At the Spy's Pleasure

one that puts Tina Gabrielle firmly on my shelf of authors to watch.

The first I have read from Tina Gabrielle, and I’m wondering just how I missed her books, but am pleased to be offered the opportunity to read At the Spy’s Pleasure, the second in her In the Crown’s Secret Service historic romance series. This book did not require that I had read the first in the series, but you will want to grab that title simply to stay in the world Gabrielle has created.

Set in 1821 London, Jane has decided to strike out on her own and find a lover. Her marriage was wholly unsatisfactory to a selfish man with gambling as his first love, his death by suicide allowed her some freedom of movement heretofore denied. Yes, there were wagging tongues nastily accusing her of being at fault in her late husband’s choices, but that just stirs Jane to further action. She compiles a list of potential candidates to fill the position of lover, and sets out to make her enquiries.

Gareth Ramsey is most notable for NOT being on Jane’s List. She shied away from the arrogant barrister, whose countenance is far too handsome. Until Gareth gets wind of her ‘list’ and discovers that a person he is targeting in his true occupation as a spy for the Crown is a contender. The flirtation and stolen kiss to sway Jane to adding him to her list starts a lovely interplay between the two: both determined to NOT fall in love or become attached.

Both of these characters have deep wounds and secrets, Gareth’s are a bit more obvious, but Jane’s solid sense of self and her strong friendships with Olivia and her Aunt give her added confidence in her own choices: she’s survived the worst, what can a dalliance with Gareth do to her? They truly are made for one another, if only the secrets that they have concealed won’t tear them apart. With plenty of tension, action and out of the world chemistry between them, this story was a lovely diversion and I read it through in one sitting. Certainly enough to add the first book in the series (A Spy Unmasked) to my ever-growing slush pile of titles to read, and one that puts Tina Gabrielle firmly on my shelf of authors to watch.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.