“Evocative writing, a delightful Scottish setting, and fully realized characters made this a joy to read. This spy hero and writer heroine touched my heart.” —New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries From rising star Susanna Craig comes a fresh new series filled with high-stakes intrigue and thrilling historical romance that is perfect for readers looking for a fun new twist on their … looking for a fun new twist on their favorite love stories…
“Marvelous…Craig delights with a fast-paced, intrigue-filled plot and expertly developed characters. Regency fans will eagerly anticipate future installments.”
—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW
Will scandalous secrets stand in the way of a second chance at love?
Miss Jane Quayle excels at invention. How else could the sheltered daughter of an English gentleman create lurid gothic novels so infamous someone wants their author silenced forever? Fortunately, Jane has taken steps to protect herself, first by assuming a pen name, and second, by taking up residence at remote Dunnock Castle, surrounded by rugged scenery that might have been ripped from the pages of one of her books. Her true identity remains a secret, until one dark and stormy night . . .
After years of spying for the British army, Thomas Sutherland doubts the Highlands will ever feel like home again. Nevertheless, thanks to a quirk of Scottish inheritance law, he’s now the Earl of Magnus, complete with a crumbling castle currently inhabited by a notorious novelist. When the writer turns out to be the woman Thomas once wooed, suspicions rise even as mutual sparks reignite. As danger closes in, can Jane and Thomas overcome their pasts to forge a future together?
Praise for Susanna Craig:
“Will leave you breathless, and eagerly wanting more.”
—New York Times bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston
“Susanna Craig kicks off her Love and Let Spy series with a story that has it all—captivating characters, sensual romance that scorches the page, and intrigue that kept me up reading all night. Historical romance readers will find plenty to love in Who’s That Earl.”
—USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle
“Susanna Craig creates a delightful story full of wit and intrigue.”
—USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn
“With Who’s That Earl, Susanna Craig is off to a great start in her new Love and Let Spy series. The settings and characters come alive, the romance is full of spark, and the prose is as smooth as the best Scotch whisky.”
—Sherry Thomas, author of the Lady Sherlock series
“With gorgeous, contemplative phrasing, absorbing characters and a clever and unpredictable story line, The Duke’s Suspicion is a remarkable must-read.”
—Kathy Altman, USA Today
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Oh Oh Oh… how much do I LOVE the premise of this story!
Supremely clever and brimming with wry humour, it’s unadulterated fun.
The ‘secret identity’ trope is one of my favourites, and this story takes full advantage of the possibilities.
Susanna Craig goes straight to my ‘must read authors’ list.
The cover pulled me in, but Susannah Craig’s wonderful writing kept me reading. A splendid start to a new series. I can’t wait for more!
Called back to England from his post on Dominica when he unexpectedly inherits a Scottish earldom, Dunnock Castle is the last place Thomas Sutherland wants to be. Discovering the castle is rented by reclusive gothic novel author Robin Ratliff, Thomas wants only to ensure his tenants are in good hands before returning to his army career. He’s shocked to discover the castle inhabited by Jane Higginbotham, formerly Jane Quayle, a young woman with whom he was once briefly infatuated.
Jane’s hiding several secrets… she’s not a widow and she is actually Robin Ratliff. She’s also dealing with threatening letters targeting her author persona. When Thomas reappears in her life and astonishingly claims to have been hired by Robin Ratliff to deal with the letters, she knows he’s lying… but she can’t reveal how she knows without exposing her own secrets.
I really loved this… I actually thought it would have been more interesting if the pair had never met in the past; it seemed pretty incidental to the main story. Thomas would still have been intrigued enough to stay on discovering Ratliff’s assistant was a woman. The chemistry between him and Jane was fantastic, and there were so many wonderful little touches, like Jane’s two cute dogs and the excerpts of her gothic novel. Susanna Craig is one of my favourite historical romance authors at the moment and she definitely doesn’t disappoint with the first in this new series. Five stars for a wonderful read!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
This is book 1 in the Love and Let Spy series, where a matchmaking spymaster brings together couples whose romances were interrupted by the Napoleonic Wars. The book has a complex plot that is extremely well done, and it was a joy to see all the ins and outs revealed. The one niggle I had was that it wasn’t clear exactly how Jane and Thomas ended up in the same place, but I suspect the spymaster had a hand in that.
Thomas Sutherland had been stationed for seven years in Dominica, watching for French ships. Seven years before, he had met Miss Jane Quayle and had fallen hard for her. He was unable to speak to her before he shipped out. Jane, unknown to him, had also suffered a sudden and severe dislocation in her life just before he left England.
Thomas receives an unexpected inheritance, and is released from his military service in Dominica. When he travels to see the property he has inherited, who does he find in residence but Jane, now the widowed Mrs. Higginbotham. She is acting as a transcriptionist for the famous and reclusive author of gothic romance, Robin Rattliff. Only, the Thomas Sutherland who presents himself is hiding a big part of his identity, and Jane has plenty of secrets of her own.
And someone is sending threatening letters to the famous author ….
I very much enjoyed reading this book and seeing all of these various mysteries resolved. The last part of the book has the spymaster contemplating the future of another of his spies …. I am looking forward to that book also.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is my opinion of the book.
Susanna Craig brings to readers a charming and clever story in Who’s That Earl.
A second chance romance with a touch of mystery this author gave her leads some interesting hurdles to overcome. Jane stood out as a heroine in that while having had her share of misfortunes she was not a victim but triumphant in her ability to overcome the obstacles thrown at her in a period appropriate way. Thomas was exactly how one might picture a career soldier and spy in his demeanor. His astute observations and his willingness to take on responsibilities showed him to be a man of integrity as well as his loyalty to his connection to Jane. This couple had a strong bond made fragile with time yet it endured and it was believably reignited when they were reunited. As secrets unfolded this story picked up and by the end it was hard not to be captivated by this pair and buy into their love for each other.
With subtle historical details this work’s time period felt organically authentic. Ms. Craig’s focus on her character’s relationship using the time period they were depicted in as a back-drop kept her story from falling into the trap of being a retelling of history versus a historical romance. At times this work lagged but this author’s prose was as lovely as the story she was telling and enabled her to keep interest in her work to its conclusion. Susanna Craig brings another thoughtful and richly detailed historical romance to her readers in Who’s That Earl.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
‘Miss Jane Quayle excels at invention. How else could the sheltered daughter of an English gentleman create lurid gothic novels so infamous someone wants their author silenced forever? Fortunately, Jane has taken steps to protect herself, first by assuming a pen name, and second, by taking up residence at remote Dunnock Castle, surrounded by rugged scenery that might have been ripped from the pages of one of her books. Her true identity remains a secret, until one dark and stormy night…
After years of spying for the British army, Thomas Sutherland doubts the Highlands will ever feel like home again. Nevertheless, thanks to a quirk of Scottish inheritance law, he’s now the Earl of Magnus, complete with a crumbling castle currently inhabited by a notorious novelist. When the writer turns out to be the woman Thomas once wooed, suspicions rise even as mutual sparks reignite. As danger closes in, can Jane and Thomas overcome their pasts to forge a future together?’
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4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 stars.
Who’s That Earl is the first book in Susanna Craig’s new Love and Let Spy series and is a historical romance.
Despite finding the book to be a little slow to start while the characters and their current circumstances are introduced, I really enjoyed reading this book. It a great start to a new series that I will be looking forward to reading more of.
At the start of the book, I felt largely ambivalent to Thomas’ character as I found him to a bit gruff and aloof, as he was meant to be due to his time serving in isolation on an island. I wasn’t sure that I would find him to be likable enough to follow through the entirety of the book. But despite his unwillingness to be there, he really started to grow on me once he made his way into Scotland to explore he reversal of fortunes.
I really like Jane’s independent nature, even if it was largely born out of unfortunate circumstances. This isn’t the first book I’ve read with the heroine a beloved author writing under a male nom de plume, but I loved the ruise that Jane devized in order to allow her to write in plain sight, yet still enjoy the fruit of her labors and to bask in others’ adoration of her work, all without any the wiser. Jane is a talented storyteller both within both her books and her own life, which earned her the both strength and independence.
I loved the characters and especilly the twists and spots of dangert hich they encountered over the course of the story. The next book of the series is lightly introduced in the epilogue of this book and I am entruiged by what we know of the premise and will be looking out for the next book.
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I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing an eARC of Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig. This is my honest review.
Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig
Love and Let Spy #1
From the West Indies where Lieutenant Thomas Sutherland hid his spying as a rummy beach bum to England then sent on by his commander to take up his new post as the Earl of Magnus he is not sure what to think or whether he will remain the earl or head back to spying. That said, seeing the woman he fell hard for seven years before does make him think it is worth staying awhile at the castle. That she might be in danger calls to his need to protect. The two still feel a spark but can they get it right this time?
What I liked:
* Thomas: a good soldier, spy, and man – he knows he wants Jane but isn’t one to push or order and lets her realize she wants him, too.
* Jane: a woman w ho was treated badly by her family – I liked her ability to make a life for herself under difficult circumstances
* The supporting characters in the village – would like to know more about some of them.
* General Zebediah Scott – a great commander with an interest in matchmaking
* Aphrodite and Athena: two dogs that deserved to be happy, too.
* The second chance for Thomas and Jane – though I didn’t really feel their connection as much as I would have liked to.
* The comeuppance of Jane’s father
* Knowing that there will be another match made by General Scott in book two of the series
What I did not like:
* Jane’s parents – especially her father
* The person sending threatening letters
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
They both had something to hide, and those secrets could jeopardize their last chance of happiness.
Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig is a lovely historical romance featuring a well-curved and independent heroine, and a lieutenant recently returned from the West Indies.
Jane Quayle once knew Lieutenant Thomas Sutherland, or thought she knew him. They had a strong connection, but the timing was all wrong, and they did not see one another for years.
They met again, but they were not who they used to be. Jane was then Mrs. Higginbotham, the amanuensis of the famous writer Robin Ratliff, and Thomas claimed to have been hired by Ratliff to investigate some threats he had received.
They were intensely attracted to each other, but both knew there were too many secrets between them.
The couple is adorable. Jane is easy to relate to. Her dreams, her insecurities, and her strength to face the adversities were inspiring.
Thomas was a lovely hero: respectful, honorable, and gorgeous.
There was a little adventure, a lovely castle, astonishing views of the Scottish Highlands, and a beautiful community.
My favorite side character was the fierce Agnes, Jane’s housekeeper. I also loved the gatekeeper, Dougan, and the dogs Athena and Aphrodite.
A delightful, romantic, and entertaining read!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
I’m so glad I pick this arc up. It was a good blend of suspense and romance. And the steamy scene were quite steamy. The last twenty-five per cent was hard to put down. It’s my first from this author and it was most definitely my cup of tea. I’m looking forward to diving into her backlist.
Miss Jane Quayle is living under quite a few secrets. She writes gothic novels under a pen name and is posing as a widow who works for the author. All steps to protect herself while living at Dunnock Castle. Now she’s received a letter threatening the mysterious author
Thomas Sutherland has been abroad working as a spy for the British army now he’s back in the Scottish highlands because of an inheritance that now makes him an earl of Magnus and Dunnock Castle is his official residence currently occupied by the woman he wooed before receiving his commission.
Thomas is surprised to see the woman whose very memory has haunted him for the last seven years.
Who’s That Earl is the delightfully charming first book of Susanna Craig’s Love and Let Spy series. As this author is new to me, this was the perfect vehicle in which to check out her work. A spy, a novelist protected by a nom de plume and a second chance at love come together for a hugely entertaining way to spend a couple of lazy summer days reading.
Thomas Sutherland, who has spent years spying for the Crown, has been called home by his commanding officer. Apparently, due to some odd Scottish inheritance law, Thomas has inherited the title of the Earl of Magnus, whose holdings include the remote Dunnock Castle in the Highlands. Thomas isn’t interested in becoming earl, but his commander insists that he do his duty to his tenants and set things to rights. He’s informed that Dunnock has been leased by the wildly popular but reclusive gothic novelist Robin Ratliff. When he arrives, who does he discover? Mrs. Higginbotham, Ratliff’s secretary, who was formerly Jane Quayle…Thomas’s lost love of seven years ago. Jane is actually Ratliff, who is being threatened by a mysterious correspondent. Jane doesn’t reveal who she is, but neither does Thomas. He uses the threatening correspondence as an excuse to spend time with Jane. Will love bloom a second time around?
This was a cute, fun story, but it was the characters who made it shine. Jane was kicked out of her home when she was 17, disappearing from Thomas’s life. She had nothing but her writing talent, but was able to make a successful – if secret – life for herself. She was well accepted in the village and made friends, but she never ceased longing for the young man she lost. And then we have Thomas. I just adored the man! He, too, never forgot about his young love. He didn’t want to be earl, but he knew he had to face his obligations. He was beyond charming and irresistible. My favorite thing about him, though? Jane was curvy and plump…and Thomas was ravenous for her. I loved that he found her so attractive. The chemistry between the two was great. The banter was witty and the intimacy steamy. Rounding out my favorite characters were Athena and Aphrodite, Jane’s man-hating spaniels. I’m very impatient for round two of this series!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This story was a total delight! It’s my first by this author, and I enjoyed it so much!
Miss Jane Quayle, having been forced to leave home at 17 with barely a penny to her name, has created a whole new identity for herself. Well, 2 identities actually! She’s now Mrs. Higginbotham, a young widow, and secretary to the famously scandalous Gothic novelist, Robin Ratliff. But, she’s actually the author too! She rents an old castle in the Scottish Highlands, and keeps to herself, in order to keep herself safe, both emotionally, and physically, now that someone is mailing threatening letters to Robin about his books. Even the castle’s servants don’t know that she’s really Robin too. But, when she receives a note from “Robin’s” lawyer that her former landlord, the Earl of Magnus has died, and a new Earl has been named, she’s afraid her lease won’t be renewed. Where will she go? Then a most unexpected man from her past shows up on her doorstep, and she’s not sure if she can trust him with her secrets.
Thomas Sutherland, is the new Earl of Magnus. He can’t believe that it turns out his sweet mother was related to titled people and he has now inherited this title and lands. He’s spent the last 7 years in the British Army, stationed as an undercover operative in Dominica, in the Caribbean. Once his general recalls him to London, and informs him of his new duties as an Earl, he sets out for Scotland at once, though very reluctantly. He’s hoping he can find someone to run the estate for him, so he can return to the military. But, he has no idea the shock he’s about to get when the castle’s tenant is none other that the woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about in 7 years. But, they are both keeping secrets, and since he’s a master spy, he’s determined to learn hers, and help with the threats against her employer.
Jane and Thomas’ chemistry was quite strong from the start, though this was quite a slow burn romance, as many historicals are, of course. Though they had a history, it was quite short, and ended abruptly 7 years ago. They really do manage to get to know each other, even with both of them trying to keep their secrets hidden. I loved that they both suspected the other of lying and omitting things, but since they were each doing their own hiding of the truth, neither of them could really judge each other. They really learned to trust and rely on each other, and I loved watching it happen.
The side characters in the village of Balisaig were so fun, and I loved that Thomas had a childhood connection to many of them. Though that made it harder for him to admit that he was the new Earl, as it changed his relationship to his friends, with whom he’d previously been on equal footing. It was an interesting dynamic, and I found it unique to many other historical romances I’ve read. I especially loved Dunnock Castle’s housekeeper, Mrs. Murdoch, and Jane’s 2 dogs!
There was a small suspense plot, about the threatening letters, and a few other things, and that was a fun aspect of the story too. Also, the storyline with Jane’s father was fun for me as a reader, because he was a complete and total waste of space, and I was glad to see what ultimately happened with him. I also loved the idea of Thomas’ general as a bit of a matchmaker. It definitely set things up for book #2 and I’m excited to read it!
This was such a fun, unexpected, sweet and sexy, second chance story, and I loved it. I also really loved that the heroine was an author, and was wealthy in her own right. She knew she had a talent, and she went for it, regardless of what happened to her in her life. She didn’t need to become a Countess for her life to be good, and her Earl loved her just as she was. I definitely recommend this one, and I’ll be looking forward to book 2!
Miss Jane Quayle write lurid gothic novels so infamous someone wants their author silenced forever? Fortunately, Jane has taken steps to protect herself, first by assuming a pen name, and second, by taking up residence at remote Dunnock Castle, surrounded by rugged scenery that might have been ripped from the pages of one of her books. After years of spying for the British army, Thomas Sutherland doubts the Highlands will ever feel like home again. Nevertheless, thanks to a quirk of Scottish inheritance law, he’s now the Earl of Magnus, complete with a crumbling castle currently inhabited by a notorious novelist. When the writer turns out to be the woman Thomas wooed seven years ago, suspicions rise even as mutual sparks reignite.
A lovely start to a new series with an intriguing spymaster, who seems to be pulling everyone’s strings. Thomas & Jane met seven years ago & fell for each other but her father & his overseas posting separated them. There are plenty of secrets, excerpts from Jane’s books, threatening letters & two delightful spaniels who dislike men, all of these added to the enjoyment as well as a lovely second chance romance & made for an engrossing read. I loved Thomas & Jane who were surprised to met again in a remote highland castle, neither could deny their attraction to each other but each of them had plenty of baggage that needed to be aired. A well written book with strong characters & a story that flowed well, I look forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
4.5 stars, rounded up.
After being stationed on the island of Dominica for seven long, lonely years, Lt. Thomas Sutherland is finally going back to England. He returns and briefly considers looking up the girl he fell in love with just before he left, the girl he didn’t get to say goodbye to, but never forgot, but then convinces himself that she is no longer his Miss Quayle and that the past is best forgotten. He reports to his commanding officer, General Zebadiah Scott and learns that he has inherited the title of Earl of Magnus as well as the Scottish estate Dunnock Castle. General Scott will not even consider giving Thomas a new post until he goes to Dunnock and makes sure all is well with his tenants. He also tells Thomas that the castle is currently being leased to Robin Ratliff, an author of some renown, but that the lease is up for renewal in less than a month, so will also have to decide if he will renew the lease or take up residence at the castle himself. Thomas sets out, sure that he will not be staying at Dunnock. He arrives and is shocked to learn that Robin Radliff is not in residence, but his amanuensis, Mrs. Higginbotham is and she is none other than Miss Jane Quayle, the woman he fell in love with all those years ago.
Jane Quayle has a secret, she is not a widow or an amanuensis, she is Robin Ratliff, the author of several wildly popular gothic novels. She can’t believe Thomas is standing in front of her! She last saw him the night her life changed forever and has barely given him more than a passing thought over the years (well maybe more than a passing thought, but certainly she hasn’t dreamed about him, at least not very much). Thomas doesn’t want to tell her he is Lord Magnus, so after spying a threatening letter to Ratliff on her desk, he says he was sent to investigate the threats. It doesn’t take long for either of them to figure out the other’s secrets, but it will take longer to figure out who is threatening Jane and for Thomas to decide if he is willing to leave his military career behind and take up the responsibilities of being the Earl. It will take even longer for these two to admit that their love never died and that their HEA is possible if they are willing to reach for it…
I really loved this story, it was a well written, nicely paced novel with wonderful characters. It was a fun read, but not silly, Thomas and Jane are incredibly likable and the chemistry between them is undeniable. I was hooked from the very first page and devoured this book, it is filled with secrets, laughter, steamyish love scenes, a bit of mystery, a demented villain, great secondary characters, some spoiled dogs, second chances and a very delightful ending complete with an epilogue. This is the first book in the series and I am happy to recommend this title and will be anxiously awaiting the next installment!!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Series: Love and Let Spy #1
Publication Date: 8/18/20
Number of Pages: 384
*** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up ***
This second-chance romance was a fun read. It has a little bit of everything – snippets from a gothic novel, a mystery, a villain, a crumbling castle, and two really cute spaniels. I really liked both lead characters – and – of course, I loved the epilogue.
At seventeen Miss Jane Quayle met a handsome young military officer, Thomas Sutherland. They spent the following weeks keeping as much company as was possible at the time. They spoke of marriage and Thomas made plans to speak to Jane’s father. But – when he arrived at the house, her father denied he even had a daughter.
**** I have to say that the author didn’t make me feel there was a ‘great love for all time’ here. They both walked away too easily and neither ever tried to contact the other again. Yes, they both remembered a sweet shared kiss – but – that seems to be it. It just didn’t seem to me that either was totally invested in the relationship at that time.****
Seven years later – Jane had become a very wealthy and very famous Gothic Novel author who wrote under the male pseudonym, Robin Ratliff, and Thomas had spent that time as a spy stationed in the West Indies. Jane, as Robin Ratliff, has been renting Dunnock Castle from its absentee landlord, the Earl of Magnus. Both have been satisfied with the arrangement as he prefers the warmer climes, and she is paying a handsome sum for the privacy afforded by a Highland castle.
When Thomas is summoned to London by his spymaster, General Zebadiah Scott, he has no idea what is about to transpire. The General informs Thomas that the Earl of Magnus has died – and Thomas is now the new earl. Thomas has no desire to have a title and informs the general of that, but the general isn’t taking no for an answer. So, it is off to Scotland to officially claim his title and then on to Dunnock Castle.
After days of exhausting travel, Thomas arrives at Dunnock Castle and awaits a meeting with Robin Ratliff – only to be taken to Jane Quayle – who is now Mrs. Higginbotham. Thomas insists on seeing Robin and not his secretary but is told that Robin is off doing research for his next novel.
Both Thomas and Jane are keeping secrets – big secrets, and neither trusts the other with those secrets. However, they are both smart and soon each of them begins to put the puzzle pieces together. Can they get past those secrets and find their own HEA? You’ll just have to read the book to see.
I enjoyed the read and thought the storyline was interesting, but, for some reason, I never became truly invested in the romance. Rather than feeling I was reading a great love story that had stood the test of time, I felt I was reading two people who just decided they were in love and wanted to get on with it. Maybe that isn’t a good explanation, but, bottom line, I just didn’t feel it. Then, there is the matter of the villain (well two if you count her father). I felt there could have been more suspense and danger associated with that part of the story – I thought it was too quickly and easily solved.
Bottom line is – I enjoyed the read and would share it with a friend. I think General Scott was my favorite character in the whole book. I loved him and I think he’ll be the lynchpin of the series as he manages to pair off his spies with just the perfect lady for them. I’m looking forward to the next story already.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My first read from this author and it wasn’t a disappointment.. I must say the suspense in this book was incredible and the romance was wonderful. I hope the next book has this same mixture of historical romance/suspense with a strong heroine I definitely look forward to more from this author.
Great writing and so fun to read
Loved the plot. Many authors have included way more repetitive angst in the character’s thoughts but not Susanna Craig. It made for a shorter book (but not a short book) and a much more readable book. This is my first Susanna Craig book and I will certainly read more. Very good characters, real people.
Great book for those who love Scottish stories. Lots of entertainment
Not a writer I intend to follow.
Super read for historical romance fans …mystery and intrigue plus great characters.