Love and Let Spy

Though the setup is implausible, Galen provides plenty of explosiveness, both literal and erotic, in a Regency-era romantic thriller packed with intrigue and lust. Bonde, Jane Bonde, lead spy for Britain’s elite Barbican Group, wants to focus on stopping the French assassin Foncé, but her boss and uncle, Lord Melbourne, thinks she needs to marry to provide cover for her travels. His choice for her spouse, Dominic Griffyn, would rather tend his horses than confront the demons of his past. He has no interest in either pursuing intimacy or submitting to his mother’s schemes, until he and Jane discover how much they enjoy each other’s company. The overall feeling is adventurous fun, but Galen’s story is surprisingly modern despite the 1816 London setting: the married secret agents from Lord and Lady Spy model successful work-life balance, and Griffyn’s self-protective response to a history of abuse feels emotionally authentic. Series fans will be eager to see what comes next. (Aug.)