Surrender to a Wicked Spy

Royal Four #2

by Celeste Bradley

They are known simply as The Royal Four - but there’s nothing simple about the elite band of spies who serve the King in secrecy. Their missions are dangerous, their love lives are scandalous… and each man in the Royal Four has his own secrets. This is the story of the spy known as The Lion…

Olivia Calwell’s new husband, Dane, is everything she could have ever hoped for in a man. The handsome Lord Greenleigh is charming, debonair, even a bit mysterious- and just thinking of their wedding night makes Olivia blush with pleasure. Yet she can’t help but wonder what exactly Dane does all day. His hushed meetings with strangers, his odd comings and goings - it is all enough to drive Olivia mad!

Could her beloved husband be involved in something dangerous? Could he even be spying for France?

Spy Dane Calwell knows the new Lady Greenleigh is poised, well educated, and utterly captivating. But he’s just discovered that Olivia is also the most curious creature he has ever met! Most wives don’t give a whit what their husbands do all day. Why must Olivia ask so many questions - and meddle in matters that do not concern her?

Truth be told, Dane finds Olivia’s quick mind enchanting. But when Olivia gets too close to the mission at hand, Dane must try to stop her before it’s too late - or risk losing his beautiful wife forever…

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

358 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 19, 2004

About the author

Visit me at www.CelesteBradley.com or facebook.com/CelesteBradleyAuthor :)
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.

Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!

Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?

I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.

Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!

Hugs,
and thanks for reading!

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

If it weren't for the fact that I absolutely love Ms. Bradley's writing style (it is always fun, witty and totally endearing,) that star would have been single. This book is the 2nd in a series of 4, I read the first and absolutely loved it so I bought the rest. After reading this one, I worry I may have made a big mistake. This installment hit two of my biggest hate buttons, not only hit them but wrapped them up royally.

Number one: Sex as the ONLY part of a relationship. In this book, Dane meets Olivia, "buys" her from her father the same day, marries her two weeks later without as much as even ONE conversation with her. No "would you like to marry me?" no courting, no kindness, nothing. After the wedding the ONLY time he has anything at all to do with her is in the bedroom, where his demands are many and often (as are the sex scenes). Outside of that, he completely ignores her. Ugh!

Which leads me to button number two. I hate, Hate, HATE it when the "hero" in a story treats the heroine like dirt throughout the entire story, then get his "happily ever after" without changing a bit. Dane was not only cold, distant and uncaring, he was out and out cruel to Olivia throughout the entire book. She, on the other hand, spent the whole story trying to be everything he wanted. She did everything he asked and treated him with patience and love unconditionally. In the end she didn't even get an "I'm sorry I've been such an *@#%". And this is the "happily ever after"? Gag, cough, spit (nails!)

[Fatimama · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the heroine in this book and I felt so bad for her as she’s saddled with an asshat Zero. I guess the only saving grace for this zero is that he is a virgin.

This ridiculous dumb blonde zero even agreed for the heroine to be the mistress of the prince regent because he wants to put duty above all else, including common sense it seems.

Zero did not come looking for her when a prisoner escaped coz he believes she ran away with the prisoner! She spent hours in the woods with a bullet hole coz no one came after her!! What is the use of having a spy hubby if you actually keep getting endangered?!

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that instills a good feeling in the reader throughout the reading, and once the last word has been read. I was cheering for Dane and Olivia to consummate their marriage, and I was laughing and rather surprised in a good way at the reasons for Dane's virginity. I liked that Olivia was the one pursuing in this book, instead of Dane. This book was fun and exciting to read. It has some rather nontraditional sensuality elements for a mainstream, non-erotic historical romance (in general), but I liked the way it was done. Very well written as typical for Bradley. She's really great at combining humor and pathos in her books. A sure keeper.

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a book of extremes (and not just extremely large body parts): half of it is about the romantic and sexual relationship between Dane and Olivia. This half is hilarious, sexy, and basically a joy to read. The other half is about Dane's role as a spy. This half is either boring or infuriating, depending on which parts you're reading. And this is coming from two people who are trash for a historical spy.⁠
⁠
Here's the deal: Olivia and Dane are in a marriage of convenience. Dane meets her and because she's a sturdy woman (she's tall and buxom), he figures she just might be the one woman in Society who can handle ... ALL of him. Olivia is totally game to try once she realizes what the problem is; she even brings home a set of 5 graduated ... uhhhh ... devices to help them out in the bedroom. So all of that is pretty great.⁠
⁠
But Dane, being a paranoid spy, starts to think Olivia might be too good to be true. She's probably a spy, too. So why treat her with respect?⁠

36-Word Summaries:
⁠
Meg: Olivia just married Dane, and she’s looking forward to her wedding night. But Dane has a problem. It’s a really BIG problem. It’s so big that nobody knows how to handle it - not even Dane, himself.⁠
⁠
Laine: I guess a woman who doesn't run from danger and isn't tiny is the best wife candidate for a Viscount with a big dick and spy stuff? I have no idea what was going on otherwise, but ok. ⁠
⁠
Look, this book is hilarious in parts, frustrating in others. If you can get ahold of a copy and you want something on the bonkers side, check it out!

[Mojca · Rating 2 out of 5]

After ending up in the Thames, thanks to her meddling mother, Olivia is rescued by a Viking god a.k.a. Dane Calwell, Lord Greenleigh... Well, in the end she is the one doing the rescue.

Two weeks later, the two are wed.

Olivia, despite the fact she knows absolutely nothing about her husband, ends up falling head over heels in love. But it will take much more for her husband to follow her lead. Much, much more.

Dane Calwell, known to his fellow spies as The Lion, is quite content with his choice for a wife. Olivia is, according to her mother, the epitome of sophistication, meek, poised, a perfect hostess... everything a man of Dane's position dreams of. Unfortunately, he's in for quite a surprise when he discovers Olivia's mother has vastly exaggerated.

Now, the newlyweds have to get to surpass the initial obstacles of marriage between virtual strangers, get to really know each other, and stay alive when a blood-thirsty enemy conspires against them... And the very Crown.



Whomever wrote the blurb should be sacked on the spot. They didn't even see the cover of this book, least of all read it through.

Despite being the a sequel to To Wed A Scandalous Spy, this book pales in comparison. There is not much of a plot to be found, except for the main Chimera thread which began with the Liar's Club series.

I got the impression of reading a manual on "virgin initiation", complete with Rods of the Rajah (read: dildos).
In short, this is a sex-driven book, instead of a plot- or character-driven book.

I didn't like the two leads, Dane and Olivia, although if I had to choose, I'd choose her over him any day.

She was sweet and caring, though a little stupid at times. Sorry, but rushing to a courtesan's door for help of preparing a ball, without even knowing who you're meeting, just doesn't strike me as incredibly bright. Yes, I know her mother embellished her to Dane, but couldn't she just tell him the truth? They were married, he wouldn't divorce her just because she had no idea how to host a ball.

Dane was just an ass. A huge (all over), overbearing, egotistical, overly proud, blong, Viking-ish ass. And though the author offers an apology for his behavior - his father sending a bullet into his brain over a woman - it just didn't ring true for me. He was hard and he was harsh, and his actions spoke strongly against him. So much in fact, I was aghast as to how Olivia could forgive him in the end. I know redemption is an integral part of a HR template, but some of the things he said to her were worth beyond contempt.

The romance between them didn't click for me. It just seemed empty and cold. They seemed more a going-through-the-motions couple than a man and a woman gradually developing tender feelings for each other. Maybe it was also due to the fact that Olivia falls for him almost instantly, while his feeling (or their development) are never revealed fully - he was more in lust than in love with her.

There were plenty of eye-roll inducing parts. The most memorable being Dane's "anatomical problem". I was fine with it for a while, it explained some of his reservations of giving in fully, but after a while the constant reminding of his impediment grew tiresome and boring.


Ms. Bradley failed to exploit the little things she created. The refreshing twist of having the leading couple married from the beginning provided ample opportunities for excellent characterization, yet she left the character development drop in lieu of bedroom scenes.

Also, her trademark humor seemed to disappear entirely, except in the scenes with George IV. It's evident the author uses him as a comedic interlude, which is also a pity, since he's such a rich, layered character.

The only thing I really appreciated, was the return of the Reardon's, Nate and Willa from the previous book. Luckily, Willa retained her characteristics and had no qualms giving Dane a hefty piece of her mind on how a wife should be treated. I wouldn't have minded - and it wouldn't be a grand surprise - if she took a well-aimed knee into the region of his "anatomical problem".


As I said before, Surrender To A Wicked Spy had too much sex and too little story, and even what smidgen on plot that survived the bedroom scenes, seems flat, missing the usual Bradley spark.

Not extremely disappointing, but not a keeper either.

[Elis Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia Caldwell is out with her mother on a cold, wintry day, wearing a flimsy muslin gown (because mummy said to), standing on an icy bridge over the frigid Thames for, like, hours, waiting for God knows what, until her mum spots this giant, golden Viking and springs to action.



Fortunately, Olivia can swim. Unfortunately, Dane, Lord Greenleigh (said Viking) can’t—not with his feet stuck in the mud. Livvie has to swim back and rescue him.



Turns out Dane is looking for a bride. A certain kind of bride. See, he’s the Lion in the Royal Four (I’m SO glad CB realizes and notes in these stories how silly it is for grown men to go around using these code names). His father was the Lion before him—until the old man fell in love. With a Frenchwoman. Who happened to be working for the Chimera, a real baddy who spies for Napoleon. When he was caught, the old man shot himself. For Dane, it's a lesson learned.



Dane needs a wife for heir-getting purposes, but he wants it to be purely a business arrangement. He reckons an arranged marriage with pragmatic Olivia will do just fine.

Of course, he's made this judgment based on a single meeting. He makes the arrangements with her father and then doesn't bother to spend any more time with her until after the wedding. Boy, is he surprised to find out that Olivia is actually a rather romantic—and curious—creature. Not ideal for a spy who's hoping to keep secrets from his spouse. And, over time, he also begins to realize that there's more to this relationship than he originally thought. Someone is watching—and using—this marriage. And given his mindset about women, it's only natural that he assume that Olivia is complicit.



Before the story is over, Dane says and does some things that Olivia quite rightly can't forgive. He also—as heroes are wont to do—saves the day at a crucial moment. That's all Liv needs to go all



Some of it was a POV matter—we, the readers, know that Dane has figured a few things out and might therefore be able, finally, to trust his wife. But Liv doesn't. Eh, I get that she loves him even though he's left her to die and pimped her out and generally treated her like a snot omelette. I wanted her to respect herself enough to demand assurances.

The story really engaged me—enough for a 4.5 star rating. But I'll ding it .5 because I wanted more from the ending.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious.
The heroine is so so fun and the hero is an asshole. MY FAVORITE COMBO
I wish he would have grovelled a little more or we should have a longer epilogue.

[BJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barely 1.5 stars - i disliked it. I struggled to find the romance, although other readers rated it highly. I thought the H was ridiculous and quite stupid. He acted poorly to the h. He's a 'virgin hero' that acted more like a boy playing at being a man. I didn't like the h either, she was silly and not endearing. If you don't like the characters there is no point to continuing. Not the author for me it seems.

[Amy DeWolfe · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was all right in the beginning - I really liked the way they met! But then it quickly went down hill. There was no grovelling and Dane 100% needed to because he was horrible to Olivia. And she was dumb for taking him back.

He kept going on about how he had dark desires (hence the 'wicked'), but they were mild at best.

[Shadow Jubilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the moment I read the very first paragraph, I knew that I would like this book. There was humor, a strong and likable heroine (who was not drop-dead-gorgeous to boot!), an equally strong and tortured hero (who unfortunately? was gorgeous - and an utter fool), and secondary characters I wanted to get to know better (such as Marcus).

What I liked best about this book would probably be the heroine. For once, I felt as if I got a heroine who was not particularly skilled at anything, and yet was capable enough to save her love not once, but twice. This is such a marvel to me that it almost compensates for the tiny ways in which the book did not work for me.

The plot was predictable. The hero is a spy for England - kind of. He is one of the four who are responsible for the safety of the Prince Regent. Of course he has a problem that prevents him from trusting women. Of course that problem gets him in trouble. And yet, seen through Lady Olivia's eyes, he became a likable enough character. It is just that I wished to bash him over the head for his blindness, pretty much what his friends and the Prince Regent probably wanted to do when he doubted his wife. Also, amazingly enough, he was a virgin. Can you believe that? What a delight! That's probably why I had put this book on my To-Be-Read pile in the first place; I had forgotten. But of course he had to be fantastic in bed his first time around...

I had mentioned secondary characters. I liked Marcus. He seemed nice and caring. He is Lord Dane's good friend - and likely successor. Through Olivia's eyes, he became the sweet brother she had loved and lost. Granted, he didn't particularly care for the comparison to her deceased brother, but since she was his best friend's wife, he could accept the role - and hope for his own HEA.

And then there is Olivia's brother. Hmm...what can I say that won't give much away? Not much so I'll leave it at that. I do wish I had a brother who was as good and loving to me as Olivia's brother had been to her. Instead, I must make do with two younger sisters.

Lord Traitor makes an appearance. Apparently he has had his own book. I will have to seek it out, Surrender to a Wicked Spy being my first exposure (I think) to Celeste Bradley (or at least to this particular series).

What did I not like about this book, aside from the parents from hell and how Dane treated his wife during the party? How very contemporary the voices of the character and the narrative seemed to be. Strip away the historical trappings and you get a modern day romance. I am not very partial to contemporary romance. I do not demand stringent historical accuracies. Indeed, I have little knowledge of them. However, in some cases, the inaccuracies cross the point to obviousness, in which case, they do bother me. Luckily, Celeste Bradley has a particularly humorous style of writing that enabled me to enjoy this book despite the contemporary style of writing. If only, now, that she had refrained from constant references of Viking gods, their ginormous anatomy, and the ridiculous training idea. What a laugh. But then again, that was probably the whole point.

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhh I regret to announce that this is the worst book in this series I have read so far ...
Although Olivia had become Lady Greenleigh a little too quickly for her own taste, she did everything possible to adapt to her new life, even though her husband is far from cooperative. But between her small misstep, her big blunders and her husband both boiling hot and so cold, Olivia ignores that the danger lurks closer than she thinks ...
The plot is still good with the Chimera and his machinations but the book was sorely lacking humor and sarcasm. Yes, there was emotion (sadness especially poignant moments with Olivia) but the big negative was the characters: TOTALLY clichés !!
I had been accustomed to captivating characters and colorful with Celeste Bradley so I was EXTREMELY disappointed by discovering the two heroes of this book.
Dane is one of the Royal Four, a tall blond and handsome lord who is VERY well "equipped". Seriously !! I mean almost the whole story revolves around it and how he will manage to deflower his new lady. This "problem" therefore occupies all thoughts of the hero ... When it's not his obsession with conspiracies and betrayals !!
Thereupon, there is Olivia. Lady Greenleigh is beautiful, nice, tall and quite inexperienced. Nevertheless, she loves her husband even if:
- He never courted her
- She hardly saw him before marriage (in fact, Dane asked her hand to her father but not to her, no)
- He hardly ever spoke to her (except to give her orders), he doesn't sleep with her ... In fact, he only give her awesome orgasms (well okay it's better than nothing)
- He didn't care about her (except for her bossom)
- He thought she is a total idiot and he doesn't hesitate to humiliate her regularly (even in front of Prince George !!)
- He broke her heart quite publicly and repeatedly
- He even left her agonizing over the edge of the road
The list goes on but basically Olivia should be masochistic (or very stupid) because whatever her tender Dane does, she completly understands him and she even loves him more !!
Besides the characters from previous books, the only two characters who improve the story are Marcus (the hero of the next book =)) and Prince George that I'm totally a fan of and who was a real breath of fresh air (and humor) in this book ><
Anyway, I hope the next book will be better !!

[Fani *loves angst* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had more romance and less espionage plot than any other I've read in the Royal Four or Liar's Club series. Though it was great up to a point, in the end Dane proved a greater ass than I thought him to be and I needed him to crowl for a hundred miles or more in his knees before I could forgive him completely, which he didn't so I'm not feeling very warm towards him. Olivia on the other hand was one of Bradley's best heroines and that says a lot, when most of them are so likable to begin with.

Unexpectedly enough, the majority of the story focuses on Dane's and Olivia's sexual relationship. Some scenes are laugh out funny, some very hot, but somehow it doesn't feel as if the sex is overshadowing the character development or is simply a filler. Through these scenes, Olivia's and Dane's relationship progresses and they get to know each other better until the spy -Chimaira- makes his move and the action kicks in (in the very final pages that is).

All in all. I enjoyed the book immensely and finished it in a couple of days. I don't know how Celeste Bradley does it, but she always manages to mix just the right amount of humor, heartache and passion in a her books that keeps me hooked even when I'm in my worst mood and not even excessive shopping works:) I'd like to thank her for it; she's my go-to author when the going gets tough and has yet to let me down.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and overall I enjoyed it. It was funny and sweet, but I do agree that unlike some of the previous novels, it hardly mentioned the problem of the Chimera. I found Dane's problem quite funny because I've never encountered a hero in a romance that suffered with that affliction, and Olivia was sweet because she always tried to understand Dane. I was expecting that at one point in the book Dane would tell Olivia he was a spy, but unless I missed it, he never said anything. Despite this, I can't really complain, like most of Bradley's writing it was good and entertaining and I can't wait to read the next one.

[Starcatcher · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do like Celeste Bradley's work, which gives this book a star our of zero. This book has a simple plot, which you can easily guess. That doesn't make me like it less. But when sex dominates the hero and heroine characters and lead their lives, I start to hate it. And I hate it more when he treats her like a piece of trash. And she accepts it by calling it a kind of faith. I believe this can be far better developed to an erotic novel, which love is less expected and the book then can offer more sex.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was pretty lame. The french spy plot was pretty cheesy and non compelling. The idea that the hero couldn't even get a prostitute to do him because of his size is pretty ludicrous and the whole thing with the fake phalluses was neither good love scenes nor good women's erotica. Messy unexplained motivations all around and gratuitous humilitation for the heroine. Try Patricia Veryan for much better historical spy series stuff in the romance genre.

[Head in the clouds · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just. No.

Fuck you Dane and Olivia - seriously where is your spine woman, where is your self respect. This made me very angry.

And the last bit about having faith? FUCK YOU. You read her diary - which is PRIVATE may I say and only after she's been ignored, abused, nearly killed, kidnapped, insulted, hurt and you read her fucking diary - THEN you say oh I wuv you and i belieb in you. BULLSHIT.

OMG DIE BOOK DIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[Pravana · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had its humorous moments. A rare occurrence- a hero who's a Virgin because he has a B...I...G problem. He's got "BIG FEET" . Hehe.....hehe.......
References were made to characters from the Liar's Club. Not having read that series, couldn't follow those bits.

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was not as good as the first one but it was still wonderful. I found Dane's "problem" hilarious. I love how the author gives the hero or heroine some kind of fault per say. It is even better that this fault turns out to make for some funny moments.

[Foggygirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing read for the most part. The storyline was chaotic and ridiculous, the heroine was a goose and the hero an absolute arse.

[Rebecca Reddell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The titles of some of these stories crack me up, and this is one of them, especially since Dane Calwell isn't particularly wicked as the spy The Lion. He's charming, thoughtful, and secretive. His character develops over the course of the story as his bouts of trust and distrust in his new wife run the gamut. I liked his apparent innocence, bungling through a real relationship -- which made it more believable, and his sense of perfection. The last fit in with his character, possible upbringing, and role within the government of secret spies.

Olivia was a comical character who showed more 3D aspects of her personality and relationship with Dane. The main characters introduction with her falling into the Thames, Dane coming to rescue her, and her rescuing him instead was a cute meet-greet. Her curiosity and determination to figure out what her husband was doing and whether he might be a spy for the French was well-intentioned and added a bit of comedy and intrigue. She was a sympathetic and kind character that you feel fits into the story rather well, even if she might be a bit too understanding at times.

However, there were a few things that were a bit far-fetched, annoying, and unconvincing for me: The role of the prince regent, Dane "giving" Olivia to said prince regent, Olivia's lack of real anger over her husband's ridiculousness and stupidity, the lack of trust -- which becomes a bit repetitive, the discussion and/or loss of the dilators -- fast forward please, and the whole plot of what occupied the Royal Four being prince regent's new mistress didn't leave me wanting more. I was disappointed by this accepted spy role and plot. It wasn't an exciting, adventurous read, nor did it bring in the secret agent, intelligence gathering, or mystery I was really looking for in the continuation. 2/5

Find out more in my series blog review: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...

[readmeregency · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I could write a review for this novel based on the spicy scenes alone 🔥 Rare for me. There's the elusive MMC virgin, bedroom toys, "training", and fantasy fulfilment. In any other book it would be a bit much for me. Celeste Bradley makes it work. It's sexy, but also really fun, and incredibly effective at driving the emotional development between Dane and Olivia.

Dane is a Super Secret Spy, who does Secret Spy Things, and needs a wife who will maintain polite distance, and not be curious about Secret Spy Things. He chooses Olivia, who is the female equivalent of a golden retriever, and who can resist falling in love with one of those adorable goofballs? Unfortunately for Olivia, it seems as though forces are conspiring against her, and her struggle to win Danes affections are seemingly endless.

Olivia is delightful, if a chronic people pleaser. She's funny, generous, and quite frankly deserves better. Dane is a good man, albeit a bit clueless about how to handle having a wife, and scared of hurting her with his massive 🍆. The further I read, the more I was ready to be SO MAD at Dane, then I remembered they'd only known each other for about a fortnight. Intellectually I know it would make no sense for him to trust her completely in that amount of time. My heart, however, says he's a piece of trash. I would have loved more of an effort to make it up to her, but that could just be me being bloodthirsty.

This romp is threaded through with humour and serious steam. Despite having some dynamics that I'm known to avoid (abusive family, and mistreatment from household staff), I had a really fun time with it. I suspect this is mainly due to Olivia's character, and the bedroom antics which completely stole the stage. For a spy/action plot that doesn't take itself too seriously, and generous helpings of spice, look no further.

[Bia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuando lees la sinopsis y ves que entre Dane y Olivia hay un matrimonio por contrato, se forman dos expectativas: va a ser una novela inolvidable o sola va a ser buena. El caso es que es que es la primera. Entre tanta seriedad, compromiso y arreglo matrimonial hay una serie de escenas graciosas y situaciones absurdas que te arrancan sonrisas con mucha facilidad. Desde el escenario en que se conocen, su noche de bodas, el “problema” (ojo que yo no lo considero así ¿eh? Ya me entenderás jaja) de Dane, hasta el secreto de la historia…todo es impresionante, refrescante y sorprendente. Sé que estos adjetivos sonaran a clichés...pero no encuentro otros que puedan definir esta novela. Es muy deliciosa de leer. Es inevitable querer ser amiga de la torpe Olivia, enamorarte del vikingo Dane o que se te rompa el corazón cuando ambos protagonistas sufren. La super recomiendo.

[Meena Narag · Rating 4 out of 5]

เล่มที่สองนี้เป็นเรื่องราวของอีกคู่หนึงในสี่ รอยัลโฟ นั่นคือ สิงโต หนุ่ม ลอร์ดกรีนลีห์ สายรับหนุ่มโสดของราชวงศ์ที่ต้องการภรรยาบังหน้าสักคนหนึ่ง และเขาก็เลือกหญิงสาวที่มีชาติตระกูลแต่แทบจะสิ้นเนื้อประดาตัวที่ดูว่านอนสอนง่ายและดูจะแข็งแรงแบบเด็กสาวชนบท เขาคิดว่าชีวิตส่ยลับจะสมบูรณ์แบบเมื่อเขาแต่งงานและมีทายาท แต่กลับไม่ง่ายอย่างนั้น ภรรยาของเขาไม่ใช่สาวเรียบร้อยว่าง่าย แต่กลับฉลาดและดื้อรั้น แถมเป็นตัวเองสุดๆ แผนที่เขาจะมีเพียงแม่พันธุ์ที่สงบเสงี่ยมก็พังลงภายในสัปดาห์เดียว หล่อนปราดเปรียวเหมือนม้าป่าที่พร้อมจะพยศได้ทุกเมื่อ และเขาต้องใช้ร่างกายที่สมบูรณ์แบบพร้อมหน้าตาหล่อมีเสน่ห์ของเขามัดใจเธอและให้เธอยอมเชื่อฟัง แต่แล้วกลับเป็นเขาเองที่หลงเสน่ห์เธอและกำลังกลายเป็นทาสเธอซึ่งนั้นเป็นสิ่งที่เขาไม่ต้องการ

[Eve’s sanctuary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why it is not possible to give books minus rating? I would rate it as -3 strong.

The h is sweet nice person who deserves a way better husband than this one. As I dnf'ed it at 28% I skimmed a bit and read some reviews. And I am so glad I did just that. With every page the H gets worse and worse, his actions speak louder than hungry baby screaming.

How am I supposed to be happy that he still alive in the end of the story and also gets his happy end?
He is a**hole among a**holes. Even his a**holes mates won't tolerate him.

P.S. why women continue to write this kind of a man? He never apologises, he never makes up for her. This is the way you want to be treated by your mate/husband/partner/boyfriend? I do not, that is way I strongly do not recommend this book.

[Wednesday · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so disappointing after the first book in the series.
Dane had great potential but in the end, was a really unlikeable hero who didn't do nearly enough, in my opinion, to earn Olivia's love. The large "problem part" of his anatomy consumed the story and really was overdone. It even overtook the spy work of the Royal Four, of which there was very little in this book. The spy intrigue was what attracted me to this series and I had hoped for better than this.
I have purchased all four books and hope that parts 3 and 4 will be as good as part one, if not better.

[Zita · Rating 3 out of 5]

สนุกสู้เล่มแรกไม่ได้เลย ยิ่งหลังจากพระเอกนางเอกแต่งงานกันความสนุกยิ่งดิ่งลงเรื่อยๆ พระเอกค่อนข้างน่าหงุดหงิดนะ พร้อมจะ believe the worst เกี่ยวกับนางเอกเสมอ แถมไม่มีการ redeem อะไรใดๆ ทั้งสิ้น ชอบเจ้าชายผู้สำเร็จราชการ มีสีสันดี

[Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong, atypical heroine. I really love heroines that are not society's version of "the perfect woman".
It's also a well written thriller. I look forward to the rest of the series.

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected more but I couldn't bring myself to like the characters, I'm sorry.

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and quite exciting.

[Miriamgreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little too over the top for stretching the female bits to accommodate the husband bits
read awhile ago but that is what stands out