Tag Archives: Lauren Smith

The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
When the world went to war . . . they fought for love.

England, 1939: The world is on the brink of war when Elizabeth Mowbray breaks her engagement with a tea planter in India and returns home to the English countryside. Desperate to escape a stifling life under her parents’ roof, she moves to London seeking adventure and excitement.

With German forces sweeping across Europe, she has little hope of finding steady, fulfilling employment as England readies itself for war. A chance encounter with Henrietta, Brigadier General Byron’s daughter, sets Elizabeth on a course that will forever change her life and the lives of others.

Henrietta, a recently divorced and statuesque beauty, is not a hopeless romantic like Elizabeth, but her new friend inspires her to embrace life, even as the dark fog of war creeps across the English Channel.

The two enterprising young women come up with a brilliant idea to open London’s first matchmaking agency. They face numerous challenges in establishing their business in the midst of air raid drills, food and clothing rationing, and the dangers of the Blitz. As they match Londoners, they find themselves in romances of their own. Elizabeth catches the eye of a daring, roguish RAF pilot and Henrietta discovers passion with a charming solicitor who joins Britain’s first Commandos.

While the men they love are fighting in the air and in Europe, German shells shatter the peace of England. Henrietta and Elizabeth become legendary as they rescue men from the shores of Dunkirk, dig for survivors in the ruins of bombed homes, and inspire thousands of their countrymen and women not to give up the fight for life and love.

Inspired by the stunning story of the real matchmakers Mary Oliver and Heather Jenner, The Wartime Matchmakers is a humorous, poignant, and personal reminder that even in the darkest times, love triumphs.

 

 

Review:

The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith is another wonderful standalone story I’ve read by this author. Must admit wartime romances aren’t usually my thing, but I’m always up for a new read, and I’m glad I did….. What an amazing story….. 

It’s England, 1939, and we are on the brink of war. 

Elizabeth Mowbray breaks off her engagement to a tea planter in India and returns home to England. Wanting adventure and excitement Elizabeth travels to London, despite her parents arguments and fears. 

A chance meeting with a young lady by the name of Henrietta, has the young women bound for adventures that will change their lives forever…..They come up with an idea to open the first dating agency (but it’s more of a matchmaking service, dating certainly wasn’t as free as it is today ?) they go through obstacle after obstacle, they have to prove their worth and their sincerity time and again….. 

But matchmaking isn’t the only thing they do. They are heroes in my eyes…..They battled in their own way through the war, they helped when they could, they did their bit for the war effort, and I loved reading every second of it. 

This book was inspired by real matchmakers Mary Oliver and Heather Jenner.So the attention to detail is amazing. I could feel the excitement and terror that these two young women faced on a daily basis. 

Both Elizabeth and Henrietta are just wonderful characters. Strong and independent, very resourceful and witty. I laughed, I cried and I cheered as we witness them surviving the evacuation of Dunkirk. The nightly raids (blackouts) by the enemy aircraft. The Battle of Britain had me moved to tears with the vivid descriptions. And their daily lives and struggles which brought joy and sadness. 

So do Elizabeth and Henrietta find love themselves? What I can tell you is that true love never runs smoothly. It has a habit of keeping you on your toes? but to find out if they do or if they stay single you’ll have to read the book. I loved all the information at the end of the book, it just finished it off nicely. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

 

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Description:
A Royal Navy Officer’s Guide to Seducing a Pirate Lass:
Go undercover as a fellow pirate
Steal kisses whenever possible
Do not fall in love, no matter how tempting your pirate lass is

Brianna Holland has always been free. Her entire life she’s never known the bars of any cage until she’s captured in Port Royal trying to help a fellow pirate escape. Suddenly facing the hangman’s noose unless she betrays her father’s location to the Royal Navy, she clings to the hope that a new prisoner in her cell brings. The roguish and seductive Nicholas Flynn is charming and irresistible and soon the pair make a clever escape from the prison. Once on board her ship and safely at sea, Brianna soon learns that there are other dangers than storms and naval frigates prowling the waters. This time, her heart and her father’s life might be at risk.

Royal Navy Lieutenant Nicholas Flynn has a problem. He’s been assigned to gain the confidence of a pirate prisoner in Port Royal in order to learn the whereabouts of the notorious pirate king Thomas Buck. But when he meets the man he’s supposed to win the trust of and eventually betray, he is stunned to discover it’s no man, but a woman named Brianna, who he is to befriend and betray. Not only that, but he learns that she is Thomas Buck’s daughter. Knowing Brianna will face torture at the hands of a cruel military captain if she doesn’t talk, Flynn helps her escape. If Flynn finds a way to lead the Royal Navy to Brianna’s father, he’ll lose the only woman who’s ever stolen his heart.

Other Books in the Series:
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 2: In Like Flynn
Book 3: Devil of the High Seas

 

 

Review 

In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith is book two in her Pirates of Kings Landing series, and although I’ve not read the previous book, it doesn’t make a difference. But saying that I may go back and read that one as i throughly enjoyed this book. A historical romance set on the high seas. A story of betrayal and romance. And a story with plenty of action and adventure. 

Brianna loves to feel the wind in her hair and the splashing of the waves on her face. A free spirit, a beloved daughter and member of her father’s crew. She’s had to earn that respect, she’s had to be the best, all the while never losing sight of who she is. Dressed as a man every time she leaves the ship is a chore, but one she’s always mindful of as people could recognise her and use her against her father. 

Flynn is honour bound to see that the pirate Thomas Buck is brought to justice. He’s given the chance when told to befriend a member of the pirates crew, that is until he realises the crew member is a woman! He now faces a dilemma, save the girl and lose his career, or leave her to rot in prison! 

So will they set sail for happiness, or will someone scupper their chances and sink their love boat? 

This is a fun read, plenty of fast paced action. Throw in some spicy moments and banter from Brianna and the hours just flew by as I immersed myself in their tale. It’s beautifully written, nothing is left out, you can imagine the waves, smell the cell Brianna is kept in, and feel the love she has for both her father and Flynn, you feel the conflict that this situation put Flynn in. And it will you have you rooting for the pirates (not all pirates are bad guys) ?‍☠️ 

There is a few twists along the way. And a moment in the prologue that will pan out in a way neither Flynn nor Brianna expected ? The story did remind me a little of the film “Cutthroat Island” a female pirate and a rogue who sought to betray her ?

I highly recommended read from an author I’m adding to my list. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

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Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:

When Bailey Willis plays Santa’s elf for her company’s Christmas party, she never expects to be stuck with the childhood crush who broke her heart at sixteen playing the role of Santa Claus.

Montgomery “Mack” Macholan realizes he made a mistake when he was eighteen when he let Bailey go home on prom night without kissing her. Now ten years later he’s playing Santa to her sexy elf and he can’t keep his hands off her.

 

 

Review:

Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith is a wonderful romantic Christmas novella; as I have said this before, anything written by this author is always going to be fun, romantic and sexy. 

Bailey Willis, our heroine, is attending her first holiday retreat for the company she works for, and has been picked to be an elf at the fundraiser event; she wasn’t thrilled, especially with her costume a bit revealing.  While waiting for Santa to show up, Bailey is shocked to see someone from her school days (10 years ago) is playing Santa.

Mack Macholan, our hero, is also shocked to see Bailey, and enthralled how she has grown up, and is beautiful, not to mention sexy.   Mack remembers when he walked away from her during the prom, and regrets his mistake; and goes out of his way to make amends, using all his charm.  Bailey is hesitant, since she has not forgotten Mack had hurt her, but she still finds herself attracted to him.

What follows is an awesome fun steamy romance, with Mack doing everything in his power to win Bailey over.  The relationship between Mack and Bailey heats up quickly (it is a novella  ?), with the chemistry between them sizzling.  They were great together, as friends and romantically.  Will Mack allow himself to fall in love with Bailey, since he doesn’t believe in permanent relationships?

Stocking Stuffer was a fantastic fun steamy story, which was so very well written by Lauren Smith. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and prayed they would find a way to stay together, as they were so awesome.  Stocking Stuffer was an uplifting story and just in time for the holidays!

Reviewed by Barb

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Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
Peregrine Ashby, Earl of Rutland
A gentleman.
A reluctant aristocrat.
Desperate to avoid marriage.

Peregrine Ashby, the newly and unexpectedly titled Earl of Rutland, is muddling through the affairs of becoming a suddenly wealthy and titled man of means. The last thing he wants to worry about is a finding a wife. After the disaster of his parents’ loveless marriage, he’s sworn off wife-hunting.

But when he stumbles quite literally into a mysterious beauty wearing a mask at a ball who begs for his help he can’t deny her. Her request? Make love to her beneath the stars and save her from a terrible marriage herself. After the magic of the night is over and the mysterious beauty has vanished, he remains haunted by her and what might have been…

Sabrina Talleyrand flees her home when she learns her brother has sold her in marriage to a foul man. Knowing the one thing that will stop the marriage is no longer being a virgin, she seduces the first man at a masked ball that attracts her attention. But making love to the handsome dark haired stranger with amber colored eyes has left her changed in more ways than one…

 

 

Review:

Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith is the 16th book in her League of Rogues series. This book starts with a young woman seeking help in escaping a marriage that she does not want and a man with a title and commitments he didn’t ask for! 

Peregrine is so confused with running his new title and everything that comes with it! He certainly doesn’t want to find a wife at the moment! 

Sabrina needs a man! Any man will do, except the man her family want her to marry! She needs to get rid of her virginity! If she does that, then the horrid man claiming her have in marriage won’t want “used goods”! Donning a mask, she is determined to attend a ball and become a “fallen woman” 

Both Peregrine and Sabrina fall for one another both literally and figuratively. And spending a magical evening together they both wonder about the other, but as masks were worn to this ball, neither know who they are! But it doesn’t stop them from thinking about each other. 

And when she takes up employment with a lovely man with a cute daughter, Sabrina breaths a huge sigh of relief. Her life will continue as a nanny to the lovely family that has taken her in. 

Peregrine on the other have is still wondering about the mysterious young lady he had a midnight tryst with. And so when he encounters her months later he is surprised that she’s only a nanny and not some lady! But he’s going to peruse her and maybe get what he’s been dreaming about for months. 

A historical romance with a slight twist. Most historical books I’ve read have the young woman hanging onto her virginity until either marriage or the right man. But this one has her seeking to just give it away to the first man! And usually the man is an arrogant bore or a rogue, but Peregrine is neither. 

This is the first book in this series I’ve read, and I’ll definitely go back and visit the League of Rogues Series at some point. But I have read other books by this author and I’ve been thoroughly entertained. 

Plenty of angst and a little steam for this book. Both it’s not a marriage Peregrine offers Sabrina, it’s a role of mistress! His parents marriage was a disaster and so he’s never going to fall into that trap. 

Sabrina is heartbroken! She wants a family with Peregrine, she’s given him her body and heart. What’s a girl to do? Luckily the family that have taken her in can supply the answer and they leave the town and Peregrine be find! 

It’s a shortish book with plenty going on. But you’ll want to know if Peregrine and Sabrina find a HEA, or will she fall for Rafe and his lovely daughter…..

Your going to have to find that out for yourself. ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

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The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Tasha Bellamy never expected to get lost in a snowstorm in the Swiss Alps, nor did she expect to fall into a cave and find a sleeping dragon…literally.

One touch awakens the black dragon and he transforms into a gorgeous, ancient, Russian warrior named Vasili.

She soon learns that Vasili has been missing from the world for more than seven hundred years after going on a quest for a dragon stone. But the quest cost Vasili his mate, and driven mad with grief, he sealed himself inside the cave to die.

Tasha can’t help but be drawn to the stormy-eyed dragon shifter and soon learns that her future and Vasili’s are entwined with his far more than she ever could have imagined when he tells her they are possible true mates.

Unable to resist falling for the noble-hearted dragon who’s touch sets her body aflame with desire, she yearns to heal his broken heart, but a revelation of her past might tear them apart.

 

 

Review: 

The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith is the fourth book in the Brothers of Ash and Fire series. I’ve not read the previous ones, and after this one I’m off to find me some dragons ?

I have read some of the authors contemporary and historical romances, so when I got the chance to read one of her paranormal romances, I grabbed my kindle and said yes please…..

There are different dragons that have sole purposes in life, guardians, questing, hoarding and what I’d deem the leader (patriarch/matriarch). 

Vasili was known as a questing dragon, he had to locate and retrieve heart stones (they were used to keep human mates alive longer for their dragon mates). Upon locating one, he’s about to return home…..

When both he and his mate (a female dragon) are attacked! Needless to say, he loses both his mate and his will to live ? Burying himself in a mountain he ends his life……Or so he assumes…..The touch of a human female brings him back to life! 

Tasha knows about dragons, she’s aware of their existence. But she never thought she’d come face to face with one, or find out she’s a potential mate! But trying to get Vasili to agree to becoming her mate is proving hard! As far as he is concerned he’s not good mate material! He let down one mate, there is no way he’d survive losing another! But slowly and with patience, Tasha wins him over. 

But there are things going on in the background that could break this couple before they even have a chance! I loved it. I love a good dragon /shifter romance, and this one ticked all my boxes. Plenty of action, magic, secrets and a couple of twists. 

Tasha is just a wonderful character, strong and determined. Knowing about the dragon world definitely gives her an edge (we don’t get the hysterical female running from her mate!) And Vasili is just great, a mixture of alpha and protector (Questing dragons are more adventurous than aggressive) and it shows when he loses his first mate (dragons usually die when their mate dies) he doesn’t want to go on….But watching as they grow as a couple in the book was very rewarding. 

A few steamy scenes to catch my kindle alight ? and I couldn’t put the book down till the end. We get to meet previous couples, potential couples and some really great characters. It’s just great writing. I’m adding her paranormal writings to my TBR list. 

Highly recommended this book. And I can’t wait to read more. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

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Summer Heat Wave by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Summer Heat Wave by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

 

 

Description:
He is a tempest with wild, dark, dangerous desires…

Billionaire hotel developer Denver Ramsey’s life was destroyed fifteen years ago and now he wants revenge and has just the means to get it, by seducing the daughter of the man who took everything from him.

They say there is a fine line between love and hate…That’s more true than Blair Ashworth ever imagined when she comes face to face with a devastatingly gorgeous man who hates her with every fiber of his being.

In order to secure a promotion and part ownership of her dream company, Blair will do just about anything Denver demands…especially in the bedroom. Drawn into his dark, sensual game of playing an engaged couple at his exclusive Resort in the Bahamas, Blair falls deeper under Denver’s spell and finds herself in the eye of his storm…

 

 

Review:

Summer Heat Wave by Lauren Smith is a wonderful romantic novel, which is the norm for anything written by this author.   We meet our heroine Blair Ashworth at the start, when her boss (evil uncle) convinces her to go to an exclusive resort in the Bahamas and win over a contract. He promises her if she gets the contract, he will give her a promotion and part owner of her father’s company (lost years before).  Knowing this is going to be a difficult assignment, as the owner of the Bahamas resort hates her and her family; but Blair is determined to try and reason with the owner, despite his hatred.

Denver Ramsey, our hero, is a wealthy hotel developer, and owns the exclusive Bahamas resort.  When he sees a beautiful girl on his beach, he is immediately attracted to her, until he learns she is a member of the Ashworth family, and the women who he will meet with.  15 years ago, Denver’s father was destroyed by false accusations from Blair’s father, which really was the uncle who orchestrated the destruction (unknown by the Ramseys).  All Denver wants is revenge.

When Blair meets Denver, he is cold, but Blair convinces him to let her give him a proposal that will enhance his hotel.  At the same time, Denver has another wealthy company ready to sign contracts with them, but they want to know if he is settling down; since they are very family oriented.  Denver tells them he has a girlfriend and will be proposing to her soon.  Though he has mixed feelings of hate and attraction to Blair, he offers her a proposal to help him act as a happy couple, who he will propose to; then he will listen to her plans.

What follows is an awesome fun slow build romance of two people totally not destined for each other.  The relationship between Denver and Blair steadily heated up with each passing day, and the chemistry between them was sizzling.  I enjoyed the camaraderie between them (even at times when it was fake), and they were so great together.   Will Blair be able to win Denver, despite his hatred for her father?

Summer Heat Wave was a fantastic fun steamy story, which was so very well written by Lauren Smith. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and prayed they would find a way to stay together, as they were so awesome.  You will need to read this book to find out.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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Dark Desire by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Dark Desire by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Tall, Dark and…Russian.

Three things that Elena swore she’d never fall for again, but that’s exactly what happens when she meets Dimitri Razin on an international flight leaving Moscow.

His penetrating blue eyes peer straight into the core of her soul, leaving her vulnerable and all too aware that he’s the kind of man she had fantasies about before her world fell apart.

His touch sets fire to her blood and exposes her darkest desires…namely those involving him dominating her in bed.

Elena isn’t the only one with secrets. Dimitri is dangerous, and not just to her heart. The man is lethal and carries a past as heavy as her own.  When they’re forced to go on the run together to survive, it becomes impossible to keep her hands off him, especially when he gives her orders in that Russian accent. 

The pain of their pasts have bound them together, but her future may just tear them apart.

 

 

Review:

Dark Desire by Lauren Smith is the 5th book in her Surrender series.  Elena is finally going home after months of being held captive! Violently abused and terrified, she honestly never thought she’d some out of it alive!! She just had to remain calm and get on the flight home! Home to her family, and maybe become the Elena she once was.  But she getting the feeling she being watched…..

Dimitri feels a deep connection with a young woman he sees coming into the building he’s in. Curious he trails her and discovers her sad story. From there on he’s determined to protect her anyway he can. And he knows exactly the people to turn to. He know needs an excuse to meet her…..

Elena and Dimitri meet aboard the plane she’s on, she doesn’t know him, but feels safe (considering how the last few months have been, she’s surprised) helping her to remain calm after a panic attack, the pair talk on the plane. But Elena isn’t aware that Dimitri knows her!

They meet again at a home of the man who rescued her!! Panicking, Elena wonders if he’s here to take her back……

Dimitri explains that he’s a friend of the man who rescued her!! She’s really suspicious, but at this point she doesn’t really want to be on her own! Getting verification helps to ease her mind that Dimitri is who he says he is. But something doesn’t add up!!

It’s book five in the series and I don’t think you neee to read the previous ones (I haven’t) but it feels like I might be missing a few things, so I may go back and find out more.

Elena is a strong woman who’s been dealt a horrible blow! And now she’s trying to regain her self worth and confidence, she keeps having flashbacks and these put her back in that horrible cell!!

Dimitri was wonderful, and although the book says he’s a dominant, I would think go that far, he’s bossy, yes. He’s commanding, yes. And maybe the full force of his dominance may come out at some point, but I just didn’t get the full DOM mode!!

It’s also a slow burn romance, which I liked. Elena had been captured and abused for months, so I was pleased that was taken into consideration. I loved the storyline, I loved how a little fact was mixed in with the fiction. I also enjoyed meeting his “brothers” they aren’t blood, but they have had each other’s backs since they were eight years old! The camaraderie was fun to read, the background on both Elena and Dimitri wasn’t too much, just enough in my opinion.

There is also more books planned for the series which I’m excited about, Dimitri’s friends need their stories told too. I highly recommend this book if you like your story with murder/mystery/suspense and a little hot romance.

Reviewed by Julie

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The Earl of Morrey by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Earl of Morrey by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Letty Fordyce knows three things about her future husband:

Lord Morrey is a dangerous man.

He frightens her.

She desires him.

Adam Beaumont, the Earl of Morrey, is full of dark secrets. His brooding and mysterious allure draw women to him like moths to a flame. But he fears he can never marry, not when his secret life is full of constant danger.

Letty doesn’t want to be like other women, she wants a life for herself and a happy marriage to a respectable man, not someone with secrets like Lord Morrey.  Yet from the moment she meets the charming rogue and he steals a kiss, she can’t think of anyone else. 

When a night of terror sends her into Adam’s arms, she’ll be forced to choose between the life she thought she wanted and the man she’s falling in love with.

 

Review:

Author Lauren Smith has penned another wickedly exciting historical romance. This one is not only romantic but is also an intriguing tale of espionage and danger.

Adam Beaumont is the Earl of Morrey and a member of the Court of Shadows, the King’s elite spy organization. He is a man whose job was to end any threat to the Crown. An agent of His Majesty who worked to keep the monarchy safe, as well as to protect the kingdom from foreign threats. He did this to atone for not being able to save his friend John Wilhelm, who was also a spy and killed in the service. Adam wanted revenge for his friend’s life.

The story begins with Adam attending a ball, where he was to protect an agent of the King. He watched as Lady Edwards left the ballroom and he began to follow, believing her to be in grave danger. However, the woman he thought was a French agent, was the younger sister of his friend James Fordyce, the Earl of Pembroke. She was merely helping Lady Edwards repair some damage to her hair do. Adam had noticed her for a long time and truly desired her. While they were trying to sort out what was happening, Adam noticed a pistol barrel aimed at them from the doorway. He grabbed both ladies and pulled them to the floor as the pistol fired.

In the aftermath of the firing the assailant got away. Adam told Lady Edwards a crowd would be coming to see what the noise was, and they couldn’t be seen together. Lady Edwards left by the window and into the gardens, leaving Adam alone in a retiring room with Lady Leticia Fordyce. He apologized to Lady Leticia for what he was about to do. He pulled her to him and kissed her, just as many men opened the door and walked in, one of them her brother.

Adam told James what happened, after the other men left. However, he also told James that he thought he would have to marry Leticia to protect her from not only scandal, but that the other spy had seen her and would think she was connected to the spy organization. He was the only one that could protect her…

And the game is afoot! This marvelous page turner begins with a bang and doesn’t stop until the end. I try not to do spoilers, so this is just the general gist of the beginning and now I can tell you what I found so enthralling.

The action, both dangerous and the romantic kind is well done. The conversations are natural and well-written. There’s a bit of humor in the poor girl marrying a man she hardly knows. Yet she’s actually quite brave, under the circumstances. They do fall truly in love during all the ensuing antics. I’d love to be more specific, but oh how I love to let people read the story themselves and discover all the marvelous adventures. And the adventures are plentiful!

Grab a glass of your favorite beverage and settle in for a wonderful read. My kudos to author Lauren Smith on another wonderful book.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied for Review

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