Seduced by a Spy

Merlin's Maidens #2

by Andrea Pickens

They were once orphans from London's roughest slums. Now they are students of Mrs. Merlin's Academy for Select Young Ladies, learning the techniques of spying and seduction. Bold, beautiful, and oh-so-dangerous, they are England's ultimate secret weapons...
Hot-tempered and a warrior to the bone, Shannon is the most daring of "Merlin Maidens." Her assignment: stop the fiendishly cruel assassin who is targeting a top British ballistics expert's family. Marshalling her intelligence, fighting skills, and weapons is easy. Being forced to work with the rakishly handsome Russian spy she loathes is something else.
Witty, resourceful, and notorious for his rakish charm with women, Alexandr Orlov tempts Shannon's fierce reserve and lithe body to win her trust. But in the remote Scottish castle where they are sent to protect the innocent, their games of parry and thrust could end in death. A ruthless enemy is watching...and planning to turn their passion into the most dangerous weapon of all.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Espionage, Fiction

358 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Andrea Pickens is a pseudonym for an author who has also written as Cara Elliott for Grand Central and Andrea Penrose for Kensington and NAL. Her historical mysteries and romantic novels are set in Regency England, an era that has fascinated her ever since she picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A graduate of Yale, she has won numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for historical mystery, the Golden Leaf, and she’s been a three-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award. Her books have been translated into nine different languages.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Merlina teams up with a Russian spy to stop an assassin targeting the children of a top British ballistics expert. Sailing to Ireland, then to Scotland, they go incognito as a governess and a tutor. A remote castle in Scotland may not be as easy to guard as expected. Complications arrive in the form of visitors from London making it more difficult to to protect the children and their grandmother. The killer maybe among the visitors within the castle. Only their viligence, training and experience will save the children and their grandmother. It's no surprise that two spies with much in common, together on a dangerous mission, are no longer enemies, but lovers. Kisses and closed bedroom door.
Recommend this series, especially if you like strong women who can mentally and physically take care of themselves.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from BOOKSPROUT..
(4 1/2*STARS)

[RUSA CODES · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Read-Alike title for The Spymaster’s Lady, the Reading List winner in the Romance category for 2009. For the complete list, go to http://ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/aw...

[Fanosse23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduced by a Spy is the second book in the Merlin Maiden’s series by Andrea Pickens. Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Select Young Ladies, is made up of young orphaned girls that used to live in the slums of London. Now they are trained to be a spy, trained in the art of spying and seduction.

In this story, we have Shannon, hot tempered, bold, beautiful, and oh-so-dangerous, she is the most daring of the the “Merlin Maidens”. Her first assignment is a mission to take out D’Etienne, an agent of Napoleon. On her assignment she runs into Orlov, a Russian spy who she she has already crossed paths with before. Their assignments are identical and when they meet everything goes wrong and the mission a flop.

They travel back to England, and against all odds their bosses which them to join together, travel to Scotland and to take down D’Etienne. Shannon and Orlov are not happy about this decision but they go under cover as a governess and tutor and with fake documents to infiltrate the household of Angus McAllister. His wards are there and in danger, they are being taken care of by his elderly mother and need protection.

In a remote Scottish castle, charming Alexandr Orlov and Shannon must resist the passion growing between them while protecting the innocent. Their flirtation could turn deadly, as a ruthless enemy plans to use their attraction against them. I loved the interactions with the children, Orlov showed a different side of his personality and the feelings he was growing for Shannon were endearing. It was obvious they loved the children and their growing affection was crumbling the walls they have created around their hearts. A ruthless enemy is watching...and planning to turn their passion into the most dangerous weapon of all.

I am enjoying this series and the ladies from Mrs. Merlin’s Academy. In both stories the heroine is engaging, different, strong, bold, and is a force to be reckoned with as they carry out their assignments.

Seduced by a Spy is a story with great characters, intrigue, humor, action-packed adventure, romance, and will keep you engaged from start to finish. I look forward to the next story in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous! I am loving this series and this book was especially captivating because of the pull and tug, the fire and ice interactions between the Merlin’s Marauder Shannon and the Russian spy/mercenary Alexandr Orlov. Shannon has been recruited by the Marquess of Linsley to be a student at Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Extraordinary Young Women, a school for street wise orphans trained to be of use in military missions. When given her first solitary mission she realizes she has a problem when she encounters none other than the thief that surprised her when she had went to aid her friend and fellow Merlin Siena in book one of this series. That “thief” was Alexandr Orlov, a charming rogue and very successful mercenary, but unknown to either of them their missions are the same except for different countries and now they will be working together. Enemies but having admiration for the abilities of each other and an undeniable attraction that neither can allow to interfere with their mission because there is a true enemy out there wishing to harm a grandmother and her two precious grandchildren. The book carries them to Ireland and back and then to Scotland where they will encounter numerous problems with a whole host of characters but with the help of a delightfully intuitive grandmother and two adorable inquisitive youngsters Shannon and Alexandr will find their hearts opening to new things while all their hard training is put to the ultimate test. My favorite quote is from Shannon: “The man was indeed a master thief, for he had stolen her heart…” A book that held me captive, no way was I stopping until the very end and along the way I cringed, I smiled, I cried, I laughed, I worried but most of all I enjoyed a story well told.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series relating to Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Select Young Ladies; orphaned young girls formerly living in the slums of London, brought to the school to receive an education, and be trained in the art of espionage and seduction. Each lady has an individual talent. In this story, which focuses on Shannon, we have a hot tempered, bold, beautiful, fearless heroine who is also dangerous.

Her first assignment required her to take out D’Etienne, an agent of Napoleon. Along the way, she meets Russian agent, Alexandr Olav who is tasked with the same assignment. Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong does and the mission is a flop. They return to England. This time, Shannon’s second assignment has her travelling to the wilds of a Scottish castle to protect three people: namely a feisty old woman and Angus McAllister’s two young children, Prescott, and Emma. Angus is the crown’s explosives expert. Shannon and Alexandr will pose as the children’s governess and tutor, respectively.

D’Ettienne is desperate, cunning, and determined to see his current assignment to completion and success so it is up to Shannon and Alexandr and their combined skills to outwit this oh so cunning villain and escape unscathed. The last few pages moved along at a very quick pace with the mission heating up, the danger ramping up and lots of sparks flying between the two.

Another really good story by Andrea Pickens that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to the next in the series. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and leave my review voluntarily.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.....

This series gets better and better. We visit again with Shannon and Alexandr Orlov, they are meant for each other but put up a great fight NOT to succumb to the obvious. They work very well together and compliment each others skills.It is interesting how they each have trust issues and desperately want to trust the other, but they get in their own ways.

I adored the Dowager, Lady Octavia, she is spunky and takes no prisoners! I loved how she took things in stride and aided our intrepid duo. The children added a lovely chance for Shannon to see another side to Alexandr. It helped them both see additional possibilities for their lives.

The ending with the villian had me surprised, clutching my tablet a bit tightly and finally cheering. I appreciated Ms. Pickens' flair in the final moments of the villain. I occasionally find myself wishing for a STRONG comeuppance and it was delivered! Thank you, Ms. Pickens. The other lesser villian, Lady Sylvia, and her cronies got off a bit easy, in my opinion, but they were not the focus, so needs must.

I look forward to coming adventures with Merlin's Marauders and hope at some point perhaps Lord Lynsley will find his own HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Seduced by a Spy” is Andrea Pickens’ latest re-release in the Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Extraordinary Young Ladies series. In this story, Shannon is dispatched to Ireland to take out an assassin before he can get to a high value British citizen. As Shannon is scoping out the situation, she discovers that Alexandr Orlov is also on scene. The two briefly clashed swords in the previous book in the series. They soon discover they are after the same thing, but danger lurks around every corner even while they grapple with their growing feelings for each other.

This story has it all. Shannon’s spunkiness is delightful, Orlov’s tenderness with children is moving. There is a satisfying romantic tension between the two. Both characters are extremely good at what they do, so when they go undercover there is an added touch of humor as they try to behave in ways that just aren’t natural to them.

This story is great for readers who enjoy good old-fashioned adventure with their romance.

I received an advance review copy for free from Oliver Heber Books via Booksprout, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon is seen to be the volatile in temperament of Merlin Marauders but life has taught her to strike first! She is sent on her first assignment alone and encounters the mysterious Russian Alexandr Orlov in very remote part of Ireland! She managed to save both of them and to keep alive long enough to return to England! Alex also took a bullet for her so maybe they are even! Oh honey not yet! Theirs is just meant to be an explosive alliance in more ways than one!
The next villain they track to Scotland deepens their bond and need to rely on the skill of the other! This villain is despicable enough to retaliate against Angus McAllister an explosive expert for Englands defense!
Shannon and Alex are to guard a fiesty old woman and her two young charges!
But when a villain is as cunning and desperate as D’Ettienne all bets are off! It is going to take all of their combined skills and courage to escape with their lives! But they just may loose their hearts in the process! Bravo well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bunkqueena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again Ms.Pickens doesn’t disappoint! I have come to love and expect an adventure each time I pick up one of her books. Each one seems like great little history lesson wrapped up in a wonderful story filled with unexpected characters that keep you guessing. I love how her hero and heroine start as adversaries but thru the course of the plot uncover qualities that surprise and draw them together.

This story introduces us to the philosophy of Sun Tzu and “The Art of War” and Shannon and Alexandr, the best of the best, skilled in the art of warfare and espionage. Each work undercover doing the most dangerous work behind the scenes to keep their country safe, Shannon’s England and Alex’s Russia. The pair are brought together against a single enemy and travel to Scotland to protect an enemy target and to eliminate the him once and for all.

I really enjoyed this book and am so looking forward to the others to follow in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courage, tenacity … love?
Nobody has heard about Mrs. Merlin’s Academy. And for good reason. It is an academy for lady spies recruiting its members among the orphans in the rookeries. Shannon is a full-fledged Merlin and must collaborate with Alexander Orlov, a reprobate Russian spy, to eliminate a French spy threatening the security of England. Napoleon may be exiled but peace is fragile at best. After failing to apprehend the spy in Ireland, they are sent to Scotland to protect two children, wards of a ballistics genius, living with their grandmother, posing as tutors. Then, waiting spell begins, suspecting everybody. They will have to learn to trust each other, to work together to protect their two precious charges.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Seduced by a Spy" by Andrea Pickens is a captivating historical romance that earns a solid 4-star rating. The novel intricately weaves elements of intrigue, romance, and adventure, set against the backdrop of Regency-era England.

The story introduces us to the resourceful and intelligent heroine, Shannon, who is not your typical damsel in distress. Her character is well-developed and relatable, bringing a refreshing angle to the genre. The chemistry between Shannon and the enigmatic spy, Orlov, is palpable, drawing readers into their dynamic relationship. Their dialogues are witty and engaging, adding a delightful depth to their interactions.

[NelleRenn]

This series is very interesting and keeps my attention. The heroine is one of the students from Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Extraordinary Young Women, a school for street wise orphans trained to be at ease socially while still being able to defend themselves and protect others. This book takes one of the students and pairs her with another spy so they can protect a grandmother and grandchildren. They pose as a governess and a tutor and do a lot of traveling. Of course, they fall in love and need to keep their defenses up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book on the Merlins Maidens series was an exciting and original regency romance that is about a female spy who trained in a British school to help protect the crown. This story has a hot tempered warrior who is the most daring of the girls and a rakish handsome Russian spy who are forced to work together in a remote Scothish castle. I enjoyed how they started out begrudgingly working together to friends and then to something so much more. I recommend reading.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thief Orlov has hidden depths as it revealed that he is a Russian spy. After a mission where he inadvertently ended up working with Shannon they are assigned a mission to bring down a powerful enemy by posing as a tutor and governess. Emma and Prescott were brave orphans and their grandmother was a riot. I had a feeling about their greedy aunt and her friends and there a few hair raising moments thwarting the enemy in this steamy historical spy romance.

[Barbara Literski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Another great story about the ladies from Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Select Young Ladies. Now you meet Shannon as she embarks on a new job. The only problem is she will be working with Alexandr Orlov. They are going to Scotland to be a tutor and governess to two children, Prescott and Emma.
There is a lot that happens so it would be best to read the story.

[Sven · Rating 3 out of 5]

You work better with a partner than not, Shannon and Alex may start off opposing each other with one goal, but they decide to gang up on their 2nd mission that takes them to Scotland to protect 3 people. With their fake identities, a spy to catch, and feelings getting the way, things heat up until they fall in love.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

More lady spies…

I like this series that focuses on a lady’s ability to fight, use weapons and most importantly, their wits. This is kind of a Historical Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Shannon is tough and Alexandr is a player, spy and rake. I liked Shannon better. I would have liked to see her with someone bookish.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun regency enemies to lovers story. Shannon and Alex are spies who have been on opposite sides in the past but must team up together on a new assignment. Along the way they go from begrudging coworkers to friends to something a whole lot more.

[Udvita · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really loved this book, even more than the 1st!! i liked the interactions bw shannon and orlov, they were so funny sometimes hahahaha. this could have been a 5⭐ read but idk; a special spark was missing from this.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspenseful story with action and heart, lots of twists and surprises, and an intricate plot. I loved Shannon and Orlov and the way they interacted with each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good writing, interesting storyline, captivating characters, some suspense and a HEA make for a good book. Couldn’t put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this action, romantic thriller with two very skillful, stealthy pair assigned to protect two adorable children and their unconventional grandmother. Excellent book two of the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette Meier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I found my way back to this series . . . adventure, spice, children & a formidable Countess - what more could you ask for . . . oh and a young woman who can wield a sword as well as any pirate!

[Karen Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much violence and cloak and digger.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Shannon stop an assassin from finding his target. Can she also avoid Alexandr's charm all whilst working with him to stop an assassin in a remote part of Scotland.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by Ms Pickens: thoroughly enjoyed it and I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, I hated this book when I first started reading it. The story was boring, nothing was happening, the plot was plodding, and the writing wasn't really very good either. (Part of my complaint is that details from the first book are often mentioned, but I can't remember the details from the first book! A little MORE exposition would be handy here, OR a little less referencing the first book.) I have to wonder if maybe even the author was bored with it. I started marking pages with ridiculous writing.* At around the 150 page mark, I almost gave up. For some reason, I kept reading.

And then it finally took off! Finally, things were happening! Spy things! Romance things! ANY thing! Before I knew it, hours had passed and I was still reading, and loving it!

Shannon is one of the supersecret superspecial Merlins, orphan girls who were taken in off the streets and given thorough spy training. She is sent off on a mission to bring down a French baddie who has it out for England; along the way she crosses paths with supersecret Russian Spy Alexandr Orlov. (I wasted far too much brain energy wondering about the difference in pronunciation between Alexander and Alexandr, because Orlov makes a point of it once.) They hate each other. But sparks fly! You'll be treated multiple times to a fire and ice metaphor that Ms Pickens seems inordinately fond of, as well as steel and flint metaphors, and various fire metaphors. Because, did I mention? sparks fly!

Shannon and Orlov are sent off on a joint international spy mission to Scotland. Together! They pose as a governess and tutor. A whole lot of nothing happens for the next 100 pages. Even the characters complain that nothing is happening.

But then the story takes off, and it really is rather captivating. If you like that sort of thing. Which I do.

The beginning was 2 stars (barely) and the ending was 4 stars, so ... I average that out to 3 stars.



* Here are all the ridiculous passages I was marking:

page 97: "She paled but Orlov saw her eyes turn the color of windswept granite. A hard, unyielding shade of green gray." (I mean, WTF you guys? "windswept granite"??? really? That metaphor is so bad, it has to be explained in the next sentence!!!!)

page 106: "For an instant, his eyes darkened to a stormy blue and whitecaps seemed to swirl up from the depths. Just as quickly, the squall settled to a flat calm." (SERIOUSLY??? are these people ALIENS? I have never seen WHITECAPS appear in anyone's eyes.)

page 110: "her body molded against his with exquisite ease. Her breasts were like points of fire, igniting a groan deep in his chest."

page 272: "His eyes, swirling like liquid steel, met hers." (yes, this is the same guy who had whitecaps earlier. Clearly an alien.)

[Maria Elmvang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Merlin's Academy for Select Young Ladies is not what it appears to be. Rather than being a respectable school for young women, it's an academy that helps young orphan girls by removing them from the slums of London and giving them a career… a career as a spy.

Shannon is one of these orphans and as the tale begins she is sent out on a mission to take out D'Etienne, one of Napoleon's agents. Unbeknownst to her, Orlov, a Russian spy is sent out on the exact same mission and they meet up at a very inopportune moment. Their mission failed, they travel back to England, only to discover that their respective employers have decided to join forces and use Orlov and Shannon as a team, sending them to Scotland where D'Etienne is likely to show up next.

Shannon and Orlov decide on a temporary truce, but disguised as governess and tutor they find more than they bargained for in the wild moors of Scotland. Love for both their charges and each other threatens to break through their cold and cynical facades. Will they ever be able to go back to being cold and disengaged again?

Seduced by a Spy is a wonderful action novel with an atmosphere typical to that of regency novels, and lovers of Georgette Heyer's work will be delighted to find this modern-day alternative. Slow to start, it quickly picks up pace and captivates you completely, and I found it difficult to put down before the last page was turned. Combining action and romance with a good sense of humour and you end up with "a ripping good tale", as Orlov's pupil would put it.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shannon Sloane was an orphan on the streets of London until the Marquess of Lynsley rescued her and sent her to the school he finances, Miss Merlin's Academy for Select Young Ladies. Girls there are trained to be British goverment agents known as "Merlin's Maidens." Shannon is given an assignment to neutralize a very dangerous French assassin. Russian agent Alexandr Orlov is given the same assignment, and the two come into contact with one another, not for the first time. The British and Russian governments decide that Shannon and Alexandr should work together, and they are sent to Scotland as tutor and governess to two children who are believed to be targets of the assassin. Visitors to the Scottish castle where they are assigned comlicate matters as Shannon and Alexandr try to protect the children and find out who is in league with the French assassin. For me this book was just okay. I didn't dislike it, but it just never grabbed my attention and pulled me into the story. This was the second in a series, and although the book stood alone, I believe I might have enjoyed it more if I would have read the first book where these characters were first introduced.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second novel in Pickens' "Merlin" trilogy, which builds upon the brief showdown in The Spy Wore Silk between Shannon, one of three agents-in-training for the British intelligence service of the Napoleonic era, and Russian agent Alexander Orlov. It being well established that they do not get along, they are of course forced to work together, posing as tutors to protect the children of a munitions expert. As they settle in to their assignment at a remote manor on the moors of Scotland, the attraction blossoms...

The suspense plotting is effective, and Pickens does a good job with her supporting characters. The ways in which other members of the Merlin academy were wedged into the second half of the story felt a bit forced, especially as they wound up not doing much to advance the story, but some of the other aristocrats that show up and provide an element of drawing room comedy (and sexual tension) are quite well done.