I love the way Susanna Craig writes, and I liked the set up for this book, although I thought the cover didn't really match the story in my opinion.

Amanda has always done as she was expected to, she married a much older man of her parents' choosing, bore him an heir and a spare, and was devastated when he died. Now the widowed Countess of Kingston, she is past her loss and chafing at the restrictions and control her mother and Lord Dulsworthy, her husbands friend and joint guardian to her boys insist on. Despite her frustration, she doesn't assert herself, just stews in silence.

When she is caught up in a codebook swap, she is swept into an adventure which is just what she is craving, Captain Sir Langley Stanhope the handsome and mysterious officer sent to retrieve the missing codebook from her.

Langley, or the Magpie because of his skill at mimicry, is a bit of a tortured hero, continually blaming himself for a mission that went wrong, and resulted in the death of one of his colleagues. He feels an instant reaction to the charmingly disconcerted countess, which he tries to stifle to keep focused on his mission.

When the codebook goes missing, and Amanda's children are caught up in the intrigue, will Amanda find the courage to grab her adventure with both hands, enjoy her attraction to Langley, and will Langley be able to forgive himself, take in his inheritance, and find happiness with Amanda.

I loved the angsty hero in this, and his backstory was interesting and made for some lovely tortured moments. Amanda was frustrating as a character, as it took her until her boys were in danger to assert herself. She was intelligent, and a very involved and hands on mother and when she did get into her stride she did take control and go after what she wanted. I just wished she had been less passive earlier in the story.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and all opinions are my own,

A really good book. This was a good pre summer read for me. Love the writing. This was 3.5 stars for me.

I received this book to review. I was looking for something that would keep my attention and was not quite the standard historical romance. This book was very entertaining and fast-moving. This book surprised me and I enjoyed it. I like the quick characters' setup and story plot. I like that for a historical genre the book has a smooth flow and not so uptight. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I read this in one sitting! Good book, interesting characters. I'm sure it was easier for women who grew up like that to live like that but wow. I can't imagine. Amanda, The Countess, has to deal with people making choices for her. Her mother, the boys guardian and society. She's bored and ready for an adventure. Lucky her, she's in the right place at the right time to end up with a codebook that everyone is eager to get their hands on and ends up meeting Major Langley Stanhope aka Magpie.

Magpie is a good guy who's been beating himself up all his life. He just wants to complete his mission and move on but then runs into The Countess with all of her drama.

I enjoyed this book very much. There was just one scene I could have done without. It was a great book without it and I didn't think it was necessary at all but it's there. I almost feel like this could have been a series of books with Magpie and The Countess working together but I don't think it is. I'd totally read another book if there was one though.

This was a really fun-to-read spy romance. I loved the adventure, the danger, and the plot in this book. Many times I find spy books disappointing me because I just didn't get enough. this book gave me a perfect amount of spy stuff happening in the plot and romance.

I will note that my enjoyment was a little hindered by the heroine at times, there were times where I just wished she wasn't so passive. I understand she is a sheltered widow with a kid, she has to be cautious, but it doesn't really fit in an action, spy book if the main character is so passive. She didn't hinder my enjoyment as much as she did for others though. I definitely liked reading her most of the time, she was pretty relatable, badass, and assertive at many points.

I didn't read the first book in this series but after really enjoying this one, I would like to go back and read that one. I am a big sucker for spy historical romances, especially a series of spy romances.

The premise for this book was super interesting, the hero was extremely hot, the steam was great, and the plot was super engaging. I would definitely check this book out if I were you.

- 4 stars -
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Susanna Craig for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting and fun to follow and the characters were oh so wonderful! Langley and Amanda were a perfect couple and I really enjoyed the extra family in the story, particularly the boys. 5 stars.

A fun summer read that keeps you engaged but not overly involved. Easy to keep reading, but also easy to go back to work when real life happens.

Amanda Bartlett, the young widowed Countess of Kingston, has been living a dull life up until the day she brings home a package that is supposed to be a gift for her son, but turns out to be a cryptic French cookbook. This cookbook turns out to be of some interest to British intelligence.

Enter Major Langley Stanhope, aka The Magpie, a master mimic in the spy game. Stanhope is sent to retrieve the mysterious volume from Amanda, which could lead to the recovery of a fellow missing spy. However, when the volume goes missing, Stanhope and Amanda find themselves in a rather dangerous situation and Stanhope must use all his skills to keep Amanda, her family, and himself from the enemies that would do whatever they can to get it back.

As the danger grows and Amanda and Stanhope work together, they find that their hearts may be on the line as well.

I absolutely LOVED this book! The first in this series was great as well, but I honestly thought this one was even better. I am so excited for the next book in the Love & Let Spy collection!

The characters were very well thought out and the setting jumped straight from the page. I found myself very emotionally invested in the couple and the fate of Amanda’s children at the hands of their appointed male guardian, a boring man whose eyes were also set on Amanda and who was a huge part of the conflict.

Seriously, Craig, I am sincerely looking forward to the next installment!

Amanda Bartlett, a widow with two sons, is bored. When the book she purchased for her son is somehow swapped for a French cookbook, things begin to happen in her life, exciting things. The most exciting thing of all is Langley Stanhope, master of disguises and Agent for the Crown (spy). When more than one person tries to hold of the cookbook, and Langley seems to be everywhere she is, it doesn’t take long for Amanda to deduce that the book and Langley are more than meets the eye. Amanda and Langley embark on a delightful adventure. There is action, danger, espionage, trickery, a bossy mother, a not-too-bright co-guardian for her sons, two absolutely adorable boys, a villain that is a surprise, and a general with a penchant for match-making. Amid danger, Langley tries to protect Amanda while she insists on being part of action. There is one more exciting thing – a sizzling romance. This a captivating story, a page-turner. The characters, especially Amanda and Langley, are fantastic. This one is a winner.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

One Thing Leads to a Lover by Susanna Craig
Love and Let Spy #2

Wonderful way to escape! Thoroughly enjoyed this book that might not be very realistic but was definitely a fun and engaging read!

What I liked:
* Amanda: good mother, good wife-widowed, good daughter, complies with societal rules, non-assertive, bored, wants “more” – ripe for…what is coming her way.
* Magpie: major, spy, knight, mimic, good with disguises, more than he appears to be, interesting past, carrying heavy guilt, a good man – deserving of so much more.
* Major Zebadiah Scott: spymaster, matchmaker, interesting, good man, looks out for his operatives, likable.
* Jamie and Philip: Amanda’s sons, loving, intelligent, opposites, added something special to the story
* Mrs. West: Amanda’s mother, caring, overprotective, controlling, loving, put society before her daughter’s wellbeing (in my opinion)
* The plot, writing, and series
* The romance as it grew between the main characters…so much fun! Both Amanda and Langley were matched well, both said what they thought and acted assertively to achieve their goals in life and in their relationship.
* That neither of the main characters were easily cowed by the other
* The growth in both characters
* It made me smile and care and hope there would be a happy ending for everyone
* Hearing about the other spies and people working with The Magpie…wondering about them, would Hopkins be okay, Fanny, Collins, Jeremy, and others – hope to hear about them in the future.
* The intriguing snippet that is a lead into the next book
* That this book stands alone and is not a cliffhanger
* The smile it left on my face when I finished the book.
* All of it except…

What I didn’t like:
* Those I was meant not to like…they were easy to dislike and wish the worst upon

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Lyrical for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

A huge thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the fact that this book featured a mature hero and heroine. Amanda is a devoted mother who has lived a shrouded life since her husband's death. But Amanda is sick and tired of shadows. She is sick and tired of decisions being made on her behalf about what she can wear, how she raises her children, even what she instructs her cook to prepare for dinner.

When she opens up the birthday present she purchased her son, she is confused to discover the bookshop wrapping concealed a cookbook written entirely in French. When a mysterious gentleman appears demanding an exchange happen, Amanda is intrigued. Finally, a bit of excitement has landed in her lap!

The only life Langley Stanhope knows is one of espionage and subterfuge. He is determined to retrieve the seemingly innocuous cookbook and redeem himself in the eyes of his comrades in arms. His retrieval is thwarted by a series of mishaps and contrivances, and he and Lady Amanda are thrown into situations of forced proximity and assumed identities.

The closer they become, the more he unravels. He cannot resist her caring, brave heart and she tumbles head over heels for his deceptively impenetrable mask.

The plot was deftly executed, the characters were fully developed and compelling, the love story unfolded with both steam and tenderness, and the dialogue was filled with lovely innuendo.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, Who’s That Earl, but don’t worry if you missed it; the main characters from that barely get a mention here, so it stands perfectly well alone. Although they’re part of the same series, this one feels different tonally; I’m not sure if it’s the setting - the first book was set in a remote location, this one in the heart of busy Regency London.

It’s definitely nice to see a heroine who’s a little bit older and more worldly for once. Amanda, Lady Kingston, is in her thirties, the widowed mother of two sons aged ten and eleven. Widowed three years now, she’s beginning to chafe under the rules imposed on her by polite society, and especially by her extremely stifling and rule-bound mother, who’s determined Amanda musn’t put a foot wrong, and oh, just incidentally, should immediately remarry suitably, and by suitably she means the older man who is her sons’ co-guardian, Lord Dull. I can’t even remember Dull’s full name, because he was that dull, but it conveniently abbreviated to Dull, which was very helpful!

It’s entirely chance that sees Amanda caught up in the world of spies and intrigue; a spy, faced with being caught with a stolen codebook, switches parcels with Amanda in a moment of desperation. Major Langley Stanhope, also known as the Magpie for both his skill with thievery and extraordinary skills of mimicry, is tasked with getting the codebook back. An interfering mother and Officious Lord Dull make things far more complicated than they need to be, though, and Stanhope is thrown repeatedly into the company of Amanda… who quickly figures out he’s not what he’s pretending to be, leaving him no choice but to take her into his confidence.

I really felt for Amanda. She was so obviously feeling utterly stifled in her proscribed little world, not even permitted to make choices for her sons like when or where they should go to school. Stanhope must have felt like suddenly starting to see the world in colour. I’m definitely intrigued if they will appear later in the series, since General Scott set them to infiltrate the Ton.

Susanna Craig writes such great stories, and every bit about them feels authentic to the period. There’s never anything which feels jarring or anachronistic. This is no exception, taking us deep into the underground network of spies during the Napoleonic wars at the same time we see the painful reality for a woman who is, in theory, in an excellent position - a wealthy widow - who is still legally trapped by her position and circumstances into almost being forced to marry a man she doesn’t want just to keep her children safe.

Though there is a serious threat to the lives of Amanda’s children late in the book, it’s dealt with fairly briefly and the story is otherwise not all that suspenseful; it’s a fun, escapist and thoroughly immersing read. Five stars.

This was a fun and engaging story.
Countess Amanda Bartlett is a young widow, mother of two children, longing for adventure and to get out of the monotony, her opportunity is presented when a book with secret codes arrives to her hand by accident.
Langley Stanhope is the spy searching for Amanda's misplaced book, because have important codes for the government.
When they meet, the attraction is immediate, and Langley's mission is no longer just to recover the book, but to protect Amanda and her children from possible danger.
Amanda and Langley are great characters, likeable, witty and intelligent, also Amanda's son are very funny.
The romance was lovely, both characters deserves a happy ending, the mystery made the story interesting and page turner, I just wanted to know what will happen.

This series has been so fun thus far! The only real connection between the books is the matchmaking General, so you can definitely jump into this as a standalone. I can't wait for book 3!

Amanda Bartlett, Countess of Kingston, is a young widow with 2 sons. Her husband, the Earl, died 3 years earlier, and her mother has been living with them since, to help out. Also, her late husband's good friend, George, Lord Dulsworthy, was named the boys' co-guardian in the will, so he has been around a lot as well. Though, Amanda thinks that George has designs of marriage with her, and she is NOT interested. Her mother always told her to "mind her step" in life, and she's tried her best to do so. But she is no young debutante any more, and she wants more from her life than the dull existence she's lived the last few years. When she picks up a book as a gift for her eldest son's birthday, she has no idea the trouble it will bring her way. Or the adventure.

Major Langley Stanhope is a military spy, and a master of disguise, mostly due to his amazing skills as a mimic. They call him the Magpie. His new assignment is to obtain the code book that was passed off to a widow, in an act of desperation by another agent. But, when he goes to pick up the book, there are some issues retrieving it. This turns the assignment into more than he ever could have imagined, and meeting Amanda and her sons changes something in him forever.

Langley and Amanda were drawn to each other from the first glance, when he showed up disguised as the book shop's errand boy. Amanda was smart, and curious, and she really wanted to know more about the case, once the truth was revealed about the importance of the book. Langley had been alone a long time, and he's still carrying a lot of guilt for the death of a friend and fellow spy a year earlier. He doesn't think he deserves to settle down, or have a woman as wonderful as Amanda in his life. Amanda had to take control of her life back, from her over-protective mother, and her sons' guardian, who thought a future marriage between them was inevitable. She had spent so many years being careful and "minding her step" that she never really got a chance to be young, and have fun. They really made a great team, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love.

As for the major side characters, Amanda's sons, James and Philip (Jamie & Pip to family), are young tweens in the story, and I really liked both of them. Sometimes, kids can be annoying in books, but I found both of them to be sweet and engaging as characters. I especially loved watching them get to know Langley, and how he interacted with them. Amanda's mother grew on me, as time went on. I strongly disliked her at the start of the story, but as I got to know and understand her more, I began to like her better. Langley's co-workers were also fascinating, and I loved seeing so much spycraft in this story! It was really fun getting to see all the underground offices, and some of the ways they were working under the nose of the whole city. And of course, the General was fun in his small part of the story.

This book was very enjoyable, and Langley and Amanda were wonderful characters. They both really deserved their HEA, and I adored watching them figure it out together. I'm very much looking forward to book #3, as they set it up in the epilogue here, and I'm so intrigued!

Susanna Craig's main characters are among some of my favorites in historical romance. I love that they're multi-layered, frequently flawed, and typically not ton-obsessed members of society. They intrigue me, pulling me into their hearts and minds with ease, and immersing me in their stories.

In her current series, which is inspired by (some of my favorite) 1980's television shows, the blend of mystery and romance, with her always impeccable historical research, has been especially enjoyable. Once again, in book two, One Thing Leads to a Lover, there's adventure, danger, sensual chemistry, heartwarming romance, and bad guys intent on causing harm to some of our favorite characters. It's a twisty journey with a few surprises along the way that kept me flipping pages from start to finish.

Langley and Amanda are both characters who spoke to me, engaging both my interest and my affection. I enjoyed the spark between them, the banter, and the fact that they were each intellectually challenged by the other. Respect and desire is a potent combination, and these two have an abundance of both. It was fun to watch Amanda gain confidence throughout her journey, finally taking control of her life and standing her ground, with both her family and Langley. And speaking of our hero, I adored his many disguises, his fascination with Amanda, his integrity, and his relationship with Pip and Jamie, Amanda's sons. In fact, his relationship with the boys was one of my favorite parts of the book. Langley also has emotional baggage to deal with before he can have a happy ending with Amanda and Craig does a good job of guiding him through that process. I was delighted with the outcome and especially, the peek into the future found in the epilogue which already has me eagerly anticipating book three.

4.5 Stars
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

While the writing, and story was perfectly adequate, I did have some trouble getting into it. I also can't quite put my finger on it, might have had too much other stuff on my mind to really escape.

I like Amanda's mind, unfortunately with a mother like hers, she turned out to be a bit of a pushover. I kept waiting for that moment where she truly stood up for herself, and I didn't feel like it was ever there. The one time where it was crucial, Langley came to the rescue, and I understood plot wise why, but I would have loved for Amanda to have shown what she was made off.

Langley Stanhope was interesting, definitely a humble white knight in shining armor. I liked exploring the many facets of his life. I do love a romance that comes with a bit of mystery.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. Amanda is a widow living a quiet life, when intrigue finds her in the form of a mysterious book and a fascinating stranger, Langley. Danger surrounds them, and still they are drawn to each other. The book was fast-paced, it held my attention and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Amanda, Lady Kingston, is a young widow and mother of two who is tired of everyone else assuming control of her life. Once grateful for help she’s now smothered in it. Her overbearing mother has taken to controlling her whole life when she would like to actually enjoy her life. And as fate would have it a simple trip to a bookstore changes things...

The book she purchased as a gift for one of her sons is not what she finds upon returning home. Later a strange man appearing at her door to exchange the book so received for the one she intended to buy. Unfortunately the simple exchange does not happen quite as it should...

Major Langley Stanhope is a highly trained intelligence officer. Sent by a meddling General Scott to retrieve a special book. The book of course that has fallen into Amanda’s hands. Unfortunately for both of them nothing goes to plan and the spy and the widow must work together to track it down again as danger lurks. Suddenly Amanda’s dull controlled life is changing. For too long she has been forced to mind her step and stifle herself and it’s time for a change. While she dodges her would-be suitor and overly opinionated guardian of her sons she’s just trying to have a simple life. But the shenanigans with the book are well and truly shaking things up and there’s the danger.... Of course when you get entangled with a spy there’s always danger....

Secrets... spies... meddling.... mystery and intrigue... oh my. Definitely an a great addition to the series. I was waiting for Amanda to finally take charge and break free of everyone trying to control her life. And obviously Langley was seeking redemption for his past mistakes. Can’t wait for the next one! Because General Scott is definitely the master meddler.

First off, I have only read a few novels by Ms. Craig, but every one of them has been well-written and researched, and that has always made me happy. One Thing Leads to a Lover--the second in her Love and Let Spy series--is a perfect example of her excellent storytelling.

The story revolves around Amanda, a young widow who lives a dull life, even though she absolutely adores her children. After mistakenly grabbing the wrong book in town, she is visited by by a spy to retrieve it. The spy--and our hero--Langley, is desperate to retrieve a code book disguised as a cookbook that was accidentally taken by Amanda. He has to use a number of disguises to insert himself in her life, and once Amanda realizes what's going on, tries to help him get the book back (which has already been stolen by someone else.) Romantic moments, funny situations, and dangerous situations all add up to make a beautifully crafted love story.

I loved Amanda. As a mother myself, I know what it's like to wish for a little adventure in your life. Something to make you feel alive. What could easily have been bratty--bored housewife seeks fun--feels real and emotional. She wants to help Langley with an earnesty that is both brave and selfless. What starts as a small assignment to help Langley becomes a way for Amanda to be more than just a mother. That, I think, is an important element in this story. That there is more to women than motherhood. Amanda is jubilant, loving, smart, and capable. She is everything you want in a heroine. I personally LOVE widow stories. Widows are usually more knowledgeable, sexual, and independent. Craig does an excellent job with Amanda's character.

Langley, to me, is one of those heroes that sneaks up on you. He's plain at first; there's nothing particularly remarkable about him. He has no distinguishing traits. That doesn't last long--in all the right ways. What starts out as a simple assignment ends up turning his world upside down. He's grumpy and adorable and extremely sexy. One of my favorite things about Langley is that he's 37 years old. I love older men in romances. They have a little life under their belt, and Langley isn't a slave to his sexual desires. However, when Langley wants it, he WANTS it. The bedroom scenes are super hot, but in a mature way. Neither is inexperienced, and it shows. They're in love and it shows.

The mystery plot is simple, but well-done. All of these things combined made for an excellent historical romance. A lot of them are sort of forgettable, but Once Thing Leads to a Lover stands out--to me--because of the relationship between Amanda and Langley. Two grown people who find out that their lives aren't over; that they are given second chances at happiness. By the end of the book, I had all the feels, and Langley is definitely one of my new book boyfriends. Well done, Ms. Craig!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3923000295

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I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. One Thing Leads to A Lover is the second book in Susanna Craig’s engaging Love and Let Spy series. When one of his fellow agents is compromised, Sir Langley Stanhope, aka Magpie, is sent to retrieve a codebook that the agent passed to an unsuspecting Amanda Bartlett, Countess of Kingston, to avoid it falling into enemy hands. What should have been a simple exchange becomes complicated, and in order to protect Amanda and her family, Major Stanhope becomes part of the household. I enjoyed this story and its twists and turns. While the Amanda, at the beginning of the book, was a passive creature allowing others to walk all over her and control her life, she grew into a much stronger character over the story's arc, as did Sir Langley.
Steam Level: Medium Publishing Date: April 6, 2020. #OneThingLeadsToALover #SusannaCraig #KensingtonBooks #LyricalPress #HistoricalRomance #bookstagram #bookstagramer #HistoricalMystery