Saving Shadow

The Beckett Files #1

by Laura Beers

Born with a perfect memory, Lady Elizabeth Beckett has become one of the world's most notorious spies, despite being the daughter of a duke. She is shielded only by her code Shadow. When young ladies of High Society begin disappearing from London, Eliza has no doubt who is orchestrating these crimes; a heinous man she has been investigating for years. Vowing to save them before they are sold to the highest bidder, she must risk everything to stop him.

Lord Sinclair was perfectly content being the second son of a marquess, but when his brother is murdered, he is thrust into a position he has not been prepared for and does not desire. As an agent for the Crown, he is expected to retire now that he is the heir, but he's been granted special permission for one more mission... to obtain justice for his murdered brother.

Used to keeping secrets, Lady Eliza and Lord Sinclair must learn to open up to each other when they are assigned as partners to bring down the same ruthless man and his brutal empire of abduction and slavery. As Eliza's tainted past becomes too much for her to bear alone, can she learn to trust her new partner with her secrets, her life, and possibly her heart?

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Mystery, Regency, Fiction

250 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to try out this debut novel by Laura Beers, it has my favorite regency setting with a fun suspense and isn't that cover awesome!

Lady Elizabeth Beckett is not your typical regency miss, she may be the daughter of a Duke, but is also a spy. Eliza has a close circle of people she actually trusts and takes some time warming up to her new partner, Lord Benedict Sinclair. I enjoyed the idea of Eliza being a spy, which is so not your typical regency heroine. She's good what she does and tries to make the right choices. Eliza and Benedict have good chemistry, and tension. I usually like when the romance is more natural or a little slower building, to where you feel like the H/h have really gotten to know each other and fallen in love. When it happens too quickly, it sometimes looses the believability. But I did think Eliza and Benedict were a good couple and I was rooting for them to get their HEA. The suspense/mystery was well done and kept me interested and wondering how things would all work out.

Regencies purist may have problems with some of the historical details, but overall, I thought this was a fun read and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Beers.

Content
Romance: Clean, mild innuendo and kissing
Language: None
Violence: Mild, talk about kidnapping/prostitution
Series: Beckett Files, Book One

Source: Review Copy

[Jennifer Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the idea of a woman spy among the nobility. I also really liked how Shadow was damaged by the hard things she'd had to do in the name of the Crown. The mission in this story wasn't so much about international espionage during wartime as it was about human trafficking. Still a worthy goal, but I was surprised that 19th century aristocrats were so invested in the lower classes. The exciting "secret missions" were mostly told in back story, which was a little disappointing, and I thought the romance moved quickly, though it was cute. All in all, a fun book

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and I really, really liked this book a lot.
Lady Elizabeth Beckett (Eliza and also Shadow) doesn't plan to marry. The daughter of a duke, she's happy living her life as a single woman, and a spy for the Crown, partnering with her brother Jonathon on assignments. Born with a thirst for knowledge, an eidetic memory, and a deadly aim with the longbow and dagger she's proven herself invaluable to England's spy network. But their last assignment has changed her and she's disturbed each night with nightmares about it.
Lord Benedict Sinclair is a newly minted marquess, due to the unexpected death of his older brother, but is also an agent for the Crown. He and Eliza are paired together for his last mission before he retires to live the life of a marquess. They have both been after the same man--Aaron Wade--the past couple of years. Eliza because he transports young girls to be sold, and Benedict because he blames him for the death of his brother.
Eliza must learn to open up to Benedict and trust him, which is hard for her because she's only used to trusting her brother, Jonathon, Mr. Larson, her butler and a former spy himself, and her uncle Charles, who was England's chief spymaster and the man she and her brother report to.
I really liked these characters. Lady Elizabeth didn't have an ordinary upbringing with her siblings because of her mother (I don't want to spoil it,you'll have to read the book). She's what was known at the time as a "bluestocking--a woman having intellectual or literary interests--and didn't fit the mold of what ladies were supposed to be. Partially because of her upbringing and partially because of things she's had to do as Shadow she feels that she doesn't deserve to be loved and even if she found someone they wouldn't be faithful to her "because men cannot be faithful".
Benedict seems to be unlike any man Eliza has known. Upon first meeting him she lets it slip that she no longer lives with her brother, Jonathon. As they spend more time together she finally tells him of the source of her recurring nightmare and Benedict is able to allay her fear that no one would find her lovable once they knew of her secret(s).
I also liked her butler, Mr. Larson. I thought of him as a substitute father to her as he kept threatening Benedict with his life if he hurt Eliza.
This book has everything--spies, romance, an attempted kidnapping, and some buried family secrets come to light near the end. This is a clean romance. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review. It didn't influence my opinion in any way.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 Stars) 1/18--I just wanted to add that this time around, I agree with what I said before, but the human trafficking and murders stood out more to me and they felt almost as descriptive as the romance did. Don't worry--nothing is overly graphic, it's all matter-of-fact--but I wanted to feel more of an emotional connection to the characters, especially in regards to their romance. Yes, I wanted more dimension.

10/17--I don't know that I've ever read a Regency book with an upper crust spy who is a woman. Elizabeth, or Eliza (or even Shadow) is a spy for the Crown. I assumed that those types of spies served in foreign affairs or in wartime capacities, but that's not the case in this novel. This group of spies is trying to stop human trafficking, which I thought was interesting for the time period. I honestly can't imagine how it would be have to do the things that Eliza did and like always.

Although this story's dialogue and observations have a more modern feel to them, it is a fun tale that's full of danger and attraction. I found myself stuck on that gold dress that was embellished with crushed rubies and would love to see something like that in person. I loved getting to know the characters, and especially their roles played in the book.

I found it to be a fascinating dilemma--would you rather be titled or a spy? Lord Sinclair doesn't seem to have a choice and I would be happy to leave the stress behind, but that's not quite the case with him. On that note, why wouldn't Eliza want to give up a life of danger for a marriage? These characters are obviously more daring than I am, but it was sure fun to like vicariously through them for a time.

Content: mild romance; mild violence

*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely not your usual Regency romance! The heroine is one of the elite justice seekers, and because of this the dynamics of her relationship with partner spy Benedict have a different give and take. I enjoyed their passionate romance as they worked together to complete his final mission. The voice and tone of the book was more contemporary than I'm used to in a historical novel, and the purpose of their mission- to stop human trafficking among the lower classes- was surprising since I assumed the purpose of spies were to ensure national security from foreign threats. Much of the story is told in the narration rather than shown, and I felt like a lot of things were being explained to me which prevented me from feeling immersed in the action and characters. Overall this is an entertaining read if the reader is able to suspend belief a bit ;)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I’m always up for new Regency fiction. Throw in some spies, a swoony hero, and a strong heroine? Sign me up please!

Lady Eliza Beckett is certainly not a typical Regency heroine. For starters, she has a eidetic memory which comes in handy for snooping around high-stakes documents and correspondence. Because rather than bide her time embroidering on a settee or playing Whist in the drawing room, she is instead Shadow – the code name for England’s most notorious spy and assassin. I loved that she knows her own mind, that she doesn’t take condescension from ‘the boys club’, and that she kicks butt and takes names.

There are a few things that could be a bit tighter. For example, a lot of the dialogue feels like narrative/info dumping and overall the narrative itself leans more toward telling than showing. Also, the romance felt a tad rushed and could have used some more development between the initial sizzle of chemistry and declarations of love. Besides the kisses. Lots of kisses. Good kisses. And the swoony Lord Benedict. But it needed more emotional dimension, in my opinion.

Bottom Line: Saving Shadow is full of intrigue and romance! From the strong, independent heroine to the dashing hero and most of the people in between, the characters are vibrant and engaging. While it’s true that this debut novel could use a little tightening, overall it is an enjoyable adventure!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was lots to like and some things I didn't like. I thought it was going to be a tough chick story with a woman who could kick but. I love story's with a really broken woman who turns hard core and allows a man in who slowly softens all her hard edges. There are some great books like this, but this was not one of them. I think the author tried but it ended up being way more of a regency soft romance. I just didn't feel the depth of character and grit a book like this could have had. Had I known it was going to be more a regency romance with the girl being a little different I would have liked it more. There was a little too much innuendo in there flirting especially for a regency romance. There was an awful lot of kissing too for the time period. They didn't talk like regency England either. The characters were fun the story line was good. I couldn't put all the pieces together so it doesn't give it all away. There are some good reveals at the end. I wish the romance would have been pulled out a little more. They both seemed to fall in love a little too quickly and easily for being spy's and knowing the worst of humanity. I got a little bored there in the middle but enjoyed the end and the beginning.
This is an adult read, girls get kidnapped to be used as prostitutes. This is talked about in several different ways, even tho we aren't given too much detail. Between the sexual banter that is tame but there and the adult situations. This is a PG 13 or in my book for 17 and older.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel caught between a rock and a hard place as I write this review. The concept is clever. Female aristocrat working undercover as one of the world's most notorious spies, who has not only evaded capture/death, but also has kept her identity as a woman secret. I don't think I have read a plot as unique as this. That is a big attraction for me. This genre is flooded, and finding a book that steps out of the 'plot norms' is exciting for me. I liked that the focus was on the human trafficking issue, that I'm sure was as prevalent then as it is today. This is a topic that should be discussed far more openly and addressed with more urgency than it currently is.

Eliza Beckett is the daughter of a Duke, and as such rolls in pretty high circles. You quickly learn that she's had somewhat of an odd upbringing, that is explained well as the story follows. It seems for many years a group of upper class secret agents have been working to intercept ships with abducted women, and free them - the threat seems more close to home, as the latest disappearances are girls targeted from High Society.

Lord Sinclair, your pretty typical historical fiction hero, is charged with becoming Eliza's new partner, as her brother Jonathan receives a new assignment. As you would expect he has misgivings over her being a woman - to which she takes offense to. This is not modern day Britain, and I think the reaction he has are true to the era this book is set. There is a thread of feminism throughout the book, which I sometimes struggle with when its written into historical fiction. We may not agree with the attitude of society back then, but I prefer the time period to remain genuine. However, Eliza is in the position status wise, to pull this off. I think if we were presented a story like this in which the female was in this role but come from even a lesser step of society, even the same social class, it would seem more far fetched.

Others pose the question - was there this much empathy for the anonymous girls that would have been prime target for Sex slave owners, amongst the aristocracy of the day? I don't have the answer for that. I do think the fact that the perpetrators ran amongst them, may have been the cause for primary concern. There would still have been a conscience to do good against known evil I expect. As the prime bad guy in this story is Benedict's stepbrother, the family connection is enough to make this acceptable.

The downside for me, and the reason I did not give this book as many stars, was the overwhelmingly large portion of the story that is the quick, and almost unrealistic development of Eliza's & Benedict's relationship. Almost to the point of distraction! While I love a good swoon - it almost got a bit much, in the fact it overshadows the main theme of the plot. It reminded me of some novels I have read in this genre that are a little more risque, not in the fact that this book is, just that the percentage of the story that is focused on it. At times they are doing nothing but kissing or spending time together, and the urgency of the case is lost, as the focus moves to them. I was under the impression they had a case to solve. Girls to find. An evil family member to put away into Newgate. I personally prefer a little more anticipation over budding relationships - this one kind of jumps right in, and declarations of love within days. It follows more of a lustful timeline, than love, as I see it.

As a British person, there was big thing that niggled at me that maybe the average reader would skip over and that was the continual reference to a 'Gretna Greens'. Gretna, is Scotland is a town that is right on the border with England, Gretna Green being close to but it's own village in its own right. It ran through the main route from London to Edinburgh. Even today, the main freeway heads right past Gretna. It's a fun place to visit if you ever make it to the UK. However there is no 's' on the end, it's correct name is Gretna Green. Notorious for a place couples could runaway for a quick wedding by the Blacksmiths, known as the 'anvil priests'. The differences in laws between the two countries led to the large amount of couples wanting to marry while defying those who otherwise would have been able to stop it. My understanding of the term 'Gretna greens' is a general reference to other places, in which you could runaway and get a quick wedding, because of the fame of the town in Scotland.

There is a fine line that's close to getting crossed with the language and details of intimacy/vulgarity that is clearly left out from this genre on the clean Christian market, so be aware if you are looking for something that stays far away from that, you may want to avoid this book.

I am intrigued over the next story the author has planned, I'm assuming that will follow and hopefully lead us to the whereabouts of Lady Hannah. Looking forward to reading it.

I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

[AWESOME Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally....another author that writes CLEAN books! It was the perfect summer read...just enough love, intrigue and scandal to make it perfect! If you love Regency Romances (like I do)...you must read this book! I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful read! I very much enjoyed this read.

I loved our strong heroine who is an adorable, bad ass. Benedict was the perfect partner for her. The secondary characters were just as interesting.

The story focused more on character development and the romance then it did the spying. I liked it, but some might feel the ending anticlimactic. If your looking for more hard core spying then this is not the book for you.

The romance was clean and this could be read by a ya group. I would allow my 13yr daughter to read it.

For me , .......this story left me we with a happy smile on my face and I can't wait for the next book in the story!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries, so it was fun to pick up SAVING SHADOW. Set in the Regency era, this spy novel is filled with plenty of twists and turns, plus romance (of course!) to keep you reading late at night.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of Regency Romance the past few years but nothing like Saving Shadow by Laura Beers. The main character is not your normal female Regency character. I love Eliza and her strong, determined spirit and how she doesn't accept being like the other women at that time. She is amazing at being a spy and code breaker. I love female characters like this.

This story had a great plot with a lot of suspense. Eliza and her new partner, Lord Sinclair are trying to stop illegal human trafficking. This was a storyline I hadn't expected but it's only told with a back story and not showing these things in real time.

The romance is a huge part of this novel. There is instant attraction between Eliza and Benedict and the romance plunges forth at a rapid pace. It was almost too fast for me and I wished there had been more interaction between the two characters before they fell in love. With that, I did really like the relationship between these two and how well they worked together to complete their mission. They really did make a darling couple.

I enjoyed reading this first novel in the series and will be looking forward to reading more from Laura Beers. It's always nice to find an author that can write an exciting and clean novel.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Shadow by Laura Beers is an exciting and adventurous read. The good guys (and gals!) are heroic and the bad guys are very awful. I thought the premise of the book was very intriguing and different from other "regency" books I have read. Eliza is a fascinating character. She is strong, brave and awfully good with a knife. I enjoyed her charm and how amazingly smart she was. Benedict and Jonathon were also fabulous characters too. Mr. Larson was an instant favorite. At times, I felt the pacing was off just a bit and some of the language didn't seem correct for the time. Eliza's relationship with Benedict was a wonderful change for her, as he helped her through a difficult time. He is perfect for her, and she is the same for him. I enjoyed the banter between Eliza and Benedict, however, I felt it stopped the story from progressing to more action, but it did help the characters get to know each other well. I was glad that some additional time passed between when they met and after they declared their affection for each other, as their courtship moved quickly.

4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to the next book!

I received an ebook copy from the author, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventurous and a beautiful romance

This book was fun and I truly had a hard time putting it down. I absolutely loved the plot and storyline, as adventure/mystery and romance are some of my favorite combinations. I loved how strong and brave the protagonist Eliza was- she never backed down from doing the right thing. The romance was sweet and oh-so-swoon-worthy, and I loved how clean it was. I'm so excited to read more by this author!!!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I started this book not knowing what to expect. I was immediately hooked with the characters and the storyline. Can't wait for the next book!

[Allyson Weipert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting storyline, strong female lead. A good clean beach read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the description of a Lady who is an undercover agent with a perfect memory and I really enjoyed this debut novel by Laura Beers. It was easy to read and flowed pretty smoothly. The romance, although somewhat quick and probably more heated than a true Regency should have, was fun to read about and has some swoon worthy kisses! I also liked the supporting cast of characters -
including her brother and uncle and her "bodyguard", Mr. Larson. Although this is a fairly clean read, I had to knock off a star for several instances of swearing - two uses of *h* and three uses of *d*.

*Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

[Karen Beachum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! Loved the story line - fell in love with Eliza then fell in love with Benedict too! Loved how the author made me feel what Eliza was feeling. Read this one!!
Looking forward to the next book!!

[Emily Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Shadow was a fun read! The heroine was feisty, intelligent, and definitely knows her own mind. The hero was determined, strong, and often frustrated with the heroine's independent spirit. That makes for a very interesting relationship! I can't wait to read the rest of this series!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Beers has written a humdinger of a regency! Loved it! From the balls to the docks, she took me with her characters! I fell in love with Benedict and wanted to be like Eliza! Enjoy! Swoon-worthy with a bit of spy intrigue!

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first several chapters were very entertaining and the story held a lot of promise. Just shy of the halfway point, I lost interest. I was hoping for a lot more action and less dialogue, more intrigue and far less flirtation.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unbelievable plot. Never once did I think, "This could really happen." Uninspired prose. Skimmed through most of it just to get to the end. Two stars for the cover, which is lovely.

[Maria Sciarrino · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Cute but insta love is not my thing, and I wish the author did more 'show' than 'tell.'

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the whole premise of this book! It's a regency romance novel, but I really love the extra kick that the spy part of the book gives to the plot. Wow! This is not your mom's regency romance!

I loved Eliza in this book! She's a young woman, she is in society and should be enjoying all of the events she gets to attend, but to her, they're just a means to find out who is kidnapping young ladies and what they're doing with them. I loved that part of this stems from what happened to her maid, Martha, and that she cared a great deal about her, it just seems like you don't see that in a lot of regency's I love that she is so independent and determined to make a difference in the world. But at the same time, she feels so guilty because of the things she's had to do as a spy. The way she was a bit conflicted made her seem very human and I really loved that!

Then there's Lord Sinclair, Benedict. I love the way he has to stick the proverbial foot into his mouth many times in regard to what he says about Lady Eliza. But he is able to grow to value her for what she is, not just her pretty face. And I think that says a lot about his character. I love the way he wants to protect her and goes out of his way to do things for her. I thought it was fun in this one, the way that propriety is pushed aside a little bit for these two. And how that plays into the plot.

This book has great characters, a great plot, and a great love story, it really does have it all!

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun Regency romance/spy book. Lady Eliza has a photographic memory, and has been groomed by her uncle from a young age to become a spy for the Crown. Now, at age 22, she is known to a rare few as her code name Shadow. When she meets Benedict and is assigned to be his partner for her next mission, sparks erupt. They are both attracted to each other, but he also can't believe she is the fabled Shadow who has killed so many men and foiled so many foreign and evil plots against England. The fun begins as they get to know each other on their mission and their hearts intertwine. This plot was great, with lots of twists and surprises to keep me turning the pages. The characters were awesome and grew throughout the story, and the dialogue was wonderful between these two. Another added bonus to this book are the delicious side characters--her brother, Jonathan, her uncle, Mr. Larson (her bodyguard), and Martha. Each character added an extra dimension to make the story sparkle. Bravo!
This author was unknown to me before this reading, but I will keep my eye on her in the future. She has great talent.
***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theirs was an excellent book concerning spies, murder, trafficking daughters of titled parents, and selling secrets, and a mystery I guessed before the end. Lord Sinclair has always worked alone, but going after Wade has been part of his agenda. He will retire after this final assignment. Johnathan, and his sister have also worked together on a connecting mission. She has a analytical mind to break codes, plus a photographic memory, is better with knives, and shooting guns than most men, and is a perfect shot with a long bow. When Lord Sinclair meets Johnathan’s sister at a ball, he is amazed at her beauty, and feels he may have found the one to be his future bride. Imagine his surprise when he learns that the same young woman is going to be his last partner, and she is the elusive spy known as shadow. I really enjoyed this book as they all work to free twenty five kidnapped women, stop a smuggling group from selling Englands secrets to France, and perhaps capture the man who is suspected of killing Sinclair’s brother. It was a fast paced book, with intriguing characters. There was so much to keep you intrigued. Plus the relationships were beguiling, and some romantic. I really loved it. 5 stars. Great ending, plus epilogue.

[Joy Novel Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Shadow was my very first historical fiction novel and I am kicking myself for taking so long to read this! I devoured it! The suspense was on point the love was sweet and I am currently referring to myself as Lady Joy. (only in my head)

"No, you are not just a woman. You are Shadow, a spy that drives fear into the hearts of men in every country. Some people consider Shadow a myth, a legend if you will."

Eliza is a bit of a peculiar woman for the 1900's but the best kind of peculiar. She is brilliant and the most accomplished spy in England. In the time period Saving Shadow is set, women are not supposed to hold such positions, especially a noble woman.

Lord Benedict was simply to die for. Although he was very frustrating at times, for me as a modern woman. He was simply adorable and sweet, and I loved how he would kiss and hold her her. I turned me to mush.

My favorite bits were with Eliza's right and hand man and her brother, when ever Eliza and Benedict were showing affection. Their reactions had me giggling.

Not only did I love the romance and laugh throughout this entire novel, but I was suspended in anticipation not sure what direction the story would go from one page to the next! I would hazard to say that if you are a fan of romantic suspense, Saving Shadow is a must read.

[Leya Delray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Intriguing concept, but story turned out way too unrealistic and soppy for me.

I went into this book with high hopes. Another author I thoroughly enjoy (Abigail Wilson) writes in a similar genre (regency romance/mystery/spy stuff), and since I love her books so much, I was hoping to love this series too. However, unlike Wilson's books, the heroin of this story is so entirely unrealistic that I couldn't take the story seriously.

She was simply TOO talented. She had a photographic memory and a genius for cracking secret codes. Which would have been ok by itself. But that wasn't enough. On top of that, she somehow managed to be deadly skillful with a throwing knife, a crack shot with a pistol, highly skilled with a sword, AND an expert with a longbow. It was mentioned by several characters that she was basically the best shot in England, or the most skillful, or whatever, on pretty much all those weapons. Really? She's only in her early 20's for heaven's sake! And yet she can beat every other spy in the business?? AND she's a genius with a photographic memory? Sorry. Just doesn't make sense to me.

Particularly the long-bow thing. The longbow is supposedly her favorite weapon, but a longbow draw weight is at least 50-60 lbs. Of course, she could certainly develop the muscle strength to do that, but how exactly would she hide what great shape her arms/shoulders are in when she is under-cover pretending to be a pampered socialite? Surely the short sleeves and wide necklines of regency gowns would mean SOMEBODY would notice her unusual physique??

And yet, even with that insane level of talent, we still don't actually get to see her doing a whole lot. I was expecting a lot more action, but what I got seemed to be about 50% flirting and kissing scenes, 25% long, introspective conversations, and only about 25% anything actually HAPPENING in the plot.

So yeah. Definitely not planning to buy book 2.

[Julie]

Lady Elizabeth Beckett, the Duke of Remington's daughter, has a photographic memory. When her Uncle Charles, a spymaster, becomes aware of this, he makes Lady Elizabeth into a spy: code name Shadow. But when a mission in France goes awry, Lady Elizabeth begins to question her future. Her goal in life has been to capture and bring to justice a man who cruelly abducts and sells women into slavery. But is the price too high?

I love historical romance and adding a spy theme into it really ramped up the tension. The plot was unique as the villain, who is a sex trafficker, is slowly being caught in the web that Eliza draws around him, yet he still has some tricks up his sleeve. The author did a nice job with details from the time period, and showcased many societal restrictions on both women and the poor. The social issue of enslavement is tastefully done and there were several surprising twists and turns to the plot that kept me turning pages to see the fallout.

The book also has a romance when our heroine is partnered with Benedict, a fellow agent who has lost his brother. Benedict was a hero with a great backstory and while the romance between Elizabeth and Benedict will draw readers in, it was a little rushed and missing some emotional beats. Readers will still feel for both Benedict and Eliza as they work through their issues, though, and want them to get their happily-ever-after! The secondary characters of Eliza's brother and butler were nicely fleshed out and I'm really looking forward to reading the second book in the series which features her brother, Jonathan. For a debut novelist, Laura Beers has won a spot on my Authors to Watch list.

Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com

[Chesney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was contacted by the author to read her novel and give an honest review. I hadn't heard of the book or the author so after reading the storyline, I gave it a shot. I was quite impressed at the novel. Eliza is Lady Elizabeth by day and a spy for the English crown by night. She is infiltrating a ring of women being stolen on the black market. Her new partner is the ever so handsome Benedict who is avenging his brothers recent death. They surprisingly are after the same man. Using their spy powers, the couple track down the illusive man while in the mean time developing feelings for one another. It's all clean and proper but definitely keeps you are on alert to find out if they catch the bad guy! I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.