Charlotte Tiptree has always been outspoken, opinionated, and much happier spending time in her books than among society. As with Marcus, certain obligations must be met as the daughter of a Duke, one being she must wed. However, few men will consider her marriage material due to her unconventional nature. When Marcus announces their sudden engagement, it seems both of their problems are solved. That's when the fun really begins!
“As if I needed a bride at this juncture. I want to be left alone to do my work, and if the title is a complication I cannot avoid, a wife is one that I can.”~ Marcus (pg 38)
“Any husband would be preferable to spinsterhood under her father's control.
As long as her new husband left her alone.
And maybe let her buy books.”
~Charlotte (pg. 55)
This is much more than just a marriage-of-convenience story; it's also fraught with danger, secrets, and the seedier side of society. It has an element of mystery that lovers of this genre will eat up. Vetsch brought both Marcus and Charlotte to life for me....though I have to say that Charlotte's deep love for the written word endured me to her right away. She's a book-lover after my own heart! I'll simply say, I enjoyed every element to this story. Vetsch has a way to bring whatever book she writes to life for me and keeps me coming back for more!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and wasn't obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions stated here are mine. *
About the book:
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?
Available in digital ebook and paperback:
Buy THE GENTLEMAN SPY at Amazon
About the author:
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.
Two Interview Questions:
Erica: I’ve been so pleased with the responses to my entry into the Regency world. Both authors and readers have been very gracious. Many of those who read my previous works set in the American West have been happy to follow me to England, and I’ve gained new readers who are faithful to the Regency genre who have been willing to take a chance on a new-to-them author.
The Regency era can be tricky to write, because the readers are so knowledgeable and well versed in the history and social mores of the times. But they are also some of the most loyal readers with insatiable appetites for Regency fiction. I’ve found it quite a nice group to be among, and they’ve been most welcoming.
Q: What can readers look forward to in the last installment of the series, The Indebted Earl?
Erica: Between the release of The Gentleman Spy and The Indebted Earl, there will be a bonus novella! Joy to the World: A Regency Christmas Collection releases in October of this year, and my novella, “Wonders of His Love,” is included. This novella takes us to Haverly Manor, the home of Marcus and Charlotte, for the Christmas season. Cilla Haverly, widow of the former heir, is wondering what her next step in life should be. Is she doomed to be the dowager’s companion forever, with no real place in society any longer? When an intriguing Scottish painter arrives to paint the portraits of the new Duke and Duchess of Haverly, he ignites in Cilla a spark of independence that has the dowager’s feathers ruffled and Cilla thinking thoughts of revolt . . . and love.
And finally, in March of 2021, the last installment of The Serendipity and Secrets series, The Indebted Earl, arrives. The story of Sophie Haverly, younger sister of the duke, The Indebted Earl takes the reader to the Devon coast as Sophie and Captain Charles Wyvern navigate grief, survivor’s guilt, rambunctious orphans, a dear woman suffering early dementia, smugglers, and a growing love that neither is sure is proper.
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Twitter (@EricaVetsch), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).
GIVEAWAY!
I enjoyed The Lost Lieutenant so much and cannot wait to read The Gentleman Spy.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindi, I'm certain you will love "The Gentleman Spy" just as much! I hope you get a chance to read it, and you enter the contest for a chance to win a great bookish prize package :-)
DeleteThank you Debra for posting this today!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading this soon!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great story Winnie!! I've enjoyed Erica's books over the years, she used to write for the Love Inspired Historical line.
DeleteI really think she found her niche with this new Regency series :-)
Thank you Trixi, for being such a faithful reader and reviewer. I'm so glad you like the new series and that Marcus and Charlotte struck a chord with you!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Erica! Thanks for stopping by, I think your books are wonderful & I am loving these Regency inspired novels :-) Can't wait until the next book!
DeleteGreat post!
ReplyDelete