REVIEW: Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen

Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen: In the forest of historical romance books, it’s always a delightful surprise to come across one that is funny, gender-bending, and romantic at the same time. “Love and Let Spy” is that special book. It tells the tale of Jane Bonde, spy extraordinaire, and Dominic Griffyn, a troubled gentlemen with a shady past, and it is the third book in Shana Galen’s “Lord and Lady Spy” series.

Jane Bonde, has been trained since childhood to be a spy for her uncle Lord Melbourne, head of the Barbican group, “the most elite group of spies England has to offer.” She has also been raised since childhood by her aunt Lady Melbourne to be a proper member of the ton, although that is a role she reluctantly undertakes. Dominic Griffyn is the stepson of the Marquess of Edgeberry, but has never really felt a part of his family. However, due to an unsavory accusation, Edgeberry and Melbourne have arranged a match between him and Miss Jane Bonde. Both strong, independent people, neither want the match, despite the social pressures that are being put on them. Jane desperately wants to capture her arch-nemesis the criminal mastermind Foncé, while Dominic just wants to be left alone with the horses he trains. However, Dominic can see that there is more to Jane than your average society maiden, and his curiosity about her gets him sucked into her world of spies, danger, and adventure. How this all leads to love is a fascinating, amusing, and sometimes heart-rendering, tale.

He led her through the ballroom. A better man would not have noted how many heads turned and how many raised brows accompanied those turned heads. A better man would not have felt a rush of triumph at having the woman every man wanted on his arm. Dominic was not that man.

Jane considers her role as a spy paramount to all others. Dominic forces her out of her spy persona and makes her realize that there is more to her than just what she can do for her uncle and for the Barbican group for which she works. Both Jane and Dominic are on a voyage of discovery to find out who they really are, without their self-imposed roles, both together and individually.

Dominic and Jane are excellent characters, with believable flaws and merits, and continue to be interesting throughout. The “Bond” theme is amusingly carried through the book, starting with an over-the-top action-filled beginning and following through with supporting characters called “M,” a technical wizard nicknamed “Q,” and a clerk named “Moneypence;” with the exception that of course Q is a female, and Moneypence is male. Q’s inventions have the aura of steampunk about them (an exploding quill!), but that’s all part of the charm, and the Bond-theme is never too heavy-handed or cloying.

This is a solid, entertaining addition to the “Lord and Lady Spy” series. A lively romance mixed with adventure, with a large wink towards the legacy of James Bond, makes “Love and Let Spy” a delightful read. If “Love and Let Spy” becomes your first read of the series, I also recommend going back and reading the related novels; you won’t regret the time invested, and it’s fun to fill in the details of the other spies in the Barbican group who appear now and again.

Book Info:

Published August 5th 2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

Her name is Bonde, Jane Bonde . . .

A beautiful and eligible member of the ton, Jane has more than a few secrets: she’s one of the Crown’s most elite agents. She may be deadly, but she doesn’t know a thing about fashion, flirtation, or love . . . until Dominic Griffyn shakes up her carefully stirred world and asks her to be his bride. He’s exactly the kind of man she’s not looking for. And he’s dangerous, because falling into his arms is so much more satisfying than saving England from her enemies.

He’s an improper gentleman who needs a wife. . .

Tall, dark, and tortured, Dominic Griffyn is haunted by demons from his past. When his stepfather insists that he marry, Dominic allows himself to hope that the beautiful but mysterious Miss Bonde might help him forget his troubles. As they grow closer, it’s clear that there’s more to Jane than danger. She might be just what his neglected heart needs.