When a lady decides to become a spy, she must resist all temptation…especially love.Audrey Sheridan is London’s sweetheart, a position that allows her access to the ton and all its secrets. As the enigmatic writer, Lady Society, she is wild, reckless, and speaks her mind. She matchmakes wicked rogues with their perfect wives. But there’s one thing she’s failed to find since her debut. A husband … debut. A husband for herself. And there’s only one man she’s ever wanted. There’s just one problem…he doesn’t want her. What’s a lady to do to mend her broken heart? Run off to become a spy…
Jonathan St. Laurent is anything but a saint and certainly not husband material. He spent nearly his entire life as a servant to his half-brother the Duke of Essex. He’s trying to play the gentleman now, but it’s damned hard when he’s tempted by the ton’s darling spitfire Audrey. There’s something about her that makes him want to abandon the rules of polite society and show her just how wicked he can be…which is why it’s better to avoid the minx altogether.
When Audrey’s plan to be a spy is discovered, Jonathan knows he must move heaven and earth to protect her while guarding his own secret…
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Love is a leap of faith. It’s not perfect, not always kind, but it can be the most rewarding experience of one’s life. Lauren Smith gets that. That’s what makes her heroes and heroines such a joy. Despite the danger to their hearts and more often than not lives. they’re willing to take the risk. His Wicked Secret is a tale of danger, romance and vulnerability. Audrey and Jonathan are destined to find their happy ending, if they can survive their reckless secrets and fear of rejection. Against a backdrop of titled society and dangerous secrets is a tale of love that will stand the test of time.
Sweet, sweet Jonathan has waited so very long (and so have we) to finally get his HEA. Lady Audrey has lead the poor boy on a merry chase and finally – she catches him. Audrey, the young lady everybody views as a spoiled society miss – wants to be a spy – and Jonathan, the handsome young man who is unsure of his place in society – wants to protect her.
As always, Ms. Smith’s writing is superb, the plot is well planned and well executed and the romance is just sizzling — not to mention characters that you can’t help but love. One of the things I loved about the book was that there was basically a recap of the beginning of the Earl of Pembroke (Wicked Earls Club) except it was told from Audrey and Jonathan’s perspective rather than Gillian and James’ perspective.
We’ve known for several books now that Audrey and Jonathan would end up together because it was love at first sight. However, because of his background, Jonathan has never felt that he was good enough for her – so he keeps pushing her away. Jonathan is the younger brother of Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex (Book 1). Jonathan was raised as a servant even though he was a legitimate son of the old duke. Wonderful stories there – you should go back and read them all if you haven’t. The bottom line is that Jonathan has never felt that he fit into society and that he wasn’t worthy of Audrey – simply because of the way he was raised.
Our story begins with Jonathan rescuing Audrey from a Hellfire club while James rescues Gillian. They end up fighting their way out, but luckily, she isn’t unmasked so that nobody knows who she is. Jonathan takes Audrey back to his home after he rescues her and she asks him to teach her to fight, to defend herself.
Audrey is a matchmaker and she leaves for her sister’s house party with Gillian in tow. Audrey is encouraging the romance between Gillian and James. Then, Jonathan shows up at the house party. As they spend time together she comes to trust Jonathan more and more as he begins to instruct her in methods of defending herself. He sure doesn’t know how well those lessons will come in hand when Audrey gets her opportunity for a spy mission.
Audrey is again leading Jonathan on a merry chase – but this might be the last for both of them. They have been betrayed and both will need rescue. Luckily, the League is always there.
There is a special treat at the end of the book for those who purchase the book from the author’s website. There is an additional novella, Bewitching the Earl, and it is also an excellent read!
You could read this as a stand-alone novella, but I don’t know why you’d want to. The other books in the series are delightful so why not love them too.
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
Another great book in a great series
This is another amazing book in this great series. The plot is full of suspense and emotional intrigue, and the characters are brilliantly portrayed, with plenty of determination and courage to overcome their fears and outwit their enemies. This is a story that would keep anybody who loves steamy historical romances entertained all the way through.
His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith is book 8 in the League of Rogues series. This is the story of Jonathan St. Laurent and Audrey Sheridan. I have read the previous book in this series but do feel you can make this a standalone if you wish to do so.
When I see Ms. Smith’s name on a book I know it is gonna be a really good book and one I won’t be able to put down. So I plan my reading of it just right…it a treat for me to read her books. This book was no different…loved the characters, story line and the romance story in all.
Will be looking for more books by Ms. Smith!
I love this series.
This story will keep you on your toes and the edge of your seat! You got a taste of the story in The Earl of Pembroke. Now you get to know more about the hellfire club and who’s behind everything. From the deal they made about training to the wild ride of going after when she ran I was holding my breath. It was clear they were meant to be together, but both needed to reveal themselves fully. I absolutely loved what she did on the boat and what he did to protect her. The ending has me so excited for the next one!
Audrey has deeper reasons for wanting to become a spy than most think. I loved her right away because she is not afraid to learn and act if needed to. She isn’t as invincible as she wants to be, but her heart is always in the right place.
Jonathan never realized that his plans made her think the opposite of what he meant. I loved him and how he understood her more and more. He has the unique ability to see things from above and below stairs and become an amazing gentleman.
Charles is a mystery more and more and he is becoming a favorite.
Publisher’s Description:
When a lady decides to become a spy, she must resist all temptation…especially love.
Audrey Sheridan is London’s sweetheart, a position that allows her access to the ton and all its secrets. As the enigmatic writer, Lady Society, she is wild, reckless, and speaks her mind. She matchmakes wicked rogues with their perfect wives. But there’s one thing she’s failed to find since her debut. A husband for herself. And there’s only one man she’s ever wanted. There’s just one problem…he doesn’t want her. What’s a lady to do to mend her broken heart? Run off to become a spy…
Jonathan St. Laurent is anything but a saint and certainly not husband material. He spent nearly his entire life as a servant to his half-brother the Duke of Essex. He’s trying to play the gentleman now, but it’s damned hard when he’s tempted by the ton’s darling spitfire Audrey. There’s something about her that makes him want to abandon the rules of polite society and show her just how wicked he can be…which is why it’s better to avoid the minx altogether. When Audrey’s plan to be a spy is discovered, Jonathan knows he must move heaven and earth to protect her while guarding his own secret…
My Thoughts:
Lauren Smith never disappoints me with he League of Rogue titles and this one is no exception.
Audrey Sheridan wants only one man for her husband, but does he want her in return? It seems he does but neither of them has any idea of the other ones affection.
When Audrey decides to become a lady spy there is only one person she would ask to help her learn to fight. That person is Jonathan St. Laurent. Although Audrey wants more from Jonathan than instructions on defending herself he knows himself to certainly being no saint and undeserving of her attentions.
How will this story end with the misconceptions of both hero and heroine?
I gave this delightful tale 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. As expected with Lauren Smith books there is a very warm sensual nature to this book.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
His Wicked Secret (League of Rogues #8) by Lauren Smith is an intriguing and interesting read. While, #8 in her fantastic series, “League of Rogue”, it can be read as a stand alone.
This is the long awaited story of Jonathan St. Laurent, half-brother of the Duke of Essex, and Audrey Sheridan, London’s sweetheart.
Well crafted with well developed, charming, engaging, and secretive characters. Has an intriguing, and adventurous storyline. HIS WICKED SECRET has everything a Regency Romance reader could wish for in a well written story. It has romance, spies, adventure, intrigue, danger and a love of a lifetime with a HEA.
Once again, Ms. Smith has created an outstanding, mesmerizing relationship between the hero and heroine. The secondary characters are quiet as entertaining. They definitely help carry the story to its climatic conclusion. Another must read by Lauren Smith. Regency Romance fans are sure to fall in love with Jonathan and Audrey’s story.
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
What does London’s sweetheart matchmaker, Audrey Sheridan do when she realizes she needs her own match? Of course when you are outspoken, independent and determined, Audrey goes after the man she has loved it seems forever, Jonathan St. Laurent. Jonathan has not had an easy time of it growing up as the half brother of a Duke. He has never felt he fit into society and knows he isn’t good enough for Audrey. Not to say he has been a paragon of society and sees himself married! But who can resist her when she is determined!! There are so many delightful twist and turns as Jonathan ends up trying to teach Audrey to defend herself. I mean she has her sights on being a spy and wants to be ready for her mission! The road is long to the happy ending taking the couple to several locations and many trials along the way. But it is so worth the ending. As always Lauren Smith will take you on a wonderful journey that you never want to end. With her delightful characters that you get to know and may see in other stories, one can only wait patiently for the next story.
Jonathan St. Laurent was raised as a servant most of his life even though he was a legitimate son of the old duke and he acted as a servant to his half-brother the Duke of Essex. Jonathan has always loved Audrey Sheridan, London’s sweetheart, but he feel doesn’t feel good enough to marry so he’s always held her at arm’s length that is until now. Jonathan has been trying to play the gentleman, but it’s damned hard when he’s tempted by sexy spitfire especially with her eyes flashing passionately at him.
In the beginning of the book Jonathan is recusing Audrey from the Hellfire Club where a trap’s has been set to catch the wild and reckless Audrey aka Lady Society. Audrey is tired of the hot & cold friendship she and Jonathan has, her hearts been broken one time too many so she’s decided to turn to spying instead of perusing a romance with the one man she loves Jonathan. Audrey ask Jonathan to give her some self-defense lessons, but Johnathan says under one condition he wants her to trust him and he soon realizes he’s ready to give into temptation and abandon the rules of polite society. I love these two they’re so much fun, I love their witty banter and interactions. A truly captivating story with Audrey is again leading Jonathan on a merry chase and the League of Rogues coming to their rescue.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
Audrey Sheridan is London’s sweetheart a position that allows her access to the ton and all its secrets. As the enigmatic writer, Lady Society, she is wild, reckless, and speaks her mind. She matchmakes wicked rogues with their perfect wives. But there’s one thing she’s failed to find since her debut. A husband for herself. And there’s only one man she’s ever wanted. Jonathan St. Laurent is anything but a saint and certainly not husband material. He spent nearly his entire life as a servant to his half-brother the Duke of Essex. He’s trying to play the gentleman now, but it’s damned hard when he’s tempted by the ton’s darling spitfire Audrey.
If you want to lose yourself in a book you only have to pick one of the author’s books they are so very very good & this is no exception. The stories are extremely well written the plots flow effortlessly & the characters jump out of the page to you. Audrey & Jonathan have featured in earlier books & were meant to be together from their first meeting. This book starts with Jonathan rescuing Audrey from a Hell fire club & is a parallel beginning to Gillian & James’ story but told from Jonathan & Audrey’s perspective. Of course things don’t go smoothly for the couple & the road to their HEA is both strewn with obstacles but it also is entertaining. You are taken on a roller coaster of a journey from London, to a house party to France & the pages fly over & at the end you are left wanting more and for Charles’ story to be revealed.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read