Sometimes You Can Judge a Book by the Cover

I had a sense, before I even cracked open the book, that something would not be not quite right with it. Unfortunately, I was correct. What tipped me off was the cover that clearly shows a woman in Victorian dress... yet the book is supposed to take place in Elizabethan England and Scotland. Within minutes of starting reading, I was a bit turned off by the use of modern phrases. While I don't expect historical fiction to strictly adhere to the language of the times, it should at least not be riddled with so much modern phrasing. I never felt like I connected with the characters, and subsequently, I couldn't come to care about what happened to them. They often seemed willful in the extreme, the heroine clinging to her naivete despite being supposedly very smart and the hero remaining married to his wrongheaded ideas even when consistently being shown where he erred. Neither of these characters seemed to be prepared (or even adequate) for the world in which they found themselves—the world of courtly intrigue—and watching them continually falter became tedious.

This historical romance had suspense, action, drama along with nice romance. The story moved at a nice pace and was well-written. The characters were interesting and likable. Very enjoyable read.

I thought this was an interesting mystery/historical fiction novel. I liked how well the two blended together and I thought the characters and setting were really intriguing.

I do like historical romance. This book was not only good to read due to historical aspects, but also experience a litle suspense in it.
The heroine is not so skilled with other things, but well educated, which comes handy. The plot did capture my interest. Overall good book to read if you like that kind of genre.

I love it when authors write about time periods in history that is not usually covered. In my humble opinion, I read a bit too many books set during the Regency Era. So as a history and romance lover, I loved the story, romance and intrigue. Honestly, it did take me a while to get into the story and the romance but I loved it by the end of it. A definite recommendation for all historical romance lovers.

Wow I'm just stunned with how good this title was. I just had so much fun reading this title and getting to along for the ride with these amazing characters. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

Amid the royal court shifting alliances, intrigue, schemes and murder coalesce. Lady in waiting to The Queen of Scots, Isabel Tait isn't prepared to the savage realities of palace life. However she must adjust as the alternatives are not desirable for Isabel. Gavin Cade a member of the royal household is much more than he appears. Tasked with spying on the Queen he risks danger and exposure. In a court where trust is fleeting can his connection to Isabel become more? I enjoyed the blend of history, romance and mystery.

I really liked this book. I wasn't sure what I was getting into with the book set in the late 1500's. However, this book has everything I like in it...mystery,intrigue, a famous character and ROMANCE.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

Isabel Tait is confronted with a choice: stay in her home and be married off to someone she may not love, or leave home and become a lady-in-waiting to the captive Mary, Queen of Scots. In spite of her inexperience, she chooses the latter, even though it holds almost as much fear for her as an arranged marriage would. She quickly learns that she lacks many of the skills the other ladies have, but she is educated in ways they are not. Enter Gavin Cade, who has been recruited to spy on Mary and her exiled court on behalf of Queen Elizabeth. He and Isabel share an immediate attraction, one he did not expect after his deceased wife's betrayal. Eventually, he trusts Isabel to provide him with information about Mary. Isabel is reluctant, maintaining loyalty to the queen. After threats to both their lives, and Gavin's ill-advised plan to disengage from Isabel, they manage to find their way back to each other. This was another entertaining romance by this author, made all the more enjoyable by the history that informs the story. Highly recommended.

This ARC was courtesy of netgalley - the following opinions are unbiased and my own

This is the second book of a series - I haven't read the first one but no matter this was very enjoyable and I certainly will seek out any other books in the series and also the author

This is well written and full of tense situations and mystery. Great characters - absolutely loved this

Game of Spies is a captivating story. Pulling from real events in history, the author crafts a tale of two characters, on opposing sides, who find affection in-spite of their allegiances. The only thing I didn’t like about this read was the heroine’s sympathetic nature that edged on lunacy at times. She constantly refused to trust a man she says she loves; risks her life to save a woman who tried to take hers; and despite proof, defends a woman complicit in the death and potential deaths of many. It’s hard to dislike a character for being too nice or naïve, yet it’s frustrating all the same.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Game of Spies by Pamela Mingle
Spies in Love #2

Gavin Cade is at loose ends and looking for “more” when Ryder approaches him with an opportunity to spy on Mary, Queen of Scots. He thinks a bit and knowing what he knows decides to take the offer. He is on the spot when Isabel Tait arrives as Mary’s new lady in waiting. Isabel is eager to be away from home and thus didn’t hesitate to take the position when it was offered. At 25 years of age she is “on the shelf” and a “burden” to her mother. Gavin, a widow who was cuckolded then lost his wife in childbirth, is not willing to trust again but interested in helping his country root out treason.

This book has intrigue, plots aplenty, attempted murder, accomplished murder, romance and more. I enjoyed the book and feel it was a bit more believable than the first book in the series. This book was based in fact and informative. I look forward to reading book three when it comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing-Amara for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

Game of Spies centres around the time of Mary Queen of Scots and her cousin Elizabeth. Whilst being imprisoned in England, Isabel Tait is given the task to be her lady-in-waiting. Isabel (Bel) at 25 years of age, considers herself a spinster and fears that her only way to marriage is through her mother’s organisation. She gladly takes on the job but finds herself targeted by the other ladies-in-waiting. However, she soon befriends Gavin Cade, who is working as an undercover spy, in the household. Gavin has also taken on the role to escape his present existence which is to reflect on the loss of his wife, who died during childbirth, having born a child to another man.
The attraction between Gavin and Bel is evident from the start, yet the romance builds slowly as they learn to trust each other. Both were strong characters with their own personal baggage, yet their interactions were cleverly interwoven into the story involving Mary and her plotting’s. I particularly enjoyed the historical setting, one quite new to me, and I found this was well explored.
Whilst this is the second book in the series, it is definitely a standalone book. Overall, it was a great read. I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was just an ok read for me. Isabel and Gavin just didn't inspire my need to want to know more about them and to keep me reading the book. I did finish, but it was slow going. I've really enjoyed Mingle's other books, so i not certain why this one fell flat for me...

Game of Spies by Pamela Mingle was my first book by this author and I really liked it. The story was good and I really enjoyed reading it. I will read this author again.

Game of Spies is the second book in the Spies in Love. It was fast paced, well written and full of danger and intrigue. The characters were strong and well developed. The story described the court of Mary, the Queen of Scotland, and all the intrigue Gavin and Isabel encountered during that time frame. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The last thing Isabel wanted to do was marry, but she knew that was her only option since her mother was getting married again and did not seem to want her around. In an unexpected happening, she was asked to be a lady in waiting for Mary Queen of Scots. It seemed like a good idea and would save her from having to choose a husband! Isabel had never ventured anywhere, having lived a very shelted life so she was in for an adventure but it maybe not of the best sort!
Gavin Cade was ready for a change and when he was approached to spy on the Queen, he readily took up the mission. But he had to find a lady close to her and who should almost fall into his arms but the perfect woman, Isabel! Now he just had to get close to her and see if he could find out information that would prove the Queen did not have England's best interest while visiting.
The author brings this period of history alive and leaving you with a lot of thoughts about the Queen. Isabel is so naive that it is painful at times, while Gavin is set to charm her and she begins to have feelings for him. The adventure begins as intrigue, murder plots and even an attempted kidnapping keep the story exciting.
Prepare to be entertained from the first page to the last and be left waiting for the next story in this series! Well done!

Game of Spies by Pamela Mingle is book two in the Spies in Love Series. This is the story of Gavin Cade and Isabel Tait. I have read the previous book but feel you could easily make this a standalone book. Isabel is a very smart women who is one of the ladies in waiting for the Queen, but its become harder for her to put up with the nonsense that the young ladies are doing. Gavin needs to spy on the Queen and thinks to use his charm on one of the ladies in waiting...Isabel. But what he starts to learn is she is totally different from the other ladies.
Enjoyed their story.

I really enjoyed how this author put her own spin on Mary Queen of Scots' story while she was imprisoned in various castles by her cousin Queen Elizabeth.

Isabel Tait finds herself as the new lady-in-waiting to Mary and feels much sympathy for the imprisoned queen. She also vows never to betray her or repeat anything told to her in confidence. Sadly, she is not treated very well by the other ladies-in-waiting and they take every opportunity to try to shame her. They soon find out that the "little mouse" can roar like a lion when pushed far enough!!

Gavin Cade has been sent to join Mary's entourage to spy on her and try t get the proof that she is part of a plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth! He notices that the new girl, Isabel, is being picked on by the other ladies so he makes up for it by being nice to her, even teaching her how to dance. He's also hoping Isabel will relay what Mary tells her in confidence....THAT does not go well with Isabel!!!

This story is filled with intrigue, twists and turns, danger and love. I do highly recommend this book. I was given a copy of this book and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

I really enjoyed our teo heroes. Gavin is such a good man, caught in a political web. Isabel is in over her head, but quickly catches on to the chaos on Mary's court...will they survive? Its a good read, hope you enjoy it.