Once Upon a Spy

Secrets and Seduction #3

by Sheridan Jeane

London, 1854 – Lord Wentworth can’t refuse his brother’s request — not when war with Russia is at stake!

Robert, Earl of Wentworth, isn’t a spy, and he never wants to be one, but when his brother is injured and needs his help stealing an important book from the Russian embassy, he can’t refuse.

Antonia’s future depends on stealing that book…

Antonia has lost everything. She can’t even claim her own name. If she wants her life back, she needs that book. The problem is, Lord Wentworth just stole it from the Russian Ambassador.

…And they both need it.

The reluctant spy and the daring thief find themselves at cross-purposes. Who will win in this dangerous game of nations— especially when their hearts are at stake as well?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Mystery

500 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2015

About the author

Sheridan Jeane writes both contemporary, small-town romantic comedies featuring strong-willed heroines and the men who love them, as well as exciting Victorian-era books filled with spies, intrigue, and romance. She has released five historical romances in her Secrets and Seduction series as well as a standalone romance Gambling on a Scoundrel.

Sheridan's newest series is The Way to a Woman's Heart, and the first trilogy in the series is Coming Home>. If features Slow Simmer, Here's the Scoop, and From Bitter to Sweet.

Sheridan is the daughter of an artist/art-therapist/professor mother and an opera-loving/computer engineer/do-it-yourself father. Growing up, she assumed parents routinely converted their garages into well-stocked art studios complete with potter's wheels, kilns, and every color of acrylic paint under the sun. Didn't every second-grader nail shingles on the roof of the new 2-car garage their dad built? And didn't every family host the occasional after-opera cast party?
No?
Go figure!

Surrounded by art and music, Sheridan immersed herself in books. Her parents encouraged this love, and one summer while she was away at summer camp, her dad covered her entire bedroom wall with floor-to-ceiling bookcases.

Sheridan's Books:
Her standalone novel Gambling on a Scoundrel has earned the distinction of being one of the three most checked-out romance novels in the Self-e library system.

Her Secrets and Seduction series includes:
Lady Cecilia Is Cordially Disinvited for Christmas
It Takes a Spy...
Lady Catherine's Secret
Once Upon a Spy, and
My Lady, My Spy

Reviews

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Spy by Sheridan Jeane is the third book in Secrets and Seduction series but is the first book in this series that I have read and I am happy to say that this book can be read as a standalone story. Although there a few references to some past events from previous books but they are minor and in no way hamper the interest element of the story.

This book has a strong plot full of mystery, suspense, spies and romance! I loved how the author has given us a story where the world is standing at the door of war and only a small object can prevent or start it! Everyone from the heroine, hero, government officials from Russia, England, France are after it but everyone has a different reason for wanting it.

It is on such a mission to retrieve this object from the Russian Embassy that the hero and heroine meet where both are there to steal it but for their own reasons. I loved the instant intrigue and mystery the author created right from the first scene and the passion that flared between the protagonists even when they were acting as adversaries. In this book, we meet several characters both from the previous books and new ones introduced in this book.

I loved the hero, Robert's brother, Frederick who is a spy for the Queen and given the mission to retrieve this object from the Russian Embassy. His interactions with Robert were both entertaining as well as intriguing and had me wanting to know more about the past of these two characters. Also there is a hint of a romance brewing between Frederick and Lady Harrington which has me all intrigued and I cant wait to read the next book which I hope will get us there own story!

Similarly, I loved Robert's friend Daniel and his enigmatic wife Catherine. They seem to have had an adventurous happily-ever-after and I am so eager top go back and read their story!

The protagonists, Antonia and Robert are both strong characters, independent and determined. Antonia is facing a family crisis and is determined to save her and her sister's future at any cost. When she meets Robert, sparks fly and the author has very admirably developed their romance. Both are resourceful, headstrong and likable characters and I enjoyed reading their story and rooted for a happily-ever-after for them.

The story is a lengthy 500 pages but is written in a crisp manner and is engaging throughout that not even for one moment did I feel bored. I was kept glued to my seat throughout and loved how the author narrated the story and left well calculated clues throughout the book that kept me speculating her next move throughout.

I especially loved the quotes from famous personalities at the start of each chapter that beautifully summarize the chapter and also had me acquainting myself to some great quotes!

All in all, Once Upon a Spy by Sheridan Jeane is an entertaining historical romance full of suspense and mystery that I loved reading. 4 out of 5 to it from me and recommended to all lovers of historical romance and suspense. I look forward to checking out the other books in this series soon.

I received the book from the author and I am very thankful to her. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
This review is also available on Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review
'Once Upon a Spy' by Sheridan Jeane is book three in the "Secrets and Seduction" series. This is the story of Robert, Earl of Wentworth and Antonia.
Robert attending a ball with his younger brother, Frederick who is a spy. Robert's brother hands get hurt and we find that Frederick only came there to take a book related to his spying. So Frederick ask Robert to step up and help him get the book. Robert doesn't like to be involved with his brother spying but does end up helping him out. Robert has the book but when trying to get it back to his brother he is caught in the hall by Antonia who Robert doesn't know but has been eyeing her most of the night.
We find Antonia is after the book too...but for other reason. Antonia is trying to save her family and the book she thinks will help her do that. Antonia charms the book away from Robert by kissing him. Antonia then and disappears with the book.
Robert knows he has to get the book back to keep a war between Russia and England from happening. So Robert tries to find Antonia which he ends up doing at a play she is in.
I really did like the characters and felt a connection with them. Antonia had a really sad story that I felt a lot for her.
I have loved this series and so glad that this was another great book!!


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[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in the Victorian era and mainly based in London. The descriptions of places and events are so well recounted that one could feel transported to that period.

Antonia is an actress but not by choice. She has been duped out of her heritance by an unscrupulous relative. The only way for her to regain her standing in society is to retrieve a book. Quite simple!

Robert is the Earl of Wentworth who dedicates his life to atoning for past family mistakes. He attends a ball at the Russian Embassy with his brother Frederick who works for the Queen as a spy. When Frederick is injured, he calls on Robert for help to retrieve, none other than the same book. Robert has particular skills pertinent to do the job. What can go wrong?

When Antonia and Robert have their first encounter, the chemistry between them is quite sizzling. Here they come at an impasse. They are both conflicted but they both have achieve what they set out to accomplish. It turns out that there is more to the book than meets the eyes. What can be so vital that governments are involved?

As more about the content of the book is revealed, stopping this from getting in the wrong hands proves to be difficult and dangerous. Robert is now torn between duty and his urge to protect Antonia who is not totally helpless either! Which is it going to be?

This novel is full of intrigues, family secrets, greed, betrayal, loyalty and undivided love. The division in society is very prominent and the behaviour of some of the "elites" is far from being desirable.

I really enjoyed reading this thrilling and exciting romance which I would fully recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. This has no impact on the content of my review.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

SNS Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

I want to be a spy in Victorian times as they had a ball. Lord Robert Wentworth has just spied the most exquisite lady but who is she? Antonia Winter is on a mission she needs to get the church register back as it will prove that her parents were made when the girls were born. She needs to protect her two sisters and this is the only way.

She uses her charm to steal the book from Robert, he knows that he has to get it back before it starts a war between England & Russia but where to find Ms Winter. By luck he finds that she is performing in a play and he is captivated by her and this time she won't get away.

They both play cat & mouse for awhile until they almost lose their lives can they work together to get Antonia her parent's inheritance back so that she can look after her sisters and have a house for them to call home. Can Robert get the book back for his brother so that he can hand it to the Queen?The more they find out about the register the worse the danger becomes, why is this book so important that people are willing to kill for it.

When the truth comes out it is a huge family secret that is best left in the past as it can only cause more harm than good.

There are some strange characters that add to the story and it makes it flows smoothly and there is never a dull moment. I could imagine being in the book as the descriptions of the places, people, clothing were so detailed and colorful. I am certain that other historical romance readers will love this book as it kept me turning the pages.

[Mave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked a lot the first two books in the series that I could not wait to read this one. I really enjoyed it like the others. It 's a historical romance compelling, romantic but full of suspense, twists, intrigues and secrets.
To try to prevent a war between Russia and England, Robert is forced to help his brother. He is a spy and must steal an important book during a party at the Russian embassy. But this book is very important to Antonia, absolutely must have it. The mission of Robert has almost succeeded but Antonia with a passionate kiss distracts him and steals the book. At first try to impede each other but with the evolution of events will have to join forces in order save their lives.
The characters are really great and amazing. Antonia is a heroine strong, courageous, responsible, takes care of her sisters and wants to ensure them a peaceful future. Robert is a gentleman, very charming, impossible to resist him. The chemistry between them is really strong and special. I also liked cameo with the protagonists of the previous books.
This is a wonderful Victorian novel, very well written with a great pace. There are so many twists and surprises en route that I'm unsure what will happen when I turn to read the next page.
Although it is the third book in the series you can be easily read as a stand alone. The protagonists are different but all three books are set in London in the Victorian period and heroines are women outstanding and unconventional
If you love historical romantic novels but full of action and suspense this may be perfect for you!

[Brandi Reeves-Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting Romantic Historical tale of two main characters. Both have to do things their not used to, but then again, will do anything to help the ones they care for. Antonia has lost so much and I really don't know how she got through it all. Her story of her past was almost seemed insane, and she still managed to be on her own. I liked that about her character. Even though she was born of wealth, she wasn't afraid to do what needed to be done in order to survive. Robert at times seemed selfish to me. He's basically forced into helping his brother. He does redeem himself when he meets Antonia, and you can just feel as your reading how they are perfect for each other.
There's tons of details in this one making it seem as though I was in the same place and time as the characters. I did enjoy this book, but I wished I'd known this was book 3 out of the series. I am interested enough to see how this series will go, and I'm going to check out books 1 and 2 just to see how they went.

[WiLoveBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series, though it is not necessary to read any of the others to enjoy them as they all stand alone. In this book Antonia and Robert are both after the same book for different reasons.Robert is helping his brother who is a spy and needs the book for the Queen. Antonia needs it to help take care of her sisters. They have to work together to get it back. This was a fun read.

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is unusual for me to give a historical romance five stars, mainly because I don’t tend to reread them. However, there is something about Jeane’s characters and the stories she weaves that give them that extra something that leave me wanting to reread the book, and Once Upon a Spy was no exception. Chock full of espionage, adventure, secrets, romance, and love, I could not read this book fast enough to find out what Robert and Antonia’s happy ending would look like.

When a mishap at a party renders Robert’s brother unable to steal a church registry from the Russian Embassy at the behest of the Queen of England, Robert is forced to step in and complete the task for him. While we don’t learn all of the details until we are well into the book, Robert avoids engaging in deceptive practices like they’re the plague and it is only his love for his brother that has him willing to take part in the book’s retrieval. Thanks to some questionable activities during his youth, Robert is able to break into the office and locked desk and retrieve the registry. However, keeping the registry in his possession proves to be the tricky party – and that holds true for almost everyone who manages to get his or her hands on it. We soon learn that while the powers that be in England, Russia, and France all have designs on the registry, the biggest threat for Robert comes in the form of Antonia, an actress who needs the book to prove that she and her sisters were not born outside of wedlock and are indeed the legitimate children of her father, thereby securing their inheritance. What follows is an action-packed intrigue in which Robert and Antonia end up joining forces to insure that the book is seen by the right people in order to restore Antonia’s name AND avert a war, all while avoiding forces that come at them from all sides, insistent on obtaining the book and wielding it for their own benefit. If, along the way, Robert finds that his resolve to live his life alone and without the risk of heartbreak weakens, well that just ups the reader’s entertainment.

While I feel quite daft admitting it, I was much farther into than the novel than I should have been before it fully struck me who Robert, Daniel, and Catherine were. I blame this on the fact that the author does such a good job of writing the novels in this series as stand-alone books, that it didn’t dawn on me that I had “met them” in the previous installment, Lady Catherine’s Secret. When it did finally click, it made a book I was already loving, that much more enjoyable because I was catching up with characters I already knew. It also left me kicking myself for not having backtracked to read book one yet; but with Devin playing a much larger role in this book than I recall him doing in book two, I suspect that will be rectified sooner rather than later – especially as I managed to snag book one on sale. Perhaps a binge read before the next installment is released? As it is, Once Upon a Spy was an extremely entertaining, if sometimes frustrating, book that I cannot wait to read again. I look forward to more of Jeane’s writing.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

[Book Gannet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun romp this novel is. If you like a bit of instant attraction, plenty of diplomatic tangles, some family drama, secret treason and lots of haring around and going back and forth over stolen items, then this book might be for you. It is packed with all this sort of derring-do and amateur spy work, with a few foolish mistakes and a cute romance at the heart. It’s fun, frivolous, occasionally absurd and possibly a touch overlong, but if a historical romp with a touch of heat is what you’re after, then this book delivers it in spades.

Robert, Earl of Wentworth, was introduced in the last book as the hero’s best friend, a little short on temper at times, but generally a good sort. This time around he’s all of that plus very observant and useful when it comes to helping his brother in his spy work (although I find his observant nature kind of amusing when he failed to tell Grey wasn’t a man in the last book, and missed the obvious choice for who Antonia hands the book onto in this one). I liked Robert, he’s never rude or dismissive of Antonia, given her fall from grace, and he treats her with respect throughout. He also has a sword stick, which gives him bonus points.

I liked Antonia too. She’s a capable, resourceful woman who has had a pretty bad year, but is doing her best despite the many, many obstacles thrown in her way. The pair of them make a good team, and I liked how they worked together to try and achieve all goals.

Admittedly, the whole reason for the Russians wanting the book seemed pretty unlikely to me (and the outcome obvious because of history) but it was still fun to see how the story twisted and turned and finally finished up. I was slightly confused by Antonia’s lack of worry concerning her sisters (surely if she was in danger, they would be too) and I’m still curious as to how Robert’s brother, Frederick, knows all about their father since their mother swore Robert to secrecy.

However, on the whole, I enjoyed this. If you like your historicals with plenty of twists, a bit of espionage, diplomatic dealings and drama, then give this a try. If you’re already a fan of the series, this book neatly ties the previous two together, but if you’re new to it all then it stands alone perfectly well. I can’t wait to read more about Frederick in the next book.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

We originally met Lord Wentworth in Lady Catherine's Secret. This time, it's his story. Robert is dragged into something by his brother, Frederick, and meets Antonia whilst doing so. The pair of them are after a Church Registry book, which is invaluable to both of them for very different reasons. Stay with the whirlwind adventure as the Russians get involved, treason, honour and love.

This story was absolutely magnificent! With a rich deepness to the storyline, providing a wealth of material for the well-rounded characters, this story will take you on a mad adventure. Along with the cameo appearances from Devin Montlake, Daniel and Catherine, there is something here for everyone. Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 21, 2016

[Diane Wigginton]

I found the story entertaining, and it held my attention. I found myself looking for excuses to sit down and continue reading this book and wondering how it would end. I would recommend this book.