The Bachelor Spy

Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1915 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

Review:

WWII has created a very different life for Grace and Freddie as he is at war and Grace is living at their estate that is being used as a place for soldiers to recuperate from their injuries. Of course, there is a mystery afoot with rumors of a hidden treasure on the estate, and Grace becomes involved. 

Frederick’s cousin, Stephen Blake, is working for the Home Office investigating a possible spy that is gathering intel while posing as a nurse at Grace’s home/hospital. I loved the cloak-and-dagger activities that involve primarily Stephen and his partner, Evie. There is not only tension in their mission, but also their personal relationship as they navigate a budding romance. This story has several subplots and an exciting conclusion that you are going to love. 

This is the ending to a great series that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Ms. Basham created Grace and Freddie so that they seem to be a part of my life. I am sad to see this series be finished. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read all of them in order to fully enjoy this story. Readers of all ages will love this book for its action, mystery, family relationships, and romance.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Great Reads Book Promo, and NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

Bookmarked for Love

Can a jeopardized children's library program spark a partnership that saves their careers but costs them their hearts?

When children's librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library's children's programs, she's determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library's behalf. The bad news? She swore she'd never step foot in his office again.

Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family's publishing empire, and now he must prove he's ready to take the helm by turning around the company's languishing children's imprint. That wouldn't be a problem, except he doesn't know the first thing about children's literature. So when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He'll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a bestselling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they're forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line.

Review: 

Martha Aldridge is the perfect children’s librarian. She has all kinds of energy and fabulous ideas for the children. So, when she hears about budget cuts and the danger of losing the job that is clearly her passion, she turns to the wealthy King family for funds. What she didn’t expect was to find Julien King poised for taking over the family publishing dynasty. 

I love how the author wove the story around two major aspects of books. I thought it was both clever and interesting. Martha was a great character and did a great job seeing herself as confident and competent and helping Julien with seeing his worth and seeing the company carry on the printing house’s legacy.  

Things to discover for yourself: 

swamp monster

Signal Rock

Sabrina vibes 

popular book titles mentioned

secret crush

age gap

This is the third book in the Checking Out Love series. I have recommended these books to many fellow readers, and think you’d really enjoy this story too. It is a kisses-only book and will be enjoyed by teens through adults. 

I received a copy of the book from the Bethany House Fiction, the author, and NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.  

Unmasking the Diamond

Unmasking the truth means risking everything—even love.

Miss Charlotte Winslow may be the diamond of the Season, but beneath her flawless exterior lies a secret—she writes for the Society pages. Years of hiding behind her carefully crafted mask have left her doubting her own worth and believing happiness to be a luxury meant for others. That is, until she crosses paths with Lord Luca Dexter—an infuriating, perceptive man who sees far too much and refuses to be ignored.

Luca may be the younger son of a duke, but unlike most men of his rank, he earns his living as the owner of The London Gazette. When he discovers Miss Winslow’s secret talent, he’s determined to recruit her to write for his newssheets. But Charlotte refuses to be reduced to mere gossip columns—if she writes for him, it will be for something that matters.

Luca and Charlotte agree to have her write something of substance. When their investigation uncovers a dangerous conspiracy, Luca finds himself torn between his growing affection for Charlotte and his desperate need to protect her. But Charlotte is not a woman who wishes to be saved. And as tragedy looms, Luca must risk everything—including his heart—to rescue the one woman who taught him that love is worth unmasking for.

Review: 

Charlotte Winslow and Luca are like oil and vinegar as they seem to delight in exchanging barbs with one another at various social functions. I love how this transforms into a deeper relationship over time.

There is something sinister at work as women seem to just disappear throughout the city. Luca and Charlotte team up together to investigate, which adds suspense and danger to the story. I loved these two finding leads and bringing the story to an exciting conclusion.

Once again, Ms. Beers has written a Regency romance that is so hard to put down once you start. I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.

As the seventh novel in the Courting the Unconventional series by author Laura Beers, Unmasking the Debutante continues the series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.

A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

Review:

I loved this book! The inventions, mystery, inspectors team, and a kisses-only romance had me all wrapped up in this exciting story. Margaret feels as though she is a burden to her family and friends due to her limited ability and chronic pain. Only when she confesses her thoughts to Charles, and he opens her eyes to the idea that others help her because they love her and want to do what they can to ease her pain does she see the truth. It was a touching scene when she shares her heart with her friends. 

Things to love: 

funny sayings

Margaret’s wheelchair adaptations

analogy of teaspoons of ability

Daughters of Genius Society

mystery

faith elements

piano duet

daring rescue

While this can be read as a standalone, there are characters that are in a large portion of the story that were in the first book, A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventures. It was so fun to see them again. I highly recommend this book to readers both young and mature, and I can’t wait to read more.

I received a copy of the book through Bethany House, NetGalley, and Great Reads Book Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.