A passionate Regency romance from award-winning author of The Lady Flees Her Lord, Ann Lethbridge! Independent and sharp-minded, Miss Maria Dalbrooke has all but given up on finding a suitable man, as she knows women of her ilk have never fared well in the marriage mart of the ton. But all thoughts of men flee when she learns that her father, who decodes secret messages for the military, is … suspected of being a traitor and leaking sensitive information to the enemy. In her haste to prove him innocent, she’s forced into a most unlikely alliance with the very man sent to ensnare him, the perceptive and strikingly handsome Captain Geoffrey Armitage. Geoff, recently jilted by a lover and determined never to trust another woman again, nonetheless agrees to the cockeyed scheme to pretend a betrothal to Maria in order to gain unfettered access to her father. Certain the plan will help him trap the man whose leaks are playing havoc with the British troops, what he did not plan on was Maria’s admirable displays of courage and loyalty, along with her very acute mind and surprising abundance of womanly charms. Despite their mutual wariness as Maria strives to convince Geoff of her father’s virtue while Geoff tries to entrap the man, an undeniable attraction and searing passion flare up between the two. And as their investigation closes in on a traitor who could be hiding among the highest levels of the aristocracy and the government, Geoff and Maria may discover that their greatest enemy is their traitorous hearts . . .
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Captain Geoffrey Armitage just wants to be a good soldier in the war against Napoleon, but when a number of military secrets fall into French hands, Armitage is tasked with finding the traitor leaking the information. The trail leads to Mr. Dalbrooke and his daughter Maria. While confiding in a friend about finding the leak, Maria is caught eavesdropping on their private conversation. She’s given a difficult choice: either help Armitage find the traitor or be arrested along with her father while the investigation is ongoing. What Captain Armitage doesn’t anticipate is agreeing to a pretend engagement that becomes all too real, but can he remain objective while his feelings for Maria grow?
This was a very enjoyable story. The author does a good job letting the reader into the inner feelings of the hero and heroine and teases out clues throughout the book about who the real traitor is. Although most of the mystery is solved, there is one little snippet left open. I hope that means another book about the Captain and Maria. I look forward to reading that one as well.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
An entertaining book about the adventurous ride that Geoffrey and Maria had proving Maria’s father was innocent of being a traitor. The characters were great. The book was fast paced and full of intrigue.
Miss Maria Dalbrooke knows women of her ilk ie bluestockings have never fared well in the marriage mart of the ton. But all thoughts of men flee when she learns that her father, who decodes secret messages for the military, is suspected of being a traitor and leaking sensitive information to the enemy. In her haste to prove him innocent, she’s forced into a most unlikely alliance with the very man sent to ensnare him, the perceptive and strikingly handsome Captain Geoffrey Armitage.
Geoffrey is determined never to trust another woman after he was jilted but nonetheless agrees to the cockeyed scheme to pretend a betrothal to Maria in order to gain unfettered access to her father.
Despite their mutual wariness as Maria strives to convince Geoff of her father’s virtue while Geoff tries to entrap the man, an undeniable attraction and searing passion flare up between the two.
A well written fast paced book that I read in a couple of sittings. I loved both Geoffrey & Maria & how the chemistry sizzled between them. The characters had depth & on the whole were likeable. I love a spy story along with a romance & thoroughly enjoyed this one.There were red herrings along the way but I was a little disappointed that not all the ends were tied up so I seriously hope there’s another book to follow
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
“Lady Spy” earns 5/5 Decoding Dilemmas…Totally Engaging with a Spark of Romance!
Ann Lethbridge has penned an engaging Regency novel with a marvelous twist to the traditional historical romance! It’s London 1813, and Miss Maria Dalbrooke is not confident that she’ll ever find a suitable husband. She’s independent and intelligent, not the most sought after characteristics for a dutiful wife. She’s also a key “silent” partner in her father’s work decoding secret messages for the Horse Guard. Unfortunately, Captain Geoff Armitage suspects a traitor in his midst, and Maria’s father is prime as the obvious accused. Subterfuge. Secrets. I am a new fan of Regency romance novels although my passion is mystery. But this well-written, engaging story incorporates both intrigue and a bit of “I didn’t see that coming” romance! Using a third-person narrative is not my favorite perspective, but Lethbridge did it very well keeping me totally engaged with vivid description, compelling predicaments, and dialogue that illustrates well the tone and various personalities. Romance novels usually have the traditional happy ending, but it was the journey and mishaps and final reveal that make this a favorite!
A delightful dance of two people trying to prove the other wrong in this Regency story set in London, 1813. Miss Maria Dalbrooke is a bluestocking wallflower. Yes, intelligence has it’s drawbacks as far as the eligible men are concerned. She has been aiding her father, who works with the Horse Guards, which is really a breach in security but as long as nobody knows, what harm could it be?
Unfortunately one, Captain Geoff Armitage, has been given the task to find out who has been leaking secrets from the very group her father is part of… With a few twists and turns, Maria ends up pretending to be betrothed so she can help him find the truth and show her father’s innocence.
But have I mentioned the Captain is swoon worthy? But determined. Weary due to being jilted. Very attracted to Maria. Fighting hard against it.
Let yourself be taken away as you turn the pages to find out what happens with these two and if they find the real spy if she can convince him it is not her father!! Don’t miss this one! I read this through NetGallery and the wonderful Publisher!