This is my first novel from this author. Craig is inspired by the 1980’s pop culture for her novel titles which I get a kick out of, because I am also appreciative of so many things from the 1980’s. In any case, I will go back and read the first novel in the series, then continue on to the third as well.

I enjoyed the pace of the story unfolding. I also enjoyed the bit of mystery in the plot until things started falling into place. Craig gave away little hints and pieces, but not enough to jump ahead and spoil the rest of the story for yourself. The twist was not an obvious one, at least to me.

Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored the first book in this series and the second one is even better. This book centres around a young widow who longs for adventure and a spy who goes undercover as a tutor in her house and gives her the adventure of a lifetime.

I loved the romance between Amanda and Langley and there are plenty of cute moments to make the reader smile, as well as some pretty hot interludes. The intrigue aspect is very well written and there are a couple of twists which were delightful.

The matchmaking General strikes again! Such a lot of fun to read. Highly recommended.

I simply loved this. Susanna Craig created the perfect blend of mystery and historical romance, with intriguing characters you can't help but root for.

Amanda, a young widow and mother to two boys, shares the guardianship over her sons with an incredibly dull friend of her late husband. He is determined to marry Amanda, but she is looking forward to finally casting of the cloak of mourning wife and having a little adventure in her life for the first time ever. Lucky for her then that she inadvertently gets wrapped up in an espionage plot which throws her in the path of an attractive intelligence officer.

The romance between the hero and heroine was lovely, with both of them slowly opening up and sharing their true selves with each other. The espionage mystery created an external conflict that helped them grow closer as they were forced to work together to keep Amanda and her family safe.

This author's writing really works for me, and I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series.

4.5 stars

This was a great regency romance with a twist. I loved the aspect of spies and espionage. It added excitement and danger to Amanda and Langley’s story. There was great tension and build up between the characters, that was amazing. The two characters were not only trying to outrun danger but skirt around society rules and expectations plus a really annoying and pushy mother. Amanda was a great leading lady, she was dealing with a lot of factors and stress. She was strong and knew that her life was great, but she knew that she was missing something and felt it even more when Langley showed up. The plot was good and the writing speed moved along nicely, I was never bored. Children in romance are not my most favorite trope but they are super cute and endearing and only play a small part. I wish Amanda would have given her mother and guardian/uncle of her children the old heave-hoe. They irritated me to- no- end but they did have a certain element that was needed and especially for the social politics that were played in historical London. The sex scene in this story were a a bit short and over in about a paragraph, with all the tension and build up I wanted a little more when the big moment happened. Overall this was a fantastic story and so exciting in a number of ways and would highly recommend anyone to pick up, especially if you love historical romance.
Trigger warnings: kidnapping, gunshot, blood
I received this advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

Perfect for those that love regency style romances and want a fun simple read. Romantics will be thrilled by the story.

Thank you for the ARC book. I could not finish this book. I just wasn't interested in the characters or what was going on. The author doesn't describe anything, which I think makes for a boring read. For example, the lead goes to a ball. All we learn is she wears is a rose low cut dress. Nothing else. Are there flowers in the do? What is her dress made of?
What does the room smell like? Needs work.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
This book had so much potential. Some elements were too vague. This book
Does a better job with the mystery/spy elements but the characters were slightly underdeveloped.
After reading 2 books in the series, I believe it might not be for me.

This book is a delightful historical romance adventure between a widow and a spy and I loved every second of it.

Amanda, the widowed Countess of Kingston, purchases a book for her oldest son, the new Earl of Kensington, only to return home and discover the book in her possession is not the one she bought for him. A stranger turns up at her door, claiming that the books were mixed  up at the bookstore and asks to swap them over, leading to a string of events wherein Amanda's path crosses with the man known as Magpie, who needs the book in her possession to help rescue a colleague.

I haven't read the first book in this series, but I really want to after reading One Thing Leads to a Lover. It was fun, adventurous and had a lot of heart. Amanda is a woman in her thirties with her whole life ahead of her, an overbearing mother, two children to look after and an unwanted suitor waiting in the wings. The last thing she expects is to be swept up into a life of adventure, but once she's  in it, she realises she wants to see if through until the end.

Magpie, otherwise known as Major Langley Stanhope, works in intelligence and is dedicated to his job. The last thing he wants is to find himself in the company of the beautiful Amanda, but he finds he can't stay away. He was an entertaining hero, who took his time figuring out that what he really wanted was Amanda, but it was a fun journey getting from start to finish.

Susanna Craig's writing style was top-notch and enjoyable. She put her characters into all sorts of whacky situations and it was so much fun to read. She had strong female characters, cinnamon roll heroes and kids who felt like real kids on the page. This was my first Susanna Craig book but it definitely won't be the last!

Adding a spy plot line layer to a traditional Regency romance format, Craig delivers an appealing, exciting adventure with a refreshingly mature, dynamic and thoughtful hero and heroine.

Thanks to Kensington Books for making this book available to me via #Netgalley.

I read the first book in the Love and Let Spy series last year and I really enjoyed it. This book is no different. We follow Amanda Bartlett, the Countess of Kingston. She is the perfect Countess and she is just coming out of her mourning period for the late Count with who she had two sons. She has lived a simple life so far, with no fuss. Marrying a man who was over two decades older than she was when she just debut. She is still being sheltered by her mother who does not want her to get a bad name like other widowed women of high society do. I mean, the scandal that could be attached.

In comes Major Langley Stanhope, an intelligence officer who has been dispatched to retrieve a book that contains information highly valuable. In search for the book, he meets Amanda and the attraction they both feel is instantaneous. They go on a little spy rendezvous, that result in an inappropriate kiss in a public space. She soon finds out that he is also the newly employed Tutor for her sons.

The search for the book turns dangerous when sex, love and kidnapping get added to the mix. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it for people looking for a crossmatch of Bridgerton and Kingsman: The Secret Service.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. This book is #2 in the Love and Let Spy series.

When I received this book as an ARC, I had to go get the 1st book. After reading that book in less than 2 days, I had to read this one ASAP to follow what the next adventure is. Each book follows a different lead, but there are several background characters that reappear.

Amanda Bartlett is a widowed Countess who is raising her two sons, while her mom lives with her to make sure she "watches her step."

Major Langley Stanhope is assigned to a case where Ms. Bartlett has something he needs. He dons one of his disguses to try to get back the errant package; however, someone intervenes. Now, they need to find the package and get it back to save the life of one of Major Stanhope's fellow soldiers.

Amanda and Langley have to work together and of course, there is heat between them. Will they find the package, will they find more, or will everything go up in smoke?

There is a third book coming out - I cannot wait!

Another great addition to the series. It was hard to put this one down. Can't wait for Susanna Craig's next novel.

A widow. A spy. A book in the wrong hands. What can we say? One thing leads to a lover...

Amanda Bartlett, the widowed Countess of Kingston, just wanted to get a book for her son's birthday. But after being bumped into on the street while leaving the bookshop, Amanda is surprised to find when she gets home that there has been a horrible mistake. Instead of the book on calculus, it's a French cookbook. Clearly, there was some misunderstanding. Or it had something to do with that stranger on the street. But now what?

Major Langley Stanhope, AKA the Magpie, can imitate just about anyone from any level of society. And it may just take all of his skills in order to infiltrate the Kingston residence and retrieve the codebook that ended up in the widow's hands. Then things get complicated. First, the book is further mislaid, then there is suspicion that the Countess and her sons will be targeted for having the book, which they no longer do. And then, of course, there is the fact that Stanhope finds himself attracted to Amanda. And that she is attracted to him... and she is bound and determined to help Stanhope in his mission.

First off, I cannot get enough of this series. It's got romance, of course, but also mystery and adventure and all the makings of a good spy story. And it's also got a spymaster who really seems to care more for match-making his spies than, you know, being a spymaster....

The second in the "Love and Let Spy" series, "One Thing Leads to a Lover" is a brilliant and fascinating and addictive historical fiction romance.

A fun homage to the 80s T.V. show Scarecrow and Mrs. King. Widow Amanda is living a rather dull life with her mother and two young sons. Always doing the right thing, the expected thing. "Mind your step" says her overprotective, interfering mother. That is, until the day, as she's leaving the book shop a man bumps into her causing her to drop her book. Her footman retrieves it in the street still wrapped in its brown paper. She discovers later that day it's the wrong book. This book seems to be a French cookbook. Magpie, or rather secret agent Sir Langley, arrives at her door to retrieve what is actually a code book necessary to the defense of Britain. The book goes missing, and with Amanda's family now in danger, Amanda and Magpie must work together to get it back. Amanda enjoys the new excitement in her life as Magpie poses as her son's tutor and moves into the house. Danger, romance, betrayal. What more could you ask for? The epilogue is the set-up for the next book involving a bookish secret agent and a mysterious lady thief. I can't wait!

I really enjoyed Amanda and Langley's story. I always like a good mystery as part of a story and Craig did a wonderful job of working it into the romance. I enjoyed watching Amanda come out of her shell and get the adventure she was dreaming of. This was a great addition to the Love and Let Spy series!

Amanda Bartlett is a widowed countess smothered by her overprotective mother and has no say in her sons' future plans as her dead husband has left their guardianship to one of his friends. She spends most of her days at home, trying to raise her sons within the confines she has. While out purchasing a book for her eldest's birthday, she is jostled by a man who mixes up their packages. Amanda is now in possession of a mysterious book which, if in the wrong hands, could spell trouble. Handsome Magpie is sent to retrieve it, and a delightful relationship blooms between him and Amanda.

Susanna Craig is a new author to me, so I didn't know whether One Thing Leads to a Lover would be swayed towards romance or more of a spy story, and I was pleasantly surprised at the optimum blend of both. The family aspect is also heavily featured and I wouldn't have minded a little more action, however, Amanda and Magpie were really strong characters. I look forward to reading more from Susanna Craig.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I am a big fan of Romance books and I found this one to be a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books from this author.

This is the second book in Susanna Craig’s Love and Let Spy series about jaded spies finding unexpected love. The premise of the series is that the spies' boss, General Scott, is match-making behind the scenes with his assignments. Like the first book in this series, Who’s That Earl, One Thing Leads to a Lover is a light, quick-paced story that will satisfy readers looking for a little intrigue, a sweet romance, and some witty dialogue along the way.

Sir Langley Stanhope is trying to regain his confidence as a spy in service to the Crown. He was recently knighted for his work but feels like the mission he completed (that resulted in his knighthood) was a failure. His assignment now is to retrieve a French code book (disguised as a French cookbook) that has accidentally fallen into the hands of the Countess of Kingston.

The Countess of Kingston, Amanda Bartlett, has been widowed for three years. Her sons (ages ten and eleven) are her joy, but her mother is not and is fond of reminding Amanda to “mind her step” in every way. Amanda is being romantically pursued by her sons’ guardian, Lord Dulsworthy who is, well, dull and there is no spark for Amanda in spite of her mother’s enthusiastic approval of his suit. Amanda is content with things as they are, but wonders if there isn’t more to life.

A woman could do worse, yes. But why, oh why, did so few ever consider whether a woman in her position might not want to do better? Might not want to remarry at all?

When Sir Langley shows up at her door and eventually divulges his assignment, Amanda is thrilled to find herself part of an adventure. She’s also thrilled to spend more time with Langley with whom there are sparks - even fireworks. Soon the two of them are working together to find the code book and save Amanda (and her boys) from a boring, and potentially dangerous, second marriage.

I was happy to read about two mature characters (Amanda is thirty-two and Langley is thirty-five) - both a little hemmed in by life, wanting to change their paths. Amanda is a devoted mother, a strained but devoted daughter, and a woman wondering if this is all life is going to offer her. She isn’t a secret mathematical genius invading men’s societies to present her theories, or a brilliant linguist translating Greek texts in her father’s study, or even an heiress trying to avoid the marriage mart and open a home for wayward girls. She’s a ‘regular’ widowed countess trying to do her best for her sons and mother - a breath of fresh air in a sea of over the top heroines populating HR lately. I liked her spunk but I also liked her realism.

I was also attracted to Langley. He grew up on the streets and was rescued by his now boss General Scott. He’s one of the good guys - humble, sweet, good with kids, sexy in glasses! He and Amanda made a delightful pair. Their attraction is believable and their banter is clever. There’s also a good amount of humor in the story - which is always a plus for me!

This is my second book by Susanna Craig and I’ve liked both - she is a good storyteller and the books have been fun, easy reads with heroines and heroes you can’t help but cheer for. But I do wish the intrigue in the books was a little more developed. Book two definitely had more convincing intrigue than book one, but I’d still like to see it cranked up a notch or two.

If you are looking for a fun, light romance with some intrigue on the side, I recommend One Thing Leads to a Lover.

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Though Amanda Bartlett has been widowed for three years, she has not yet found the motivation to take control of her life and decide her future. Her ten year marriage to the Earl of Kingston, a much older man, was not a love match, but she did develop a fondness for him. Upon his death, Amanda’s mother arrived to “help,” and hasn’t let up since, keeping control of Amanda’s social engagements, much of the running of the household, and even going so far as to intercept Amanda’s personal correspondence. Amanda wonders if she’ll just let herself be pushed into marriage with Lord Dulsworthy, the guardian of her two sons. The status quo is interrupted when a stranger arrives at her home, bringing intrigue, danger, and romance.

Major Langley Stanhope, recently knighted, is an agent for the crown. His latest assignment is to retrieve a valuable code book, one which was switched with a purchase Amanda made, a seemingly simple task. The job becomes complicated when the book is passed from person to person, thanks to Amanda’s interfering mother, and soon the whole family is put in danger. Amanda is astute enough to figure out that there is more to this book, and more to Sir Langley. He goes undercover, posing as tutor to Amanda’s sons, as he seeks the book’s location while keeping everyone safe.

Langley’s insertion into the household acts as somewhat of a catalyst to shake up Amanda’s doldroms. She develops an attraction to Langley, also known as “Magpie,” and begins to become more resolved to resist Dulworthy’s attempts to marry her, as well as taking a firmer stand on the raising of her boys. Langley is equally smitten with the widowed countess, and they begin an affair which he feels has no future. After all, she is way above him socially, and he’s carrying a heavy burden of guilt over a tragic incident which was his own fault.

I loved both characters of Langley and Amanda, though they definitely have their flaws. Their romance is fun and steamy, and brings a fulfillment to Amanda that her marriage lacked. I really, really, really disliked Amanda’s mother. Though her actions were portrayed as being protective and done out of love, I wanted to throw her out of a window. Langley needed to forgive himself, and some of Amanda’s simple common sense went a long way to helping him let go of a mistake he made, and to move on. They have great chemistry together as a couple, and I greatly enjoyed his relationship with Amanda’s children. ONE THING LEADS TO A LOVER is an engaging romance, with enough intrigue to be interesting, but not overwhelming, and makes for a warm and satisfying read.

Love is an Adventure
Susanna Craig is back with the second adventure in her wonderful Love and Let Spy series. As a widowed Countess, Amanda is not given the freedom of an exciting life, but a single book can change that. Langley, aka the Magpie, is driven by his job and this particular one is complicated by a charming lady. When the missing book unearths a traitor, they both must work together to find a missing spy and protect Amanda’s family. There is no question both Amanda and Langley are suited for each other. Amanda is exceedingly understanding about Langley’s profession, and finds a stable ground in which Langley can find a safe retirement. Langley is entirely a gentleman throughout this book. He quickly defers to Amanda’s judgment regarding her two kids, and is determined to help her regain control of her life on her terms. I especially like the addition of Langley needing glasses, which adds a humanizing quality to Susanna Craig’s books. As well as emphasize that not all romances are love at first sight. Susanna Craig's writing is enjoyable to read, and this is a well-paced book. With plenty of steamy romance, and Jane Austen like flair. I appreciate that the standard romance genre “misunderstanding” was mild, and easily resolved by mutual empathy. General Scott is still up to his matchmaking mischief, and I look forward to the hunt for Lady Sterling.