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When Dashing Met Danger

(Regency Spies #1)

Shana Galen (Goodreads Author)

3.95 · Rating details · 434 ratings · 27 reviews

From an exciting new voice in romantic fiction comes a fast-paced and emotional historical romance. Shana Galen is sure to dazzle readers with her undeniable talent and unique brand of wit and charm. This is an author to watch!

Alex Scarston, Earl of Selbourne. Rake. Spy. With his efforts for England in the war against the French suspended, family obligations compel him to ...more

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Paperback, 384 pages

Published April 26th 2005 by Avon

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· 434 ratings · 27 reviews

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May 28, 2018 Debbie DiFiore rated it it was ok

Shelves: hated-hero, hero-celibate-during-separation, hero-was-a-jerk, in-my-kindle-library, in-my-paper-library, it-s-a-series, ex-lover-involved, evil-ex, favorite-authors, hero-walk-away

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Okay first off, the so called Hero, Alex, met the h when she was 14 so of course he had OW after he met her and while they were apart because she was too young first off, and he thought she was a brat. He did think she was beautiful but again she was way too young. So I could overlook that of course. But the number of women was really gross and I just hated that he was such a disgusting pig of a man. I digress. She is engaged to a horrible Mama's boy and they meet when she is trying to get him t Okay first off, the so called Hero, Alex, met the h when she was 14 so of course he had OW after he met her and while they were apart because she was too young first off, and he thought she was a brat. He did think she was beautiful but again she was way too young. So I could overlook that of course. But the number of women was really gross and I just hated that he was such a disgusting pig of a man. I digress. She is engaged to a horrible Mama's boy and they meet when she is trying to get him to stop trying to fondle her in a garden. The heroine's engagement was made by the parents and neither's affections are involved really but the fiance is drunk. So Alex saves her and is impressed with her beauty. The so called hero is her brother in law and so he takes her home and the drunk fiance lets him. They haven't seen each other since she was 14 or 15 and she was now 19 0r 20. He immediately wants to seduce her of course and they dance around each other for awhile. The H is of course a spy and the heroines brother is missing and he is tasked with finding him because he too is most likely a spy. Lucia is very headstrong and starts to interfere with the investigation because she is afraid for her twin brother. They end up in France and the mystery continues there. I am not going to go into all the details because you can find them out for yourself. Ms. Galen's writing keeps you glued to the story. So why two stars, because everywhere she went, she had to run into his ex-lovers. Everywhere. I was sick of it. His mistress shows up one night at his house and tries to lure him back to her bad while the h is watching. Then another one tries to kiss him at a ball and is groping him in front of the h again. Then they end up in a French brothel and the girls are all over him and they are all his ex lovers including the Madam who assures the heroine that that side of their relationship is over. I know men have pasts and I know some of my favorite heroes are reformed rakes but to have it talked and thought about over and over. It just disgusted me and I ended up not liking him at all. He made love to the heroine and to him it was just another dalliance. A special one yes but nothing To her it was love. He never planned on marrying her. He kept telling her that too. She kept saying she understood but she really didn't. Then they ended up in one of his love nests where he and his mistress lived and of course the mistress is there and it just was one woman after another. I bet he invented a couple of STD's with his behavior. I wouldn't even look at his 'appendage' for fear of infestation. He wasn't true to any of them either. Just a disgusting pig of a man. He ruined the story for me. He sends her back to the fiance too even though he has taken her virginity and loves him. I won't say anymore and he didn't have sex with any other woman once he met the h and during the subsequent separation so there was no cheating but his past just made my nether parts cringe. I still love this author and I will always read her. Just spare us the hordes of ex-lovers and prostitutes please. Now remember this is my opinion only. I still finished the book but I didn't really buy into the HEA. I am reading the third book now and it is much better. I am only starting it but I hope it doesn't go off on a tangent. It's about the other rake in this book, Lord 'Freddy' Dewhurst. I am praying the author spares me the details of his past. Read this book at your own peril. ...more

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Aug 30, 2015 Zoe rated it liked it · review of another edition

Hmm.............

A rather typical spy of the crown book, with a rather meddlesome heroine who never does what she is told and gets herself in danger so that the hero can save the day, a hero who is kind of unremarkable, plots unoriginal but at least the writing is smooth.

Lucia is a heroine who has something to prove. She does what is expected of her but in contempt. She has an emotional streak and gets pissed off when she is not taken seriously. (But why I ask? When you act like a ninny, people ...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Lori rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-book, some-steam, spies, suspense, romance, regency, historical-fiction, fun-fluff, cozy-mystery, british-lit

3.5 stars

A most entertaining Regency romance, complete with a missing brother, spies, a trip to dangerous France, footpads, thugs, dandies, and, of course, the feisty heroine about to marry for duty and position to a dreadful "gentlemen", and the rake hero so scarred by his father's foolish behavior that he's vowed never to marry!

Dashing is Miss Lucia Dashing. Dangerous is Alexander (Alex) Scarston, the Earl of Selbourne. Alex's brother, Winterbourne, is married to Lucia's sister, Francesca. The 3.5 stars

A most entertaining Regency romance, complete with a missing brother, spies, a trip to dangerous France, footpads, thugs, dandies, and, of course, the feisty heroine about to marry for duty and position to a dreadful "gentlemen", and the rake hero so scarred by his father's foolish behavior that he's vowed never to marry!

Dashing is Miss Lucia Dashing. Dangerous is Alexander (Alex) Scarston, the Earl of Selbourne. Alex's brother, Winterbourne, is married to Lucia's sister, Francesca. The brothers' share a mother, but each has a different father, so each brother is the eldest son of his family name - meaning, a title and lands. Alex has been attracted to Lucia since his brother's betrothal and marriage to her sister, Francesca, but Lucia was only a girl of 14 then.

Fast forward six years... Alex's cover as an English spy in France is blown, and he must return to England to save not only his own neck, but his contacts and his network. Alex has never liked the "ton" or all the events of a Season; he sees no reason to like it now. He wants an occupation - something to do. He's used to danger, to intrigue, to puzzles, to life-and-death... not all of these useless balls and even more useless politicians. In trying to avoid all the marriage-minded mamas, Alex slips out of a ball and into the gardens, only to discover that Lucia's useless, full-of-himself fiancee is drunk and trying to have his wedding night a bit early. He does the only thing he can do; he "saves" Lucia and whisks her home in his carriage.

Instant chemistry - sizzling! The two realize that their attraction hasn't faded. Now that Lucia's 20 and fully a woman, Alex realizes that he's more attracted to her than ever. Lucia, only marrying her fiancee to make a beneficial political alliance for her father's ambitions, discovers that Alex brings up feelings in her that she never knew existed. She thought that a love-match like her sister had made was out of the question for her. Now she starts to wonder... except Alex is such a rake, that her brother and father would never let her near him if Alex weren't her brother-in-law.

The two are thrown together with a common cause when Lucia discovers that her twin brother, John, is missing. John was supposed to set sail for Greece two months ago, about the time that Alex returned to England. John withdrew 200 pounds, but he's not been seen or heard from since, and he's not withdrawn any more money in that time. Lucia's father consulted his son-in-law (Winterbourne), who brought in Alex to assist with locating John. Lucia and John are as close as twins can be, and Lucia insists on joining the search. She knows John's friends, his routines, and his mind. Alex isn't thrilled about her accompanying him on his search. He's the typical chauvinistic British peer - over-confident in his own abilities and too easy to overlook the value that a woman might have. Why makes no sense, exactly, since he's dealt with many women in his spy network. But it seems where a young, English lady like Lucia is concerned, Alex puts her in the same category as the "ton" - she's only good for social events, marriage, mistressing, and the like.

Lucia quickly shows Alex that she's a valuable partner - in words and deeds. She finds a clue in a hidden pocket in one of her brother's waistcoats that tells Alex, beyond a doubt, that John must have been his replacement in France. Lucia and Alex end up in France "accidentally"... quite an amusing set of circumstances: Lucia sneaks into Alex's house late at night to give him the clue. Alex almost bashes her over the head, and she discovers he has a guest - Camilla, a French contact. Camilla is obviously jealous of Lucia and intimates that she and Alex were once more than contacts and friends. Lucia's jealousy, curiosity, and desire flame into her offering herself to Alex, who takes her offer at face value. The two spend a rollicking, lusty night together where, for once, the description doesn't have the hero manfully withholding his own pleasure for hours and hours! Instead, the description carries enough steam to be enticing, but turns sweet when it reveals that Alex "surrenders" himself in the love-making as he never has allowed himself to do before.

Bingo! We knew, as readers, that this match was meant to be. Now, if the hero and heroine can only get away from the nasty French thugs who capture them (an old enemy of Alex's) who whisk them away to France and certain death. For Lucia, before death is the very real possibility of gang rape and misuse. But fear not!

Now that they're conveniently in France, Lucia and Alex (and one of his English cam padres) must now locate John. As usual, Alex won't listen to Lucia... and everyone ends up in a tangled mess playing "who is the betrayer?" until the person we KNEW was the betrayer (because Lucia figured it out already) is revealed.

But can they get the wounded John out of France alive? Will Alex and Lucia make it out alive? And if they do, will John or Lucia's father murder Alex for having taken Lucia's virginity and not marrying her? Would Lucia accept Alex even if he asked? Will Lucia return to her fiancee and a life of drudge, as Alex commands her to do?

Fun book - the plot is predictable in a witty, light-hearted way. The irritations are that the men so devalue Lucia's contributions that you want to scream right along with her. ...more

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Oct 29, 2016 Alyn rated it it was ok

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Apr 13, 2015 Jadzia rated it liked it

Shelves: regency

A most irritating book that I've read in quite a while.
Starting with the fact that I am not very much into spy books and even though it turned out not to be so very spyish, the sentiment remains. And the fact that one of the heroes engaged to someone else is also not my thing.
I am definitely not into heroines who get angry at the hero for no sensible reason. Did she really thought that when he seemed to start to fall asleep when they were bound and in danger, that he was going to rest a while? A ...more

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Jun 20, 2017 Joan rated it it was ok

This is Galen's first book. Granted there is a formula to romance novels, but the better ones tend to have a decent mystery plot and intelligent heroes and heroines. This first attempt is completely formulaic. The plot (such as it is) is totally predictable; the heroine is a silly, stupid brat; and the hero is boring. Frankly, Lord Dewhurst is the most interesting character. There are also numerous continuity issues, such as, in one sentence a character has discarded his spent pistol and the nex ...more

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Mar 28, 2021 Jordan rated it did not like it

I have read 18 books by Galen and never given any of them below 3 stars. This one though, was just so awful. lol. Without going into spoilers I can't really explain how much of an absolute ninny the heroine was, or how enormous of a cad the hero was. They're both just terrible and I couldn't bring myself to root for either. There are also a bunch of inconsistencies and unlikely aspects. It was just miserable to slog through. I kept hoping that something would improve to allow me to at least roun ...more

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Sep 05, 2018 Readerkuna1 rated it it was amazing

Another good book from Shana Galen.

Lucia needs to find her brother. He is missing.

Alex Searston is helping but does not want her help.

THe aparks begin. Lucia won't take no for answer when it comes to her twin brother.

She gets a clue in one of his waistcoats.

They goes through some trouble and finally find him.
It is during this time that they come together.

They find a love that if meant for them. That love just for them.

Good read
...more

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Jan 26, 2018 Donna Foster rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I love this title!

You know the sign of a good writer is when you get mad at the character and not the author. So guess which way I'm going with this , it's a very good book! Steamy , funny. It's a nice beginning ...more

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Jun 17, 2017 Barbara Literski rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

True Spy

This book was great! You meet Alex and Lucia in the book about Ethan and Francesca. This book had more espionage in it. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a good mystery.

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Apr 07, 2020 V rated it liked it

3.5

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Jul 11, 2010 MaggieReadsRom rated it liked it

Shelves: historical

3,5 stars

I really liked this book. It took me a while to finish it but this had nothing to do with the book itself, it was due to lack of time to read.
After reading lots of paranormal/vampires in a row I really needed a good regency and I got that with this one.
It was original and unique.

The characters were well-developed and accessible .
Lucia is a heroin who actually touched my heart. She tries so hard to gain her family’s approval, especially her father’s and I was glad to see that she ach ...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Shanah rated it really liked it

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Jan 27, 2016 Helen rated it really liked it

Shana Galen loves to mix danger with romance in a way that makes this nearly a romantic suspense in the second half. There is plenty of danger for Miss Dashing to endure, much of it the result of her own actions. Because she is outrageously impulsive, she is less than fully likeable. That and a slightly overbearing hero count for the 4 stars. Galen also has a knack for creating engaging secondary characters and setting up a world in which they most likely will get their own stories. This early e ...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Gayle rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

When Dashing Met Danger by Shana Galen is a wonderful historical romantic adventure with characters that you can't help liking. Lot's of action, quick paced adventure and witty dialogue. I was laughing out loud while reading some of the situations the heroine Lucia and the hero Alex found themselves in. When Dashing Met Danger has spies, betrayals, burning passions and a cast of memorable secondary characters. Great read. ...more

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Sep 29, 2015 Tabetha Waite rated it it was amazing

Wow! I could not WAIT to get back to this book and could have easily read it all in one sitting! I think this is going to be a favorite author! I LOVE her voice, the tone of her characters, the romance, chemistry, you name it! This book had it all for me! My only qualm I had was that I wish I'd read Francesca and Ethan's book first, though I can't wait to get their story! ...more

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Jan 10, 2016 Sharon rated it it was amazing

Lucia and Alex
An enjoyable read with a satisfying HEA

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Apr 14, 2015 Abigail rated it it was amazing

I loved it. It was a perfect mixture of romance, action, adventure and danger. Never underestimate a woman's intuition ...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Maria rated it really liked it

As long as it was, I still wanted more. More tension between the hero & heroine, more empathy in the hero. Lucia seemed a bit immature but I liked her. I loved the story.

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Oct 18, 2011 Kristel rated it did not like it

both main characters were annoying ~_~.

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Sep 19, 2011 Suzie Quint rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance-historical

A sweet little romance that kept me involved from beginning to end.

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Aug 06, 2014 Christine Dee rated it it was ok

If you're looking for a main character that has you ramming the back of your head again the wall throughout the book, look no further! ...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Kajol rated it really liked it

Shelves: spies, historical-romance, regency-romance

3.5 stars..

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Carol rated it really liked it
Apr 07, 2014

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Apr 22, 2018

DAlva Peterson rated it it was amazing
Feb 16, 2018

Vcrowley rated it it was amazing
Apr 08, 2015

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Oct 28, 2009

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About Shana Galen

Shana Galen

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Shana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven year ...more