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Nexus #3
A Lady's Secret Weapon
Seduction is His Duty to King and Country
Ethan deBeau has charmed his way into the beds of countless women, enticing them to whisper all kinds of state secrets in his ear. But his latest assignment is completely different: find a missing young boy. It's practically child's play for a master spy such as Ethan. Until Miss Sydney Hunt threatens to unravel all his carefully laid plans. Who in the world is this woman?
But Tempting Her is All for Pleasure
Sydney has worked hard to maintain a facade of respectability—all while keeping a network of contacts among London's underground world. When she hears of strange activities at a local home for orphans, she's determined to find out what's really going on. Until she runs headlong into a notorious rake eager to expose every inch of her...
Ethan deBeau has charmed his way into the beds of countless women, enticing them to whisper all kinds of state secrets in his ear. But his latest assignment is completely different: find a missing young boy. It's practically child's play for a master spy such as Ethan. Until Miss Sydney Hunt threatens to unravel all his carefully laid plans. Who in the world is this woman?
But Tempting Her is All for Pleasure
Sydney has worked hard to maintain a facade of respectability—all while keeping a network of contacts among London's underground world. When she hears of strange activities at a local home for orphans, she's determined to find out what's really going on. Until she runs headlong into a notorious rake eager to expose every inch of her...
363 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
16 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Devlyn
45 books397 followersTracey Devlyn is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical suspense, which often contains elements of mystery, romance, and environmental crime.
Despite the thrilling, emotional ride she crafts for her readers, Tracey enjoys an annoyingly normal lifestyle with her husband and rescue dogs at her home in the mountains of North Carolina.
For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at https://TraceyDevlyn.com.
Readers can buy books direct at Tracey's online bookshop and get early access to new releases at discounted prices - https://payhip.com/TraceyDevlynBookshop.
Despite the thrilling, emotional ride she crafts for her readers, Tracey enjoys an annoyingly normal lifestyle with her husband and rescue dogs at her home in the mountains of North Carolina.
For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at https://TraceyDevlyn.com.
Readers can buy books direct at Tracey's online bookshop and get early access to new releases at discounted prices - https://payhip.com/TraceyDevlynBookshop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 22, 2014
If you assumed that being a boudoir spy was the ultimate stylish employment, you better think again. Apparently, bedding beautiful and rich people to ferret out diplomatic and political secrets is not all “glitter and gold” as the Hero of this romance would tell you and it doesn’t guarantee happiness in life either. So I disappointedly unpacked my suitcase, shuffled back to the desk and resigned myself to keep the day job. But I would have been a good one, mind you! LOL ;) ;) ;)
Ethan DeBeau, Viscount Danforth, is an irresistible, handsome rogue working as a spy for the Nexus, a selected intelligence force branch referring to the Foreign Office: it’s 1804, Napoleon clutches are trying to sink their claws all around Europe and England has never felt as threatened as now. Ethan and his sister Cora have been trained since childhood to be ruthless spies by their mentor, Lord Somerton and Ethan has always excelled at being a bed or boudoir spy: he has charmed his way with sensual deftness into innumerable ladies’ beds to uncover strategic information their husbands or lovers might have let slip out. He’s led this taxing life for over a decade, but now he’s back to London, feeling restless and falling victim of frequent low self-esteem bouts. Somerton seems to prefer his colleague, Lord Helsford, as the possible next chief of the Nexus, his sister Cora is still recovering from her French imprisonment, the Nexus betrayer and nemesis, Lord Latymer, is still on the loose and all Ethan has worked for is crumbling in his own hands. I thought he was basically very lonely, but he’s the kind of guy who would never admit it. And on top of all this desolation, he’s disgusted and disappointed for he sees himself only as sex machine who has lost the ability to really “feel”, if ever he had known what it means.
Now, before I go on, let me clarify this: the characters I have mentioned so far, and some more, that appear in the book, are all protagonists or the leading couples of the two previous instalments of this series and I suspect Ethan himself played a main secondary role there too. A Lady’s Secret Weapon can be read as stand-alone without many problems in following the plotline, but I couldn’t get rid of the impression that I was constantly “missing” something throughout my reading. I’ve already made the mistake to start with this one, but if you intend to fully enjoy all the undercurrents and hues, I strongly suggest you start from book 1 and keep in mind that if this book doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, it does leave some loose threads , so you might already take into account to read the sequel(s) too if you want the complete picture.
Our hero’s last assignment is to spy on an orphanage, Abbingale Home for Displaced and Gifted Boys, a lofty name for what the Nexus suspects to be just a nest of French spies using terrorized abandoned children to act as couriers and kidnapping aristocrats’ heirs to then blackmail information and favours from them. One boy in particular is of fundamental interest, Giles Clarke, probably Lord Latymer’s own son. While snooping around Abbingale disguised as a drunkard (and later on as Gabby an “old flower girl” which was a very funny scene), Ethan notices a stunning brunette escorted by two burly Irish footmen exiting the Home and intrigued decides to follow her. She’s Miss Sydney Hunt, the proprietress of the Hunt’s Agency, an highly estimated employment agency particularly committed in rehiring unjustly fired labourers and in finding them new wealthy masters who won’t mistreat them anymore. But Ethan promptly perceives that there’s a lot more to Sydney, especially after having discovered the she frequently visits Abbingale using the false identity of Mrs. Henshaw, a rich vapid young widow looking for an orphanage on which to act as benefactress. And Ethan is not mistaken for Sydney, the bastard daughter of a nobleman, unbeknownst to him has served the Nexus on several occasions, even saving his life once: he recalls a cloaked feminine figure tending his wounds and feeding him, but he’s not able to remember her face.
With the pretence of looking for a new butler, Ethan, in the guise of himself, attaches his handsome-sexy-persona to the beautiful and wary Miss Hunt and after having gained a bit of trust in each other, our two leads decide to join forces in the noble intent to save England, Europe and the children and not necessarily in this order...
So far so good: the language flowed smoothly, the writing was engaging and the pace fast. I liked both the leading characters and even the secondary ones were really well fleshed out. Ethan, in spite of the kind of life he had to lead and the necessary unsavoury acts being a spy requires to commit, is a very decent man, he’s sweet and protective towards Sydney and his seductive skills are put to good use. The sex scenes (or better, the one long sex scene) is pretty hot, but nothing mind-blowing or beyond what you averagely encounter in this genre . He never really intends to use her and he knows he’s going to be honourable with her even before admitting it to himself too and, on the contrary, he feels undeserving as he deems himself on par with a mercenary gigolo. Ethan is going through an internal turmoil as he knows down to his bones the life of a boudoir spy is slowly consuming him, but he thinks he’s not going to be good at anything else, hence his feelings of worthlessness. This conscience crisis, instead of making him appear burdensome and whiny, is deftly handled as to make him more human and vulnerable. His relationship with Sydney begins as an acute case of instant lust (from both parties in equal measure by the way), but he soon starts regarding her as something really special, appreciating her resilience and intelligence as much as her beauty. Only his training in hiding his emotions and in performing sex as a mere mechanical duty is preventing him from fully embracing his falling in love, but don’t worry, he’s never really nasty with the heroine.
Sydney was a little more hard to like as long as I was concerned. She’s very private due to the her job and she’s extremely wary around men, only trusting her beloved adoptive father and her twin footmen and always carrying a small silver bell with her to summon their help. Around Ethan she starts experiencing a strong pull to all the sexual desire she has always denied herself to feel due to her fear-issues and past disappointments , but his gentle and naughty courtship slowly melts her reserves along with her heart.
The general feel I got from this romance was one of mild, enjoyable entertainment, but nothing outstanding or above average. I would have liked that more room and time had been given to the exploration of the couple’s feelings for each other though. I think the main flaw was that it was not the spying intrigue plot that stole the show to the H/h making the book at least gain in pace and action, but the constant intrusion of the secondary characters: all the people from previous or future instalments were not just cameo appearances, but unnecessarily long integral parts of the novel. Too much for my tastes, considering this is supposed to be a romance.
Ethan DeBeau, Viscount Danforth, is an irresistible, handsome rogue working as a spy for the Nexus, a selected intelligence force branch referring to the Foreign Office: it’s 1804, Napoleon clutches are trying to sink their claws all around Europe and England has never felt as threatened as now. Ethan and his sister Cora have been trained since childhood to be ruthless spies by their mentor, Lord Somerton and Ethan has always excelled at being a bed or boudoir spy: he has charmed his way with sensual deftness into innumerable ladies’ beds to uncover strategic information their husbands or lovers might have let slip out. He’s led this taxing life for over a decade, but now he’s back to London, feeling restless and falling victim of frequent low self-esteem bouts. Somerton seems to prefer his colleague, Lord Helsford, as the possible next chief of the Nexus, his sister Cora is still recovering from her French imprisonment, the Nexus betrayer and nemesis, Lord Latymer, is still on the loose and all Ethan has worked for is crumbling in his own hands. I thought he was basically very lonely, but he’s the kind of guy who would never admit it. And on top of all this desolation, he’s disgusted and disappointed for he sees himself only as sex machine who has lost the ability to really “feel”, if ever he had known what it means.
Now, before I go on, let me clarify this: the characters I have mentioned so far, and some more, that appear in the book, are all protagonists or the leading couples of the two previous instalments of this series and I suspect Ethan himself played a main secondary role there too. A Lady’s Secret Weapon can be read as stand-alone without many problems in following the plotline, but I couldn’t get rid of the impression that I was constantly “missing” something throughout my reading. I’ve already made the mistake to start with this one, but if you intend to fully enjoy all the undercurrents and hues, I strongly suggest you start from book 1 and keep in mind that if this book doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, it does leave some loose threads , so you might already take into account to read the sequel(s) too if you want the complete picture.
Our hero’s last assignment is to spy on an orphanage, Abbingale Home for Displaced and Gifted Boys, a lofty name for what the Nexus suspects to be just a nest of French spies using terrorized abandoned children to act as couriers and kidnapping aristocrats’ heirs to then blackmail information and favours from them. One boy in particular is of fundamental interest, Giles Clarke, probably Lord Latymer’s own son. While snooping around Abbingale disguised as a drunkard (and later on as Gabby an “old flower girl” which was a very funny scene), Ethan notices a stunning brunette escorted by two burly Irish footmen exiting the Home and intrigued decides to follow her. She’s Miss Sydney Hunt, the proprietress of the Hunt’s Agency, an highly estimated employment agency particularly committed in rehiring unjustly fired labourers and in finding them new wealthy masters who won’t mistreat them anymore. But Ethan promptly perceives that there’s a lot more to Sydney, especially after having discovered the she frequently visits Abbingale using the false identity of Mrs. Henshaw, a rich vapid young widow looking for an orphanage on which to act as benefactress. And Ethan is not mistaken for Sydney, the bastard daughter of a nobleman, unbeknownst to him has served the Nexus on several occasions, even saving his life once: he recalls a cloaked feminine figure tending his wounds and feeding him, but he’s not able to remember her face.
With the pretence of looking for a new butler, Ethan, in the guise of himself, attaches his handsome-sexy-persona to the beautiful and wary Miss Hunt and after having gained a bit of trust in each other, our two leads decide to join forces in the noble intent to save England, Europe and the children and not necessarily in this order...
So far so good: the language flowed smoothly, the writing was engaging and the pace fast. I liked both the leading characters and even the secondary ones were really well fleshed out. Ethan, in spite of the kind of life he had to lead and the necessary unsavoury acts being a spy requires to commit, is a very decent man, he’s sweet and protective towards Sydney and his seductive skills are put to good use. The sex scenes (or better, the one long sex scene) is pretty hot, but nothing mind-blowing or beyond what you averagely encounter in this genre . He never really intends to use her and he knows he’s going to be honourable with her even before admitting it to himself too and, on the contrary, he feels undeserving as he deems himself on par with a mercenary gigolo. Ethan is going through an internal turmoil as he knows down to his bones the life of a boudoir spy is slowly consuming him, but he thinks he’s not going to be good at anything else, hence his feelings of worthlessness. This conscience crisis, instead of making him appear burdensome and whiny, is deftly handled as to make him more human and vulnerable. His relationship with Sydney begins as an acute case of instant lust (from both parties in equal measure by the way), but he soon starts regarding her as something really special, appreciating her resilience and intelligence as much as her beauty. Only his training in hiding his emotions and in performing sex as a mere mechanical duty is preventing him from fully embracing his falling in love, but don’t worry, he’s never really nasty with the heroine.
Sydney was a little more hard to like as long as I was concerned. She’s very private due to the her job and she’s extremely wary around men, only trusting her beloved adoptive father and her twin footmen and always carrying a small silver bell with her to summon their help. Around Ethan she starts experiencing a strong pull to all the sexual desire she has always denied herself to feel due to her fear-issues and past disappointments , but his gentle and naughty courtship slowly melts her reserves along with her heart.
The general feel I got from this romance was one of mild, enjoyable entertainment, but nothing outstanding or above average. I would have liked that more room and time had been given to the exploration of the couple’s feelings for each other though. I think the main flaw was that it was not the spying intrigue plot that stole the show to the H/h making the book at least gain in pace and action, but the constant intrusion of the secondary characters: all the people from previous or future instalments were not just cameo appearances, but unnecessarily long integral parts of the novel. Too much for my tastes, considering this is supposed to be a romance.
September 5, 2013
Oh my gosh, where to start with this book? I was really looking forward to A Lady's Secret Weapon by Tracey Devlyn because the hero, Ethan, is the bad boy of the series and I have a thing for bad boys. They are usually more troubled than the good boys, so when they make the switch it is more raw and emotional. Pairing Ethan with the independent heroine Sydney was just explosive.
The third book in the Nexus Series is filled with several plot lines that are all wonderfully woven together to keep you on the edge of your seat. I have had to read each of these books carefully because there is so much going on I don't want to miss a thing and they move quickly.
The character development is phenomenal. Ethan and Sydney are well developed characters with lots of internal conflict. There are some deep seeded issues they both reluctantly have to come to terms with before they can move on with their relationship. I was surprised at how some of the plot lines played out due to the way the characters matured over the story. Ethan and Sydney brought out the best in one another, even if it they provoked each other a lot with their bantering. They are a very entertaining pair and make each other stronger. I love seeing that in a romance. The major intimate scene in the book was done extremely well. It was very passionate, gentle and sweet and made me swoon at the end (and I don't swoon easily).
Tracey does an awesome job with the mystery and intrigue in her Nexus stories. These books are true romantic mysteries and full of suspense. It is so fun to see how her spies worked back before they had all the modern day gadgets like bugs and cameras. They had to use a lot of creativity, whit and instinct.
A Lady's Secret Weapon is very emotional. I don't want to give all the examples because some are spoilers but the emotional ride went beyond just Ethan and Sydney's relationship and internal struggles. I was completely surprised at the ending of the story which makes me want to read it again just to see the story in a different light.
It is always fun to read more about characters from previous books, so I love that the other members of the Nexus were in this book a lot and 7 year old Sophie who has as much energy as all of the characters put together. If you like romantic mysteries (historical or contemporary) that are full of espionage and intrigue, I highly recommend A Lady's Secret Weapon.
The third book in the Nexus Series is filled with several plot lines that are all wonderfully woven together to keep you on the edge of your seat. I have had to read each of these books carefully because there is so much going on I don't want to miss a thing and they move quickly.
The character development is phenomenal. Ethan and Sydney are well developed characters with lots of internal conflict. There are some deep seeded issues they both reluctantly have to come to terms with before they can move on with their relationship. I was surprised at how some of the plot lines played out due to the way the characters matured over the story. Ethan and Sydney brought out the best in one another, even if it they provoked each other a lot with their bantering. They are a very entertaining pair and make each other stronger. I love seeing that in a romance. The major intimate scene in the book was done extremely well. It was very passionate, gentle and sweet and made me swoon at the end (and I don't swoon easily).
Tracey does an awesome job with the mystery and intrigue in her Nexus stories. These books are true romantic mysteries and full of suspense. It is so fun to see how her spies worked back before they had all the modern day gadgets like bugs and cameras. They had to use a lot of creativity, whit and instinct.
A Lady's Secret Weapon is very emotional. I don't want to give all the examples because some are spoilers but the emotional ride went beyond just Ethan and Sydney's relationship and internal struggles. I was completely surprised at the ending of the story which makes me want to read it again just to see the story in a different light.
It is always fun to read more about characters from previous books, so I love that the other members of the Nexus were in this book a lot and 7 year old Sophie who has as much energy as all of the characters put together. If you like romantic mysteries (historical or contemporary) that are full of espionage and intrigue, I highly recommend A Lady's Secret Weapon.
August 3, 2017
A Lady's Secret Weapon (Nexus #3) by Tracey Devlyn Author: Tracey Devlyn Title: A Lady's Secret Weapon Series: Nexus Cover Rating: Book Rating: Buy This Book:
Seduction is His Duty to King and Country
Ethan deBeau has charmed his way into the beds of countless women, enticing them to whisper all kinds of state secrets in his ear. But his latest assignment is completely different: find a missing young boy. It’s practically child’s play for a master spy such as Ethan. Until Miss Sydney Hunt threatens to unravel all his carefully laid plans. Who is the world is this woman?
But Tempting Her is All for Pleasure
Sydney has worked hard to maintain a facade of respectability—all while keeping a network of contacts among London’s underground world. When she hears of strange activities at a local home for orphans, she’s determined to find out what’s really going on. Until she runs headlong into a notorious rake eager to expose every inch of her…
Preview Excerpt:
Pain splintered inside Ethan's skull the moment his head slammed against the cold surface. Against his will, a moan ripped from his throat, and his body curled into a tight, protective knot. "Dammit." His breath huffed against the floor, forcing a cloud of ancient dust into his face. "Careful, my lord," a voice rasped, a moment before something soft slid beneath Ethan's head. He tried to open his eyes but managed only a small slit, barely enough to discern the broken crate to his left and the hooded figure kneeling at his side. "Where am I?" Ethan made another attempt to open his eyes, to no avail. "In a warehouse near the London Docks." Docks. Images flashed through his mind like the blast of a firing squad. Three Goliaths, an uncomfortable carriage ride, a sound beating in a dockside alleyway. A cool hand pressed against his throbbing forehead. Ethan's jaw clenched. He'd been so close to locating the Frenchman who had brutalized his sister. The anticipation of snapping the man's neck had made him lose sight of his surroundings, for which he'd paid dearly. "How did I get here?" He struggled to a sitting position. "Who are you?" The cloaked figure's gloved hands halted his clumsy attempt. "You were carried, and my identity is of no consequence." Unable to resist, Ethan eased back down. Even though the cloak's hood hid his savior's features, Ethan felt the stranger's intense scrutiny. "Why do you protect your face? You have nothing to fear from me." "What makes you think fear is the reason behind my need for privacy?" Ethan sensed, more than saw, his savior retreating. An unfamiliar terror gripped his gut. "Wait." "Rest, Lord Danforth. You are safe here." Quiet confidence laced the stranger's raspy voice, soothing the edges of Ethan's fear. Never had he felt so helpless, or so tired. He fought the pull of oblivion for all of ten seconds. Before he slipped into darkness, a single thought registered. How did the stranger know my name?
***
Sydney paused to give her eyes time to adjust to the large, gloom-filled room. The moment the makeshift bed against the far wall took shape, she moved quietly to the viscount's side. The low light hid most of the destruction to his handsome face, as did the cold compress over his swollen eyes. However, she could still see the darkened flesh across his jaw. The apothecary she brought in to assess the damage had discovered severe bruises covering his torso and lacerations dotting his face and body. Thankfully, she had detected no broken bones, though the woman had cautioned her that he might have sustained injuries inside his body. Only time would reveal what's hidden beneath the flesh. Rest, cold compresses, and beef tea would see him through the worst of it, the apothecary had said. Sydney had no doubt. His lordship had youth, strength, and sheer stubbornness on his side. Besides, he'd likely survived far worse. Still, she didn't want to wake him from his healing slumber. He'd hardly moved an inch since they placed him on the narrow cot hours ago. Every so often, she would hold her fingers below his nose to make sure Death had not visited while she'd been away. Sydney sighed. No matter how difficult, she would follow the apothecary's prescribed orders. The quicker his lordship healed, the quicker she could send him on his way. She set the tray containing a bowl of beef tea, a linen filled with ice chips, a glass of water, and a bottle of laudanum on the floor and then perched on the edge of his bed. The frame creaked, and his lordship shot upright, his steel-like fingers clamped around her arm, digging deep. The spent compress covering his eyes dropped to the floor with a splat! "What are you doing?" he asked between gritted teeth. He angled his head back to better see her, blinking several times for focus. Sydney hunched her shoulders and tucked her chin to protect her features, even though she'd already rubbed coal dust on her face and pinned a large, frilly maid's cap on her head to protect her identity. "I've brought you food and something to relieve your pain, m'lord." She prayed her tone carried the right amount of submissiveness. "How are you feeling?" His harsh breaths penetrated the short space between them. Finally, his grip slowly eased, though he did not release her. As he lowered himself back down to his mound of pillows, his hand slid along her arm until his fingers bracketed her wrist. "Like a ballroom full of drunken lords trampled my body." "Better then." He squeezed her wrist. "How long was I out?" "All of a day and most of a night." "So long?" "The apothecary gave you something to help you rest." A long pause. "I don't remember." "You were fighting a fever." Sydney pressed her palm to his forehead. "Much better now." "I have to get out of here. My sister-" He sent her a wary glance. "She'll be worried." "You mustn't move for a few more days." She smoothed her hand over her rough, threadbare skirts. "If you'd like to give me her address, I'll have a note sent around." An emotion Sydney didn't understand hardened his jaw a moment before he shifted his attention away. She bent to collect the tray but was unable to balance it with one hand. Pausing, she slanted a meaningful glance at her wrist. He opened his fingers. "Thank you." When she reached for the tray again, his hand moved to her leg. She whipped her head around to peer at him, jarring a lock of hair free. "Kindly remove your hand, m'lord." His lips quirked into a spare smile. "I'm hardly in a position to ravish you." Sydney could barely think above the hammering of her heart. The heat from his palm penetrated the rough layers of her skirts, directing her attention to that small four-inch-by-four-inch area. Setting her jaw, she lifted the tray to her lap and tucked the loose skein of hair behind her ear. Then she laid the icy compress across his eyes. He sucked in a startled breath. "Perhaps a little warning next time," he said through gritted teeth. "The same could be said to you, sir." She opened a small bottle and tapped several drops of the reddish-brown liquid in the glass. She swirled the water around before removing the compress from his eyes. "Drink this." "What is it?" "Water laced with laudanum." His lips firmed into a thin line before raising the shaking drink to his lips. Liquid splashed over the rim. "Damn me!" "Here, m'lord." She wrapped her hands around his, steadying the glass. "All of it," she commanded when he tried to stop halfway. When he finished, he shoved the glass away, scrunching his face at the bitter taste. "Next time, dribble your poison into some brandy. Might be a little more palatable that way." Ignoring his surly remark, she retrieved a bowl of broth and raised a brimming spoonful to his mouth. "You're not feeding me like a greenling cub." She returned the spoon to the bowl. "Then you'll go hungry." "How do you figure, Miss-?" When she did not fill in the blank, he continued, "I've been feeding myself for a rather long time." "Not with those trembling hands." She ventured another spoonful up to his lips. He waited a belligerent three seconds before opening his mouth. Relief spread through Sydney. She didn't know what she would have done if he'd refused the beef tea. For some men, pride forced them into making poor decisions that had terrible consequences. She was glad Ethan deBeau was not one of them. Her relief quickly faded into agitation. She could feel the intensity of his stare all the way to her bones. An insistent quiver started at the base of her spine and worked its way up. The darkened chamber and his swollen eyes would limit his visibility. She knew this, believed it. But she could not shake her sudden, desperate sense of urgency. "Where's the cloaked chap that dragged my carcass in here?" Fatigue laced his words. "I couldn't say, m'lord." "I owe him my thanks." She quickened her pace, refusing any further attempts at conversation. The less he knew, the less likely their paths would ever cross again. "Rest your head on the pillow again, please." "You're leaving." His voice was hollow, resigned. Empathy gripped her heart. She glanced around the desolate chamber, hating that she had to keep him here. "Would you like a candle? A book? Perhaps another blanket?" He grasped the ice-filled linen and placed it over his eyes. "No." Dismissed. Sydney gathered everything onto her tray and made her way to the door. An odd reluctance to leave him held her immobile. She chanced a glance over her shoulder at the same time he delivered a low, unmistakable warning. "I won't be this helpless forever, little maid."
A Lady's Secret Weapon really wasn't what I was expecting, it was better. A Lady's Secret Weapon is like a spy thriller in a historical romance novel. The book is book 3 in her Nexus series but it can be read individually from the other books.
Sydney and Ethan are fabulous together, both have egos and a fire together that match their personalities perfectly.
The plot and excitement Tracey brings to her book gives it more of a thriller feel than a historical feel but it doesn't take away at all from how well she developed London's underworld. A spy and an informant join sides in a struggle to solve a mystery.
A fun and exciting read from the first page to the last, Tracey Devlyn is fabulous.
Until next time book lovers...
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Seduction is His Duty to King and Country
Ethan deBeau has charmed his way into the beds of countless women, enticing them to whisper all kinds of state secrets in his ear. But his latest assignment is completely different: find a missing young boy. It’s practically child’s play for a master spy such as Ethan. Until Miss Sydney Hunt threatens to unravel all his carefully laid plans. Who is the world is this woman?
But Tempting Her is All for Pleasure
Sydney has worked hard to maintain a facade of respectability—all while keeping a network of contacts among London’s underground world. When she hears of strange activities at a local home for orphans, she’s determined to find out what’s really going on. Until she runs headlong into a notorious rake eager to expose every inch of her…
Preview Excerpt:
Pain splintered inside Ethan's skull the moment his head slammed against the cold surface. Against his will, a moan ripped from his throat, and his body curled into a tight, protective knot. "Dammit." His breath huffed against the floor, forcing a cloud of ancient dust into his face. "Careful, my lord," a voice rasped, a moment before something soft slid beneath Ethan's head. He tried to open his eyes but managed only a small slit, barely enough to discern the broken crate to his left and the hooded figure kneeling at his side. "Where am I?" Ethan made another attempt to open his eyes, to no avail. "In a warehouse near the London Docks." Docks. Images flashed through his mind like the blast of a firing squad. Three Goliaths, an uncomfortable carriage ride, a sound beating in a dockside alleyway. A cool hand pressed against his throbbing forehead. Ethan's jaw clenched. He'd been so close to locating the Frenchman who had brutalized his sister. The anticipation of snapping the man's neck had made him lose sight of his surroundings, for which he'd paid dearly. "How did I get here?" He struggled to a sitting position. "Who are you?" The cloaked figure's gloved hands halted his clumsy attempt. "You were carried, and my identity is of no consequence." Unable to resist, Ethan eased back down. Even though the cloak's hood hid his savior's features, Ethan felt the stranger's intense scrutiny. "Why do you protect your face? You have nothing to fear from me." "What makes you think fear is the reason behind my need for privacy?" Ethan sensed, more than saw, his savior retreating. An unfamiliar terror gripped his gut. "Wait." "Rest, Lord Danforth. You are safe here." Quiet confidence laced the stranger's raspy voice, soothing the edges of Ethan's fear. Never had he felt so helpless, or so tired. He fought the pull of oblivion for all of ten seconds. Before he slipped into darkness, a single thought registered. How did the stranger know my name?
***
Sydney paused to give her eyes time to adjust to the large, gloom-filled room. The moment the makeshift bed against the far wall took shape, she moved quietly to the viscount's side. The low light hid most of the destruction to his handsome face, as did the cold compress over his swollen eyes. However, she could still see the darkened flesh across his jaw. The apothecary she brought in to assess the damage had discovered severe bruises covering his torso and lacerations dotting his face and body. Thankfully, she had detected no broken bones, though the woman had cautioned her that he might have sustained injuries inside his body. Only time would reveal what's hidden beneath the flesh. Rest, cold compresses, and beef tea would see him through the worst of it, the apothecary had said. Sydney had no doubt. His lordship had youth, strength, and sheer stubbornness on his side. Besides, he'd likely survived far worse. Still, she didn't want to wake him from his healing slumber. He'd hardly moved an inch since they placed him on the narrow cot hours ago. Every so often, she would hold her fingers below his nose to make sure Death had not visited while she'd been away. Sydney sighed. No matter how difficult, she would follow the apothecary's prescribed orders. The quicker his lordship healed, the quicker she could send him on his way. She set the tray containing a bowl of beef tea, a linen filled with ice chips, a glass of water, and a bottle of laudanum on the floor and then perched on the edge of his bed. The frame creaked, and his lordship shot upright, his steel-like fingers clamped around her arm, digging deep. The spent compress covering his eyes dropped to the floor with a splat! "What are you doing?" he asked between gritted teeth. He angled his head back to better see her, blinking several times for focus. Sydney hunched her shoulders and tucked her chin to protect her features, even though she'd already rubbed coal dust on her face and pinned a large, frilly maid's cap on her head to protect her identity. "I've brought you food and something to relieve your pain, m'lord." She prayed her tone carried the right amount of submissiveness. "How are you feeling?" His harsh breaths penetrated the short space between them. Finally, his grip slowly eased, though he did not release her. As he lowered himself back down to his mound of pillows, his hand slid along her arm until his fingers bracketed her wrist. "Like a ballroom full of drunken lords trampled my body." "Better then." He squeezed her wrist. "How long was I out?" "All of a day and most of a night." "So long?" "The apothecary gave you something to help you rest." A long pause. "I don't remember." "You were fighting a fever." Sydney pressed her palm to his forehead. "Much better now." "I have to get out of here. My sister-" He sent her a wary glance. "She'll be worried." "You mustn't move for a few more days." She smoothed her hand over her rough, threadbare skirts. "If you'd like to give me her address, I'll have a note sent around." An emotion Sydney didn't understand hardened his jaw a moment before he shifted his attention away. She bent to collect the tray but was unable to balance it with one hand. Pausing, she slanted a meaningful glance at her wrist. He opened his fingers. "Thank you." When she reached for the tray again, his hand moved to her leg. She whipped her head around to peer at him, jarring a lock of hair free. "Kindly remove your hand, m'lord." His lips quirked into a spare smile. "I'm hardly in a position to ravish you." Sydney could barely think above the hammering of her heart. The heat from his palm penetrated the rough layers of her skirts, directing her attention to that small four-inch-by-four-inch area. Setting her jaw, she lifted the tray to her lap and tucked the loose skein of hair behind her ear. Then she laid the icy compress across his eyes. He sucked in a startled breath. "Perhaps a little warning next time," he said through gritted teeth. "The same could be said to you, sir." She opened a small bottle and tapped several drops of the reddish-brown liquid in the glass. She swirled the water around before removing the compress from his eyes. "Drink this." "What is it?" "Water laced with laudanum." His lips firmed into a thin line before raising the shaking drink to his lips. Liquid splashed over the rim. "Damn me!" "Here, m'lord." She wrapped her hands around his, steadying the glass. "All of it," she commanded when he tried to stop halfway. When he finished, he shoved the glass away, scrunching his face at the bitter taste. "Next time, dribble your poison into some brandy. Might be a little more palatable that way." Ignoring his surly remark, she retrieved a bowl of broth and raised a brimming spoonful to his mouth. "You're not feeding me like a greenling cub." She returned the spoon to the bowl. "Then you'll go hungry." "How do you figure, Miss-?" When she did not fill in the blank, he continued, "I've been feeding myself for a rather long time." "Not with those trembling hands." She ventured another spoonful up to his lips. He waited a belligerent three seconds before opening his mouth. Relief spread through Sydney. She didn't know what she would have done if he'd refused the beef tea. For some men, pride forced them into making poor decisions that had terrible consequences. She was glad Ethan deBeau was not one of them. Her relief quickly faded into agitation. She could feel the intensity of his stare all the way to her bones. An insistent quiver started at the base of her spine and worked its way up. The darkened chamber and his swollen eyes would limit his visibility. She knew this, believed it. But she could not shake her sudden, desperate sense of urgency. "Where's the cloaked chap that dragged my carcass in here?" Fatigue laced his words. "I couldn't say, m'lord." "I owe him my thanks." She quickened her pace, refusing any further attempts at conversation. The less he knew, the less likely their paths would ever cross again. "Rest your head on the pillow again, please." "You're leaving." His voice was hollow, resigned. Empathy gripped her heart. She glanced around the desolate chamber, hating that she had to keep him here. "Would you like a candle? A book? Perhaps another blanket?" He grasped the ice-filled linen and placed it over his eyes. "No." Dismissed. Sydney gathered everything onto her tray and made her way to the door. An odd reluctance to leave him held her immobile. She chanced a glance over her shoulder at the same time he delivered a low, unmistakable warning. "I won't be this helpless forever, little maid."
A Lady's Secret Weapon really wasn't what I was expecting, it was better. A Lady's Secret Weapon is like a spy thriller in a historical romance novel. The book is book 3 in her Nexus series but it can be read individually from the other books.
Sydney and Ethan are fabulous together, both have egos and a fire together that match their personalities perfectly.
The plot and excitement Tracey brings to her book gives it more of a thriller feel than a historical feel but it doesn't take away at all from how well she developed London's underworld. A spy and an informant join sides in a struggle to solve a mystery.
A fun and exciting read from the first page to the last, Tracey Devlyn is fabulous.
Until next time book lovers...
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
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August 4, 2014
I didn’t have particularly high expectations for this one. When I requested an advance copy I thought the plot was interesting and thought it would probably would be an enjoyable read. I have to say that A Lady’s Secret Weapon went completely above and beyond my expectations. We’ve got spies, mystery, romance all wrapped up into one great historical romance.
Ethan deBeau is a boudoir spy; he discovers all kinds of information in ladies beds, all in the name of serving his country. At long last it seems that his unseemly work has finally paid off and he will be made the chief of the spy network, Nexus. Unfortunately, he receives the bad news that it will be his best friend that will get the position. Ethan feels rather shattered what he gets the news from his mentor. He’s very much aware that what he has done for Nexus is unsavory and he was ready to leave that life behind. But, since Ethan does not want to cause trouble for his friend he carries on with his current mission; investigating a boys home that has been tipped off as being connected to a person of interest to Nexus. Further complicating Ethan’s life is Sydney Hunt, who appears to also be involved in her own investigation of the same home.
Sydney Hunt is more than she appears. On the surface she is a successful business woman that provides servants to the upper classes; however, there is more to her operation than meets the eye. Like Ethan, Sydney is investigating the boys home, yet she is more concerned about finding out what’s really going on behind closed does and fixing whatever is going on there.
Like I said, I was really pleased with A Lady’s Secret Weapon and I flew through the book in one evening. Both Ethan and Sydney were fantastic characters. They were both strong in their own right, yet so vulnerable because of their respected pasts. Ethan had no idea how to handle his growing feelings towards Sydney since he’d never allowed himself to enter into a relationship before, and he wasn’t sure that he really deserved a chance with Sydney because of his past. You gotta love an indecisive hero. As for Sydney, it wasn’t so much her past, as her mother’s that made her guard her heart. Syndey’s mother was seduced by the master of the house when she was a housekeeper, which eventually led Sydney to her vocation where she protects the serving class from the aristocracy. I loved the fact that both characters slowly changed through the course of the novel until they were able to trust one another – it was super romantic.
What I also liked were the exceptional secondary characters, the twins Mac and Mick, and Sydney’s assistant, Amelia. I am of pins and needles for Mac and Amelia’s story, since there was a pretty big loose end left there, which I hope will be tied up sooner rather than later.
One thing that did bother me in the book was Ethan’s admiration for his mentor, Somerton. Somerton shepherded Ethan, his sister and his friend into the spy life, and essentially sold Ethan in a form of prostitution. I didn’t get how Ethan could forgive his mentor this. At this point, I should disclaim that I hadn’t read the two previous books in the series, one of which features Somerton as the main character. Presumably, reading the previous two books in the series would have shed some light on Somerton, but not having that back story, I was a little put off by his character.
I would also recommend that readers start at the beginning of the series with A Lady’s Revenge since a lot of the mystery plot is built on mystery and revelations revealed in the first two books in the series. I wasn’t lost when reading A Lady’s Secret Weapon without reading the two prior books, but I think it would have enhanced the reading had I done so.
And lastly, if you’re a fan of the spy trope in historical romance, I would recommend Anna Randol’s Sinners Trilogy , which has a similar premise and is also very good.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. Review with read-alikes available here.
Ethan deBeau is a boudoir spy; he discovers all kinds of information in ladies beds, all in the name of serving his country. At long last it seems that his unseemly work has finally paid off and he will be made the chief of the spy network, Nexus. Unfortunately, he receives the bad news that it will be his best friend that will get the position. Ethan feels rather shattered what he gets the news from his mentor. He’s very much aware that what he has done for Nexus is unsavory and he was ready to leave that life behind. But, since Ethan does not want to cause trouble for his friend he carries on with his current mission; investigating a boys home that has been tipped off as being connected to a person of interest to Nexus. Further complicating Ethan’s life is Sydney Hunt, who appears to also be involved in her own investigation of the same home.
Sydney Hunt is more than she appears. On the surface she is a successful business woman that provides servants to the upper classes; however, there is more to her operation than meets the eye. Like Ethan, Sydney is investigating the boys home, yet she is more concerned about finding out what’s really going on behind closed does and fixing whatever is going on there.
Like I said, I was really pleased with A Lady’s Secret Weapon and I flew through the book in one evening. Both Ethan and Sydney were fantastic characters. They were both strong in their own right, yet so vulnerable because of their respected pasts. Ethan had no idea how to handle his growing feelings towards Sydney since he’d never allowed himself to enter into a relationship before, and he wasn’t sure that he really deserved a chance with Sydney because of his past. You gotta love an indecisive hero. As for Sydney, it wasn’t so much her past, as her mother’s that made her guard her heart. Syndey’s mother was seduced by the master of the house when she was a housekeeper, which eventually led Sydney to her vocation where she protects the serving class from the aristocracy. I loved the fact that both characters slowly changed through the course of the novel until they were able to trust one another – it was super romantic.
What I also liked were the exceptional secondary characters, the twins Mac and Mick, and Sydney’s assistant, Amelia. I am of pins and needles for Mac and Amelia’s story, since there was a pretty big loose end left there, which I hope will be tied up sooner rather than later.
One thing that did bother me in the book was Ethan’s admiration for his mentor, Somerton. Somerton shepherded Ethan, his sister and his friend into the spy life, and essentially sold Ethan in a form of prostitution. I didn’t get how Ethan could forgive his mentor this. At this point, I should disclaim that I hadn’t read the two previous books in the series, one of which features Somerton as the main character. Presumably, reading the previous two books in the series would have shed some light on Somerton, but not having that back story, I was a little put off by his character.
I would also recommend that readers start at the beginning of the series with A Lady’s Revenge since a lot of the mystery plot is built on mystery and revelations revealed in the first two books in the series. I wasn’t lost when reading A Lady’s Secret Weapon without reading the two prior books, but I think it would have enhanced the reading had I done so.
And lastly, if you’re a fan of the spy trope in historical romance, I would recommend Anna Randol’s Sinners Trilogy , which has a similar premise and is also very good.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. Review with read-alikes available here.
August 31, 2013
Thrills and romance come together to make this book a fantastic read! I really liked this historical romance. A Lady's Secret Weapon was a wonderful read. Heart-stopping danger, steamy romance, and a dark mystery. What's not to like?
The mystery and danger was undoubtedly the best part of the book. It had me completely on the edge of my seat. The underground network of French spies and traitors that was revealed in the previous Nexus books makes a big appearance as the characters venture right into the heart of it all. Wow, was it an adrenaline rush.
Sydney was a really wonderful heroine. She was one strong woman who was determined to clean up as much of London as she could, one corrupt scheme at a time. Her work has even brought her into the secrets of the Nexus. She's clever, a real force to be reckoned with, and not a lady you want to mess with. In other words, I really liked her.
I adored Ethan in the previous books in the series and I loved him all the more in this book. He's just amazing. Intensely loyal to his country, even more loyal to his loved ones, extremely intelligent, noble and gentlemanly, and adorably sweet when he wants to be. He was perfect.
The romance was lovely. A perfect blend of sweet and spicy. It was a romance to both make you smile and fan your face. Brilliantly done.
The plot was fine. Despite how much I liked everything about the book, I never became completely engaged. I was absorbed in the story but I just wasn't riveted. Regardless, I still really enjoyed the story. I was on the edge of my seat, anxious to find out how the danger played out. And the ending was a perfect tie up to the romance and cliffhanger for the political intrigue. Can't wait to see what happens next!
A Lady's Secret Weapon was a wonderful historical romance. With the thrills of danger and heat of romance, it's a book you don't want to miss. Romance lovers, you should definitely give this book, and the entire wonderful series, a read.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
The mystery and danger was undoubtedly the best part of the book. It had me completely on the edge of my seat. The underground network of French spies and traitors that was revealed in the previous Nexus books makes a big appearance as the characters venture right into the heart of it all. Wow, was it an adrenaline rush.
Sydney was a really wonderful heroine. She was one strong woman who was determined to clean up as much of London as she could, one corrupt scheme at a time. Her work has even brought her into the secrets of the Nexus. She's clever, a real force to be reckoned with, and not a lady you want to mess with. In other words, I really liked her.
I adored Ethan in the previous books in the series and I loved him all the more in this book. He's just amazing. Intensely loyal to his country, even more loyal to his loved ones, extremely intelligent, noble and gentlemanly, and adorably sweet when he wants to be. He was perfect.
The romance was lovely. A perfect blend of sweet and spicy. It was a romance to both make you smile and fan your face. Brilliantly done.
The plot was fine. Despite how much I liked everything about the book, I never became completely engaged. I was absorbed in the story but I just wasn't riveted. Regardless, I still really enjoyed the story. I was on the edge of my seat, anxious to find out how the danger played out. And the ending was a perfect tie up to the romance and cliffhanger for the political intrigue. Can't wait to see what happens next!
A Lady's Secret Weapon was a wonderful historical romance. With the thrills of danger and heat of romance, it's a book you don't want to miss. Romance lovers, you should definitely give this book, and the entire wonderful series, a read.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
October 25, 2017
3.5 stars? Lol, maybe I'm no more interested with mystery genre like I used to when I was a teenage girl.
December 1, 2013
3.5 stars
This is the third book in Ms Devlyn’s series about the agents of the Nexus, a secret arm of the Alien Office that fields networks of couriers, informants and spies who work to keep England safe from its rapacious enemy across the English Channel.
I really enjoyed the previous book in the series Checkmate, My Lord and consequently was looking forward to reading this one, but I’m sorry to say that I came away from it feeling a little disappointed.
The hero of A Lady’s Secret Weapon is Ethan deBeau, Viscount Danforth - whose chief usefulness to the Nexus appears to be his ability to gather information by seduction and in his talent for seeking out and rescuing captured agents and other important prisoners. Ethan has been finding his job as a “boudoir spy” increasingly unfulfilling and distasteful; and is looking forward to a promotion. He’s been working hard for the last ten years with a view to stepping into the shoes of his mentor and guardian, Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton (hero of the last book) when he steps down from his post as head of the Nexus; and Somerton’s impending marriage means that he is about to do so. Unfortunately for Ethan, he is not his mentor’s first choice – and he must struggle to hide his bitterness and disappointment, even as he continues to work with both Somerton and the new incumbent (his best friend) on their latest mission.
The Nexus is trying to discover the whereabouts of Lord Latymer, Somerton’s former friend and chief, who we discovered in the last book, had been working for the French. Somerton has also undertaken to discover the whereabouts of a missing boy, and the course of their investigations has led Ethan to the Abbingale Home for orphaned boys. It’s while he is watching the home that he comes across Miss Sydney Hunt, who he soon learns is touring the home posing as a feather-brained and wealthy widow who plans to make a sizeable donation.
When she isn’t pretending to be someone else, Miss Hunt runs a selective employment agency that specialises in finding reliable, well-trained staff for the aristocracy. She has quite a modern outlook; she makes sure that the servants she places will be fairly-treated and fairly-paid and also, in a less well-publicised aspect of her work, finds situations for servants who have been badly treated by their employers and provides (i.e, forges) references for those who have been unfairly dismissed and will be unable to find another position without a recommendation.
Sydney is also a part-time spy who has, on more than one occasion, helped Nexus agents (unbeknownst to them) and acted as an informant.
Ethan and Sydney are immediately attracted to each other – and both of them are tied up in knots because of it. Ethan’s career as a man who uses sex to elicit information has prohibited him from forming any real attachments; and there are hints from early on that there are things in Sydney’s past which have caused her to be wary of men. Neither is sure where they stand with the other. Ethan knows that Sydney cannot be all she seems because of the deception she is perpetrating in order to gain entrance to the Abbingale Home, and in fact wonders if she might also be a member of Nexus, while Sydney is well aware of Ethan’s involvement with the super-secret spy ring and of the methods he uses to extract information from the women who are only too delighted to spill the secrets given to them by their husbands and lovers.
Knowing that, Sydney is doubly distrustful of Ethan, who is quite the most handsome man she’s ever seen, and she is determined to keep her own secrets. But she can’t deny that he’d make a useful ally in her investigation of the home, so they team up to try to find the missing boy. As the story progresses, they foil a kidnap, discover the true purpose of the home and uncover a child-exploitation racket, all while they are gradually losing their distrust of each other and growing closer.
I feel I should point out that not all these plot elements are resolved by the end of the book and I imagine this is because Ms. Devlyn plans to pick them up again in future novels in the series.
There’s no question that A Lady’s Secret Weapon is an engaging and well-told story, but … it never really came to life for me. The writing was generally good (although the ARC I read seemed to have quite a few grammatical errors which I hope have been fixed) and I enjoyed the repartée between Ethan and Sydney. That said, however, my problems with the book related mostly to the romantic elements.
Almost from the moment they set eyes on each other, both Ethan and Sydney are consumed by lustful thoughts about each other, to the point I began to wonder if they were ever going to be able to do or think about anything else! I have no problem with characters feeling a strong physical attraction to each other, but here, it felt like too much too soon which, to my mind, threw things off balance. That meant I never got the sense that I was reading about two people who were making a deep emotional connection – so much time was spent by each of them in contemplation of the gorgeousness of the other (and, in Ethan’s case, what he’d like to do to that gorgeousness!) that I thought their relationship lacked depth.
I admit that I tend to dislike stories where one of the protagonists has some sort of past experience which has led to a distrust of the opposite sex which magically disappears when they meet the love of their life. It’s not the first time that’s happened in a romance novel I’ve read, and it annoys me every time. If your heroine is wary of men and sex, finding her “one true love” isn’t suddenly going to cure her of her fears and/or turn her into a woman who is comfortable enough with her own sexuality to play the seductress with her partner.
On the plus side, however, I did like that Sydney was honest with Ethan about her past and her fears; and the way that she was able to accept and see past his less savoury actions to the honourable man he truly was beneath.
Even though I was somewhat disappointed in the book, that’s not to say it doesn’t have things to recommend it. There was an intriguing mystery plot, a sweet secondary romance and plenty of sexual tension between the hero and heroine. If you like your romance mixed up with a good dose of mystery and intrigue, handsome aristocrat heroes and gutsy women, then you could do worse than give A Lady’s Secret Weapon a try.
This is the third book in Ms Devlyn’s series about the agents of the Nexus, a secret arm of the Alien Office that fields networks of couriers, informants and spies who work to keep England safe from its rapacious enemy across the English Channel.
I really enjoyed the previous book in the series Checkmate, My Lord and consequently was looking forward to reading this one, but I’m sorry to say that I came away from it feeling a little disappointed.
The hero of A Lady’s Secret Weapon is Ethan deBeau, Viscount Danforth - whose chief usefulness to the Nexus appears to be his ability to gather information by seduction and in his talent for seeking out and rescuing captured agents and other important prisoners. Ethan has been finding his job as a “boudoir spy” increasingly unfulfilling and distasteful; and is looking forward to a promotion. He’s been working hard for the last ten years with a view to stepping into the shoes of his mentor and guardian, Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton (hero of the last book) when he steps down from his post as head of the Nexus; and Somerton’s impending marriage means that he is about to do so. Unfortunately for Ethan, he is not his mentor’s first choice – and he must struggle to hide his bitterness and disappointment, even as he continues to work with both Somerton and the new incumbent (his best friend) on their latest mission.
The Nexus is trying to discover the whereabouts of Lord Latymer, Somerton’s former friend and chief, who we discovered in the last book, had been working for the French. Somerton has also undertaken to discover the whereabouts of a missing boy, and the course of their investigations has led Ethan to the Abbingale Home for orphaned boys. It’s while he is watching the home that he comes across Miss Sydney Hunt, who he soon learns is touring the home posing as a feather-brained and wealthy widow who plans to make a sizeable donation.
When she isn’t pretending to be someone else, Miss Hunt runs a selective employment agency that specialises in finding reliable, well-trained staff for the aristocracy. She has quite a modern outlook; she makes sure that the servants she places will be fairly-treated and fairly-paid and also, in a less well-publicised aspect of her work, finds situations for servants who have been badly treated by their employers and provides (i.e, forges) references for those who have been unfairly dismissed and will be unable to find another position without a recommendation.
Sydney is also a part-time spy who has, on more than one occasion, helped Nexus agents (unbeknownst to them) and acted as an informant.
Ethan and Sydney are immediately attracted to each other – and both of them are tied up in knots because of it. Ethan’s career as a man who uses sex to elicit information has prohibited him from forming any real attachments; and there are hints from early on that there are things in Sydney’s past which have caused her to be wary of men. Neither is sure where they stand with the other. Ethan knows that Sydney cannot be all she seems because of the deception she is perpetrating in order to gain entrance to the Abbingale Home, and in fact wonders if she might also be a member of Nexus, while Sydney is well aware of Ethan’s involvement with the super-secret spy ring and of the methods he uses to extract information from the women who are only too delighted to spill the secrets given to them by their husbands and lovers.
Knowing that, Sydney is doubly distrustful of Ethan, who is quite the most handsome man she’s ever seen, and she is determined to keep her own secrets. But she can’t deny that he’d make a useful ally in her investigation of the home, so they team up to try to find the missing boy. As the story progresses, they foil a kidnap, discover the true purpose of the home and uncover a child-exploitation racket, all while they are gradually losing their distrust of each other and growing closer.
I feel I should point out that not all these plot elements are resolved by the end of the book and I imagine this is because Ms. Devlyn plans to pick them up again in future novels in the series.
There’s no question that A Lady’s Secret Weapon is an engaging and well-told story, but … it never really came to life for me. The writing was generally good (although the ARC I read seemed to have quite a few grammatical errors which I hope have been fixed) and I enjoyed the repartée between Ethan and Sydney. That said, however, my problems with the book related mostly to the romantic elements.
Almost from the moment they set eyes on each other, both Ethan and Sydney are consumed by lustful thoughts about each other, to the point I began to wonder if they were ever going to be able to do or think about anything else! I have no problem with characters feeling a strong physical attraction to each other, but here, it felt like too much too soon which, to my mind, threw things off balance. That meant I never got the sense that I was reading about two people who were making a deep emotional connection – so much time was spent by each of them in contemplation of the gorgeousness of the other (and, in Ethan’s case, what he’d like to do to that gorgeousness!) that I thought their relationship lacked depth.
I admit that I tend to dislike stories where one of the protagonists has some sort of past experience which has led to a distrust of the opposite sex which magically disappears when they meet the love of their life. It’s not the first time that’s happened in a romance novel I’ve read, and it annoys me every time. If your heroine is wary of men and sex, finding her “one true love” isn’t suddenly going to cure her of her fears and/or turn her into a woman who is comfortable enough with her own sexuality to play the seductress with her partner.
On the plus side, however, I did like that Sydney was honest with Ethan about her past and her fears; and the way that she was able to accept and see past his less savoury actions to the honourable man he truly was beneath.
Even though I was somewhat disappointed in the book, that’s not to say it doesn’t have things to recommend it. There was an intriguing mystery plot, a sweet secondary romance and plenty of sexual tension between the hero and heroine. If you like your romance mixed up with a good dose of mystery and intrigue, handsome aristocrat heroes and gutsy women, then you could do worse than give A Lady’s Secret Weapon a try.
October 13, 2013
With the world of espionage as the backdrop, the romance takes off between two characters who are spies! A historical romance with a spy background - how tantalizingly dangerous! The story starts off with Lord Ethan deBeau, Viscount Danforth, being hurt [I am presuming it is from the previous book of this series – which now I am hunting for..] and he is saved by a cloaked stranger. Not much is revealed about this stranger in the beginning but the stranger leaves a debt of life on Ethan’s head, which he feels he must thank the stranger for. But he could not find these strangers.
Ethan is the part of Nexus, an elite secret group fight formed to keep England safe. Ethan and his sister have always been trained to use whatever means they have to gather information. Ethan was best at what he did. Seducing women to get information about their husbands.
He had this Cassanova image which is sadly shattered when he meets the elusive Sydney Hunt and knows that he had met his match. Haunted by an abused childhood, Sydney had made it her life’s mission to protect the house helps that were often exploited by the nobility.
She had her own path to follow which made her often come across the Nexus members. While she knew about more than what they knew about her, yet even the notoriety of Ethan could not stop her from falling in love with him.
Both have secrets to tell and both had secrets to hide – the main conflict became that of trust. Who would trust first ? That is the cat and mouse game which they played throughout the story making the storyline complex, interesting and something which made me want to stay awake in the night – to finish the read.
What I didn’t like…
At the risqué of being termed a prude, I felt a bit startled with the love scenes. While the whole story was a bit prudish, the love scenes jarred a bit due to its boldness. There was a thin line between eroticism and love making.. And I do feel it bending towards the former. Well, it might be a selling point too…J
Secondly, it was a bit lengthy and the characters were dragged. The villains could have been made more dangerous and in front of the Nexus- the threat of the enemy diluted, thus diluting the conflict of the story.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely. This book is for keeps. For a rainy day, with a hot cup of tea…
This review is from The Book Club :
http://rubinaramesh.blogspot.com/2013...
Ethan is the part of Nexus, an elite secret group fight formed to keep England safe. Ethan and his sister have always been trained to use whatever means they have to gather information. Ethan was best at what he did. Seducing women to get information about their husbands.
He had this Cassanova image which is sadly shattered when he meets the elusive Sydney Hunt and knows that he had met his match. Haunted by an abused childhood, Sydney had made it her life’s mission to protect the house helps that were often exploited by the nobility.
She had her own path to follow which made her often come across the Nexus members. While she knew about more than what they knew about her, yet even the notoriety of Ethan could not stop her from falling in love with him.
Both have secrets to tell and both had secrets to hide – the main conflict became that of trust. Who would trust first ? That is the cat and mouse game which they played throughout the story making the storyline complex, interesting and something which made me want to stay awake in the night – to finish the read.
What I didn’t like…
At the risqué of being termed a prude, I felt a bit startled with the love scenes. While the whole story was a bit prudish, the love scenes jarred a bit due to its boldness. There was a thin line between eroticism and love making.. And I do feel it bending towards the former. Well, it might be a selling point too…J
Secondly, it was a bit lengthy and the characters were dragged. The villains could have been made more dangerous and in front of the Nexus- the threat of the enemy diluted, thus diluting the conflict of the story.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely. This book is for keeps. For a rainy day, with a hot cup of tea…
This review is from The Book Club :
http://rubinaramesh.blogspot.com/2013...
October 15, 2013
Slightly Spoilerish - posted from my iPad so I don't have the hide spoilers option. Sorry!!!!!
I liked this book, but a couple of things kept me from loving it.
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1 - I prefer a true declaration of feelings. I like to see the words I love you. Not I am in love with you in a vague offhanded remark that is not repeated or by calling the hero "my love" once and only once. Did Ethan and Sydney love each other - I have no doubt they did - but I wanted more, I wanted the words, the messy emotions, the promise of forever, the I don't want to live without you scene - and I didn't get it.
2 - I like closure, again it is sort of implied that they will be together - but other than Ethan saying he wanted to offer his services as a spy to the Hunt Agency - there was no talk of their future together. Also I wanted to know what happened to Giles - did they find him? What happened with Amelia and Max? Who is the new chief? Etc etc etc
Other than these things, it was a good book, a little darker than most HR books, but it is well written and you don't feel weighed down by the darker aspects of the story.
I hope there is going to be another book in the series, because I would really like some of the unanswered questions addressed - but since the only Nexus members we have met have all had their own books, I can't imagine who will be featured that can tied those loose ends up.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a darker story with intrigue and steamy passion. I would however recommend reading the books in order - it isn't 100% necessary - but it will make things easier to understand in the later books.
I liked this book, but a couple of things kept me from loving it.
*
*
*
*
1 - I prefer a true declaration of feelings. I like to see the words I love you. Not I am in love with you in a vague offhanded remark that is not repeated or by calling the hero "my love" once and only once. Did Ethan and Sydney love each other - I have no doubt they did - but I wanted more, I wanted the words, the messy emotions, the promise of forever, the I don't want to live without you scene - and I didn't get it.
2 - I like closure, again it is sort of implied that they will be together - but other than Ethan saying he wanted to offer his services as a spy to the Hunt Agency - there was no talk of their future together. Also I wanted to know what happened to Giles - did they find him? What happened with Amelia and Max? Who is the new chief? Etc etc etc
Other than these things, it was a good book, a little darker than most HR books, but it is well written and you don't feel weighed down by the darker aspects of the story.
I hope there is going to be another book in the series, because I would really like some of the unanswered questions addressed - but since the only Nexus members we have met have all had their own books, I can't imagine who will be featured that can tied those loose ends up.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a darker story with intrigue and steamy passion. I would however recommend reading the books in order - it isn't 100% necessary - but it will make things easier to understand in the later books.
January 27, 2014
I had gotten away from romance novels for a bit and branched out to other genres but I couldn't stay away for long. This book is my introduction to author Tracey Devlyn and she is definitely an author I will be revisiting.
A Lady's Secret Weapon is the third book in a series. I have not read the other two but hope to do that soon.
This story follows Ethan deBeau, a British spy and Sydney Hunt who is hard at work on a mystery of her own. They are well matched. I love when the woman is as strong as the man and isn't just sitting around waiting for him to notice her.
There is mystery, intrigue and suspense all wrapped up nicely in this book. I also loved the secondary characters and they were just as interesting as the main characters.
While I do love romance novels I often judge them on how often I rolled my eyes (ridiculous dialogue, plots too contrived, etc., can do it) however, this book did not have any of those. There was an almost eye roll when I got to one of the undercover personas the hero took on. I had to do some real crafty envisioning in my head to make myself believe he got away with it and no one knew he was a man. :)
I highly recommend the book and will be getting the other books in the series!
A Lady's Secret Weapon is the third book in a series. I have not read the other two but hope to do that soon.
This story follows Ethan deBeau, a British spy and Sydney Hunt who is hard at work on a mystery of her own. They are well matched. I love when the woman is as strong as the man and isn't just sitting around waiting for him to notice her.
There is mystery, intrigue and suspense all wrapped up nicely in this book. I also loved the secondary characters and they were just as interesting as the main characters.
While I do love romance novels I often judge them on how often I rolled my eyes (ridiculous dialogue, plots too contrived, etc., can do it) however, this book did not have any of those. There was an almost eye roll when I got to one of the undercover personas the hero took on. I had to do some real crafty envisioning in my head to make myself believe he got away with it and no one knew he was a man. :)
I highly recommend the book and will be getting the other books in the series!
September 6, 2013
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I knew that the story was going to be good because the synopsis hinted at a bad boy, spies, and general fun. But it turned out to have a very good story line that I wasn't expecting. This wasn't just all fun and games and I truly enjoyed the character development and the characters depth.
Our hero Ethan, is a member of an elite group of spies known as Nexus. On his current mission he runs across our Heroine, Sydney, a lady that has a group of spies on her own and assists nexus from time to time. Little does Ethan know when first they meet that she is the person who helped him before. What ensues is a case of Ethan and Syndey trying to unravel the mysteries of each other, while foiling a bigger plot.
Other Nexus characters are involved and I was confused at first,since I didn't realize that it was part of a set. It quickly became apparent though that more information wasn't truly needed in order to follow the general theme of the couples before and the plot before. So this can be a stand alone read if need be.
I would definitely recommend this as it is a delightful read.
Our hero Ethan, is a member of an elite group of spies known as Nexus. On his current mission he runs across our Heroine, Sydney, a lady that has a group of spies on her own and assists nexus from time to time. Little does Ethan know when first they meet that she is the person who helped him before. What ensues is a case of Ethan and Syndey trying to unravel the mysteries of each other, while foiling a bigger plot.
Other Nexus characters are involved and I was confused at first,since I didn't realize that it was part of a set. It quickly became apparent though that more information wasn't truly needed in order to follow the general theme of the couples before and the plot before. So this can be a stand alone read if need be.
I would definitely recommend this as it is a delightful read.
October 3, 2013
This is a great historical romance by author Tracey Devlyn. There is a sizzling attraction between Ethan de Beau and the heroine of the story, Miss Sydney Hunt. Add to that a lot of intrigue and suspense and you have a great read. You will definitely get lost in the pages of this story!
July 26, 2014
(Original post at Doing Some Reading)
OMG!!! This was the last book in Tracey Devlyn’s Nexus series and what an end it was!!!
If you have been tracing this series from book one, with Cora and Helsford, you may have been gearing up for Ethan’s book and of course to who the mysterious Specter was from Somerton’s in book 2. Well your wait is now over~ We find out who this Specter person is and more in this end to a great debut series!
In this book we got a chance to see more of the elusive and protective Ethan deBeau. Though we knew of his “occupation” within the Nexus Spy group we got to really see who he is in this ending. I’ll have to say I really enjoyed reading this side of him and he absolutely had a lot going for him.
Sydney is a proprietress of her own Hunt Agency in which she helps the working class find suitable jobs for their skills and suitable employees for the aristocrat’s home. But she has many jobs within her own agency and many more secrets to bind to if she wants to keep her agency from crashing and her reputation in tack. But as she got more acquainted with Ethan, to her unwanted desire, it was getting harder to keep her many jobs a secret from him. And since he has claimed to have suspicions about her, which sparked his interest, he’s vowed to keep her by his side and fancy the challenge to break her mold.
I love both these characters and enjoyed knowing their past and their mental thoughts about everyone and everything around them. I found them to be very aware of the people and their surrounding which made them great in their work and I love how they can out wit the other whenever they were around each other. Mostly Sydney is doing all the besting on Ethan, which I loved reading, because Ethan just makes a fool of himself. And of course, it’s great to see a great man in need of help from a lady from time to time. Men can’t do everything on their own and us ladies aren’t damsels in distress who can’t do for themselves, so it was super fabulous that Sydney was a super much needed heroine who can do things on her own and is a super determined, strong, independent, and brave woman!
So I absolutely adored this book. I had no problem at all with it and was super super happy to find out who Specter was! I super had my suspicion and thought it was someone else all together and smiled myself with figuring it out early on in the book but was I wrong! It was totally not a shocker but still it was. But I did surprised myself with the knowledge of Somerton’s and Ethan’s age because I still can’t fathom the fact that Somerton was the guardian and mentor for Ethan and Cora. That is still shocking to me. Aren’t they like, close in age? Somerton, in my mind and eyes, is just too young, too young! Isn’t he? I mean, he’s like a father to them, right! Still shocking.
The only thing that disappointed me was the ending shall I say. There wasn’t exactly an ending to the “mission” which totally disappointed me. I loved the ending to Ethan and Sydney’s relationship but the ending over all was just…. It left me with many unanswered questions and probed more questions as to what happened to this and that…. I was very disappointed, that is unless, it was just the fact that I have an eARC version and not the full edited version; therefore I’ll have to check that out.
But from this ending it did probe the question as too, is this really the end for the series? I really do want a story for that funny witty friend of Ethan’s, the Marquess of Shevington, which we had a great laugh with in parts of the book, mainly the beginning, but still, I really want to see his own book. He is that character I really want to get to know better and from what we got to glimpse from this book, he needs his own story!
Here’s a great clip scene with Shev and Ethan! :
“What the devil is that atrocious noise?”
Ethan cocked his head and listened. “It’s a bird, Shev.”
“Well, make it stop.” His friend rubbed his temple. “All this walking and squinting against the sun has given me a megrim. One more piercing tweet from that feathered beast and my head will splinter in two.”
Waving the Marquess inside, Ethan said, “You’ve been upright too long. Go home and get some sleep before your mother’s dinner party. She won’t be please if you arrive looking like a dissipated sot.”
After Ethan closed the carriage door, Shev nodded towards Somerton House. “There’s a ginger-haired creature bouncing in the window. Good day, Danforth.”
Sure enough, Ethan turned his back on his departing friend and found Sophie Ashcroft jumping up and down and waving at him.
~A Lady’s Secret Weapon; pg. 121
Don’t you just want Shevington to have his own book! Ahh, he is great indeed!
So, this book is just amazing, with spying, some action, more spying, some interrogations and sneaking abound, dark places and tensions…. They’re fabulous!
This eARC was provided by the publisher threw Netgallery.
OMG!!! This was the last book in Tracey Devlyn’s Nexus series and what an end it was!!!
If you have been tracing this series from book one, with Cora and Helsford, you may have been gearing up for Ethan’s book and of course to who the mysterious Specter was from Somerton’s in book 2. Well your wait is now over~ We find out who this Specter person is and more in this end to a great debut series!
In this book we got a chance to see more of the elusive and protective Ethan deBeau. Though we knew of his “occupation” within the Nexus Spy group we got to really see who he is in this ending. I’ll have to say I really enjoyed reading this side of him and he absolutely had a lot going for him.
Sydney is a proprietress of her own Hunt Agency in which she helps the working class find suitable jobs for their skills and suitable employees for the aristocrat’s home. But she has many jobs within her own agency and many more secrets to bind to if she wants to keep her agency from crashing and her reputation in tack. But as she got more acquainted with Ethan, to her unwanted desire, it was getting harder to keep her many jobs a secret from him. And since he has claimed to have suspicions about her, which sparked his interest, he’s vowed to keep her by his side and fancy the challenge to break her mold.
I love both these characters and enjoyed knowing their past and their mental thoughts about everyone and everything around them. I found them to be very aware of the people and their surrounding which made them great in their work and I love how they can out wit the other whenever they were around each other. Mostly Sydney is doing all the besting on Ethan, which I loved reading, because Ethan just makes a fool of himself. And of course, it’s great to see a great man in need of help from a lady from time to time. Men can’t do everything on their own and us ladies aren’t damsels in distress who can’t do for themselves, so it was super fabulous that Sydney was a super much needed heroine who can do things on her own and is a super determined, strong, independent, and brave woman!
So I absolutely adored this book. I had no problem at all with it and was super super happy to find out who Specter was! I super had my suspicion and thought it was someone else all together and smiled myself with figuring it out early on in the book but was I wrong! It was totally not a shocker but still it was. But I did surprised myself with the knowledge of Somerton’s and Ethan’s age because I still can’t fathom the fact that Somerton was the guardian and mentor for Ethan and Cora. That is still shocking to me. Aren’t they like, close in age? Somerton, in my mind and eyes, is just too young, too young! Isn’t he? I mean, he’s like a father to them, right! Still shocking.
The only thing that disappointed me was the ending shall I say. There wasn’t exactly an ending to the “mission” which totally disappointed me. I loved the ending to Ethan and Sydney’s relationship but the ending over all was just…. It left me with many unanswered questions and probed more questions as to what happened to this and that…. I was very disappointed, that is unless, it was just the fact that I have an eARC version and not the full edited version; therefore I’ll have to check that out.
But from this ending it did probe the question as too, is this really the end for the series? I really do want a story for that funny witty friend of Ethan’s, the Marquess of Shevington, which we had a great laugh with in parts of the book, mainly the beginning, but still, I really want to see his own book. He is that character I really want to get to know better and from what we got to glimpse from this book, he needs his own story!
Here’s a great clip scene with Shev and Ethan! :
“What the devil is that atrocious noise?”
Ethan cocked his head and listened. “It’s a bird, Shev.”
“Well, make it stop.” His friend rubbed his temple. “All this walking and squinting against the sun has given me a megrim. One more piercing tweet from that feathered beast and my head will splinter in two.”
Waving the Marquess inside, Ethan said, “You’ve been upright too long. Go home and get some sleep before your mother’s dinner party. She won’t be please if you arrive looking like a dissipated sot.”
After Ethan closed the carriage door, Shev nodded towards Somerton House. “There’s a ginger-haired creature bouncing in the window. Good day, Danforth.”
Sure enough, Ethan turned his back on his departing friend and found Sophie Ashcroft jumping up and down and waving at him.
~A Lady’s Secret Weapon; pg. 121
Don’t you just want Shevington to have his own book! Ahh, he is great indeed!
So, this book is just amazing, with spying, some action, more spying, some interrogations and sneaking abound, dark places and tensions…. They’re fabulous!
This eARC was provided by the publisher threw Netgallery.
November 20, 2013
As posted at THE READING CAFE 02 Nov 13!
http://www.thereadingcafe.com/a-ladys-secret-weapon-nexus-3-by-tracey-devlyn-a-review/
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
There must be something about spies and regency romance that really turns my crank because every book I have read with this mix I absolutely enjoy. Maybe it's the mystique, suppose to be proper but really bad ass under all the titles and manners .. I don't know .. but I sure love it! Lady's Secret Weapon by Tracey Devlyn is the third book in her Nexus series. I broke a huge reading rule of mine by reading the third book in a series before the first two. I am kind of obsessive about reading things in order and anticipating secondary characters future story lines. As I had just been introduced to the characters in this third book, I did feel a little like I missed something (I was going to give this book a 4.5 out of 5 for that feeling but it's not the authors fault I didn't read the first two), but that being said I am sure a non obsessive series reader may feel like they didn't miss anything. Again this is my own personal "reading rule" and I like to see past characters make an appearance and have that warm feeling that they found their happy.
So a brief setting ... London, early 1800's, the Nexus organization is a group of individuals who become spies to combat Napoleon's effort to take down England. Each spy brings something different to the table, and in this story our main man Ethan is the master of seduction for information. At the beginning of the book, we find Ethan seriously injured and a cloaked woman secretly attending to him. Months pass and Ethan is eager to find out who this woman was. Shortly after being given a mission to find a missing orphan boy, he comes across a woman who not only seems to have an invested interest in the young boys orphanage he is surveying, but is setting off bells of familiarity in his head.
Sydney runs a business that enables the ton to find employees that will suitably match their employer, while playing a part in the underground spy circuit. She uses her proper lady cover to infiltrate the orphanage and is shocked at what she discovers. Then there is this hot rogue that seeks her services and now she can't stop thinking about him (she is our cloaked lady and is fearful that Ethan will recognize her). Before they know it, Ethan and Sydney begin to work together in the joint effort to take down a French spymaster and an English traitor (I guess this traitor has reeked havoc in the beginning of this series as well). While fighting the bad guys, they also fight their passion for each other.
So these two are well matched. Both a little sassy and eager to fight the bad guys while figuring out a mystery that will unravel big secrets, I loved reading our naughty Ethan's troubles of seducing Sydney. I mean this is what he does! I loved reading Sydney play the cool cucumber in Ethan's presence while the blood was boiling just underneath the surface. When this tension breaks .... FANS MYSELF! LOL
Love a regency romance full of secrets, action, lust and love? Check out A Lady's Secret Weapon. I am going to rewind and read the first two books now. Maybe I'll enjoy the "know what has already happened" aspect of this series as opposed to what I am use to!
HAPPY READING! :)
http://www.thereadingcafe.com/a-ladys-secret-weapon-nexus-3-by-tracey-devlyn-a-review/
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
There must be something about spies and regency romance that really turns my crank because every book I have read with this mix I absolutely enjoy. Maybe it's the mystique, suppose to be proper but really bad ass under all the titles and manners .. I don't know .. but I sure love it! Lady's Secret Weapon by Tracey Devlyn is the third book in her Nexus series. I broke a huge reading rule of mine by reading the third book in a series before the first two. I am kind of obsessive about reading things in order and anticipating secondary characters future story lines. As I had just been introduced to the characters in this third book, I did feel a little like I missed something (I was going to give this book a 4.5 out of 5 for that feeling but it's not the authors fault I didn't read the first two), but that being said I am sure a non obsessive series reader may feel like they didn't miss anything. Again this is my own personal "reading rule" and I like to see past characters make an appearance and have that warm feeling that they found their happy.
So a brief setting ... London, early 1800's, the Nexus organization is a group of individuals who become spies to combat Napoleon's effort to take down England. Each spy brings something different to the table, and in this story our main man Ethan is the master of seduction for information. At the beginning of the book, we find Ethan seriously injured and a cloaked woman secretly attending to him. Months pass and Ethan is eager to find out who this woman was. Shortly after being given a mission to find a missing orphan boy, he comes across a woman who not only seems to have an invested interest in the young boys orphanage he is surveying, but is setting off bells of familiarity in his head.
Sydney runs a business that enables the ton to find employees that will suitably match their employer, while playing a part in the underground spy circuit. She uses her proper lady cover to infiltrate the orphanage and is shocked at what she discovers. Then there is this hot rogue that seeks her services and now she can't stop thinking about him (she is our cloaked lady and is fearful that Ethan will recognize her). Before they know it, Ethan and Sydney begin to work together in the joint effort to take down a French spymaster and an English traitor (I guess this traitor has reeked havoc in the beginning of this series as well). While fighting the bad guys, they also fight their passion for each other.
So these two are well matched. Both a little sassy and eager to fight the bad guys while figuring out a mystery that will unravel big secrets, I loved reading our naughty Ethan's troubles of seducing Sydney. I mean this is what he does! I loved reading Sydney play the cool cucumber in Ethan's presence while the blood was boiling just underneath the surface. When this tension breaks .... FANS MYSELF! LOL
Love a regency romance full of secrets, action, lust and love? Check out A Lady's Secret Weapon. I am going to rewind and read the first two books now. Maybe I'll enjoy the "know what has already happened" aspect of this series as opposed to what I am use to!
HAPPY READING! :)
October 8, 2013
I think I should preface and say I think I read this book at the wrong time. I finished reading Bec McMaster's "My Lady Quicksilver" and it has a similarish theme. A wrongly accused terrorist is being hunted by the head of the city's guard. She (the wrongly accused terrorist) goes undercover as the head's secretary to not only find out about her missing brother, but also to be one step ahead. Both excel at espionage and masquerade and really think about their subterfuge and the potential consequences should they slip up.
So I think reading that amazing book before this one, I couldn't help compare the spies and their actions and how they handle things. I thought the first in the Nexus series was amazing. It was rather serious and both characters were mature and well rounded and knew what they were doing. In this one, I thought kind of the opposite. Perhaps, this one the characters are meant to be more lighthearted and a little more humorous. But from the second chapter our heroine's associates easily slip up and unknowingly reveal her alias to our hero. I thought "huh, the characters in the other book would never do that so easily or so soon". So again, I think it's a bit unfair to start comparing the characters so easily because I think if I would of spaced out my reading I wouldn't have read too far into it. I suppose this was done to get the action of the book going, but it sort of defines who they are as spies and how good (or not so good) they are.
Also, I like sexual tension and attraction - that's fine. But when it starts to affect their jobs so early on and we're lead to believe they are great at what they do I start to question their efficiency. You know they are going to question the other person's secret identity and then eventually team up to solve the great mystery.
But let's talk about the good things:
Somerton and Catherine (from book two) make appearances. And little Sophie is also present making her adorable presence known to Ethan. I loved her letter telling Ethan that she's been told he sleeps until 10am, so she's available at 10:30am.
I liked the bantering between the two characters. When the attraction and love started happening, it was interesting to see them fight/give into their own emotions. I liked Ethan as a character and his grumbling about cross dressing as an old lady to go undercover. Sydney at times felt like two people - or three. She's Sydney, she's Mrs. Henshaw and . All three felt disjointed like one minute she's awesome informant, the other minute not so much.
The mystery itself was ok, though I wonder if in subsequent novels we will hear of Ethan and Sydney hunting down the orphans.
I liked the secondary characters, in particular the companion Amelie. Her story seems to be really interesting and ripe for a novel. I wonder if she and Mac will have their own story.
So I think reading that amazing book before this one, I couldn't help compare the spies and their actions and how they handle things. I thought the first in the Nexus series was amazing. It was rather serious and both characters were mature and well rounded and knew what they were doing. In this one, I thought kind of the opposite. Perhaps, this one the characters are meant to be more lighthearted and a little more humorous. But from the second chapter our heroine's associates easily slip up and unknowingly reveal her alias to our hero. I thought "huh, the characters in the other book would never do that so easily or so soon". So again, I think it's a bit unfair to start comparing the characters so easily because I think if I would of spaced out my reading I wouldn't have read too far into it. I suppose this was done to get the action of the book going, but it sort of defines who they are as spies and how good (or not so good) they are.
Also, I like sexual tension and attraction - that's fine. But when it starts to affect their jobs so early on and we're lead to believe they are great at what they do I start to question their efficiency. You know they are going to question the other person's secret identity and then eventually team up to solve the great mystery.
But let's talk about the good things:
Somerton and Catherine (from book two) make appearances. And little Sophie is also present making her adorable presence known to Ethan. I loved her letter telling Ethan that she's been told he sleeps until 10am, so she's available at 10:30am.
I liked the bantering between the two characters. When the attraction and love started happening, it was interesting to see them fight/give into their own emotions. I liked Ethan as a character and his grumbling about cross dressing as an old lady to go undercover. Sydney at times felt like two people - or three. She's Sydney, she's Mrs. Henshaw and . All three felt disjointed like one minute she's awesome informant, the other minute not so much.
The mystery itself was ok, though I wonder if in subsequent novels we will hear of Ethan and Sydney hunting down the orphans.
I liked the secondary characters, in particular the companion Amelie. Her story seems to be really interesting and ripe for a novel. I wonder if she and Mac will have their own story.
August 13, 2017
Tracey Devlyn states that she writes “historical romantic thrillers” and I think that is an apt description. A Lady’s Secret Weapon, the third book in her Nexus spy series, has spills and thrills aplenty. The Nexus spy network is a very secret government agency whose mission is to keep Napoleon out of England. This scenario offers many opportunities for stealth, deception, even romance. Devlyn’s writing skills are more than capable and, paired with this exciting plot line, we have the recipe for a very enjoyable book.
Ethan deBeau is an excellent spy. He has spent years rising to the top of his game, never letting his personal feelings about killing or seduction prevent him from reaching his goals. He is somewhat annoyed to have been given a seemingly easy assignment to kidnap a young boy. This easy chore becomes complicated by the interference of the mysterious Sydney Hunt. Ethan quickly realizes that there is more to Sydney than what she shows and he feels an immediate attraction to her. Sydney runs the Hunt employment agency, but also does business under another name. Why? It soon becomes clear that their respective missions are intertwined in some significant ways. Both Ethan and Sydney have information about each other, but are too suspicious to trust the other one. Is there time in their espionage-filled world for them to find each other?
I enjoyed A Lady’s Secret Weapon very much. I have not read the previous two books in the series, but I would like to find the time. I know it would enhance my appreciation for this one. I am not so much of a thriller reader so I would have liked a little more romance or perhaps a faster moving romance, but this is not to say that the romance wasn’t satisfying. I just prefer a bit more of a relationship-driven story and this one was more focused on the intricate plot. This nothing more than personal preference because it was a very good book. Those that like action and intrigue will definitely enjoy this series. On the whole, I liked the book very much and I’m glad to have read it.
Ethan deBeau is an excellent spy. He has spent years rising to the top of his game, never letting his personal feelings about killing or seduction prevent him from reaching his goals. He is somewhat annoyed to have been given a seemingly easy assignment to kidnap a young boy. This easy chore becomes complicated by the interference of the mysterious Sydney Hunt. Ethan quickly realizes that there is more to Sydney than what she shows and he feels an immediate attraction to her. Sydney runs the Hunt employment agency, but also does business under another name. Why? It soon becomes clear that their respective missions are intertwined in some significant ways. Both Ethan and Sydney have information about each other, but are too suspicious to trust the other one. Is there time in their espionage-filled world for them to find each other?
I enjoyed A Lady’s Secret Weapon very much. I have not read the previous two books in the series, but I would like to find the time. I know it would enhance my appreciation for this one. I am not so much of a thriller reader so I would have liked a little more romance or perhaps a faster moving romance, but this is not to say that the romance wasn’t satisfying. I just prefer a bit more of a relationship-driven story and this one was more focused on the intricate plot. This nothing more than personal preference because it was a very good book. Those that like action and intrigue will definitely enjoy this series. On the whole, I liked the book very much and I’m glad to have read it.
November 7, 2013
Sydney owns an employment agency which places servants with wealthy and noble families. She is a very accomplished and intelligent woman. Her extra activities would be dangerous for anyone but especially a woman.
Ethan is a viscount who works for a small group of people who are working to protect England from the French. The war between the British and the French has created many people who are fighting behind the scenes. Ethan has been very heroic for his country. And at times he has done things which do not make him proud.
When they meet sparks fly.
Both of them are interested in a boy's home for different reasons. Neither knows exactly what is wrong with the home, but both realize there is something very wrong with both the place and the people who work there.
This is the first book I have read by Tracey Devlyn, but it will not be the last. She is a very talented writer. Her plotting is very tightly done. Her characters are well rounded people. Even her secondary characters are developed into important parts of the story.
This is the third book in a series. Although I have not read the other books, things are developed so well, I did not have any difficulty in following along with the action.
There are many threads in this complex story. But, each thread is a journey well worth following.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical adventure. And if you like romance mixed in with your adventure, this is a book you will enjoy.
I am praising this book, because it deserves every bit of praise.
In full disclosure, I won this book in a contest. The only thing asked was that if I review the book, I write a fair review.
Ethan is a viscount who works for a small group of people who are working to protect England from the French. The war between the British and the French has created many people who are fighting behind the scenes. Ethan has been very heroic for his country. And at times he has done things which do not make him proud.
When they meet sparks fly.
Both of them are interested in a boy's home for different reasons. Neither knows exactly what is wrong with the home, but both realize there is something very wrong with both the place and the people who work there.
This is the first book I have read by Tracey Devlyn, but it will not be the last. She is a very talented writer. Her plotting is very tightly done. Her characters are well rounded people. Even her secondary characters are developed into important parts of the story.
This is the third book in a series. Although I have not read the other books, things are developed so well, I did not have any difficulty in following along with the action.
There are many threads in this complex story. But, each thread is a journey well worth following.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical adventure. And if you like romance mixed in with your adventure, this is a book you will enjoy.
I am praising this book, because it deserves every bit of praise.
In full disclosure, I won this book in a contest. The only thing asked was that if I review the book, I write a fair review.
October 17, 2013
A LADY'S SECRET WEAPON by TRACEY DEVLYN is an fast paced Regency Historical Romance set in 1804 London. #3 in the "Nexus" series,but can be read as a stand alone. See, Lady's Revenge" and "A "Checkmate, My Lord". Follow notorious rake and Nexus spy, Ethan deBeau, Viscount Danforth and Miss Sydney Hunt,whose business it is to place domestics into suitable employment,oh, but she is so much more. Follow, these two has they navigate danger, sensual tension, and a mission to expose the French Spymaster, LaRouche, English traitor Lord Latymer, and expose what is going on at the orphanage. Ethan is in search of a child, whose mother wanted him kept safe, he is at the orphanage, or so they believe. Fast paced and suspense filled. With enduring characters with a few twists and turns. As Ethan and Sydney get closer to the truth,danger lurks,their passion and feelings for each other grow stronger.
Is there anything more alluring than a romance with danger, mystery, suspense and sizzling passion? Well, if you believe in this promise,than I would encourage you to pick up "A Lady's Secret Weapon",for it has all of this and so much more. A must read for any historical romance reader! I have read all Ms. Devlyn's stories so far and must say they only get better! Well done! I hope to read more on the traitorous Lord Latymer, and the next group of Nexus agents. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: Mild
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Is there anything more alluring than a romance with danger, mystery, suspense and sizzling passion? Well, if you believe in this promise,than I would encourage you to pick up "A Lady's Secret Weapon",for it has all of this and so much more. A must read for any historical romance reader! I have read all Ms. Devlyn's stories so far and must say they only get better! Well done! I hope to read more on the traitorous Lord Latymer, and the next group of Nexus agents. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: Mild
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 11, 2013
Tracey Devlyn has captured you attention with Romance, action and Suspense.
This was historical Romance that took place in 1804 in London. This is also the third book in the Nexus Series. Ethan was a spy for the Nexus, a division that helped protect their country from terrorist or traders. Ethan was a great character, a Viscount, stubborn, brave, courageous, kind, caring, loyal and charming. Ethan didn't do commitment until Sydney came in to his and had the power to change that. I really admired Sidney, she was brave, strong, strong-willed, protective, caring, compassionate and understanding, especially for 1804. Sidney was selfless and fought for those in need, through her business, The Hunt Agengcy. A Lady's Secret Weapon was filled with Steamy Romance, action that kept me turning page after page because I couldn't put this book down. I love this Series and can't wait to read more by Tracy Devlyn. I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was historical Romance that took place in 1804 in London. This is also the third book in the Nexus Series. Ethan was a spy for the Nexus, a division that helped protect their country from terrorist or traders. Ethan was a great character, a Viscount, stubborn, brave, courageous, kind, caring, loyal and charming. Ethan didn't do commitment until Sydney came in to his and had the power to change that. I really admired Sidney, she was brave, strong, strong-willed, protective, caring, compassionate and understanding, especially for 1804. Sidney was selfless and fought for those in need, through her business, The Hunt Agengcy. A Lady's Secret Weapon was filled with Steamy Romance, action that kept me turning page after page because I couldn't put this book down. I love this Series and can't wait to read more by Tracy Devlyn. I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2014
This was an all right book. The hero and heroine are easy to identify with and they come across as real, round people. The conflict is a bit lacking, though.
The main conflict revolves around both the hero and heroine investigating the same orphans home, for surprisingly, pretty much the same reasons. The 'bad guy' is very ambigious. The one bad guy pretty much gets his "end" tied up way too nicely. The other possible bad guy gets killed by someone you wouldn't expect.
There is only one 'love scene' because of the heroine's baggage. But this baggage isn't really addressed very well in the conclusion of the book. It's just kind of our there.
There is too much space for minor characters, unless those characters end up with books of their own later on. But even then, their story could be addressed in three more chapters of this book. I'm not sure that I would read a story about Mac and Amelia.
Overall, worth the read.
The main conflict revolves around both the hero and heroine investigating the same orphans home, for surprisingly, pretty much the same reasons. The 'bad guy' is very ambigious. The one bad guy pretty much gets his "end" tied up way too nicely. The other possible bad guy gets killed by someone you wouldn't expect.
There is only one 'love scene' because of the heroine's baggage. But this baggage isn't really addressed very well in the conclusion of the book. It's just kind of our there.
There is too much space for minor characters, unless those characters end up with books of their own later on. But even then, their story could be addressed in three more chapters of this book. I'm not sure that I would read a story about Mac and Amelia.
Overall, worth the read.
October 22, 2013
Sydney is a strong independent woman who owns her own employment agency. She is aided by an assistant Amelia and twin brothers Mick and Mac. Into her life comes Ethan deBeau, who is a spy for the Nexus group. He is the womanizer but also the rescuer of prisoners.
Readers of the previous novels know he was attacked but recovered-the three books are very entwined, although you could read them alone, I recommend not skipping the other two (I actually had to go back to refresh my memory). This starts after his recovery but still in the time frame of the other two.
A good spy, intrigue-type story which I enjoyed BUT for the ending. It was so rushed especially after Mick's scene, plus many unanswered or ignored questions were left. It could have been a better book with about 20 more pages.
Readers of the previous novels know he was attacked but recovered-the three books are very entwined, although you could read them alone, I recommend not skipping the other two (I actually had to go back to refresh my memory). This starts after his recovery but still in the time frame of the other two.
A good spy, intrigue-type story which I enjoyed BUT for the ending. It was so rushed especially after Mick's scene, plus many unanswered or ignored questions were left. It could have been a better book with about 20 more pages.
May 7, 2014
This spy thriller was a little grittier than the average historical romance. We definitely get to see the dark side of London and the perils of spying.
I enjoyed the great interaction between Ethan de Beau, one of the top spies in England's Nexus organization, and Sydney Hunt, the proprietoress of an employment agency who goes beyond the call of duty to see that her clients are in safe, respectable jobs. They both end up looking for a kidnapped boy who may be in a local orphanage. This could also be the key to bringing down a network of Napoleon's spies in England. It turns out that working together may just be the best way for each to get what they want, but they'll have to divulge long-held secrets and trust each other to get the job done.
I wish the ending had a little more detail, but overall it was a satisfying tale of spies, danger, and learning to trust the one you love.
I enjoyed the great interaction between Ethan de Beau, one of the top spies in England's Nexus organization, and Sydney Hunt, the proprietoress of an employment agency who goes beyond the call of duty to see that her clients are in safe, respectable jobs. They both end up looking for a kidnapped boy who may be in a local orphanage. This could also be the key to bringing down a network of Napoleon's spies in England. It turns out that working together may just be the best way for each to get what they want, but they'll have to divulge long-held secrets and trust each other to get the job done.
I wish the ending had a little more detail, but overall it was a satisfying tale of spies, danger, and learning to trust the one you love.
December 3, 2013
I enjoyed this book. I read the first one and somehow skipped the second. I will have to go back and find the second. It would have added something to the third but I didn't feel like I had missed anything.
A great historical romance mixed with an adventure. And some hot bedroom scenes. I would have liked a little better conclusion to the second romance of Amelia and Mac. And there needed to be an epilogue for all the boys.
A great historical romance mixed with an adventure. And some hot bedroom scenes. I would have liked a little better conclusion to the second romance of Amelia and Mac. And there needed to be an epilogue for all the boys.
August 31, 2016
Bad boy Playboy spy meets do-good front woman. What a fantastic idea! The novel almost becomes a race to see who will figure everything out first... unless they can learn to work together. A man of many disguises and abilities, he really makes the novel what it is. I'll definitely be looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 29, 2014
If you like historicals with a little edge to them, Tracey Devlyn is the author for you. This might be my favorite of the series.
December 23, 2024
Set in 1804 London, Ethan de Beau, the Viscount Danforth works as a clandestine agent for the Nexus.
His current case is to find Giles Clarke.
Twenty-four year old Sydney Hunt, owns and operates a hiring agency. She also has a dangerous secret.
His current case is to find Giles Clarke.
Twenty-four year old Sydney Hunt, owns and operates a hiring agency. She also has a dangerous secret.
September 29, 2019
This was mostly a mystery/suspense plot more than a romance. Suddenly ends without resolving the outcome of the plot. Disappointing.
October 1, 2016
http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
A Lady’s Secret Weapon is a book that with a few edits could have ascended to an A book. The criticisms are minor, but there are many minor criticisms and they do add up. Though I did enjoy the book overall, I had to lower the grade to account for the multitude of quibbles.
Miss Sydney Hunt owns and runs an employment agency that places people primarily in service positions with wealthy families. Having a mother who was in service herself, Sydney is very cognizant of the hardships that those in service face: Long hours, low pay and being at the mercy of their employers. She tries to even the playing field for those workers by inspecting the homes they would enter and negotiating better pay and working conditions. That is the part of the business that pays the bills. In a separate study in her building, Sydney and her agency employees work to protect their clients in other less ethical ways. These less than ethical means of advocacy have caused Sydney to cross paths more than once with an English spy network called Nexus. On one of Sydney’s clandestine missions, she and her two footmen come to the rescue of Nexus operative Ethan deBeau, Viscount Danforth.
Ethan deBeau has been training for Nexus for almost half his life. When he was 14, his parents died and he came under the protection of Lord Somerton (the Chief of Nexus). He and his sister Cora had an unusual upbringing in that instead of playing games or sewing samplers, they spent their time learning to throw knives and avoid detection. Ethan’s primary skill is seducing women for information and the war with Napolean has given him a lot of opportunities to use this skill. He has spent so much time doing this that sex has become almost mechanical rather than pleasurable for him. However, he continues to do it because he wants to be the next Chief of the Nexus organization.
While attempting to catch a spy, he is beaten up and ends up in a warehouse in London. His head injury prevents him from remembering much of the event, but he does remember the maid who nursed him back to health. He is just not sure what she looks like since she was in disguise. When Ethan encounters Miss Sydney Hunt/Henshaw at the Abbingdale Home for Displaced and Gifted Boys, something about her strikes a chord with him. The fact that she is sniffing around the same institution that might hold the kidnapped child he is searching for piques his interest even more.
There is much that is good about this book. I did like both the hero and heroine; I just did not love either of them. The storyline was interesting, but there were gaps in it that were never fully explained. I wanted to know more than I learned. Ethan was just a little too volatile for a spy that has over a decade’s worth of experience. He also does not seem to be too good at his job when he is not in the bedroom. Sydney was a little more likeable as a character, but the baggage she brings to the relationship does not entirely make sense. Some authors make the mistake of telling in an info dump instead of showing. This book might have benefited from just a little more telling. Too many questions in my mind were left unanswered. The secondary characters of Mick, Mac and Amelia were almost more interesting than the main characters. The ending was also just a tad abrupt and left this reader is some doubt as to the eventual HEA.
This is probably the best C+ book I have read. The author did make me want to know more about the characters. She did have an interesting if somewhat overused premise and I really enjoyed the interactions and back stories of the Hunt Agency secondary characters (less so the Nexus secondary characters). However, there were just too many gaps in the story and unanswered questions for this book to get a higher grade from me.
A Lady’s Secret Weapon is a book that with a few edits could have ascended to an A book. The criticisms are minor, but there are many minor criticisms and they do add up. Though I did enjoy the book overall, I had to lower the grade to account for the multitude of quibbles.
Miss Sydney Hunt owns and runs an employment agency that places people primarily in service positions with wealthy families. Having a mother who was in service herself, Sydney is very cognizant of the hardships that those in service face: Long hours, low pay and being at the mercy of their employers. She tries to even the playing field for those workers by inspecting the homes they would enter and negotiating better pay and working conditions. That is the part of the business that pays the bills. In a separate study in her building, Sydney and her agency employees work to protect their clients in other less ethical ways. These less than ethical means of advocacy have caused Sydney to cross paths more than once with an English spy network called Nexus. On one of Sydney’s clandestine missions, she and her two footmen come to the rescue of Nexus operative Ethan deBeau, Viscount Danforth.
Ethan deBeau has been training for Nexus for almost half his life. When he was 14, his parents died and he came under the protection of Lord Somerton (the Chief of Nexus). He and his sister Cora had an unusual upbringing in that instead of playing games or sewing samplers, they spent their time learning to throw knives and avoid detection. Ethan’s primary skill is seducing women for information and the war with Napolean has given him a lot of opportunities to use this skill. He has spent so much time doing this that sex has become almost mechanical rather than pleasurable for him. However, he continues to do it because he wants to be the next Chief of the Nexus organization.
While attempting to catch a spy, he is beaten up and ends up in a warehouse in London. His head injury prevents him from remembering much of the event, but he does remember the maid who nursed him back to health. He is just not sure what she looks like since she was in disguise. When Ethan encounters Miss Sydney Hunt/Henshaw at the Abbingdale Home for Displaced and Gifted Boys, something about her strikes a chord with him. The fact that she is sniffing around the same institution that might hold the kidnapped child he is searching for piques his interest even more.
There is much that is good about this book. I did like both the hero and heroine; I just did not love either of them. The storyline was interesting, but there were gaps in it that were never fully explained. I wanted to know more than I learned. Ethan was just a little too volatile for a spy that has over a decade’s worth of experience. He also does not seem to be too good at his job when he is not in the bedroom. Sydney was a little more likeable as a character, but the baggage she brings to the relationship does not entirely make sense. Some authors make the mistake of telling in an info dump instead of showing. This book might have benefited from just a little more telling. Too many questions in my mind were left unanswered. The secondary characters of Mick, Mac and Amelia were almost more interesting than the main characters. The ending was also just a tad abrupt and left this reader is some doubt as to the eventual HEA.
This is probably the best C+ book I have read. The author did make me want to know more about the characters. She did have an interesting if somewhat overused premise and I really enjoyed the interactions and back stories of the Hunt Agency secondary characters (less so the Nexus secondary characters). However, there were just too many gaps in the story and unanswered questions for this book to get a higher grade from me.
October 1, 2013
gentlemen such as he...discarded women like they discarded a spent cheroot (3 1/2 stars)
English nobleman, Ethan deBeau, Lord Danforth, notorious rake and Nexus spy has been set upon. Badly beaten he is rescued by a mysterious figure, The Spectre. His wounds are attended to by a maid.
Charged with finding a young boy, an English traitor Lord Latymer, and a French spymaster LaRouche, Danforth's search places him within the orbit of one Sydney Hunt. The puzzling thing is that he comes across her posing as an empty headed do-gooder at a place of interest, Abbingale Home, an orphanage for boys.
Nexus it seems is a secret spy organization hidden in the bowels of the English Foreign Office dedicated to protecting English shores from forays by Bonaparte's agents tasked to prepare England for a successful French invasion.
Sydney Hunt, is in actuality a benefactor and reformer who heads up an employment agency as part of her cover to help those who find themselves in need due to the extreme, careless and often cruel actions, of some members of high society towards their servants. She helps those in need, hurt and often destitute to find new situations. She also compiles information about the employers themselves and their treatment of their often powerless dependants.
Obviously there are dark and tragic secrets in Sydney's background. Hints of such are constantly implied from the beginning. Sydney's stress about being alone with a man and the devoted loyalty and protection of her loyal twin footmen confirm that there lurks a greater cause for her anxiety.
In fact there are dark secrets surrounding many of the characters. No one seems exempt. Well except perhaps for Tanner, Danforth's much put upon butler. I do like him.
The thing is Sydney's attraction to Ethan deBeau, Lord Danforth, the transition from prim agency owner to woman deeply appreciative of and tantalized by Danforth's obvious good looks seems extreme. I'm still trying to figure out where this wanton woman act comes from. Her inner fantasies seem to jar and I'm not sure why. They come out of left field when I and Sydney least expect them. What they do tell us is that despite her inclinations towards the opposite, Sydney is a passionate and aware woman, alive to the attractions of the opposite sex. Somewhere she has been betrayed and deeply hurt.
It is when Sydney declares, 'No Ethan, you did not upset me...you've begun to heal my soul, ' that we at last begin to make headway into the enigma that is Sydney Hunt and the dark secret she harbours.
I am unsure as to why a minor character I enjoyed was killed off. I am hoping this is a hook to be resolved in future novels. This is not the only secondary character whose story left me wondering.
I must admit that I kept feeling that I was constantly missing something with this story. That there was a background that was important. When I realized that 'Secret Weapon' is the third in a series (the Nexus series) things began to make more sense. Unfortunately the ARC hadn't included that piece of information. As things hinted at, and left unsaid, kept niggling at me I was able to see that these previous stories linked the characters and were the 'raison d'être' for their off screen interplay. I did purchase the rest of the series to read at a later date as I am now curious about the other members of Nexus and how the pieces of the puzzle come together.
Despite my misgivings, I obviously enjoyed 'Secret Weapons' enough to want to read more.
A NetGalley ARC
English nobleman, Ethan deBeau, Lord Danforth, notorious rake and Nexus spy has been set upon. Badly beaten he is rescued by a mysterious figure, The Spectre. His wounds are attended to by a maid.
Charged with finding a young boy, an English traitor Lord Latymer, and a French spymaster LaRouche, Danforth's search places him within the orbit of one Sydney Hunt. The puzzling thing is that he comes across her posing as an empty headed do-gooder at a place of interest, Abbingale Home, an orphanage for boys.
Nexus it seems is a secret spy organization hidden in the bowels of the English Foreign Office dedicated to protecting English shores from forays by Bonaparte's agents tasked to prepare England for a successful French invasion.
Sydney Hunt, is in actuality a benefactor and reformer who heads up an employment agency as part of her cover to help those who find themselves in need due to the extreme, careless and often cruel actions, of some members of high society towards their servants. She helps those in need, hurt and often destitute to find new situations. She also compiles information about the employers themselves and their treatment of their often powerless dependants.
Obviously there are dark and tragic secrets in Sydney's background. Hints of such are constantly implied from the beginning. Sydney's stress about being alone with a man and the devoted loyalty and protection of her loyal twin footmen confirm that there lurks a greater cause for her anxiety.
In fact there are dark secrets surrounding many of the characters. No one seems exempt. Well except perhaps for Tanner, Danforth's much put upon butler. I do like him.
The thing is Sydney's attraction to Ethan deBeau, Lord Danforth, the transition from prim agency owner to woman deeply appreciative of and tantalized by Danforth's obvious good looks seems extreme. I'm still trying to figure out where this wanton woman act comes from. Her inner fantasies seem to jar and I'm not sure why. They come out of left field when I and Sydney least expect them. What they do tell us is that despite her inclinations towards the opposite, Sydney is a passionate and aware woman, alive to the attractions of the opposite sex. Somewhere she has been betrayed and deeply hurt.
It is when Sydney declares, 'No Ethan, you did not upset me...you've begun to heal my soul, ' that we at last begin to make headway into the enigma that is Sydney Hunt and the dark secret she harbours.
I am unsure as to why a minor character I enjoyed was killed off. I am hoping this is a hook to be resolved in future novels. This is not the only secondary character whose story left me wondering.
I must admit that I kept feeling that I was constantly missing something with this story. That there was a background that was important. When I realized that 'Secret Weapon' is the third in a series (the Nexus series) things began to make more sense. Unfortunately the ARC hadn't included that piece of information. As things hinted at, and left unsaid, kept niggling at me I was able to see that these previous stories linked the characters and were the 'raison d'être' for their off screen interplay. I did purchase the rest of the series to read at a later date as I am now curious about the other members of Nexus and how the pieces of the puzzle come together.
Despite my misgivings, I obviously enjoyed 'Secret Weapons' enough to want to read more.
A NetGalley ARC
October 1, 2013
My Thoughts
A Lady’s Secret Weapon by Tracey Devlyn is an enjoyable read from start to finish. The story captured my attention readily enough, and I remained happy to continue all the way through.
Things I enjoyed
The central characters presented as well described, and the progression of their relationship developed in a believable manner. I loved each of the supporting individuals and found them to be identifiable as well. I could picture them all, and appreciated the extra depth they added to the story and the main protagonists dimensions.
The lead characters were flawed, and had emotional baggage. Whilst I wanted greater attention given to those events important in shaping their motivation, I can accept that this may have resulted in the reader becoming bogged down in extraneous detail. A finely balanced novel.
The hero and heroine accepted their counterpart's history, without judging or sugar coating what had happened and this included acknowledging the others own erroneous deeds.
The story followed a good linear order, without any confusing flashbacks.
The phrasing was sound and on occasion the work struck as entirely quotable (See my favourite ones below)
Things that might be improved upon...
Some of the transitions between scenes were sudden and ill-conceived. One character decided on a course of action, then events suddenly occurred contrary to their decision. This discrepancy was explained by announcing he’d changed his mind. It appeared the story had been altered during an edit and having the character backflip would have been an easier option than rewriting the previous chapter.
I felt that some events relevant to the conclusion, were not adequately explored - one particular example pertaining to the ending, didn’t seem to have eventuated or was left out of the closing chapters.
Once the wording led to a “what the...???” moment of incongruity e.g. “-her strength and intelligent conversation made him want to stretch out naked with her on a fur throw and discuss all manner of topics while sipping wine and sampling an assortment of bite-size delicacies”. It just seemed (to me) an extraordinary leap, “hey you’re smart, lets get naked while we talk about this and eat?”
One of my favourite characters died... #NotCool #TraceyDevlynIsAMeanie
Fave Quotes from the Novel
“What had she done? Fallen prey to a man who consumes women like one feasts upon a favorite treacle tart?”
“Until she thought of nothing but the warmth of his breath and the caress of his hand and the glide of his flesh against hers.”
My Rating
❀❀❀+
Disclaimer
I obtained an ARC from the publisher (via Netgalley) with a view to providing an honest review. The thoughts expressed above, are entirely my own. I don’t really like the concept of rating novels as they are subjective and subject to change. A five star book today, may be re-evaluated when compared to future novels.
xD
A Lady’s Secret Weapon by Tracey Devlyn is an enjoyable read from start to finish. The story captured my attention readily enough, and I remained happy to continue all the way through.
Things I enjoyed
The central characters presented as well described, and the progression of their relationship developed in a believable manner. I loved each of the supporting individuals and found them to be identifiable as well. I could picture them all, and appreciated the extra depth they added to the story and the main protagonists dimensions.
The lead characters were flawed, and had emotional baggage. Whilst I wanted greater attention given to those events important in shaping their motivation, I can accept that this may have resulted in the reader becoming bogged down in extraneous detail. A finely balanced novel.
The hero and heroine accepted their counterpart's history, without judging or sugar coating what had happened and this included acknowledging the others own erroneous deeds.
The story followed a good linear order, without any confusing flashbacks.
The phrasing was sound and on occasion the work struck as entirely quotable (See my favourite ones below)
Things that might be improved upon...
Some of the transitions between scenes were sudden and ill-conceived. One character decided on a course of action, then events suddenly occurred contrary to their decision. This discrepancy was explained by announcing he’d changed his mind. It appeared the story had been altered during an edit and having the character backflip would have been an easier option than rewriting the previous chapter.
I felt that some events relevant to the conclusion, were not adequately explored - one particular example pertaining to the ending, didn’t seem to have eventuated or was left out of the closing chapters.
Once the wording led to a “what the...???” moment of incongruity e.g. “-her strength and intelligent conversation made him want to stretch out naked with her on a fur throw and discuss all manner of topics while sipping wine and sampling an assortment of bite-size delicacies”. It just seemed (to me) an extraordinary leap, “hey you’re smart, lets get naked while we talk about this and eat?”
One of my favourite characters died... #NotCool #TraceyDevlynIsAMeanie
Fave Quotes from the Novel
“What had she done? Fallen prey to a man who consumes women like one feasts upon a favorite treacle tart?”
“Until she thought of nothing but the warmth of his breath and the caress of his hand and the glide of his flesh against hers.”
My Rating
❀❀❀+
Disclaimer
I obtained an ARC from the publisher (via Netgalley) with a view to providing an honest review. The thoughts expressed above, are entirely my own. I don’t really like the concept of rating novels as they are subjective and subject to change. A five star book today, may be re-evaluated when compared to future novels.
xD
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