True Spies (Lord and Lady Spy)
True Spies (Lord and Lady Spy) book cover

True Spies (Lord and Lady Spy)

Mass Market Paperback – September 3, 2013

by
Price
$5.97
Publisher
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1402276026
Dimensions
4.25 x 1 x 7.25 inches
Weight
1 pounds

Description

From Booklist Elinor Keating is tired of being ignored. Night after night, Elinor has waited patiently for her husband, Winn, to return home from work only to find that he has once again forgotten her. Well, if Winn would prefer spending all his time with his ledgers rather than his wife, so be it. Dressed in her most wicked gown, Elinor attends her friend Lady Ramsgate’s ball all by herself with the intention of finally allowing the scandalously handsome Rafe Trollope to dance with her. When Winn arrives home after another difficult day at work, he is shocked to discover that Elinor isn’t waiting for him. Upon arriving at the Ramsgate ball, Winn is even more shocked to discover his scandalously dressed wife flirting with another man! A husband and wife romantically reconnect while trying to stay one step ahead of a dangerously determined villain in Galen’s latest sexy historical romance, and the book’s lively pace, likable characters, and espionage-laced plot come together to create the perfect escapist read. --John Charles "Engaging plot, snappy dialogue and likable characters... a charmer. 4 Stars" - RT Book Reviews "The book's lively pace, likable characters, and espionage-laced plot come together to create the perfect escapist read." - Booklist "The subtle humor that permeates scary scenes, love scenes, social scenes and more make True Spies a delight to read." - Long and Short Reviews "Both characters are admirable, deep, and at times hilarious. I couldn't put the book down... " - The Season "[Galen's] use of verbal imagery is cinematic, action scenes are well thought out, and Galen's ability to build character and relationship while moving the story along at a quick pace is what keeps me captivated and anticipating her books." - Gourmande Girl "A thrilling, fast-paced historical romance that I absolutely loved...delightful." - Imagine a World "Another rollicking, laugh-out-loud, sexy and adventurous romance from one of my favorite go-to authors for smart and sexy adventures in the romance world!" - Rogues Under the Covers "Shana Galen really does a great job in mixing romance, intrigue and fast-paced action into this series so it's entertaining to read." - Michelle and Leslie's Book Picks "Entertaining, humorous, witty and just well done." - BookLoons.com "With all the films that include a dash of romance along with the intrigue and espionage I'll be very interested to see which one Ms. Galen choses next as inspiration. " - The Window Seat on a Rainy Day "A spy caper and a romantic romp... True Spies is a treat of a novel." - New York Journal of Books "The perfect blend of historicalness, romance, humor, banter, and suspense. " - Book Babe "Takes readers on fast paced romp... Very well written." - Debbie's Book Bag "Once again, Ms. Galen has thrilled her readers with a love story that is not only filled with secrets, deception,but with dangerous intrigue and sexy romance. " - My Book Addiction Reviews "Ms. Galen has a way of writing a really gripping tale..." - Romancing the Book "The perfect blend of historicalness, romance, humor, banter, and suspense." - Book Babe "A laugh-out-loud, yet sensual, historical romance that is sure to become a favorite." - Romance Junkies "LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. Once again we are swept away in another action packed book by Shana Galen." - The Reading Cafe "I so love a good spy book and Shana Galen doesn't disappoint... Brilliant. " - The Royal Reviews "Gorgeous... electric and vibrant." - My Written Romance "Moving at a brisk pace, the novel is a mix of adventure, snappy dialogue, and spicy love scenes between husband and wife. " - Historical Novel Review Shana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers' Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books "lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Read more

Features & Highlights

  • He's Getting Tired of Deception...She Wants a Little Intrigue
  • Baron Winslow Keating is honor-bound to finish one last mission as an elite spy for the Barbican group even though he just wants to go home and be with his family. But after years of secrecy and absence, his daughters hardly know him and his wife has given up on him.
  • Lady Elinor has had enough of domestic boredom. She contemplates an affair with a rakish spy, only to discover a world of intrigue and treachery that she never knew existed. Even more shocking, her neglectful husband is suddenly very attentive-quite the jealous type-and apparently there is much more to him than she ever knew.
  • Lord and Lady Spy Trilogy:
  • Lord and Lady Spy (Book 1) True Spies (Book 2) Love and Let Spy (Book 3)
  • Praise for Shana Galen:
  • "Galen strikes the perfect balance between dangerous intrigue and sexy romance."-
  • Booklist
  • "A thrilling ride, filled with mystery, intrigue and romance."-
  • Fresh Fiction
  • on
  • If You Give a Duke a Diamond

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(83)
★★★★
25%
(69)
★★★
15%
(41)
★★
7%
(19)
★
23%
(64)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Another hit by Shana Galen

Originally posted on Buried Under Romance: [...]

Lady Elinor dearly loves playing with her daughters, but she has decided it's time to seek some more excitement in her life. Her husband, Baron Winslow (Winn) Keating, hardly ever comes home on time, and she is tired of waiting for him. Elinor's first act of defiance was to attend a ball alone, and second in a scandalous dress. Seeing her husband's enraged reaction to her gown only served to fuel her desire for a dalliance; maybe if she makes him jealous, it could possibly rekindle the flames of their frozen relationship.

Believed by all to be an inattentive husband, Winn is actually an elite spy for the Barbican group, and his secretive missions have prevented him from spending time with his family. Just when Winn decided to leave the group, he is given one last mission against a dangerous French enemy, one who could very well jeopardize his family's safety.

Elinor had always been in love with Winn, and they both knew it. Elinor never felt herself worthy of Winn, but after years of a cold marriage, she finally sought more. A liaison with the young and rakish Rafe Trollope -- who is supposedly a spy for the Babylon Group -- seems just the thing, except Winn overheard her and decided to prevent another man from seducing his wife. Together with Agent Wolf and Saint from the first book, [[ASIN:1402259077 Lord and Lady Spy]], Winn sought to not only uncover the truth of Rafe Trollope and save his marriage, but also stop Foncé, the continuing antagonist from the first book of the series.

The issue with Trollope was dealt with quickly, which left the rest of story to be filled with Elinor's adventures (or misadventures, as they really are), and Winn's attempts at heroism. Elinor finally got a taste of the grand adventures she's always wanted, only to realize her family and home are what she misses most. Similarly, bereft of Elinor, Winn finally realized his love for her, and through daring actions and dangerous escapades, he melted the frozen state of his marriage and rekindled not only his love and desire for Elinor, but also an intimacy with his daughters.

True Spies is the second book in Shana Galen's acclaimed Lord and Lady Spy series. Naturally, the villain's escape makes way for his apprehension in forthcoming novels. Filled with highly humorous dialogue interspersed with daring intrigue and tender passion, Shana Galen has penned yet another sexy romp with just the right touch of fun and excitement. It is unlike Joanna Bourne's books with its dark undertones; this is humor and suspense crafted in a light-hearted and amusing way, and sure to delight readers who welcome an exciting read without some dreadful angst in the mix.

*ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
13 people found this helpful
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It's sharp, witty, clever, mature...

With `True Spies' Ms. Galen continues her Lord and Lady Spy series that I really loved.

The character of Elinor was so well-developed that I could feel her emotions as she's torn about her feelings toward her husband who it seems that he doesn't care for her.
I found it very hard to like the hero. It took me more that half the book to start warming up to the guy!
His affection for Elinor wasn't in evidence as much as was his love for his work and that bothered me all through the read.

`True Spies' is a romance between two mature people with children, obligations and a life that has forced both characters to take stock of themselves and their future.

Shana Galen does it again and gives us fast paced, adventure filled, well written romance about a couple trying to rediscover each other all over again. I've come to love the dialogue this author created.

It's sharp, witty, clever, mature and never fails to touch my heart or tickle my funny bone. It's brilliant!
I swear I can recommend it on dialogue alone, but I must say she plotted this one well too, so if you like a good, solid plot, than you just have to get it.

Melanie for b2b
3 people found this helpful
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Good Reading

For fourteen years Elinor Keating had not been loved. Oh yes, she'd been well provided for, had given birth to two beautiful daughters, had an enviable social status, had servants that respected, admired and felt sorry for her.

Elinor married out of necessity, but loved Winslow (Winn) Keating with all her heart even though she never felt worthy of him. He was so handsome, charming and amusing. She was faithful and accepting of his not showing up for social events and of his rarely being at home. Then one evening after fourteen years of being "stood-up", she declares, "I deserve better." She changes from her elegant, matronly attire, puts on a stunning low-cut red gown and attends her friend's garden party that she had helped organize. The Prince Regent (Prinny) was to attend.

Elinor comes out of her cocoon, different and alluring. Her new life full of danger and excitment make her feel alive, a part of something significant. Her efficiency, her eye for detail, her remarkable organizational skills make her good spy material--not the usual for a Lady of nineteenth-century London.

The reader gets to share a hair-raising, heart-pounding mission with her before she's even trained. She's a heroine to admire. Her courage, spur-of-the- moment inventiveness, and her determination in a crisis show a completely different facet of her personality that her husband Winn had never seen. What fun to see her get a little of her own back after striving for so many years to be the perfect wife. Now, she chooses to take her pleasure on her own terms, not his. He is overwhelmed and agog.

Baron Winslow Keating lied to his wife for fourteen years. He'd been expected to marry and the young biddable Elinor suited his needs very well. Love did not enter into the equation as far as he was concerned. Spying was his love. All things had worked out well for him UNTIL.... The night Elinor put her red dress on--the night his all-consuming spy job took him to the same party to protect Prinny--the party he had promised to go to with his wife.

The reader sees a conflicted man whose world is about to spin out of control. He had not given Elinor a thought until he sees her dancing with a young rake that is smiling down at her and holding her too close. For the first time ever, jealousy roars to life in him as he truly sees his wife for the woman she is. She's beautiful, desirable, and has a gorgeous body.

Winn, though a super spy with the Barbican group, fails monumentally as he tries to regain control of his wife, a woman he'd paid little attention to and had lied to with no sense of guilt. Not even his spy colleagues give him the backing he wants as he strives to cram Elinor back into her cocoon where he thinks she's safe. But the "Butterfly" has flown. The cocoon no longer fits.

While these two strong characters sweep the reader along at breakneck speed, there are some interesting secondary characters that grab one's attention. Blue intrigues me. He was more appealing to me than the hero. The other characters help move the plot along giving the reader a vicariously experience with Elinor as she deals with new challenges, learns about herself, and feels never-before-known excitement about new and often terrifying adventures that she loves being a part of.

As the plot unfolds, Winn seems weary of the spy business while Elinor bubbles with joy about being a part of it. Winn's main interest is in his full-of-surprises wife who passes his test and sends his senses reeling. He is besotted with her and wants to make her happy. But to this reader, he has a long way to go to truly redeem himself after his long years of neglect.

The subtle humor that permeates scary scenes, love scenes, social scenes and more make True Spies a delight to read. Even better is the effort Winn puts forth that makes Elinor know she is irresistible and beautiful to him. She is cherished by him.

I look forward to seeing more of the "Baron" and the "Butterfly" in the next book of the Lord and Lady Spies series. And, of course, "Blue" too. Good reading!

Originally posted at Long and Short Reviews
3 people found this helpful
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True Spies

A fantastic blend of thriller, humor, and romance; I devoured this book. I love seeing Lord and Lady Smythe again. I enjoyed Lady Keating's fierceness and her determination. I love how she threw herself into the mission, wanting to help. I liked watching Lord Keating realize that he loved his wife after all and do what he could to win back her affections. I can't wait to see what happens next with England's best agent!
1 people found this helpful
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Action adventure for Regency Fans!

Every man is surrounded by a neighborhood of voluntary spies. - Jane Austen

Even Jane Austen would appreciate the witty banter, strong heroine, and honorable hero in Shana Galen's TRUE SPIES, Book 2 in her Lord and Lady Spy series. Galen delivers an out-of-the ballroom Regency romance with action! Adventure! And passion rekindled by a married couple! TRUE SPIES may borrow from the 1992 movie directed by James Cameron with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. But it is a Regency Romance through and through. Galen stays true to the period as her characters make decisions that perplex modern readers, but they are worthy of my attention nonetheless.

Recommended read for Regency fans seeking an action adventure laced with passionate romance.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an impartial review.
1 people found this helpful
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Fast paced romance!

Wow! I have loved all of Shana Galen's novels and this one didn't disappoint! Winn and Elinor have a difficult relationship that lacks love and trust. I wondered how they would ever find their happily ever after, but Mrs. Galen worked her magic and the story line was believable. I highly recommend this book if you like fast paced romance.
1 people found this helpful
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GREAT BOOK!

I really enjoyed Shana Galen's new book, TRUE SPIES. Lady Elinor and Baron Winslow Keating have been married for fourteen years and have two young daughters. For Ellie it was love at first sight. For Winn, not so much. Winn married for duty. He has been so busy being one of England's best spies that he has become a neglectful husband and father. Ellie's boredom and neglect lead her into a killer's trap. Just when Winn might be falling in love with his wife, it may be too late. TRUE SPIES is a combination of Regency romance and James Bond. Galen weaves a fast paced, dangerous plot, funny situations, and steamy sex to perfection! I highly recommend this book!
1 people found this helpful
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Love. Marriage and Intrigue

I will start by saying that I am a huge fan of Shana Galen's books, and I have loved them all. So, I am not surprised that I loved [[ASIN:1402276028 True Spies]], it was a very visual read for me, which is my favorite kind. Elinor is a funny, brave and determined heroine that finds herself with loose ends, because her children and a husband don't need her as much. Winn her husband is a very busy man who has had little time for his wife and family in the past. True Spies is the second in the [[ASIN:1402259077 Lord and Lady Spy]] novels, and is an wonderful adventure that continues the Lord and Lady Spy story line. Elinor and Winn have been married for fourteen years, and have two daughters. Winn is fairly clueless to the state of their marriage, and Elinor is unaware of what her husband actually does while he is away from home. Things heat up, when Elinor decides she is going to have a life, that doesn't include waiting around for Winn anymore.

What I love about this book, is that is a romance between two people who have been married, but never really knew each other. Winn has to work to gain the love of his own wife, and Elinor has to open her heart again. There is adventure, romance and action. I enjoyed getting to visit with some of the characters from [[ASIN:1402259077 Lord and Lady Spy]], and the novella The [[ASIN:B00CA3SI40 Spy Wore Blue: A Lord and Lady Spy Novella]].

One other thing that I love about Shana Galen's writing is the humor, and I will tell you that I read Chapter Two more than once. I even read it out loud, to myself, complete with the voices and attitude of the scene. No spoilers, but when Winn finds his wife in the ballroom, when he expects her to be at home, there is a very humorous encounter.

I hope that you decide to pick up this book, and that you enjoy it as much as I did.
1 people found this helpful
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Spies, intrigue, and romance. Another Shana Galen winner!

Winn Keating, The Baron, is getting too old for the spy business. His bruises don't heal quite as quickly; his reflexes are a fraction of a second slower. That sort of thing can get one of his majesty's elite Barbican agents killed if he's not careful. With the added guilt he carries over his partner and friend's death, he's ready to retire. He wants to go home, spend more time with his comfortable wife and his two daughters.

Lady Elinor Keating has loved her husband for years. Too bad he never loved her back. She has her home, and Caroline and Georgiana are the center of her life. But her daughters barely know their father, and at twelve and almost fourteen, they also don't need their mother anymore.

Elinor wants more from life. And not from Winn. She's through waiting for him, crying for him. She's finally over him, and she won't let him hurt her again. Although shocked at her own thoughts, she's considering an affair with a dashing spy, a desired rake of the Ton. At least Rafe looks at her with passion and desire, things missing in her marriage for far too long.

When Foncé, the murderous leader of the Maîtriser group abducts Elinor, she finds herself entangled in an evil plot against England. She also finds who are the True Spies, and along with it, the thrill of serving king and country.

Her husband finds what a fool he's been. He's ignored his wife, her accomplishments, her wit, her intelligence and her beauty. Now, he must first save her life, and only then, if he doesn't screw it up again, he might also save his marriage.

I love Shana Galen's stories. They're fast-paced with fun and exciting adventures. It's good to see the Smythes, from Ms. Galen's previous Lord and Lady Spy, show up here to offer their support, as does the elusive and sexy Blue. And like in its predecessor stories, this hero and heroine have a marriage, but have yet to find each other. Enjoy their journey. I did!
1 people found this helpful
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True Spies~~

When her husband, Baron Winslow Keating, fails to show up to take her to a ball yet again, Elinor has had enough. She dons her most daring gown and goes to the ball alone and in the process, turns a new leaf. She is ready for some adventure, some passion to be brought back into her life. Elinor wants to feel needed more than planning balls and taking care of her daughters and if her husband fails to realize that, then maybe she should consider the attention of a new gentleman. Winn is flabbergasted by the new changes in Elinor. When he sees her in her daring gown he can hardly believe this is the same meek woman he married years ago. And she talks back to him! He finds himself jealous of the fact she seems to be turning to another man and he knows it is finally time to quit his secret double life as a spy. Unfortunately, a master criminal is closer than ever and when he grabs onto Elinor, Winn knows he will do whatever it takes to get her back and prove how much she means to him.

I know whenever I settle in with a Shana Galen romance I will be swept away by the adventure and romance and True Spies is no exception! I really loved the fact that this is a romance about rekindling the magic of a marriage. I also really enjoyed watching Elinor blossom from a biddable wife into a vocal, passionate woman. Her thirst for adventure takes her much father than she ever thought she would go but it brings her back to Winn. I also admired how the truth was handled when Winn finally told her his reasons for all his absences throughout the years. I thought the struggles between Winn and Elinor were believable and not quickly resolved and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this couple rediscover each other! The ending is a continuous stream of heart-pounding action and chases and I felt a bit sad when it was all over. I also loved seeing more of Lord and Lady Smythe from Lord and Lady Spy and I am so anxious for the next book to see what happens next!! This was another rollicking, laugh-out-loud, sexy and adventurous romance from one of my favorite go-to authors for smart and sexy adventures in the romance world! 4 solid stars

*review copy*
1 people found this helpful

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