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Lord Hawkesbury's Players #1
A Secret Life
Minerva Peabody needs a man. Unfortunately she picked the wrong one. The impoverished playwright has a dream to see her plays performed on stage but in Elizabethan England, not only are women considered the inferior sex, they simply do NOT write plays. Faced with rejection after rejection, she decides to take one more chance with the most desperate theater manager in London, only this time she'll use the cover of a man. Sucked in by a pair of bright blue eyes and impressive shoulders, she chooses Blake out of the crowd, never thinking he'll actually play an active role in her ruse. But when he does, he gets under her skin in the most alarming way.
Privateer (don't call him a pirate to his face), Robert Blakewell, accepted Min's proposal in order to discover which cur among Lord Hawkesbury's Players got his sister with child. But when his mission threatens to destroy Min's fledgling career, he must make a choice: protect his family or the woman he has grown to love. Either choice will see him lose something precious.
A SECRET LIFE is a romp through Elizabethan England and features cameo appearances from William Shakespeare.
Privateer (don't call him a pirate to his face), Robert Blakewell, accepted Min's proposal in order to discover which cur among Lord Hawkesbury's Players got his sister with child. But when his mission threatens to destroy Min's fledgling career, he must make a choice: protect his family or the woman he has grown to love. Either choice will see him lose something precious.
A SECRET LIFE is a romp through Elizabethan England and features cameo appearances from William Shakespeare.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
374 people are currently reading
1134 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,634 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 9, 2021
What an engaging read! I really enjoyed this one! With the ties to Shakespeare and everything happening around a theater! Min was such a fun character. I loved how brilliant her mind was! Haha and what a way for the two mains to meet!
And Robert! Who doesn't love a pirate (sorry, privateer).
I could see more glimpses of Archer in this one. I am glad I have gone back to read the books in the Hawkesbury's players before continuing with the assassin's guild series. Overall, such a fun adventure.
And Robert! Who doesn't love a pirate (sorry, privateer).
I could see more glimpses of Archer in this one. I am glad I have gone back to read the books in the Hawkesbury's players before continuing with the assassin's guild series. Overall, such a fun adventure.
May 29, 2022
Full disclosure, this was a book club read: This was not what I was expecting, but in a bad way. You'd think it would be more ~exciting~ because of the cover, but alas it was not. RIP
May 30, 2022
Secret read
May 28, 2022
Not the worst book I’ve read for bookclub, but the only reason it’s not getting a 1 is because the writing and plot and characters are SO bad that it makes it funny to read
July 12, 2023
3.5 stars
I’ve consumed so much of Archer’s later work that it’s great to experience her earlier work and still get those strong feminist vibes from her female and male protagonists. At its core, this book is about the value of art in a house built on science. Of course there is still romance, though I was surprised this was spicy (unlike her later work), the romance starts quickly with a “practice” kiss, but you’ll adore the couple. I liked learning snippets about Edwardian theatre and seeing our female MC grow into her own as an artist and it gave our male MC an opportunity to explore other areas of life. For Shakespeare fans, you’ll get to see him in his early years as an actor.
I’ve consumed so much of Archer’s later work that it’s great to experience her earlier work and still get those strong feminist vibes from her female and male protagonists. At its core, this book is about the value of art in a house built on science. Of course there is still romance, though I was surprised this was spicy (unlike her later work), the romance starts quickly with a “practice” kiss, but you’ll adore the couple. I liked learning snippets about Edwardian theatre and seeing our female MC grow into her own as an artist and it gave our male MC an opportunity to explore other areas of life. For Shakespeare fans, you’ll get to see him in his early years as an actor.
August 16, 2011
An excellent, sweet romance. The first of Lord Hawkesbury's Players, stories of romance in and around a group of theater players with an amusing cameo by Shakespeare of course.
Warning for those who prefer 'fade to black' - two hot and sexy scenes are included in the tale.
Warning for those who prefer 'fade to black' - two hot and sexy scenes are included in the tale.
April 6, 2024
4.5 stars
June 2, 2024
3.75
I had to bring it down a bit in rating because one of my least favorite tropes was used: insta attraction/love. The characters literally only know each other a few days throughout the whole story. Other than that, I found myself truly enjoying the story and the setting. This book is spicier than any of the other works that I have read by C.J. Archer which I wasn't quite expecting. Most of her other series are slow-burns that focus more on plot than romance. So if you are a C.J. Archer fan and haven't read this series yet, just know that this is a romance novel first and foremost. Also, she has no mystery or fantasy plotline, which is what I have come to know her for.
Still fun characters and a well-written story! She even has a cameo from William Shakespeare
I had to bring it down a bit in rating because one of my least favorite tropes was used: insta attraction/love. The characters literally only know each other a few days throughout the whole story. Other than that, I found myself truly enjoying the story and the setting. This book is spicier than any of the other works that I have read by C.J. Archer which I wasn't quite expecting. Most of her other series are slow-burns that focus more on plot than romance. So if you are a C.J. Archer fan and haven't read this series yet, just know that this is a romance novel first and foremost. Also, she has no mystery or fantasy plotline, which is what I have come to know her for.
Still fun characters and a well-written story! She even has a cameo from William Shakespeare
August 5, 2011
This was a really poorly thought out book. Actually, perhaps the thought was good but the execution was bad. It was set in Elizabethan England, yet it actually read like 18th century. The plot was weak, and the characters not clearly drawn.
Min, the main character is a virtuous young lady who invites strangers into her bedroom in order to sleep with him so that she can write better plays. What? That is just not believable at all.
Ned, the boy next door who is panting to marry Min suddenly turns into a villain and orders her father sent to an insane asylum. Again, what? Where did this come from? At least give some hint that Ned is capable of this.
Not a book I would recommend at all.
Min, the main character is a virtuous young lady who invites strangers into her bedroom in order to sleep with him so that she can write better plays. What? That is just not believable at all.
Ned, the boy next door who is panting to marry Min suddenly turns into a villain and orders her father sent to an insane asylum. Again, what? Where did this come from? At least give some hint that Ned is capable of this.
Not a book I would recommend at all.
July 21, 2018
Sassy, sexy and frustrating
I'm sure lots of people are gonna love this series, but this book had waaaay too much sex for me. The time period drives me nuts with its ridiculous rules and crazy ideas. The narrator is Excellent and it was a "read and listen for free" kindle unlimited, that is why I gave this book a try. Oh well.
I'm sure lots of people are gonna love this series, but this book had waaaay too much sex for me. The time period drives me nuts with its ridiculous rules and crazy ideas. The narrator is Excellent and it was a "read and listen for free" kindle unlimited, that is why I gave this book a try. Oh well.
March 19, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this romantic romp. Devoured it in one sitting. Loved the hero. Enjoyed the wander through Elizabethan London and intend to look up the author's other works.
October 11, 2023
Having been an ardent Archer fan, I dove into this audiobook without due diligence. The foul language and graphic sex scenes were not what I was expecting. I won't be finishing this series.
June 4, 2018
Prepare for a romp through Elizabethan England, where finding love is written in the stars...
Comely, courageous Minerva “Min” Peabody, a poor but passionate playwright, is determined to make her mark. Ill-fated to live in Elizabethan England, when women—deemed the inferior sex—most assuredly did not write plays, Min will prevail. With her finished play in hand, she implores Roger Style, a local theatre manager in London, to read it. Though desperate in his own right—due to a string of commercial failures—all Style sees before him is a woman playwright, and refuses to even look at her work.
On impulse, Min changes her story, claiming the play was written by the man standing across the street, and secures the manager’s agreement to review it. But her choice of surrogate, Robert “Blake” Blakewell, promises to be a mixed blessing indeed. Blake, a handsome blue-eyed sea captain with his own agenda, is a man with a mysterious past, a pair of breathtaking shoulders, and an irresistible aura of intrigue. Though he agrees to her outlandish proposal, she has to wonder, as she gets lost in his eyes, what in the world she’s gotten herself into.
Blake’s own mission? To ferret out the cad in Roger Style’s theatre company responsible for getting his sister with child. And when that objective threatens to derail Min’s nascent career, his dilemma is a daunting one: protect either his family’s honor or the woman who’s slowly but surely softening his heart and winning his love.
Funny, fast-paced, and with a deliciously dark edge, Her Secret Desire speaks to any woman who’s ever had to fight for her dreams in a world that just won’t take her seriously
Comely, courageous Minerva “Min” Peabody, a poor but passionate playwright, is determined to make her mark. Ill-fated to live in Elizabethan England, when women—deemed the inferior sex—most assuredly did not write plays, Min will prevail. With her finished play in hand, she implores Roger Style, a local theatre manager in London, to read it. Though desperate in his own right—due to a string of commercial failures—all Style sees before him is a woman playwright, and refuses to even look at her work.
On impulse, Min changes her story, claiming the play was written by the man standing across the street, and secures the manager’s agreement to review it. But her choice of surrogate, Robert “Blake” Blakewell, promises to be a mixed blessing indeed. Blake, a handsome blue-eyed sea captain with his own agenda, is a man with a mysterious past, a pair of breathtaking shoulders, and an irresistible aura of intrigue. Though he agrees to her outlandish proposal, she has to wonder, as she gets lost in his eyes, what in the world she’s gotten herself into.
Blake’s own mission? To ferret out the cad in Roger Style’s theatre company responsible for getting his sister with child. And when that objective threatens to derail Min’s nascent career, his dilemma is a daunting one: protect either his family’s honor or the woman who’s slowly but surely softening his heart and winning his love.
Funny, fast-paced, and with a deliciously dark edge, Her Secret Desire speaks to any woman who’s ever had to fight for her dreams in a world that just won’t take her seriously
January 30, 2018
I wouldn't say this is a page-turner, or even especially inventive, but it was pleasant enough. The female protagonist character was likable but not charming or offensive, which is too bad. Having a protagonist who is one or the other makes for a good story, but stories starring characters in-between are generally a snooze-fest for me. I found Minerva's earnest doggedness more annoying than inspiring, which is a shame. I love a good period piece where females pursue intellectual things that they shouldn't.
Frankly, I liked all of the other characters in the story more than Minerva, even if they only appeared for a paragraph. (Of course, except the two guys I was supposed to hate. They were pretty unlikeable.) The male lead was supposed to be dangerous, but never really had that edge. Too bad. What a waste.
With the notable lack of witty dialogue, the story lacked the tension that I crave. The end of the story suggested that I might see something approaching that in the next book, since the characters involved seemed to be far more brooding and/or cuttingly witty. I probably won't pick up the new one unless I run out of other romances--which is a possibility that could come if people don't start recommending them--despite it being free on Kindle Unlimited.
Frankly, I liked all of the other characters in the story more than Minerva, even if they only appeared for a paragraph. (Of course, except the two guys I was supposed to hate. They were pretty unlikeable.) The male lead was supposed to be dangerous, but never really had that edge. Too bad. What a waste.
With the notable lack of witty dialogue, the story lacked the tension that I crave. The end of the story suggested that I might see something approaching that in the next book, since the characters involved seemed to be far more brooding and/or cuttingly witty. I probably won't pick up the new one unless I run out of other romances--which is a possibility that could come if people don't start recommending them--despite it being free on Kindle Unlimited.
January 31, 2019
I really liked Min! She's feisty, smart and determined to get what she wants. I also liked Blake, he was fallible but not in a way that made him unlikable and their romance grew organically through the book in a very believable way. The only thing that irked me was the use of Shakespeare in particular, which was highly under-utilized. It was distracting and seemed to be veneered on top. I understand that it was supposed to make it seem like Min had written all of Shakespeare's plays early on, however when that all comes out differently in the end, it's confusing why he was used in there at all, excepting as a throw away to add a layer of historical fantasy to the series. I hope that he becomes a bigger part of the next books in the series because his current use was disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2019
Fair.
I Got this on Audio, I thought I would enjoy it, but I did not.
The narration was horrible.
I was half listening all the way through the book , I didn't want to have A DNF.
Blake and Min are the main characters in the book.
I do know that she wanted her plays to be used and performed.
Blake was the one who helped her.
This book might be better for others.
Read it for yourself
# 32 2019 Bookhoarders Challenge
I Got this on Audio, I thought I would enjoy it, but I did not.
The narration was horrible.
I was half listening all the way through the book , I didn't want to have A DNF.
Blake and Min are the main characters in the book.
I do know that she wanted her plays to be used and performed.
Blake was the one who helped her.
This book might be better for others.
Read it for yourself
# 32 2019 Bookhoarders Challenge
June 3, 2021
A multi faceted story whose main character is a fledgling playwright in Shakespeare's England
Like the plays Minerva (Min) Peabody writes, the novel is filled with a wide range of interesting and unique characters. Though the staging of Min's play (she convinces a rogueish and handsome man to present the play as his) is the central theme, there are multiple side plots equalling intriguing. The deplorable state of women's rights in 1589 is underscored throughout.
Like the plays Minerva (Min) Peabody writes, the novel is filled with a wide range of interesting and unique characters. Though the staging of Min's play (she convinces a rogueish and handsome man to present the play as his) is the central theme, there are multiple side plots equalling intriguing. The deplorable state of women's rights in 1589 is underscored throughout.
Read
April 20, 2024i want to like this, but i don't. DNF @ 20%
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The summary is writing checks this book can't cash. It's not really a romp, because not much as happened in the first 20% except her being obsessed with this random dude. Also, not pirates. All these books keep promising pirates and they are NOT coming through for me >:( I'm bored, and my experience with this author is that the boring doesn't get better, so I'm out.
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The summary is writing checks this book can't cash. It's not really a romp, because not much as happened in the first 20% except her being obsessed with this random dude. Also, not pirates. All these books keep promising pirates and they are NOT coming through for me >:( I'm bored, and my experience with this author is that the boring doesn't get better, so I'm out.
April 24, 2024
This wasn’t what I was expecting but I loved it! I was thinking it was a normal historical romance with glances and hand holding but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the plot I thought it was really interesting and how they came together. I also really enjoyed how it was dual POVs so we saw how much he cared for her. Compared to their other books I have read it was different but in a really good way. Highly recommend!
February 9, 2025
I have listened to many of the author’s books so you can imagine how excited I was to find another series. And this start did not disappoint! Great characters, wonderful story line, and witty conversation that had ma laughing out loud. I listened to the audio version of the book and was again wowed at the great job the narrator did. She really brought the story to life.
I hope you like this one as much as I dad!
I hope you like this one as much as I dad!
September 30, 2017
Loved it!!
If the rest of the series is as entertaining and romantic as this one I'm certainly in for a treat! Min and Blake were meant to be! This was one very intriguing, well plotted and thought out novel ♡ Ms. Archer never fails to offer up witty, heartfelt and intelligent material. Whenever I'm asked for a book recommendation, I always ask, "Have you ever read C.J. Archer?"
If the rest of the series is as entertaining and romantic as this one I'm certainly in for a treat! Min and Blake were meant to be! This was one very intriguing, well plotted and thought out novel ♡ Ms. Archer never fails to offer up witty, heartfelt and intelligent material. Whenever I'm asked for a book recommendation, I always ask, "Have you ever read C.J. Archer?"
September 16, 2018
A Pleasant Read
Set in Elizabethan London, a young woman writes a play. The story continues to introduce an unsuitable husband and an unreachable one too. Who will she choose, and what will she do about her father's work? It has enough variety to hold one's interest,and besides, you'll even meet Shakespeare.
Set in Elizabethan London, a young woman writes a play. The story continues to introduce an unsuitable husband and an unreachable one too. Who will she choose, and what will she do about her father's work? It has enough variety to hold one's interest,and besides, you'll even meet Shakespeare.
April 2, 2019
Charming
What a lovely story. Lots of familiar romance story tropes with some interesting twists. There are some hot sex scenes. I am hoping that the next book will be about Lily and her HEA. Parts of this book made me think of Shakespeare in love which may be partly why I enjoyed it so much but then I usually love CJs books.
What a lovely story. Lots of familiar romance story tropes with some interesting twists. There are some hot sex scenes. I am hoping that the next book will be about Lily and her HEA. Parts of this book made me think of Shakespeare in love which may be partly why I enjoyed it so much but then I usually love CJs books.
July 8, 2019
This book actually made me mad. I was so enticed by the description, and the first few pages started off strong. Roger Style has appeal.
Then it just nose dives. Losing her virginity makes her a better writer overnight. Literally. Overnight. What the what. Shakespeare's presence is so incredibly forced. The climactic conflict in the sort of abusive love triangle is just so flipping absurd--just say something, woman!
Then it just nose dives. Losing her virginity makes her a better writer overnight. Literally. Overnight. What the what. Shakespeare's presence is so incredibly forced. The climactic conflict in the sort of abusive love triangle is just so flipping absurd--just say something, woman!
January 12, 2020
So, this is definitely not safe for children. I have read other C.J. Archer books and did not realize this would be more descriptive. It didn’t detract from the story but didn’t really seem to be necessary for the plot. To each their own, I suppose. I did like the writing style and it was an interesting plot. I enjoyed understanding both main characters’ points of view and thoughts.
March 11, 2022
Definitely a Favorite
Wow! I honestly love every book I’ve read by C.J. Archer. This storyline is very good. It has a little more sizzle than the other series I’ve read of hers. The characters are all great., quite interesting. The setting is very well depicted. I read to book almost straight through.
Wow! I honestly love every book I’ve read by C.J. Archer. This storyline is very good. It has a little more sizzle than the other series I’ve read of hers. The characters are all great., quite interesting. The setting is very well depicted. I read to book almost straight through.
May 23, 2023
i do so enjoy Cj’s book
This one is quite different from the ones who characters possess magical skills.
The secrets are less disguised but I still enjoy the story lines. I’m not one who reads much erotic storylines so I could have skipped that detail . I did the historical references
This one is quite different from the ones who characters possess magical skills.
The secrets are less disguised but I still enjoy the story lines. I’m not one who reads much erotic storylines so I could have skipped that detail . I did the historical references
September 3, 2023
imagine my pleasant shock that after reading six books of the cleopatra fox mysteries with only ONE kiss that there are real steamy scenes in this series. of course its also fun to read any historical romance outside of 1810-1880. all the attention to detail with the clothing and settings was a little bit “look i did my research!” but i still enjoyed it immensely
September 8, 2023
I love C.J.’s writing, and I really liked this book even if it was a little spicier than I usually try to get into. Nothing terribly detailed, but more than one sex scene. I found it fun and easy to read. This is the type of book I want to read when I don’t want anything too complicated or an emotional roller coaster. Loved the male lead, too. He was so fun!
April 20, 2024
Surprisingly, this was a romance instead of a mystery like the other C. J. Archer books that I’ve read. While there was definitely a bit more “spice” level to this story than I normally read, I still enjoyed the plot and the idea of a strong woman fighting for her dream of becoming a playwright. Having Shakespeare believe in her talents was a nice touch, too. ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews