
I'm glad the investigation/spy work wasn't overly complicated, and gave the author a lot of wiggle room to explore the relationship between her hero and heroine. There's a bit of Pride and Prejudice in how Gray initially disapproved of Lily, and how they couldn't seem to interact on the same plane of thought -- there were always misunderstandings, but I thought it highlighted how differently men and women communicate.
"But where on earth did you learn that song?" His tone had turned from complimentary to faintly admonishing. The pulse of resentment settled her nerves to manageable levels.
"One of the gypsy women at the harvest fair last fall. And before you ask, in London I played a dreadfully dull hymn to satisfy even the most conservative matron. No one suspects my improper bent for scandal. I'm not sure where you and Rafe got the idea I don't know how to act with discretion."
- loc 898
Then the author flips the Pride and Prejudice plot by revealing that Gray is actually the son of the Earl of Windor's estate manager, and is, in fact, not of equal rank to Lily. It didn't seem to be an impediment at the start of the story. I had the impression that Gray was well-received in London society, but it's his father who reminds him of his place, and it's a revelation that comes a bit too late in the story (around the middle part when the two have gotten over their initial prejudices and are already slowly falling in love), but it adds a very interesting twist to it. It's difficult enough that Lily is the little sister of his best friend, it becomes an almost insurmountable challenge to find out that Lily is also out of reach, socially.
"...The earl and your brother will want you to marry a peer. My job is dangerous and has me leaving at a moment's notice for months on end. I can't be worried about anyone but me. I can't afford to care, to have a burden waiting. I don't have room in my life for entanglements."
- loc 1316
The supporting characters, Rafe Drummond, and Lily's friend, Lady Minerva Bellingham, are fleshed out well, and I'm curious whether they would become a couple in the next instalments of this series. (There is no indication of it in this novel, but I think the two would be an interesting match. ^_^)
An Indecent Invitation is Book 1 in Laura Trentham's Spies and Lovers series, and releases today, August 25, 2015. This is also Laura Trentham's first historical romance novel! (She previously published a contemporary romance series.)
October 9, 2023
Luh. Naenjoy ko 'to basahin. Ang cool talaga (for me) ng romance main genre pero may detective/spy plot on the side, pero not other way around. Easy to read, kinda predictable pero dahil sa mga red herring - naiintroduce na ibang characters or circumstances parang napapaisip ka if tama pa yung guess mo.
(Parang ang bait ko lately sa 5 stars ahhh...)
Add edit: Babasahin ko rin yung ibang books under this book series!
(Parang ang bait ko lately sa 5 stars ahhh...)
Add edit: Babasahin ko rin yung ibang books under this book series!
March 26, 2024
This was quite a surprise for me since it was my first Laura Trentham read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Has lots of action and I really liked Lily and Gray. Lily was determined to find her father and wanted to be involved with Gray's search for him. She would not take no for an answer and he soon realized she was an asset to his case. There was a villain who was a bit annoying but I really did enjoy the story. On to the next story about Lily's friend Minerva. Can't wait!!!
November 1, 2015
An Indecent Invitation by Laura Trentham
Book #1: Spies and Lovers Series
Source: Author
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:
Laura Trentham had me intrigued with the title, showing real interest with the series name, and hooked with the synopsis. How do I walk away from all these things?? The answer is, I don’t.
Lily Drummond just isn’t what her father, the Earl of Windor hoped she would be. Lily isn’t at all interested in making a good match and settling down with a man who only wants her for her dowry. Lily doesn’t care about titles or property, she wants a man who will see her for what she is, an intelligent, adventurous, daring woman who doesn’t need a man to be complete. In fact, Lily is so committed to her plan and desires, she faced off against her father in an attempt to convince him of her wishes. Unfortunately, that fight was the last words Lily spoke to her father before he went missing. As a spy, the Earl of Windor is often gone for long periods of time but this time, Lily is certain something is amiss.
Gray Masterson has known Lily Drummond since she was an obnoxious child trailing around behind him and her brother, Rafe. Gray has been best friends with Rafe since they were children and when Rafe calls on his friend to look after his sister during her first London season, Gray finds he simply can’t deny his friend. Additionally, he lost a bet and has no choice The years have been good to both Lily and Gray but nothing could possibly prepare either for the dramatic change in their respective appearance. Gray is simply gobsmacked by Lily and from the moment he lays eyes on her, he finds it hard to resist her. Lily is intelligent, bold, stubborn, determined, sassy, and undeniably, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She also has her mind set on finding her father and if Gray won’t help her, so be it, she’ll go at it alone.
Gray’s encounters with Lily are some the highlights of this read. Gray is a trained spy and understands how to go about gathering information and accomplishing goals without getting himself killed. Lily is desperate to find her father and willing to take unreasonable risks. Reigning her in takes every ounce of patience Gray has and some he didn’t know he possessed. Additionally, Lily is ripe for the taking and watching her being courted by titled and entitled asshats is more than Gray can tolerate. Gray knows he isn’t good enough for Lily (no money, no title, etc.) but she is a treasure that none of the men courting her can possibly handle. As the mission to find her father becomes more and more dire, Gray begins to see Lily for exactly the woman she is and knows, absolutely that she will never be satisfied with the life her father wants for her. Lily’s mind is quick, her heart is true, and she loves working with Gray to uncover the mystery of her father’s disappearance. The deeper the investigation goes, the deeper Gray falls in love and when Lily’s life is threatened (multiple times!) he realizes he may be the only man capable of handling her.
The Bottom Line: WOOOOOO, did I love this read!! How the hell can you possibly go wrong with spies and lovers set in the Regency period? You can’t, is the answer. Trentham has created deep and involved characters that simply can’t be ignored. Lily is a delight and I am always glad to have a woman who is so boldly and unapologetically ahead of her time and place. To take it a step further, I more than love it when said woman finds a man worthy of her and willing to accept her for exactly who she is. Gray is just the man for Lily and though he is often totally exasperated by her, he accepts her and learns to work with her rather than against her. The plot is sufficiently convoluted and crazy to keep the reader interested though not so complicated as to become off-putting. There is a past meets the present element that I am always excited about and just enough danger to keep you on the edge of your seat in some places. The only element of this read I didn’t care for at all is Lily’s father. The anecdotes about his behavior and attitude, especially toward Lily generates a lot of hate for the man and I found myself not really caring if he was found at all. In the end, I didn’t let that one element sway my opinion of the overall read and can honestly say, I fell a little in love with Laura Trentham and her Spies and Lovers series.
Book #1: Spies and Lovers Series
Source: Author
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:
Laura Trentham had me intrigued with the title, showing real interest with the series name, and hooked with the synopsis. How do I walk away from all these things?? The answer is, I don’t.
Lily Drummond just isn’t what her father, the Earl of Windor hoped she would be. Lily isn’t at all interested in making a good match and settling down with a man who only wants her for her dowry. Lily doesn’t care about titles or property, she wants a man who will see her for what she is, an intelligent, adventurous, daring woman who doesn’t need a man to be complete. In fact, Lily is so committed to her plan and desires, she faced off against her father in an attempt to convince him of her wishes. Unfortunately, that fight was the last words Lily spoke to her father before he went missing. As a spy, the Earl of Windor is often gone for long periods of time but this time, Lily is certain something is amiss.
Gray Masterson has known Lily Drummond since she was an obnoxious child trailing around behind him and her brother, Rafe. Gray has been best friends with Rafe since they were children and when Rafe calls on his friend to look after his sister during her first London season, Gray finds he simply can’t deny his friend. Additionally, he lost a bet and has no choice The years have been good to both Lily and Gray but nothing could possibly prepare either for the dramatic change in their respective appearance. Gray is simply gobsmacked by Lily and from the moment he lays eyes on her, he finds it hard to resist her. Lily is intelligent, bold, stubborn, determined, sassy, and undeniably, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She also has her mind set on finding her father and if Gray won’t help her, so be it, she’ll go at it alone.
Gray’s encounters with Lily are some the highlights of this read. Gray is a trained spy and understands how to go about gathering information and accomplishing goals without getting himself killed. Lily is desperate to find her father and willing to take unreasonable risks. Reigning her in takes every ounce of patience Gray has and some he didn’t know he possessed. Additionally, Lily is ripe for the taking and watching her being courted by titled and entitled asshats is more than Gray can tolerate. Gray knows he isn’t good enough for Lily (no money, no title, etc.) but she is a treasure that none of the men courting her can possibly handle. As the mission to find her father becomes more and more dire, Gray begins to see Lily for exactly the woman she is and knows, absolutely that she will never be satisfied with the life her father wants for her. Lily’s mind is quick, her heart is true, and she loves working with Gray to uncover the mystery of her father’s disappearance. The deeper the investigation goes, the deeper Gray falls in love and when Lily’s life is threatened (multiple times!) he realizes he may be the only man capable of handling her.
The Bottom Line: WOOOOOO, did I love this read!! How the hell can you possibly go wrong with spies and lovers set in the Regency period? You can’t, is the answer. Trentham has created deep and involved characters that simply can’t be ignored. Lily is a delight and I am always glad to have a woman who is so boldly and unapologetically ahead of her time and place. To take it a step further, I more than love it when said woman finds a man worthy of her and willing to accept her for exactly who she is. Gray is just the man for Lily and though he is often totally exasperated by her, he accepts her and learns to work with her rather than against her. The plot is sufficiently convoluted and crazy to keep the reader interested though not so complicated as to become off-putting. There is a past meets the present element that I am always excited about and just enough danger to keep you on the edge of your seat in some places. The only element of this read I didn’t care for at all is Lily’s father. The anecdotes about his behavior and attitude, especially toward Lily generates a lot of hate for the man and I found myself not really caring if he was found at all. In the end, I didn’t let that one element sway my opinion of the overall read and can honestly say, I fell a little in love with Laura Trentham and her Spies and Lovers series.
March 17, 2020
5 stars!! I feel like this novel & author are so under rated!! If you love historical romance & suspense then you will absolutely love this one as much as I did. This book was a fantastic read & I am so looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!!
October 1, 2025
I got this for free and my expectations for free books is very, very low. So I was pleasantly surprised by how well written this book was. There were the many usual tropes and cliches of historical romance or might have rated it higher. Alternatively, if I hadn’t read so many of these books and was coming across the tropes for the first time, I wouldn’t have minded them because she does do them better than many.
As far as the mystery, I was disappointed these master spies didn’t figure it out till the last minute. The author did write them convenient excuses though: the h was new at this and info was kept from her, the h’s brother was busy recovering from a terrible wound while suffering depression and PTSD, H was too busy thinking about sexing up h and flipping out about her safety. I wish the author had been more subtle in writing the bad guy so it would’ve been more difficult to figure out or a bit more surprising because she telegraphed the hell out of that one.
The steamy scenes were decent, the anachronistic language didn’t bother me too much, and the less than strict adherence to actual social conventions of the time didn’t matter to me. I was never expecting exact historical accuracy. Overall, not bad.
As far as the mystery, I was disappointed these master spies didn’t figure it out till the last minute. The author did write them convenient excuses though: the h was new at this and info was kept from her, the h’s brother was busy recovering from a terrible wound while suffering depression and PTSD, H was too busy thinking about sexing up h and flipping out about her safety. I wish the author had been more subtle in writing the bad guy so it would’ve been more difficult to figure out or a bit more surprising because she telegraphed the hell out of that one.
The steamy scenes were decent, the anachronistic language didn’t bother me too much, and the less than strict adherence to actual social conventions of the time didn’t matter to me. I was never expecting exact historical accuracy. Overall, not bad.
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