Member Reviews

Wed to a Spy brings together Aimee, who is forced into spying by her aunt the queen of France, and Sir Simon Marcheford, who is a spy for Queen Elizabeth of England. Sir Simon’s fellow spies are sent to Scotland to spy on Mary, Queen of Scots. Aimee is banished there by her aunt to keep her away from her love at court, Pierre. Admittedly, Aimee is lovely and a bit naive at first but truly not spy-worthy. She just wants to get information to give to her aunt so she can return to France. While Sir Simon only wants to retire with his sister to their country estate, Elizabeth sends him to Spain to spy on Phillip, Phillip then sends him spy to Mary. So, he ends up in Scotland through a round about way. There is a lot of ‘spying’ and court intrigue going on in this book.

Aimee is so thoroughly not a spy Mary figures her out quickly. Mary, in making sure all goes her way, forces Simon to marry Aimee so he can keep an eye on her for Mary. Mary is forcing his dedication to her. Aimee is so in love with her Pierre she writes him frequently. Simon finds one of her letters to Pierre and keeps it without telling Aimee he is aware of her paramour in France.

Through all of the court happenings, there is a murder directly beside Mary while she is holding Aimee’s hand of Mary’s close confidant. Mary is held prisoner during the take-over. Simon immediately pulls Aimee out of the melee of the palace and eventually to the safety of the print shop where his friends are staying. Aimee truly believes that when Mary regains control of her court and country all will be well. Simon, being the agent of the crown he is, realizes quickly they will probably need to leave the country or hang.

Simon is really kind and gentle to Aimee no matter how bad her decision making. She begins to think of him as a lion not only by his handsome looks, but also by his nature. She quickly learns to trust him as he continually protects her. Their love is gently grown and becomes strong quickly. You will enjoy this addition to the Queen’s Spies series. Simon is the quieter, gentler on of the group, but lovable just the same.

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I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. I rounded by rating up to 4 stars from 3.75. When I read the description of this book, I knew I had to read it based on the setting and time period - Scotland during the reign of Queen Mary. Sent by her aunt Catherine de Medici of France to spy on Queen Mary, Aimee de Verris is miserable in Scotland. Constantly cold and missing her love Pierre, Aimee suddenly finds herself wed to Sir Simon Marcheford upon the whim of Queen Mary. Simon is a spy for Queen Elizabeth - originally sent to keep an eye on King Phillip of Spain, Simon found himself dispatched to Scotland by Phillip to deliver gold to Mary. Aimee is determined to return to France and reunite with Pierre despite her marriage while Simon is determined to make the best of their unexpected situation. The two find themselves caught up in the turbulence of the court and are forced to flee for their lives. As they get to know each other, it becomes clear that Aimee has found the perfect man for her. I enjoyed Aimee growth during the story; she found out just how strong she really was when forced to face numerous difficult situations. Simon is protective and determined to protect his Aimee no matter what she decides to do about their marriage after the danger is over. Although much of the action takes place over a relative short period of time, I didn't feel like the relationship was forced and circumstances allowed the characters an opportunity to learn the important things about each other. I'm looking forward to the next title in this trilogy.

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This book is the first one in the author's new series, "Of all the Queen's spies". I really liked Simon's character. He is the daredevil spy working for the Queen of England. The heroine, Aimee is a little silly and immature at times and I really didn't like her character. She comes across as a weak and too naïve at times throughout the story. I had hoped for Simon's sake that he would have an equally strong heroine but was seriously disappointed. I really liked the previous books from this author but I would recommend on passing this particular book. If you are new to this author, I would suggest starting with her series, "Highland Pride"

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

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I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review. I have recently fallen in love with historical romances, which is why I am so glad I had a chance to review this new series. Aimee was a very witty character who almost became annoying as she pined for her puppy love romance with Pierre, whom she left in France. She is sent to spy on the queen for her aunt in order to return back to Paris. Simon, who is actually a professional spy, is also sent to spy on Mary in order to return home and retire with his younger sister. They are surprisingly matched up and are forced to marry and neither of them is happy about it. Aimee is feeling guilty about Pierre and Simon has no idea what to do with a wife. A tragedy occurs at an evening dinner and both are now put in a predicament that they need each other to get out of.
I enjoyed Simon, he was witty and fun and a wonderful gentleman. He was willing to make the best of the match. Aimee, on the other hand tried to stop the love from growing, but even she could not resist Simon.
This book had all the components needed for a great story. Believable characters, strong women and a great dialogue. I look forward to the next installment to this series.

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I enjoyed this historical fiction romance. Aimee is from France & has been placed in Queen Mary's court in Scotland by her overbearing aunt to spy on the queen. She is to do this to be able to return to France & marry the man she loves (Pierre). Simon is a spy for Queen Elizabeth of England sent to Phillip in Spain but ends up sent to Mary by Phillip. This story has a lot of intrigue & the behind the scenes activity of a court during this time. It would be hard to trust anyone in these situations. Aimee is always bemoaning the fact that she had to leave her home to live in the horrid, frigid country of Scotland. I was not a fan of hers for a while. Simon is likable from the get go. Not sure how Aimee doesn't see this, but fortunately this improves. Simon & Aimee have a couple of brief meetings. Then Mary meets with Simon & tells him she thinks Aimee has been sent to spy on her & she wants him to marry Aimee to find out. Ironic since he is also spying on her. Needless to say he is not a fan of this idea & of course Aimee isn't either as she's pining for Pierre. The two get along like oil & water. Will this match ever be able to work or will Aimee get her wish & be able to return home to Pierre? I highly recommend reading this book to find out.

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Sharon Cullen’s novel set in Queen Mary of Scotland’s scandal ridden court is a delight. Two unlikely lead characters both set as spies in the court are forced to wed then flee to England. As they come to resign themselves to the loss of their former lives and expectations they turn their hopes to each other and a shared future. I enjoyed the book immensely.

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I'm a little bit of a Renaissance geek, so I really enjoy these types of books. Wed to a Spy has some actual truth spun in to the story, so it was fantastic.
Aimee is that very good of a spy, good thing Simon is. All Aimee has to do is put her trust in him. Surprisingly Simon trust her rather quickly. He knows that she she keeping a secret from him, but since he knows it like a good spy does, Simon just wants to get to know her better. Which they end up having plenty of time to do while they are running for their lives.

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5 Stars! I fell in love with this book!! I love this story & all the true & somewhat unbelievable, historical information that came with it! This book has tons of mystery, a few surprises & just the right amount of 'love' scenes! I 100% recommend this book! It really was a great story & has all that interesting historical information, so you feel like you learned a bit of history while reading a romance book! That's a win/win!!

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Too slow for me. Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy.

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I was highly intrigued with this book from the outset. The characters are well-developed and the plot was a rollicking adventure that kept pulling me onto the next. The time period and ancillary characters are captivating, as well. Overall, this fast-paced read will leave you quite satisfied!

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Loved this original story of two opposing characters forming an alliance through perseverance and true love. Loved the history of this era. Very well executed by the author.

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Wonderful characters, and great plot, Loved the romance and the chemistry between the hero and heroine.

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This is a first in a new series for Ms. Cullen. Sir Simon Marcheford, one Queen Elizabeth's best spies, has to find out what Mary Queen of Scots is up to. Little does he know he has a rival spy, Aimee De Verris sent from France to contend with. Aimee and Simon are thrust together in a political game of intrigue and no one is sure who will be the winner. Aimee was strong in the situation she was stuck and I loved her outspoken nature. Simon was thrown for a loop with this woman while still trying to save their lives. The story was exciting with wonderful complex relationships. The tension leapt off the page with the historical aspects of Mary and Elizabeth's relationship. The plot was well crafted to blend all the complexities of good story telling. I am excited for the rest of this series. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC for Netgalley.

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I loved the intrigue surrounding all the monarchs and two opposing spies who fall in love always makes for a great plot. But it is the characters themselves--Aimee and Simon--who make Wed to a Spy so addicting! Aimee is such a contrast of bravery, naivety, and devotion. She is a cute little girl and strong woman meshed together into someone who compliments Simon. I love that Simon falls for her immediately. He sees her strength and it is wonderful watching her come to believe in her fearlessness--enough to take on any monarch!

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An Awesome take of two spies, one who knows what they are doing, and the other clueless! A great story in the Courts of Mary Queen of Scots, and the Powerful Elizabeth the First! What happens when two spies are in the same Court, on different sides? Find out! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!

catolintallahassee

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4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, set in the Elizabethan Era (which is my personal HR era) and Queen Mary's Scottish court, it was the perfect blend of historical fact and fictional romance.

Simon is a spy, sent by Elizabeth to Spain, but sent to Scotland by King Phillip. When he arrives Queen Mary introduces him to Aimee.

Aimee is also a spy, albeit a reluctant one. She has been sent to Scotland by her aunt, Catherine de Medici to spy on Mary. Catherine has promised Aimee that if she does this, she will be allowed to return to France and wed her true love. But what Aimee doesn't know is that Catherine has betrayed her and has asked Mary to find her a husband. And find one she does - Simon.

These two end up wed and Aimee is heartbroken. She plots to leave Simon and return to her beloved. But before she can formulate a plan, tragedy strikes and she and Simon must flee.

Simon is intrigued by his new bride, he knows the secrets she is keeping, but protects her and cherishes her anyway. His hope is that she will forget about her past and be content to share a future with him.

As they are on the run back to England, they become closer and Aimee begins to fall for her spy. When they finally confess their love, it is a really sweet moment and a HEA seems achievable - but there new found happiness it tested when they finally reach England and Elizabeth.

This was a really fast paced story with a lot of historical intrigue, emotional scenes, life and death moments, steamy love scenes and many obstacles for our H/h to overcome.

I would happily recommend this book and can't wait to read Will and Tristan's stories!

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A definite buy book. At first it was a captivating opening. However, it slows down a little but then picks back up in the action. I enjoyed reading the antics of royalty as well as nobility. Spies, passion, deals, manipulations and intelligent characters. Each of those were a part of making this a good read and a good book to spend the day with! The writer does a good job but it did have a few little marks off. Instead of focusing on those, I chose to focus on the plot, the characters and how well written the combination was. I must say overall, I was impressed. I would of wished for a little more action as well as a stronger smarter heroine. however, due to the overall picture in the book you will definitely enjoy the journey in this read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Regards, Anna

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A intriguing interesting English Highlands spy romance.
Very good drama,and romance.
English spy meets French spy in Scotland where suspense and passion enfolds.
Really enjoyed reading..

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Another hit from Cullen. Sir Simon and Aimee's story is fraught with surprise, trepidation and sexy romance at every turn. True to form, this story pulls you in and keeps you interested with its sweet feel and mild suspense.

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This romance is not your every day romance. It’s set in Scotland during Queen Mary’s reign during a time when she did not trust anyone but her closest friends.

Insert two newcomers to her court, that she does not only mistrust but thinks are using her for information for other courts, and you have yourself a plot for intrigue and some hot romance!

Queen Mary was of course astute and knew when she was being played but could not outright call their bluff, so she decides the two would make a good match and has them marry!

By this time in the book I knew why both were in Scotland and although Mary’s instincts were not completely off, they were not completely on either. There is a lot of espionage but in places where she, and the reader, does not entirely suspect. The more that happens in the court, the more the two are forced to be together in a situation that neither want.

After a few days of cooling off together and as they get to know one another, the intrigue really starts up and this plot starts getting hot!

What I really loved was this is not a typical fall in love romance. Both characters have issues and are basically sworn enemies. Both are intelligent although they use their intelligence in different ways, and neither wants to be wed to the other. I giggled through half of it and the other half I was swooning or afraid for their safety.

Fast paced, amazing romance that I want to read again and I just finished this yesterday!

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