By Hook or By Rook

London League #4

by Rebecca Connolly

The most dangerous journeys...

Jeremy Pratt is a spy for the Crown, and one of the best. He had been in more dangerous situations than he can admit, and has always come out unscathed. But escorting his colleague’s cousin home to her family, even in disguise, just might be beyond his skills, and the temptation beyond his ability to withstand.

May be ones of the heart...

Helen Dalton is convinced there is more to this man escorting her than meets the eye, and something familiar about him, as well. There is only one man in the world who looks at her so intensely, banters with her so easily, and makes her blush so furiously. And when he manages a daring and heroic rescue, she wonders if she ever knew him at all.

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Adventure

180 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2019

About the author

I was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this one and I was so excited. I have LOVED the London League books. All are unique and have such great stories. Jeremy and Helen's love story was awesome. It was so different, he is a spy so he can't be his true self around the Ton of London. Helen thought there were sparks between them but Jeremy must retreat from the one woman who truly sees him through the disguise. There were some fun moments in this one. Moments you dream of in a good romance:} I love Connolly's books because there is a light fun side and a serious side. They always pull me and make me fall in love over and over again.

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

I loved the dynamic between Helen and Jeremy! It's a bit complicated and being caught up in the middle of a dangerous mission doesn't exactly help iron things out. Helen and Jeremy both have a deeper personality than they portray to each other during the Season, and while they shared a mutual attraction and pleasant rapport, it isn't until they discover new aspects of each other on their journey that they truly fall in love. The banter is oh-so-fun to read and the pace of the plot is kept steady with the action and adventure. Another fabulous addition to the London League series!

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

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spies. Danger. Intrigue. Romance. All of it comes together with great characters and delightful banter in Connolly’s latest London League novel.

Jeremy and Helen have great chemistry and a teasing fondness that had me grinning often. Once the kisses started I was swooning and grinning at the same time! Their banter is such fun (the kicks!!!) yet the romantic scenes sizzle with breathless tension. A great combination of tender, fun, and swoony!

The danger and intrigue are nicely done too, timed just right to build the tension and keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending will have you frantically impatient for the next book, especially if you have read the other books in the series. (Don’t worry if you haven’t though. The author does a good job of catching you up.)

Bottom Line: You’ll hold your breath for more than one reason while reading By Hook or By Rook – from swoony kisses to nail-biting danger and a last line that will have you gasping out loud. This is a delightful journey from start to finish and a quick read perfect for a summer night.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read and good set up for the next book, which I’m really looking forward to reading. Likable characters and a pleasant read. Full review to come.

Content: Clean romance, mild language and violence

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful installment to a fun series. I was excited to read this book and I was not disappointed. I'm thinking the series is worth a re-read to remind me of all the details I have forgotten.

[Rebecca Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banter between them was wonderful…

It was another great story in this series, though I would have liked it with a little more romance and also a little longer, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t love it, because I did.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Book in this series!!

I have really enjoyed each of the books in this London League series, and this book was right up there with the rest. The author does such a fantastic job with the mixture of danger/suspense in the regency era along with a sweet and swoony romance. After reading the first three books I have been so excited to know Rook’s story.

Rook, or Jeremy Pratt, is the newest of the spies for the Crown in this series, although he has been working as such for a few years. Handsome, tough, and great at being a spy, he makes a perfect hero. He is good at what he does, and yet fears making any attachments that would put anyone he cares about in danger.

Enter Helen Dalton and everything just got a whole lot more complicated. She is such a fun character! She is spunky and candid and keeps Rook on his toes from the beginning. I adored their bantering and my toes curled in delight at their swoony yet clean romance.

Then add in the intricate plot that keeps thickening from book to book and this story rose to a whole new level for me. I am now DYING to get my hands on the next book- I just HAVE to know what happens next! I don’t want to admit how much sleep I lost trying to finish this book, but I can assure you I will immediately do it over again when this next book comes out!

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Was that an equation there? Happiness plus security multiplied by love equals matrimony? Because I can tell you, that’s not how it works at all.”

4.5 stars!
Rebecca Connolly has a witty, clever, and delicious way of writing that will make you laugh, ache, and feel as the characters and their relationship are being developed. This is book 4 in the London League series but can be read as a stand alone. The author does a great job of pulling in the important historical information from the previous three books so that we can understand the backgrounds of Rook’s colleagues without having to read the other books. Rook, aka Jeremy Pratt, is a spy for the Crown in 1825 England and Helen is the favorite cousin of one of his colleague’s wives. Though secretly infatuated with Helen, Jeremy can’t let his public persona slip and can’t let Helen known of his feelings since his group of spies (London League) is being threatened. Unbeknownst to Jeremy, Helen returns his feelings but feels rebuffed when he distances himself and decides to leave London. When Jeremy is tasked to bring Helen safely to her brother’s home in York, all the fun begins. There are secrets to unearth and secrets to protect, carriage chase and gunfire, heady and incredibly tender romance, heart-wrenching angst, fun dialogue, and a cliffhanger that come together to make this book one that you can’t put down.
If you enjoy Regency spy novels, you will absolutely love this one. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

I received a copy of the book via Singing Librarian Books Tour and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spies and a love story make up for an excellent noel in Rebecca Connolly’s By Hook or by Rook. Although this story brings in characters from the other books in this series, this novel can be read as a standalone. This story is both engaging and entertaining with fun characters. The romance element is not as prominent in this novel as some of the others in the series, but is definitely worth waiting for. It’s about a spy for the crown is asked to escort his love interest and how their relationship develops within a short period of time. This is a light, quick, and enjoyable regency spy romance that readers will enjoy!

Series: London League
Genre: historical, romance, spy, regency
Publisher: Phase Publishing
Publication date: July 1, 2019
Number of pages: 183

Other books in the series:
1-The Lady and the Gent
2-A Rogue About Town
3-A Tip of the Cap

A review copy of this book was provided by the author via SLB Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Richelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously can not say enough good things about this series, I LOVE it! The mystery and intrigue continues to unfold with each book as more and more layers are discovered.

I love the playful banter between Helen and Jeremy. I won't give spoilers, but one of my favorite moments happens with both of them on either side of a closed door. It was such a sweet moment. I think that was the moment when Jeremy became very endearing and I just loved him.

Also, I must admit I loved when he gets to interrogate an attacker and the way he "rewards" that man for putting Helen in danger.

The inner struggle for Jeremy was very real and relatable, trying to come to grips with being in love and the job that he does for the Crown.

Loved Jeremy, loved Helen, and I love them even better together. 💕

I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - Mild
Violence - Mild

***This is part of a series and should be read in order, as the the spy mystery builds upon each of the past books.***

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read, it is almost a novella rather than a full length book, which was probably good for me as I think I may be getting burned out on romance and need to read something else for a while. The characters are starting to all seem alike in this series while they started out with distinct personality they seem to be blending together, but again that may just be burnout speaking. The witty dialogue was well executed, as usual for Connolly, always the best part of her books.

[Lady Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 I thought this was the weakest of the series. The plot (??) was very rushed, it was insta-love at its worst, and Rook deserved a much better storyline. I also found it boring. Shin-kicking as a form of intimacy? Really? How gross.
The whole book was mainly focused on the death of Trace which has been a constant theme throughout the series and it’s absolutely no surprise to learn that Trace, is in fact, alive and the subject of the next book.
I don’t consider this to be a spoiler as it’s been so obvious to anyone who reads mysteries since book 2.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I somehow missed that this and the fifth book were out! I absolutely loved this! I’ve missed the banter between the agents and I’ve always thought Helen was fun and Rook was charming. I really enjoyed reading this and I look forward to Trace’s story and really hope Sphinx gets one too.

[Kayla Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was shorter than the others and seemed to make the plot feel rushed. I really didn’t feel like there was enough of Helen and Jeremy’s interaction in the other books to warrant how fast their affection grew- overall it seemed to lack depth.

[Deidra Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremy and Helen are so much fun, it's a short but sweet story that helps connect the series and solves the mystery of Trace, sort of.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jeremy 🙂 my only complaint is that the book was so short - I never want the London league novels to end ::sigh:: 🥰

[Shale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the London League series, with passionate romance, adventure, danger, secrets, and stupidity in the name of love. (isn't always?)

Helen is on her third season and escapes to York because she kept giving hints to one Mr. Pratt who was acting like a dunce and didn't court her or anything. Stupid men. Lo and behold she figures out the man accompany her is the very person she was leaving!

Gent asks Rook a favor-- to accompany Helen to her destination because the road to York is dangerous. Turns out Rook has a lot more on his plate than the others know about-- public life, spy life, and secret assignment from Weaver life.

I enjoyed getting to see Rafe's and Margaret's married life from outsiders and from Helen who knows nothing of Rafe's spy life. To see him in more of a brotherly role was amazing. (Also got a kick out of the 10 seconds reference)

Jeremy was fun and I loved his and Helen's interactions. He's actually quite accomplished with interrogations, he can always spot a lie, and quite a crack shot! I wished I has seen more fop and peacock routine that Rook's famous for-- we never really got that between his and Helen's interactions. We've heard about it in previous books but never actually...witnessed it. That's something I had wished for and was not delivered.

Other than that it lived up to the hype and expectations and I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT BOOK.

THERE'S A SECRET AT THE END WHICH I CALLED BACK IN BOOK ONE AND AM SO EXCITED TO READ IT. REBECCA I NEEED IT RIGHT NOW.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

I loved this story!!! Each one in the series just keeps getting better & better & I can’t wait for the next one! I actually won’t to go back & read the others in the series as of course so many characters from previous books are mentioned. You DEFINITELY need to read these books in sequence! It won’t make as much sense otherwise & there will be spoilers if you don’t. I love how Ms. Connolly has designed a spy series with so much suspense but next to no violence! I really don’t like it when you need to read through suspenseful situations with a lot of gory details. The other thing I really appreciate about Ms. Connolly’s book is that they’re clean reads... even though they’re romance novels. Although there are still plenty swoon-worthy kisses. I just love this series. From the conversation & interactions between all of the main character & because of the era it’s set in. All of it makes for a very happy & contented reader right here. I can definitely recommend this book & in fact all of Ms. Connolly’s books.

[Diane Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A real disappointment!

I loved the other books in this series but had to force myself to finish this book. If I didn't know better, I would have thought it was written by another author. There was absolutely no plot. The first 60 percent of the book was a carriage ride that was filled with romantic drivel that you would expect in a cheap romance novel. The most interesting part of the book was the last page which is a cliff hanger to get you to buy the next book in the series. But why would you want to read another one when the author seems to run out of creative plot lines for a spy series.

[Emily Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the London League books and was super excited to get to read this one as well. I can honestly say that I LOVED it just as much as the others. So all good things here.

While this book is about a spy, who just happens to meet the girl of his dreams while working a job, there is plenty of adventure, actions, and more than a few fun, humor filled moments blended in as well.

This is another clean, and fun historical romance/intriguing spy novel worth the read.

[Laura B · Rating 3 out of 5]

By Hook or By Rook is the 4th book in the London League series; it is a six-part story about a group of spies set during the Regency period. The books are in the sweet, clean, lighthearted romance genre. If you are interested in these books, it is better to start at the beginning (The Lady and the Gent) because each book builds upon another. However, they can be read as stand-a-alone novels, but I do not suggest it.

I am rather enjoying this series, but they are not perfect books. They are predictable, which to me, is expected because they are romance novels. They all follow a formula, and in this case it works. However predictable these books can be, I think if you go in knowing that these are fun romances novels, and not anything “deep” then you may enjoy them. I personally like the characters of the spies; they are well developed. Having said that, the heroine, Helen, in this story was not. She just seems like a shallow, spoiled brat. I do not know what Rook sees in her. It could be because she wasn’t well developed. We did not know any backstory to her. Not what her childhood was about, or anything similar to that, such as motivation other than she wants to be happy. But who doesn’t?

What saved the story was Rook, and his character arc, as well as some exciting action. His investigations were interesting, and how he approached everything, including his relationship with Helen.

Because this is a sweet, clean romance the only affection shared by the couple are kisses, and there wasn’t much of that. The HEA is satisfying, but it does end on a cliffhanger. It really entices you to read the next in the series, Fall from Trace.

I give this a 3*** rating only because Helen was not a likeable character, and not well defined. But it is enjoyable for what it’s supposed to be. But to me romances work when we know the hero and heroine thoroughly and the chemistry between them spark, but when that is lacking, it makes the story not satisfying to read. I’m glad I read it because it does add to the series, and Rook is very likeable. Recommended, especially if you’re interested in the series.

[Miriamgreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing
Of all of the London league books this was not only the weakest but the most boring

“ without this excitement.
Without this …this…
Whatever this was “

Just about sums up, the plotting page turned by turn
Shin kicking ?? Sighing, screeching, sputtering-the narrative was a bit mindless and not up to what Connolly usually provides her readers
This book was not worthy of the series and beyond that not worthy of the author
And the book was not really about Rook
so much as a set piece for the next title concerning Trace— the agent mentioned throughout all previous titles who had disappeared five years previously, and at the final page was announced to be alive
Yet the author chose Rook to uncover the secrets files in a bench under a tree when all previous attempts to find that cache in the repeatedly plundered home of .Alex Somerville aka Trace
Rook deserved his own book, his own love story which was also subpar totally overshadowed by unsubtle hints woven through the entire plot of what had happened to the missing agent Trace.
There were some interesting bursts of the plot, but it was uneven. The long trip to York with the expected attack on the carriage and the follow on distasteful interrogation was seemingly a gratuitous dropped in to add to what was essentially a boring plot .

Overall,
The entire series draws one in and you begin to become so familiar that you enjoy spending time with each of the characters. That only made it more disappointing.
I don’t think I will read anymore of this series as this was so far below the reading enjoyment of previous titles

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, SPIES, HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Rebecca Connolly is collecting 5 STARS for each of the Books, like #4 in the wonderful fast paced Regency Era Historical Romance Spy Drama Series: The London League. Plus she provides a good BLURB.

Great characters with detailed personalities & some carried over from previous books in this series which gives the storyline that much more of a richer deeper sensitivity to it. Lots of action & emotions with some history of the era thrown in. Also some description of some areas in England.

We the regular readers get to catch up on a Captain's romance of a Lady for several years culminating to a solution as his Lady is a close friend of Helen & her cousin. Helen has decided to travel to York to visit her oldest brother and her cousin husband arranged for a man Mr Perry to accompany her. However, her guard is really Jeremy Pratt, a Fop of society that she really has feelings for & he does for her.

It is going to be an interesting ride to York. Further, it is going to be quite uncomfortable & difficult for Rook, because though he is skilled at disguise Helen takes his concentration away from himself. It is hard work looking out for bandit & traitors attacking the coach without letting Helen know.

This is a tale of intrigue & romantic love. I truly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down.

RECOMMEND

[Jamie Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest Connection Beats Out Flirtation

To Society, Rook is known as the darling dandy who's debonair, charming and a fopish flirt, Mr. Pratt . . . and his best flirtatious, sparring partner is Helen Dalton, the cousin of Lady Marlowe - wife of Lord Marlowe (aka The Gent). So, when The Gent asks Rook to do a favor for him: escort the Miss Dalton to York & ensure her safety as she travels to her brother's house; deep down, he knows he should refuse, but he's unable to resist.
Disguising himself as a hired escort, Rook is just biding his time until he can get her to her family without losing his sanity in the process. However, Helen is clever & intelligent and soon realises why this escort is so familiar to her - he's the very man she has flirted shamelessly with over the past year. During this coach ride, Helen quickly realizes that the man in front of her is not Society's flirtatious Mr. Pratt, nor is he the man hired by her overbearing cousin by marriage; but she is coming to realize that he's Jeremy - a man who is so much more than she thought or imagined. Will this coach ride bring about new possibilities or will everything come crashing to a halt??

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the witty dialogue in this fourth London League book. The characters were enjoyable and I loved the verbal sparring. It's a quick read full of romance and action that continues the investigation of French spies and the presumed dead spy Trace. Looking forward to the fifth book in the series.

[Amanda Croshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

hooked by rook

Rook was a fascinating character. It was great to finally read Helen’s love story and as has been weaving in and out for books now. The layout of the book was different and felt by with the drive and the attack.
Jeremy and Helen’s banter was hilarious and their chemistry just dropped off the pages as soon as they were both in the coach. Great read

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Jeremy and Helen’s story as I have all of the stories in this series by Rebecca Connolly. I now very much look forward to Trace’s story which I feel has been building throughout the entire series. I have a feeling it will be intense.

[Margo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for another pairing of spy and woman in need of one. The author continues to roll out her larger story arc of the threat of a French faction, and various of the League members get woven in, as in the other books.

[Connie Skief · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series is addictive

Great series of heroes who fall in love and become better than they were. Excellent characters and ongoing plot through the thread of each individual love story is a greater spy story. Highly recommended for all readers.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been hooked!

The London League has had me hooked from book one! I can't wait to start the next in the series. The characters are fun and interesting! The plots are exciting! I suggest reading them in order for the best effect. 😊