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Secrets & Seduction #5
Sebastian's Lady Spy
Seduction abounds in Sharon Cullen’s steamy historical romance! For the Crown’s top agents, love is a hazard best avoided—until an unforgettable affair exposes their undercover hearts.
Sebastian Addison has a powerful secret. To society he is the Earl of Claybrook, the patriarch who raised his siblings after the death of their parents. But to the king, Sebastian is Britain’s top spy—a position that has taken an emotional toll on him. Contessa Gabrielle Marciano has also been living a lie, her title a cover devised by the Office of Intelligence. The femme fatale was plucked from a life of crime and prostitution and trained to restrain her passionate nature. Until she meets the earl.
For three deeply sensual days and nights, Sebastian and Gabrielle drop their masks, indulging in pleasures that seem too good to be true. Then the lovers go their separate ways. Seven months later they reunite when inside sources report that an English aristocrat has been aiding France in a plot to topple the Crown. Their to find the turncoat. Their greatest to keep their wild, wounded hearts from derailing a mission of life and death.
Praise for Sebastian’s Lady Spy
“I love Sebastian’s Lady Spy by Sharon Cullen. This Regency romance has it all—danger, blackmail, passion, love, and characters that draw you in and leave you wanting more.”—Fresh Fiction
“Sharon Cullen will sweep you away! A sexy, spine-tingling ride, Sebastian’s Lady Spy is the perfect blend of historical romance and suspense.”—Jess Michaels, author of The Scoundrel’s Lover
“Sebastian’s Lady Spy is a lively, action-packed novel filled with intelligent characters, witty repartee, and a passionate romance. I devoured this book and was left breathless, wanting more, more, more!”—Shana Galen, author of Earls Just Want to Have Fun
“Sharon Cullen spins a fast-paced tale full of sizzling attraction and high stakes that will keep the reader turning pages.”—Ashlyn Macnamara, author of What a Lady Requires
“Engaging characters and an intriguing plot make Sebastian’s Lady Spy a must read!”—Lynne Connolly, author of Temptation Has Green Eyes
“Exhilarating . . . Sebastian’s Lady Spy is a thrilling romance that has plenty of adventure, poignant romance, a dangerous villain and a compelling voice that enthralls its readers and leaves you aching for more from this author.”—Addicted to Romance
“There was an incredible ending where I thought everyone was going get snuffed, but whew—thank goodness I was reading a romance. A great happily ever after to wrap it all up.”—Bitten by Romance
“I really do enjoy Sharon Cullen’s ability to tell a story that is connected by some common threads, but each book stands alone nicely.”—I Am, Indeed
“A wonderful historical romance . . . Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.”—Imagine a World
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Sebastian Addison has a powerful secret. To society he is the Earl of Claybrook, the patriarch who raised his siblings after the death of their parents. But to the king, Sebastian is Britain’s top spy—a position that has taken an emotional toll on him. Contessa Gabrielle Marciano has also been living a lie, her title a cover devised by the Office of Intelligence. The femme fatale was plucked from a life of crime and prostitution and trained to restrain her passionate nature. Until she meets the earl.
For three deeply sensual days and nights, Sebastian and Gabrielle drop their masks, indulging in pleasures that seem too good to be true. Then the lovers go their separate ways. Seven months later they reunite when inside sources report that an English aristocrat has been aiding France in a plot to topple the Crown. Their to find the turncoat. Their greatest to keep their wild, wounded hearts from derailing a mission of life and death.
Praise for Sebastian’s Lady Spy
“I love Sebastian’s Lady Spy by Sharon Cullen. This Regency romance has it all—danger, blackmail, passion, love, and characters that draw you in and leave you wanting more.”—Fresh Fiction
“Sharon Cullen will sweep you away! A sexy, spine-tingling ride, Sebastian’s Lady Spy is the perfect blend of historical romance and suspense.”—Jess Michaels, author of The Scoundrel’s Lover
“Sebastian’s Lady Spy is a lively, action-packed novel filled with intelligent characters, witty repartee, and a passionate romance. I devoured this book and was left breathless, wanting more, more, more!”—Shana Galen, author of Earls Just Want to Have Fun
“Sharon Cullen spins a fast-paced tale full of sizzling attraction and high stakes that will keep the reader turning pages.”—Ashlyn Macnamara, author of What a Lady Requires
“Engaging characters and an intriguing plot make Sebastian’s Lady Spy a must read!”—Lynne Connolly, author of Temptation Has Green Eyes
“Exhilarating . . . Sebastian’s Lady Spy is a thrilling romance that has plenty of adventure, poignant romance, a dangerous villain and a compelling voice that enthralls its readers and leaves you aching for more from this author.”—Addicted to Romance
“There was an incredible ending where I thought everyone was going get snuffed, but whew—thank goodness I was reading a romance. A great happily ever after to wrap it all up.”—Bitten by Romance
“I really do enjoy Sharon Cullen’s ability to tell a story that is connected by some common threads, but each book stands alone nicely.”—I Am, Indeed
“A wonderful historical romance . . . Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.”—Imagine a World
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2015
14 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Cullen
34 books208 followersAfter earning a degree in journalism from Ohio University, Sharon found the stories inside her head were more interesting than what was going on in the world around her. Yet, it wasn’t until years later that she decided to pursue her secret dream of writing a romance novel. Since then she’s been published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance and contemporary romance and historical romance.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 10, 2016
I've given this a C- at AAR, so 2.5 stars.
This is a very quick – one might say, too quick – read which throws up a number of interesting possibilities, but which ultimately fails to deliver on any of them. The story and characterisation are very weak and the spy plot is tissue-paper thin and unconvincing.
Sebastian Addison is the Earl of Claybrook, and has been the head of his family since he inherited his title at the age of sixteen. He’s also the government’s top spy and at the beginning of the book we meet him as he is parting from his latest lover, a widowed Italian contessa with whom he has just spent three glorious, sheet-burning days and nights of passion. They can never have anything more with each other, for the nature of his job means he can’t afford emotional entanglements.
Seven months later, he’s given a new assignment - to track down a man with known Jacobite sympathies who may represent a serious threat to the Crown. Imagine his surprise and shock when he is also presented with a partner who turns out to be none other than his passionate Italian contessa.
In case you couldn’t imagine it, I’ll tell you. He’s furious.
He scowls, gripes and sulks because a) he works alone and b) he’s annoyed that he was romping with a fellow operative back in Venice and had no idea Gabriella was in the same line of work (and thinks she must have known about him). Gabriella is more fatalistic about the whole thing, although rather hurt that Sebastian is trying so hard to get rid of her and doesn’t want her help.
Despite that, they still manage to have sex a couple of times, one of which is after she’s been shot. They’re not the only fictional couple to do this, of course, but I really can’t help wondering how she coped with the pain in the days before decent analgesia.
But I digress. When it comes down to it, the dangerous individual Sebastian and Gabrielle are trying to track down really couldn’t think his way out of a paper bag, let alone organise a rebellion, and I have no idea why the government was so worried about him. And the thrilling dénouement to the plot sees the crack lady-spy deliberately getting herself captured in order to distract the bad guys until the cavalry arrives to save the day. So much for the kick-arse heroine.
There is so much wasted potential in this book. The synopsis tells us : To society he is the Earl of Claybrook, the patriarch who raised his siblings after the death of their parents. But to the king, Sebastian is Britain’s top spy—a position that has taken an emotional toll on him. I was immediately put in mind of Vere in Sherry Thomas’ wonderful His at Night and was rubbing my hands with glee at the idea of a conflicted hero who has to conceal his secret “other life”. But sadly, there is no inner turmoil or depth to his character, and while Sebastian does stop to think “what’s it all for?” a couple of times, all we really see of that “emotional toll” is him throwing his toys out of the pram at being told to work with Gabrielle. There are a couple of throwaway lines in the book about how difficult he found it to adjust to being an earl and that he’s been a father figure to his siblings, but there’s nothing to explain how it came about that a man so concerned with looking after his family would be prepared to undertake dangerous missions and risk his life on a regular basis.
As a character, Gabrielle is more likeable and well-defined than Sebastian. She’s independent, intelligent and quick-witted – and able to look after herself in a fight. We learn that she’s not Italian and not a widowed contessa, but is a former street urchin who was rescued from the Covent Garden slums at the age of twelve and essentially brought up by the British government and turned into a weapon to be used as they saw fit. When Sebastian learns this, he is justifiably appalled, but when Gabriella explains to him that she is happy with the way things turned out, as otherwise she’d have ended up selling herself on the streets and probably facing an early death, he thinks she can’t possibly mean what she says and has another fit of the sulks at the idea that she’s had to sleep with men as part of her work – even though he’s done the same. (With women, of course.) There’s an interesting point here about the government training Gabrielle to prostitute herself in order to gain information which is glossed over; and her intelligent response is basically ignored in favour of Sebastian’s tantrum.
There’s no strong sense of time and place in the story. We’re told it’s six years after Culloden (1745) so it must be 1751, but in spite of brief mentions of Jacobites, powdered wigs and a coffee house, it could have taken place at almost any time in the 18th or 19th centuries. There are some glaring modernisms and Americanisms in the language, and the pacing is of the “blink-and-you-miss-it” variety, because almost nothing is allowed to settle or take root before moving on to the next thing, which makes the book feel utterly insubstantial. The only thing that’s ever dwelt on is the central couple’s continually lusting after each other and inwardly bemoaning how “dangerous” the other is to their peace of mind. Seriously? They shagged each other blind for 72 hours and then spent seven months apart, and I just wasn’t buying that there was any deep emotional connection between them.
One of the other things that made this book such a huge disappointment was that Ms Cullen’s last book – His Saving Grace – was so very good. Well written, strongly characterised and deeply emotional, I’d hoped for more of the same. Unfortunately, Sebastian’s Lady Spy doesn’t deliver any of those things.
This is a very quick – one might say, too quick – read which throws up a number of interesting possibilities, but which ultimately fails to deliver on any of them. The story and characterisation are very weak and the spy plot is tissue-paper thin and unconvincing.
Sebastian Addison is the Earl of Claybrook, and has been the head of his family since he inherited his title at the age of sixteen. He’s also the government’s top spy and at the beginning of the book we meet him as he is parting from his latest lover, a widowed Italian contessa with whom he has just spent three glorious, sheet-burning days and nights of passion. They can never have anything more with each other, for the nature of his job means he can’t afford emotional entanglements.
Seven months later, he’s given a new assignment - to track down a man with known Jacobite sympathies who may represent a serious threat to the Crown. Imagine his surprise and shock when he is also presented with a partner who turns out to be none other than his passionate Italian contessa.
In case you couldn’t imagine it, I’ll tell you. He’s furious.
He scowls, gripes and sulks because a) he works alone and b) he’s annoyed that he was romping with a fellow operative back in Venice and had no idea Gabriella was in the same line of work (and thinks she must have known about him). Gabriella is more fatalistic about the whole thing, although rather hurt that Sebastian is trying so hard to get rid of her and doesn’t want her help.
Despite that, they still manage to have sex a couple of times, one of which is after she’s been shot. They’re not the only fictional couple to do this, of course, but I really can’t help wondering how she coped with the pain in the days before decent analgesia.
But I digress. When it comes down to it, the dangerous individual Sebastian and Gabrielle are trying to track down really couldn’t think his way out of a paper bag, let alone organise a rebellion, and I have no idea why the government was so worried about him. And the thrilling dénouement to the plot sees the crack lady-spy deliberately getting herself captured in order to distract the bad guys until the cavalry arrives to save the day. So much for the kick-arse heroine.
There is so much wasted potential in this book. The synopsis tells us : To society he is the Earl of Claybrook, the patriarch who raised his siblings after the death of their parents. But to the king, Sebastian is Britain’s top spy—a position that has taken an emotional toll on him. I was immediately put in mind of Vere in Sherry Thomas’ wonderful His at Night and was rubbing my hands with glee at the idea of a conflicted hero who has to conceal his secret “other life”. But sadly, there is no inner turmoil or depth to his character, and while Sebastian does stop to think “what’s it all for?” a couple of times, all we really see of that “emotional toll” is him throwing his toys out of the pram at being told to work with Gabrielle. There are a couple of throwaway lines in the book about how difficult he found it to adjust to being an earl and that he’s been a father figure to his siblings, but there’s nothing to explain how it came about that a man so concerned with looking after his family would be prepared to undertake dangerous missions and risk his life on a regular basis.
As a character, Gabrielle is more likeable and well-defined than Sebastian. She’s independent, intelligent and quick-witted – and able to look after herself in a fight. We learn that she’s not Italian and not a widowed contessa, but is a former street urchin who was rescued from the Covent Garden slums at the age of twelve and essentially brought up by the British government and turned into a weapon to be used as they saw fit. When Sebastian learns this, he is justifiably appalled, but when Gabriella explains to him that she is happy with the way things turned out, as otherwise she’d have ended up selling herself on the streets and probably facing an early death, he thinks she can’t possibly mean what she says and has another fit of the sulks at the idea that she’s had to sleep with men as part of her work – even though he’s done the same. (With women, of course.) There’s an interesting point here about the government training Gabrielle to prostitute herself in order to gain information which is glossed over; and her intelligent response is basically ignored in favour of Sebastian’s tantrum.
There’s no strong sense of time and place in the story. We’re told it’s six years after Culloden (1745) so it must be 1751, but in spite of brief mentions of Jacobites, powdered wigs and a coffee house, it could have taken place at almost any time in the 18th or 19th centuries. There are some glaring modernisms and Americanisms in the language, and the pacing is of the “blink-and-you-miss-it” variety, because almost nothing is allowed to settle or take root before moving on to the next thing, which makes the book feel utterly insubstantial. The only thing that’s ever dwelt on is the central couple’s continually lusting after each other and inwardly bemoaning how “dangerous” the other is to their peace of mind. Seriously? They shagged each other blind for 72 hours and then spent seven months apart, and I just wasn’t buying that there was any deep emotional connection between them.
One of the other things that made this book such a huge disappointment was that Ms Cullen’s last book – His Saving Grace – was so very good. Well written, strongly characterised and deeply emotional, I’d hoped for more of the same. Unfortunately, Sebastian’s Lady Spy doesn’t deliver any of those things.
June 2, 2015
I was provided a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is not my normal genre, but when I saw that cover....whoa!! Hotness!! I just had to read it.
Sebastian is a spy on a mission. When he falls for Gabrielle, they have a 3-day wild affair, but then they both have to part ways. Neither is honest with the other of what it is that is taking them away from each other. Sebastian takes the seven months away from Gabrielle to get over her....but it's not easy...she has made her mark and he has trouble shaking her from his thoughts. And vice versa for her!
Gabrielle is a badass woman for this day an age, and she is not accepted by the "higher society". She's got a secret up her sleeve also and when Sebastian and her come together again, he was in for a BIG surprise! I loved it! It's nice to have a strong woman go up against an even stronger man! Lol!!
Sebastian and Gabrielle must make everyone believe they are courting in order to get the information they seek. This is a nice little adventure and I really loved the writing style. This pair was meant to be together and I loved how it all came together!
Can't help but mention Phin Lockwood, Sebastian's pirate friend and resource for information. I was definitely intrigued by this man, and when I read the epilogue, I was like "oh no"!!
If historical romance is your thing....I highly recommend this book, the writing style and characters were just the change I needed!
This is not my normal genre, but when I saw that cover....whoa!! Hotness!! I just had to read it.
Sebastian is a spy on a mission. When he falls for Gabrielle, they have a 3-day wild affair, but then they both have to part ways. Neither is honest with the other of what it is that is taking them away from each other. Sebastian takes the seven months away from Gabrielle to get over her....but it's not easy...she has made her mark and he has trouble shaking her from his thoughts. And vice versa for her!
Gabrielle is a badass woman for this day an age, and she is not accepted by the "higher society". She's got a secret up her sleeve also and when Sebastian and her come together again, he was in for a BIG surprise! I loved it! It's nice to have a strong woman go up against an even stronger man! Lol!!
Sebastian and Gabrielle must make everyone believe they are courting in order to get the information they seek. This is a nice little adventure and I really loved the writing style. This pair was meant to be together and I loved how it all came together!
Can't help but mention Phin Lockwood, Sebastian's pirate friend and resource for information. I was definitely intrigued by this man, and when I read the epilogue, I was like "oh no"!!
If historical romance is your thing....I highly recommend this book, the writing style and characters were just the change I needed!
April 3, 2016
I found this story quite delightful! It was a nice treat to have a female spy alongside the male (as most historicals I've read tend to have the male spy only) and I really appreciated that they had equal tasks and responsibility towards their mission. Both Gabrielle and Sebastian were engaging characters, competent in their craft and confident in themselves. There was a definite sexual attraction between them and this chemistry leads them back into each other's arms after a several months absence during which they never expected to meet up again, and certainly not to have to work together. Besides the romance, I really enjoyed the spy/suspense plot. I thought it was well put together and it kept my interest from beginning to end. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable read and I'm definitely looking forward to more in the series. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
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December 29, 2015It is official. I have put the entire series on "not_inerested", just from reading the blurbs. Now this book has a femme fatale lady spy as a heroine. I imagine her to be hot, sexy, and ehe, FEIRY.
August 26, 2015
Sebastian's Lady Spy, book 5 of Sharon Cullens Secrets & Seduction series
Sebastian Addison, the Earl of Claybrook and Contessa Gabrielle Marciano live in a world of deceit, riddles and spying for the crown. Each for their own justifications believes their devotion to England to be their true calling and nothing subverts them, save when they come together for three nights of passion, love making and an opening of hearts and minds. Except, since they are spies and thus prohibited to reveal their secret lives this entwining of souls must end. Of course, neither knows the other operates secretly for the Office of Intelligence. Seven months later they meet again only to find they are playing the same game and this time they must work as a team. Sebastian is abhorred that he must, as one of the crowns top spies, be forced to work with another and even more so with the Contessa. But an inside source has intelligence a group of Jacobians are planning to breach England.
This book has potential. The description describes Sebastian as “...the patriarch who raised his siblings after the death of their parents...”, this is mentioned in passing but never really developed. Upon learning that Gabrielle was plucked from the seediest of London streets by the Office of Intelligence he is abhorred. However, Sebastian’s wrath is centered more on how it affects himself and his future that might include Gabriella rather how the consequences of such a plucking has impacted her. The antagonist, a Scottish Jacobite, character is not well developed. The author does not well integrate the character within the story but leaves the reader with a feeling of empathy for his cause and one hopes that the opponent will return in further novels. There are two additional characters that bear mentioning: Phin, a canny pirate who promises to be intriguing further along in the Secrets & Seduction series and Lord Wilcott who as a homosexual is put in several impossible situations.
There is however real life breathed into Gabriella’ character. She has emerged herself into the soul of her duty to the crown and into animating her role as an operative. When forced to work with Sebastian she comes to term with the situation and jumps in with the developed dedication. She’s independent, intelligent, clever, and skilled in her craft.
As I mentioned, this book has potential but it peters out early on.
I give this book three stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Sebastian Addison, the Earl of Claybrook and Contessa Gabrielle Marciano live in a world of deceit, riddles and spying for the crown. Each for their own justifications believes their devotion to England to be their true calling and nothing subverts them, save when they come together for three nights of passion, love making and an opening of hearts and minds. Except, since they are spies and thus prohibited to reveal their secret lives this entwining of souls must end. Of course, neither knows the other operates secretly for the Office of Intelligence. Seven months later they meet again only to find they are playing the same game and this time they must work as a team. Sebastian is abhorred that he must, as one of the crowns top spies, be forced to work with another and even more so with the Contessa. But an inside source has intelligence a group of Jacobians are planning to breach England.
This book has potential. The description describes Sebastian as “...the patriarch who raised his siblings after the death of their parents...”, this is mentioned in passing but never really developed. Upon learning that Gabrielle was plucked from the seediest of London streets by the Office of Intelligence he is abhorred. However, Sebastian’s wrath is centered more on how it affects himself and his future that might include Gabriella rather how the consequences of such a plucking has impacted her. The antagonist, a Scottish Jacobite, character is not well developed. The author does not well integrate the character within the story but leaves the reader with a feeling of empathy for his cause and one hopes that the opponent will return in further novels. There are two additional characters that bear mentioning: Phin, a canny pirate who promises to be intriguing further along in the Secrets & Seduction series and Lord Wilcott who as a homosexual is put in several impossible situations.
There is however real life breathed into Gabriella’ character. She has emerged herself into the soul of her duty to the crown and into animating her role as an operative. When forced to work with Sebastian she comes to term with the situation and jumps in with the developed dedication. She’s independent, intelligent, clever, and skilled in her craft.
As I mentioned, this book has potential but it peters out early on.
I give this book three stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 17, 2014
With both lovely romance and thrilling espionage, Sebastian's Lady Spy was an enjoyable historical romance. It had secrets that managed to surprise me and a great story and I really liked it.
Gabrielle was an interesting character. She had a shady past that she managed to rise above and she was definitely tough, clever, and not to be underestimated. I thought she was great.
Sebastian frustrated me at first. I understood that he wanted to protect himself from getting hurt when they parted ways again, but he was unnecessarily harsh with her sometimes. It took a while before we see the softer side of him and that's what I liked. So, I ended up okay with him.
The romance was not bad. I did like Gabrielle and Sebastian as a couple. They were well matched in strength and a hell of a team when they paired up. Not to mention the chemistry between them. However, I didn't get as much depth in their relationship as I wanted. In Sharon Cullen's other books, her portrayal of the romance was deep and engaging and I didn't quite get that with this one. But, I still thought they were good together.
The plot moved quickly and kept me hooked all the way through. There were plenty of thrills, secrets, and surprises along the way that kept me hooked. I really enjoyed the story and the ending had me curious about what will happen with the couple in the next book.
Sebastian's Lady Spy was a wonderful historical romance and I really liked it. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Gabrielle was an interesting character. She had a shady past that she managed to rise above and she was definitely tough, clever, and not to be underestimated. I thought she was great.
Sebastian frustrated me at first. I understood that he wanted to protect himself from getting hurt when they parted ways again, but he was unnecessarily harsh with her sometimes. It took a while before we see the softer side of him and that's what I liked. So, I ended up okay with him.
The romance was not bad. I did like Gabrielle and Sebastian as a couple. They were well matched in strength and a hell of a team when they paired up. Not to mention the chemistry between them. However, I didn't get as much depth in their relationship as I wanted. In Sharon Cullen's other books, her portrayal of the romance was deep and engaging and I didn't quite get that with this one. But, I still thought they were good together.
The plot moved quickly and kept me hooked all the way through. There were plenty of thrills, secrets, and surprises along the way that kept me hooked. I really enjoyed the story and the ending had me curious about what will happen with the couple in the next book.
Sebastian's Lady Spy was a wonderful historical romance and I really liked it. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
February 8, 2015
This is book 4 in the Secret's & Seduction series.
Sebastian Addison, the Earl of Claybrook, has spent months trying to forget the woman that he spent three passion filled day and nights with knowing that they can never have more. But suddenly she is back in his life and Sebastian wants nothing to do with her. How can he find the traitor, when all he can think of is his partner?
Gabrielle has never forgotten the time spent with Sebastian, but unlike him she wants to finish the task given to them. She knows that together they can do a better job than working alone. But their biggest challenge might not be the enemy they are after, but the feelings they have for each other.
I was so happy that Cullen continued with her Secrets and Seduction series as it is one of my all time favorites! There is nothing better than a dashing hero and an unconventional heroine with some bad guys thrown in. The perfect combination!
It's not often that you get to read a story in which both the H/H are spies. Normally it's just the hero and the heroine at some point needs to be saved. I loved that Cullen put a very strong woman into this story, one that could take care of herself in any situation. As much as Sebastian wanted to take care of Gabrielle, she wanted to prove that she could handle herself and any situation that she was put into.
My fingers are crossed that Cullen continues with this series as I'd hate for it to end!!
Thanks go out to Random House via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Sebastian Addison, the Earl of Claybrook, has spent months trying to forget the woman that he spent three passion filled day and nights with knowing that they can never have more. But suddenly she is back in his life and Sebastian wants nothing to do with her. How can he find the traitor, when all he can think of is his partner?
Gabrielle has never forgotten the time spent with Sebastian, but unlike him she wants to finish the task given to them. She knows that together they can do a better job than working alone. But their biggest challenge might not be the enemy they are after, but the feelings they have for each other.
I was so happy that Cullen continued with her Secrets and Seduction series as it is one of my all time favorites! There is nothing better than a dashing hero and an unconventional heroine with some bad guys thrown in. The perfect combination!
It's not often that you get to read a story in which both the H/H are spies. Normally it's just the hero and the heroine at some point needs to be saved. I loved that Cullen put a very strong woman into this story, one that could take care of herself in any situation. As much as Sebastian wanted to take care of Gabrielle, she wanted to prove that she could handle herself and any situation that she was put into.
My fingers are crossed that Cullen continues with this series as I'd hate for it to end!!
Thanks go out to Random House via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
March 15, 2015
Sebastian's Lady Spy is the 5th book in this series, but is the first one I have read. It's easily a stand alone book. The book begins 7 months earlier where the hero and heroine had a 3 day affair. They both fell in love with each other but had secret lives that they couldn't stay together. Then they meet 7 months in the future where they both spy for the crown. The crown demands that they work together to uncover the a Jacobite uprising with France involved. Sebastian is hurt when he realizes that Gabrielle is also a spy for the Crown. He thinks that she knew he was a spy when they met before. These two go through some tough times. The author takes you on a journey where you will learn how Gabrielle became to be a spy. In the book she is a fallen Italian Widow that the ton treats really bad. The chemistry between the hero and heroine is so intense that the tension you could cut with a knife. The romance and love scenes are so hot the steam is rolling off the pages. The author did a wonderful job of pulling you into a story of espionage, murder, romance. The villain of the story was a villain in all aspects. When you think the villain is apprehended you think that is the last of him but he escapes. Which will be in the next edition of this book. I definitely will be buying the next one in the series. If your into espionage, murder, and romance this is definitely the book for you. I received this book for an honest review by NetGalley.
November 25, 2016
How many covers feature this guy's picture? I have two in my collection, and I've seen at least one other. They say never judge a book by its cover; I sure hope the content of this one is better than the last.
3.5 stars.
So, I finally got around to reading this one, and it was better than the other with the same guy on the cover (which I DNF'd). The writing here is competent, but the story didn't do a whole lot for me. The plot lines that are supposed to be suspenseful and angstily romantic just aren't all that. Not bad; not great.
3.5 stars.
So, I finally got around to reading this one, and it was better than the other with the same guy on the cover (which I DNF'd). The writing here is competent, but the story didn't do a whole lot for me. The plot lines that are supposed to be suspenseful and angstily romantic just aren't all that. Not bad; not great.
February 6, 2017
Full review: 2.5 stars by www.romance.io
'Sebastian's Lady Spy' is Sharon Cullen's 5th book in her Secrets & Seduction series. Set in georgian era London, it follows its protagonists - Sebastian Addison, Earl of Claybrook and Contessa Gabrielle Marciano, a widow with a questionable reputation - as they try to uncover a plot which involves a Jacobite uprising. Unfortunately, 'Sebastian's Lady Spy' suffers from a case of misleading plot summary and generally turned out to be a frustrating read.
Lets follow the book description: 'Sebastian Addison has a powerful secret. To society he is the Earl of Claybrook, the patriarch who raised his siblings after the death of their parents. But to the king, Sebastian is Britain’s top spy—a position that has taken an emotional toll on him.'
Sounds promising, I thought. A hero with a double life, troubled by his conflicting duties to his title and associated responsibilities on the one hand and his country on the other hand. Gaelen Foley's Lord of Fire had a similar premise and I enjoyed that book a great deal. It was interesting to read and learn about the psychological implications of the spy trade, which by its very definition is about dishonesty and secrecy, for a man who was brought up with ideas of honour and aristocratic conduct.
However, no problems of this sort are actually tackled in 'Sebastian's Lady Spy' and I have yet to figure out how in particular Sebastian was struggling with his situation. Sure, there were moments of him thinking 'but is it worth it?', however who does not sometimes grapple with work-life balance dissatisfaction. All in all he seemed way more concerned about his mounting desire regarding Gabrielle's luscious curves and sun-kissed skin than with any inner turmoil regarding his so-called powerful secret.
'Contessa Gabrielle Marciano has also been living a lie, her title a cover devised by the Office of Intelligence. The femme fatale was plucked from a life of crime and prostitution and trained to restrain her passionate nature. Until she meets the earl. For three deeply sensual days and nights, Sebastian and Gabrielle drop their masks, indulging in pleasures that seem too good to be true. Then the lovers go their separate ways.'
Femme fatales, highly skilled lady spies and 3! sensual days and nights I was promised. Imagine my disappointment learning that this presumably glorious sexathon happened before the book's beginning and that all the reader gets is a 2 page prologue featuring the morning after good-byes. But I guess it is good to know that they had a nice time...
As for the titular lady spy, Gabrielle was the only thing that came close to a highlight in this book. In the services of the Crown's spy apparatus since the age of 12, she is a well trained agent, skilled in combat and in possession of a quick mind as well. Like most people who can trust their abilities, she is confident, capable and of independent spirit. She is certainly an interesting and likeable character which is why it is such a shame that she is paired with Sebastian and generally doesn't get much to do in terms of spy shenanigans.
And that is a general problem of the book: It has a lot of promising ideas but most of them are just not leading anywhere and remain underused. For example, in one scene Gabrielle and Sebastian discuss her past. He is all rage-y when he hears that part of her job is to sleep with targets - fair enough. But then she explains to him nicely and patiently that she has no regrets, that her life is much preferable to the alternative and that she in fact enjoys what she does: 'You don't understand, do you? It's not a sacrifice. I like what I do. I like that I can travel and see a world I never would have had the opportunity to see. I like that I can help… '. What could have led to an interesting and larger conversation about the sex trade, morals, and women's agency in it, however, is immediately cut short in the most stupid way possible a few pages down the line when Sebastian decides that she has no idea what she wants and is talking about: 'She claimed she was happy with her life, but he wondered. The Office has made her into something different. Has taken the little girl she'd been and turned her into a lethal weapon…' Way to disregard and override her expressed will. Why introduce a capable heroine just in order to have her undermined by the hero all the time?
Seven months later they reunite when inside sources report that an English aristocrat has been aiding France in a plot to topple the Crown. Their objective: to find the turncoat. Their greatest challenge: to keep their wild, wounded hearts from derailing a mission of life and death.
Look, I don't want to give too much away of the plot as to not kill the suspense. However, don't expect too much in terms of clever twists and turns worthy of a spy story. Gabrielle and Sebastian kind of stumble through the plot and it seems that the conclusion of the mystery rather finds them than the other way around. Let me just say that at the end our lethal, well trained super spy Gabrielle saves the day by letting herself get captured to provide a distraction to keep the villain entertained long enough until the men arrive to deal with the violent stuff. And yes, I am rolling my eyes really hard right now.
In addition I was really appalled by one subplot of the story. It involves a secretly gay character who is blackmailed into abducting the heroine in order to keep his secret. It's fine of course to have non-heroic or even villainous gay characters but is it really necessary to resurrect the prejudice that gay men constitute a security risk due to potential blackmail in order to drive the plot forward?
Aside from the misleading plot summary, questionable characters and plot devices, I really struggled connecting with the story and characters overall. Too often the writing felt anachronistic to me - not just regarding the use of language but also in the description of relationships, interactions and the main characters' motivations. So while some might enjoy this story as a quick read with some suspense and a unique premise, I remain underwhelmed.
Check out more reviews and find books by topics, themes and tropes
'Sebastian's Lady Spy' is Sharon Cullen's 5th book in her Secrets & Seduction series. Set in georgian era London, it follows its protagonists - Sebastian Addison, Earl of Claybrook and Contessa Gabrielle Marciano, a widow with a questionable reputation - as they try to uncover a plot which involves a Jacobite uprising. Unfortunately, 'Sebastian's Lady Spy' suffers from a case of misleading plot summary and generally turned out to be a frustrating read.
Lets follow the book description: 'Sebastian Addison has a powerful secret. To society he is the Earl of Claybrook, the patriarch who raised his siblings after the death of their parents. But to the king, Sebastian is Britain’s top spy—a position that has taken an emotional toll on him.'
Sounds promising, I thought. A hero with a double life, troubled by his conflicting duties to his title and associated responsibilities on the one hand and his country on the other hand. Gaelen Foley's Lord of Fire had a similar premise and I enjoyed that book a great deal. It was interesting to read and learn about the psychological implications of the spy trade, which by its very definition is about dishonesty and secrecy, for a man who was brought up with ideas of honour and aristocratic conduct.
However, no problems of this sort are actually tackled in 'Sebastian's Lady Spy' and I have yet to figure out how in particular Sebastian was struggling with his situation. Sure, there were moments of him thinking 'but is it worth it?', however who does not sometimes grapple with work-life balance dissatisfaction. All in all he seemed way more concerned about his mounting desire regarding Gabrielle's luscious curves and sun-kissed skin than with any inner turmoil regarding his so-called powerful secret.
'Contessa Gabrielle Marciano has also been living a lie, her title a cover devised by the Office of Intelligence. The femme fatale was plucked from a life of crime and prostitution and trained to restrain her passionate nature. Until she meets the earl. For three deeply sensual days and nights, Sebastian and Gabrielle drop their masks, indulging in pleasures that seem too good to be true. Then the lovers go their separate ways.'
Femme fatales, highly skilled lady spies and 3! sensual days and nights I was promised. Imagine my disappointment learning that this presumably glorious sexathon happened before the book's beginning and that all the reader gets is a 2 page prologue featuring the morning after good-byes. But I guess it is good to know that they had a nice time...
As for the titular lady spy, Gabrielle was the only thing that came close to a highlight in this book. In the services of the Crown's spy apparatus since the age of 12, she is a well trained agent, skilled in combat and in possession of a quick mind as well. Like most people who can trust their abilities, she is confident, capable and of independent spirit. She is certainly an interesting and likeable character which is why it is such a shame that she is paired with Sebastian and generally doesn't get much to do in terms of spy shenanigans.
And that is a general problem of the book: It has a lot of promising ideas but most of them are just not leading anywhere and remain underused. For example, in one scene Gabrielle and Sebastian discuss her past. He is all rage-y when he hears that part of her job is to sleep with targets - fair enough. But then she explains to him nicely and patiently that she has no regrets, that her life is much preferable to the alternative and that she in fact enjoys what she does: 'You don't understand, do you? It's not a sacrifice. I like what I do. I like that I can travel and see a world I never would have had the opportunity to see. I like that I can help… '. What could have led to an interesting and larger conversation about the sex trade, morals, and women's agency in it, however, is immediately cut short in the most stupid way possible a few pages down the line when Sebastian decides that she has no idea what she wants and is talking about: 'She claimed she was happy with her life, but he wondered. The Office has made her into something different. Has taken the little girl she'd been and turned her into a lethal weapon…' Way to disregard and override her expressed will. Why introduce a capable heroine just in order to have her undermined by the hero all the time?
Seven months later they reunite when inside sources report that an English aristocrat has been aiding France in a plot to topple the Crown. Their objective: to find the turncoat. Their greatest challenge: to keep their wild, wounded hearts from derailing a mission of life and death.
Look, I don't want to give too much away of the plot as to not kill the suspense. However, don't expect too much in terms of clever twists and turns worthy of a spy story. Gabrielle and Sebastian kind of stumble through the plot and it seems that the conclusion of the mystery rather finds them than the other way around. Let me just say that at the end our lethal, well trained super spy Gabrielle saves the day by letting herself get captured to provide a distraction to keep the villain entertained long enough until the men arrive to deal with the violent stuff. And yes, I am rolling my eyes really hard right now.
In addition I was really appalled by one subplot of the story. It involves a secretly gay character who is blackmailed into abducting the heroine in order to keep his secret. It's fine of course to have non-heroic or even villainous gay characters but is it really necessary to resurrect the prejudice that gay men constitute a security risk due to potential blackmail in order to drive the plot forward?
Aside from the misleading plot summary, questionable characters and plot devices, I really struggled connecting with the story and characters overall. Too often the writing felt anachronistic to me - not just regarding the use of language but also in the description of relationships, interactions and the main characters' motivations. So while some might enjoy this story as a quick read with some suspense and a unique premise, I remain underwhelmed.
Check out more reviews and find books by topics, themes and tropes
October 13, 2017
Love lady spies
Great book written about people that were spies for the Crown (England). Sebastian and Gabby are the best Spies for the Crown but when their lives were threatened they realized their love for each other.
Great book to read.
Great book written about people that were spies for the Crown (England). Sebastian and Gabby are the best Spies for the Crown but when their lives were threatened they realized their love for each other.
Great book to read.
July 22, 2018
I read this one long long time ago, don't remember the exact plots but I do remember it didn't impress me that much.
June 23, 2020
Actually #3 in the series Secrets & Seduction. It takes place seven months after the end of book 2, Nathan and Claire’s story.
January 13, 2015
This book sizzled with passion and adventure. I am rapidly becoming a huge fan of the historical romance spy genre, as well as the wonderful Sharon Cullen. Although this book is part of a series, it can most definitely stand alone.
I really love the spy genre, as I mentioned above. It just adds that extra dash of spice to the romance. The mysteries that must be solved often throw the lead characters together in ways that debutantes would never conceive and usually they use that time alone to get to know each other carnally. This book definitely reminds me of Shana Galen’s Lord and Lady Spy series, Elizabeth Cole’s Zodiac series, Vanessa Kelly’s Royal Spy series and Tina Gabrielle’s A Spy Unmasked. Clearly I adore these series and the Secrets and Seduction books are no exception.
What I loved about this book was that you could almost taste the passion between Sebastian and Gabrielle. You know it’s going to be a steamy book when the opening passage contains the following, “Contessa Gabrielle Marciano snuggled against his side, all warm and moist from their lovemaking.” Their desire was so strong for each other it was like palpitations on the page. I found this book so exciting because the lead characters had already had an affair of the heart and body before the book started, so it left you hoping and praying for them to continue where they left off.
When they reunite, they are shocked to find out that each other is one of England’s premiere spies. Although Gabrielle is not against working with Sebastian, he is adamant that he will not work with her. I guess its male pride as he feels deceived that she isn’t helpless or doesn’t need him to keep her safe. The notion that she could be a spy, and a very good one at that, is hard for the male brain to conceive. From the start, he is determined to get rid of her and solve this mission on his own. Gabrielle is just as determined that they work together and maybe even give into exploring what is between them.
Gabrielle is a fascinating character. She has more honesty and bravery in her than most men in her time. She was born to a prostitute in Seven Dials and orphaned as a child. She was one step away from being forced into prostitution herself before the Crown whisked her away to become an elite spy. She has killed, stolen, and used her body and more in the name of service. She doesn’t have a sterling reputation with the ton which doesn’t bother her, but it excludes her from Sebastian’s circles. She feels the futility of the relationship with Sebastian as they can’t be together for a multitude of reasons. What I loved about her was that even though she was aloof and cool towards Sebastian, she burned to be with him. He was the first man that she actually wanted to be with. The first man that she willingly gave her body and heart to. This scared her to death, yet like a moth to a flame, she wants it again and again.
Sebastian was the typical Earl – cool, calm and collected. But under that exterior, he burns so hot. I loved that he was tormented by Gabrielle for months. That he remembered how she tasted, how she moved and how she made him feel. I remember Sebastian from Sharon Cullen’s previous books in the series, but I have to say he is one of my favourite characters she has created. I think what I liked so much about him was that he evolved over the course of the book. He went from ignoring Gabrielle, to undermining her, to working with her to loving her. Sebastian knows that in a way Gabrielle is toxic to him. One touch or taste of her and he is done for. He won’t be able to walk away from her this time. But giving in to her doesn’t make him weak in my opinion – it’s smart and it’s what his heart wants.
There are some very steamy scenes in the book. I really enjoy sex scenes when the couple are experienced and know each other. The memories they have of each other are just as vivid as the reality. There was one scene where Gabrielle straddles Sebastian that has been imprinted on my brain. The heat factor stays high throughout the book and you can truly feel the pent up heat and longing.
The mission is an important element of the plot, but it takes a backseat to the romance between Gabrielle and Sebastien. This highly charged, sensual story was very well written. I could feel the emotions the characters were due to the effective writing. I can’t wait for the next book in the series with the sexy pirate Phin which sounds like it may take place in Scotland – yum!
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really love the spy genre, as I mentioned above. It just adds that extra dash of spice to the romance. The mysteries that must be solved often throw the lead characters together in ways that debutantes would never conceive and usually they use that time alone to get to know each other carnally. This book definitely reminds me of Shana Galen’s Lord and Lady Spy series, Elizabeth Cole’s Zodiac series, Vanessa Kelly’s Royal Spy series and Tina Gabrielle’s A Spy Unmasked. Clearly I adore these series and the Secrets and Seduction books are no exception.
What I loved about this book was that you could almost taste the passion between Sebastian and Gabrielle. You know it’s going to be a steamy book when the opening passage contains the following, “Contessa Gabrielle Marciano snuggled against his side, all warm and moist from their lovemaking.” Their desire was so strong for each other it was like palpitations on the page. I found this book so exciting because the lead characters had already had an affair of the heart and body before the book started, so it left you hoping and praying for them to continue where they left off.
When they reunite, they are shocked to find out that each other is one of England’s premiere spies. Although Gabrielle is not against working with Sebastian, he is adamant that he will not work with her. I guess its male pride as he feels deceived that she isn’t helpless or doesn’t need him to keep her safe. The notion that she could be a spy, and a very good one at that, is hard for the male brain to conceive. From the start, he is determined to get rid of her and solve this mission on his own. Gabrielle is just as determined that they work together and maybe even give into exploring what is between them.
Gabrielle is a fascinating character. She has more honesty and bravery in her than most men in her time. She was born to a prostitute in Seven Dials and orphaned as a child. She was one step away from being forced into prostitution herself before the Crown whisked her away to become an elite spy. She has killed, stolen, and used her body and more in the name of service. She doesn’t have a sterling reputation with the ton which doesn’t bother her, but it excludes her from Sebastian’s circles. She feels the futility of the relationship with Sebastian as they can’t be together for a multitude of reasons. What I loved about her was that even though she was aloof and cool towards Sebastian, she burned to be with him. He was the first man that she actually wanted to be with. The first man that she willingly gave her body and heart to. This scared her to death, yet like a moth to a flame, she wants it again and again.
Sebastian was the typical Earl – cool, calm and collected. But under that exterior, he burns so hot. I loved that he was tormented by Gabrielle for months. That he remembered how she tasted, how she moved and how she made him feel. I remember Sebastian from Sharon Cullen’s previous books in the series, but I have to say he is one of my favourite characters she has created. I think what I liked so much about him was that he evolved over the course of the book. He went from ignoring Gabrielle, to undermining her, to working with her to loving her. Sebastian knows that in a way Gabrielle is toxic to him. One touch or taste of her and he is done for. He won’t be able to walk away from her this time. But giving in to her doesn’t make him weak in my opinion – it’s smart and it’s what his heart wants.
There are some very steamy scenes in the book. I really enjoy sex scenes when the couple are experienced and know each other. The memories they have of each other are just as vivid as the reality. There was one scene where Gabrielle straddles Sebastian that has been imprinted on my brain. The heat factor stays high throughout the book and you can truly feel the pent up heat and longing.
The mission is an important element of the plot, but it takes a backseat to the romance between Gabrielle and Sebastien. This highly charged, sensual story was very well written. I could feel the emotions the characters were due to the effective writing. I can’t wait for the next book in the series with the sexy pirate Phin which sounds like it may take place in Scotland – yum!
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2015
You know that comfortable, warm sensation you get when you are surrounded by old friends? That’s the way I felt when I began reading Sebastian’s Lady Spy by Sharon Cullen, Part 5 of the Secrets and Seductions Series. Actually this is really Book 2.5 and Sebastian Addison, Earl of Claybrook, is the character who ties all the books together. As a spy for the English Crown during the 1850’s of Victorian Era London, Lord Addison not only solves mysteries, he also controls the lives of others, especially his brother and sister who have been his responsibility, along with the estate, since the death of his father when he was sixteen. The serious, stalwart Sebastian, knows his duty and performs it well, as directed by his boss, Sir Colin Atwater.
In this short novel, Cullen incorporates numerous characters from Books 1, 2, and 3. In Book 1, The Notorious Lady Anne, we are introduced to the pirate team of Lady Anne and Phin Lockwood as well as to Sebastian and his brother Nicholas. While Anne and Nick are on route for a vacation in Spain during the time span of this novel, Phin plays an integral role in the plot, albeit only as a minor character. He gets to tell his story, a completion of this one, in Book 3, Pleasuring the Pirate. Then there is Contessa Gabriella Marciano, our heroine, who also happens to be best friends with Sebastian’s sister, Lady Claire. We meet Gabby in Book 2, when Claire runs off to visit her friend’s home and inadvertently hooks up with Sebastian’s buddy Lord Blythe, Nathaniel Ferguson. Sebastian deduces that his little sis is headed to Venice where he tracks down the Contessa. The two seem a little too smug to be casual acquaintances when they finally meet up with Claire and Nathan, so the reader senses a romance.
And right they are. Sebastian and Gabriella have a short, yet torrid, three day affair with a mutual heads up that it will be a brief encounter, since both lovers have a busy life outside the bedroom. Seven months later the romance, which has never died, is rekindled when they discover they are both top spies for England’s Office of Intelligence who must work together to find out the identity of the traitor plotting with France to overthrow the King. Surprise and anger are their first reactions at incorrectly perceived deceptions, but lust rears its head as they are thrown together by necessity. As they face difficulties while spying together, Gabriella’s secrets are revealed. It is Claire who helps Gabby understand why Sebastian is not the carefree fellow she knew so well back at her villa. In this book we meet our villain, Grant McFadden, a Scottish rebel out for revenge after his fiancé was raped and murdered by English soldiers. He is angry and shrewd and not to be underestimated. His tale is completed in the third book of the series where we also meet his sister Mairi. How delicious the way Sharon stirs it all up together into one big pot of stew.
I thoroughly enjoyed this piece, though, like Book 4 in the series, His Saving Grace, it should have been a novella. I loved how the plot and the romance intertwined, although there was too much repetition of Gabby’s and Sebastian’s salacious thoughts. We get it, they are overwhelmed by their attraction towards one another. I would have rather had a little more action, perhaps at the social events or even some additional interplay between Gabby and Claire, than unrequited lustful inner feelings. However, when the two lovers finally do get together, it is quite steamy. The storyline is pretty straightforward, short and sweet, really not much to develop. Yet, when things do start to happen, it is quite exciting. So, no fillers please. Tighten it up (although this book is already a quick read) or add in some more plot.
In spite of its flaws, I loved the fact that Sebastian finally found the one who was a perfect fit, and even though I already knew what would happen next (since I have read all the books in this series), I remained intrigued. Book 6 – Some love for Sir Colin?
Four stars.
I would like to thank Loveswept and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review was also posted on my blog, Gotta Read.
In this short novel, Cullen incorporates numerous characters from Books 1, 2, and 3. In Book 1, The Notorious Lady Anne, we are introduced to the pirate team of Lady Anne and Phin Lockwood as well as to Sebastian and his brother Nicholas. While Anne and Nick are on route for a vacation in Spain during the time span of this novel, Phin plays an integral role in the plot, albeit only as a minor character. He gets to tell his story, a completion of this one, in Book 3, Pleasuring the Pirate. Then there is Contessa Gabriella Marciano, our heroine, who also happens to be best friends with Sebastian’s sister, Lady Claire. We meet Gabby in Book 2, when Claire runs off to visit her friend’s home and inadvertently hooks up with Sebastian’s buddy Lord Blythe, Nathaniel Ferguson. Sebastian deduces that his little sis is headed to Venice where he tracks down the Contessa. The two seem a little too smug to be casual acquaintances when they finally meet up with Claire and Nathan, so the reader senses a romance.
And right they are. Sebastian and Gabriella have a short, yet torrid, three day affair with a mutual heads up that it will be a brief encounter, since both lovers have a busy life outside the bedroom. Seven months later the romance, which has never died, is rekindled when they discover they are both top spies for England’s Office of Intelligence who must work together to find out the identity of the traitor plotting with France to overthrow the King. Surprise and anger are their first reactions at incorrectly perceived deceptions, but lust rears its head as they are thrown together by necessity. As they face difficulties while spying together, Gabriella’s secrets are revealed. It is Claire who helps Gabby understand why Sebastian is not the carefree fellow she knew so well back at her villa. In this book we meet our villain, Grant McFadden, a Scottish rebel out for revenge after his fiancé was raped and murdered by English soldiers. He is angry and shrewd and not to be underestimated. His tale is completed in the third book of the series where we also meet his sister Mairi. How delicious the way Sharon stirs it all up together into one big pot of stew.
I thoroughly enjoyed this piece, though, like Book 4 in the series, His Saving Grace, it should have been a novella. I loved how the plot and the romance intertwined, although there was too much repetition of Gabby’s and Sebastian’s salacious thoughts. We get it, they are overwhelmed by their attraction towards one another. I would have rather had a little more action, perhaps at the social events or even some additional interplay between Gabby and Claire, than unrequited lustful inner feelings. However, when the two lovers finally do get together, it is quite steamy. The storyline is pretty straightforward, short and sweet, really not much to develop. Yet, when things do start to happen, it is quite exciting. So, no fillers please. Tighten it up (although this book is already a quick read) or add in some more plot.
In spite of its flaws, I loved the fact that Sebastian finally found the one who was a perfect fit, and even though I already knew what would happen next (since I have read all the books in this series), I remained intrigued. Book 6 – Some love for Sir Colin?
Four stars.
I would like to thank Loveswept and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review was also posted on my blog, Gotta Read.
September 3, 2016
Sebastian’s Lady Spy has adventure, steamy romance, great characters, and an intriguing plot. I loved reading it. It may seem an odd word to use, but it fits, this book was delightful.
On the outside, Sebastian has quite the life. Money, a title, good looks, etc. However, his life has never really been his own. Orphaned at sixteen, he raised his two siblings, only to become a servant of the crown as one of their top spies. The biggest sacrifice in this job is any kind of permanent relationship. So when he meets Gabrielle, and he loses his heart, he is forced to let her go.
Gabrielle was plucked from the streets at a young age and molded into a weapon for the good of England. Though she was saved from an unimaginable life, there is a part of her that yearns for those things she can never have, a husband, children, a family. But, she knows those things are beyond her reach and has accepted her position. Sebastian sneaks up and steals her heart, but she lets him go, knowing she has nothing to offer him.
Sebastian and Gabrielle are then thrown into an assignment together. Sebastian is unhappy to work with anyone, but working with Gabrielle is completely unacceptable. His passion for her consumes him and he knows she will be the ultimate distraction. However, he is given no choice and his incorrect assumptions about Gabrielle’s knowledge of who he was at their last encounter, cement his decision to cut her out of the investigation and do his best to stay away from her.
Gabrielle is not about to be left behind. Sebastian underestimates her and she is forced to prove her worth to him. Unfortunately, in the process, she falls for him all over again. The sparks between them are almost impossible to ignore and thought they are both good at their jobs, it is clear that the mission may become compromised because they are so consumed with each other.
The author has done a wonderful job of weaving this tale. There were a few surprises that kept it interesting and the cast of supporting characters rounded out the story nicely. Sebastian is quite hardheaded and very quick to assume the worst of people, but he is still captivating and it was easy to want to be in Gabrielle’s shoes.
Gabrielle is the ultimate string and independent woman. As a spy and assassin for the crown she would have to be. However, the author also took an unusual twist on this story that was actually pretty brave. Even today, when sex outside of marriage is so accepted, you will rarely find a story where the female heroine is forced to sleep with the target. It may get close, but in the end, she is often saved from having to commit this act, and if she does, she is treated as though she were prostituting herself. However, today, as it was then, men who sleep with the target are treated as somewhat of a hero, the playboy who can get all the women. So, for the author to put Gabrielle in the circumstances of the men, and keep her from seeming like a prostitute to the reader, seems like it would be a slippery slope. But, the author manages to do it. I liked Gabrielle very much and I felt empathy for the position she has been forced into.
This a creative love story and I shut the last page with a smile, satisfied that Gabrielle and Sebastian found their happily ever after. I was also caught by the other characters in the book who have a story of their own. I’ll definitely be putting those on my TBR.
On the outside, Sebastian has quite the life. Money, a title, good looks, etc. However, his life has never really been his own. Orphaned at sixteen, he raised his two siblings, only to become a servant of the crown as one of their top spies. The biggest sacrifice in this job is any kind of permanent relationship. So when he meets Gabrielle, and he loses his heart, he is forced to let her go.
Gabrielle was plucked from the streets at a young age and molded into a weapon for the good of England. Though she was saved from an unimaginable life, there is a part of her that yearns for those things she can never have, a husband, children, a family. But, she knows those things are beyond her reach and has accepted her position. Sebastian sneaks up and steals her heart, but she lets him go, knowing she has nothing to offer him.
Sebastian and Gabrielle are then thrown into an assignment together. Sebastian is unhappy to work with anyone, but working with Gabrielle is completely unacceptable. His passion for her consumes him and he knows she will be the ultimate distraction. However, he is given no choice and his incorrect assumptions about Gabrielle’s knowledge of who he was at their last encounter, cement his decision to cut her out of the investigation and do his best to stay away from her.
Gabrielle is not about to be left behind. Sebastian underestimates her and she is forced to prove her worth to him. Unfortunately, in the process, she falls for him all over again. The sparks between them are almost impossible to ignore and thought they are both good at their jobs, it is clear that the mission may become compromised because they are so consumed with each other.
The author has done a wonderful job of weaving this tale. There were a few surprises that kept it interesting and the cast of supporting characters rounded out the story nicely. Sebastian is quite hardheaded and very quick to assume the worst of people, but he is still captivating and it was easy to want to be in Gabrielle’s shoes.
Gabrielle is the ultimate string and independent woman. As a spy and assassin for the crown she would have to be. However, the author also took an unusual twist on this story that was actually pretty brave. Even today, when sex outside of marriage is so accepted, you will rarely find a story where the female heroine is forced to sleep with the target. It may get close, but in the end, she is often saved from having to commit this act, and if she does, she is treated as though she were prostituting herself. However, today, as it was then, men who sleep with the target are treated as somewhat of a hero, the playboy who can get all the women. So, for the author to put Gabrielle in the circumstances of the men, and keep her from seeming like a prostitute to the reader, seems like it would be a slippery slope. But, the author manages to do it. I liked Gabrielle very much and I felt empathy for the position she has been forced into.
This a creative love story and I shut the last page with a smile, satisfied that Gabrielle and Sebastian found their happily ever after. I was also caught by the other characters in the book who have a story of their own. I’ll definitely be putting those on my TBR.
March 31, 2015
3.5 Stars
Sebastian Addison, the the Earl of Claybrook lives a life dedicated to duty - duty to the Crown, his family and those under his care and has never wanted anything more than short affairs. Until he meets Contessa Gabrielle Marciano. After an intense three days together, both Sebastian and Gabrielle walk away because of their obligations and unaware that they are both agents of the Crown. Seven months later, Sebastian is tasked with finding a traitor believed to be a member of the ton and partnered with none other than Contessa Gabrielle Marciano to go undercover in the ton as a courting couple. For a man who has dedicated his life to his work as an operative for the Crown, he had done the unthinkable and fallen for Gabrielle and walking away from Gabrielle seven months earlier had been very difficult. Seeing her again awakens the attraction he had fought so hard to forget.
Contessa Gabrielle Marciano is no Contessa. Born into a very terrible background and faced with a life of prostitution at a very young age, she was recruited and trained by the Crown and her cover created to allow her move freely between worlds and among countries. Walking away from Sebastian seven months earlier had been heartbreaking and being forced to work with him is hard for her, but she has a duty as an operative.
Forced to assume the title at a young age, Sebastian never had time to be a young man sowing his wild oats and only lives to carry out his obligations until he meets the one woman who tempts him to want more. He is not used to the emotions that she provokes in him and struggles to contain them, to no avail. Gabrielle's cover as the Contessa includes a tarnished reputation as an easy woman and even though she has fallen for Sebastian, she knows the futility of wanting more from him. As they search for the traitor, they struggle to keep focus on their mission and not on their feelings.
SEBASTIAN'S LADY SPY is an easy and enjoyable story of two people who have dedicated their lives to duty, who discover that love is a more powerful and compelling force than duty. Gabrielle rose above her beginnings to become a formidable operative - one who is smart, tough and not to be underestimated. Sebastian is also a legendary spy - tough and lethal. Sebastian craves order in his world and what he feels for Gabrielle is far from orderly. The relationship between Sebastian and Gabrielle is a very passionate one, but also very distracting from the job at hand. This distraction actually affects the mission in a big way. The suspense was okay for me but left me with an unanswered question that I hope will be answered in the next book- how did the traitor know their identities? Also, they are some plot lines that were left hanging, with no actual resolution, that I would have loved to see closed off. However, it was still an enjoyable read.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
This review was originally posted on The Sassy Bookster
March 30, 2015
Sebastian’s Lady Spy
Sharon Cullen
Secrets and Seduction
Review: Sebastian spent a wonderful three days and nights with Gabrielle Marciano when it all must end because he is an operative for the crown and is being sent out on another mission. Unfortunately seven months later he is still not over his feelings for her, when he finds out she is also an operative and his partner for his next mission. At every turn he fights his feelings for her because he can’t risk letting her in again when nothing can come of their relationship. As their mission to catch a traitor and stop a French invasion gets more and more dangerous Sebastian finds it harder and harder to fight his heart and his body. Will Sebastian come to terms with his feelings before something happens to Gabrielle or himself?
I have not read the first four books in this series, but thankfully you do not have to read them to understand this book. I do think it may have made me like this story more. This book did have some very good qualities and many people would absolutely love this story. For me though, this book was just too fast paced. I had a hard time relating to either of the main characters because I feel they were just thrown at us. This is where I believe reading the other stories would have come in handy. At the end of this novel the author has a message that says that she had been asked for their story, which makes me believe they are mentioned in the other books.
Beyond the fast pace and the fact that I couldn’t relate to the characters I do believe that this was a very well written story. It had everything I would usually like in my romance novels. It had a romance that had its problems until the end, someone out to stop them from being together and a happy ending. The female lead was fairly independent and did not need a man to rescue her. Actually that was one of the things I really liked about this book. Instead of Sebastian having to save Gabrielle, it turned out she had to save him which was a nice twist.
I do believe that for some people this book will be perfect. For those who do not care how quickly a love story comes together this book is for you. For those like me who like a longer romance novel you may not enjoy this one as much.
I received a free ecopy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion.
Sharon Cullen
Secrets and Seduction
Review: Sebastian spent a wonderful three days and nights with Gabrielle Marciano when it all must end because he is an operative for the crown and is being sent out on another mission. Unfortunately seven months later he is still not over his feelings for her, when he finds out she is also an operative and his partner for his next mission. At every turn he fights his feelings for her because he can’t risk letting her in again when nothing can come of their relationship. As their mission to catch a traitor and stop a French invasion gets more and more dangerous Sebastian finds it harder and harder to fight his heart and his body. Will Sebastian come to terms with his feelings before something happens to Gabrielle or himself?
I have not read the first four books in this series, but thankfully you do not have to read them to understand this book. I do think it may have made me like this story more. This book did have some very good qualities and many people would absolutely love this story. For me though, this book was just too fast paced. I had a hard time relating to either of the main characters because I feel they were just thrown at us. This is where I believe reading the other stories would have come in handy. At the end of this novel the author has a message that says that she had been asked for their story, which makes me believe they are mentioned in the other books.
Beyond the fast pace and the fact that I couldn’t relate to the characters I do believe that this was a very well written story. It had everything I would usually like in my romance novels. It had a romance that had its problems until the end, someone out to stop them from being together and a happy ending. The female lead was fairly independent and did not need a man to rescue her. Actually that was one of the things I really liked about this book. Instead of Sebastian having to save Gabrielle, it turned out she had to save him which was a nice twist.
I do believe that for some people this book will be perfect. For those who do not care how quickly a love story comes together this book is for you. For those like me who like a longer romance novel you may not enjoy this one as much.
I received a free ecopy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion.
February 16, 2015
Sebastian Addison has a powerful secret. To society he is the Earl of Claybrook, the patriarch who raised his siblings after the death of their parents. But to the king, Sebastian is Britain’s top spy—a position that has taken an emotional toll on him. Contessa Gabrielle Marciano has also been living a lie, her title a cover devised by the Office of Intelligence. The femme fatale was plucked from a life of crime and prostitution and trained to restrain her passionate nature. Until she meets the earl.
For three deeply sensual days and nights, Sebastian and Gabrielle drop their masks, indulging in pleasures that seem too good to be true. Then the lovers go their separate ways. Seven months later they reunite when inside sources report that an English aristocrat has been aiding France in a plot to topple the Crown. Their objective: to find the turncoat. Their greatest challenge: to keep their wild, wounded hearts from derailing a mission of life and death.
This is a new to me author and I had not read the previous books. It didn’t seem to be a problem until maybe mid-way when I thought maybe some additional history on Sebastian would have helped a bit when his experience in raising his siblings is referenced. In any case, this story sounded intriguing given the spy-nature of it. The story started off well with the three days and nights spent by Sebastian and Gabrielle and then their reunion at the Office of the Intelligence.
The book kind of stalls in the middle though. For some reason, Sebastian is stuck on the unfairness of Gabrielle’s situation when she really had no choice in the matter and she repeatedly tells him that she is grateful. While Sebastian drowns himself in whiskey, Gabrielle takes care of business and then continues to do so when Sebastian is captured. As the story progressed, Sebastian just continues to be depicted as a whiny wuss. It would have been so much better if he could have worked with Gabrielle instead of trying to shield and protect her and do things on his own and by default, Gabrielle on her own. I understand that was his nature and life by circumstance, but for work one would think he would put his nature aside.
Overall, this book was ok.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
For three deeply sensual days and nights, Sebastian and Gabrielle drop their masks, indulging in pleasures that seem too good to be true. Then the lovers go their separate ways. Seven months later they reunite when inside sources report that an English aristocrat has been aiding France in a plot to topple the Crown. Their objective: to find the turncoat. Their greatest challenge: to keep their wild, wounded hearts from derailing a mission of life and death.
This is a new to me author and I had not read the previous books. It didn’t seem to be a problem until maybe mid-way when I thought maybe some additional history on Sebastian would have helped a bit when his experience in raising his siblings is referenced. In any case, this story sounded intriguing given the spy-nature of it. The story started off well with the three days and nights spent by Sebastian and Gabrielle and then their reunion at the Office of the Intelligence.
The book kind of stalls in the middle though. For some reason, Sebastian is stuck on the unfairness of Gabrielle’s situation when she really had no choice in the matter and she repeatedly tells him that she is grateful. While Sebastian drowns himself in whiskey, Gabrielle takes care of business and then continues to do so when Sebastian is captured. As the story progressed, Sebastian just continues to be depicted as a whiny wuss. It would have been so much better if he could have worked with Gabrielle instead of trying to shield and protect her and do things on his own and by default, Gabrielle on her own. I understand that was his nature and life by circumstance, but for work one would think he would put his nature aside.
Overall, this book was ok.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
March 31, 2015
This book has good and less good points. An Earl is also spying for the Crown and is instructed to help fend off a French invasion which will use Jacobites in Scotland to their purposes. He's not married as romancing ladies makes a good cover for him to traipse around Europe.
A Contessa who is used to being a kept mistress is also a spy and Sebastian only learns this months after his brief affair with her. Luckily they are on the same side. They are ordered to work together but Sebastian doesn't think this is proper.
I liked the character of the Contessa who has been taken from a bad start and made into the role she now plays. She is somewhat like Lily Langtry in that she is received in public at balls provided she's escorted by someone respectable, but is not considered a respectable woman. I also liked that we meet a gentleman who asks to be her protector to cover for the fact that he has a male lover.
I could not see an Earl being ordered about by an agent of the state as we are shown. This is too modern and James Bondish, as earls are not job holders or part of the civil service and have many other matters to occupy them, such as the House of Lords and maintaining their estates, to use as excuses. Spying by such persons was voluntary and not always considered quite proper, given the wealthy people of Northern Europe were related by being Norman or German families. The 'Scarlet Pimpernel' was voluntarily saving rich titled people from being murdered by peasants, a different matter.
I also note that everyone told one other person a secret and it was immediately broadcast. The abovementioned gentleman with a male lover, for instance, is to my mind going to be heavily blackmailed by the spymaster for names and activities of other such men, who in turn can be pressurised to vote certain ways, do certain things or anything else to avoid their secret coming out and being jailed. Anyone wanting to do this man a favour would not have told a soul about him.
There's plenty of adventure and danger in this story with several scene changes and much romance. While this is an adult romantic read, the characters and adventure are to the fore. If you take it as a romantic fantasy it's good fun.
A Contessa who is used to being a kept mistress is also a spy and Sebastian only learns this months after his brief affair with her. Luckily they are on the same side. They are ordered to work together but Sebastian doesn't think this is proper.
I liked the character of the Contessa who has been taken from a bad start and made into the role she now plays. She is somewhat like Lily Langtry in that she is received in public at balls provided she's escorted by someone respectable, but is not considered a respectable woman. I also liked that we meet a gentleman who asks to be her protector to cover for the fact that he has a male lover.
I could not see an Earl being ordered about by an agent of the state as we are shown. This is too modern and James Bondish, as earls are not job holders or part of the civil service and have many other matters to occupy them, such as the House of Lords and maintaining their estates, to use as excuses. Spying by such persons was voluntary and not always considered quite proper, given the wealthy people of Northern Europe were related by being Norman or German families. The 'Scarlet Pimpernel' was voluntarily saving rich titled people from being murdered by peasants, a different matter.
I also note that everyone told one other person a secret and it was immediately broadcast. The abovementioned gentleman with a male lover, for instance, is to my mind going to be heavily blackmailed by the spymaster for names and activities of other such men, who in turn can be pressurised to vote certain ways, do certain things or anything else to avoid their secret coming out and being jailed. Anyone wanting to do this man a favour would not have told a soul about him.
There's plenty of adventure and danger in this story with several scene changes and much romance. While this is an adult romantic read, the characters and adventure are to the fore. If you take it as a romantic fantasy it's good fun.
Read
April 1, 2015I’ve read all but the first in this series, and I really do enjoy Sharon Cullen’s ability to tell a story that is connected by some common threads, but each book stands alone nicely.
In this book, Sebastian, Earl of Claybrook is one of the King’s top agents. He’s carefully maintained his façade for society: they know him as the young man who did his duty, and provided for his siblings after his father’s death.
Contessa Gabrielle Marciano is also an agent for the King, with a façade created for her when she was removed from a rough life on the streets surviving by her wits, thievery and prostitution.
When they put aside their responsibilities and grab a few moments to be themselves, wholly immersed in their passion, their connection is electric, if wholly based in lust and fantasy. At the end of the affair, they part to concentrate on their own respective assignments. But when a threat arises, Sebastian and Gabrielle must work together to capture the miscreant while ignoring their past.
I loved Gabrielle! She was bold, intelligent, completely determined and utterly honest about what she wanted. Surprising as a spy has to be both duplicitous and a bit restrained, her ability to make Sebastian aware of the connection between them while not losing the plot was clever. On the other hand, while I understood Sebastian’s unwillingness to enter into a relationship with someone he really hadn’t bothered to develop a true connection with, he was often a stereotype of the titled man: heedless of other’s feelings because his were all that mattered. Still, there was an admiration of Gabrielle’s brains when he thought of her as a co-worker, and when he did make a few efforts to know her better and expand on their relationship, even though I didn’t believe it as much as I have in other installments of this series.
With plenty of action, twists, turns and secrets, the plot moves along quickly with plenty of surprise moments for readers to enjoy.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
In this book, Sebastian, Earl of Claybrook is one of the King’s top agents. He’s carefully maintained his façade for society: they know him as the young man who did his duty, and provided for his siblings after his father’s death.
Contessa Gabrielle Marciano is also an agent for the King, with a façade created for her when she was removed from a rough life on the streets surviving by her wits, thievery and prostitution.
When they put aside their responsibilities and grab a few moments to be themselves, wholly immersed in their passion, their connection is electric, if wholly based in lust and fantasy. At the end of the affair, they part to concentrate on their own respective assignments. But when a threat arises, Sebastian and Gabrielle must work together to capture the miscreant while ignoring their past.
I loved Gabrielle! She was bold, intelligent, completely determined and utterly honest about what she wanted. Surprising as a spy has to be both duplicitous and a bit restrained, her ability to make Sebastian aware of the connection between them while not losing the plot was clever. On the other hand, while I understood Sebastian’s unwillingness to enter into a relationship with someone he really hadn’t bothered to develop a true connection with, he was often a stereotype of the titled man: heedless of other’s feelings because his were all that mattered. Still, there was an admiration of Gabrielle’s brains when he thought of her as a co-worker, and when he did make a few efforts to know her better and expand on their relationship, even though I didn’t believe it as much as I have in other installments of this series.
With plenty of action, twists, turns and secrets, the plot moves along quickly with plenty of surprise moments for readers to enjoy.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
April 9, 2015
Posted on What I'm Reading
Where do I begin with Sebastian's Lady Spy, I mean found myself enthralled with the story. Let's start with Sebastian and Gabrielle and how they are good spies, normally. Before they ended up in bed together they were able to compartmentalize, but something happen between them. However, they decided to put their country first and foremost. They seem to be doing well until they were put on an assignment together. Both of them didn't know they were spies, so it was a shock to say the least. Things start to get a little hairy, after all they had strong emotions when they were last together. Anyway, they are forced to work together, and Sebastian doesn't handle the situation well.
I enjoyed Sebastian's Lady Spy, because we have to very independent people who are use to working alone and there are some trust issue. Eventually they work them out, but then start get to know one another. A big no-no in the spy world. So, Sebastian gets a little upset at the social injustice that Gabrielle had to face. She sees her life as survival. This causes a little conflict between Sebastian and Gabrielle. Not only that it causes issues into a case, emotions are never good thing in the spy game.
Overall, an enjoyable read. The pacing of Sebastian's Lady Spy is pretty good. Yes, I did find myself at an emotional tug-o-war at times. We have Sebastian trying to wall himself off from Gabrielle at times which in turns hurts her feelings. Yes, I did shed a few tears, because I felt for Gabrielle's situation. Here's the bottom line: If you are looking for a fairly quick read with a little spy romance, you might enjoy Sebastian's Lady Spy. If you haven't read any of the previous stories, I feel that you will be alright in that department.
Copy provided by Random House via NetGalley.
Where do I begin with Sebastian's Lady Spy, I mean found myself enthralled with the story. Let's start with Sebastian and Gabrielle and how they are good spies, normally. Before they ended up in bed together they were able to compartmentalize, but something happen between them. However, they decided to put their country first and foremost. They seem to be doing well until they were put on an assignment together. Both of them didn't know they were spies, so it was a shock to say the least. Things start to get a little hairy, after all they had strong emotions when they were last together. Anyway, they are forced to work together, and Sebastian doesn't handle the situation well.
I enjoyed Sebastian's Lady Spy, because we have to very independent people who are use to working alone and there are some trust issue. Eventually they work them out, but then start get to know one another. A big no-no in the spy world. So, Sebastian gets a little upset at the social injustice that Gabrielle had to face. She sees her life as survival. This causes a little conflict between Sebastian and Gabrielle. Not only that it causes issues into a case, emotions are never good thing in the spy game.
Overall, an enjoyable read. The pacing of Sebastian's Lady Spy is pretty good. Yes, I did find myself at an emotional tug-o-war at times. We have Sebastian trying to wall himself off from Gabrielle at times which in turns hurts her feelings. Yes, I did shed a few tears, because I felt for Gabrielle's situation. Here's the bottom line: If you are looking for a fairly quick read with a little spy romance, you might enjoy Sebastian's Lady Spy. If you haven't read any of the previous stories, I feel that you will be alright in that department.
Copy provided by Random House via NetGalley.
April 5, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
This was a short, flirty little romp of a story with adventure, spies, death, misadventure, hidden social taboos, blackmail, women’s rights, and more stuffed into it willy-nilly. It’s hard to believe that so much could be packed into so little space, but there you have it. A talented author can do magical things with words, can’t they?
While some of the story was lost in translation as I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the story line, it was easy enough to follow. Sebastian and Gabrielle were both spies for England–Sebastian’s aristocratic lineage could get him into places most people couldn’t dream of being; Gabrielle because of circumstances beyond her control. They’d parted six months earlier after a brief three day affair; being reunited to work together over this case made both of them unhappy. That she was a spy surprised him; that he was a spy didn’t surprise her but it didn’t make her happy either. They both knew that their future could never be. But forces beyond their ken were playing a dark game, and either they could fight to live…
Or die in each other’s arms.
The sex scenes were hot, the chemistry was undeniable, but I felt the story suffered from its brevity. I felt that some of the emotional attachment felt unrealistic, and that some of the characters held on to their anger and/or coldness a little too long. I felt it was forced. However, it was overall an enjoyable read and for whiling away an afternoon, certainly is worth giving a try. Thanks!
3.5 stars
This was a short, flirty little romp of a story with adventure, spies, death, misadventure, hidden social taboos, blackmail, women’s rights, and more stuffed into it willy-nilly. It’s hard to believe that so much could be packed into so little space, but there you have it. A talented author can do magical things with words, can’t they?
While some of the story was lost in translation as I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the story line, it was easy enough to follow. Sebastian and Gabrielle were both spies for England–Sebastian’s aristocratic lineage could get him into places most people couldn’t dream of being; Gabrielle because of circumstances beyond her control. They’d parted six months earlier after a brief three day affair; being reunited to work together over this case made both of them unhappy. That she was a spy surprised him; that he was a spy didn’t surprise her but it didn’t make her happy either. They both knew that their future could never be. But forces beyond their ken were playing a dark game, and either they could fight to live…
Or die in each other’s arms.
The sex scenes were hot, the chemistry was undeniable, but I felt the story suffered from its brevity. I felt that some of the emotional attachment felt unrealistic, and that some of the characters held on to their anger and/or coldness a little too long. I felt it was forced. However, it was overall an enjoyable read and for whiling away an afternoon, certainly is worth giving a try. Thanks!
April 8, 2015
After three blissful days – and nights – together, Sebastian and Gabrielle part ways; they both have business to attend to. They barely know each other apart from the fact that they are very attracted to each other. If only Sebastian weren’t a spy, things could be otherwise. But unbeknownst to him, so is Gabrielle, and Sebastian is shocked when he learns that he will have to work with Gabrielle on a mission for the British Crown’s Office of Intelligence; Sebastian always works alone, but not this time.
SEBASTIAN’S LADY SPY is absolutely superb! I loved it from beginning to end, and it was so interesting, I read it in one sitting! Sebastian and Gabrielle are splendid characters, and Ms. Cullen provides much detailed background on both as well. Gabrielle is one of the most fascinating characters I have ever read: she’s brave, as tough as Sebastian, and so wonderfully seductive. Sebastian is a wonderful hero: he is not an arrogant, egotistical rake, even though he is an earl. The secondary characters, such as Lord Wilcott and Phin Lockwood, are just as captivating.
SEBASTIAN’S LADY SPY is very well-written, fast-paced, the story is very strong with quite a bit of suspense, it’s dramatic and intense; there is not a dull moment. In SEBASTIAN’S LADY SPY, there is love, romance, passion, adventure; Ms. Cullen strikes a perfect balance between romance, passion and action: splendid! A must read!
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for making this fabulous book available to me.
SEBASTIAN’S LADY SPY is absolutely superb! I loved it from beginning to end, and it was so interesting, I read it in one sitting! Sebastian and Gabrielle are splendid characters, and Ms. Cullen provides much detailed background on both as well. Gabrielle is one of the most fascinating characters I have ever read: she’s brave, as tough as Sebastian, and so wonderfully seductive. Sebastian is a wonderful hero: he is not an arrogant, egotistical rake, even though he is an earl. The secondary characters, such as Lord Wilcott and Phin Lockwood, are just as captivating.
SEBASTIAN’S LADY SPY is very well-written, fast-paced, the story is very strong with quite a bit of suspense, it’s dramatic and intense; there is not a dull moment. In SEBASTIAN’S LADY SPY, there is love, romance, passion, adventure; Ms. Cullen strikes a perfect balance between romance, passion and action: splendid! A must read!
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for making this fabulous book available to me.
April 21, 2015
Sebastian's Lady Spy
by Sharon Cullen
4 out of 5 stars
Though I have not read any other books in this series this book can easily be read as a standalone. Sebastian and Gabrielle met seven months ago and spent three days together. On the outside, Sebastian has money, a title, good looks, etc. Since the age of sixteen, he has raised two siblings and he became a servant to crown – one of their premiere spies. His life has never really been his own. His biggest sacrifice in this job is any kind of permanent relationship. So when he meets Gabrielle, and he loses his heart, he is forced to let her go as no spy is allowed to have a relationship.
Gabrielle was plucked from the streets at the young age of twelve and molded into a weapon for the good of England. Though she was saved from an unimaginable life, there is a part of her that yearns for those things she can never have, a husband, children, a family. But, she knows those things are beyond her reach and has long since accepted her position. Sebastian stole her heart all those months ago, but she let him go, knowing she has nothing to offer him.
Fast forward to the present and the crown has brought them together to work as a team... Now things get really interesting. There is suspense and romance. Definitely worth the read. There are times that I wish more time was spent developing certain characters but that might have been done in prior books in this series.
by Sharon Cullen
4 out of 5 stars
Though I have not read any other books in this series this book can easily be read as a standalone. Sebastian and Gabrielle met seven months ago and spent three days together. On the outside, Sebastian has money, a title, good looks, etc. Since the age of sixteen, he has raised two siblings and he became a servant to crown – one of their premiere spies. His life has never really been his own. His biggest sacrifice in this job is any kind of permanent relationship. So when he meets Gabrielle, and he loses his heart, he is forced to let her go as no spy is allowed to have a relationship.
Gabrielle was plucked from the streets at the young age of twelve and molded into a weapon for the good of England. Though she was saved from an unimaginable life, there is a part of her that yearns for those things she can never have, a husband, children, a family. But, she knows those things are beyond her reach and has long since accepted her position. Sebastian stole her heart all those months ago, but she let him go, knowing she has nothing to offer him.
Fast forward to the present and the crown has brought them together to work as a team... Now things get really interesting. There is suspense and romance. Definitely worth the read. There are times that I wish more time was spent developing certain characters but that might have been done in prior books in this series.
April 24, 2015
I like a good mash-up of genres. Sebastian's Lady Spy did a great job of putting together a historical with a really nice suspenseful element mixed right in. We have two spies being "forced" to work together. The problem is that they have very strong feelings towards each other, and that seems to be getting in Sebastian's way. It was nice to see a guy getting all emotional and the girl keep their head and get the job done for a change.
I really liked Gabrielle. The more I found out about her, the more I liked her. The only exception to this was that she thought she wasn't "good enough" for Sebastian as more than a passing fancy. I wish she had been as confident her herself as she was in her syping skills. Sebastian is a bit of a jerk for a little too long. He refuses to let Gabrielle do her job and he refuses to really have anything to do with her - all because he cares. *eye roll*
OK - once Sebasian gets his head out of his butt, the story really takes off with quite a good mystery spy chase theme. Our characters find out that they each have a piece of the puzzle and really learn to trust each other to get the job done right. There was an incredible ending where I thought everyone was going get snuffed, but whew - thank goodness I was reading a romance. A great HEA to wrap it all up.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
I really liked Gabrielle. The more I found out about her, the more I liked her. The only exception to this was that she thought she wasn't "good enough" for Sebastian as more than a passing fancy. I wish she had been as confident her herself as she was in her syping skills. Sebastian is a bit of a jerk for a little too long. He refuses to let Gabrielle do her job and he refuses to really have anything to do with her - all because he cares. *eye roll*
OK - once Sebasian gets his head out of his butt, the story really takes off with quite a good mystery spy chase theme. Our characters find out that they each have a piece of the puzzle and really learn to trust each other to get the job done right. There was an incredible ending where I thought everyone was going get snuffed, but whew - thank goodness I was reading a romance. A great HEA to wrap it all up.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
February 1, 2015
#5 in the "Secrets and Seduction" series, but can be read as a stand alone. Although, I would recommend reading the others in this fast paced spy thriller built on passion, country, traitors,and romance.
You can't help but be absorbed by Sebastian and Gabrielle's story. Their passion about each other, their country,and their mission.A quick, fast paced, intriguing tale of danger, and finding love. Both,Sebastian and Gabrielle,are considered the best spies in England, both passionate about their missions and both brought to their knees by love.
With the right mixture of romance, steamy passion, danger and suspense, "Sebastian's Lady Spy", is thrilling, engaging, compelling and dangerous. Once again, Ms. Cullen, has created an awesome spy tale, that brings her unique blend of romance and suspense. An awesome read, one to be savored and enjoyed! I can't wait to read more about Phin Lockwood,one of the pirates, in this series,and his story.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Review by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
You can't help but be absorbed by Sebastian and Gabrielle's story. Their passion about each other, their country,and their mission.A quick, fast paced, intriguing tale of danger, and finding love. Both,Sebastian and Gabrielle,are considered the best spies in England, both passionate about their missions and both brought to their knees by love.
With the right mixture of romance, steamy passion, danger and suspense, "Sebastian's Lady Spy", is thrilling, engaging, compelling and dangerous. Once again, Ms. Cullen, has created an awesome spy tale, that brings her unique blend of romance and suspense. An awesome read, one to be savored and enjoyed! I can't wait to read more about Phin Lockwood,one of the pirates, in this series,and his story.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Review by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
April 2, 2015
Sebastian's Lady Spy is book five in Sharon Cullen's Secrets and Seductions series it can be read as a stand-alone. It was enjoyable I like reading it I enjoyed the characters and and their history, but nothing else much stood out. I think the only thing that makes this book stand out from others in the Historical Spy troupe is Gabriella and her true origins.
Sebastian is one of the best spy's for the crown, on a personal trip to Italy he meets up with Contessa Gabriella Marciano and they share three steamy lustful day together each knowing it will never last beyond that. Seven months later back in England Sebastian is ordered to work with a partner to find the man behind the uprising that has been whispered about. Sebastian is thrown for a loop when his mission is to pretend to court Gabriella. Gabriella is also a spy for the crown and has been almost her whole life.
Working together is harder than Sebastian; he hasn't been able to stop thinking about the woman and now here she is and a spy no less. But even with the distraction of their attraction they work out the ploy and have a typical HEA.
Sebastian is one of the best spy's for the crown, on a personal trip to Italy he meets up with Contessa Gabriella Marciano and they share three steamy lustful day together each knowing it will never last beyond that. Seven months later back in England Sebastian is ordered to work with a partner to find the man behind the uprising that has been whispered about. Sebastian is thrown for a loop when his mission is to pretend to court Gabriella. Gabriella is also a spy for the crown and has been almost her whole life.
Working together is harder than Sebastian; he hasn't been able to stop thinking about the woman and now here she is and a spy no less. But even with the distraction of their attraction they work out the ploy and have a typical HEA.
June 28, 2015
An absolute wonderful spy book.
I read the first book in this series, The Notorious Lady Anne, and loved it. Then I zipped over to this one, #5, now I think I might have to go back and read the 3 I missed.
This is a wonderful story and Sebastian and Gabrielle are wonderful characters. Their chemistry is just off the wall. Neither one can forget the 3 days they spent together seven months ago in Venice and now they’re working together in London. Their thoughts and feelings are remarkable. Actually, they were obsessed with each other. And when they got to it it was very nicely written (each time). Nothing dirty or erotic, just down to earth romantic sex.
I like Gabrielle’s back story. She’d come a long way from her beginnings. And I just love it when someone from the aristocracy is a spy, like Sebastian.
Overall this was one of my favorite spy stories. It was both so exciting and so romantic and I truly feel like I read a 350 page book. There was everything I need in a romance but it was only 168 pages.
I read the first book in this series, The Notorious Lady Anne, and loved it. Then I zipped over to this one, #5, now I think I might have to go back and read the 3 I missed.
This is a wonderful story and Sebastian and Gabrielle are wonderful characters. Their chemistry is just off the wall. Neither one can forget the 3 days they spent together seven months ago in Venice and now they’re working together in London. Their thoughts and feelings are remarkable. Actually, they were obsessed with each other. And when they got to it it was very nicely written (each time). Nothing dirty or erotic, just down to earth romantic sex.
I like Gabrielle’s back story. She’d come a long way from her beginnings. And I just love it when someone from the aristocracy is a spy, like Sebastian.
Overall this was one of my favorite spy stories. It was both so exciting and so romantic and I truly feel like I read a 350 page book. There was everything I need in a romance but it was only 168 pages.
April 10, 2015
As always I want to thank Random House Loveswept and NetGalley for providing us with a copy of this book so that we can bring you this review.
Well we all know I love Sharon Cullen and this series. Well what can I say about Sebastian… that he’s an ass for a big part of this… or how about that I wanted to smack him across the head for denying what he knows in his heart. One of the things that kills me about Sebastian is that he lives the same lifestyle that Gabrielle does and the say he reacts to it is like she’d kept something important from him when all she has done is what she is supposed to do. Now what can I say about Gabrielle other than she is awesome. She fought as a young girl and continues to fight and kick butt as an adult. She is able to come face to face with those who want nothing more than to hurt her and perseveres. I look forward to hearing more about these characters in future books
I give this 5 kisses
Happy reading… Adri
Well we all know I love Sharon Cullen and this series. Well what can I say about Sebastian… that he’s an ass for a big part of this… or how about that I wanted to smack him across the head for denying what he knows in his heart. One of the things that kills me about Sebastian is that he lives the same lifestyle that Gabrielle does and the say he reacts to it is like she’d kept something important from him when all she has done is what she is supposed to do. Now what can I say about Gabrielle other than she is awesome. She fought as a young girl and continues to fight and kick butt as an adult. She is able to come face to face with those who want nothing more than to hurt her and perseveres. I look forward to hearing more about these characters in future books
I give this 5 kisses
Happy reading… Adri
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