Shana Galen's Regency Spy books are must reads for
me. They
contain the right amount of passion, humor and adventure.
Ms. Galen does not write a formula regency novel. Each one
of her stories has unique characters and storylines. Ms.
Galen writes characters - heroes, heroines and (gasp)
villains -- that resonate with me. I loved her Regency
Spy
series and was thrilled to hear that she was publishing
WHILE YOU WERE SPYING, the prequel to her Regency Spy
series.
Francesca Dashing falls into the Earl of Winterbourne's
arms while she is sneaking around a neighbors stables. She
is trying to help an abused horse. Winterbourne has been
sent to Hampshire by the Foreign Office to investigate a
local smuggling ring and capture it's leader. Francesca
intrigues him and after she is mysteriously attacked Ethan
is determined to protect her.
Ms. Galen has created a cast of memorable characters in
this book. Both the heroine and hero have secrets.
Francesca has returned home to the country after a broken
engagement. She is strong willed, feisty and loves her
chocolate treats and gingerbread. Francesca has a small
animal hospital where she devotes herself to injured and
abused animals. Winterbourne is a spy ; a very handsome,
sexy spy with auburn hair and amber eyes. He is visiting
his brothers estate to ferret out the leader of a local
smuggling group. Winterbourne believes that the attacks on
Francesca are not random. He senses that Cesca has not
been
totally honest with him concerning her broken betrothal
with Roxbury.
Winterbourne's valet, Pocket and Cesca's
mother, Lady Brigham are my favorite secondary characters.
Pocket has Ethan's best wishes in mind whether he is
handing him a glass of brandy, brushing dirt off of his
suits or helping him put together a romantic picnic
supper.
Lady Brigham is a hoot. She is quite busy trying to marry
off Cesca to Ethan and her love of all things Italian will
make you laugh (and laugh).
Shana Galen adds several additional elements to this story
which make it stand apart from a typical regency
adventure.
The author includes two social issues which are not
standard fare in a regency adventure; body image and
physical abuse. Francesca's Mother admonishes her daughter
in Italian when Cesca reaches for a chocolate tart when
they share tea with Winterbourne. Lady Brigham announces
to
Winterbourne that "Francesca may not be la bella di
famiglia --that title is usually given to my younger
daughter--but you will not find a sweeter girl in all of
England."
WHILE YOU WERE SPYING is full of romance, intrigue and
passion. The storyline is well - paced and the last few
chapters are suspenseful. What sets this novel apart from
other adventure stories is that the characters have
everyday experiences. Both Ethan and Francesca have been
disappointed in love, how they approach their situations
adds authenticity to both their characters and the story.
Can Francesca and Ethan put their pasts behind them and
learn to trust each other?
I found the resolution to be rewarding. I just loved this
book; from the very regency inspired cover to the
chocolate
loving heroine and her passionate hero to the suspense
filled conclusion.
The latest addition to the Regency Spies series, While You
Were Spying is the highly anticipated prequel to When
Dashing Met Danger and Pride and Petticoats.
Francesca Dashing would like to forget that Ethan Caxton,
the Marquess of Winterbourne, exists. He humiliated her in
front of all of London Society—and he doesn’t even
remember
it! But when Ethan shows up in her sleepy Hampshire town,
he’s hard to overlook, and his presence stirs up long-
buried
feelings. Francesca tries to keep her distance…until her
life is threatened and the mysterious and handsome
marquess
comes to her rescue, in more ways than she ever thought
possible.
Winterbourne has traveled to Hampshire on orders from the
Foreign Office—he’s investigating an arms smuggling ring
and
is determined to find its leader. Miss Dashing stumbles
into
his way—literally—and derails both Ethan’s assignment and
his ordered country life. Ethan knows he needs to ignore
the
distraction, but when Francesca is the victim of a vicious
attack, he’s compelled to put aside his mission to protect
her. Guarding the viscount’s daughter is work, nothing
more,
and Ethan has no plans to let down his guard…until
Francesca’s chocolate-brown eyes and endless compassion
melt
the ice in his heart and lay siege to his defenses.
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