Member Reviews
Quite a lovely story with two great main characters. I always love if it when the leads are strong minded and no stereotype characters. I really can recommend this one.
This is book 4 in the Spy in the ton series. I was excited to get Mr. Jones’s story. I thought it as well done and a good way for him to get his HEA. I did enjoy the story.
This story has a great mix of action, espionage and romance. Cat and Mr. Jones will worm their way into your heart so you'll have to keep reading. They are so likeable! I wanted to get rid of the villain myself. His demise is hard fought and well won.
It also has a quite a few of twists and turns to keep you entertained. It's a great read and if Regency historicals are your thing then you won't be disappointed.
I enjoyed this book very much. I was very pleased with Characters. I highly recommend This book. ☆☆☆☆☆ Thanks to Netgalley, for this advance copy. My opinion is my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sexy historical romance! The hero, Jones, is smart, resourceful and utterly respectful of the heroine at all times, even while the two of them are finding ways to deal with their attraction to each other as he investigates a fellow spy, who happens to be the heroine's uncle. A romance that crosses the social boundaries of the times, Baroness Cat Ashdown is fighting an arranged marriage and trying to keep her holdings, and more importantly the people who rely on her, safe. I loved how the story progressed, both the romance and the suspense that kept me turning the pages. Having not read this author before, she's definitely on my to-read list now, as are the earlier books in the series.
Review has been posted on Goodreads and sale sites.
A very well developed spy story. Jones was an abandoned foundling that became a spy. He was assigned to investigate Wycomb, a fellow spy that was involved in suspicious activity. Cat Ashdown was Wycomb's niece, a baroness, and a wealthy heiress, but her inheritance was tied up with a complicated trust. Jones unwillingly involved Cat in his investigation. She was determined to find out what was going on so she could protect her lands and her people. The two fell in love, of course, on the way to solving the mystery.
This was not a thriller, but it was a carefully constructed story and evolved naturally with a satisfying ending. I enjoyed it and hope to read others in the series.
Review provided after reading an ARC copy.
Jones is a spy. Moreover, he’s the man who investigates his fellow spies when they are suspected to fall out of line. When his new assignment brings him to the aid of his mark’s ward, the Baroness Worthington, his job and his life will become a tad complicated.
Catherine Ashdown is a lady of quality, titled in her own right, but her guardian is making her life rather difficult cutting her freedom to help her tenants and pushing her to marry a man she doesn’t even know.
Secrets and intrigue fill the backdrop of this story. An unscrupulous guardian, a band of spies and the mismatched couple falling in love in the midst of it all, makes for a really good read.
Cat and Jones are both strong characters. She’s a proud woman who knows her place and rights and is not afraid to fight to protect her legacy and he’s a protector, a strong man who cares deeply. They complement each other beautifully.
This was my first read by the author and, though it was a little embellished for my taste, I’m looking forward to reading the previous books in the series.
4.5 stars
No man is more Cat Ashdown's opposite than Jones, the man she's just met and the man that has declared himself her shadow in order to keep her safe. However, when Jones latest assignment brings him in constant contact with Cat, he decides it's better that she's on his side than trying to find information about her uncle's dealings on her own. Yet, the closer they come to discovering the truth, the more danger Jones and Cat find themselves in. Will Jones be able to keep Cat safe, or will he lose the woman he's falling in love with, even if he believes there's no chance of a future between them?
There is something really exciting about the opposites attract trope in a Historical Romance, especially when the hero is a spy and the heroine a lady of the Ton that is determined to discover the truth about what's going on with her uncle with or without the hero's help. Really, this book was highly entertaining, fast-paced and I loved everything the hero and heroine overcame to be together including the hero believing he isn't good enough for the heroine. Will Cat and Jones being together cause a scandal because of his past and the fact that she's a prominent member of the Ton?
The way this story started had me immediately hooked, because of what Jones is doing and whether he'd have to go through with what needs to be done to protect his mentor. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that had me reading quickly, determined to discover more about this pair and their back stories; what direction their growing relationship would take and whether the hero would be able to protect the heroine.
With the dialogue, it was well-written, captivating and I loved how intense it was because of what the heroine's uncle puts Cat through and the hero's investigation into whether her uncle is doing anything illegal. What will Jones discover? Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave by doing everything she can to help Jones and I loved the way they communicated, so no one would be able to uncover what they're really talking about. I also liked how determined the heroine was to fight for a future with Jones. Can she prove to him that he means more to her than the worry a scandal could create for her? While the hero, he's had a rough life growing up and I liked how he's turned it around. He's also confident when it comes to his abilities as a spy and determined to always do the right thing. Yet, what I liked most about the hero was his determination to keep the heroine safe and allow her to help him to get the answers she needs to protect herself from her uncle.
Overall, Ms. Alexander has delivered an incredible read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was heady and convincing; and the ending had me loving the efforts the hero goes to protect the heroine and make sure she doesn't suffer for her uncle's wrongs. However, it was the lengths the heroine went to for the hero to realize they're meant to be together that had me loving the way this story ended for this couple and their relationship. Will the hero realize that Cat is his Ms. Right before it's too late? I would recommend The Lady and Mr. Jones by Alyssa Alexander, if you enjoy Historical Romance; the opposites attract trope; stories encompassing espionage and spies; or books by authors Stacy Reid, Christi Caldwell, Vanessa Kelly and Darcy Burke.
Full review to appear on Reader's Edyn on 12/3/17 at http://bit.ly/2jGsizp
Mary Elizabeth (Cat) Ashdown has been running her estates for years at her father’s side – the 500 year-old legacy something she takes pride in, building relationships with tenants, keeping their best interests at heart. But when her father passes away, she finds out that she is trapped by a trust in which she either has to marry to gain control of her lands, or reach her 35th year. With no suitor in mind and many years away from 35, she can’t see a way out of this predicament. A couple of unlikely run-ins with Jones, and now she suspects a lot more happening with her Uncle, who controls her estates and dictates to her trustees. They have ever been at odds over every decision, but it seems now that he has headed down a dark path – a path that has put Cat in very real danger. Jones quickly becomes and ally, protector and so much more.
Jones – a spy among spies, called upon to investigate those who have crossed lines. He started out in life with nothing, but was given a chance as a young boy, leading him to his career as a spy. He has never forgotten where he came from and is steadfast in his rules of engagement within his dangerous lifestyle. Until Cat. She shakes him up and before too long, words are slipping from his mouth, an electric attraction crackles, and she becomes everything. They dream of what could be, but with his background and her future, they can never be. But the heart knows what it wants and Cat vows to show Jones the endless possibilities for their future together – just as soon as they uncover the plot against her.
I almost wish I would have read the first book in this series prior to the second simply because I enjoyed these characters so much. I do not believe any great secrets were revealed that would ruin the first book for anyone nor is it necessary to read the first in order to understand the second. However, this is one of those books in which you want as much time with the characters as possible, and with that as much knowledge with them as you can gather. Jones is a bit of an enigma, even within his own story, and given the appearance of other members of his team, I am sure he was a part of the first book in some way. Oddly enough, I do not believe we are ever given a first name. He is Jones and never anything else. Perhaps, given his rough start in life, it is the only name he ever knew. And his lifestyle would account for the lack of personal information so I understand it, but you’d think Cat would be privy to some extra bit of intelligence regarding Jones’ past that others would not given their intimacy. And that is my only complaint with this story.
I cannot explain how much I enjoyed my time spent with these characters and their lives. Cat is an out-of-the-box, breaker of expectations. She runs her estates and makes decisions that are commonly left to men. And her father’s choice to place the estate in trust sends her reeling. At one point it was hinted that he wished for her to find true love and that was a reason for his action, but it was never fully explained, merely hinted at. I had believed at some point she would discover a letter or clause placed in his will that her Uncle had hidden from her, but nothing ever came of it. Her unconventional ways, stubborn persistence, and quick wit are what draw Jones to her initially. Every quality the true match should possess. Cat’s acceptance of Jones and love for him are difficult for him to believe. Watching this master of spies come unhinged is fantastic to behold. Always calm and in control, Cat well and truly knocks Jones on his ass. But his knowledge of where he comes from and that he has risen as far as possible from those depths nearly destroys them – his inability to think himself anything close to what Cat deserves almost shattering their irrefutable connection.
This book is beautiful and heart-breaking seeing each yearn for the other, knowing how impossible a life together would be. Suspenseful and enraging as the treachery is uncovered. Enchanting with the addition of Jones’ spy family – as it were – adds another dimension to this story. They care for one another and would cover each other’s back whenever needed, but it is almost a distant love they demonstrate. Possibly the best they can do given their perilous lifestyles; which is why when one of them finds love, it is such a catalyst within their lives. But most of all this book is whimsical with all of the unlikely scenarios that occur, but somehow meld together perfectly to create this wonderful love story, undeniable even in the storm it begins in. Those who adore historical romance with strong, complementing characters and a dash of mystery thrown in are sure to be pleased with Ms. Alexander and her captivating characters.
Kindle version provided by Entangled/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cat is a Baroness who upon her father’s death becomes a ward to Lord Wycomb. If you have read A Dance with Seduction, then you will remember the evil Lord Wycomb. Jones is a spy for the Crown. He has been assigned to watch Lord Wycomb and determine the cause of his suspicious behavior. Jones bumps into Cat and they instantly have a connection. Their interactions could compromise his job though he can use her to gain information. Cat is determined to save her inheritance from her uncle while Jones is determined to keep Cat safe.
I really enjoyed this book. It is probably my favorite in the series so far. Cat is so feisty! I lover her character. Jones was so swoon worthy and I was rooting for him the whole time. This story is full of action and adventure and of course a forbidden romance. I can’t wait to see what Alyssa Alexander comes up with next!
Publisher's Description:
Born in the rookeries, the hard life is something Jones is all too familiar with. Saved as a young boy, he was trained to be a spy, one of the best--elite, in fact. He now spends his days serving His Majesty in espionage, hunting rogue spies. His latest assignment, though, has him tracking a fellow spy…
Cat Ashdown is a baroness. Nothing is more important than protecting five hundred years of heritage. She knows every detail of every estate that commands the largest income in Britain— yet her father placed her inheritance in trust to her uncle who is forcing her to marry a man she has no desire for. The baroness’s battle against law and convention leads her to Jones and results that are surprising … and possibly unwanted.
My Thoughts:
If I had gone by my impressions of the first book in this series, I would never have read this one. To my surprise, this book is much more enjoyable and well written. I gave "A Dance with Seduction" 3.25 of 5.0 stars because of the convoluted nature. I just didn't enjoy the read, but enter book #2!
I read this book very quickly because it was one I just couldn't put down. There are minor appearances of the characters from the first book but they aren't essential to the story in this reader's opinion.
Jones is a spy for the crown and has been assigned to find out why a fellow spy, Lord Wycomb who is also Cat's Uncle has gone rogue. Jones has been a spy since childhood, having been left as a baby at a foundling home in the rookeries.
To get himself out of debt to his main nemesis, Cat's uncle betroths her to the man who is behind all of the trouble, Lord Hedgewood.
Cat refuses to marry anyone except for love and she mosr certainly doesn't love Lord Hedgewood.
This tale, like the first in the series has a very convoluted nature, but this one is surprisingly much more interesting and enjoyable.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating 3.5 of 5.0 flames.
Knowing he is not of her class Jones does his best to keep his hands off the beauty, but eventually succumbs.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Lady Mary Elizabeth Frances Catherine Ashdown, the 13th Baroness Worthington, is one of the wealthiest women in England, the barony is over five hundred years old, and as is the case with some of the oldest titles, can be held by a female. She can't access her fortune until she marries or reaches her thirty-fifth birthday, for now the barony and her estates are under the care of the trustees and her uncle/guardian, Viscount Wycombe.
'Just' Jones, an orphan, grew up and educated in the rough streets of the rookeries. He managed to get himself out of the gutters and is now in service to the Crown, as a member of Britain's elite spy ring. His latest assignment is to keep watch on a fellow agent, Viscount Wycombe, suspected to have gone rogue. Deeply loyal, decent, efficient and honourable to a fault, Jones is steadfast and reliable.
The spy extraordinaire and the Baroness who takes her duties seriously struggle to uphold their respective responsibilities and their incredible attraction between them. Their wide class divide is tearing them apart. However, Viscount Wycombe is their common interest, albeit in different purposes, their lives are inevitably, intrinsically entwined.
Clever characters, exceptionally well-written.
This is a complimentary eGalley copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.
This is an appealingly complicated love story, with a full cast of spies, from all social classes. One of the spies has gone rogue, and dragged his high-born niece into his plot. She doesn’t go down without a fight, though, and her struggles to disentangle herself from his plans bring her some unanticipated rewards!
I look forward to catching up on Alyssa Alexander’s backlist, and reading what will come next!
Solid read. Intriguing and enjoyable!
A story that sparkles 'the whole night through' and beyond.
Spiced with two great lead characters, Jones a man of secrets and action, a spy extraordinaire from the harsh humble beginnings of the Rookeries and now in service to the Crown. A spy's spy who hunts traitorous agents. Jones has to in his sights Lord Wycomb, a coldly efficient master of the art. Which leads Jones straight to Baroness Cat Ashdown.
Cat has found herself 'wedged between the trustees, her uncle, the estate, and the husband she would soon [be forced to wed]. [It seemed] whatever happened she couldn't win.'
Cat 'had trained to be Mary Elizabeth Frances Catherine Ashdown, 13th Baroness of Worthington. Fought to prove she could carry on the legacy of the first Mary Elizabeth Frances Ashdown, who had been granted the barony five hundred years earlier. Fought and lost' it would appear. But Cat was not going down without a fight!
Cat though is determined to find someway to win, to regain charge of her inheritance and escape her uncle's plan to marry her off to a man not to her liking. Cat wants is to be able to govern her lands independently, her uncle wants something entirely different.
Hence Cat and Jones' first meeting in a darkened study under a desk that they are both trying to break into is both hilarious and suspenseful.
Cat is more than she seems--brave, loyal, feisty, strong and fearless. Jones is a complex character, honorable and true. Be still my beating heart. The sparks fly when these two engage in a joust royal that captured me right from the start. Not to mention the plot twists and turns.
A NetGalley ARC
This was intriguing almost right away. Jones was an orphan that became a spy, his latest assignment was to investigate a fellow spy. Cat Ashdown is set to inherit an estate that provides the largest income in Britain. She has trained with her father since birth for this, but he puts everything into trust with her uncle. Her uncle is trying to force her into an unwanted marriage, during her attempts to escape this she meets Jones.
They were both very strong characters that played very well off each other. I enjoyed watching them meet, fall in love and buck tradition to try and be together. The espionage aspect was a lot of fun. Meeting the characters from the previous books makes me want to go back and read them. A standalone that is worth the read.
Cat Ashdown is a baroness, one of the few who can carry the title on her own without a husband, and she is in trouble. Her uncle and her trustees wont let her touch her inheritance to help the people who live on her estates and she'll do anything in order to help them, even be abused and sold off by her uncle. Help is on the way, though. Jones, a spy in service to the crown, is doing what he does best: going after spies who seem to have taken a turn for the worse, and Cat's uncle is one of the worst. Jones needs to find out what the secret agenda is and what is going on in order to stop the spy master as well as save Cat, even if he can't have her.
I really enjoyed this novel and had a hard time putting it down. I really liked Cat's intelligence and resourcefulness, as well as her big heart. She's a tough and fair woman and in way over her head. So much so that any sign of Jones being pulled towards her, she'll take. He's perfect for her and she instinctively knows it. Jones is a great spy, but he's also insecure about his position in life and society. Born in seven dials he knows that he isn't good enough for cat, but that doesn't stop him from secretly hoping and wishing he could be. There are some wonderful scenes with him and his butterfly book where my heart almost broke for him. It's a great cat-and-mouse story and though at times violent, it really puts the plight of women in perspective, especially rich ones.
There was only one unclear thing for me: Spoiler[ at the end of novel, when he comes to Italy he tells her that he'll be busy with his estates... was he given estates by the crown? Does he mean her estates after he marries her? Did he get a title? I found that a little unclear. (hide spoiler)]
But all in all, a great read. I haven't read the rest of this series, which I now realize means this is the first novel by Alyssa Alexander that I've read. But I can promise, this definitely wont be the last!
Mary Elizabeth Francis Catherine Ashdown, Baroness Worthington aka Cat is in a bind, her father has died and though she has inherited the barony and the estates, her father put everything in trust naming her uncle Henri Wycomb (yes, the same one from the previous book) as her guardian and a trustee. Cat is stymied at every turn by her uncle and he is pushing her to marry - in fact he has selected her groom and signed the contracts. If she refuses, she will lose Ashdown Abbey.
But things seem to be going from bad to worse for Cat, she is attacked outside a shop and is saved by Jones. Jones is on a mission that involves her uncle, he had no desire to reveal himself to her, but when she catches him in her uncles study later, he has no choice and they come to an agreement, that he will keep her informed and she will feed him information.
The more they meet, the deeper their bond becomes, but Wycomb is up to something and Cat is not safe. Jones is falling for her, but knows nothing can come of it, yet he can't seem to walk away from her.
Cat knows she loves Jones, loves him enough to walk away from her legacy - but he won't let her. When Cat is abducted and Wycomb's scheme is revealed, will it be too late for Jones to save the woman he loves? And is he finally ready to accept that Cat loves him enough to walk away from her inheritance?
The book is well written, but there are a couple of formal address mistakes and as in the last book it is still being referred to as "Carleton House" instead of Carlton House. The love scenes are on the warm side, but in no way graphic or steamy. Readers who were dismayed with Wycomb in the last book will be overjoyed to see him get his comeuppance in this book and to revisit The Flower, Shadow & Angel as well as their spouses and growing families. The book is action packed and has a bit of mystery that is very well done. The ending was not what I was expecting and personally, I think Cat was overly forgiving, but I was happy with the ending and enjoyed the epilogue.
Jones is a spy for the Crown. His assignment this time is to watch one of their own who has come under suspicion. To investigate a fellow spy without him knowing is a major problem.
Mary Elizabeth Ashdown, Baroness Worthington is one of the wealthiest people in England. Unfortunately because she is still underage she doesn't have control if it. Her uncle is one if the trustees of her estate and he is being very difficult to deal with.
This is an intrigue filled story loaded with danger. Our characters have people relying on them to do the right thing. Our hero had a very rough start in life and still sees himself as unworthy of better . His work for England is vital to him as much as to the Crown. Our heroine knows she could do a better job of administering her estates that the trustees, but a Lady in her position must do as she is told. Or must she?
This is part of a series but each book can be read on it´s own.
I loved it.
The Lady and Mr.Jones is book four in the series A Spy in the Ton by Alyssa Alexander
Mary Elizabeth Frances Catherine Ashdown 13th Baroness of Worthington Cat to her friends and family, is an heiress born into privilege she had everything while growing up, but upon her fathers death she’s become a ward to her evil uncle Lord Wycomb. As her guardian he has complete control over her inheritance and her. She will not be able to take control of her inheritance until she’s the ripe old age of thirty-five or marries. And that she can’t accept, her uncles evil machinations leave her and everyone who depends on her in peril, it’s time that she takes matters in her own hands. She definitely will not marry someone of her uncles choosing she’ll marry a man who will love her and respect her a man of honour.
Mr.Jones an orphan with no heritage born in the rookeries was saved and trained to be a spy, and he became the best at what he did. He’s sense of honour is his shield and he never forgot from where he came from, aman that will fight for what’s right. His assignment is to flush out a rogue fellow spy by the name of Lord Wycomb.
Cat and Jones become intertwined when he rushes to save Cat and his position is compromised. Unbeknownst to Cat Jones is investigating her uncle but as Jones keeps on appearing to save her the truth of his investigation is revealed they decide to work together to reveal her uncles evil duplicity. The more they work together the more their feelings deepen for each other. Jones has fallen for Cat but feels unworthy for a woman of Cats status. Their attraction is unavoidable although Jones tries to keep his distance their lives and hearts become even more intertwined with Cats life in peril and a traitorous spy to capture.
A well written story with an intelligent heroine not afraid to fight for what is right. The story flows well will keep you glued to the pages, you have intrigue, spies, a villainous plot for murder, kidnapping and dangerous situations. A hero who will do anything for the damsel in distress even though she’s everything he’s ever wanted but so out of his reach. So many twists and turns and passionate encounters between Cat and Jones makes this an exciting gripping must read story.
Perfectly written. Another hit by Alyssa Alexander.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions are voluntary and my own.
This book is part of a series by Alyssa Alexander but this book can be a stand alone read. What could possibly happen when the rookeries meets the wealthy? A wonderful story that will keep your attention captured until the last page! Baroness "Cat" Ashdown has been born and raised in one of the most powerful rich families in England and trained to take over the family fortune and barony title. When her father dies, she realizes that she has not been given control over anything. Her ruthless Uncle has been given guardianship over her until she turns 35 or marries That includes the all the money and estates being controlled by her crooked uncle. Determined to find a solution she meets Mr Jones who is a spy for the crown. Jones has no title, no heritage but is the most decent, honorable man that always pushes for justice and doing the right thing. As her uncle tries to force her into marriage to the highest bidder, Cat and Jones's world's collide and they set a course to help each other. Jones has his sights on a fellow spy and trying to bring some information to light and save Cat from her forced marriage. As these two characters from such different worlds begin to work together, intrigue and secrets begin to come out and danger lurks just around the corner. The author brings Cat and Jones alive with her descriptions and wonderful writing style. You will not be able to put this one down until you find out what awaits our hero and heroine!!