Join me today to talk about Erica Vetsch’s latest novel, The Gentleman Spy, the second in her “Serendipity & Secrets” series! Read on for my review and a chance to enter the blog tour giveaway.
He only wanted a duchess for a day–but she’s determined to make it a marriage for life
When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she’s meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life–as a secret agent for the Crown.
But his bride has other ideas. She’s determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society–the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she’d remain in the background as he ordered.
Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?
The Gentleman Spy is a fantastic Regency story that brings together elements of intrigue, romance, and secrets. The Regency era comes to life with Erica Vetsch’s voice, complete with a grasp of society and vivid word choice and custom that suits the era.
Amidst the tradition and courtship of the romance plot, the reader sees Marcus and Charlotte grow as a result of their changed circumstances and each other’s influence — though begrudgingly on Marcus’ part! I enjoyed his character’s transformation to comprehend how the elements of his life could not be contained in neat boxes. Their romance is up against many challenges and secrets, but the integrity, faith, and fortitude at the core of each of their personalities remains wonderfully steadfast.
The mystery plot adds action and interest to the story — and propels Charlotte and Marcus together in ways they could not have anticipated. Story threads from book one are continued and tidied with more secrets of Marcus’ spy work revealed. A secondary yet universal issue is brought to light featuring the need and calling to help those less fortunate. I love how this plot genuinely fits into the story and is an added way for Charlotte to assert her role.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is how BOOKISH Charlotte is, and how Marcus understands that part of her identity. When he could relegate her to feminine (and societal) limitations, he instead chooses to encourage and recognize her outspoken intelligence as the spark of his attraction and an asset to her character.
The Gentleman Spy reads as a standalone novel. However, readers of book 1, The Lost Lieutenant, will be happy with glimpses of Evan and Diana as parents (!!!) and as good friends to Marcus and Charlotte.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.
Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
The Green Mockingbird 