Book Review: The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch (Plus Giveaway)

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What is this book about?

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?

My review:

This story was just wonderful. There were so many things I loved about it. The romance was sweet and real, the characters were flawed (in a good way) and entertaining, and the story just pushed me to keep reading even past my bedtime.

Marcus, the new Duke of Haverly, was a man whose path was already clearly marked. But you know what they say about man making plans and God laughing? I so enjoyed the strength of character in Marcus but I especially loved how his misconceptions about his life were challenged by Charlotte.

Speaking of Charlotte, she was a person who grew up feeling unloved and unworthy, yet her heart for others was bigger than her insecurities. She was a great partner for Marcus. I loved how she blossomed as her relationship with Marcus built her confidence.

There was some good action, which is to be expected when the hero is a spy. That added to my page turning frenzy. 😉 I also liked that when there was a misunderstanding between Charlotte and Marcus, they actually had a conversation to deal with it like adults rather than let it blow up into an unnecessary conflict. Great job on the authors part.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The relationship and romance between Marcus and Charlotte.

What I didn’t like about this book:

Nothing. I loved this story.

Would I recommend this book to others? Definitely. This story is everything that is good about regency romance—the history, the snapshot of English society, the love between a man and a woman, and how God fits into it all. This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first one as well, even if you don’t read it in order. This author is a very gifted storyteller.

Note: I received this book complimentary from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.

-Loraine Nunley

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Erica Vetsch, author website

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