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Royal Four #3
One Night with a Spy
For years, Lady Julia Barrowby has acted the part of an old man's ornamental bride, never revealing that she has secretly helped the ailing Lord Barrowby in his work with the Royal Four. Now that her husband has died, Julia believes his place in the Four is hers by right. But convincing the remaining members will not be easy, especially with Marcus Ramsay, Lord Dryden, distracting her at every turn. Somehow, the mysterious Marcus seems to see into her very soul, effortlessly satisfying all her secret, forbidden longings…
Marcus stood next in line to be chosen for the Four, and he is not willing to be displaced by a woman, no matter how intriguing or beautiful she may be. Under orders to investigate Julia, Marcus discovers her diary, overflowing with years of loneliness and yearning. Fulfilling Julia's fantasies is the perfect way to get closer to her, but seducing this fascinating creature is fast becoming more than a means to an end--it is his soul's deepest desire…
Marcus stood next in line to be chosen for the Four, and he is not willing to be displaced by a woman, no matter how intriguing or beautiful she may be. Under orders to investigate Julia, Marcus discovers her diary, overflowing with years of loneliness and yearning. Fulfilling Julia's fantasies is the perfect way to get closer to her, but seducing this fascinating creature is fast becoming more than a means to an end--it is his soul's deepest desire…
321 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
51 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Bradley
42 books1,812 followersVisit me at www.CelesteBradley.com or facebook.com/CelesteBradleyAuthor :)
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 8, 2011
One Night with a Spy is the third book in the Royal Four series, which is an offshoot of the Liars Club series. It's been years since I last read any books by Celeste Bradley. I glommed her big-time, and then I decided to take a break so that I wouldn't get tired of her and Regency historicals (I don't like to get burned out on different genres). Now I am reminded why I am a fan of her writing.
Normally I have a low saturation point for witty, lighter Regency historical romances. Not that they are bad, I just prefer intense, darker romances. I think the Regency lord who happens to be a spy is a very trite, dull subject, so I am at the point now where I mostly give those a miss. But I have a few writers that I will read those by, Celeste Bradley would be high on the list. Ms. Bradley is able to write books that are a good balance of witty and intense. She also has a very good hand for a steamy read. And One Night with a Spy doesn't disappoint on any of those fronts.
Initially, I was predisposed to dislike Marcus. He was arrogant and a bit chauvinistic. Seemingly blinded by his ambitions, he had no problem insinuating himself in the widow, Lady Barrowby's affections with the ulterior motive of disproving her eligibility as the Fox, the member of the Royal Four who needed a replacement since Julia, Lady Barrowby's husband had died. He is low down enough to read her diaries, in an attempt to use it against her, but finds himself enthralled by the erotically detailed, sensual fantasies she has written down. Of course, he assumes that she is recording her true sexual adventures, and that makes him want to dislike her even more. However, his time 'seducing' Lady Barrowby culminates in his own seduction. He realizes that Julia is emminently qualified to serve as the Fox, having been her husband's groomed replacement, and in fact, acting as the Fox for the three years he was incapacitated with a stroke prior to his death. She's also very qualified to be the woman who steals his heart. Having seen this man gain a realization that he was way wrong in his estimations of Julia, I found myself shocked at his actions.
I do have admire that the author doesn't go the predictable route here. I wasn't sure how this would end, and that added a level of suspense to this story, along with the question about who and where the Chimera (a fierce antagonist of the Liar's Club) was. I was pretty much on Julia's team. I thought she earned the right to be Fox. Just because Marcus was a man didn't make him more qualified. And she was a lot more honorable and self-sacrificing than he was, although they both had their reasons for wanting the position as the Fox.
Although this didn't end up being as much of a favorite as the first two books in the Royal Four series, I really enjoyed it. I liked seeing Julia and Marcus' courtship, how Julia showed the great woman she was by her actions, and had Marcus falling deeply in love with her. The love scenes were very hot and sensual. Even though Marcus annoyed me, I could see why Julia loved him, and I understood why he was so ruthless in getting what he wanted. And he realized what was more important in the long run and went after it like a good hero should. The humor was good (as always), and the espionage elements were pretty intense. I also liked the aspects of the story involving Julia's adopted kin, the Fair Folk (who she had grown up with before she married Aldus, Lord Barrowby), and Julia's aged, toothless lion Sebastian's antics. Although brief, I liked the cameos from members of the Royal Four and a few of the characters from the Liar's Club books. I still mourn that she isn't writing those anymore. I loved that series. However, the Royal Four series is great too, and the good news is I still have one more book in this series to read. I think I'll be reading it soon.
Normally I have a low saturation point for witty, lighter Regency historical romances. Not that they are bad, I just prefer intense, darker romances. I think the Regency lord who happens to be a spy is a very trite, dull subject, so I am at the point now where I mostly give those a miss. But I have a few writers that I will read those by, Celeste Bradley would be high on the list. Ms. Bradley is able to write books that are a good balance of witty and intense. She also has a very good hand for a steamy read. And One Night with a Spy doesn't disappoint on any of those fronts.
Initially, I was predisposed to dislike Marcus. He was arrogant and a bit chauvinistic. Seemingly blinded by his ambitions, he had no problem insinuating himself in the widow, Lady Barrowby's affections with the ulterior motive of disproving her eligibility as the Fox, the member of the Royal Four who needed a replacement since Julia, Lady Barrowby's husband had died. He is low down enough to read her diaries, in an attempt to use it against her, but finds himself enthralled by the erotically detailed, sensual fantasies she has written down. Of course, he assumes that she is recording her true sexual adventures, and that makes him want to dislike her even more. However, his time 'seducing' Lady Barrowby culminates in his own seduction. He realizes that Julia is emminently qualified to serve as the Fox, having been her husband's groomed replacement, and in fact, acting as the Fox for the three years he was incapacitated with a stroke prior to his death. She's also very qualified to be the woman who steals his heart. Having seen this man gain a realization that he was way wrong in his estimations of Julia, I found myself shocked at his actions.
I do have admire that the author doesn't go the predictable route here. I wasn't sure how this would end, and that added a level of suspense to this story, along with the question about who and where the Chimera (a fierce antagonist of the Liar's Club) was. I was pretty much on Julia's team. I thought she earned the right to be Fox. Just because Marcus was a man didn't make him more qualified. And she was a lot more honorable and self-sacrificing than he was, although they both had their reasons for wanting the position as the Fox.
Although this didn't end up being as much of a favorite as the first two books in the Royal Four series, I really enjoyed it. I liked seeing Julia and Marcus' courtship, how Julia showed the great woman she was by her actions, and had Marcus falling deeply in love with her. The love scenes were very hot and sensual. Even though Marcus annoyed me, I could see why Julia loved him, and I understood why he was so ruthless in getting what he wanted. And he realized what was more important in the long run and went after it like a good hero should. The humor was good (as always), and the espionage elements were pretty intense. I also liked the aspects of the story involving Julia's adopted kin, the Fair Folk (who she had grown up with before she married Aldus, Lord Barrowby), and Julia's aged, toothless lion Sebastian's antics. Although brief, I liked the cameos from members of the Royal Four and a few of the characters from the Liar's Club books. I still mourn that she isn't writing those anymore. I loved that series. However, the Royal Four series is great too, and the good news is I still have one more book in this series to read. I think I'll be reading it soon.
June 27, 2011
2.5 - 3 stars
My feelings about this book are a bit conflicted. On the one hand, I hated the premise of the book: betrayal, manipulation, the level of deception, etc. In fact, I had to force myself to read it months after I'd read all the others in the series, including the Liars' Club series, by placing it as one of the books in a reading challenge. On the other hand, I liked the HEA and the certain level of heartache involved when the hero makes a major goof.
I couldn't like Marcus whole-heartedly. The level of deception and betrayal he dealt Julia did not sit well with me. I would have liked a whole lot more grovelling and to have him suffer more - a lot more. But perhaps Julia is a better person than I. I don't know if I would have forgiven him so easily even if I did love him and understand that he was doing what he thought was right.
To be honest, although Julia is supposedly this intelligent, tough-minded, sharp-witted woman, I felt like I was told all this more than shown it. There seemed to be too much evidence of her gullibility and naivety that simply did not match up with her persona as the Fox. I was especially displeased when she turned into a gullible, lovesick woman who rattled off her history prior to becoming Lady Barrowby after her first orgasm. While I could understand that Julia the Fox was also Julia the sexually frustrated young widow and woman, I saw too little of the former to be willing to accept the latter.
I did not like the torrid, erotic diary entries although it seemed to fit her character as a lonely, sexually frustrated young wife. However, I did like Marcus's initial reaction to finding what the diaries were about.
After Julia learned of Marcus's betrayal, although it was evident that he had regretted his actions, I really disliked how quickly she seemed to forgive him and to fall back into his arms, if only to experience the pleasures of sex with him one last time. I felt ready to throw the book against the wall at that point because all I could think of was, "Girl, don't you have any pride?"
While the author described Marcus's misery rather well, I still would have preferred to have him suffer more than internally. I wanted Julia to take longer to forgive him. I wanted to feel more of the impact of his realization at what his actions had cost him. No, I just wanted him to suffer for what he did longer than he did. It wasn't enough for me. (Yes, I am a teeny bit vindictive.)
So where was my conflict? About halfway through Marcus's deception, he realized that he could not complete it - or at least not easily. He was falling in love. He was ready to admit the truth of his identity and purpose to Julia. He kind of seemed desperate for a way out of the situation he found himself in after the betrayal. So when the HEA occurred, it was satisfactory enough - and he was rather sweet in his suffering and his lovesickness.
Unfortunately, the ending was a bit too tidy. Marcus thinking that he wasn't ready for the position too easily made way for allowing Julia regain her position as the Fox. It felt too contrived. There should have been a better way to show why Marcus was willing to give up the position he'd betrayed his lover for.
So while the negatives drag my rating of this book down to 1.5-2 stars, the pang I felt for Marcus and the happier note at the end raises it up to 2.5 - 3 stars.
My feelings about this book are a bit conflicted. On the one hand, I hated the premise of the book: betrayal, manipulation, the level of deception, etc. In fact, I had to force myself to read it months after I'd read all the others in the series, including the Liars' Club series, by placing it as one of the books in a reading challenge. On the other hand, I liked the HEA and the certain level of heartache involved when the hero makes a major goof.
I couldn't like Marcus whole-heartedly. The level of deception and betrayal he dealt Julia did not sit well with me. I would have liked a whole lot more grovelling and to have him suffer more - a lot more. But perhaps Julia is a better person than I. I don't know if I would have forgiven him so easily even if I did love him and understand that he was doing what he thought was right.
To be honest, although Julia is supposedly this intelligent, tough-minded, sharp-witted woman, I felt like I was told all this more than shown it. There seemed to be too much evidence of her gullibility and naivety that simply did not match up with her persona as the Fox. I was especially displeased when she turned into a gullible, lovesick woman who rattled off her history prior to becoming Lady Barrowby after her first orgasm. While I could understand that Julia the Fox was also Julia the sexually frustrated young widow and woman, I saw too little of the former to be willing to accept the latter.
I did not like the torrid, erotic diary entries although it seemed to fit her character as a lonely, sexually frustrated young wife. However, I did like Marcus's initial reaction to finding what the diaries were about.
After Julia learned of Marcus's betrayal, although it was evident that he had regretted his actions, I really disliked how quickly she seemed to forgive him and to fall back into his arms, if only to experience the pleasures of sex with him one last time. I felt ready to throw the book against the wall at that point because all I could think of was, "Girl, don't you have any pride?"
While the author described Marcus's misery rather well, I still would have preferred to have him suffer more than internally. I wanted Julia to take longer to forgive him. I wanted to feel more of the impact of his realization at what his actions had cost him. No, I just wanted him to suffer for what he did longer than he did. It wasn't enough for me. (Yes, I am a teeny bit vindictive.)
So where was my conflict? About halfway through Marcus's deception, he realized that he could not complete it - or at least not easily. He was falling in love. He was ready to admit the truth of his identity and purpose to Julia. He kind of seemed desperate for a way out of the situation he found himself in after the betrayal. So when the HEA occurred, it was satisfactory enough - and he was rather sweet in his suffering and his lovesickness.
Unfortunately, the ending was a bit too tidy. Marcus thinking that he wasn't ready for the position too easily made way for allowing Julia regain her position as the Fox. It felt too contrived. There should have been a better way to show why Marcus was willing to give up the position he'd betrayed his lover for.
So while the negatives drag my rating of this book down to 1.5-2 stars, the pang I felt for Marcus and the happier note at the end raises it up to 2.5 - 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2010
The premise for this one was great. A female super-spy wannabe with an intriguing background and an ambitious and attractive rival. Unfortunately, the book just didn't live up to the outline and, frustratingly, it was only for want of a few tweaks. The heroine was clearly super-smart, but I really struggled to think that she wouldn't see through the hero's "disguise". It could have been really entertaining if she had and then strung him along. Also, why make her The World's Most Beautiful? Why not make her ordinary-looking? It would have made the interactions with the hero really interesting. The excerpts from the heroine's erotica were rather long and tedious, although it added a nice earthiness to her, and the secondary characters were good, particularly her unusual household. The hero was a bit weak and disappointing, although not completely. So, the weakest of the Royal Four so far, but I still enjoyed it, just not as much.
June 8, 2011
Ms. Bradley is back on her game. This story is rich in romance, mystery and suspense. Her writing has a depth that draws the reader into the emotions of each character then takes them on a ride you can't put down.
November 22, 2016
I was so mad at lots of parts during this book. If you are the kind of person, like me, who HATES it when the Hero does not grovel after he has been a piece of shit the whole book or does some stupid shit to the Heroine, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. I wanted to put it down but unfortunately, like many others, I have been reading the entire series, including the Liars Club. This has been Celeste's worst in both series. I am so mad at the Heroine. There was never a point where the Heroine showed self-respect by being mad at the Hero for betraying her. NONE. Someone betrays u and takes away a goal you have dedicated yourself to for 3 years and you are never mad at them simply because you love them? C'mon Ms. Bradley, stop playing these games. Most normal women are not doormats. And even doormats have their moments. She did such a disservice to both hero and heroine. Hero never at any point feels rejection from Heroine, does not show growth of character at end of book. Heroine never displays her strength and intelligence, we are only TOLD she is these things. Heroine was made to be too good to be true. There was too many disappointments with this book.
June 10, 2010
This book was fun, since it deals with this idea of a woman being a member of the Royal Four. And there were all those fun circus performers! And I was excited to see what Marcus was up to in this book, after his supporting role in the last book... And it was pretty cute, overall... I just think that if anyone did to me what Marcus did to Julia... HOLY COW! But she just falls right back into his arms...
I dunno... I feel like there's a pattern developing in Celeste Bradley's books: characters who fall deeply, yet inexplicably in love with no real basis for their feelings other than an intense physical attraction to one another... And what kind of basis is THAT for a long-lasting relationship? Not a very good one, IMO.
Oh, and the random fantasies at the beginnings of the chapters? Could we cut those out, please?
I dunno... I feel like there's a pattern developing in Celeste Bradley's books: characters who fall deeply, yet inexplicably in love with no real basis for their feelings other than an intense physical attraction to one another... And what kind of basis is THAT for a long-lasting relationship? Not a very good one, IMO.
Oh, and the random fantasies at the beginnings of the chapters? Could we cut those out, please?
July 21, 2010
This book received 3 stars simply because she attempted to put a woman into a very powerful position...
BUT
In the middle of the book this powerful heroine turns into a simpering sex craved idiot, who doesn't care that she was completly and utterly betrayed by the hero. What does she do when she is confronted with his betrayal? She sleeps with him yet again.
Give me a break.
BUT
In the middle of the book this powerful heroine turns into a simpering sex craved idiot, who doesn't care that she was completly and utterly betrayed by the hero. What does she do when she is confronted with his betrayal? She sleeps with him yet again.
Give me a break.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2016
She forgave him too easily but they were easy enough to like. Can't wait for the end of the Chimera
September 14, 2020
I'm going to be blunt here and just lead with the fact that I wasn't really into this book either. Beginning the book with the main female character's diary and its intimate desires did not strike a positive chord with me. After flipping through several pages, I felt a little excited about the prospect of Julia becoming the first woman spy on the Royal Four team, but that plot piece was quickly overshadowed by the conflicts which arose.
Her relationship with her husband and taking over for him in his capacity as The Fox was kinda sweet and held promise, but after he died and she goes before the rest of the Royal Four as well as the Prime Minister, she promises to show she is the right candidate to continue the spy line. However, she doesn't really show what she can do. Her home is the main center of the story, and beyond someone trying to destroy her land and take her out -- she thinks it's the Royal Four trying to test her, and Marcus showing up to see what she's made of and tricks her out of the role.
To be honest, I was irritated by this story. I thought there could be more focus on Julia's talents, skills as a spy, and ability to get the case figured out for herself. The fact that Marcus tricked her so easily upset me. Also, Marcus's attitude and using Julia for his own selfish gain kinda set me against him as a hero from the start. The addition of her gypsy-like, circus family was adorable, and I'd have loved to see more of them used in the plot as well, but it felt as if they were the frosting on the cake and not an integral part.
Usually, I'm all for Bradley's strong female leads and her agents at work, but this fell a little flat for me. There was a lot of potential and room to grow the characters, but it felt as if the whole point of the story was to fulfill Julia's secret diary desires and for Marcus to win the role of The Fox through deplorable means. Overall, it didn't strike the satisfying chord that The Liars Club, and even book one of this series, has done. 2/5
Find out more about my thoughts on the series: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...
Her relationship with her husband and taking over for him in his capacity as The Fox was kinda sweet and held promise, but after he died and she goes before the rest of the Royal Four as well as the Prime Minister, she promises to show she is the right candidate to continue the spy line. However, she doesn't really show what she can do. Her home is the main center of the story, and beyond someone trying to destroy her land and take her out -- she thinks it's the Royal Four trying to test her, and Marcus showing up to see what she's made of and tricks her out of the role.
To be honest, I was irritated by this story. I thought there could be more focus on Julia's talents, skills as a spy, and ability to get the case figured out for herself. The fact that Marcus tricked her so easily upset me. Also, Marcus's attitude and using Julia for his own selfish gain kinda set me against him as a hero from the start. The addition of her gypsy-like, circus family was adorable, and I'd have loved to see more of them used in the plot as well, but it felt as if they were the frosting on the cake and not an integral part.
Usually, I'm all for Bradley's strong female leads and her agents at work, but this fell a little flat for me. There was a lot of potential and room to grow the characters, but it felt as if the whole point of the story was to fulfill Julia's secret diary desires and for Marcus to win the role of The Fox through deplorable means. Overall, it didn't strike the satisfying chord that The Liars Club, and even book one of this series, has done. 2/5
Find out more about my thoughts on the series: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...
November 11, 2016
Abgebrochen bei Seite 110.
Schon von Beginn an bin ich nicht so richtig in die Handlung reingekommen.
INHALT:
Julia Barrowby ist gerade erst Witwe geworden und übernahm in letzter Zeit heimlich die Aufgaben ihres Mannes bei den Royal Four. Die Royal Four oder besser gesagt jetzt "drei" sind alles andere als begeistert, dass ihr verstorbener Mann seiner Frau zu seiner Nachfolgerin ausgebildet hat. Lord Marcus soll sie auskundschaften. Als Marcus bei Julia auftaucht ist sie von Verehrern umschwärmt. Außerdem scheinen ihre Bediensteten ehemalige Zirkusartisten gewesen zu sein und auch ihr Haustier ist sehr außergewöhnlich - ein zahnloser Löwe.
Der Schreibstil war überhaupt nicht meins und generell mag ich Spionageromane eigentlich auch nicht so gern - auch in diesem Buch.
Dazu kommt noch, dass es für mich kaum Chemie zwischen dem Pärchen gab und ich ihre Interaktionen nicht gut fand. Ich könnte gewiss noch ein paar Seiten lesen, aber für mehr als ein Okay würd es wohl auch im Endeffekt nicht ausreichen. Ich hab ein paar Seiten weitergeblättert und leider war keine Besserung der Erzählweise und der spröden Interaktionen in Sicht. Zudem mochte ich auch nicht ihre erotischen Tagebucheinträge.
Mein erstes Celeste Bradley Buch hat mich also ziemlich enttäuscht!
Also - Schluss - Abbruch!
August 1, 2018
De todas…esta fue la menos que me gustó. Tal vez porque Marcus seduce a Julia para hundirla y quitarle su puesto, porque utiliza su intimidad contra ella o porque en el momento de la verdad no la protegió a pesar de los que sentía por ella. No sé. Encontré esta relación algo forzada y poco creíble. Julia es genial, es una prota adelantada a su tiempo y es muyyyyy inteligente, sin embargo, Marcus no me gustó, y ahí radica mi descontento con esta novela. Claro, no faltaron los momentos graciosos y las escenas sensuales, así que igual es refrescante y fácil de leer. Si eres de esas que prefieren leer a las mujeres empoderadas, seguras de sí mismas y listas para enfrentar el machismo y a los hombres que intentan detenerlas, entonces, esta es la tuya.
August 7, 2021
แทนที่ทายาทของสุนัขจิ้งจอกหนึ่งในสายลับอังกฤษ รอยัลโฟ จะเป็นชายสูงศักดิ์ มากสามารถ กลับกลายเป็นภรรยาม่ายสาวทรงเสน่ห์ของอดีตสุนัขจิ้งจอกผู้ล่วงลับ ชายหนุ่มที่ถูกวางตัวไว้เพื่อสืบทอดจะทำอย่างไร เมื่อทายาทตัวจริงปรากฎขึ้น เสียงคัดค้านและข้อกังขาในตัวม่ายสาวเกิดขึ้นมากมาย ความขัดแย้งนี้จะทำให้เธอเป็นที่ยอมรับได้หรือไม่ตัวเธอจะต้องพิสูจน์ความสามารถนั้นด้วยตัวเอง ส่วนเขาต้องหาข้อบกพร่องของเธอเพื่อแย่งตำแหน่งที่ควรเป็นของเขากลับมา ทั้งสองเผชิญหน้ากันพร้อมเล่ห์เหลี่ยม เพื่อโค่นล้มกันและกัน แต่ทั้งสองต้องเผชิญหน้ากับอันตรายเกือบถึงชีวิตอย่างไม่คาดคิด ใครคือมือที่สาม ที่สร้างสถานะการณ์อันตรายนี้ จากคู่แข่ง พวกเขาต้องพักรบและร่วมมือกันชั่วคราวเพื่อหาตัวคนร้าย..
July 6, 2018
I needed to read a book by Celeste Bradley for a challenge and this was one of two that was at my library. Apparently since it’s book 3 in a series, I needed to read the first two because I was so lost between the journal entries and the talk of the royals and the liars, the fair folk, the lords and the ladies and the fox, the chimera, the lion, tigers and bears, oh my. Pass. Maybe the series as a whole is better but I wouldn’t recommend reading this as a stand alone as the author doesn't bother to recap who anyone is to help the reader jump into the series at this point.
December 1, 2022
I read a lot of books, mostly romance genre. This is one of the best historical romances I have read in a long time. It had me on the edge of my seat, so engrossed I didn't pay attention to anything but the book and I wanted to keep reading and not stop. I haven't read any other books in the series, but I think I might now. It had it all, romance, mystery, intrigue, an unexpected villain and a bit if a surprise at the end.
April 8, 2023
The English are on the hunt for a spy and Julia has some secrets in her background, she wants to take on a position of the power behind the throne, but there will be competition and tests before she is allowed to assume her role. Not believable at all, for sure silly, but a nice little escape read.
August 18, 2017
Strong heroine, spies, and sex. Life is good. There were some unnecessary plot twists towards the end and a few unexplained parts, but still a good read. I look forward the the last in the series
September 23, 2017
I felt so sorry for the toothless house cat. ;-)
January 5, 2020
Good book
This book was not my favorite. Quite honestly I think there was to much fluff in there. I mean it was good and it follows the rest of the series.
This book was not my favorite. Quite honestly I think there was to much fluff in there. I mean it was good and it follows the rest of the series.
September 3, 2021
The books worth reading in this series is 1 and 3. This was the redemption arc of a hero.
February 5, 2023
อีตามาร์คัสคือซื่อบื้ออออออ แต่สนุกนดีนะเล่มนี้ ชอบที่สุดของชุดนี้ละ ไม่รวมเล่มสี่ที่ยังไม่ได้อ่าน555
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
เล่มนี้น่าสนใจตรงที่นางเอกเป็นสายลับ พระเอกก็เป็นแคนดิเดทสายลับ มีความสนุกแตกต่างจากสองเล่มแรก แต่ก็รู้สึกว่าตัวละครไม่ค่อยฉลาดเท่าที่ควรจะเป็นตามเซ็ตติ้ง มันน่าจะมีการชิงไหวชิงพริบได้มากกว่านี้
February 2, 2022
2.5 stars
January 6, 2009
Marcus Ramsay’s day has finally come. With the death of Lord Barrowby, the former “Fox”, member of the elite (and mysterious) Royal Four, it’s Marcus’ turn to take the coveted seat.
Unfortunately, he didn’t count with the competition. There is someone else “applying” for the position of the most cunning of the Four. To add insult to injury, the upstart is a woman.
Lady Julia Barrowby has been acting as the Fox for the past three years, ever since her elderly husband’s collapse. She knows full well her gender alone will keep her from being readily accepted into the Royal Four, but she would never suspect they’d send someone to infiltrate her house.
Marcus’ initial plan is to find all the dirty secrets the beautiful, tempting widow keeps and use them to discredit her. So when he finds a stash of explicit-content diaries, he jumps at the opportunity to use them against her...Little does he expect that after only one kiss, he’d forget about his nefarious plan and want to help her fulfill her fantasies instead.
Of all the books in the Royal Four Series this was by far the worst. The plot was too slow (the “chapters” from Julia’s steamy diaries didn’t help at all), the humor flat and the action kept to a bare minimum (until the last few chapters).
I just couldn’t relate with the characters, there seemed to be no drive behind their actions, no great motivation – not even Marcus could inspire more than a yawn with his mercurial changes, endearing as they might be.
Julia was a total bore (thank Celeste for the little insight into the Jilly alter-ego) and her diaries were a little too much. She was nearly a virgin, how could she have such profound knowledge (and vocabulary) of what goes on between lovers? I don’t think they sold erotica novels in the Regency period.
Out of all the characters, Elliot (a supporting character) was the most fun “to spend time with”. He was hilarious and the tension and male-banter between him and Marcus was one of the few bright points of this novel.
Another good thing about this one was the character-from-previous-novel cameo. Dalton just gets better and better with every novel and the romance between him and Clara is still strong...Stronger and “cuter” than in his own book (The Impostor), unfortunately and much, much better than what was between the leads in this book.
Although Ms. Bradley tried valiantly to pick up the pace with the action-packed ending, this book just couldn’t muster enough stamina to stay afloat. I just skimmed the pages, hoping for the Chimera to just get it over with already! *yawn*
This is sort-of recommended only to those who (like me) are adamant at reading the series from first to last book, but other than that this one doesn’t have much going for it.
I hope Falcon’s story - Seducing the Spy - will end the series with the bang it deserves.
Unfortunately, he didn’t count with the competition. There is someone else “applying” for the position of the most cunning of the Four. To add insult to injury, the upstart is a woman.
Lady Julia Barrowby has been acting as the Fox for the past three years, ever since her elderly husband’s collapse. She knows full well her gender alone will keep her from being readily accepted into the Royal Four, but she would never suspect they’d send someone to infiltrate her house.
Marcus’ initial plan is to find all the dirty secrets the beautiful, tempting widow keeps and use them to discredit her. So when he finds a stash of explicit-content diaries, he jumps at the opportunity to use them against her...Little does he expect that after only one kiss, he’d forget about his nefarious plan and want to help her fulfill her fantasies instead.
Of all the books in the Royal Four Series this was by far the worst. The plot was too slow (the “chapters” from Julia’s steamy diaries didn’t help at all), the humor flat and the action kept to a bare minimum (until the last few chapters).
I just couldn’t relate with the characters, there seemed to be no drive behind their actions, no great motivation – not even Marcus could inspire more than a yawn with his mercurial changes, endearing as they might be.
Julia was a total bore (thank Celeste for the little insight into the Jilly alter-ego) and her diaries were a little too much. She was nearly a virgin, how could she have such profound knowledge (and vocabulary) of what goes on between lovers? I don’t think they sold erotica novels in the Regency period.
Out of all the characters, Elliot (a supporting character) was the most fun “to spend time with”. He was hilarious and the tension and male-banter between him and Marcus was one of the few bright points of this novel.
Another good thing about this one was the character-from-previous-novel cameo. Dalton just gets better and better with every novel and the romance between him and Clara is still strong...Stronger and “cuter” than in his own book (The Impostor), unfortunately and much, much better than what was between the leads in this book.
Although Ms. Bradley tried valiantly to pick up the pace with the action-packed ending, this book just couldn’t muster enough stamina to stay afloat. I just skimmed the pages, hoping for the Chimera to just get it over with already! *yawn*
This is sort-of recommended only to those who (like me) are adamant at reading the series from first to last book, but other than that this one doesn’t have much going for it.
I hope Falcon’s story - Seducing the Spy - will end the series with the bang it deserves.
October 8, 2013
We met Marcus Ramsay, Dane’s protégé, in Surrender to a Wicked Spy. He’s been preparing to become the next Lion in the Royal Four, but Dane isn’t much older than he is, and by the time Dane is ready to call it quits, Marcus might be past his prime as well. So when Marcus learns that The Fox, old man Barrowby, died without naming his successor, he is champing at the bit.
Except, well, it turns out that Julia Barrowby, Lord B’s much-younger wife, thinks it's her turn. In fact, her husband trained her so well that she seamlessly took over the Fox's work when her husband was too ill to continue. Unbeknownst to the other Three, Julia has been the Fox for years.
When the Three (plus Lord Liverpool, ex member of the Four and general asshat) arrive at her home to inquire whether perhaps her husband had been training someone to take his spot, Julia reveals all. Lord Liverpool predictably has a
After all, everybody knows women are too stupid to be that competent. This awful woman must be UP TO SOMETHING.
The Three decide that Julia should be tested, and they send Marcus, figuring that while she’s a blindingly gorgeous woman, Marcus’s own ambitions ought to be enough to keep him from investigating her with the wrong part of his anatomy.
Meanwhile, someone else is watching. Someone who recognizes Julia from long ago. Someone who knows the secret she’s keeping. Someone who has plans for her....
Coincidentally, the news that there is a beautiful new widow with loads of money has gotten around. Several bachelors arrive to pay their condolences…
Oh, and by the way, Julia, having been the wife of a sickly old man, sublimates her sexual impulses by jotting her erotic fantasies in her journals. God forbid anyone should find and, I dunno, read them.
Marcus does some unforgivable things along the way.This is one of those stories where I kind of wish the genre didn’t require a HEA, or at least that the author had spent a few more pages making the guy redeem himself. I’m giving this four stars because it grabbed my emotional short hairs, but I really disliked this hero.
Except, well, it turns out that Julia Barrowby, Lord B’s much-younger wife, thinks it's her turn. In fact, her husband trained her so well that she seamlessly took over the Fox's work when her husband was too ill to continue. Unbeknownst to the other Three, Julia has been the Fox for years.
When the Three (plus Lord Liverpool, ex member of the Four and general asshat) arrive at her home to inquire whether perhaps her husband had been training someone to take his spot, Julia reveals all. Lord Liverpool predictably has a
After all, everybody knows women are too stupid to be that competent. This awful woman must be UP TO SOMETHING.
The Three decide that Julia should be tested, and they send Marcus, figuring that while she’s a blindingly gorgeous woman, Marcus’s own ambitions ought to be enough to keep him from investigating her with the wrong part of his anatomy.
Meanwhile, someone else is watching. Someone who recognizes Julia from long ago. Someone who knows the secret she’s keeping. Someone who has plans for her....
Coincidentally, the news that there is a beautiful new widow with loads of money has gotten around. Several bachelors arrive to pay their condolences…
Oh, and by the way, Julia, having been the wife of a sickly old man, sublimates her sexual impulses by jotting her erotic fantasies in her journals. God forbid anyone should find and, I dunno, read them.
Marcus does some unforgivable things along the way.This is one of those stories where I kind of wish the genre didn’t require a HEA, or at least that the author had spent a few more pages making the guy redeem himself. I’m giving this four stars because it grabbed my emotional short hairs, but I really disliked this hero.
March 21, 2008
I think the first and foremost thing I can say about this book is that you really should read the others in the series, as well as the Liar's Club books in order to really understand all the different nuances. I haven't read those - this is actually the first of Bradley's books I've read - and though I still understood the book for the most part, I really felt like I was missing out on details because I didn't understand the other characters and situations that she's built up in the other books.
Aside from that, One Night With A Spy was a good book. I didn't absolutely love it, but it was a good read. The storyline is interesting, though low on the true action. I'd say the majority was about the characters, their situations, and their interactions, along with some low-grade action. I liked that it was a historical with a strong female lead, not one of those simpering fools you sometimes get. The supporting cast of fair-folk was a nice detail, gave the book some humorous aspects. And I loved Sebastian the lion.
Julia was a great character. My one problem with her was all the...carnal...knowledge she seemed to have though she admits her relationship with her husband in the bedroom was lackluster and sparse. She writes all these fantasies in her diary about intimate encounters with men, which, fine, great, good for her...but where does a woman in that time period, who was 18-20 at the time get all that carnal knowledge? I had a hard time believing that aspect. Regardless, I liked her character and her strong-willed nature. She and Marcus were a good fit. If I were Julie, though, I wouldn't have let him off so easy for how he betrayed her.
Bottom line, a pretty good read. I'm not sure why I can't say I loved it. It just didn't have whatever it takes for me to really love a book, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Aside from that, One Night With A Spy was a good book. I didn't absolutely love it, but it was a good read. The storyline is interesting, though low on the true action. I'd say the majority was about the characters, their situations, and their interactions, along with some low-grade action. I liked that it was a historical with a strong female lead, not one of those simpering fools you sometimes get. The supporting cast of fair-folk was a nice detail, gave the book some humorous aspects. And I loved Sebastian the lion.
Julia was a great character. My one problem with her was all the...carnal...knowledge she seemed to have though she admits her relationship with her husband in the bedroom was lackluster and sparse. She writes all these fantasies in her diary about intimate encounters with men, which, fine, great, good for her...but where does a woman in that time period, who was 18-20 at the time get all that carnal knowledge? I had a hard time believing that aspect. Regardless, I liked her character and her strong-willed nature. She and Marcus were a good fit. If I were Julie, though, I wouldn't have let him off so easy for how he betrayed her.
Bottom line, a pretty good read. I'm not sure why I can't say I loved it. It just didn't have whatever it takes for me to really love a book, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2013
There is an order to these books I guess and one that I am paying no mind to. This is the third book in the series, The Royal Four. The Royal Four are an extremely group of four men that serve the British Crown, they would do anything to protect the interests of England. They are known as the Lion, the Cobra, the Falcon, and the Fox. Lord Barrowby or the Fox, has been ailing for some time, unbeknownst to the other three. He had taken under his a very smart, and brave woman who also happened to be his very young wife Julia who has been serving secretly in his stead as the Fox. When her husband finally succumbs to his long running illness, the other three appear at his home to meet with his wife and discuss among one another what they will do to fill his position as they did not know of anyone that he had taken under his wing. To their horror they discover that his wife has been standing in her husband's place over the last three years and doing it very well. They tell her that they will give it some thought and will return to give her their decision when they are ready. In steps Lord Dryden, Marcus Ramsey. He's been serving under the Lion as his next in line. They Royal three send him to the home of Lady Barrowby to discover any secrets about her that he can find in order to discredit her and remove her from the role of Fox. Determined to do the job so that he can step in and fill the role of the Fox he goes to her thinking that this is going to be an easy thing and discovers that it is not. The discoveries he makes about her only makes him fall hard and fast. And he also finds that someone is lurking nearby that is determined to destroy her life and the lives of anyone who gets in their way.
January 2, 2011
For years, Lady Julia Barrowby has acted the part of an old man's ornamental bride, never revealing that she has secretly helped the ailing Lord Barrowby in his work with the Royal Four. Now that her husband has died, Julia believes his place in the Four is hers by right. But convincing the remaining members will not be easy, especially with Marcus Ramsay, Lord Dryden, distracting her at every turn. Somehow, the mysterious Marcus seems to see into her very soul, effortlessly satisfying all her secret, forbidden longings…
Marcus stood next in line to be chosen for the Four, and he is not willing to be displaced by a woman, no matter how intriguing or beautiful she may be. Under orders to investigate Julia, Marcus discovers her diary, overflowing with years of loneliness and yearning. Fulfilling Julia's fantasies is the perfect way to get closer to her, but seducing this fascinating creature is fast becoming more than a means to an end—it is his soul's deepest desire…
I have to say that I am a little disappointed in this book. There were times were I was actually have to force myself to continue to read through just to find the point or the next exciting tidbit about the characters. For the Heroine I felt as though she was lacking if she was secretly working for her husband then she should have been stronger. As for Marcus, that man was irritating me to no end. I understand that there can only be one Fox, but really I am not so sure I agree with who was chosen. I guess I will see after I read the final book of the Royal Four
Marcus stood next in line to be chosen for the Four, and he is not willing to be displaced by a woman, no matter how intriguing or beautiful she may be. Under orders to investigate Julia, Marcus discovers her diary, overflowing with years of loneliness and yearning. Fulfilling Julia's fantasies is the perfect way to get closer to her, but seducing this fascinating creature is fast becoming more than a means to an end—it is his soul's deepest desire…
I have to say that I am a little disappointed in this book. There were times were I was actually have to force myself to continue to read through just to find the point or the next exciting tidbit about the characters. For the Heroine I felt as though she was lacking if she was secretly working for her husband then she should have been stronger. As for Marcus, that man was irritating me to no end. I understand that there can only be one Fox, but really I am not so sure I agree with who was chosen. I guess I will see after I read the final book of the Royal Four
February 20, 2015
Here we see again the handsome Marcus and especially the mysterious Fox =)
Julia has always been the pretty young wife of the old Fox but what everyone ignored is that this is Julia who is actually the Fox for several years. Unfortunately, after the death of the Fox, the Royal Four (or rather the Royal Three) are far from convinced by the pretty widow and ask Marcus to investigate. Unfortunately, if the young widow is far from trivial and a true bewitching beauty, it also seems she is the target of attacks increasingly disturbing ...
After the disaster of the last book, I was a little scared about this book ... And finally, it was a very good surprise =) The plot is still great, the characters are awesome and there are still a lot of twists and humor =) We learn a lot of things about the Chimera and we can feel the end is very close =)
Julia is a rather mysterious character who is revealed bit by bit. She constantly oscillates between the serious and responsible Julia and the adventurous and colorful Jilly =) I totally love her =
Marcus is a very complex character with his qualities and defects: handsome, clever, with humor but also possessive, selfish, proud and ambitious. He is also a man of honor and conscious of his duties, even if that must make him suffer.
The end was perfect and I can't wait to see how Julia will cope with the Royal Four ... Or rather how they will cope =)
Julia has always been the pretty young wife of the old Fox but what everyone ignored is that this is Julia who is actually the Fox for several years. Unfortunately, after the death of the Fox, the Royal Four (or rather the Royal Three) are far from convinced by the pretty widow and ask Marcus to investigate. Unfortunately, if the young widow is far from trivial and a true bewitching beauty, it also seems she is the target of attacks increasingly disturbing ...
After the disaster of the last book, I was a little scared about this book ... And finally, it was a very good surprise =) The plot is still great, the characters are awesome and there are still a lot of twists and humor =) We learn a lot of things about the Chimera and we can feel the end is very close =)
Julia is a rather mysterious character who is revealed bit by bit. She constantly oscillates between the serious and responsible Julia and the adventurous and colorful Jilly =) I totally love her =
Marcus is a very complex character with his qualities and defects: handsome, clever, with humor but also possessive, selfish, proud and ambitious. He is also a man of honor and conscious of his duties, even if that must make him suffer.
The end was perfect and I can't wait to see how Julia will cope with the Royal Four ... Or rather how they will cope =)
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