Sebastian Addison, Earl of Claybrook has a side occupation; he spies for the Crown. This makes it difficult and unwise for him to form a permanent relationship, since romancing ladies across Europe is part of his image. Sooner or later he'll have to settle down and think about heirs, but not just yet. Widowed Contessa Gabrielle Marciano astounds Sebastian by being in the same trade. SEBASTIAN'S LADY SPY plays a risky game.

Gabrielle also serves the King and has heard the rumours that France is going to use the Scottish Jacobites to stage an invasion. She needs to discover who is well placed to aid them. Her less than immaculate reputation means that she won't be invited to certain balls, but Sebastian as her escort would smooth her path. An Earl may go anywhere in Society. Sebastian is unwilling, partly because this would place a lady in danger and partly because he doesn't want to fall in love. But they both have their orders.

I really liked the introduction of another titled gentleman who offers Gabrielle a token position as his mistress to hide the fact that he loves another man. At the time this relationship was a crime which would have seen him lose everything if the truth was revealed. We know that such situations occurred but they seldom make their way into books. Another great contrast is with a seafarer who takes Sebastian down to the docks at night to meet an informant. Sebastian is perhaps too principled to make a really good spy, but the lovely Contessa has everyone fooled with her charm and hidden resourcefulness.

Mainly the lesson we can take away from this story is that once you tell a secret it is secret no longer; each character in this tale told a secret to one person and might as well have published it in a newspaper. The danger is real, the adventures come thick and fast, and we also get to see the point of view of one of the rebellious Scots. For a well-rounded and exciting adult romance tale of skulduggery and spies, grab Sharon Cullen's novel SEBASTIAN'S LADY SPY; you'll enjoy the read.