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Gentlemen of London #5

A Deadly Entanglement

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Spies were never meant to fall in love...

Reginald, Marquess of Haddington, has been assigned to determine if a dangerous weapons dealer operating in the rookeries poses a threat to the Crown. It appears to be a straightforward case until he is also assigned to partner with Miss Ashmore, a beautiful but stubborn woman he has always loved.

Miss Evie Ashmore doesn’t want a partner but is forced to accept Reginald’s help. She is convinced that harm has befallen her mentor and is bound and determined not to rest until she ensures that he is safe, which forces her to visit the most unsavory parts of London.

As Evie and Reginald learn to work together, a greater danger looms and they quickly realize that everything is not what it seems. Can love truly conquer all, or was this doomed from the start?


As the fifth novel in an exciting series by author Laura Beers, A Deadly Entanglement continues the Gentlemen of London series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.

The series

Book 1- A Treacherous Engagement
Book 2- An Unlikely Plan
Book 3- A Perilous Circumstance
Book 4- A Precarious Gamble
Book 5- A Deadly Entanglement
Book 6- A Devious Secret

Other books by Laura Beers include The Beckett Files , Regency A Promise of Love, Proper Regency Matchmakers, Regency Spies & Secrets and Lords & Ladies of Mayfair.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2022

224 people are currently reading
211 people want to read

About the author

Laura Beers

76 books495 followers
Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

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5 stars
501 (55%)
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272 (29%)
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113 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Adrienne.
38 reviews
March 29, 2023
I loved LOVED this book. The power couple being two spies who had been pining for each other for years was plot - and comedy - gold. Again, I appreciate the idea that the romance takes the backseat for a while to make way for the deeper plot - that of a missing Rutledge.

Evie is such a strong headed and spunky individual, bent on hunting down the missing man. Reginald (I just cannot get past the name but it was a choice) is assigned to work with her, much to her disappointment. But as the two work together to hunt down Rutledge, having each other's backs along the way, you really become engrossed in their story and their character.

The supporting characters in this book - Nathaniel from the first book, Worsley and Talbot (still my favorite comedic duo tbh), etc. - really helped to add to the already engaging story. The comedy alone made for an excellent read!! It even had some twists I actually didn't see coming, and it kept me intrigued and even pleasantly shocked!

I was very excited to read Evie's story, as she has been a favorite of mine since the first book. This book highly exceeded any expectations I had, and I would easily read it again.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,381 reviews31 followers
November 28, 2022
Highly enjoyable storyline and characters. Evie is wonderful as a lady and a spy. Reginald her lifelong friend and now unwanted partner is great as a spy but cowardly when it comes to his true feelings for Evie. Their mission is dangerous and if they can work together, without driving each other crazy, they and their fellow spy friends will complete their mission. The question is if Reginald will admit his feelings before it is too late.
Profile Image for Valancy.
21 reviews17 followers
January 2, 2025
Decent plot with frustrating characters.

My main grievance was with Evie, who’s suffering a rather severe case of Not Like Other Girls syndrome (“I’m not like most girls of the ton”; “I’ve always known that I was different from other young women”; and the repeated emphasis on her father training her to be singular, and that singularity being what makes her so attractive). I do like unconventional characters, don’t get me wrong. I’m simply weary of their uniqueness being used as a bludgeon with which other women are beaten away from the pedestal upon which our character stands.

That would almost be forgivable if not for the fact that Evie is actually a rather incompetent agent, or at least I thought so. If being unique is her whole personality, she should at least be good at it!! At one point she and Reginald confront two men in a dangerous location, and Evie sheaths her knife while still standing in front of the criminals who have pistols resting on the table. It actually blew my mind. On two (count ‘em: TWO) different occasions Evie is nearly shot point-blank in her recklessness but is saved in the last moment by a friend. When she started questioning her abilities I couldn’t help but agree—girl, pick a new hobby! This one isn’t it!!

Also, it was a bit hard to believe just how naive some of the characters were (I actually laughed at one foreseeable death which was cold of me, I will say). The villain wasn’t developed much and seemed to simply be Evil Incarnate. Evie accuses them of being inherently evil, so I guess we know where she stands on the whole “are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” debate.

Lastly, one more proofread/edit would’ve helped with a few spelling errors. These were minor but harder to ignore when I was already irritated.

Overall, much of it felt too juvenile. That said, I did finish the entire thing, so it was entertaining! I think my tolerance for characters like Evie is almost dramatically low; others would likely enjoy this much more.
Profile Image for Krystal.
453 reviews24 followers
January 6, 2023
I could not wait to read this installment of this series! I have been waiting to see if Evie and Reginald would get a story and I was absolutely delighted to see this one come out!
I had loved the glimpses into Evie's character throughout this series, and it was so fun to get to see more of her in this book. She is spunky and sassy and I love her bravery as well as the glimpses into her vulnerability as well as what drives her. Reginald was also such a great character. I enjoyed getting to see to his heart and true feelings concerning Evie, and how he puzzled out his next steps where she was concerned. The secondary characters lend so much to this story- how they helped this couple, and how they work together to solve mysteries! It was so exciting and romantic! I am such a fan of this series and this author!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Alicia Rivoli.
Author 10 books67 followers
November 17, 2022
A fantastic story of mystery and romance. Beers is able to turn a tale that will capture your attention and keep you hostage until the last page is turned. Well done! Highly recommend the entire series.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,465 reviews110 followers
December 31, 2022
Someone's dealing weapons in the rookeries and there's talk of an insurrection coming. Add to that Evie's mentor, Rutledge, goes missing. She's determined to find him, but she isn't allowed to search for him on her own. Reginald, Marquess of Haddington and spy, has to go with her. Let's just say Evie's none too happy with that situation!

I've wanted to know more about Evie since the first time she appeared!! She's not at all the lady she appears to be in Society, she's a spy. She wears trousers on occasion, climbs walls, shoots and knows how to throw a knife. She says she doesn't plan to marry and we finally find out why, but I'm not spilling the tea here, you'll have to read the book to find out her reason.

On the other hand, Reginald's been in love with Evie for years, but these two are like oil and water when they're together. I think it's because Evie's fighting her feelings for Reginald. As they say, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks".

This adventure brings back several of the characters from the previous books. Talbot and Worsley are still there for a little comic relief amongst the mystery and suspense. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and although they're technically not enemies, there is a strong dislike vibe coming from Evie. I loved all the banter between them and I could feel when her feelings started to change or should I say she started to acknowledge her feelings. As usual I loved the mystery and suspense, and was again surprised when the culprit was revealed. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
627 reviews7 followers
February 14, 2023
Really enjoyed the humor in this one, and I'm accidentally reading these in reverse order. I think I will go reread the first one again and then the other three. I love that the characters from the first four books are in this and the sixth one. The intrigue and danger makes it exciting but it isn't drawn out and I'd still call it a lighter read. Definitely worth reading and more enjoyable to read in order, though it works as a standalone some of the names get confusing if you aren't familiar with them. High notes - the vindicators and selling puppies and stray cats. Lows... Not too many but disappointing Stephen was sad. I'm glad he gets his own story. Evie and Reginald had some great rapport. (Ok and I end up liking aunt Nancy). Enjoy!
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,825 reviews39 followers
April 29, 2023
I am really enjoying this series. This was a fun romance, plus a spy investigation. I have liked the character of Evie in other books, and was happy to read her story. She had been in love with the same man since childhood, and now finds that they are to be a team on the same mission. I enjoyed the mystery, as they tried to find a kidnapped agent, and stop an uprising against the crown. I liked the ending, and the epilogue. It kept my attention throughout the story, and I read it in one setting. I gave it five stars..I enjoyed all the characters, and especially her Aunt, and her friends, and fellow agents. It also had some humor mixed in, which made for fun reading.
Profile Image for Kerstin.
491 reviews
December 21, 2022
I really liked Reginald and loved that Hawthorne was in the story a lot. This was my favorite plot in the series but not my favorite characters, because I'm not a fan of Evie (at least out of books 1-5). The plot was very interesting. If you want a good, clean, not-creepy suspense series, I highly recommend this one. Laura Beers is a "go-to" author for me. I know I can trust her to write clean stories and entertaining plots and characters.

Clean!
Language/profanity: none
Sex/innuendo: only sweet kisses
Gore/Violence: mild-medium, several fight scenes, some mild descriptions of beatings
Dark/Creepy: none
Profile Image for Lori.
83 reviews
December 9, 2022
Miss Evie Ashmore is determined to live a independent and dangerous life unbeknownst to the ton. She refuses to marry and hopes to live her life helping others as a spy for her country. She discovers that her mentor is missing and is determined to find him without the aid of a partner. She is forced to accept the help of Reginald, the Marquess of Haddington who has known her since they were children. She fights her attraction to him as they seek to uncover the truth of who took her mentor.

Reginald has loved Evie since they were children, but she continually rebuffs him. He doesn't know why. Thrown together to solve a case, he is determined to save her from any harm. He hopes that he can get the answers and protect her from danger she continually seeks out.

I have been waiting for Evie's story since I first read about her in the first book. I was excited to see that she and Reginald were going to be working together. It has a great deal of danger, mystery, and a slow growing romance between two people who were friends as children. I loved how each learned to rely on each other. How Reginald's close group of friends helped him with following his heart. I like to see more of Evie's relationship with her sister and aunt. This is a clean read.

I was given an arc, but the opinion in this review is mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Haleigh E..
25 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2022
I have enjoyed every book in this series so much that have been considering starting back at book 1 to re-read them! “A Deadly Entanglement” finally gave us Evie’s story and it did not disappoint! I loved the dynamic between the two spies! You should definitely start from the beginning of the series as it was fun to hear from characters from the first few books! Some may find the stories similar but I find comfort in returning to the same world to hear the different stories and perspectives! My go-to genre these days is rom-com so I’m not expert in historical romance but I enjoy to change up in books every now and then. I have enjoyed this series because I like to be in a world of characters through many books!

This book is closed door historical romance
957 reviews5 followers
December 10, 2022
clean romance

Spies, missing people and danger wrapped around an unrequited romance and you get an excellent story!

Both hero and heroine are strong and bold except when it comes to each other. They face danger but the biggest danger is a broken heart.

This book continues the series of the Gentlemen of London. I suggest reading each in order to gain the fullest insight to the other characters in the book. They can be read as stand alone…but I think you would be missing out.

I cannot wait for the next in the series!
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews206 followers
December 6, 2022
I knew that I was going to love this book before I started it because it features Evie. She is my favorite character in this series.

Once again there is trouble brewing in London. The gentlemen spies (and Evie) will do what they can to keep England and the Prince Regent safe.

This installment kept me on my toes as I mentally followed the clues and tried to figure out who was holding a missing spy and what their nefarious plans were.

The book also contains a sweet romance. I enjoyed the interaction between Evie and Reginald. Their relationship has been brewing for years. Finally, they resolved their conflict and it was great to see their relationship grow.

There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the interest high. I'm looking forward to the next book!

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
1,274 reviews12 followers
November 30, 2022
We are off on another adventure. This is the fifth book in the Gentlemen of London series. This is the story of Reginald and Evie, both are secret spies for the crown. They have also been friends since childhood. While neither have any hope of Matrimony, they are always crossing each others paths. Evie is a smart and capable woman that has a little fear, which is why she is good at her job. Reginald is letting his emotions get in his way of doing his job. When he is paired up with Evie to solve a case, his feelings only get stronger. The story is very well written, and holds your attention throughout. It has many twists and turns, lighthearted banter, and meddling mothers. There are some side characters that are quite amusing. It is part of a series, but can stand on its own. I recommend reading all the books in order, you won’t be disappointed. This is a clean regency Romance, and spy mystery. With that being said, there is the use of guns and daggers, and people dying from such encounters. Everything is done in a discrete manner.
Profile Image for Ashley Johnson.
579 reviews40 followers
November 20, 2022
A Deadly Entanglement once again follows a cast of characters who are Spies for the Crown as they attempt to rescue one of their own and foil the plans of mysterious criminals. Evie and Reginald are forced to work together, which brings about all sorts of challenges. Evie is set on proving her capabilities and Reginald is determined to keep her safe by shielding her from any hint of danger. Evie is a stubborn character with a sharp tongue, and obstinate nature that often lead her into trouble. I wasn’t her biggest fan, and was hopeful that she would soften a bit and show a bit of kindness to Reginald. Reginald was capable, loyal, and hopelessly in love with Evie despite her constantly icing him out with her words and actions. The mystery plot was intriguing and there were a few fun twists at the end that I really loved! This series is so much fun to read and captures my love of Regency and suspense which is why I have really enjoyed this series!
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
712 reviews15 followers
November 16, 2022
This book will make you want to keep reading just a little more
This book is engaging from the first page as you meet the Marquess of Haddington, Reginald, in a filthy pub more known for horrific food than the company it draws. As he leaves the pub, he is summoned to see Merritt, the head of the spy ring working to keep England safe from internal threats. As he arrives at Merritt’s office he encounters another agent, Evie Ashmore, who he has admired since they were children but she is not interested in him insisting it would never work. But Evie’s mentor in the agency, Rutledge, has vanished and foul play is suspected. It seems that Evie and Reginald will need to work together to rescue Rutledge and along the way will discover secrets that can change their futures. This book is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone. I can highly recommend the other books from this series. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Caroline.
163 reviews
January 5, 2023
3.5 stars. An enjoyable story, but it had the potential to possess more depth to the plot and characters. A few spelling mistakes.
1,028 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2023
Evie and Reginald.

Reginald and Evie have been friends since childhood and have always loved each other but neither has ever told the other. Evie has always felt as if she wasn’t good enough and Reginald always thought Evie wasn’t interested. The more they work together, the more difficult it is to deny their feelings for each other. This is an action packed love story with some unexpected happenings that make it interesting. Just like the other books in the series there is humor among the familiar characters that add to the appeal of the book. Reginald Haddington has always been my favorite of all the male characters so I’m glad to finally read his story. I was not disappointed.
Profile Image for Sasha Owen.
108 reviews
January 18, 2023
“I choose you, and every day I will choose you, over and over, without the slightest hesitation.”
I’m so extremely in love with Reginald and Evie’s story. One of my favorite troupes is where they grew up together and then finally become something more. Also Worsley and Talbot have such a heavy presence in this story. I absolutely adore those two agents!!!! I honestly want a novella of just the shenanigans those two get up to. But back to our main characters. Ughhh!!! My heart has a soft spot for those two. Their chemistry was a joy to read and experience. The love they have for each other ran deep and though Evie tried to fight it she couldn’t hold out. And the plot twist with Aunt Nancy y’all I didn’t see it coming. 10/10 would recommend.
*I was given an arc all opinions are my own*
Profile Image for Erin.
437 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2023
I should probably stop reading this series, which has always been just good enough to get me to pick up the next book but not quite good enough to leave me pleased with it. I stand by my review of A Treacherous Engagement.

A disappointing installment, too much of this relationship felt unrealistic. The negative motivation was insignificant in comparison to the characters oversized personalities and the amount of time involved. It felt like a waste of potential with these two promising characters.
Profile Image for Emily Cronk.
334 reviews18 followers
November 23, 2024
What a book, y'all.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books in the Gentlemen of London series so far, and A Deadly Entanglement was no exception. It is so good!!

I'm fairly certain this book has it all - a protective hero, a courageous leading lady, villains who deserve a facer (or fifty), awesome side characters you can't help but love, action and danger around every corner, secret missions, plot twists you didn't see coming, some of the best character growth, the sweetest romance....seriously, what is there not to love here??

Reginald and Evie are the best. I loved how Reginald never gave up on Evie, despite her insistence that she'd never marry and her attempts to keep him at arms length. They truly were perfect for each other, and I was so happy with how things worked out for the two of them.

Moral of the story here is that y'all need this book in your lives. Trust me friends, it is a good one. I have spoken.
41 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2022
At Last

I’ve waited for Evie’s story to be told for awhile. Out of all of the female characters in this series she is the one I relate to the most. Evie doesn’t follow the rules that the ton requires in order for her to be considered a proper lady. She loves being an agent for the Crown and is rather good at it. Assigned to be partners with her childhood friend proves problematic as she can no longer deny her love for him. Does he love her? Can she get past what his mother did to her years ago?Read the book and find out, you won’t be disappointed.
111 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2023
Enduring love and Secret Agents for the Crown

Once again a mother who interferes with her son’s life causes unhappiness to him and the woman he has loved since childhood. She prevents him from knowing that his love is returned. Years later when both Reginald and Evie are working for the Crown in secret, they have more time together. Mysteries they try to solve brings mutual respect for the abilities each possesses. Eventually, they discover there are many in Evie’s family who have given her abilities as an agent equal to Reginald.
Profile Image for Teresa Williams.
556 reviews7 followers
March 3, 2023
I just love this group of friends!

I love how Ms Beers has woven these books together! I have grown to enjoy so much seeing how each of the characters have grown and developed, and their interactions with each other. I read books 2, 3, 4, and 6, skipping 1and 5, yet still enjoyed each book. I am now reading them in order, and enjoyed so much running lines that have been in each book. Now on to book 6 for my 2nd read, to see what I catch that didn’t have as much meaning to me before.
Profile Image for Becky Cobb Montague.
15 reviews
December 8, 2022
Loved reading the latest installment of this series! I was very glad to read about Lord Haddington & Evie. Their story has been teased about through several books. The banter between the characters as their story unfolds is delightful. Talbot & Worsley make me laugh out loud with their various enterprises & antics! I’m already Looking forward to book 6! Thank you Laura Beers for writing enjoyable regency novels.
2,377 reviews13 followers
December 9, 2022
A Deadly Engagement

This was an interesting story of who really was the bad guy. Everett was a secret agent and
Reginald was her longtime friend from childhood. He had always loved Evie since they played together as children. He became a secret agent of the crown and she too worked for the Crown. Mr Merritt wanted them to work together to find a missing agent. More to come, enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
103 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2023
Spies & Romance!

Clean romance with intrigue - if you have read any of the other books in the series you will like reading about some of the characters you’ve all ready met. Though I didn’t find Evie very realistic it still was an interesting read. Evie seemed rather self-absorbed and often reckless - not considering how her recklessness would endanger others. Reginald was a more likable character & more in tune with the time period. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Terressa.
597 reviews
February 26, 2023
Excellent! Another fabulous addition to the series. Laura Beers knows how to write spy and romance 😍

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
162 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2024
At Last!

After four of Lord Haddington's best friends find true love, he is finally ready to pursue his childhood love. Evie is determined to keep all men at an arms' length or more, but as the two work to keep England safe, sparks start igniting.
Join Haddington and Evie's adventure as they fight the evil forces against crown and country and break down the walls affront their own hearts, at last!
Profile Image for Julie.
775 reviews6 followers
November 16, 2022
Reginald Haddington has loved Evie since they were children. He has been keeping silent about it for years. They are both spies for the Crown. When a spy goes missing they are teamed up to find him. There are twists and turns and excitement around every corner. This is a wonderful series. I would highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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