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Taking Love and Law Seriously

Lady Josephine Bradley, the second daughter of the Duke of Rothenbury, loves her life as the center of the English nobility. But when her best friend is mysteriously killed, she finds herself recruited to be a lady spy due to her connections. She must quickly learn to navigate a world she never imagined, filled with secrets, lies, and a forbidden spymaster who fills her thoughts.

Charles Gilbert expertly serves the Crown as London’s spymaster, so when he recruits Lady Josephine, he’s certain he can manage the young debutante. The problem is she’s determined to do whatever it takes to solve her friend’s murder, even if it derail his plans. Nothing seems to deter her, not even sinister threats, highway robbery, or kidnapping.

Can Charles discover whose behind the mysterious deaths in London? Will Josephine accidentally tip off the murderer? And will she pick a spy over the proper match her father wants for her?
******
The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes and many others as they weave captivating, sweet and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them.

The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.

** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, in a mini-series, and you can read them in any order.

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2020

42 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Jenna Brandt

128 books629 followers
Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she has created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement as well as Border Brides and Playing for Keeps. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.


She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association.

Writing is her passion, but Jenna also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Jenna’s three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,087 reviews132 followers
February 19, 2020
A spy. Her friend Lady Isadora had been spying for the newspaper editor. But wait, Mr Charles Gilbert, really wasn't just a newspaper editor, he was a spy for the Crown. Really? Oh yes and with Josephine just having seen her friend Lady Isadora be murdered, yes she would help. Help to find the culprit who was blackmailing some of the nobility and merchant class, including her friend's father.
Murder, suspense, intrigue, spies, romance and two unexpected characters, Charles and Josephine, who would not have usually come together, work to find the blackmailer.
I loved every page and could not wait to see what would happen! The very talented Jenna Brandt can go from a western to contemporary to Victorian England in a flash and create an amazing storyline without missing a beat! Loved, loved this book and I know you will too!
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,668 reviews18 followers
February 29, 2020
Lawfully convert

I loved Josephine, she wanted to find out who killed her friend. Will she be able to? She meets Charles who also wants to find who the killer is. They do become more than friends but she is engaged. A very interesting, suspenseful story. I enjoyed it very much. I did not suspect at all who the killer was.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books49 followers
February 15, 2020
Exceptional book! I really loved the characters especially Josephine, her pluck to the matter at hand had me cheering. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Spies, murder and romance makes this story a must read!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,426 reviews5 followers
February 17, 2020
A different kind of story for me. Lots of intrigue, secrets and new love. Two people Charles and Josephine are spys for the crown. Charles came up from nothing, but loves his undercover job to help the crown find the blackmailers to the crown. Josephine got into it because her friend was murdered. HEA.
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,602 reviews241 followers
June 8, 2020
Who doesn't love a good spy novel? This was a fun, quick read that takes place during the Victorian era - the heroine finds out her best friend was murdered because she was a spy and resolves to become a spy too in order to find her killer. The plot was somewhat predictable but unique and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
7,070 reviews175 followers
March 4, 2020
A LADY AND A SPYMASTER

The Lawkeeper Romance stories are each written to be stand-alone stories, and some will interact or have people from previous stories. It is a multi-author venture like a mini-series that can be read in any order. “The Lawkeepers is a world like no other, a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.” The stories are clean, wholesome tales with honorable men and the strong women who love them.

In this story by Ms. Jenna Brandt, it will take place in England and will bring a spymaster for the Queen needing to have someone on the inside of royalty helping. Charles Gilbert has been using Lady Isadora to try and find out who was blackmailing members of the peerage. But a quick exchange between Charles and Isadora at the theater will have Lady Josephine questioning her friend about the liaison. Before the night is over, Isadora is dead, and Josephine knows she must learn more about the man she was meeting.

The story will have Lady Josephine pursuing Charles Gilbert for answers and finding herself taking Lady Isadora’s place as a spy for the Queen. She had three names that she must determine if they are innocent or guilty, and in the process, trying to avoid the advances of Duncan. The game of cat and mouse is dangerous, and Charles doesn’t like placing Josephine in the path of a potential killer. The deeper into the case she dwells, the more danger she places herself in. Now she has received a threatening note.

“Proper ladies shouldn’t behave the way you are.
Stop what you’re doing, Lady Josephine, or you’ll regret it.”

The story will also have Charles and Josephine developing feelings for each other. He has devoted over ten years working as a spy, and she has no desire to marry—but maybe that is changing. When she is kidnapped, how far will Charles go to help find her? What will happen when he professed his love for her? Does she feel the same way? What about her father? And what about the Queen?

The story has many ups and downs as the whodunit culprit is revealed, and lives are on the line. When it is all said and done, the threat neutralized and the case solved, what will happen between Charles and Josephine?

“I’ve come to realize; I don’t want to marry a nobleman and live a pampered life without adventure. I want to spend my life with the rough, rogue spy who managed to steal my heart.”
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews72 followers
February 18, 2020
ONE MESMERIZING BLOCK BUSTER!!!
Bushwhacked! Jenna delivers one enthusiastic gem from the start, ramping up the exuberance and adrenaline, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. Add angst, bedlam, intrigue, mounting suspense and treacherous situations along with a double-dose of calamity, make for one chart topping, prize winning adventure. A raging vortex of inexplicable events and baffling circumstances, throw this bad boy into a churning tempest, blowing this little fella into a tailspin with an unbelievable, mind-blowing culmination. The attraction and chemistry sizzles as each layer is peeled back exposing a deep connection and amplifying affections, binding them together perfectly. Unveiling the trials and tribulations, shocking twists and startling turns, along with astounding twists and harrowing turns, jolting our characters off kilter, testing them in ways they could have never imagined. The personalities are well matched and blend together smoothly. The characters and scenes are so colorfully descriptive to give you a full understanding and realism that blend and flows smoothly. Remarkable job Jenna, thanks for sharing this incredible jewel with us.
Profile Image for Jane.
1,332 reviews47 followers
February 17, 2020
Lawfully Covert is part of The Lawkeepers series. Jenna Brandt successfully develops the relationship between the main characters in a short book. She seems to be knowledgeable about the time period of the book, a time of Lords and Ladies, horse-drawn carriages and indoor privies in the homes of the wealthy. She also seems knowledgeable of espionage of the time. A mystery surrounding blackmail and a death with some romance thrown in, I found the book to be an enjoyable 2-hour read, great for an afternoon. I will say there was something about the character who ended up being the guilty party that I didn’t like or trust from the start.
There would not be a problem adding Lawfully Covert to my k-12 Christian School library. I would be appropriate for eighth grade and up.
I received a complimentary e-copy of Lawfully Covert. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy Anderson.
149 reviews35 followers
February 18, 2020
A great regency spy thriller! Jenna Brandt is a new author to me but I am now a fan. I enjoy Romantic Suspense and this Book doesn’t disappoint.

“A look like admiration filled his eyes as he stood up from his seat and came around to where she was standing.”

“She could tell he believed what he was saying. She didn’t know anything about spies or what they did, but it sounded plausible. Could he be telling the truth?”

There are so many times I held my breath as the danger escalated in the story.

You won’t be disappointed.

This book is part of The Lawkeepers Series.
It is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations.


I was provided an ARC by the author. I was not required to post a review and there was no compensation exchanged. The options expressed are my own.
1,806 reviews34 followers
February 18, 2020
So much fun to read a spy story set in England that has characters among the rich and nobles! Usually you just think of spy stories set during war times but not so! Charles is a spy for the Crown but his "cover" job is editor of a newspaper. He has informants all over but one of them, a woman of the English nobility, is killed and her best friend, Josephine, wants to take her place! She is determined to find out how her friend was killed. That means Jo will become a spy and Charles doesn't know if Jo is up to the task but he quickly learns she is very smart and clever! I enjoyed both of these characters and found them realistic. As they try to find out who the blackmailer & killer is, they put their lives in danger! What will Jo do when she discovers who the criminal is and will Charles be able to save her? The story is fascinating and fun to read!
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,918 reviews47 followers
February 23, 2020
I love this author - She always writes intriguing and amazing stories. She can write in any time period - and owns it. This story is set in England. Lady Josephine Bradley, is recruited by the London Spymaster, Charles Gilbert due to her connections. I think the funniest thing was that Charles thought Lady Josephine would be easy to manage.... I can totally relate to her -- She goes off grid - and wants to find out who murdered her friend.

This book will take you on an adventure. It is well written, with original characters. The author has put in twists and turns. It will keep you guessing.

This book is part of The Lawkeepers Series.
It is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations.

I was provided an ARC by the author. -- all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
427 reviews9 followers
February 17, 2020
This is one of my favorite novella's I have read of Ms. Brandt's. I don't usually like how short a novella is, I feel like I get a rushed story that isn't fleshed out. But this book is not like that, you get an entire very interesting romantic suspense. The main characters Josephine and Charles as well as the minor characters are brought to life in a way that keeps you engaged and wondering who the blackmailer is. I would enjoy reading more books in this series if they all are as complete as this one. A totally great story that I recommend to those who like a historical romantic suspense.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher, this review is my own honest opinion.
4,720 reviews41 followers
February 18, 2020
Two thumbs up for this one.
Charles has met his match with sweet Josephine. This unlikely pair set out to solve a mystery that involves blackmail, murder, and a kidnapping. Oh yes, there is danger and everything comes to a head at the ending of this tale. Charles our spymaster is a super character and Josephine is one spunky lady. Even when her family puts up a roadblock she with a little help from fate finds herself back where she belonged. I loved the action and drama. The villain was great and the love story beautiful. This charmer gets high marks from this reader. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Jill Anna  Freeman.
549 reviews10 followers
February 23, 2020
” Lawfully Covert The Lawkeepers “ by Jenna Brandt is a tale of one Lady Josephine Bradley, the second daughter of the Duke of Rothenbury...who is recruited as a spy for the Crown ...when her friend.... Lady Isadora...is mysteriously murdered...and England’s premier spymaster Charles Gilbert...who recruited Lady Josephine ...has quite a spirited young miss on his hands...whom nothing will daunt her in her quest for the truth of her friend’s untimely demise ...even if it thwarts his plans. Will Lady Josephine be successful?!? Will Charles and Josephine have a HEA?!? Read and See!!! Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book
5,032 reviews32 followers
February 18, 2020
Lady Josephine is shocked when a friend is found murdered and wants to help in any way that she can so when she is ask to help investigate by becoming a spy she is only too happy to assist. Clark recruits her and as they work together to help find the killer they grow closer but her father as someone else in mind for her. This will keep you on pins and needles as you read and try to figure out who the killer will turn out to be.
I received this from the author and I volunteered my honest and unbiased opinion.
90 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2020
Josephine is the daughter of a Duke and is attending the theater with friends when her best friend dies from an accident. Or, was it an accident? She remembers seeing her friend speaking to a mysterious man just a few minutes before Isadora fell. Was he involved? Charles is a spy for the Crown, and was working as a newspaper editor as cover. He recruits Josephine to help him solve the case he had been working on with Isadora. Along the way, they have to fight their growing attraction to each other. This is a great story with lots of suspense. I give it 5 Stars
Profile Image for Glenda.
281 reviews24 followers
February 28, 2020
What can I say, Jenna Brandt is definitely at the top of my list of authors! Lawfully Covert is an interesting story with murder, intrigue, attraction and love all within the pages. Josephine loses her best friend but finds the man of her dreams. I was caught up with the characters and read this in 24 hours! This is a book I can freely recommend to everyone from my granddaughters to my mother without worry about the content😀. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
February 18, 2020
This was a very enjoyable read. Ms. Brandt does a good job of pulling you in quickly and creating characters that you care about. The Spy Lawkeeper is an interesting niche but works well. Ms. Brandt seems to have done her homework and makes all of the espionage believable. The romance was really sweet and I loved that Josephine had so much gumption when she believed in what she was doing.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
754 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2020
Who could it be

Determined to find out what happened to her friend, she finds herself a spy on her noble peerage. He's a spy for the crown, cant fall for her as shes out of his class and is working for him. This story is full of intriguing events as she gets closer to finding out who is guilty. I couldn't put this book down...definitely one of those "just one more chapter" books.
4,609 reviews33 followers
Read
February 18, 2020
How hard it must have been to have had a curious nature and be so restricted by the society’s rules for the behavior of young ladies. Josephine certainly didn’t want to completely ruin her reputation but she did want to know who and why her best friend had been killed. Charles has a duty to the crown but is drawn to Josephine. This is a fun mystery with just the right amount of intrigue and romance.
Profile Image for Joan.
1,363 reviews
February 19, 2020
Mystery, suspense, and excitement

This is an exciting adventure. Sometimes spies have all the fun! Maybe scary and dangerous fun. Josephine and Charles are a stubborn pair. It was great to see their feelings for each other grow and develop, although it didn’t seem possible for them to be together. Lawfully Covert is a fun and exciting book with plenty of mystery and suspense and a touch of romance.
2,358 reviews11 followers
February 19, 2020
In this concealed hunt to find the person endangering the Crown and to also find a murderer, we have two well matched characters working together towards success not only in their mission but also in their mutual feelings for each other.
It is a nicely written story with fresh, interesting characters and a great plot so I am happy to recommend it.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and this is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
387 reviews13 followers
February 23, 2020
A blend of mystery intrigue, suspense and murder. When her best friend is murdered, Josephine goes on a mission to find the killer and is ready to do whatever it takes to find the killer. Add in a spy who isn't quite sure how to handle her strong will, this book is an interesting ride with awesome twists and turns. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
Profile Image for Gina.
2,444 reviews33 followers
March 5, 2020
Worth the risk

When Josephine' s friend gets killed she demands that Charles, newspaper editor and spy for the queen, give her answers. He is totally taken by surprise when Josephine confronts him about a meeting she saw he an her friend had at the theatre. Meek Josephine is a force to be reckoned with. When a killer and blackmailter are closer than they think, they not only risk their lives but their hearts too.
Profile Image for SJ Garrison.
652 reviews
February 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. I was on pins and needles to see who was behind the death of Josephine's best friend. I read this book in a day, just could not let it rest till I knew the answers of this intriguing book. If you like clean, suspenseful, fun reads, I highly recommend 'Lawfully Covert'.
I received this book from the publisher. The thought and comments are my own.
1,217 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2020
I really enjoyed Josephine and Charles's story! I had suspicions about who it was before Charles and Josephine did, so wasn't surprised to find out I was right! Loved the way Charles came to her rescue, though!! Great read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Profile Image for Shebb.
807 reviews
February 19, 2020
I enjoyed reading Lady Josephine's story as she tried to undercover the mystery surrounding her friend's death, a journey which led her into the path of Charles Gilbert.

Charles was swoony, with his kind heart, strong instincts, protective nature and willingness to give his all, even if it killed him.

Oh, and Duncan was so creepy!! No one wants to be ogled by your friend's intended. 😝
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,399 reviews29 followers
February 26, 2020
This is the first book by Jenna Brandt that I have read. It was an fast easy read with fun characters. I loved the ideas of spies and a noblewoman being invited in to help tract down a blackmailer. I also loved the romance that developed between the main characters and that things worked out well in the end.
Profile Image for Cindy Edwards.
324 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2020
I don't normally read Victorian romance, but gave it a try because I have been enjoying other books in the series. Jenna drew me in and made me care about what happened to Charles and Josephine. Worth the read!
682 reviews10 followers
February 23, 2020
An amazing read that kept me captivated from the beginning to the last page. The story flows great as well as the Characters are brought out so well. As I read the scenes are brought out so well I could picture the scenes in my minds eye. I definitely recommend this read.
Shauna Joesten
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews