Saving Shadow
Lady Elizabeth Beckett has been trained as a code-breaker and spy for the English Crown from an early age. Elizabeth watched in envy as her brother Jonathon took on dangerous missions and soon forced her way into accompanying him. Being adept at the longbow and a dagger, Elizabeth excelled in the field and earned the code name Shadow. When young ladies begin to disappear around London, Eliza makes it her personal mission to stop the man responsible for selling the women off. However, to complete the mission, Eliza must partner with the agent, Benedict, who believes his step-brother is responsible for the missing girls. When Eliza and Benedict meet, sparks fly, but the mission must come first.
Saving Shadow is a fun, intriguing, historical spy-thriller with just the right touch of romance. I absolutely loved Eliza's character, for a story set in Regency London Eliza is a good blend of a lady of high society and a woman who gets to use her intellect while not being pigeonholed into the image of a proper woman. I enjoyed that her intelligence and unique talents of memory and coding were utilized and promoted instead of stifled. I do wish we could have seen some of the examples of the encryptions that she decoded. My favorite scenes were those where Eliza was in action, it is truly her element. The theme of being in control was prevalent throughout the story. Eliza wanted to continue having control over her life after being banished from the control of her mother's household. All of the men in Eliza's life attempted to establish control, however quickly learned that it would not work with Eliza. The man responsible for the kidnappings of the young women also wanted to feel powerful and in control. The pacing of the story was just right, I savored the scheme leading up to Eliza and Benedict finding the stolen women and bringing down the man responsible. Not to mention the super-sweet romance with a wonderful amount of witty banter that added some spice. I'll look forward to reading more about the Beckett's in A Peculiar Courtship.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Saving Shadow is a fun, intriguing, historical spy-thriller with just the right touch of romance. I absolutely loved Eliza's character, for a story set in Regency London Eliza is a good blend of a lady of high society and a woman who gets to use her intellect while not being pigeonholed into the image of a proper woman. I enjoyed that her intelligence and unique talents of memory and coding were utilized and promoted instead of stifled. I do wish we could have seen some of the examples of the encryptions that she decoded. My favorite scenes were those where Eliza was in action, it is truly her element. The theme of being in control was prevalent throughout the story. Eliza wanted to continue having control over her life after being banished from the control of her mother's household. All of the men in Eliza's life attempted to establish control, however quickly learned that it would not work with Eliza. The man responsible for the kidnappings of the young women also wanted to feel powerful and in control. The pacing of the story was just right, I savored the scheme leading up to Eliza and Benedict finding the stolen women and bringing down the man responsible. Not to mention the super-sweet romance with a wonderful amount of witty banter that added some spice. I'll look forward to reading more about the Beckett's in A Peculiar Courtship.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A Peculiar Courtship
Johnathan Beckett is on a mission as an agent of the Crown. The mission is to save Lady Hannah who has been missing since an attempted abduction. Lady Hannah's father holds sensitive information about a traitor to the Crown and her life is now in danger because of it. Lady Hannah finds refuge on a country farm where Johnathan finally finds her; but Hannah's abductors are not far behind. While on the run, Johnathan and Hannah act as husband and wife so Hannah may stay under his protection. When Johnathan and Hannah reach safety at his sister, Eliza's estate, Johnathan and Hannah's feelings for one another grow; however, Johnathan's attitude toward Hannah changes. Johnathan would now like Hannah to act as a lady and Hannah would like to learn to defend herself as Eliza does. Unfortunately, before Johnathan and Hannah can sort things out, trouble catches up to them and a conspiracy unravels.
A Peculiar Courtship continues with Johnathan Beckett's story as it left off in Saving Shadow. However, you do not have to read Saving Shadow first in order to enjoy A Peculiar Courtship. I enjoyed getting to know Hannah and loved that there was yet another strong female character in the story. I liked that Hannah was a quick thinker, able to outrun her attackers for at least a little while, she was grateful and gracious to the family that saved her, even if it meant working on a farm and she was able to mold herself to be useful in a variety of situations. I also got to learn more about Johnathan in this installment. He is, as I expected, an excellent agent of the Crown, but surprised me with his treatment of Hannah. Johnathan's overprotective nature almost ruins Hannah's perception of him. As in Saving Shadow, the characters are all very well developed and I am happy to see Eliza and Benedict as a couple. At first, the action and suspense all seemed to be concentrated at the beginning of the book, although, underneath the surface a bigger conspiracy is brewing that could affect Parliament and will need several agents of the Crown, including Shadow, in order to bring down French traitors. With many well crafted spy elements, a sweet love story and plenty of fierce female characters, A Peculiar Courtship is a wonderful addition the The Beckett Files and I can't wait to see what's next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A Peculiar Courtship continues with Johnathan Beckett's story as it left off in Saving Shadow. However, you do not have to read Saving Shadow first in order to enjoy A Peculiar Courtship. I enjoyed getting to know Hannah and loved that there was yet another strong female character in the story. I liked that Hannah was a quick thinker, able to outrun her attackers for at least a little while, she was grateful and gracious to the family that saved her, even if it meant working on a farm and she was able to mold herself to be useful in a variety of situations. I also got to learn more about Johnathan in this installment. He is, as I expected, an excellent agent of the Crown, but surprised me with his treatment of Hannah. Johnathan's overprotective nature almost ruins Hannah's perception of him. As in Saving Shadow, the characters are all very well developed and I am happy to see Eliza and Benedict as a couple. At first, the action and suspense all seemed to be concentrated at the beginning of the book, although, underneath the surface a bigger conspiracy is brewing that could affect Parliament and will need several agents of the Crown, including Shadow, in order to bring down French traitors. With many well crafted spy elements, a sweet love story and plenty of fierce female characters, A Peculiar Courtship is a wonderful addition the The Beckett Files and I can't wait to see what's next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
To Love A Spy
Lady Elizabeth Beckett's sister, Lady Kate Camden has finally been released from the clutches of her fake and abusive marriage to the French spy posing as Lord Camden. Kate is now learning how to live independently and trust the people around her. Kate has made a refuge for herself at her country estate and is being protected by Adrien, Earl of Camden and Agent of the Crown. Adrien wants to help Kate come out of her shell; he is desperately trying to break in, but is falling for her at the same time. Meanwhile, Adrien, Eliza and Johnathan receive a new assignment as Agents of the Crown. The British have been warring with Napoleon and it seems as though French spies have introduced a bill to Parliament to end the War against the French. The French have been abducting female relations of Parliament members in order to force the vote in their favor. After some digging, it seems that Kate holds the key to eliminating the French spies, but she and Eliza are abducted soon after the conspiracy is broken.
To Love A Spy continues the story of the Beckett family with Eliza's sister Kate. I love that these are a perfect blend of historical spy thriller and regency romance with well balance scenes of sweet adoration and action-packed danger. Kate has made appearances in the past two books in the series, but we now learn what a tremendous impact her false marriage to a French spy has made on her life. I enjoyed seeing Kate's transformation from someone terrified to leave her country manor and untrusting of anyone but her own staff to someone who is independent, advocates for herself and contributes ideas. The romance was infatuating and wholesome with a lot of respect from both sides. Through his courtship of Kate, I got to know Adrien's character better and his abilities as a spy. It was interesting to find out about his time in France and how he carried out his present mission. My favorite part, however, was continuing to see how Eliza's life is now with Benedict and how she and Kate were able to navigate through the French spy ring. Overall, To Love A Spy is a wonderful read with plenty of romance, surprises and spy operations. I highly recommend reading the first two books in the Beckett Files first, it is a wonderful series to dive into.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
To Love A Spy continues the story of the Beckett family with Eliza's sister Kate. I love that these are a perfect blend of historical spy thriller and regency romance with well balance scenes of sweet adoration and action-packed danger. Kate has made appearances in the past two books in the series, but we now learn what a tremendous impact her false marriage to a French spy has made on her life. I enjoyed seeing Kate's transformation from someone terrified to leave her country manor and untrusting of anyone but her own staff to someone who is independent, advocates for herself and contributes ideas. The romance was infatuating and wholesome with a lot of respect from both sides. Through his courtship of Kate, I got to know Adrien's character better and his abilities as a spy. It was interesting to find out about his time in France and how he carried out his present mission. My favorite part, however, was continuing to see how Eliza's life is now with Benedict and how she and Kate were able to navigate through the French spy ring. Overall, To Love A Spy is a wonderful read with plenty of romance, surprises and spy operations. I highly recommend reading the first two books in the Beckett Files first, it is a wonderful series to dive into.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A Tangled Ruse
Lady Rachel has recently escaped an attempted kidnapping with the help of Agent of the Crown, Shadow. She was taken hostage by those who would like to see the French influence the English Parliament. Now, it has been determined that Rachel should be kept safe at her uncle's estate in Scotland until the French threat passes. Rachel is left with an Agent and bodyguard David as well as a threat to neighbor and older brother of Shadow, Luke Beckett, the Marquess of Downshire to protect Rachel. However, when the lonely and brooding Marquess first meets Lady Rachel, he believes that she is just like every other English Lady and she only wants him for his money. Upon meeting Lady Rachel, he believes she is a horse thief responsible for the slew of missing animals around town. Rachel believes that Luke is a horse trainer. Luke keeps up the charade by calling himself John. As Rachel and John spend time together, Luke realizes that Lady Rachel is kindhearted and adventurous. Before Luke can let Rachel know of the ruse, a French threat is exposed on the shores of Scotland and Rachel is endangered once again.
The fourth book in The Beckett Files, A Tangled Ruse continues to excite and entertain. I highly recommend reading the rest of the books in the series- and in order to catch up on the Beckett family. I was eager to continue the story with Lady Rachel who, despite her upbringing, desires more. I enjoyed her attitude of being willing to continue on with life and waking up her sense of adventure even after being kidnapped. Along with getting to know more about Lady Rachel, the story dives into Larson's past and we get to meet Jonathan and Eliza's reclusive older brother, Luke. Unlike the other Beckett's, Luke is not an Agent of the Crown but the Marquess of Downshire and his father's heir. At the start, Luke's attitude is distrusting of women and he is a loner and rough around the edges, hiding himself away at his stud farm. When Rachel comes on the scene, the writing creates the feel of a life-like Beauty and the Beast, complete with large library. The writing also offers plenty of masterfully crafted witty back-and-forth banter between Luke and Rachel as well as mounting tension as the French threaten to invade Scotland's shores creating a way for the rest of the Beckett family to come into the scene. Woven in with historical elements of the Napoleonic Wars and the madness of King George III, A Tangled Ruse is more than a regency love story. With an exciting conclusion, a sweet romance and plenty of spy action, A Tangled Ruse is a great addition to The Beckett Files.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The fourth book in The Beckett Files, A Tangled Ruse continues to excite and entertain. I highly recommend reading the rest of the books in the series- and in order to catch up on the Beckett family. I was eager to continue the story with Lady Rachel who, despite her upbringing, desires more. I enjoyed her attitude of being willing to continue on with life and waking up her sense of adventure even after being kidnapped. Along with getting to know more about Lady Rachel, the story dives into Larson's past and we get to meet Jonathan and Eliza's reclusive older brother, Luke. Unlike the other Beckett's, Luke is not an Agent of the Crown but the Marquess of Downshire and his father's heir. At the start, Luke's attitude is distrusting of women and he is a loner and rough around the edges, hiding himself away at his stud farm. When Rachel comes on the scene, the writing creates the feel of a life-like Beauty and the Beast, complete with large library. The writing also offers plenty of masterfully crafted witty back-and-forth banter between Luke and Rachel as well as mounting tension as the French threaten to invade Scotland's shores creating a way for the rest of the Beckett family to come into the scene. Woven in with historical elements of the Napoleonic Wars and the madness of King George III, A Tangled Ruse is more than a regency love story. With an exciting conclusion, a sweet romance and plenty of spy action, A Tangled Ruse is a great addition to The Beckett Files.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A Deceptive Bargain
Martha Hackett is still recovering from the trauma of being sold into prostitution. She was rescued by Agents of the Crown and now resides with her rescuers, acting as a lady's maid for Lady Eliza Landsdowne. Martha has not reconnected with her family or much of society since the trauma, especially men. After a particularly bad flu, she is just beginning to trust Dr. Emmett Maddix, the family doctor who stayed by her side throughout the illness. When Martha father shows up without warning, he brings unexpected news- an inherited title of Earl and a deal for Martha. If she spends one Season with him in London, Martha will be gifted a dowry and an estate. Martha has never had warm feelings towards her father, but at agrees at Eliza's urging and with promised protection. While in London, the group of Agents don't waste any time in investigating. They are set up to probe the town of Gravesend, where a gang called the Cursed Lot have taken over. However, the Cursed Lot's reach is further than anyone could imagine and involves more people than the Agents expect.
A sweet and cautious romance paired with multiple intriguing spy plots marks the fifth book in The Beckett Files series, A Deceptive Bargain. I would definitely recommend reading the rest of this series beforehand in order to become familiar with the characters, especially Dr. Madddix and the prostitution ring that had captured Martha and was brought down by the Agents. Once again, Laura Beers has pulled me in with characters I care about and luring plots. All of her female characters, including Martha are strong and courageous in body and mind. Martha is very complex, still dealing with her years as a slave and trying to figure out how to live in a world that seems forever changed. Dr. Maddix is a Lord who would rather use his talents to treat the poor in order to atone for his past. When he hears of Martha's past, he is drawn to her strength. Their relationship is slow going, respectful and delightful to watch as it plays out. In addition to the romance, the spy plots in A Deceptive Bargain are complex pulling together demons from Emmett's past as well as new villains as the web of treachery deepened. I loved when all of the Agents go to put their skills to use against the Cursed Lot; the excitement of kidnapping, escapes, brawls, longbows, pistols and stabbings made for a heart-pounding ending. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A sweet and cautious romance paired with multiple intriguing spy plots marks the fifth book in The Beckett Files series, A Deceptive Bargain. I would definitely recommend reading the rest of this series beforehand in order to become familiar with the characters, especially Dr. Madddix and the prostitution ring that had captured Martha and was brought down by the Agents. Once again, Laura Beers has pulled me in with characters I care about and luring plots. All of her female characters, including Martha are strong and courageous in body and mind. Martha is very complex, still dealing with her years as a slave and trying to figure out how to live in a world that seems forever changed. Dr. Maddix is a Lord who would rather use his talents to treat the poor in order to atone for his past. When he hears of Martha's past, he is drawn to her strength. Their relationship is slow going, respectful and delightful to watch as it plays out. In addition to the romance, the spy plots in A Deceptive Bargain are complex pulling together demons from Emmett's past as well as new villains as the web of treachery deepened. I loved when all of the Agents go to put their skills to use against the Cursed Lot; the excitement of kidnapping, escapes, brawls, longbows, pistols and stabbings made for a heart-pounding ending. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Baron's Daughter
The French spy Genet is rumored to be attending a house party on British soil. The agents of the Crown need a married couple to infiltrate the house party, find out the identity of Genet and detain the spy. Eliza is up for the challenge, but it is too risky to have her cover broken. It is suggested that Agent Lord Morgan Easton pair up with Eliza's boarding school headmistress, Josette Northcott for the mission. Lord Morgan keeps up the appearance of a rake for his cover, Josette guards herself closely after her time on the streets. Morgan must convince Josette to partner with him and pose as a married couple for the party. Once Josette agrees, the pair must use all of their talents with a limited time frame to uncover Genet's plan to bring Napoleon back to power. When tension builds and feeling grow between Morgan and Josette, they must focus on the mission. However, Morgan is unwilling to let go of the most amazing woman he has met.
Picking up right where A Deceptive Bargain leaves off, The Baron's Daughter dives into the stories of Lord Morgan Easton and Josette Northcott. This story is filled with plenty of espionage action as multiple spies interact and come together to stop Genet. I was excited to learn more about Josette and her past as well as see all of her skills in action. I enjoyed the back and forth between Josette and Morgan as Josette constantly tried to prove her worth with her abilities to scale buildings, pick locks and get in and out unnoticed and Morgan tried to keep her safe even though Josette was doing most of the work. The tension rose as Genet's identity was discovered as well as the plot to bring down two monarchs at once. The pace picked up even more with many twist near the end and when all the spies were working together in order to stop Genet's plan. After everything, another sweet and strong relationship has blossomed between spies.
Picking up right where A Deceptive Bargain leaves off, The Baron's Daughter dives into the stories of Lord Morgan Easton and Josette Northcott. This story is filled with plenty of espionage action as multiple spies interact and come together to stop Genet. I was excited to learn more about Josette and her past as well as see all of her skills in action. I enjoyed the back and forth between Josette and Morgan as Josette constantly tried to prove her worth with her abilities to scale buildings, pick locks and get in and out unnoticed and Morgan tried to keep her safe even though Josette was doing most of the work. The tension rose as Genet's identity was discovered as well as the plot to bring down two monarchs at once. The pace picked up even more with many twist near the end and when all the spies were working together in order to stop Genet's plan. After everything, another sweet and strong relationship has blossomed between spies.
The Unfortunate Debutante
After the death of her parents and her brother, an Agent of the Crown, Emma Pearson has been left alone and without much money. Her father's solicitor Peter believes that he and Emma are betrothed, but Emma would rather work than rely on Peter. Luckily, a friend of her brother, the Marquess of Downshire finds Emma and offers to take her in as his ward. Emma accepts and now must complete a Season in London. However, this is not as easy as it seems as someone seems to be sabotaging Emma at every step. Bow Street Runner, Simeon Martin is elected to guard Emma. Although, this is a harder job than Simeon realizes. Emma would rather spend her time researching for her news articles on the Anti-Corn Law League that is fighting that laws causing people to starve. Simeon learns that Emma isn't the typical debutante that he thought. Emma's behavior infuriates but intrigues Simeon and he finds that Emma might be exactly what he needs in life.
The Unfortunate Debutante is the seventy book in the Beckett Files series. I would highly recommend reading the entire series in order to get to know all of the characters and their roles as The Unfortunate Debutante brings together characters from many of the previous books. Emma and Simeon take center stage in this story. Emma quickly emerges as another strong female character in the series, determined to survive on her own and not accepting a marriage to Peter as an easy way out. Simeon's character has had a difficult storyline, being spurned in the past and making him wary of any relationship. He's sees Emma as any other spoiled debutante, but quickly learns that she is anything but the fragile young women seeking a rich husband that he thought. I loved the incorporation of England's history into this Regency spy romance. Emma and Simeon's involvement with the Anti-Corn Law League increased the suspense and well as situated the story firmly in the early 1800's. Like many of the romances in this series, their love takes a different path with each of them slowly realizing that the other is what they needed all along. What I enjoy most about these books are the spy elements, although Simeon is a Bow Street Runner and not an Agent of the Crown, he is still involved with the plots against the Anti-Corn league and of course, keeping Emma safe from what Peter has plotted to get her back. Overall, another exciting, sweet and original installment in the Beckett Files.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review
The Unfortunate Debutante is the seventy book in the Beckett Files series. I would highly recommend reading the entire series in order to get to know all of the characters and their roles as The Unfortunate Debutante brings together characters from many of the previous books. Emma and Simeon take center stage in this story. Emma quickly emerges as another strong female character in the series, determined to survive on her own and not accepting a marriage to Peter as an easy way out. Simeon's character has had a difficult storyline, being spurned in the past and making him wary of any relationship. He's sees Emma as any other spoiled debutante, but quickly learns that she is anything but the fragile young women seeking a rich husband that he thought. I loved the incorporation of England's history into this Regency spy romance. Emma and Simeon's involvement with the Anti-Corn Law League increased the suspense and well as situated the story firmly in the early 1800's. Like many of the romances in this series, their love takes a different path with each of them slowly realizing that the other is what they needed all along. What I enjoy most about these books are the spy elements, although Simeon is a Bow Street Runner and not an Agent of the Crown, he is still involved with the plots against the Anti-Corn league and of course, keeping Emma safe from what Peter has plotted to get her back. Overall, another exciting, sweet and original installment in the Beckett Files.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review
