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Heart of Enquiry #3
The Lady Who Came in from the Cold
A Wife Disgraced
A spy during the Napoleonic Wars, Lady Pandora Blackwood gave up espionage for love. She has shared everything with her husband… except the truth of her past. Twelve joyous years and three children later, her dark history rises to threaten everything she holds dear. Now she must face her greatest fear: can her husband love her for who she really is?
A Husband Wronged
Former officer Marcus Harrington, the Marquess of Blackwood, didn’t believe in love until he met his beautiful Penny. His devoted marchioness by day and his sensual wanton by night, she’s everything he’s ever wanted… until her betrayal shatters him. When his world comes crashing down, he is left to question: was their perfect marriage real or just a dream?
’Tis the Season for Miracles
As a cold winter grips Regency London, the estranged lovers come together in a heated reunion. Sizzling passion paves the way toward forgiveness, yet buried secrets and hidden enemies block the road to redemption. This Christmas, a wife will stop at nothing to win her beloved back… and a husband will discover that love’s reality exceeds his wildest dreams.
Length: Novel (Approximately 55K words)
Sensuality: This is a hot historical romance with sizzling love scenes.
A spy during the Napoleonic Wars, Lady Pandora Blackwood gave up espionage for love. She has shared everything with her husband… except the truth of her past. Twelve joyous years and three children later, her dark history rises to threaten everything she holds dear. Now she must face her greatest fear: can her husband love her for who she really is?
A Husband Wronged
Former officer Marcus Harrington, the Marquess of Blackwood, didn’t believe in love until he met his beautiful Penny. His devoted marchioness by day and his sensual wanton by night, she’s everything he’s ever wanted… until her betrayal shatters him. When his world comes crashing down, he is left to question: was their perfect marriage real or just a dream?
’Tis the Season for Miracles
As a cold winter grips Regency London, the estranged lovers come together in a heated reunion. Sizzling passion paves the way toward forgiveness, yet buried secrets and hidden enemies block the road to redemption. This Christmas, a wife will stop at nothing to win her beloved back… and a husband will discover that love’s reality exceeds his wildest dreams.
Length: Novel (Approximately 55K words)
Sensuality: This is a hot historical romance with sizzling love scenes.
Audiobook
First published November 4, 2015
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About the author
Grace Callaway
53 books1,085 followers
Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!
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Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...
Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.
The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.
Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.
As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.
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About Grace
USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
September 20, 2022
I've read this book so many times lmao. comfort read for sure!
This book...
5 love endures stars
***EDIT HAVE I MENTIONED HOW MUCH I ADOREEE THIS BOOK AND IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE NOVELLAS IN THE ENTIRE WOOORRRLLLLDDDD I RE-READ IT AND ITS JUST SO FREAKING CUTE UGHWOEIFHOWIHEF*****
UGH MARCUS AND PANDORA ARE LIKE THE GREATEST COUPLE AND SUCH GOAALLLSSS just read it. PLEASE READ IT
Damn. Absolutely amazing. Unique plot and characters, great pacing, and as usual wonderfully sensual! This book had everything I absolutely loved, and stood for what I and anyone would want in a relationship. Enduring love, and it was so so sweet and good. So glad I stumbled upon this author. Also, you don't have to read the other books to enjoy this one! I only read a couple from the other series, which this one is an offshoot of, and I read the first novella of this series.
The plot for this one was most interesting to me so I took a chance and LOOVVVEEEDDD it
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK Y'ALL
This book...
5 love endures stars
***EDIT HAVE I MENTIONED HOW MUCH I ADOREEE THIS BOOK AND IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE NOVELLAS IN THE ENTIRE WOOORRRLLLLDDDD I RE-READ IT AND ITS JUST SO FREAKING CUTE UGHWOEIFHOWIHEF*****
UGH MARCUS AND PANDORA ARE LIKE THE GREATEST COUPLE AND SUCH GOAALLLSSS just read it. PLEASE READ IT
Damn. Absolutely amazing. Unique plot and characters, great pacing, and as usual wonderfully sensual! This book had everything I absolutely loved, and stood for what I and anyone would want in a relationship. Enduring love, and it was so so sweet and good. So glad I stumbled upon this author. Also, you don't have to read the other books to enjoy this one! I only read a couple from the other series, which this one is an offshoot of, and I read the first novella of this series.
The plot for this one was most interesting to me so I took a chance and LOOVVVEEEDDD it
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK Y'ALL
December 12, 2023
Now THIS is how you do a marriage in crisis romance. Utter Perfection. A novella that felt like a full-length novel in the best way. Penny/Pandora and Marcus's love story was angsty, swoony and VERY STEAMY (I believe there were 4 full length sex scenes) I love how determined Penny was to earn back Marcus’s trust even when he was being a bit of an ass. A beautiful story of healing and reconciliation. I have no notes.
Side note: I love a heroine who doesn't always take the high road. My girl Penny said, "When they go low, I'M GOING EVEN LOWER", and I respect that 👑❤️
Marcus/Penny's song: Oceans by Seafret.
Side note: I love a heroine who doesn't always take the high road. My girl Penny said, "When they go low, I'M GOING EVEN LOWER", and I respect that 👑❤️
Marcus/Penny's song: Oceans by Seafret.
July 27, 2022
RTC!
File under couple loves each other but they don't actually know each other. I'm creating a shelf since I find I actually love this trope. A shorter story. A winter holiday, Christmas story. Flashbacks but the most exciting part is the angst when the hero, a soldier, discovers his wife, the apple of his eye to whom he is tied to her apron strings by, is a former spy. Interesting stuff here in that the conflict is that soldiers and spies don't mix. Spies are deceptive, devious etc. Not like the upright soldiers. Some good angst here in that the heroine literally goes down to her knees to beg the hero to work this through with her (!!). I would have liked a little bit more grovel from him but he is completely understanding about her background - no unnecessary trauma about her past. Reading bodice rippers, sometimes I would be flummoxed by the big to-do heroes had when heroines doubted them or questioned them or even tried to survive after gangrape. I do appreciate more modern romances for not making that the Big Conflict.
File under couple loves each other but they don't actually know each other. I'm creating a shelf since I find I actually love this trope. A shorter story. A winter holiday, Christmas story. Flashbacks but the most exciting part is the angst when the hero, a soldier, discovers his wife, the apple of his eye to whom he is tied to her apron strings by, is a former spy. Interesting stuff here in that the conflict is that soldiers and spies don't mix. Spies are deceptive, devious etc. Not like the upright soldiers. Some good angst here in that the heroine literally goes down to her knees to beg the hero to work this through with her (!!). I would have liked a little bit more grovel from him but he is completely understanding about her background - no unnecessary trauma about her past. Reading bodice rippers, sometimes I would be flummoxed by the big to-do heroes had when heroines doubted them or questioned them or even tried to survive after gangrape. I do appreciate more modern romances for not making that the Big Conflict.
January 2, 2025
3.5 stars.
Kind of hard to rate. Either a 3 or a 4 so I’ll settle for 3.5.
This is the second Grace Callaway book that I’ve read where the H/h are already married. It’s refreshing and probably the reason why I was invested, wanting to see how they would reconcile after the hero learned that his wife (the heroine) used to be a spy. I’ve held off reading this novella for years because I thought it was going to be mostly about spying (one of my least favorite trope). Thank goodness I was wrong and finally gave it a chance. I decided to read this book now because their daughter (Georgianna, born in the epilogue) is going to have her own book coming out in 2025.
At the same time, I couldn’t understand why her being a former spy bothered the hero so much. I definitely didn’t like that he was angry that she had slept with three other men (during her espionage days) and lied about being a virgin on their wedding night (putting blood on the sheets after the deed). It’s not like he was a virgin. Double standards 🙄🙄🙄 but that’s my modern sensibilities setting in. Well, she did keep this secret from him for 12 years, so I can understand his anger.
I think the couple are a little older, with three sons. They would’ve had a daughter but, tragically, she was stillborn. We see their three sons in a few scenes and I thought they were realistically portrayed as little boys being brothers. I thought they were cute when they wanted to impress their dad (the hero).
Unlike most books by this author, there was no mystery for the H/h to solve. Some chapters are flashback scenes.
Content warning: these are the main ones I thought of.
-Mentions of the H/h’s stillborn daughter and their grief
-The heroine was raped when she was young (early teens?)
Kind of hard to rate. Either a 3 or a 4 so I’ll settle for 3.5.
This is the second Grace Callaway book that I’ve read where the H/h are already married. It’s refreshing and probably the reason why I was invested, wanting to see how they would reconcile after the hero learned that his wife (the heroine) used to be a spy. I’ve held off reading this novella for years because I thought it was going to be mostly about spying (one of my least favorite trope). Thank goodness I was wrong and finally gave it a chance. I decided to read this book now because their daughter (Georgianna, born in the epilogue) is going to have her own book coming out in 2025.
At the same time, I couldn’t understand why her being a former spy bothered the hero so much. I definitely didn’t like that he was angry that she had slept with three other men (during her espionage days) and lied about being a virgin on their wedding night (putting blood on the sheets after the deed). It’s not like he was a virgin. Double standards 🙄🙄🙄 but that’s my modern sensibilities setting in. Well, she did keep this secret from him for 12 years, so I can understand his anger.
I think the couple are a little older, with three sons. They would’ve had a daughter but, tragically, she was stillborn. We see their three sons in a few scenes and I thought they were realistically portrayed as little boys being brothers. I thought they were cute when they wanted to impress their dad (the hero).
Unlike most books by this author, there was no mystery for the H/h to solve. Some chapters are flashback scenes.
Content warning: these are the main ones I thought of.
-Mentions of the H/h’s stillborn daughter and their grief
-The heroine was raped when she was young (early teens?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2024
Lovely marriage-in-trouble historical romance novella. Wife's secret spy past comes to light after 12 years of marriage. Very emotional in the way Grace Callaway is so good at.
January 22, 2022
Ahhh the ending was a bit of a let down. I wanted him to grovel more because he was so stubborn with not having an open line of communication and listening to her side of the story.
October 26, 2021
❄❄❄❄❄
Second chance 💗...A love that endures through all seasons of life.
This was a beautiful, interesting, and engaging story of a passionate marriage tested and a relationship that rises above adversity.
The heroine is a former spy who meets our noble Hero, the love of her life.
A refreshing HR, the couple, Penny and Marcus, are already married, so in fact it is more about the reclaiming of a love that is facing obstacles. Written through a variety of very moving flashbacks through the couple's 12 years together.
Loyalty, deception, resentment, trust, family, anguish, friendship, pain, freedom, rising above, deep loyalty, connection...resilience.
It's a rocky road to understanding for this couple and the reader bears witness to their path back to one another.
Unique, spicy and oh-so sexy🥵...with a truly sweet HEA.
Another gem from Grace Callaway💕
Highly recommend.
Second chance 💗...A love that endures through all seasons of life.
This was a beautiful, interesting, and engaging story of a passionate marriage tested and a relationship that rises above adversity.
The heroine is a former spy who meets our noble Hero, the love of her life.
A refreshing HR, the couple, Penny and Marcus, are already married, so in fact it is more about the reclaiming of a love that is facing obstacles. Written through a variety of very moving flashbacks through the couple's 12 years together.
Loyalty, deception, resentment, trust, family, anguish, friendship, pain, freedom, rising above, deep loyalty, connection...resilience.
It's a rocky road to understanding for this couple and the reader bears witness to their path back to one another.
Unique, spicy and oh-so sexy🥵...with a truly sweet HEA.
Another gem from Grace Callaway💕
Highly recommend.
July 15, 2019
2.5 stars.
An interesting story with a bold, non-virgin heroine for a change. But it didn't quite grab me like some of the others in the series.
Penny/Pandora is one of the spies in the group that worked in France, and she becomes emotionally entangled with a man who is quite conservative. Desperate to grasp a future that is safe and loving, with husband and children, Penny keeps him in the dark about her previous activities, even after they are married and have three children. She actually went so far as to spill fake virgin blood on the sheets after their wedding night, because she was so afraid to tell him her secrets.
Needless to say, the truth comes out and husband Marcus is devastated and furious.
Ironically, the reaction she feared she would get from him if she told him the truth is exactly the reaction he gives her when the truth is finally revealed. But it might have been better to reveal it a little earlier in the relationship. The story is unusual in that it is often the hero who has a secret tortured past, and the heroine the one to rescue him.
The rest of the story is basically Penny working to win her man back, and Marcus working past his anger and sense of betrayal to realise that she is still the woman he fell in love with and with whom he has built a wonderful life.
Because of the nature of the story, there is no real sexual tension as such, but it is a sweet story about trust, honesty and also hypocrisy (he was not a virgin when they married, either). Not as good as the previous book, but I still quite enjoyed it.
An interesting story with a bold, non-virgin heroine for a change. But it didn't quite grab me like some of the others in the series.
Penny/Pandora is one of the spies in the group that worked in France, and she becomes emotionally entangled with a man who is quite conservative. Desperate to grasp a future that is safe and loving, with husband and children, Penny keeps him in the dark about her previous activities, even after they are married and have three children. She actually went so far as to spill fake virgin blood on the sheets after their wedding night, because she was so afraid to tell him her secrets.
Needless to say, the truth comes out and husband Marcus is devastated and furious.
Ironically, the reaction she feared she would get from him if she told him the truth is exactly the reaction he gives her when the truth is finally revealed. But it might have been better to reveal it a little earlier in the relationship. The story is unusual in that it is often the hero who has a secret tortured past, and the heroine the one to rescue him.
The rest of the story is basically Penny working to win her man back, and Marcus working past his anger and sense of betrayal to realise that she is still the woman he fell in love with and with whom he has built a wonderful life.
Because of the nature of the story, there is no real sexual tension as such, but it is a sweet story about trust, honesty and also hypocrisy (he was not a virgin when they married, either). Not as good as the previous book, but I still quite enjoyed it.
April 14, 2024
Loved it! This is my favorite one so far! Marcus and Penny love each other so much! They are true soulmates.
May 29, 2022
The Lady Who Came in from the Cold
4 Stars
Series note: There are numerous references to events from the previous book in this installment. As such, it is necessary to read the series in order.
Lady Pandora Blackwood's past as a spy during the Napoleon Wars comes back to haunt her when her husband learns of her deceit. Devastated that his beloved wife has lied to him for over a decade, Marcus Harrington, Marquess of Blackwood, must decide if his pride is worth his marriage.
***Minor spoilers ahead***
As the truth about Penny's past is revealed early on, there is little to no focus on the dreaded keeping secrets trope, and the revelations concerning her childhood and the heartbreaking events leading to her becoming a spy only enhance her appeal. The reasons for her actions are believable and realistic, especially considering Marcus's rigid conservatism. Indeed, her fears regarding his reaction bear fruit as he behaves in exactly the way she expected.
Speaking of Marcus, his behavior for much of the book, while understandable at first, becomes increasingly annoying. His holier than thou attitude and fixation on her past lovers highlight his own hypocrisy as he was far from virginal when they married. Nevertheless, he does redeem himself and ultimately proves that he is the man Penny fell in love with and is worthy of her adoration.
Unlike the two previous books, there is no mystery in this installment as the story revolves entirely around Penny and Marcus's courtship and the early days of their marriage (provided in flashbacks), as well as their second chances romance in the present. In terms of said romance, Marcus and Penny have scorching hot chemistry, and it is easy to root for their reconciliation.
Overall, an entertaining novella, and the hints at the upcoming romance between spirited Violet Kent and stuffy Richard Murray are very promising.
4 Stars
Series note: There are numerous references to events from the previous book in this installment. As such, it is necessary to read the series in order.
Lady Pandora Blackwood's past as a spy during the Napoleon Wars comes back to haunt her when her husband learns of her deceit. Devastated that his beloved wife has lied to him for over a decade, Marcus Harrington, Marquess of Blackwood, must decide if his pride is worth his marriage.
***Minor spoilers ahead***
As the truth about Penny's past is revealed early on, there is little to no focus on the dreaded keeping secrets trope, and the revelations concerning her childhood and the heartbreaking events leading to her becoming a spy only enhance her appeal. The reasons for her actions are believable and realistic, especially considering Marcus's rigid conservatism. Indeed, her fears regarding his reaction bear fruit as he behaves in exactly the way she expected.
Speaking of Marcus, his behavior for much of the book, while understandable at first, becomes increasingly annoying. His holier than thou attitude and fixation on her past lovers highlight his own hypocrisy as he was far from virginal when they married. Nevertheless, he does redeem himself and ultimately proves that he is the man Penny fell in love with and is worthy of her adoration.
Unlike the two previous books, there is no mystery in this installment as the story revolves entirely around Penny and Marcus's courtship and the early days of their marriage (provided in flashbacks), as well as their second chances romance in the present. In terms of said romance, Marcus and Penny have scorching hot chemistry, and it is easy to root for their reconciliation.
Overall, an entertaining novella, and the hints at the upcoming romance between spirited Violet Kent and stuffy Richard Murray are very promising.
June 20, 2018
Reread...changed my rating to 5 stars. I absolutely love Marcus and Penny is such a wonderful character. This a beautiful story.
OK so you know how I have been praising the originality of Callaway's plots, well she does it again. The Blackwood's were introduced in the previous book and I am so happy they got their own book. Pandora's life has many facets as it would be for the life of a spy. Her story was courageous, heart touching, and very poignant. The flashbacks of the way they met and fell in love was very well written and not deterrent to the flow of the book. I also understood Marcus' pain and his behavior in the face of Pandora's deception. The journey to find their way back to each other was very genuine, full of angst, and love. I loved the kidnapping scene lol what you expect form an ex-spy. Overall an another great read by Callaway. I also enjoyed the brief reappearances of the previous characters.
OK so you know how I have been praising the originality of Callaway's plots, well she does it again. The Blackwood's were introduced in the previous book and I am so happy they got their own book. Pandora's life has many facets as it would be for the life of a spy. Her story was courageous, heart touching, and very poignant. The flashbacks of the way they met and fell in love was very well written and not deterrent to the flow of the book. I also understood Marcus' pain and his behavior in the face of Pandora's deception. The journey to find their way back to each other was very genuine, full of angst, and love. I loved the kidnapping scene lol what you expect form an ex-spy. Overall an another great read by Callaway. I also enjoyed the brief reappearances of the previous characters.
December 28, 2015
First of all: this is more a novella than a full lenght book but I nevertheless loved it, which is very rare with such a short story.
Marcus and Penelope are great characters and the way this is written is just perfect. It focuses on the present but gives enough glimpses of the past to understand them.
This one although should definitely be read after the second book in this series als some insights are necessary in my opinion
Marcus and Penelope are great characters and the way this is written is just perfect. It focuses on the present but gives enough glimpses of the past to understand them.
This one although should definitely be read after the second book in this series als some insights are necessary in my opinion
March 21, 2022
VERY GOOD book. A tad bit of a twist to the norm. Loved Penny and Marcus’s characters! Plot 7(1-10) steaminess 8(1-10)
This was a re read. Still five star!
This was a re read. Still five star!
December 20, 2024
you ever read a book and ask yourself 'wtf am i doing with my life'
January 2, 2024
5 stars
I have a big weakness for a marriage in trouble romance (ideally when the conflict is not standard infidelity), and this was EVERYTHING I wanted from the trope.
Seeing how happy Penny and Marcus were in their marriage, and therefore how much they had to lose when Her Dark Past (she used to be a spy) was revealed, just dialled up the angst. He was definitely an asshole in the middle, especially when we could see how hard she was trying to repair their marriage, but I felt that he made up for it by the end. All this just made it so much more emotional when they worked through his anger and her fears, and ended up as a stronger couple.
LOVED THIS.
P.S. it was also super steamy.
I have a big weakness for a marriage in trouble romance (ideally when the conflict is not standard infidelity), and this was EVERYTHING I wanted from the trope.
Seeing how happy Penny and Marcus were in their marriage, and therefore how much they had to lose when Her Dark Past (she used to be a spy) was revealed, just dialled up the angst. He was definitely an asshole in the middle, especially when we could see how hard she was trying to repair their marriage, but I felt that he made up for it by the end. All this just made it so much more emotional when they worked through his anger and her fears, and ended up as a stronger couple.
LOVED THIS.
P.S. it was also super steamy.
November 18, 2017
A spy for England during the Napoleonic wars, Pandora reinvented herself to catch the eye of Marcus Harrington, the Marquess of Blackwood. Married for ten years with 3 delightful little boys, can Marcus handle the news that his wife, as a spy, slept with 3 other men before marrying him? A total escape. Marcus acts like a husband in 1825 would which appears jerkish by modern standards. It's historical fiction so some allowances should be made.
October 6, 2023
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I enjoyed this reverse-grovel book. The plot was a bit far-fetched, but still engrossing.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I enjoyed how the H was completely unforgiving and I enjoyed the angsty premise. The prose flowed along very well.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I think Marcus’s reaction to Pandora’s former life was believable for the time period this story is set in. I liked how Pandora’s character developed a resilient backbone in the face of her shame.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved the unique premise of the story. Pandora was an interesting (and sad) character.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: espionage wife, secret background and former life, marriage in trouble, historical romance, horrible OW drama
* What did you think about the ending?: I wanted Marcus to grovel more after the ball episode!
* What is your impression of the author?: I enjoy Calloway’s writing. She is very talented and her writing flows well.
Possible Triggers and Safety: h raped as a 10 yo (mostly off page), pregnancy loss (off page), H slut-shames h, H kisses OW (not by choice), h and H pushing away, HEA
* How did the book make you feel?: I enjoyed this reverse-grovel book. The plot was a bit far-fetched, but still engrossing.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I enjoyed how the H was completely unforgiving and I enjoyed the angsty premise. The prose flowed along very well.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I think Marcus’s reaction to Pandora’s former life was believable for the time period this story is set in. I liked how Pandora’s character developed a resilient backbone in the face of her shame.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved the unique premise of the story. Pandora was an interesting (and sad) character.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: espionage wife, secret background and former life, marriage in trouble, historical romance, horrible OW drama
* What did you think about the ending?: I wanted Marcus to grovel more after the ball episode!
* What is your impression of the author?: I enjoy Calloway’s writing. She is very talented and her writing flows well.
Possible Triggers and Safety: h raped as a 10 yo (mostly off page), pregnancy loss (off page), H slut-shames h, H kisses OW (not by choice), h and H pushing away, HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2019
It's former!spy meets reuniting!spouses. Pretty much enough said.
Seriously, I am generally a sucker for reuniting spouses. And after reading the second one in this serious, I immediately bought this novel. Pandora is awesome. As is Blackwood. I mean, I would have possibly preferred the reunion scene to be a bit more fleshed out, but mostly I was into it.
Bring me all the reuniting spouses books.
(Alas, the heroine of the next book in the series seems exactly the type I have little patience for. But I may go back and read the first book at some point.)
Seriously, I am generally a sucker for reuniting spouses. And after reading the second one in this serious, I immediately bought this novel. Pandora is awesome. As is Blackwood. I mean, I would have possibly preferred the reunion scene to be a bit more fleshed out, but mostly I was into it.
Bring me all the reuniting spouses books.
(Alas, the heroine of the next book in the series seems exactly the type I have little patience for. But I may go back and read the first book at some point.)
March 4, 2024
Mad About Series Challenge 2024 HRBC. Kobo+. The MC’s h Pandora (Penny) Blackwood nee Hudson a former spy and H Marquess of Blackwood, Marcus a Colonel and war hero. The story starts out with Marcus learning that Pandora was a spy during the war and his anger that he didn’t know and she had slept with other men and was not a virgin when they were married. His anger spurts him to go off on his own for a bit. Penny tries to earn back his favour. Eventually things turn around and there is a HEA. Fast forward a little girl Georgiana is born a sister for her 3 big brothers Jarrod, Ethan and Owen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
From the moment they’d met, her soul had recognized him as hers, and the intervening years had only heightened her attraction to him.
This was my first book by Grace Callway and it won't be my last. I love her writing style! Penny has hidden that she is a spy from her husband, Marcus. There is some serious groveling and angst in this story, which is my favorite. I had some issues with the character development which you can read but it will contain some spoilers. Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience and definitely will pick up another book by Grace Callaway!
This was my first book by Grace Callway and it won't be my last. I love her writing style! Penny has hidden that she is a spy from her husband, Marcus. There is some serious groveling and angst in this story, which is my favorite. I had some issues with the character development which you can read but it will contain some spoilers. Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience and definitely will pick up another book by Grace Callaway!
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December 22, 2020
I don’t think I’ve ever read a spy heroine in a historical romance so this one was really unique. Pandora (Penny) is a former secret agent who’s been blissfully married for 12 years to her handsome marquess, Marcus. They have 3 sons, a seemingly perfect marriage, and super hot passion. 🔥 Marcus finds out that before they were wed, Penny lived a secret life as a spy during the Napoleonic Wars and he is so hurt by the betrayal of not knowing his wife as he thought he did. Now everything Penny holds dear is threatened as all her past secrets are revealed and her husband is left struggling to come to terms with it all.
I loved how take-charge Penny is, she is determined to win her husband back and this read is filled with lots of angst. I liked the flashbacks of their past mixed in, this is a shorter read (at 229 pages) so you really get a good sense of their history and who they are together. This couple is amazing together, they were amazing when the story starts up 12 years into their marriage and watching them struggle & reunite together was amazing. Also, omg their sex scenes are super-super hot! 🔥🔥🔥 This was my first read by this author but I was thoroughly impressed and would definitely pick up more!
I loved how take-charge Penny is, she is determined to win her husband back and this read is filled with lots of angst. I liked the flashbacks of their past mixed in, this is a shorter read (at 229 pages) so you really get a good sense of their history and who they are together. This couple is amazing together, they were amazing when the story starts up 12 years into their marriage and watching them struggle & reunite together was amazing. Also, omg their sex scenes are super-super hot! 🔥🔥🔥 This was my first read by this author but I was thoroughly impressed and would definitely pick up more!
December 4, 2022
3.5/5 stars
I wasn't quite as into this one as I was the others in the series. I was into it in theory, but between
I wasn't quite as into this one as I was the others in the series. I was into it in theory, but between
April 24, 2016
She has many names her real name is Pandora, her husband calls her Penny or Lady Blackwood, his Marchioness and her spy name is Pompeia. The story opens with Pompeia being rescued from and attempted rape attack by Her future husband Lieutenant Colonel Harrington. Pompeia is in the British Camp to murder a traitor to the British its 1813 and Britain and France are at war. She immediately falls in love with the dashing young Harrington and follows his career and watches over him once the war is over. When she hears he is about to propose marriage she knows she much act. Entering a balcony at a ball she runs right into the now Marquess of Blackwood and immediately sparks fly between the two. Soon they are married and after 12 years of marriage and 3 sons later Marcus, her husband finds out the truth about her and who she really is and what she had been doing as a spy.
She was no virgin when he married her!! She has had sex with three other men the news article had read !! Marcus can't forgive her and he leaves and stays with a friend The Viscount Carlisle. On returning home after 2 weeks he still can't get over the false deception of his wife.
The story is a very good one and a believable one. There road to recover there marriage and trust of one another is a struggle especially for Marcus. Once all of the truth is out about Penny being a spy and using her body to get information for the Crown. Its a hard struggle for Marcus to stay with her and keep his family together. I felt so sorry for him!! I could feel his hurt and disappointment in his wife. I understood why she didn't tell him the truth of what and who she was. Fear he would not even consider her as a potential wife. This makes for a very unique, fast paced and suspenseful and erotic story. Will they find there way back to each other and have there HEA? or is there to many obstacles and lies to overcome? The road to repairing Penny and Marcus's marriage is fascinating and well written. This couple has one hot sexy, erotic and sensual marriage, but is it enough to overcome the distrust and sense of betrayal Marcus feels.
There are a great cast of secondary characters there 3 sons the hellions as there father calls them. The Kents from other books in the series and of course we have our jealous mean villain Lady Ashley!! The only problem I had with the story was the Rape. Rape never makes a story better in my opinion and it really didn't have a major effect on Pennys sexual abilities. Nor was it implied that she suffered great mental trauma. So why put it in a otherwise beautifully written romance. Rape and abuse of a young girl or boy is always a downer in a story in my opinion. It adds nothing and it teaches nothing. That's why 4 stars instead of 5!!
She was no virgin when he married her!! She has had sex with three other men the news article had read !! Marcus can't forgive her and he leaves and stays with a friend The Viscount Carlisle. On returning home after 2 weeks he still can't get over the false deception of his wife.
The story is a very good one and a believable one. There road to recover there marriage and trust of one another is a struggle especially for Marcus. Once all of the truth is out about Penny being a spy and using her body to get information for the Crown. Its a hard struggle for Marcus to stay with her and keep his family together. I felt so sorry for him!! I could feel his hurt and disappointment in his wife. I understood why she didn't tell him the truth of what and who she was. Fear he would not even consider her as a potential wife. This makes for a very unique, fast paced and suspenseful and erotic story. Will they find there way back to each other and have there HEA? or is there to many obstacles and lies to overcome? The road to repairing Penny and Marcus's marriage is fascinating and well written. This couple has one hot sexy, erotic and sensual marriage, but is it enough to overcome the distrust and sense of betrayal Marcus feels.
There are a great cast of secondary characters there 3 sons the hellions as there father calls them. The Kents from other books in the series and of course we have our jealous mean villain Lady Ashley!! The only problem I had with the story was the Rape. Rape never makes a story better in my opinion and it really didn't have a major effect on Pennys sexual abilities. Nor was it implied that she suffered great mental trauma. So why put it in a otherwise beautifully written romance. Rape and abuse of a young girl or boy is always a downer in a story in my opinion. It adds nothing and it teaches nothing. That's why 4 stars instead of 5!!
December 24, 2020
I started this one before bed one night, which turned out to be a terrible choice because I couldn't put it back down until I was finished!
This historical romance follows Penny and Marcus, a couple who've been married for 12 years, have three sons and are so in love with one another. Then, Marcus receives a letter and finds out that his wife has been lying about her past all these years.
I loved the way this one was told, we get dual POV's so we can see both Marcus and Penny's thoughts as they struggle to repair their marriage but we also get some flashback scenes so the reader can see them first meeting and falling in love. I really enjoyed this aspect, I can be picky with flashbacks in stories but I think there were just the right amount here that we got a feel for their past but they didn't overtake the story.
Penny was a fantastic heroine! She is so fierce and determined to fight for her marriage, whatever it takes. I loved seeing such a strong heroine, especially in a historical romance. Marcus does take some more warming too. It frustrated me a little that he wouldn't take time to even listen to Penny when he first finds out but he definitely came around for me. He never stops loving Penny, he's just confused and left unsure as to where they stand with eachother.
I have a few of Grace Callaway's books on my kindle but this is the first one i've read and it's got me so excited to read more as she really knows how to write chemistry between the characters! Definitely recommend if you want an angsty, but sweet and steamy, romance about a married couple finding their way back to eachother.
This historical romance follows Penny and Marcus, a couple who've been married for 12 years, have three sons and are so in love with one another. Then, Marcus receives a letter and finds out that his wife has been lying about her past all these years.
I loved the way this one was told, we get dual POV's so we can see both Marcus and Penny's thoughts as they struggle to repair their marriage but we also get some flashback scenes so the reader can see them first meeting and falling in love. I really enjoyed this aspect, I can be picky with flashbacks in stories but I think there were just the right amount here that we got a feel for their past but they didn't overtake the story.
Penny was a fantastic heroine! She is so fierce and determined to fight for her marriage, whatever it takes. I loved seeing such a strong heroine, especially in a historical romance. Marcus does take some more warming too. It frustrated me a little that he wouldn't take time to even listen to Penny when he first finds out but he definitely came around for me. He never stops loving Penny, he's just confused and left unsure as to where they stand with eachother.
I have a few of Grace Callaway's books on my kindle but this is the first one i've read and it's got me so excited to read more as she really knows how to write chemistry between the characters! Definitely recommend if you want an angsty, but sweet and steamy, romance about a married couple finding their way back to eachother.
September 15, 2020
For twelve years and three sons, Penny and Marcus have had a very passionate and loving marriage, until Penny's past as a spy for England is revealed to Marcus in a letter. Marcus feels their marriage has been a lie and his trust has been broken. The pain of their separation is worse than Penny could have ever imagined. Drastic times call for drastic measures to win Marcus back, as she reveals startling events that affected his own life. Explicit hot sex.
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April 13, 2024
I love a good marriage in trouble and this one did not disappoint. She is a former spy and after her husband of 12 years discovers the truth about who she is and her past, he is BIG MAD. I love the look back on their relationship, how they met and other key moments in their marriage. It was a really good book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Content notes: the FMC is raped at a very young age; the MCs experience the loss of a child due to stillbirth.
Content notes: the FMC is raped at a very young age; the MCs experience the loss of a child due to stillbirth.
June 30, 2018
Absolutely a page turning romance. I loved the fact that the story goes back and forth in time to tell the story of this couple's romance. You feel the betrayal and live through their bitter separation, and rejoice in their reconciliation!
March 10, 2019
I truly didn't think I was going to like this book. Marcus starts off being an ass- admitting he's being an ass but still continuing to do it. But damn does he make up for it. And I've loved Pandora since we first heard about her so it was almost guaranteed I continued to loved her.
December 15, 2020
this was so cute i loved it!!
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