Thanks Entangled Publishing, LLC and netgalley for this ARC.

You'll remember the lovely assistant to our heroine in the first book, and she deserved her chance to shine. Bringing a fresh take on spiritualism , romance, and catching a villain with a hunk.

I loved it, it's full of mystery, and romance. One of the most interesting historical fiction I have read in a while, it's quite engaging story.

Publisher's Description:

Sophie Atherton knows a liar when she sees one. Perhaps because she’s so skilled at deception herself. Searching for clues to a string of mysterious deaths, the secret operative for the Crown has connived her way into a phony medium’s confidence. When a dashing archaeologist seeks out the charlatan’s services, Sophie suspects he’s after more than a long-lost heirloom. Their electric attraction storms her defenses, but loving the rakish scholar would threaten her investigation and the life she’s crafted.

Gavin Stanwyck is a man on a mission. Masquerading as a treasure hunter to trap the spiritualist, he's drawn to the medium’s enigmatic assistant. As treacherous forces close in, passion awakens his hardened heart—he’ll protect Sophie at all costs, but he cannot give her his love. Uniting to survive a sinister plot, they must tear down their defenses and learn to trust their hearts.

My Thoughts:

I have now read an reviewed three titles by Tara Kingston, this newest being book #2 of Her Majesty's Most Secret Service Series.
If you thought "When A Lady Deceives" was a good read, then "When a Lady Dares" is a must read!
Although some of the background characters in this book appeared in the first book of this series it still works well as a standalone read. So even if you have not read the first book you can still enjoy this one.
If you like your historical romance with some mystery, murder and mayhem then this is a must read for you.
Sophie Atherton is an agent for the crown posing as a medium to try and gather clues in the mysterious deaths of several people.
One of the dead is a lifelong friend of Gavin Stanwyck , so he is also trying to gather information to bring the killer to justice.
Gavin is immediately drawn to Sophie when they meet when they both are trying to gather information to bring the unknown culprit to justice.
How will this suspense filled romantic encounter end?
I could hardly put this one down. The storyline and character development was superb and kept me in stitches.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames.

I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Enjoyed this book. Its part mystery, spy and romance all in one book. Sophie an agent for the Crown and Gavin an explorer and rich bachelor meet and somewhat form a partnership to discover the reason behind some murders made to look like accidents. There is romance in the book and a HEA ending. It is a good read and enjoyable.

A nice read. I would arguably go five stars but I had such a very difficult time at the start of the book! I had to slog through until finally the pace picked up and it became a read that I really enjoyed but it took a couple of chapters for that to happen unfortunately. Obviously the author is talented and the plot as well as the characters are well thought out and one in a very interesting manner. I like it was a story and not just sex. I enjoy plot lines that make differences and are not the standard so this one was definitely enjoyable for that reason. A book worth buying and it will give you many enjoyable moments! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna

Sophie Atherton is a journalist for the Herald under an assumed name but she also works as a secret operative for the Crown & she knows a liar when she sees one. Her latest assignment has her posing as a medium whilst searching for clues to a string of mysterious deaths. When a dashing archaeologist Professor Gavin Stanwyck seeks out the charlatan’s services, Sophie suspects he’s after more than a long-lost heirloom. Gavin is a man on a mission he wants to find out about the death of his close friend Peter so he masquerades as a treasure hunter to trap the spiritualist, however he's drawn to the medium’s enigmatic assistant.
A well written fast paced book that has plenty of mystery as well as romance. The characters are well portrayed & have plenty of depth. There are lighter moments especially surrounding Gavin & Esme. The attraction between the pair is scorching & only grows in intensity but they are so distrustful of each other. Gavin sees Sophie as a charlatan & Sophie sees Gavin as a scoundrel. Their verbal sparring is entertaining & certainly adds to the story & their attraction. Both characters are very likeable, their road to a HEA isn’t easy by any means but it’s a good read getting there

This book takes us on an adventure right from the first page. The characters are intriguing and so beautifully written that they keep us going back for more of the story. I adored both the hero and heroine. Both Gavin and Sophie are made for each other in terms of intelligence, bravery, honor and passion. Either of them don't give an inch and that made their interactions really fun to read. I loved every part of this book except the end of the novel. Gavin got really wishy-washy about his feelings for Sophie. He proposed to her, then he thought he loved her, then he did not believe in love, then he loved her again, then he sent her away and then he got her back again. Phew!!!! My mind felt like it went through a whirlwind during these last few chapters. I wish the end was written a little better as it would have made this into a five star book for me.

This is the second book in Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service Series but can be read as a standalone book.

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