While You Were Spying -- Shana Galen

Shana Galen's regency spy books are must reads for me. They contain the right amount of passion, humor and adventure. Ms. Galen does not write a formula regency novel. Each one of her stories has unique characters and storylines. Ms. Galen writes characters - heroes, heroines and (gasp) villains -- that resonate with me. I loved her Regency Spy series and was thrilled to hear that she was publishing While You Were Spying, the prequel to her Regency Spy series.

Francesca Dashing falls into the Earl of Winterbourne's arms while she is sneaking around a neighbors stables. She is trying to help an abused horse. Winterbourne has been sent to Hampshire by the Foreign Office to investigate a local smuggling ring and capture it's leader. Francesca intrigues him and after she is mysteriously attacked Ethan is determined to protect her.

Ms. Galen has created a cast of memorable characters in this book. Both the heroine and hero have secrets. Francesca has returned home to the country after a broken engagement. She is strong willed, feisty and loves her chocolate treats and gingerbread. Francesca has a small animal hospital where she devotes herself to injured and abused animals. Winterbourne is a spy ; a very handsome, sexy spy with auburn hair and amber eyes. He is visiting his brothers estate to ferret out the leader of a local smuggling group. Winterbourne believes that the attacks on Francesca are not random. He senses that Cesca has not been totally honest with him concerning her broken betrothal with Roxbury. Winterbourne's valet, Pocket and Cesca's mother, Lady Brigham are my favorite secondary characters. Pocket has Ethan's best wishes in mind whether he is handing him a glass of brandy, brushing dirt off of his suits or helping him put together a romantic picnic supper. Lady Brigham is a hoot. She is quite busy trying to marry off Cesca to Ethan and her love of all things Italian will make you laugh (and laugh).

Shana Galen adds several additional elements to this story which make it stand apart from a typical regency adventure. The author includes two social issues which are not standard fare in a regency adventure; body image and physical abuse. Francesca's Mother admonishes her daughter in Italian when Cesca reaches for a chocolate tart when they share tea with Winterbourne. Lady Brigham announces to Winterbourne that "Francesca may not be la bella di famiglia --that title is usually given to my younger daughter--but you will not find a sweeter girl in all of England."

His finger rested on the center of her bottom lip. He swiped it gently across her skin, and as he pulled away, she saw a smudge of chocolate on his skin. She watched, trembling, as he put the finger in his mouth and slowly licked it clean.

"And Francesca?"

"Yes." At least that was the word she meant to form, she dragged her eyes back to his, breath coming fast,

"I might even find a way into your dreams."

While You Were Spying is full of romance, intrigue and passion. The storyline is well - paced and the last few chapters are suspenseful. What sets this novel apart from other adventure stories is that the characters have everyday experiences. Both Ethan and Francesca have been disappointed in love, how they approach their situations adds authenticity to both their characters and the story. Can Francesca and Ethan put their pasts behind them and learn to trust each other?

I found the resolution to be rewarding. I just loved this book; from the very regency inspired cover to the chocolate loving heroine and her passionate hero to the suspense filled conclusion. Why You Were Spying is a must read for Ms. Galen's many fans!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by author.

All I Want for Christmas is Blue ~~ A Lord and Lady Spy Novella by Shana Galen

I was very disappointed when author Shana Galen retired Blue, my favorite character from The Lord and Lady Spy novels. I couldn't believe that I wouldn't be reading about Blue's brightly colored capes and pink waist coats, his adventures with Butterfly, Baron, Wolf and Saint and his unusual obsession with the opera.

After reading A Spy Wore Blue and Love and Let Spy, I wasn't convinced that my favorite blue -eyed spy was enjoying retirement from the Barbican group. Helena wasn't mentioned in the last book. My hero didn't get his happily ever after. Or did he?

"Now I understand your sudden interest in opera," Baron said, coming to stand beside him. "She's lovely. I always thought your tastes ran to baritones."

"I'm full of surprises."

"So am I."

Blue gave his lace a last fluff and lifted his gaze to the man beside him. Winston Keating was the new leader of the Barbican group, the Crown's most elite espionage wing. They'd recently foiled an attempt to blow up Parliament, and that had been on top of thwarting an assassination attempt of the Prince Regent himself.

"Hardly," Blue remarked, giving Baron's wrinkled coat a disdainful glance. One would think a man with those broad shoulders might look better in a coat.

"I imagine you are here in an attempt to entice me back to the Barbican group."

Baron tried to look innocent. "Did you ever leave? I seem to remember you were at Bonde's side when she brought down Fonce."

"Coincidence."

Baron is trying to entice Blue into assisting the Barbican group by decoding a message. Blue is tempted because he loves to work through puzzles and codes but, he promised to put Helena first and retire from spying. He declines. Reluctantly.

Shana Galen has written a sweet, sexy, holiday romance for Blue and Helena. I enjoyed the entire book from the fabulous sexy cover to the last few words. Fans of the much loved Lord and Lady Spy series will enjoy Lord and Lady Bloomington's coach ride to the Ely Ball. The adventure begins as Blue's plans for a bit of passion in the coach are interrupted by an unexpected visit. I enjoyed the unexpected events which occurred at the Ely Christmas ball. Both our hero and heroine learn important truths about each other, their careers and families.

Thank you Shana Galen for the Happily Ever After for Blue and Helena! All I Want for Christmas is Blue is the perfect gift for your readers who enjoyed The Lord and Lady Spy series!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen - Review

Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen

Have you been enjoying the spy series by Shana Galen? 
Lord and Lady Spy, True Spies, The Spy Wore Blue.
I have liked every one of them. But even if you haven't read
the others in the series, you can still love this one, Love and Let Spy.

The story of Jane & Dominic. Both endlessly stubborn.
Jane, raised to be a ruthless, clever spy. She never
quits. Always trying to prove herself.
And she has never ending patience.
Which she needs.

Dominic, has a way with horses. Prefers them over
people, mostly. He does not seem all that special at first glance.
But then you realize how brave he is.  The courage it takes
for him to appear normal.
Dominic has rules and deep fears.

Both Jane & Dominic are so special and unique. They would each have gladly continued on with their lives.
But as luck would have it, they find themselves forced together.
Can they make it work?
Can he over come his mothers secrets?
Can she survive the secrets M guards?
Will the Barbican be able to stop Fonce?

     "And it shall go something like this. Miss Bonde,

 from the moment I saw you,

     you stole my heart. I did not give it freely."

    "God knows that is the truth."
He ignored her.

"And you did not request it. You stole it away,
and when I tried to reclaim it,
I found I didn't want it anymore.
I wanted yours instead."

I always enjoy Shana's writing. There is
never a dull moment. Her stories are
fast moving with terrific dialogue.
Interesting, noble, surprising, daring
and fun characters. The stories don't
always go along as you imagine they will.
Love and Let Spy is easily my favorite
Shana Galen book, so far.

Reviewed by Lisa Hutson


What Lady Celeste has to say about
Love and Let Spy 

Someone was after her. She could not be certain it was Fonce or the Maitriser group, but someone was looking for her. And someone knew where to look, which meant that her aunt and uncle were no longer safe And that made finding Fonce all the more pressing. She reached for the latch on the cemetery gate, but instead of cold metal, she touched something warm and soft. "Allow me."

The storyline of Love and Let Spy draws you into Shana Galen's world of spies and conspiracies and her well- crafted characters keep you invested in the novel's outcome.

Dominic Griffyn resonated with me because is a complex hero with many layers. He has suffered and is ashamed of his past. Dominic is also honorable and quiet. You can't help admire him as the story progresses. Our heroine is the independent and beautiful spy Jane Bonde. Most of the ton assumes that Jane is interested in marriage and children. But, she's not. Jane is a spy for the exclusive Barbican group. She's more comfortable chasing criminals then making small talk at social events. Jane has been tasked to find the elusive and deadly French spy Fonce. She doesn't have time or desire for romance or marriage--Jane's got a spy to catch!

Shana Galen has written a poignant sensual dark drama with intrigue and angst. The sexual chemistry between Dominic and Jane is undeniable. But, both characters have issues and secrets to overcome. This is a fast paced spy story with very sensuous love scenes which fit into the story line perfectly. The novel's well - written satisfying ending kept me reading the last few chapters in one sitting as there were several unexpected plot twists and surprises .

Review by Susan Gorman

Link to Susan's Fresh Fiction Review of Love and Let Spy.