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Scandals and Spies #4
Charming the Spy
If there’s anything Joy “Rocky” Rookwood loves more than the plants she tends to at Tenwick Abbey its a challenge, that’s precisely why she’s agreed to become the latest spy in Morgan Graylocke’s household. When she’s tasked with going undercover as gardener in another house to ferret out a high-level traitor she jumps at the chance. The only fly in the ointment is that she has to take fellow botanist, and also newly minted spy, Edgar Catterson III with her as backup. Rocky and Catt rarely see eye to eye.
Edgar “Catt” Catterson III has found new purpose in his role as a spy for the crown so when the Duke of Tenwick gives him an assignment to go undercover he rises to the challenge. Too bad he has to act as assistant to his prickly friend and fellow botanist Rocky. Working with her all day in the confines of the estates hothouse is bad enough, but acting as her subordinate is almost too much to bear.
But as Rocky and Catt try to figure out exactly who the spy is, they discover something neither expected—a growing attraction to each other.
As their relationship heats up, the deadline to unmask the spy before he passes on damaging information at a masquerade ball is looming. Rocky and Catt must meet danger head on even if it means losing each other to ensure the safety of their country.
Edgar “Catt” Catterson III has found new purpose in his role as a spy for the crown so when the Duke of Tenwick gives him an assignment to go undercover he rises to the challenge. Too bad he has to act as assistant to his prickly friend and fellow botanist Rocky. Working with her all day in the confines of the estates hothouse is bad enough, but acting as her subordinate is almost too much to bear.
But as Rocky and Catt try to figure out exactly who the spy is, they discover something neither expected—a growing attraction to each other.
As their relationship heats up, the deadline to unmask the spy before he passes on damaging information at a masquerade ball is looming. Rocky and Catt must meet danger head on even if it means losing each other to ensure the safety of their country.
370 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2017
144 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Leighann Dobbs
135 books1,862 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 17, 2017
This is a continuation of the Scandals and Spies series and revolves around Rocky and Catt, who were introduced in the last book (Tempting the Rival). Rocky is a a botanist and head gardener at the Graylocke estate and Catt, also a botanist, is Gideon Graylocke's best friend. Both are new spies for the Crown in Britain's war with Napoleon. They are sent to another estate to work as gardeners while trying to find out who Monsieur V is.
Rocky and Catt both claim not to like each other; they each think the other is "pigheaded". I knew they were going to fall for each other but I enjoyed reading how their opinions about each other slowly changed while working together in Lady Belhaven's hothouse all day for weeks. Rocky is an independent woman and likes to downplay the fact that she's a woman by wearing pants and dowdy clothing. She's also quick to jump to the conclusion that all men question her abilities solely on the fact that she's female. There's a funny scene where Lady Belhaven sends them to deliver a plant/bouquet to Lady Montrose, who turns out to be a pre-marriage counselor. She assumes that Catt and Rocky are clients and starts questioning them. It does seem to clear the air a little between them and I think it paved the way for Rocky to be a little less defensive.
I liked how each of the main characters realized they cared for the other. The reason Rocky is standoffish around men is hinted at in the last few chapters of the book. I thought this book in the series didn't have as much intrigue as the previous books, it seemed to focus more on the relationship between Rocky and Catt and how they were fighting their growing attraction to each other and the intrigue of finding out who Monsieur V was secondary.
The requisite sex scene (each one of the books in this series has one) was late into the book and I thought maybe this book wouldn't have one. Again, I don't need to have the description of how and where he touches her, etc. It doesn't make the story any better and I end up skipping it.
Rocky and Catt both claim not to like each other; they each think the other is "pigheaded". I knew they were going to fall for each other but I enjoyed reading how their opinions about each other slowly changed while working together in Lady Belhaven's hothouse all day for weeks. Rocky is an independent woman and likes to downplay the fact that she's a woman by wearing pants and dowdy clothing. She's also quick to jump to the conclusion that all men question her abilities solely on the fact that she's female. There's a funny scene where Lady Belhaven sends them to deliver a plant/bouquet to Lady Montrose, who turns out to be a pre-marriage counselor. She assumes that Catt and Rocky are clients and starts questioning them. It does seem to clear the air a little between them and I think it paved the way for Rocky to be a little less defensive.
I liked how each of the main characters realized they cared for the other. The reason Rocky is standoffish around men is hinted at in the last few chapters of the book. I thought this book in the series didn't have as much intrigue as the previous books, it seemed to focus more on the relationship between Rocky and Catt and how they were fighting their growing attraction to each other and the intrigue of finding out who Monsieur V was secondary.
The requisite sex scene (each one of the books in this series has one) was late into the book and I thought maybe this book wouldn't have one. Again, I don't need to have the description of how and where he touches her, etc. It doesn't make the story any better and I end up skipping it.
April 15, 2021
Yet another installment to this series that disappointed me. It wasn't bad, but it did leave much to be desired. I was really looking forward to seeing how Rocky and Catt's relationship would develop so I can't help but feel like I've been duped. It never felt like they actually developed feelings for one another, it was just one day they both decided that they'd like to kiss and then suddenly they were in love. No thanks, that felt very lazy. Oh well.
I think I'll be leaving this series here because I don't really care for Lucy and Charlie's stories, especially if they plan to follow this pattern of disappointment like the last two have.
Y'know, I really liked Rocky and Catt's characters, but it didn't feel like they had personalities outside of plants and disliking one another (which was never really explained properly either).
((side note: that ending was so anti climactic and lackluster, really leaves me feeling unsatisfied))
I think I'll be leaving this series here because I don't really care for Lucy and Charlie's stories, especially if they plan to follow this pattern of disappointment like the last two have.
Y'know, I really liked Rocky and Catt's characters, but it didn't feel like they had personalities outside of plants and disliking one another (which was never really explained properly either).
((side note: that ending was so anti climactic and lackluster, really leaves me feeling unsatisfied))
April 17, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, Leighann Dobbs writes under Leighann Dobbs, Annie Dobbs and (soon) L.A. Dobbs but her real name {not sure if she writes under that one} is Lee Dobbins, Hazel Martin Mysteries only one I found for this type with her, she has not made sure that terms used match the British terms as well as in other areas for that period of architecture and assorted styles.
The Notch Cozy Mystery Series {5 out as of this writing} and the Blackbore Sisters Cozy Mysteries are not on Kindle Unlimited which as said before about 1 & 7 {the only ones given free, sure would not have bought them} and ditto for Ghostly Paws which is 1 of 5 at this time but did get others free over time.
While some of her other books are Kindle Unlimited none of the Blackmoore Sisters Cozy Mysteries are which doesn't matter to me as read #1 and #7 and was way underwhelmed. Leighann Dobbs writes under Leighann Dobbs, Annie Dobbs and (soon) L.A. Dobbs but her real name {not sure if she writes under that one} is Lee Dobbins, Hazel Martin Mysteries only one I found for this type with her, she has not made sure that terms used match the British terms as well as in other areas for that period of architecture and assorted styles. By the way, bakeries and other food service places don't run like that. Badly needs to proof things, it's messing up the flow of the book, which my computer reads to me, so that's bad. As for these, it's not that the situations couldn't happen, it's in the telling of the story, with unlikable unbelievable characters and situations, again.
Yet another goodreads won't hide it don't want to see the badly proofed badly plotted poor excuse for bad soft core porn crap. The 'historical' ones are like that and so are the some of the non cozy mysteries and some of the sorta but not really mysteries because can't write, etc ad nauseum. The most any of them got was 2 changed to 1 for crap cozy, some get a 1 which means basically crappy soft porn 'romance' etc.
3 in Silver Hollow Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series so far which are on kindle unlimited, 3 in the Moosamuck Island Mysteries , 5 in the Mystic Notch Cozy Mysteries so far {not ku}, Blackmore Sisters has 7 {not ku}, Hazel Martin Mysteries only has 1 so far, Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery series 12 so far is on ku. Others.including Scandals and Spies Book series so far 4 which are basically romance soft core porn dreck but hey you can get them on ku. Witches of Hawthorne Grove 1 so far,Cevonne Bride of Oklahoma, Unexpected Series 4 so far ku.
The Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery Series By the way, bakeries and other food service places don't run like that. Badly needs to proof things, it's messing up the flow of the book, which my computer reads to me, so that's bad. As for these, it's not that the situations couldn't happen, it's in the telling of the story, with unlikable unbelievable characters and situations, again.
Copy/paste fill in the blank seems to be pretty much what she is doing in her books, which wouldn't be half as bad if the plots and ploys and actions were believable at all.Just change the name for a book and maybe change the series list under, and you are right back to copy paste same old same old.
NOTE: I specifically mentioned certain of the 'books'/series were achieving soft core crap status, and specifically said which ones those were, reference AGAIN the above quoted review, and did not specifically mention the blackmore ones as that, BUT and had not mentioned that had went back and rated all no talent no plot cardboard charactered 'stories' listed above as 1 as well. I will change the original review to reflect that, but it is still a 1, and MY review of the crap stands.
The Notch Cozy Mystery Series {5 out as of this writing} and the Blackbore Sisters Cozy Mysteries are not on Kindle Unlimited which as said before about 1 & 7 {the only ones given free, sure would not have bought them} and ditto for Ghostly Paws which is 1 of 5 at this time but did get others free over time.
While some of her other books are Kindle Unlimited none of the Blackmoore Sisters Cozy Mysteries are which doesn't matter to me as read #1 and #7 and was way underwhelmed. Leighann Dobbs writes under Leighann Dobbs, Annie Dobbs and (soon) L.A. Dobbs but her real name {not sure if she writes under that one} is Lee Dobbins, Hazel Martin Mysteries only one I found for this type with her, she has not made sure that terms used match the British terms as well as in other areas for that period of architecture and assorted styles. By the way, bakeries and other food service places don't run like that. Badly needs to proof things, it's messing up the flow of the book, which my computer reads to me, so that's bad. As for these, it's not that the situations couldn't happen, it's in the telling of the story, with unlikable unbelievable characters and situations, again.
Yet another goodreads won't hide it don't want to see the badly proofed badly plotted poor excuse for bad soft core porn crap. The 'historical' ones are like that and so are the some of the non cozy mysteries and some of the sorta but not really mysteries because can't write, etc ad nauseum. The most any of them got was 2 changed to 1 for crap cozy, some get a 1 which means basically crappy soft porn 'romance' etc.
3 in Silver Hollow Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series so far which are on kindle unlimited, 3 in the Moosamuck Island Mysteries , 5 in the Mystic Notch Cozy Mysteries so far {not ku}, Blackmore Sisters has 7 {not ku}, Hazel Martin Mysteries only has 1 so far, Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery series 12 so far is on ku. Others.including Scandals and Spies Book series so far 4 which are basically romance soft core porn dreck but hey you can get them on ku. Witches of Hawthorne Grove 1 so far,Cevonne Bride of Oklahoma, Unexpected Series 4 so far ku.
The Lexy Baker Cozy Mystery Series By the way, bakeries and other food service places don't run like that. Badly needs to proof things, it's messing up the flow of the book, which my computer reads to me, so that's bad. As for these, it's not that the situations couldn't happen, it's in the telling of the story, with unlikable unbelievable characters and situations, again.
Copy/paste fill in the blank seems to be pretty much what she is doing in her books, which wouldn't be half as bad if the plots and ploys and actions were believable at all.Just change the name for a book and maybe change the series list under, and you are right back to copy paste same old same old.
NOTE: I specifically mentioned certain of the 'books'/series were achieving soft core crap status, and specifically said which ones those were, reference AGAIN the above quoted review, and did not specifically mention the blackmore ones as that, BUT and had not mentioned that had went back and rated all no talent no plot cardboard charactered 'stories' listed above as 1 as well. I will change the original review to reflect that, but it is still a 1, and MY review of the crap stands.
February 25, 2017
Five star
Read these books in order.... this is a spy series that takes place during the British war with Napoleon. It is very captivating and each book adds more pieces the puzzle of trying to apprehend the French Spy Master. Rocky and Catt are placed in the household of a member of the aristocracy who operates a nursery in her home. Being botanist, as well as newly trained British spies they are advised that the spy Master is believed to be a member of the household. It is their first priority to root him out and stop the flood of vital information to the French. Well-written, sparky and humorous.
Read these books in order.... this is a spy series that takes place during the British war with Napoleon. It is very captivating and each book adds more pieces the puzzle of trying to apprehend the French Spy Master. Rocky and Catt are placed in the household of a member of the aristocracy who operates a nursery in her home. Being botanist, as well as newly trained British spies they are advised that the spy Master is believed to be a member of the household. It is their first priority to root him out and stop the flood of vital information to the French. Well-written, sparky and humorous.
December 15, 2019
Love series but these characters lacked the magic of previous books
I have been loving this series, until this book. We had briefly met the characters in the previous story but knew little about them. And even after reading it I still dont feel I know them or that I was fully drawn into their love story. The story was fine but just lacked the chemistry and complexity of previous books.
I have been loving this series, until this book. We had briefly met the characters in the previous story but knew little about them. And even after reading it I still dont feel I know them or that I was fully drawn into their love story. The story was fine but just lacked the chemistry and complexity of previous books.
July 17, 2017
Loved every word
This one really kept me guessing. I had no I idea who the mysterious V was. It totally stunned me when his identity was revealed. I look forward to book 5 very much.
This one really kept me guessing. I had no I idea who the mysterious V was. It totally stunned me when his identity was revealed. I look forward to book 5 very much.
December 1, 2018
Charming the Spy
Your series of Scandals and Spies are amazing this the 4th book I have read the characters are exceptional and there is lot's of adventure,drama,excitement,suspense and always lot's of love 💘.Thank you for your wonderful book's.
Your series of Scandals and Spies are amazing this the 4th book I have read the characters are exceptional and there is lot's of adventure,drama,excitement,suspense and always lot's of love 💘.Thank you for your wonderful book's.
January 19, 2019
Another good in the series
The series has free standing stories that are connected by a more or less constant set of characters and spies. Each of which deal with and conquer their own and England's problem with the French. It is a joy to read them.
The series has free standing stories that are connected by a more or less constant set of characters and spies. Each of which deal with and conquer their own and England's problem with the French. It is a joy to read them.
December 18, 2019
I really love this author. I enjoyed how each book has a connection and I didn't want to put them down.
October 9, 2020
3.5 stars
October 10, 2021
Another great read
This one was full of intrigue and you do not even see the twist. Everyone has secrets and finding a spy will be hard to find.
This one was full of intrigue and you do not even see the twist. Everyone has secrets and finding a spy will be hard to find.
March 19, 2017
Charming the spy
Had lots of twists and turns and misdirection. I wonder if Ben Faulkner will actually try to harm Lucy and if he was poisoning Lady Bellaven.
Had lots of twists and turns and misdirection. I wonder if Ben Faulkner will actually try to harm Lucy and if he was poisoning Lady Bellaven.
March 8, 2017
Great story..
I enjoyed this story, Ms. Longhand has done a great job as usual. The author did a wonderful job of keeping her characters involved in the story and adventure, romance, and suspense.
I enjoyed this story, Ms. Longhand has done a great job as usual. The author did a wonderful job of keeping her characters involved in the story and adventure, romance, and suspense.
March 2, 2017
Discovered this book first and will hunt down the preceding books in this series! This book is essentially a mystery novel with romance interspersed in it, with the protagonists' romance taking a back seat to finding out who Monsieur V (French spy? Crown traitor?) is. Enjoyed it nevertheless and made me want to read more to find out about the Graylocke family of spies.
February 15, 2017
I just love stepping back in time with this series, it's like James Bond meets Jane Austen and I just love it. Catt and Rocky crack me up they fight like husband and wife but will they ever actually get that far....lol
An old worldly mystery with some thrills, spills, intrigue and a good dash of romance.
An old worldly mystery with some thrills, spills, intrigue and a good dash of romance.
April 26, 2017
Ok reading
This story did not keep me captivated. I did keep wondering who the spy was, but I was disappointed in the story.
This story did not keep me captivated. I did keep wondering who the spy was, but I was disappointed in the story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews