The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch

The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch ISBN-13: 9780825446184 Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Kregel Publications Released: July 28th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming mother, the duke impulsively marries a bluestocking who's nearly a spinster. After all, it should be easy to sequester her in the country with his extensive library and get on with his life―as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society―the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?


My Review:
The Gentleman Spy is a romance set in 1814 in England. This is the 2nd book in the series, and it spoiled many critical events in the first book. Since Marcus was still working to fully uncover the plot that started in the first book, you'll probably understand this book better if you read the books in order.

Charlotte feels that she is very smart and knowledgeable, so she's frustrated that no one seems to pay attention to her opinions. She takes her frustration out by verbally lashing wrongdoers with her righteous words of condemnation. Only, nothing changes when she does and it only gets her into trouble. I don't think a child in the Regency period would seriously think she could get away with condemning her father for sexual sin in front of her family and not be punished, but Charlotte seems oblivious to potential consequences when speaking her mind. She wants good things, good changes, but she goes about it the wrong way. When Marcus actually liked that she has her own opinion and new friends helped guide her in better ways to create change, Charlotte was better able to control her tongue while still creating positive change.

Marcus finds his worth in his spy work for the crown, so he's bitter about having to become the Duke of Haverly. This will certainly curtail his ability to sneak away on spy work or be sent into danger. He's especially restricted as long as he's unmarried and his every move is watched by potential brides. He intends to keep his bride in the dark about his activities and certainly won't have much time for her, so he picks Charlotte thinking that she will be content with books and a good home. Only, she's smart enough to see that something sneaky is going on...

Historical details were woven into the story, with some parts feeling highly researched while a few seemed questionable for the time period. Marcus and Charlotte had misunderstandings to work through, but, overall, they built each other up and supported each other. Charlotte learned to see and be grateful for the good gifts that God had given her. There were no graphic sex scenes. There was no bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


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