How Far Would They Go in the Service of the Crown?

Their mission was the same, but you would not think so from their first meeting. Someone did not plan well, and Jane and Roland found themselves working together, much closer than they could have ever anticipated. Soon, passions would ignite, and the mission would become quite dangerous. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery and intrigue. This was also an age-gap romance.

Miss Jane Jacobson is a Lady Knight who works for the safety of her Queen. Roland, the Duke of Hawkridge, has served the Crown for many years as a spy. There is a plot to assassinate Queen Charlotte, but who is behind it? Roland and Jane are ordered to work together to find the assassin(s). He pretends to be courting Jane, until they are forced to take the next step for a houseparty. For two people who don't trust each other, they need to rectify their differences fast. The story moves very quickly with Jane and Roland finding more than a plot to assassinate their Queen.
Very hot descriptive sex!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is the latest addition and the conclusion to the Lady Knights series. Jane doesn't mind being a wallflower. In fact, she uses it to her advantage in her service to the Crown. She can attend all the society events and be kept in the loop of all the gossip, while easily disappearing into the background. Roland has spent two decades in service to the Crown and is now on his last mission before retiring and focusing his attention on his dukedom. As part of his last mission, he is paired with Jane as a partner, and neither are thrilled with the idea. They both have very different ideas on how to accomplish their task, she taking a more logical approach and he going more on his experience and instincts. As they will do anything for the Crown and the success of their mission, they enter into a fake courtship so they can work more closely together, which ultimately results in a marriage of convenience. Their growing attraction to each other is evident, but neither are willing to admit it. But denial can only go so far, and at some point tensions start to run too high to ignore and they will have to give in to their desires.
The story is filled with excitement and intrigue and pulled me in from the very start and kept me engrossed till the end. The characters were well-developed and interesting and despite the age difference, so well suited, and I very much enjoyed following their story. Ms Maxwell is an amazing writer and I am very much looking forward to reading her next series.
I received complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this one.

I really like the plot, but I didn't like the age gap. I had read other age gap romances before so, I don't really get why I didn't like that trope in this context. I hate that I realize about this on the last book of the series because I couldn't finish it. I will probably do so later this year but it was impossible to me at this very moment.

I still love the way you write and will totally read other books written by you.

Cara Maxwell has written a romance story that you don’t want to miss! The Last Refuge of a Scoundrel is a witty, entertaining, and poignant story that kept me completely in its grip from beginning to end! I recommend this book to all romance lovers.

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Dragonblade Publishing via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @dragonbladepub
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Jane Jacobson has perfected the art of being a wallflower. The Duke of Hawkridge is viewed as a wayward Duke. Jane is a young (20), extremely independent Lady Knight. Roland is an older (43), forced to retire Agent for the Crown. Last Refuge of a Scandal brings this unlikely pair together. So devoted in service to their country that they marry in order to save their Queen. This is the last book in the Lady Knights series, and it wraps everything up so nicely. Jane and Roland are meant for each other, but they need to learn to trust and love each other. Love comes easier, but trust builds. Everyone gets their HEA, and the writer gives brief insights into the other three couples from previous books. Another Cara Maxwell success.

Loved reading the entertaining and engaging romance story. This is the last mission for the Duke of Hawkridge, Roland, but to continue his mission he has to marry a Lady Knight, Jane Jacobson. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting love story.

This is the only book in the series that I have read, but that didn't end up being a problem. Although there is a common thread throughout the series (the Lady Knights) this story is a standalone in that the events from the previous books do not play a part. If you have read the previous books in the series you will be happy to know that those characters do make an appearance here - and you get a nice wrap-up for each couple. As for the story here, I enjoyed the bickering between Jane and Roland and following them as they grew into a team - both romantically and for work. The weakest part of the story was the case that brought Jane and Roland together. It's never really explained what the ultimate plan of the secret society was - I don't understand how assassinating the queen would allow the group to control the line of succession. And you never really find out what happened to Maltby (is he dead or just wounded?) and the other members of the society.

4 stars

A bit barmy of me to only have jumped into this series near the end. Roland is a duke and a spy. This is his last mission and he's asked to get some evidence about an assasination attempt on the queen. Jane is a wallflower and a lady knight. She works from the shadows, learning gossip about the ton but being knowlegable about the various peple is able to be very effective. Roland and Jane both fail at their task and their superiors reprimand them and order them to work together. I didn't really buy into their insta passion and the balance of romance to intrigue was very heavily weighted to the sexual side. Not sure I'm up for any more.. The writing is good.

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

In this series we get really fierce heroines who have been brought together to protect the Crown. They each have their own book that suits their particular talents and strengths. The first book will explain how everything started, but after that I think the order doesn't matter very much.

Our hero in this one is a bit older than our heroine, but exactly who she needs.

We get lots of adventure, danger and some steamy scenes. The excitement starts on page one and continues all the way through.

Great fun.

And also this magnificent Lady Knights series has come to an end. And what an awesome way to go! I really loved this sort of reverse grumpy-sunshine trope (reverse because usually the grumpy one is the male) and I’m always fond of a story in which an orderly, overtly methodical person is unraveled by love, as it happens with Jane. I’ve always admired her, but she seemed even too cold-hearted for her age and I loved entering in her mind and seeing her motivations (and her little quirks). And I simply adored the gorgeous silver fox she ensnared! What’s better than an “old”, charming spy who’s never been in love? Especially when he’s forced to work with a new generation spy! Captivating, intriguing, emotional and witty: in other words, a wonderful novel!!! With the added bonus of a reunion of all the main characters of the various book at the end…
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have so enjoyed the Lady Knights series and this concluding entry is no exception. Jane is such a great heroine - smart, capable, confident, and able to blend to the point where she manages to balance being a spy/assassin with being a debutante. Hawkridge is an excellent foil for her. Their banter is genuinely funny and the chemistry between them is hot. Their devotion to the Crown while also to whatever is developing between them is admirable, as is Hawk's belief in Jane's abilities. An overall satisfying end to a satisfying series.

4.5 stars rounded to 5. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

The Last Refuge of A Scoundrel by Cara Maxwell is the story of another of The Queen’s Lady Knights and she was Jane Jacobson, a wallflower, but an accomplished spy and assassin. There was a rumor that there were a group of men were out to murder the queen and assure the throne went to someone they approved of. She was in Lord Remington’s study at this moment looking for the proof she needed, when she was interrupted by a man, as it turns out another agent, but she had no way of knowing that. They found nothing but were called on the carpet the next day by their superiors. The next opportunity appeared to be at a house party where it was anticipated most of the male guests were part of the plot. The rub was that only married couples were invited so they got married. She was now the Duchess of Hawkridge. A marriage in name only at this point, until it wasn’t. Hawkridge was approached by the leader of the group. The game as afoot.

As many May/August marriages, this one got off to a rocky start but righted itself but they quickly turned into partners. Hawkridge had been working for the Crown and been out of England for well over twenty years. He had no relationships, romantic or otherwise, so it was all new to him. Jane had had her wallflower persona for so long, it was tough to become a duchess. It was an endearing romance and a breathtaking race to prevent the queen’s assassination. It was an intriguing story and one that certainly kept the reader engrossed. Good read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Last Refuge of A Scoundrel by Dragonblade through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #CaraMaxwell #TheLastRefugeOfAScoundrel

The conclusion of The Lady Knights did not fail my expectations. After the daring vengeance of Red, i did not think it could get any better. But leave it to Cara Maxwell to step up her game. This story brought a delicious serving of banter, childish squabbles and the pure delectable tension that can only be enemies to lovers. I literally spent the first half of this book screaming, “get a room already!”. Except that even when they did indeed ‘get a room’, we were left panting for more. That pentup frustration was absolute bliss, that when it finally did explode, it was pure combustion! Roland and Jane are hot, hot, hot and I ate it up. Seeing kickass Jane getting in touch with her tender emotions leaves your heart aching because of course, this tough exterior has always masked a woman who simply cares too much. Too add a heaping dollop of cream to this delicious sundae, we are given a full cadre of Lady Knights to help wrangle in the mystery arc of this story. Did I forget to mention the actual storyline? My bad, I was blinded by the main couple chemistry that caught fire. This story is also filled with fabulous intrigue, mystery and a battle to save the queen, after all that is the entire reason for Roland & Jane’s relationship. This all concludes with the equivalent of a mini-epilogue for each of our beloved Lady Knights, so there is no ‘where are they now’ questions left niggling. Do be sure to check out all of these stories because they are fabulous.

Jane is no mere wallflower...

I really liked Jane. She is working for the Crown, spying, and her cover? Wallflower.
Roland is twice her age, he's literally old enough to be her father. He, too works for the Crown and they are paired on a super secret mission, so the duke weds the wallflower and they are both spies.

Oh, my word! This novel was the perfect conclusion to an amazing series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The main characters were perfect for each other and the suspense kept me enthralled. Tasked with a new quest, Miss Jane Jacobson suddenly finds herself married to the meddlesome agent of the Crown. Their case is one of the most difficult they have had to handle and the attraction between Jane and Roland gets in the way of their investigation. However, one thing they have discovered is that together they are a force to be reckoned with and although they have only known one another for a short period, they understand each other perfectly. The novel comes to an exciting conclusion and finally, the lovers get their reward. I received a copy of this well-written romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

The last in series but certainly not the least. Exciting, intriguing, engrossing and romantic. It has all the elements to keep one reading till the end and enjoy every page.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

The Last Refuge of a Scoundrel is the fourth and last book in The Lady Knights series. I have read the first three books in this series and was excited for Jane’s story.

A member of The Lady Knights, Jane Jacobson has worked hard over the last four years to ensure that she isn’t noticed and blends into the background. Maintaining a wallflower persona has been easy with a dandy older brother and the perfect debutante of a little sister but the persona is just that, a cover to easily disappear at ton events and keep apprised of gossip. Roland, Duke of Hawkridge has spent the last twenty years traveling the world all in service to the crown. Now on his last mission before being to forced to retire and finally take up the responsibilities of his dukedom, Roland finds himself being paired with Jane to bring down conspirators on an assassination attempt of Queen Charlotte. While both are professionals neither are thrilled to be working with one another, with almost 20 years between the two of them and Jane working from logic while Roland prefers to go off his instinct, they are opposites who have to put these differences aside for good of the Queen. In order to work more closely, a fake courtship begins which quickly turns into a marriage of convenience in order to attend a married only house party that is being hosted by their only lead of the head conspirator. While the attraction is there for both of them neither wants to let on that they’re affected, even a single bed cannot deter them-for long. Will they find the evidence they need and trust the other enough with their lives to bring down the conspirators? But more importantly, what will they do once the quest is over and they are still married?

I enjoyed Jane’s and Roland’s story of two opposites and trusting the other’s skills. Because of her persona there are so many hidden skills that she has and definitely holds her own against Roland as the stubborn and seasoned spy. The juxtaposition between the two makes for an intriguing combination of frustration and longing that once they decide to work together not only outside the bedroom but inside as well (or butler’s pantry) that they’ll be rewarded with a key piece they’ve been missing. though their quest stalled at points it didn’t drag or feel too noticeable as I was too immersed in watching Jane and Roland’s relationship develop. I did feel that the ending and resolution of the conspirators was brushed over a bit. There are four encounters and one fade to black. The first three were detailed and steamy and delightfully a bit different from others that I’d read recently. The fourth encounter wasn’t as detailed but was helpful in moving the story along.

While all of the books in the series could be read as a standalone, the epilogue does give a nice wrap up by re-visiting all the couples from the series from the Lady Knights point of view.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an advanced ecopy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The last book of the series was as amazing as the first one. I love historical spy romance and this author brings her best work to the table every time. Jane has moxie and hides it well as she works for the Crown. Her wallflower image is a perfect blend for the Duke who thinks he's finished with missions. Generally speaking I don't care for age gap stories, but was surprised that this one didn't hit my buttons and actually was almost non-existent. Great characters, well written, fully engaging and a bit of humor tossed in to boot.

Jane is a Lady Knight, a trained protector of Queen Charlotte. When she and Roland are paired together to find the people plotting to assassinate the Queen sparks fly. Both need to trust each other to complete their task. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.