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Agents of the Home Office #1
Secrets of Lady Lucy
It’s never easy keeping secrets…
Only her desire to crush the Crown’s enemies could induce Lady Lucy Stanford to endure another Season. For years she has worked secretly for the Home Office, and she has come to London with one purpose: foil the attempted kidnapping of a highly valuable target, identity unknown. Inconveniently, Lord Harrington—Lucy’s brother and guardian—has other plans. He won’t be satisfied until she is at long last married.
He never forgets a face…
After years on the Continent, Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton, returns to England in need of a wife. He should not be surprised when his best friend Harrington’s sister recaptures his attention. But there’s more to the woman Lady Lucy has become than the delightful girl Blake remembers. When she takes an unexpected jaunt to the country during the height of the Season, Blake is determined to know why—and to discover all Lady Lucy’s secrets.
Unwilling to give up her patriotic mission for marriage, Lucy is conflicted when she meets the enigmatic Lord Devonton. She never expected to feel this way about a man again.
When the ransom demand comes due—will it be for Lady Lucy’s heart?
Only her desire to crush the Crown’s enemies could induce Lady Lucy Stanford to endure another Season. For years she has worked secretly for the Home Office, and she has come to London with one purpose: foil the attempted kidnapping of a highly valuable target, identity unknown. Inconveniently, Lord Harrington—Lucy’s brother and guardian—has other plans. He won’t be satisfied until she is at long last married.
He never forgets a face…
After years on the Continent, Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton, returns to England in need of a wife. He should not be surprised when his best friend Harrington’s sister recaptures his attention. But there’s more to the woman Lady Lucy has become than the delightful girl Blake remembers. When she takes an unexpected jaunt to the country during the height of the Season, Blake is determined to know why—and to discover all Lady Lucy’s secrets.
Unwilling to give up her patriotic mission for marriage, Lucy is conflicted when she meets the enigmatic Lord Devonton. She never expected to feel this way about a man again.
When the ransom demand comes due—will it be for Lady Lucy’s heart?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2019
277 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ann Smith
53 books170 followersRachel Ann Smith writes steamy historical romances with a twist. Her debut series, Agents of the Home Office, features female protagonists that defy convention.
When Rachel isn’t writing, she loves to read and spend time with the family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, on the sidelines of the soccer field in the spring and fall or curled up on the couch during the winter months.
She currently lives in Colorado with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.
Visit Rachel's website for updates on cover reveals and new releases - www.rachelannsmith.com
When Rachel isn’t writing, she loves to read and spend time with the family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, on the sidelines of the soccer field in the spring and fall or curled up on the couch during the winter months.
She currently lives in Colorado with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.
Visit Rachel's website for updates on cover reveals and new releases - www.rachelannsmith.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 4, 2019
Pride & Prejudice with a Titillating Twist
I do love secrets! In a time when damsels are in distress and Lords rule the roost, Lady Lucy has a secret. Despite her delicate exterior, she is an agent of a covert operation whose purpose is to keep safe those who are targeted. If only her blasted brother weren't trying to marry her off. She's managed to maintain her distance from potential suitors, until the dashing Earl of Devonton, or Blake, gets under her skin. He has a magnificent way of charming and teasing her, calling her every bluff no matter how determined she is to resist his advances.
After a sweet and spicy seduction, he explains her v-status as such. "Your virtue is intact; however, your innocence is ... well ... I'd say you are more enlightened." Yeah, enlightened and loving it!
A great read for regency and historical romance fans.
I do love secrets! In a time when damsels are in distress and Lords rule the roost, Lady Lucy has a secret. Despite her delicate exterior, she is an agent of a covert operation whose purpose is to keep safe those who are targeted. If only her blasted brother weren't trying to marry her off. She's managed to maintain her distance from potential suitors, until the dashing Earl of Devonton, or Blake, gets under her skin. He has a magnificent way of charming and teasing her, calling her every bluff no matter how determined she is to resist his advances.
After a sweet and spicy seduction, he explains her v-status as such. "Your virtue is intact; however, your innocence is ... well ... I'd say you are more enlightened." Yeah, enlightened and loving it!
A great read for regency and historical romance fans.
January 9, 2023
Lady Lucy sure has a few secrets. While helping the Home Office in its covert missions she meets a most interesting old acquaintance. When he soon becomes not only the object of her affection but also her mission, lines seem to blur in this romantic mystery.
September 1, 2019
Series: Agents of the Home Office #1
Publication Date: 9/18/19
Number of Pages: 282
Agents of the Home Office is this author’s debut series and she has gotten off to a great start with Secrets of Lady Lucy . The characters are fun and interesting, the story is fast-paced and the mystery is . . . well . . . it isn’t exactly solved because I’m assuming it will run throughout all of the books of the series. We meet characters and I’m assuming hints of couples for future books – and I can’t wait to learn more about them. I also hope we’ll get to visit with Blake and Lucy again in future books – just to check-in and see how they are doing.
In this book, we have a plethora of agents for both the Foreign Office and the Home Office – some know that the others are agents and others don’t. Everybody has their own secret life it seems. The Foreign Office and the Home Office seem to be playing in the same sandbox and are using different rules for the game. Then, there is the mysterious ‘head’ of the Foreign Office that nobody seems to know his identity. There are definitely a LOT of questions left hanging and I can’t wait to find out the answers and I’ll be really disappointed should they not be forthcoming.
Lady Lucy Stanford’s twin brother, Matthew, Marquess Harrington, has spent months coercing Lucy to come to London and participate in some of the season’s events. It is his desire that she finds love and marriage and he knows that won’t happen with her vegetating away in the country. Unbeknownst to her brother, Lucy is an agent for the Home Office and has completed many missions for them. One of her skills is creating and breaking codes.
Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton, best friends with Matthew, met Lucy when she was about twelve and he’s never forgotten her. He spent a summer break from Eton with Matthew and it was one of the most memorable of his life. Blake has just returned to London from the continent where he has been during the war and since the war. He was working for the Foreign office – making maps and providing invaluable information to the troops. Now, he needs to get his estates in order and find a wife. Since he has never been able to forget her, maybe Lucy is the perfect candidate.
Lucy meets Bake at a ball and each is intrigued with the other, but since Lucy isn’t in the least interested in courting or marriage, she does her best to ignore the strange feelings he invokes. As he spends more time with her – and with her brother – she gets to know him better and appreciates the amount of time he spends with her lonely eight-year-old younger brother. While she still doesn’t intend to marry, she does hold him in regard.
Several coded missives are intercepted and given to Lucy to decode – and when she does, she realizes that Blake might be the target of a kidnapping plot and she fully intends to keep him safe.
Lucy and Blake are off on an adventure and manage to find their HEA along the way. I really enjoyed meeting both of them and look forward to checking in on them occasionally in future books in the series.
As I mentioned earlier, there are lots of things I was left wondering about, but I am assuming that they are part of an ongoing plot throughout the series. So, hopefully, I’ll have answers eventually.
I hope you’ll read and enjoy this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 9/18/19
Number of Pages: 282
Agents of the Home Office is this author’s debut series and she has gotten off to a great start with Secrets of Lady Lucy . The characters are fun and interesting, the story is fast-paced and the mystery is . . . well . . . it isn’t exactly solved because I’m assuming it will run throughout all of the books of the series. We meet characters and I’m assuming hints of couples for future books – and I can’t wait to learn more about them. I also hope we’ll get to visit with Blake and Lucy again in future books – just to check-in and see how they are doing.
In this book, we have a plethora of agents for both the Foreign Office and the Home Office – some know that the others are agents and others don’t. Everybody has their own secret life it seems. The Foreign Office and the Home Office seem to be playing in the same sandbox and are using different rules for the game. Then, there is the mysterious ‘head’ of the Foreign Office that nobody seems to know his identity. There are definitely a LOT of questions left hanging and I can’t wait to find out the answers and I’ll be really disappointed should they not be forthcoming.
Lady Lucy Stanford’s twin brother, Matthew, Marquess Harrington, has spent months coercing Lucy to come to London and participate in some of the season’s events. It is his desire that she finds love and marriage and he knows that won’t happen with her vegetating away in the country. Unbeknownst to her brother, Lucy is an agent for the Home Office and has completed many missions for them. One of her skills is creating and breaking codes.
Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton, best friends with Matthew, met Lucy when she was about twelve and he’s never forgotten her. He spent a summer break from Eton with Matthew and it was one of the most memorable of his life. Blake has just returned to London from the continent where he has been during the war and since the war. He was working for the Foreign office – making maps and providing invaluable information to the troops. Now, he needs to get his estates in order and find a wife. Since he has never been able to forget her, maybe Lucy is the perfect candidate.
Lucy meets Bake at a ball and each is intrigued with the other, but since Lucy isn’t in the least interested in courting or marriage, she does her best to ignore the strange feelings he invokes. As he spends more time with her – and with her brother – she gets to know him better and appreciates the amount of time he spends with her lonely eight-year-old younger brother. While she still doesn’t intend to marry, she does hold him in regard.
Several coded missives are intercepted and given to Lucy to decode – and when she does, she realizes that Blake might be the target of a kidnapping plot and she fully intends to keep him safe.
Lucy and Blake are off on an adventure and manage to find their HEA along the way. I really enjoyed meeting both of them and look forward to checking in on them occasionally in future books in the series.
As I mentioned earlier, there are lots of things I was left wondering about, but I am assuming that they are part of an ongoing plot throughout the series. So, hopefully, I’ll have answers eventually.
I hope you’ll read and enjoy this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 7, 2019
I completely loved this book, Rachel Ann’s debut series has started with a real bang, it’s a brilliantly paced, fun, engaging and highly intriguing. I do love a good mystery thrown into a romance, and I have to say that Rachel Ann Smith has done a fabulous job at creating the mystery that runs through the story – and I am assuming into the next – she never lets up on the tension, the drama and it did keep me turning the pages.
Lucy hates the prospect of having to endure yet another season, but she has a mission one that she can only achieve by being in the one place she hates the most amongst society and the ton. You see our Lady Lucy isn’t just your run of the mill debutante she is actually secret agent for the crown, she has worked tirelessly for years in her role decoding messages for the home office and the only reason she is suffering through another season is to thwart a kidnapping, the only problem with that is that Lucy doesn’t know who the victim is.
But our Lucy has another issue she must deal with and that is that she is facing the fate of most woman in the ton , she is facing the prospect of an arranged marriage as her guardian and twin; Lord Harrington is frustrated that Lucy isn’t married yet, he wants his sister to be happy which means he intends on finding her a husband.
Blake – who I love – has returned to England after years of being away at war, our gorgeous Blake used to make maps for the foreign office and for the troops, but now he is back on home soil he suddenly needs a wife, he needs to sort out his estates after so long neglected and to help him in his challenge he needs a wife by his side. Blake and Lucy’s brother were at Eton together, during one summer Blake and Lucy met and it was an encounter that has stayed with both of them for the rest of their lives, which is why Blake thinks that Lucy will be the perfect wife.
But, she has other plans and isn’t suddenly about to swayed from what she must do by an attractive man from her past, but she can’t stop herself from feeling incredibly attracted to the handsome Earl, but really she has admission and he is becoming a hindrance, until a twist in the story has them pushed together and off on a whirl wind, thrilling adventure. I loved getting know Lucy and Blake, they are a brilliant couple, both ae hugely intelligent, independent and very engaging couple who you will instantly love and will on to their happily ever after.
This is a spicy and intelligently written romance, that is full of mystery, I did hugely enjoy it, but as I said at the beginning of this review there are a lot of unanswered questions, there are certain parts of the story that really needed to be resolved, but I am assuming that all these questions and mysteries will be continued and answered throughout the series and if so it is going to be very cleverly written, only time will tell, but I am really looking forward to reading more.
Lucy hates the prospect of having to endure yet another season, but she has a mission one that she can only achieve by being in the one place she hates the most amongst society and the ton. You see our Lady Lucy isn’t just your run of the mill debutante she is actually secret agent for the crown, she has worked tirelessly for years in her role decoding messages for the home office and the only reason she is suffering through another season is to thwart a kidnapping, the only problem with that is that Lucy doesn’t know who the victim is.
But our Lucy has another issue she must deal with and that is that she is facing the fate of most woman in the ton , she is facing the prospect of an arranged marriage as her guardian and twin; Lord Harrington is frustrated that Lucy isn’t married yet, he wants his sister to be happy which means he intends on finding her a husband.
Blake – who I love – has returned to England after years of being away at war, our gorgeous Blake used to make maps for the foreign office and for the troops, but now he is back on home soil he suddenly needs a wife, he needs to sort out his estates after so long neglected and to help him in his challenge he needs a wife by his side. Blake and Lucy’s brother were at Eton together, during one summer Blake and Lucy met and it was an encounter that has stayed with both of them for the rest of their lives, which is why Blake thinks that Lucy will be the perfect wife.
But, she has other plans and isn’t suddenly about to swayed from what she must do by an attractive man from her past, but she can’t stop herself from feeling incredibly attracted to the handsome Earl, but really she has admission and he is becoming a hindrance, until a twist in the story has them pushed together and off on a whirl wind, thrilling adventure. I loved getting know Lucy and Blake, they are a brilliant couple, both ae hugely intelligent, independent and very engaging couple who you will instantly love and will on to their happily ever after.
This is a spicy and intelligently written romance, that is full of mystery, I did hugely enjoy it, but as I said at the beginning of this review there are a lot of unanswered questions, there are certain parts of the story that really needed to be resolved, but I am assuming that all these questions and mysteries will be continued and answered throughout the series and if so it is going to be very cleverly written, only time will tell, but I am really looking forward to reading more.
January 14, 2020
Secrets of Lady Lucy is the first book of Rachel Anne Smiths’ Agents of the Home Office series. Lucy’s twin brother, Matthew Harrington, spent months coercing Lucy to come to London with him and participate in some of the seasonal events, in hopes she will meet someone and eventually marry. Unbeknownst to Matthew, marrying is the last thing that Lucy wants, especially when she is a secret agent for the Home Office. Her skill is creating and breaking codes.
Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton, who is best friends with Matthew, met Lucy when she was twelve and has never forgotten her. He has just returned from the continent, where he has been during the war, working for the Foreign Office, making maps, and providing invaluable information. Now, he needs to get his estate in order and is looking for a wife. Since he has never been able to forget Lucy, she seems like the perfect candidate.
I really enjoyed this book, I think it's the start of a great series. The pacing of the story was just right. I like how both Lucy and Blake are intelligent and using their talents to help in the war effort. I also love the pairing. I thought they had good chemistry. One of my favorite scenes was when several coded messages are intercepted and given to Lucy to decode and she figures out Blake might be the target of a kidnapping plot and fully intends to keep him safe. It's nice to see the woman protective of the man.
I will be continuing with the rest of this series and highly recommend this book.
Reviewed by Rachel in December 2019 at The Pink Heart Society
Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton, who is best friends with Matthew, met Lucy when she was twelve and has never forgotten her. He has just returned from the continent, where he has been during the war, working for the Foreign Office, making maps, and providing invaluable information. Now, he needs to get his estate in order and is looking for a wife. Since he has never been able to forget Lucy, she seems like the perfect candidate.
I really enjoyed this book, I think it's the start of a great series. The pacing of the story was just right. I like how both Lucy and Blake are intelligent and using their talents to help in the war effort. I also love the pairing. I thought they had good chemistry. One of my favorite scenes was when several coded messages are intercepted and given to Lucy to decode and she figures out Blake might be the target of a kidnapping plot and fully intends to keep him safe. It's nice to see the woman protective of the man.
I will be continuing with the rest of this series and highly recommend this book.
Reviewed by Rachel in December 2019 at The Pink Heart Society
Read
April 1, 2023DNF at 46%.
Tedious.
Tedious.
November 4, 2019
Secrets of Lady Lucy is the first book in author Rachel Ann Smith’s debut series, Agents of The Home Office. It was an absolutely fantastic start and I look forward to more from this author and series!
Lady Lucy Stanford does have a secret... She’s a secret agent for the home office and assists them in creating and decoding messages. Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton is also an agent, but for the Foreign Office. He’s traveled the world and is relied upon for his cartography skills.
What a wonderful book to start out this series! Lucy is just twenty-two but considers herself practically on the shelf. After the death of her fiancé in the war, she hasn’t had to deal with the season and has avoided being pressured to marry. But her twin brother Matthew has decided she needs a husband this season. Unfortunately, no man has interested her since her fiancé. Then she meets Blake… I loved Blake! Blake has been infatuated with Lucy ever since he spent the holidays with her brother Matthew and family when he was just thirteen years old. Although they haven’t seen each other since that time, Matthew has had feelings for her ever since.
I really liked this couple! Lucy struggles with her reactions to Blake and the fact that she’s drawn to him. She’s not used to the feelings he provokes and finds herself thinking of him frequently. The banter and the chemistry between them was fun to watch as they get to know each other. Of course, besides the growing romance, we also have the fact that both Blake and Lucy along with several other characters are Agents for the Home Office and Foreign Office. The added mystery along with the fascinating secondary characters made this a fabulous read.
I really enjoyed Lucy & Blake’s story and was happy to see them finally get their HEA. This story had some fabulous secondary characters that I would love to see in future books. I definitely am looking forward to the next book and hoping to catch up with some of my favorite characters! Overall a great start to this new series!
Lady Lucy Stanford does have a secret... She’s a secret agent for the home office and assists them in creating and decoding messages. Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton is also an agent, but for the Foreign Office. He’s traveled the world and is relied upon for his cartography skills.
What a wonderful book to start out this series! Lucy is just twenty-two but considers herself practically on the shelf. After the death of her fiancé in the war, she hasn’t had to deal with the season and has avoided being pressured to marry. But her twin brother Matthew has decided she needs a husband this season. Unfortunately, no man has interested her since her fiancé. Then she meets Blake… I loved Blake! Blake has been infatuated with Lucy ever since he spent the holidays with her brother Matthew and family when he was just thirteen years old. Although they haven’t seen each other since that time, Matthew has had feelings for her ever since.
I really liked this couple! Lucy struggles with her reactions to Blake and the fact that she’s drawn to him. She’s not used to the feelings he provokes and finds herself thinking of him frequently. The banter and the chemistry between them was fun to watch as they get to know each other. Of course, besides the growing romance, we also have the fact that both Blake and Lucy along with several other characters are Agents for the Home Office and Foreign Office. The added mystery along with the fascinating secondary characters made this a fabulous read.
I really enjoyed Lucy & Blake’s story and was happy to see them finally get their HEA. This story had some fabulous secondary characters that I would love to see in future books. I definitely am looking forward to the next book and hoping to catch up with some of my favorite characters! Overall a great start to this new series!
September 9, 2019
Only her desire to crush the Crown’s enemies could induce Lady Lucy Stanford to endure another Season. For years she has worked secretly for the Home Office decoding messages, and she has come to London with one purpose: foil the attempted kidnapping of a highly valuable target, identity unknown. Inconveniently, Lord Harrington Lucy’s twin and guardian—has other plans. He won’t be satisfied until she is at long last married.
After years on the Continent, Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton, returns to England in need of a wife. He should not be surprised when his best friend Harrington’s sister recaptures his attention. But there’s more to the woman Lady Lucy has become than the delightful girl Blake remembers.
I believe this is the author’s debut novel & it is very accomplished. The characters are very well portrayed & the pace is also very good. I loved both Lucy & Blake both are intelligent & both working for the government. Their attraction is apparent from the start but it’s only when they go to a house party that they really get to know each other & fall in love. The road to their HEA isn’t smooth with a kidnapping, mystery messages & a traitor to be found but it all made for a captivating read. The reason I’ve not given it 5 stars is that a number of threads aren’t resolved so the rest of the series needs to be read for everything to be ‘sewn up’
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
After years on the Continent, Blake Gower, Earl of Devonton, returns to England in need of a wife. He should not be surprised when his best friend Harrington’s sister recaptures his attention. But there’s more to the woman Lady Lucy has become than the delightful girl Blake remembers.
I believe this is the author’s debut novel & it is very accomplished. The characters are very well portrayed & the pace is also very good. I loved both Lucy & Blake both are intelligent & both working for the government. Their attraction is apparent from the start but it’s only when they go to a house party that they really get to know each other & fall in love. The road to their HEA isn’t smooth with a kidnapping, mystery messages & a traitor to be found but it all made for a captivating read. The reason I’ve not given it 5 stars is that a number of threads aren’t resolved so the rest of the series needs to be read for everything to be ‘sewn up’
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 26, 2019
Secrets of Lady Lucy (Agents of the Home Office Book 1)
By Rachel Ann Smith. 4 Stars
A Interesting Mystery and Historical Read.
If you enjoy reading books that delve into secrets, twists, turns and romance then you'll enjoy what plays out in this story.
Lady Lucy is a character that is feisty, daring and so much more. She is definitely one who has a few secrets of her own.
Harrington, her brother, is determined to have her married off, the sooner the better. He enlists his friend Blake, Earl of Devonton, to woo Lady Lucy, but Blake has his own agenda for Lady Lucy.
It was interesting to see how the story unfolded.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.
By Rachel Ann Smith. 4 Stars
A Interesting Mystery and Historical Read.
If you enjoy reading books that delve into secrets, twists, turns and romance then you'll enjoy what plays out in this story.
Lady Lucy is a character that is feisty, daring and so much more. She is definitely one who has a few secrets of her own.
Harrington, her brother, is determined to have her married off, the sooner the better. He enlists his friend Blake, Earl of Devonton, to woo Lady Lucy, but Blake has his own agenda for Lady Lucy.
It was interesting to see how the story unfolded.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.
December 9, 2020
Absolutely a great start to the series.
Napoleon is on Elba, but all is not quiet on the continent. Lady Lucy leads a secret life working for the Home Office and it's never boring. Her expertise is decoding messages, plus other irregular activities, that she does right under her twin brother's nose. Her life takes a turn when she's introduced to Blake, Lord Devonton. He's never forgotten her from several years ago. She doesn't remember him at all, but he is a distraction. A distraction she doesn't need, until his life maybe in danger. A standalone, but you'll want to read the next one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Napoleon is on Elba, but all is not quiet on the continent. Lady Lucy leads a secret life working for the Home Office and it's never boring. Her expertise is decoding messages, plus other irregular activities, that she does right under her twin brother's nose. Her life takes a turn when she's introduced to Blake, Lord Devonton. He's never forgotten her from several years ago. She doesn't remember him at all, but he is a distraction. A distraction she doesn't need, until his life maybe in danger. A standalone, but you'll want to read the next one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 4, 2020
Lady Lucy gets her guy.
I really like this book. It’s rare to see a woman allowed to work in the home office and the fact they let Lucy and apparently other women makes me happy. It’s fast pace, drama, romance, everything you could want in a historical romance novel
I really like this book. It’s rare to see a woman allowed to work in the home office and the fact they let Lucy and apparently other women makes me happy. It’s fast pace, drama, romance, everything you could want in a historical romance novel
December 18, 2019
I loved the story. It kept me engaged the whole time. And the love scenes were so good!!
July 2, 2021
DNF - I didn't like the plot or the heroine. She's 22, works as an agent for the crown for years. How? Part of the plot is her having to ask her twin brother for permission to do anything. Made no sense, she's never alone. He brother is also unpleasant - a twin thing? He doesn't know she's an agent and tells her she must marry this season. She's lies to him, uses people, and justifies it 'she's an agent'. She's an awful person, judgemental with terrible people skills.
December 9, 2020
This was a very unique tale that immediately drew me in. Not only was it a very well-written book with great, multi-faceted characters and a very interesting plot, but the suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. The romance was just steamy enough and every aspect of the story kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. I can't wait to read the next in series!
January 30, 2020
This is a spicy Regency read that is full of mystery and intrigue. My favorite combination! I thoroughly enjoyed the tension and drama that built throughout the book. The author has done an excellent job of smoothly weaving all these aspects together and creating a truly engaging story and I was glued till the very end. The characters are well defined and portrayed nicely. Lucy and Blake are strong and intelligent characters and I enjoyed getting to know them. This is a wonderful start to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the others!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2019
She had me at "secrets". I love a story with secrets, and Lucy had just that! And I'm a sucker for spicey books, and this romance will leave your heart beating love after the last page! Amazing job. Highly recommend it. I got this book as an ARC and decided to review it voluntarily.
December 8, 2019
Great chemistry between the characters. Loved the plot and storyline. The heat between them is the kind you blush and squeal and hope no one hears you. It was a very enjoyable story, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 14, 2020
Had a little trouble connecting to the characters, but fans of Mills & Boon type romance will probably really like this one. Full disclosure: I received an ARC free of charge from Romance Rehab/Romance Remedy.
December 9, 2019
Absolutely loved this story. Rachel Ann Smith is a new author for me, and I'm glad I gave her a chance. I got an ARC copy from Reading Cave and am leaving an honest review.
December 30, 2019
I was a bit disappointed. I felt there was not enough spy/action and too little depth of character. Amusing enough, just not great.
November 4, 2020
Secrets of Lady Lucy is the first book of Rachel Anne Smiths’ Agents of the Home Office series. As such it has some of the usual expectations of a historical romantic fiction series: some characters mentioned in the first book that will no doubt be expanded upon in future works, loose threads that will be further established and concluded in future installments, as the main frame that holds the series together. In a series like this, for me at least, it’s difficult to form a general opinion, since the later works are more important in establishing how an author holds to the elements launched in the first work, so keep that in mind in reading this review.
No, I found nothing amiss, or features to be improved upon, generally speaking, but still, in reviewing this author’s first work, I kept thinking, ‘this is good, now what will you do with it?’ This of course demonstrates one goal of the author; they sunk the hook in me enough to read the next book in the series. All right, I’ll admit, they have a chance to real this reading fish in.
With this entire preamble stated, there are a few things that need to be said for the work itself, or at least I feel needs to be mentioned for the work itself.
First, it’s believable. I bought that Lady Lucy is skilled at making and breaking codes, and that one of those code breaking activities lead to the belief that that someone will be attempting to kidnap the Earl of Devonton. A kidnapping scheme for the Earl was completely plausible, since he also works for the crown, particularly in cartography — when waging a war information on the terrain is absolutely vital, and keeping your enemy from that information equally so. Obviously, our Lady of the hour, figuratively and literally, is invested in preventing this from occurring, which is also equally credible. This is the key pivot on which a large portion of the work turns, but it definitely is up to the task of Atlas in supporting everything else, which is more or less attractive layering on the bedrock of the essential facet of the plot.
Second, the characterization is good, the characters’ motives are believable, and at no place did I find any glaring historical inconsistencies. The dialogue is a bit fast and lose in places, but that’s to be somewhat expected, since well, it’s difficult to be entirely true to the time in language all the time. While the pacing is equally well fashioned to fit the plot, I still can’t help but feel that the work was a little short, but that’s probably just me. For this, and all the other reasons previously stated, I’d give this work a solid 4.5, out of five, a good beginning, but I’d recommend any reader to withhold overall judgement until more of the series is produced.
No, I found nothing amiss, or features to be improved upon, generally speaking, but still, in reviewing this author’s first work, I kept thinking, ‘this is good, now what will you do with it?’ This of course demonstrates one goal of the author; they sunk the hook in me enough to read the next book in the series. All right, I’ll admit, they have a chance to real this reading fish in.
With this entire preamble stated, there are a few things that need to be said for the work itself, or at least I feel needs to be mentioned for the work itself.
First, it’s believable. I bought that Lady Lucy is skilled at making and breaking codes, and that one of those code breaking activities lead to the belief that that someone will be attempting to kidnap the Earl of Devonton. A kidnapping scheme for the Earl was completely plausible, since he also works for the crown, particularly in cartography — when waging a war information on the terrain is absolutely vital, and keeping your enemy from that information equally so. Obviously, our Lady of the hour, figuratively and literally, is invested in preventing this from occurring, which is also equally credible. This is the key pivot on which a large portion of the work turns, but it definitely is up to the task of Atlas in supporting everything else, which is more or less attractive layering on the bedrock of the essential facet of the plot.
Second, the characterization is good, the characters’ motives are believable, and at no place did I find any glaring historical inconsistencies. The dialogue is a bit fast and lose in places, but that’s to be somewhat expected, since well, it’s difficult to be entirely true to the time in language all the time. While the pacing is equally well fashioned to fit the plot, I still can’t help but feel that the work was a little short, but that’s probably just me. For this, and all the other reasons previously stated, I’d give this work a solid 4.5, out of five, a good beginning, but I’d recommend any reader to withhold overall judgement until more of the series is produced.
August 1, 2023
3.5 stars. This book had its moments, but works better as a light historical adventure than romance for me. I just didn't feel the connection between the MC's. The MFC is admirably bright but comes across as too old for her age (she's only 22 but has somehow worked for the Home Office for "years", just as her 22 year old twin brother has. Right). Somehow she has connections with a jeweler and a sea captain and has her own contingent of servants she's trained to act as her bodyguards/assistants. There's a backstory involving the loss of the man she loved in war but it's pretty vague and sort of tossed in to the storyline, as if it were introduced in a previous book.
The MMC is a character I wanted to like; I love the idea of a chameleon who looks like a plain, bookish guy but is really an artistic genius with a photographic memory who has been working for England's spymasters abroad. There is a charming scene where he's teaching MFC's younger brother as he talks about his travels. But mostly he's saddled with smarmy dialog (think James Bond in the '80s/90's) and honestly is borderline creepy toward MFC when he's supposed to be sexy. Plus his behavior is TSTL and plain annoying as the book goes on; I couldn't believe him as a war-hardened spy.
MFC's twin brother is probably my least favorite character. Thick-headed and overbearing, he spends most of his time fussing and having a hot-cold flirtation with one of MFC's friends. At the beginning he seems obsessed with marrying off MFC; I really didn't get why. Again, it felt like there was character development that must have been provided in a prequel.
The last quarter of the book is mostly action/adventure and open-door sex. At first too much time is spent with the MC's apart, then too many loose threads are left hanging while the steam seems to take the place of a plot.
A final nitpick: a few of my pet peeves are when writers mix up "infer" and "imply", use "drug" as a past tense for drag, and just basically misuse words when simpler words would suffice.
This book had a lot of potential, I just wasn't that wowed by the execution. I think it's an early book by the author, so maybe later books in this series show some improvement.
The MMC is a character I wanted to like; I love the idea of a chameleon who looks like a plain, bookish guy but is really an artistic genius with a photographic memory who has been working for England's spymasters abroad. There is a charming scene where he's teaching MFC's younger brother as he talks about his travels. But mostly he's saddled with smarmy dialog (think James Bond in the '80s/90's) and honestly is borderline creepy toward MFC when he's supposed to be sexy. Plus his behavior is TSTL and plain annoying as the book goes on; I couldn't believe him as a war-hardened spy.
MFC's twin brother is probably my least favorite character. Thick-headed and overbearing, he spends most of his time fussing and having a hot-cold flirtation with one of MFC's friends. At the beginning he seems obsessed with marrying off MFC; I really didn't get why. Again, it felt like there was character development that must have been provided in a prequel.
The last quarter of the book is mostly action/adventure and open-door sex. At first too much time is spent with the MC's apart, then too many loose threads are left hanging while the steam seems to take the place of a plot.
A final nitpick: a few of my pet peeves are when writers mix up "infer" and "imply", use "drug" as a past tense for drag, and just basically misuse words when simpler words would suffice.
This book had a lot of potential, I just wasn't that wowed by the execution. I think it's an early book by the author, so maybe later books in this series show some improvement.
January 4, 2022
If you're a fan of Bridgerton, you'll enjoy this novel! The novel heavily focus on the romance and banter between our two protagonists (Lucy and Blake). Both parties were a bit iffy on how the other felt, therefore this was a bit of a slow burn. Things didn't get going until around the 40% mark. The mystery part of the storyline, helps move the story along but it wasn't enough in my opinion. Also not all questions were answered in this novel, I'm assuming it will be answered in the next novel of the series. Overall, it wasn't completely flawless but I loved it nevertheless. I will be looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
***I would like to thank Goodreads for hosting the giveaway, Penford Publishing and Rachel Ann Smith (the author) for graciously giving me a free copy of the novel to review.***
October 21, 2022
4.5 stars
I truly loved this story. Lucy and Blake are such interesting characters. The mystery aspect was awesome – especially getting to see a female be trusted and sought after during the Regency time for spy work. Their time on page together was special and enjoyable to read. I loved watching as their romance blossomed across the book.
The secondary characters added spice and interest to the story and I very much enjoyed the scene where young Edward was on page. This was a good start to the series and I’m looking forward to where the rest of the books good – as likely the Home Office subplot will continue with where it started in this book as well as branch out. I really hope that we get to see these characters throughout the series.
I truly loved this story. Lucy and Blake are such interesting characters. The mystery aspect was awesome – especially getting to see a female be trusted and sought after during the Regency time for spy work. Their time on page together was special and enjoyable to read. I loved watching as their romance blossomed across the book.
The secondary characters added spice and interest to the story and I very much enjoyed the scene where young Edward was on page. This was a good start to the series and I’m looking forward to where the rest of the books good – as likely the Home Office subplot will continue with where it started in this book as well as branch out. I really hope that we get to see these characters throughout the series.
March 26, 2023
An enjoyable read.
Blake is back from the Continent and is intent on renewing his relationship with the woman that kept him alive during his many captures and tortures. Unfortunately Lucy doesn't recognize him at first. Eventually they can't deny their attraction to each other. The attraction, espionage, and intrigue are what captivated me, otherwise if it was just the romance there's a few things missing and a little unbelievable (like how everyone in this book/series somehow works for the Home Office?). If you can ignore some of those things this series is entertaining. Oh, and this is an open door series.
Blake is back from the Continent and is intent on renewing his relationship with the woman that kept him alive during his many captures and tortures. Unfortunately Lucy doesn't recognize him at first. Eventually they can't deny their attraction to each other. The attraction, espionage, and intrigue are what captivated me, otherwise if it was just the romance there's a few things missing and a little unbelievable (like how everyone in this book/series somehow works for the Home Office?). If you can ignore some of those things this series is entertaining. Oh, and this is an open door series.
March 18, 2022
Five stars all the way. Well done Rachel!
It is very often you find woman in the time period the novel was set in allowed to work.
Lucy was well liked (appreciated) by the men around her, rare back then.
The story did dull at times, but quickly picked up. I was riveted in my seat anticipating what came next. I was never disappointed.
Having enjoyed this book so much, I’m eager to read the rest of the authors books.
Highly recommend
I received this book free in a giveaway. This is my honest opinion.
It is very often you find woman in the time period the novel was set in allowed to work.
Lucy was well liked (appreciated) by the men around her, rare back then.
The story did dull at times, but quickly picked up. I was riveted in my seat anticipating what came next. I was never disappointed.
Having enjoyed this book so much, I’m eager to read the rest of the authors books.
Highly recommend
I received this book free in a giveaway. This is my honest opinion.
November 23, 2021
Lady Lucy Stanford works undercover for the home office decoding intercepted messages when she decodes a message saying that there is a plan for a lord with a name beginning with "D" to be kidnapped. Her brothers friend Blake, the Earl of Devonton, has just come back into her brothers life after traveling. Could he be the one they were talking about? When Blake disappears during a house party Lady Lucy is sure of it and decides to go after him to rescue him.
December 13, 2020
Good book
This is a good book, interesting story line and some interesting characters.
As for being steamy, yes there are several steamy sex scenes although they don’t begin until almost halfway through the book and there’s only a handful of them. They dont occur on every page so I quite liked the balance of story vs sex.
This is a good book, interesting story line and some interesting characters.
As for being steamy, yes there are several steamy sex scenes although they don’t begin until almost halfway through the book and there’s only a handful of them. They dont occur on every page so I quite liked the balance of story vs sex.
March 18, 2021
I enjoyed escaping with this novel although I thought the plot was a little contrived. Lady Lucy is an agent of the Home Office involved in some activities some might think unsuitable for a lady in her day. She is, however, trying to keep her other life a secret from her overprotective brother, who happens to be her twin. It was a fun read.
May 22, 2021
Intrigue Oh My!
Rachel Anne Smith is the Mistress of Surprise. The Secrets of Lady Lucy is a fast paced & spell binding book of secret intrigue and devoid of trust or surprised anticipation to trust. The choice is ours and theirs. A well thought out story you can't get enough of!
Rachel Anne Smith is the Mistress of Surprise. The Secrets of Lady Lucy is a fast paced & spell binding book of secret intrigue and devoid of trust or surprised anticipation to trust. The choice is ours and theirs. A well thought out story you can't get enough of!
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