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The Gentleman Spy Mysteries #3
The Memory of Her
Perfect for lovers of Regency romantic mysteries, this third-in-series follows a woman who has overcome trauma and loss to become a confident woman and spy who will finally find her true love.
The third book in the darkly romantic Gentleman Spy Mysteries.
Eliza Broad has overcome trauma and loss to become the confident woman and spy she is today, much in thanks to the care and attention of Sir Henry March, spy to the Crown. Fellow spy and good friend to Sir Henry, Allen Strathem has loved Eliza from the moment he first set eyes on her. But out of respect, he never told her and left England for a mission on the Crimea with his secret buried deeply. But the memory of Eliza kept him sane during the relentless horrors of his captivity.
When he returns, Eliza is tasked with helping Allen recover, and she dedicates herself to restoring the sparkle in his eyes and banishing the specters of his Russian captivity.
As Allen recuperates, and they realize danger has followed him back to England, Eliza is elated that Allen not only accepts her help, but respects her skill. Together they set a trap and defeat the man who tortured Allen, only to discover something far more dangerous afoot. With danger and intrigue around every corner, Eliza and Allen rely on and trust each other, and soon their once-buried love for each other becomes a driving force. The dangerous adventure they both share and thrive on binds them together, but will that be enough to protect them from those who wish to see them dead?
The third book in the darkly romantic Gentleman Spy Mysteries.
Eliza Broad has overcome trauma and loss to become the confident woman and spy she is today, much in thanks to the care and attention of Sir Henry March, spy to the Crown. Fellow spy and good friend to Sir Henry, Allen Strathem has loved Eliza from the moment he first set eyes on her. But out of respect, he never told her and left England for a mission on the Crimea with his secret buried deeply. But the memory of Eliza kept him sane during the relentless horrors of his captivity.
When he returns, Eliza is tasked with helping Allen recover, and she dedicates herself to restoring the sparkle in his eyes and banishing the specters of his Russian captivity.
As Allen recuperates, and they realize danger has followed him back to England, Eliza is elated that Allen not only accepts her help, but respects her skill. Together they set a trap and defeat the man who tortured Allen, only to discover something far more dangerous afoot. With danger and intrigue around every corner, Eliza and Allen rely on and trust each other, and soon their once-buried love for each other becomes a driving force. The dangerous adventure they both share and thrive on binds them together, but will that be enough to protect them from those who wish to see them dead?
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2022
10 people are currently reading
1791 people want to read
About the author
Bianca M. Schwarz
9 books113 followersBianca M Schwarz was born in Germany, spent her formative years in London, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and teenage son. She has been telling stories all her life and holds a degree in English literature. Her first novel is THE INNKEEPER'S DAUGHTER. THE GENTLEMAN'S DAUGHTER is the second and most sweepingly romantic book in THE GENTLEMAN SPY SERIES.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 13, 2023
Third in the series. Exciting and tortured
February 2, 2022
Allen is a spy back in England in 1823, recovering after being tortured by Russians in the Crimea. Eliza is on her first solo mission to aid his recovery and protect him from the Russian spies who followed him home. She is moving on from parting from her former lover and Allen, who has always loved Eliza, has harrowing injuries and trauma to cope with.
This is the third in The Gentleman Spy series. The set up of the spy net in England in the 1820s made it easy to catch up, but people here for the an espionage thriller will want to start at with book 1. Romance fans might struggle starting there because the pairing in the first book (Henry and Eliza) ends amicably, book two is about He ru and another woman, and Eliza finds a new love here in book 3.
Most of Allen and Eliza’s connection seems based on their interactions in the previous books and only expanded on this story, so maybe it’s best to read in order. Eliza spends a lot of time telling us what Allen needs and feels, and he does the same with her, and maybe that’s more believable if you’ve read their friendship in the previous books. In The Memory of Her, it’s not well-established enough for me why these two people belong together.
It’s vivid in its descriptions without being long winded. There was some head-hoping and not always a smooth transition from point of view. But the cat and mouse spy game is kept me turning the pages. Allen recovers from his trauma surprisingly quickly and Eliza is a Mary Sue, but the spy game needed someone clever, so I didn’t mind it as much as I typically do.
This read as a two part story: one focusing on fortifying Allen’s house and drawing out their enemies, and the second infiltrating the Russian spies and killing their leader. The intrigue in the second part felt long and the romance felt tacked on. Fans of the first two books will probably want to read this one. It had its exciting parts, but I won’t be going back to read the other books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
This is the third in The Gentleman Spy series. The set up of the spy net in England in the 1820s made it easy to catch up, but people here for the an espionage thriller will want to start at with book 1. Romance fans might struggle starting there because the pairing in the first book (Henry and Eliza) ends amicably, book two is about He ru and another woman, and Eliza finds a new love here in book 3.
Most of Allen and Eliza’s connection seems based on their interactions in the previous books and only expanded on this story, so maybe it’s best to read in order. Eliza spends a lot of time telling us what Allen needs and feels, and he does the same with her, and maybe that’s more believable if you’ve read their friendship in the previous books. In The Memory of Her, it’s not well-established enough for me why these two people belong together.
It’s vivid in its descriptions without being long winded. There was some head-hoping and not always a smooth transition from point of view. But the cat and mouse spy game is kept me turning the pages. Allen recovers from his trauma surprisingly quickly and Eliza is a Mary Sue, but the spy game needed someone clever, so I didn’t mind it as much as I typically do.
This read as a two part story: one focusing on fortifying Allen’s house and drawing out their enemies, and the second infiltrating the Russian spies and killing their leader. The intrigue in the second part felt long and the romance felt tacked on. Fans of the first two books will probably want to read this one. It had its exciting parts, but I won’t be going back to read the other books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
February 22, 2022
"The Memory of Her" by Bianca M. Schwarz, is the 3rd delectable book in the "Gentleman Spy Mysteries" series. The romance in this thriller will make you sizzle!
Synopsis:
Eliza Broad and Allen Strathem are both spies for England during the 1820's. Allen sustained massive injuries inflicted by Russian spies during captivity. Eliza is assigned to help Allen recover and protect him from another brutal attack from his assailants. Allen has loved Eliza since he first laid eyes on her. Will she return his love?
This book is fantastic. I love the 1820's setting. It is perfect for the atmospheric plot. The character descriptions are mentally appealing and easy to visualize. Best of all...the romance is delicious. I read this as a standalone. I will be catching up with the first two books in the series soon. This is my first book by Bianca M. Schwarz, but she is going on my favorite authors list.
"A Memory of Her" will be published April 5th.
Thank you NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing, for allowing me to review this outstanding e-book. I appreciate you!
Synopsis:
Eliza Broad and Allen Strathem are both spies for England during the 1820's. Allen sustained massive injuries inflicted by Russian spies during captivity. Eliza is assigned to help Allen recover and protect him from another brutal attack from his assailants. Allen has loved Eliza since he first laid eyes on her. Will she return his love?
This book is fantastic. I love the 1820's setting. It is perfect for the atmospheric plot. The character descriptions are mentally appealing and easy to visualize. Best of all...the romance is delicious. I read this as a standalone. I will be catching up with the first two books in the series soon. This is my first book by Bianca M. Schwarz, but she is going on my favorite authors list.
"A Memory of Her" will be published April 5th.
Thank you NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing, for allowing me to review this outstanding e-book. I appreciate you!
March 12, 2022
Just delighted to have a story all about Eliza! I thoroughly enjoyed her character arc in The Innkeeper's Daughter and was glad to get back to her journey. Eliza made such strides throughout the first book and to see her now as the accomplished agent for the Crown is such fun. She has certainly become quite an asset and is willing to put her life on the line for her friends and her country. To finally get the full story of how she and Allen come together makes for a lovely read.
The events in this story run concurrently to those in book 2, The Gentleman's Daughter, so if you have read that you know where the story begins. If not, I highly recommend reading it, it's a fantastic story!! Eliza's story begins as her relationship with Sir Henry must end as he starts his search for a wife. Eliza is tasked by Lady Greyson with helping Allen Strathem recover from his horrific capture and torture at the hands of the Russians in the Crimea. This assignment not only leads to a serious romance between Eliza and Allen, but connections to the mysterious group Sir Henry has been investigating. I just so love spending time with these characters!! As with the other books in the series, I am very much looking forward to the next installment!!!
Thanks to Cental Avenue Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
The events in this story run concurrently to those in book 2, The Gentleman's Daughter, so if you have read that you know where the story begins. If not, I highly recommend reading it, it's a fantastic story!! Eliza's story begins as her relationship with Sir Henry must end as he starts his search for a wife. Eliza is tasked by Lady Greyson with helping Allen Strathem recover from his horrific capture and torture at the hands of the Russians in the Crimea. This assignment not only leads to a serious romance between Eliza and Allen, but connections to the mysterious group Sir Henry has been investigating. I just so love spending time with these characters!! As with the other books in the series, I am very much looking forward to the next installment!!!
Thanks to Cental Avenue Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
March 7, 2022
The Memory of Her is a reminder of the importance of friendship and love getting you through your darkest hours -- and that it is possible to love after all the trauma you overcome and heal from, especially when you have the right people in your life to support you.
If you know a survivor of trauma that still feels unseen, misunderstood, or you want to know what it’s like to have reoccurring nightmares that suffocate you to your core, reading Bianca’s writing can help you understand what that feels like.
Every time I read Bianca’s new book in the Gentleman Spy Mysteries series, I get so engrossed in the characters that I can’t bother to put the book down and have to read it more than once. I read this one three times before reviewing because it is just that good!
If you know a survivor of trauma that still feels unseen, misunderstood, or you want to know what it’s like to have reoccurring nightmares that suffocate you to your core, reading Bianca’s writing can help you understand what that feels like.
Every time I read Bianca’s new book in the Gentleman Spy Mysteries series, I get so engrossed in the characters that I can’t bother to put the book down and have to read it more than once. I read this one three times before reviewing because it is just that good!
November 5, 2022
It was so good to see Eliza back in the forefront. It takes a minute to get over the way the relationship we rooted for in the first book ends, but seeing Eliza at work and leading a team made up for it.
The action you expect was here. There were a few rough parts, but there was nothing near what I remember reading in the first book.
Apparently, a fourth book is on the way!
The action you expect was here. There were a few rough parts, but there was nothing near what I remember reading in the first book.
Apparently, a fourth book is on the way!
February 25, 2022
The time period..... delectable
The characters.... delicious.
The clothing, the careers, the settings, the way they travel, everything was impeccably done in this third book.
Yes, I read it before the other 2 were even on my radar. BUT since reading this one, The Memory of her, I did go back and read the other 2 and I am happy I did. The romance and suspense is intense and books 1&2 helped build that up.
Reading this novel was a delightful blend of Edgar Allen Poe, Jane Austen, and Agatha Christie. Even if you are not a historical fiction buff you will find intrigue and titillating romance in this novel. Bravo
The characters.... delicious.
The clothing, the careers, the settings, the way they travel, everything was impeccably done in this third book.
Yes, I read it before the other 2 were even on my radar. BUT since reading this one, The Memory of her, I did go back and read the other 2 and I am happy I did. The romance and suspense is intense and books 1&2 helped build that up.
Reading this novel was a delightful blend of Edgar Allen Poe, Jane Austen, and Agatha Christie. Even if you are not a historical fiction buff you will find intrigue and titillating romance in this novel. Bravo
March 14, 2022
England 1823
Three years ago, Allen Strathem fell in love with his best friend’s mistress. To avoid ruining his friendship with either of them, he threw himself into his spy work as an agent to the Crown. Three months ago, Allen’s luck ran out and he was captured by the enemy. Against all odds, he survived prolonged torture and was eventually rescued, then sent back home to recover.
Eliza Broad has been a happily kept woman (and agent-in-training to the Crown) for three years. However, it is time for her relationship with gentleman spy Sir Henry March to come to an end. Eliza is grateful for the distraction of her first real mission: nursing Allen back to health. As Allen recovers, two things become apparent. 1) Eliza is more attracted to her former lover’s friend than she realized. 2) Allen’s captors aren’t quite finished with him yet.
Not gonna lie, I’ve been waiting for this ever since the retiring room scene in The Innkeeper’s Daughter. I’ve always thought there was a quiet pull between Allen and Eliza, even when they were both actively ignoring the attraction. Even though their romance was hinted at early on, the love story isn’t the main plot. This is partly because Allen is still physically and mentally healing for a large chunk of the book. Instead, the narrative mainly focuses on Eliza’s growth as a spy and as a capable woman. She’s learned a lot in the past three years, including her own worth.
This book is distinctly different from the rest of the series. It doesn’t directly follow the exploits of the Knights of the Snake Pit and there is less of an emphasis on the romance. Instead, this story focuses more on regency era spycraft. However, as with the rest of the series, there is a strong subplot of people with traumatic pasts finding solace in each other. By the events of this book, Eliza has mostly come to terms with her own physical and emotional wounds, but her experience helps her empathize with and understand Allen and his more recent ordeal.
NOTE: This is the third book in the Gentlemen Spy series but can easily be read as a standalone or before the other books. Events of the first book are alluded to but are not essential to this plot. From what I can tell, the events of the second book mostly take place after this one.
**Trigger warnings for this book for torture and its physical and mental aftermath along with allusions to domestic abuse. The book opens with Allen’s captivity and torture. If you’re a little squeamish at that thought, you might just want to skip to chapter 2.
Three years ago, Allen Strathem fell in love with his best friend’s mistress. To avoid ruining his friendship with either of them, he threw himself into his spy work as an agent to the Crown. Three months ago, Allen’s luck ran out and he was captured by the enemy. Against all odds, he survived prolonged torture and was eventually rescued, then sent back home to recover.
Eliza Broad has been a happily kept woman (and agent-in-training to the Crown) for three years. However, it is time for her relationship with gentleman spy Sir Henry March to come to an end. Eliza is grateful for the distraction of her first real mission: nursing Allen back to health. As Allen recovers, two things become apparent. 1) Eliza is more attracted to her former lover’s friend than she realized. 2) Allen’s captors aren’t quite finished with him yet.
Not gonna lie, I’ve been waiting for this ever since the retiring room scene in The Innkeeper’s Daughter. I’ve always thought there was a quiet pull between Allen and Eliza, even when they were both actively ignoring the attraction. Even though their romance was hinted at early on, the love story isn’t the main plot. This is partly because Allen is still physically and mentally healing for a large chunk of the book. Instead, the narrative mainly focuses on Eliza’s growth as a spy and as a capable woman. She’s learned a lot in the past three years, including her own worth.
This book is distinctly different from the rest of the series. It doesn’t directly follow the exploits of the Knights of the Snake Pit and there is less of an emphasis on the romance. Instead, this story focuses more on regency era spycraft. However, as with the rest of the series, there is a strong subplot of people with traumatic pasts finding solace in each other. By the events of this book, Eliza has mostly come to terms with her own physical and emotional wounds, but her experience helps her empathize with and understand Allen and his more recent ordeal.
NOTE: This is the third book in the Gentlemen Spy series but can easily be read as a standalone or before the other books. Events of the first book are alluded to but are not essential to this plot. From what I can tell, the events of the second book mostly take place after this one.
**Trigger warnings for this book for torture and its physical and mental aftermath along with allusions to domestic abuse. The book opens with Allen’s captivity and torture. If you’re a little squeamish at that thought, you might just want to skip to chapter 2.
May 19, 2022
The third in a series but does good as a stand alone.
The scene is set in 1823 England but the story goes back in part to the Crimea where Allen has been
a prisoner and severely tortured by a Russian general. Now spirited away to England, he is back in his home to recuperate and recover from the physical and mental torture he has undergone. Whether he will or not depends on the care and attention that he receives from not just his loyal servants but from Eliza's
sharp intelligence as a spy to make sure that Allen is safe, not been followed or in any danger of being
abducted again.
When foreigners are discovered in the village Eliza knows that the whereabouts have been discovered and that an attack on Allen is only a matter of time. How to circumvent this, protect him, find out who the abductors are and more importantly who sent them is a matter of urgency.
The story follows in a meticulous fashion how and when things happen and how they successfully beat back the attackers.
This was a nice bit of recounting going back to the Crimea and then back to peacetime England.
The scene is set in 1823 England but the story goes back in part to the Crimea where Allen has been
a prisoner and severely tortured by a Russian general. Now spirited away to England, he is back in his home to recuperate and recover from the physical and mental torture he has undergone. Whether he will or not depends on the care and attention that he receives from not just his loyal servants but from Eliza's
sharp intelligence as a spy to make sure that Allen is safe, not been followed or in any danger of being
abducted again.
When foreigners are discovered in the village Eliza knows that the whereabouts have been discovered and that an attack on Allen is only a matter of time. How to circumvent this, protect him, find out who the abductors are and more importantly who sent them is a matter of urgency.
The story follows in a meticulous fashion how and when things happen and how they successfully beat back the attackers.
This was a nice bit of recounting going back to the Crimea and then back to peacetime England.
May 7, 2022
*Netgalley Ebook
I really enjoy this series and was excited to see more of Eliza’s character in this book. She’s one of my fav characters in this series. She smart, strong, sexy and scrappy.
This one started out with a bang. The beginning was my favorite part of the story. I was so stressed waiting to hear what happened.
This is a cool historical fiction series with beautiful artistic covers.
I really enjoy this series and was excited to see more of Eliza’s character in this book. She’s one of my fav characters in this series. She smart, strong, sexy and scrappy.
This one started out with a bang. The beginning was my favorite part of the story. I was so stressed waiting to hear what happened.
This is a cool historical fiction series with beautiful artistic covers.
March 10, 2022
Thanks to Central Avenue for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I was sent number 2 in this series "The Gentleman's Daughter" before I'd read the first, "The Innkeeper's Daughter", so I bought that one first and then devoured both in a matter of days, so I was super keen that Bianca has continued the story in "The Memory of Her".
This one is a bit more action-heavy right from the off. The character, story and world building have been built over the first two books, so much so that this one can get stuck in quite early on.
I found this one more...human. I felt the other two had a mystery, almost fantasy quality about them, whereas this one seems more accessible - if not completely relateable (unless you are a spy in the early 1800s).
What I particularly like is how the female characters are front and centre. It doesn't shove feminism down your throat just for the sake of it; it just shows that even in the 19th Century, women were more than capable of holding their own against men, if only they're given the chance.
I like how restrained this book is. Let me explain what I mean by that. It must be so tempting when writing a spy book - no matter the era it is set in - to throw everything and the kitchen sink at it, and make it very fantasy and make-believe. But this is concise, with only what is needed, and yet it still feels fast paced, exciting, and thrilling, but real.
I am super excited to see another in the series is due in 2023; I could read this series forever and I sincerely hope Bianca continues to write instalments for many years to come.
I was sent number 2 in this series "The Gentleman's Daughter" before I'd read the first, "The Innkeeper's Daughter", so I bought that one first and then devoured both in a matter of days, so I was super keen that Bianca has continued the story in "The Memory of Her".
This one is a bit more action-heavy right from the off. The character, story and world building have been built over the first two books, so much so that this one can get stuck in quite early on.
I found this one more...human. I felt the other two had a mystery, almost fantasy quality about them, whereas this one seems more accessible - if not completely relateable (unless you are a spy in the early 1800s).
What I particularly like is how the female characters are front and centre. It doesn't shove feminism down your throat just for the sake of it; it just shows that even in the 19th Century, women were more than capable of holding their own against men, if only they're given the chance.
I like how restrained this book is. Let me explain what I mean by that. It must be so tempting when writing a spy book - no matter the era it is set in - to throw everything and the kitchen sink at it, and make it very fantasy and make-believe. But this is concise, with only what is needed, and yet it still feels fast paced, exciting, and thrilling, but real.
I am super excited to see another in the series is due in 2023; I could read this series forever and I sincerely hope Bianca continues to write instalments for many years to come.
April 11, 2022
This book is fantastic, I love getting a book that makes the real world disappear and this is one of those books.
Eliza is my absolute favorite type of character. Smart, cunning, intelligent, caring, and when she sets her mind on something she's pretty much unstoppable.
Allen is broken, there's no other way to say it. What he suffered at the hands of the Russians is unspeakable, and unfortunately Allen can't forget, his only times of peace are found with Eliza.
When we find our characters Eliza is heartbroken, she's leaving the home she's known for a complete unknown, a new mission, new living situation, and a new danger that's so much worse than she thinks it is.
While she knows and cares for Allen and wants to help him heal, she had no idea how much Allen cares for her or that the thought of her, keeping her safe is what got Allen through literal torture.
Just as they begin to form a routine both in life and with each other, just when they both open up to the possibility of more between them, thats when danger comes knocking.
The Memory of Her is full of twists and turns, and keeps you thinking about the under currents of the story right up to the end and I loved every page.
With love and loss, danger and intrigue this one has it all, and while it may be part of a series it can absolutely be read as a stand alone.
I personally will be reading the other books in this series and any future installments.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Eliza is my absolute favorite type of character. Smart, cunning, intelligent, caring, and when she sets her mind on something she's pretty much unstoppable.
Allen is broken, there's no other way to say it. What he suffered at the hands of the Russians is unspeakable, and unfortunately Allen can't forget, his only times of peace are found with Eliza.
When we find our characters Eliza is heartbroken, she's leaving the home she's known for a complete unknown, a new mission, new living situation, and a new danger that's so much worse than she thinks it is.
While she knows and cares for Allen and wants to help him heal, she had no idea how much Allen cares for her or that the thought of her, keeping her safe is what got Allen through literal torture.
Just as they begin to form a routine both in life and with each other, just when they both open up to the possibility of more between them, thats when danger comes knocking.
The Memory of Her is full of twists and turns, and keeps you thinking about the under currents of the story right up to the end and I loved every page.
With love and loss, danger and intrigue this one has it all, and while it may be part of a series it can absolutely be read as a stand alone.
I personally will be reading the other books in this series and any future installments.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2022
Very interesting book it's kind of funny when you think about it when CRI MEAN WAR Was in the 1870s It's like it's still happening over there. The main character Bankrupter is a spy N AME Is no Eliza broad. She had a lot of problems but she was really good what she did. The other main character Allen. Allen was abused in the Russian system because he thought he was a spy. He was tortured repeatedly and his friend got him out. They made their way to England Allen was sent to recover and the girl Eliza was supposed to help him. They do not realize the danger they were in because the spies were still chasing the Russian. It sounds like what Russia does now. But I like the book because it aint had a lot of interesting and thoughtful how to out with these people. Elizabeth was very brave to be a woman especially when they were trying to get into the Russian ambassador. I think it's a really good book even the title missing her
March 10, 2022
Allen was a spy who fell in love with Eliza when she was with his best friend and fellow spy Henry. Eliza and his best friend eventually ended things on good terms and Eliza became a spy herself. Eliza took care of Allen during his recovery from captivity/torture and the two grew close... However, trouble followed Allen from his captivity....
I love Eliza since the first book and I was sad that she and Henry didn't end up together. I am happy that she found someone who cares and loves her totally. :) She grew so much and became such a confident and competent woman. The romance is terrific and I like the action/suspense in the book too. A great ending to the series. You can read this as a stand alone but it will add so much more if you read the first book...
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
I love Eliza since the first book and I was sad that she and Henry didn't end up together. I am happy that she found someone who cares and loves her totally. :) She grew so much and became such a confident and competent woman. The romance is terrific and I like the action/suspense in the book too. A great ending to the series. You can read this as a stand alone but it will add so much more if you read the first book...
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
April 12, 2022
I really love this whole series and Schwarz's writing. She paints a vivid picture as we make our way through the story. I love the way Eliza is able to make her own decisions even in life/death ways and Allen just supports her. Matter of fact, she saves him! Allen is probably one of my more favorite characters in the series and so happy to see both him and Eliza get their HEAs.
Highly recommend for those who love historical romance with mystery elements.
Highly recommend for those who love historical romance with mystery elements.
July 12, 2023
The Memory of Her was a delightful glimpse into the life of Eliza, the spymaster. It was a fun read, although I do wish I hadn't known the outcome beforehand, as it was referenced so frequently in book two. Nevertheless, being a fan of these characters already, I approached this book as a filler novella for book four, with its friends-to-lovers theme. I have a feeling that the final book in this series will be filled with excitement.
April 21, 2022
I love Eliza and Allen together. Not only do they lead interesting Regency-era spy lives, but their friends-to-lovers arc is based all the way on healing, trust, humor, and pleasure. A charming read!
December 16, 2022
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Memory of Her is the third Gentleman Spy historical mystery/romance by Bianca M. Schwarz. Released 5th April 2022, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a starkly written, often dark, espionage romance set in Britain in the very late Regency period (ca 1823 - which to be pedantic is 13 years -after- the Regency, but that's a minor quibble). The main romance at the beginning of this book (Henry and Eliza's) was set up in the first two book and is at an end due to his expected marriage. She isn't and never was an acceptable spouse and they've morphed into friend who used to be lovers at this point. Her assignment is to help with the rehabilitation of another agent, Allen Strathem, who was Henry's best friend and also secretly in love with Eliza.
Due to the extensive list of dramatis personae and their sometimes torturously involved interconnections, this book works better as part of the series and not as a standalone. The writing is consistently high quality and readable. Readers should be aware of the inclusion of direct and sometimes explicit descriptions of physical torture, sexual trauma, and mental illness.
Four stars. Well written and plotted. Quite dark in places.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Memory of Her is the third Gentleman Spy historical mystery/romance by Bianca M. Schwarz. Released 5th April 2022, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a starkly written, often dark, espionage romance set in Britain in the very late Regency period (ca 1823 - which to be pedantic is 13 years -after- the Regency, but that's a minor quibble). The main romance at the beginning of this book (Henry and Eliza's) was set up in the first two book and is at an end due to his expected marriage. She isn't and never was an acceptable spouse and they've morphed into friend who used to be lovers at this point. Her assignment is to help with the rehabilitation of another agent, Allen Strathem, who was Henry's best friend and also secretly in love with Eliza.
Due to the extensive list of dramatis personae and their sometimes torturously involved interconnections, this book works better as part of the series and not as a standalone. The writing is consistently high quality and readable. Readers should be aware of the inclusion of direct and sometimes explicit descriptions of physical torture, sexual trauma, and mental illness.
Four stars. Well written and plotted. Quite dark in places.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 13, 2024
Finally in the third installment of The Gentleman Spy Mysteries am I getting the actual cozy historical spy thriller that I was hoping for the entire time. I am glad I stuck with this series despite being unimpressed with the first one and finding the second one merely ok.
This book takes place at the same time as the second book, however this one centers on Eliza who is now separated from Henry and living on her own in London after he goes in search of a proper wife in Brighton. She is now an actual spy herself. Eliza is tasked for caring for another spy in their organization, Allen, who has been imprisoned and tortured in Crimea, and they have to outwit Russians and a French double agent who have followed Allen back to the UK.
This book was full of dramatic action, plot twists, and while there is a love story in it, the plot around the agents who are pursuing Allen and Eliza actually made sense and was easy to follow. There is a small tie in to the sex trafficking ring from previous books, however that doesn't really feature much in this.
Eliza seems like a fully fleshed out whole person finally rather than a damsel in distress which makes this seem like an entirely different series. The romance seems believable rather than a fairy tale and while people die, there is no gratuitous torture or sexual assault. I wish the author had found her footing earlier, but that doesn't completely negate the entire series.
This series was published in 2015 and has been re-released on NetGalley.
Many thanks to Central Avenue Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion.
This book takes place at the same time as the second book, however this one centers on Eliza who is now separated from Henry and living on her own in London after he goes in search of a proper wife in Brighton. She is now an actual spy herself. Eliza is tasked for caring for another spy in their organization, Allen, who has been imprisoned and tortured in Crimea, and they have to outwit Russians and a French double agent who have followed Allen back to the UK.
This book was full of dramatic action, plot twists, and while there is a love story in it, the plot around the agents who are pursuing Allen and Eliza actually made sense and was easy to follow. There is a small tie in to the sex trafficking ring from previous books, however that doesn't really feature much in this.
Eliza seems like a fully fleshed out whole person finally rather than a damsel in distress which makes this seem like an entirely different series. The romance seems believable rather than a fairy tale and while people die, there is no gratuitous torture or sexual assault. I wish the author had found her footing earlier, but that doesn't completely negate the entire series.
This series was published in 2015 and has been re-released on NetGalley.
Many thanks to Central Avenue Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion.
April 3, 2022
***4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account***
"...I will want more. I want to live this love."
Oh be still my beating heart! The Memory Of Her by reliable author Bianca M. Schwarz is a perfect mix of swoon worthy regency romance and spine tingling spy mystery.
The third book in The Gentleman Spy Mysteries series is now my favorite. Though it can be read as a stand alone, reading the previous books (The Innkeeper's Daughter and The Gentleman's Daughter), makes Eliza and Allen's journey that more exciting and satisfying to the reader.
It's 1823 and Eliza is no longer spy Sir Henry's mistress but is now an accomplished spy for the Crown. Overcoming her traumas have made her stronger and, especially for the times, a very independent woman.
Allen Strathem, Sir Henry's best friend, has loved Eliza from afar but out of respect to his friend never acted on his feelings. He takes a mission in Crimea that leaves him tortured in captivity. It is his memories of Eliza that gives him the will to live.
Once he is free it is Eliza who nurses him back to health physically and mentally. As their feelings grow they hatch a plan to get revenge on Allen's captor. What they don't know is that there is a bigger threat to their blossoming love and ultimately their lives.
With tender romance and spy intrigue this historical fiction mystery is the perfect combination for Bridgerton, Outlander, Agatha Christie, and Jane Austen fans.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"...I will want more. I want to live this love."
Oh be still my beating heart! The Memory Of Her by reliable author Bianca M. Schwarz is a perfect mix of swoon worthy regency romance and spine tingling spy mystery.
The third book in The Gentleman Spy Mysteries series is now my favorite. Though it can be read as a stand alone, reading the previous books (The Innkeeper's Daughter and The Gentleman's Daughter), makes Eliza and Allen's journey that more exciting and satisfying to the reader.
It's 1823 and Eliza is no longer spy Sir Henry's mistress but is now an accomplished spy for the Crown. Overcoming her traumas have made her stronger and, especially for the times, a very independent woman.
Allen Strathem, Sir Henry's best friend, has loved Eliza from afar but out of respect to his friend never acted on his feelings. He takes a mission in Crimea that leaves him tortured in captivity. It is his memories of Eliza that gives him the will to live.
Once he is free it is Eliza who nurses him back to health physically and mentally. As their feelings grow they hatch a plan to get revenge on Allen's captor. What they don't know is that there is a bigger threat to their blossoming love and ultimately their lives.
With tender romance and spy intrigue this historical fiction mystery is the perfect combination for Bridgerton, Outlander, Agatha Christie, and Jane Austen fans.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 17, 2022
This is a POV from a person who only read the 3rd book
This agent story is good. I like how they put the spy lifestyle and how they put the case all together in the story. But there are too many weak holes in this story that I cant seem to enjoy it much. I was expecting Allen to be dramatically 'mentally unstable' that really needed help and support but Allen's mentally unstable was still able to support anyone around him. He still has a strong will especially when he was thinking about Eliza. And to be honest, I dont think Eliza helped that much to mentally fix Allen, she was more onto fixing him physically. I was expecting him to go through a really serious traumatic post-experience. but the only traumatic moment for Allen is when he was dreaming. For me, for such a short time post-experience, it should had been more than just a dream. Unless it was a long time ago then dream trauma was logical.
And Eliza and Allen's relationship seemed forced. The romantic encounter was not romantic at all. It did not justify how Eliza could fall in love instantly to Allen especially when she was just heartbroken by her relationship with Henry.
I saw some comments mentioning something like the character being heartless to another character in the story. I don't completely agree with it because some historical fiction storytelling tends to be like that. And then being an agent kinda explains why they would try to not be emotionally attached to someone too much because they should know how risky their work is.
Overall, I would say you guys would be attached more on to the case solving rather than the love interest going on throughout the story. It was a fun case but doesn't reach to the thrilling point. I have no intention to continue the rest of the books in the series. but if i was given a chance to, I would read but not straight away.
This agent story is good. I like how they put the spy lifestyle and how they put the case all together in the story. But there are too many weak holes in this story that I cant seem to enjoy it much. I was expecting Allen to be dramatically 'mentally unstable' that really needed help and support but Allen's mentally unstable was still able to support anyone around him. He still has a strong will especially when he was thinking about Eliza. And to be honest, I dont think Eliza helped that much to mentally fix Allen, she was more onto fixing him physically. I was expecting him to go through a really serious traumatic post-experience. but the only traumatic moment for Allen is when he was dreaming. For me, for such a short time post-experience, it should had been more than just a dream. Unless it was a long time ago then dream trauma was logical.
And Eliza and Allen's relationship seemed forced. The romantic encounter was not romantic at all. It did not justify how Eliza could fall in love instantly to Allen especially when she was just heartbroken by her relationship with Henry.
I saw some comments mentioning something like the character being heartless to another character in the story. I don't completely agree with it because some historical fiction storytelling tends to be like that. And then being an agent kinda explains why they would try to not be emotionally attached to someone too much because they should know how risky their work is.
Overall, I would say you guys would be attached more on to the case solving rather than the love interest going on throughout the story. It was a fun case but doesn't reach to the thrilling point. I have no intention to continue the rest of the books in the series. but if i was given a chance to, I would read but not straight away.
March 11, 2022
Sadly, this book did not compel me in the slightest.
The premise starts you off strong, but that doesn't make up for the writing or the ridiculous about of plot machinations that utterly distract from anything involving actual romance or actual stakes. What didn't need detail got excessive detail (multiple times over there is explanations of plots or meals or house set ups) and what needed details (the history of the characters, the way they felt about each other) was just so surface level and bluntly put out there that it was bordering on ridiculous. At one point, a character is murdered in front of another character and the only response is "they will be avenged" with no actual description of how either character feels beyond that.
It definitely does not help that the love story between the two leads is so badly drawn that there's no evolution of feelings or emotion behind it. The hero has always been in love with her, she basically seems to fall because he's there, and there's no ramp up to any feelings. One day they are not together, the next they are in love and every sentence he says about her, he finishes with "my Eliza."
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise starts you off strong, but that doesn't make up for the writing or the ridiculous about of plot machinations that utterly distract from anything involving actual romance or actual stakes. What didn't need detail got excessive detail (multiple times over there is explanations of plots or meals or house set ups) and what needed details (the history of the characters, the way they felt about each other) was just so surface level and bluntly put out there that it was bordering on ridiculous. At one point, a character is murdered in front of another character and the only response is "they will be avenged" with no actual description of how either character feels beyond that.
It definitely does not help that the love story between the two leads is so badly drawn that there's no evolution of feelings or emotion behind it. The hero has always been in love with her, she basically seems to fall because he's there, and there's no ramp up to any feelings. One day they are not together, the next they are in love and every sentence he says about her, he finishes with "my Eliza."
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2024
ARC Review of The Memory of Her by Bianca M. Schwarz
* * * * *
We are taken for an epic turn following Eliza, our heroine from book one, as she navigates her role in her new line of work...as well as finding love again and with a familiar face!
Allen survived thinking of her.
Eliza.
Three years ago he fell for the strong and beautiful mistress of his good friend, knowing he could not have her but kept her nonetheless close to his heart. When he is tortured and starved by cruel enemies, followed by a rescue, who of course comes to nurse him back to health?
The woman of his dreams, and hallucinations.
Eliza has excepted she needs to part ways with Henry, but is more than happy to tend to Allen. What she did not expect was to be attracted to him as she believed she previously thought. As her feelings change fromt friendship to something sweeter, she's had to multitask as the danger is not far.
The job is not over.
This romance was much sweeter and smoother than Eliza and Henry's story. Very mellow. Was hoping for some humour, considering how in book one Allen saved Eliza in such a comedic fashion, but it was all hearts and flowers. Not that it is bad.
Eliza and Allen both get their happy ending, and we are left with more evil to take down!
* * * * *
We are taken for an epic turn following Eliza, our heroine from book one, as she navigates her role in her new line of work...as well as finding love again and with a familiar face!
Allen survived thinking of her.
Eliza.
Three years ago he fell for the strong and beautiful mistress of his good friend, knowing he could not have her but kept her nonetheless close to his heart. When he is tortured and starved by cruel enemies, followed by a rescue, who of course comes to nurse him back to health?
The woman of his dreams, and hallucinations.
Eliza has excepted she needs to part ways with Henry, but is more than happy to tend to Allen. What she did not expect was to be attracted to him as she believed she previously thought. As her feelings change fromt friendship to something sweeter, she's had to multitask as the danger is not far.
The job is not over.
This romance was much sweeter and smoother than Eliza and Henry's story. Very mellow. Was hoping for some humour, considering how in book one Allen saved Eliza in such a comedic fashion, but it was all hearts and flowers. Not that it is bad.
Eliza and Allen both get their happy ending, and we are left with more evil to take down!
March 10, 2022
https://clife.blog/2022/03/10/book-re...
We are first introduced to Allen. He appears to be held captive and his career is as a spy. I haven’t read the previous books in what’s obviously seen as a series whether you know this or not, you can kind of tell from the writing style at first glance.
I wasn’t too keen on the gruesome torture the poor guy had to go through. I’m not sure what he did to be captured like this. It’s difficult to follow the plot or the main intention for this novel before it begins to settle and we can see she is on a mission to help Allen who has always loved Eliza.
I would recommend starting with the first novel in this series as most of their interactions are based on previous books to expand on it.
At times the novel is gripping and makes me want to find out what happens next so it did capture my attention and it was intriguing. It’s difficult to say much without giving away the entire plot and spoiling it. Definitely read the first book and read these in order to understand it better. Gripping thriller.
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
We are first introduced to Allen. He appears to be held captive and his career is as a spy. I haven’t read the previous books in what’s obviously seen as a series whether you know this or not, you can kind of tell from the writing style at first glance.
I wasn’t too keen on the gruesome torture the poor guy had to go through. I’m not sure what he did to be captured like this. It’s difficult to follow the plot or the main intention for this novel before it begins to settle and we can see she is on a mission to help Allen who has always loved Eliza.
I would recommend starting with the first novel in this series as most of their interactions are based on previous books to expand on it.
At times the novel is gripping and makes me want to find out what happens next so it did capture my attention and it was intriguing. It’s difficult to say much without giving away the entire plot and spoiling it. Definitely read the first book and read these in order to understand it better. Gripping thriller.
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2022
Review Time 🫖👀
Title: The Memory Of Her
Author: Bianca Schwarz
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book, and will be buying the other two that came before it. If you enjoy spies, romance, period reads, and a bit of English humor this book series is for you.
The storyline was very British war time and the descriptions Bianca used made me feeling like I was transported into her book. I loved the relationship between the agents as well as how the villains were described. The romance was refreshing as well as the spicier scenes as they were well detailed 😉
This book is the 3rd in the series, and I was graciously introduced via NetGalley and the Author. I will definitely be reading the rest.
Eliza and Allen are Definitely my favorite spy pair. Allen goes through a lot of trauma right of the bat. But it’s all worth it for the ending! I got goosebumps several times while reading.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#earc #kindle #bibliophile #mystery #spies #romance #England #Thecrown #Eliza #Allen #Country #BIPOC #reviewer #netgalley
Title: The Memory Of Her
Author: Bianca Schwarz
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book, and will be buying the other two that came before it. If you enjoy spies, romance, period reads, and a bit of English humor this book series is for you.
The storyline was very British war time and the descriptions Bianca used made me feeling like I was transported into her book. I loved the relationship between the agents as well as how the villains were described. The romance was refreshing as well as the spicier scenes as they were well detailed 😉
This book is the 3rd in the series, and I was graciously introduced via NetGalley and the Author. I will definitely be reading the rest.
Eliza and Allen are Definitely my favorite spy pair. Allen goes through a lot of trauma right of the bat. But it’s all worth it for the ending! I got goosebumps several times while reading.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#earc #kindle #bibliophile #mystery #spies #romance #England #Thecrown #Eliza #Allen #Country #BIPOC #reviewer #netgalley
March 3, 2022
This is the third in Gentleman Spy Mysteries, a series of romantic suspense stories set in Regency England. I have not read the first two books in the series but had no trouble following the story.
The hero, Allen, has returned to England to recuperate after being physically and mentally tortured during a mission in Crimea. Eliza is the agent charged with protecting Allen and overseeing his convalescence. This is the first mission that Eliza is leading. She and Allen were acquainted prior to his Crimean assignment and Allen has loved her from afar for years.
Despite admirable main and secondary characters, this was a miss for me. I had to really push myself to finish the book. The pacing seemed very slow, hindered by an excess of details about many insignificant aspects of the story, such as exact routes that were taken as the characters traveled, or what they had for various meals. I never felt absorbed by the story.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #CentralAvenuePublishing, for the advance copy.
The hero, Allen, has returned to England to recuperate after being physically and mentally tortured during a mission in Crimea. Eliza is the agent charged with protecting Allen and overseeing his convalescence. This is the first mission that Eliza is leading. She and Allen were acquainted prior to his Crimean assignment and Allen has loved her from afar for years.
Despite admirable main and secondary characters, this was a miss for me. I had to really push myself to finish the book. The pacing seemed very slow, hindered by an excess of details about many insignificant aspects of the story, such as exact routes that were taken as the characters traveled, or what they had for various meals. I never felt absorbed by the story.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #CentralAvenuePublishing, for the advance copy.
April 2, 2022
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the chance to review this ARC. For me this book served I am guessing as a bridge within a bigger series, often I find that books 2-3 in a series are less exciting as they move a plot forward or step back to develop a character or characters, and this was the case for this book. I found that the early parts of the book were passive and less exciting and then moved into action but by then I was disconnected from the story and the goals of the plot. It might be that the next book really picks up with the promise of the later action in this novel and that this book becomes an important or at least needed step in the bigger story being told. For now though enthusiasm for this book is low.
I will note that the characters are interesting, the writing is strong, and the potential from earlier books is present but the plot, or limited plot, impacted my ennoyment and review.
I will note that the characters are interesting, the writing is strong, and the potential from earlier books is present but the plot, or limited plot, impacted my ennoyment and review.
September 29, 2022
First off this book like the others you could almost read them as a standalone, but if you want the full history I would start off with book one.
Now I have to admit, I had serious reservations with this story before I even read it. I love loved Eliza and Henry’s relationship in the first book so much and to have it thrown off course in the second book annoyed me. However because I love the characters and the story line so much I gave this story a chance. I’m so glad I did too.
I love Eliza with Allen! While some parts of the book are hard to read, this is a dark romance so it will have triggers, I love the relationship that came out of trauma. I’m so glad I gave it a chance and can’t wait for the next one now.
Now I have to admit, I had serious reservations with this story before I even read it. I love loved Eliza and Henry’s relationship in the first book so much and to have it thrown off course in the second book annoyed me. However because I love the characters and the story line so much I gave this story a chance. I’m so glad I did too.
I love Eliza with Allen! While some parts of the book are hard to read, this is a dark romance so it will have triggers, I love the relationship that came out of trauma. I’m so glad I gave it a chance and can’t wait for the next one now.
March 13, 2022
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
3.75/5 stars
Overall I enjoyed this story, the characters and their relationship together working through the plot. I would say this is a little out of what I typically go for as far as story and time period but I found it very interesting and want to follow along with the story.
I did feel like some of the writing seemed a bit off compared to the region and time period but it wasn't anything that distracted from the story for me personally.
I'll be looking forward to the next book to come in this story and other reads from the author.
3.75/5 stars
Overall I enjoyed this story, the characters and their relationship together working through the plot. I would say this is a little out of what I typically go for as far as story and time period but I found it very interesting and want to follow along with the story.
I did feel like some of the writing seemed a bit off compared to the region and time period but it wasn't anything that distracted from the story for me personally.
I'll be looking forward to the next book to come in this story and other reads from the author.
March 16, 2022
The Memory of Her feels like a draft of a novel I could really love. The set up is wonderful - two spies who have been separated by circumstances (and other people) reconnect and heal together. I like the characters, especially the heroine. It was especially cool to me that there was no shame in Eliza having been a "kept woman". However, while much of the detail of the spy work was engrossing, both characters made some tactical decisions that didn't make sense to me. Also, Eliza is recovering from the loss of a major relationship in her life, and I would have liked to see a deeper grieving process. Overall, a lovely book.
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