What do you think?
Rate this book
Her Majesty's Secret Servants #1
Most Eagerly Yours
Raised on their uncle's country estate, the four orphaned Sutherland sisters formed a close friendship with the young Princess Victoria. Shortly before her coronation as queen, Victoria asks the sisters to serve her in matters requiring the utmost discretion.
They are to become her secret servants...
Laurel, the eldest, is the first to be called. The Queen is threatened by her jealous cousin, George Fitzclarence, who is known for speaking treason. She asks Laurel to pose as a wealthy widow and use her charms to win George's trust, then find out what he is really plotting. Laurel is prepared for the risks of acting a part, but she encounters an unexpected and formidable obstacle in the Earl of Barenforth—George's friend and a notorious rake, whom Victoria has warned her to avoid...
An undercover agent for the Home Office, Aidan Phillips, Earl of Barensforth, is on the trail of a financial hoax involving alchemy, murder...and George Fitzclarence. When a lovely young widow wanders into his path and turns his well-laid plans on end, he senses she is hiding something. Aidan is no stranger to seduction, or to the wiles of beautiful women. And he intends employing wiles of his own to uncover the lady's secrets...
They are to become her secret servants...
Laurel, the eldest, is the first to be called. The Queen is threatened by her jealous cousin, George Fitzclarence, who is known for speaking treason. She asks Laurel to pose as a wealthy widow and use her charms to win George's trust, then find out what he is really plotting. Laurel is prepared for the risks of acting a part, but she encounters an unexpected and formidable obstacle in the Earl of Barenforth—George's friend and a notorious rake, whom Victoria has warned her to avoid...
An undercover agent for the Home Office, Aidan Phillips, Earl of Barensforth, is on the trail of a financial hoax involving alchemy, murder...and George Fitzclarence. When a lovely young widow wanders into his path and turns his well-laid plans on end, he senses she is hiding something. Aidan is no stranger to seduction, or to the wiles of beautiful women. And he intends employing wiles of his own to uncover the lady's secrets...
362 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 2, 2010
5 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Allison Chase
8 books52 followersAllison Chase enjoys a busy life in the South Florida sunshine with her husband of more than twenty-five years and their two wonderful and very talented daughters. Allison is a member of the RWA and the Florida Romance Writers, and in large part credits both organizations for her success as a romance author. Originally from New England, she grew up with a deep appreciation for the rich history of her surroundings, and admits that, If living in the past is a bad thing, then Ive been bad all my life! She and her family love to travel, especially throughout the British Isles and Ireland, and shes never happier than when exploring historic sites such as castle ruins, ancient abbeys, or the rambling gardens of old country manors. Readers can visit Allison at www.allisonchase.com."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 21, 2024
The last book I read was so bad, I may be being generous. This one had Laurel, on a secret mission from the Queen to investigate if treason is in the works at the hands of royal bustard, George Fitzclarence.
Undercover as a widow, she's introduced to Bath society, including Aidan Phillips, Lord Barensforth.
Together the uncover a convoluted plot. Their initial romance and tension is quite good, but once they do the deed they become annoying and inconsistent. In one paragraph he's ending things, and the next page he's kissing her and holding her hand. There were several scenes that just didn't flow right and I wished an editor had sent a stronger hand.
Still, was a fun story.
Undercover as a widow, she's introduced to Bath society, including Aidan Phillips, Lord Barensforth.
Together the uncover a convoluted plot. Their initial romance and tension is quite good, but once they do the deed they become annoying and inconsistent. In one paragraph he's ending things, and the next page he's kissing her and holding her hand. There were several scenes that just didn't flow right and I wished an editor had sent a stronger hand.
Still, was a fun story.
Read
June 2, 2021Mystery meets romance. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read the others. Love the young Princess/Queen Victoria.
July 26, 2011
I like the premise of this series, a young Victoria before she’s crowned queen is given carte blanche to use her best childhood friends should she ever need them in the future during her reign. The children learn young that things are changing when their royal playmate realizes herself she cannot keep the friendly relationship she’s shared with them for so long, thus their vow to her and the start of a fun series for historical fans.
While this first part of the story is fresh and new, the bulk of it is something we’ve read before - lady spy is sent to do something no one else can, all the while trying to stay away from but falling in love with the hero, who also happens to be a spy but has hidden that fact behind a totally different personality than his own. What does save the book from falling by the wayside is the characters, the ever-present mystery, and, of course, the romance.
Laurel is the eldest sister and the first to be called for duty. She’s sent to gather information on Victoria’s cousin George, to find out if he’s truly part of a traitorous group the Queen has been told about. When she runs into Aiden, a friend who keeps George on the straight and narrow as much as possible, they both realize they’ve met before when Aiden rescued Laurel in a dangerous situation months earlier, but they keep that realization to themselves, not wanting to give the other the advantage in their game.
In actuality, Aiden is keeping an eye on George for the Home Office, has his own suspicions concerning treason and is trying to figure out what the man is up to. Since they’re pretty much trying to unravel the same thread, just from different points of view, Aiden and Laurel play a game of cat and mouse due to not trusting each other. That changes over the course of the story, however, and they begin to work together as their attraction deepens along the way.
They are a delightful couple and I enjoyed solving their mystery along with them, a mystery which keeps you guessing right up until the very end. I wish we could have had more of Laurel’s sisters involved in the intrigue, but will just have to wait for their books. They have a terrific relationship that would be nice to explore.
I think if you’re an historical romance fan, you’ll like this book too. No mystery about that at all.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
While this first part of the story is fresh and new, the bulk of it is something we’ve read before - lady spy is sent to do something no one else can, all the while trying to stay away from but falling in love with the hero, who also happens to be a spy but has hidden that fact behind a totally different personality than his own. What does save the book from falling by the wayside is the characters, the ever-present mystery, and, of course, the romance.
Laurel is the eldest sister and the first to be called for duty. She’s sent to gather information on Victoria’s cousin George, to find out if he’s truly part of a traitorous group the Queen has been told about. When she runs into Aiden, a friend who keeps George on the straight and narrow as much as possible, they both realize they’ve met before when Aiden rescued Laurel in a dangerous situation months earlier, but they keep that realization to themselves, not wanting to give the other the advantage in their game.
In actuality, Aiden is keeping an eye on George for the Home Office, has his own suspicions concerning treason and is trying to figure out what the man is up to. Since they’re pretty much trying to unravel the same thread, just from different points of view, Aiden and Laurel play a game of cat and mouse due to not trusting each other. That changes over the course of the story, however, and they begin to work together as their attraction deepens along the way.
They are a delightful couple and I enjoyed solving their mystery along with them, a mystery which keeps you guessing right up until the very end. I wish we could have had more of Laurel’s sisters involved in the intrigue, but will just have to wait for their books. They have a terrific relationship that would be nice to explore.
I think if you’re an historical romance fan, you’ll like this book too. No mystery about that at all.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
August 5, 2013
3.5 Stars! This was picked for my July pick it for me book in the Western and Medieval Romance Lovers group. Gotta squeeze it in before July's over, though I technically finished in August :p
This was a book I found at the dollar store, never heard of the author before, but the premise sounded interesting. It sat on the TBR pile for a while, and I'm glad I finally read it. It was an enjoyable story, I liked the idea of a young Victoria holding on to old friends. I also liked the idea of the girls being spies, helping to solve mysteries. There was a large focus on the mystery aspect I thought. I found myself as eager as the main characters to find out what was the deal with the elixir, who was behind the scheme. I had ideas of who and why, but I liked how the author kept me unsure, kept me guessing. Turns out I was only partially right in my guessing, the reveal was like an 'oh, yea' moment. The romance was believable, and I liked how the whole focus wasn't on it at all times. Made the development seem more realistic, after all, they had things to investigate. When they did come together, it was nice. The steam level wasn't super high, but I liked it. The things happened, concise and to the point without any overblown flowery language and drawn out pages. It helped keep the plot rolling. I found myself also interested in Laurel's sisters, and I will definitely be getting their books. Although so far there is no mention of a fourth book, and there are four sisters, so I really hope I won't be left with a cliffhanging ending, especially where the mysteries of the sisters' origins and past is concerned. The end of this book has Laurel and Aidan off looking for answers, so I hope I can get some too. I enjoyed the author's writing style, I liked the characters, and the descriptions of the locations and whatnot. I'm definitely looking into more of her work :)
This was a book I found at the dollar store, never heard of the author before, but the premise sounded interesting. It sat on the TBR pile for a while, and I'm glad I finally read it. It was an enjoyable story, I liked the idea of a young Victoria holding on to old friends. I also liked the idea of the girls being spies, helping to solve mysteries. There was a large focus on the mystery aspect I thought. I found myself as eager as the main characters to find out what was the deal with the elixir, who was behind the scheme. I had ideas of who and why, but I liked how the author kept me unsure, kept me guessing. Turns out I was only partially right in my guessing, the reveal was like an 'oh, yea' moment. The romance was believable, and I liked how the whole focus wasn't on it at all times. Made the development seem more realistic, after all, they had things to investigate. When they did come together, it was nice. The steam level wasn't super high, but I liked it. The things happened, concise and to the point without any overblown flowery language and drawn out pages. It helped keep the plot rolling. I found myself also interested in Laurel's sisters, and I will definitely be getting their books. Although so far there is no mention of a fourth book, and there are four sisters, so I really hope I won't be left with a cliffhanging ending, especially where the mysteries of the sisters' origins and past is concerned. The end of this book has Laurel and Aidan off looking for answers, so I hope I can get some too. I enjoyed the author's writing style, I liked the characters, and the descriptions of the locations and whatnot. I'm definitely looking into more of her work :)
April 8, 2010
I wish Goodreads had a "tried-to-read" or "gave-up-on-it" category, but alas they don't - so I am forced to put this into the "read" category because I don't want it besmirching my "to-read" list and yet I will never finish the entire book.
I tried to read it, I really did. But first off - it is not really "Regency Era" fiction. It is set later than that - late 1830s to 1840s, which I didn't think would make a difference, but it did. I got about 20 pages in and then I started skimming, which is an indication that my interest has been lost and I'm trying to determine whether or not it will be worth it to continue. After skimming, I decided to toss it. The writing is too overdone and superfluous for my tastes. Plus putting the book not only in Queen Victoria's time, but having Queen Victoria an actual part of the story is just weird to me. I don't mind made up royals being included in historical romance fiction, but bringing the real ones in and giving them a part in the fiction - even if they are not the main character - is just not my cup of tea. I've read other historical romance fiction novels whose main characters are based on people who actually lived during those times and they are just annoying for me to read. I end up fact-checking them, which takes away from the storyline.
So this goes on my "do-not-plan-to-finish" shelf that I am going to add, since Goodreads does not have an equivalent.
I tried to read it, I really did. But first off - it is not really "Regency Era" fiction. It is set later than that - late 1830s to 1840s, which I didn't think would make a difference, but it did. I got about 20 pages in and then I started skimming, which is an indication that my interest has been lost and I'm trying to determine whether or not it will be worth it to continue. After skimming, I decided to toss it. The writing is too overdone and superfluous for my tastes. Plus putting the book not only in Queen Victoria's time, but having Queen Victoria an actual part of the story is just weird to me. I don't mind made up royals being included in historical romance fiction, but bringing the real ones in and giving them a part in the fiction - even if they are not the main character - is just not my cup of tea. I've read other historical romance fiction novels whose main characters are based on people who actually lived during those times and they are just annoying for me to read. I end up fact-checking them, which takes away from the storyline.
So this goes on my "do-not-plan-to-finish" shelf that I am going to add, since Goodreads does not have an equivalent.
January 19, 2012
I loved this Victorian era romance, especially the lady and gentleman spy aspects of it and the addition of a young Queen Victoria. Laurel Sutherland is asked by the Queen, who has just started her reign, to pose as a widow and investigate her illegitimate cousin to make sure he’s not planning treason or to cause her any other trouble. Aiden Phillips, Earl of Barensforth, is conducting his own investigation into murder and fraud in Bath at the request of the Home Office. As the two spies keep running into each other, sparks fly and they can’t resist seeing where not only the clues, but their attraction will lead them. I liked this story so much that as soon as I finished it, I immediately started on the next book in the series, Outrageously Yours. There are four Sutherland sisters and I can’t wait to read the rest of their stories.
June 20, 2013
The first book in Her Secret Servants series opens with 4 sisters recognizing that their friendship with young Victoria will change but never end. Years later, Laurel, the oldest of the Sunderland sisters finds herself working for the queen to discover if Victoria s illegitimate half brother, George Fitzclarence, is plotting against her. The intrigue takes Laurel to Bath society as a wealthy widow. However, when she meets Aidan Phillips, Earl of Barensforth, she cannot resist his charms in spite of the warning from Victoria of his excesses. However, Aidan s true role is as spy for the Home Office and his reputation is primarily cultivated. Can these two independent adventurers accept relying on one another?
December 9, 2010
The love story part of the plot was very engaging. Aidan's "committment issues" were believable without being overly maudlin. The "fake widow" who is actually a virgin plot tends to be a little over-utilized, but at least in this case, the hero was bright enough to figure it out before they actually consummated the relationship. The Queen Victoria story thread absolutely did not work for me. Queen Victoria came across as whiney and insecure and without any regal bearing at all. I did NOT believe that the queen would send these sheltered, impoverished women off on "missions" for her!
April 27, 2016
Cute book. The mystery wasn't particularly substantial, but all of the characters were engaging, the romance was well done and the setting was lovely. The heroine in particular was realistic, and the shifts between her perspectives and the hero's were smooth and well-written. Some of his Angst about the situation got repetitive towards the end, but overall it was a fun, enjoyable read and I'm very much looking forward to trying out the rest of the series.
May 19, 2010
Trashy romances just aren't the same once you start a career in editing. Then suddenly a lot of the writing looks bad. So props to this book for being the first regency in a long time that didn't make me want to chuck the book or laugh in incredulity. Preview of the sequel doesn't look nearly as promising, unfortunately.
July 16, 2013
Allison Chase is one of my favorite historical romance writers and I can't wait to read about the other sisters in this series. I loved the twist about Queen Victoria and I've been to Bath and it was great to read about that city in its element. What a wonderful book. If you like historicals, check this one out.
May 12, 2014
Historical Romance set in England in the late 1830's. this is the first in a series called "Her Majesty's Secret Servants". Her Majesty is Queen Victoria.
Kind of entertaining, but nothing extraordinary here. I hope the second book, "Outrageously Yours" (due out in December 2010) is better.
Kind of entertaining, but nothing extraordinary here. I hope the second book, "Outrageously Yours" (due out in December 2010) is better.
March 29, 2016
As a start to a new romantic mystery series, this was a wonderful beginning, leaving me eager to know how the other sisters may act as the Queen's 'secret servants'.
(for the full review please refer to Romance Reader at Heart)
(for the full review please refer to Romance Reader at Heart)
April 14, 2011
After their the couples' first meeting, I thought "Great, this book looks promising." However, I find myself skimming the next 75 pages or so which doesn't bode well. I just couldn't get into the novel. Too bad as it looked oh so promising.
March 25, 2012
I'm undecided about this book. The plot sounds great but something is missing in the connections between the characters. Stopped at Chapter 6. It's more of a story than a romance book. Maybe one day I'll give it another try.
March 7, 2010
Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
September 21, 2010
B&N Romance Readers September selection.
January 10, 2011
I've just started the book and am enthralled.
I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommed the book.
I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommed the book.
July 27, 2011
loved it!!!
August 20, 2015
This was actually very well done. The characters were (essentially) believable, and the story line equal parts exciting and fun, perfect for a romance read.
July 30, 2016
Finished 1st Reading: 01/12/2010
Finished 2nd Reading: 10/04/20158 1:10a Sunday
Purchased New - Paperback $5.97 Walmart
ISBN 978-0-451-22894-9
Finished 2nd Reading: 10/04/20158 1:10a Sunday
Purchased New - Paperback $5.97 Walmart
ISBN 978-0-451-22894-9
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews