Review #8: Seduced by a Spy

Title: Seduced by a Spy
Author: Andrea Pickens
Series: Merlin's Maidens #2
Released Date: March 1, 2008
Type: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Spy Thriller

* * * *

They were once orphans from London's roughest slums. Now they are students of Mrs. Merlin's Academy for Select Young Ladies, learning the techniques of spying and seduction. Bold, beautiful, and oh-so-dangerous, they are England's ultimate secret weapons...

Hot-tempered and a warrior to the bone, Shannon is the most daring of "Merlin Maidens." Her assignment: stop the fiendishly cruel assassin who is targeting a top British ballistics expert's family. Marshalling her intelligence, fighting skills, and weapons is easy. Being forced to work with the rakishly handsome Russian spy she loathes is something else.

Witty, resourceful, and notorious for his rakish charm with women, Alexandr Orlov tempts Shannon's fierce reserve and lithe body to win her trust. But in the remote Scottish castle where they are sent to protect the innocent, their games of parry and thrust could end in death. A ruthless enemy is watching...and planning to turn their passion into the most dangerous weapon of all.

* * * * *

Andrea Pickens's Seduced by a Spy  is what I would call an oldie but a goodie. It's a rather interesting story of espionage, a hot tempered, stubborn as an ass lady and a dashingly clever Russian spy. They're story takes us into an adventure of epic proportions where a neither of them could trust each other as long as they could throw each other. Both of them refuses to give an inch in the battle of wills. But beneath all that steel, lies a surprisingly vulnerable young lady which our handsome Russian goes on out of his way to prove to her that trust could exist between them. Of course, while doing a lot of seducing--as the title implies--with more than winning her trust in his mind. 

For those who love a good historical romance and a bit of old-fashioned spy games, this is a book worth reading. Not only does it get your heart pumping with the frustrations and annoyance of the characters, it also shows how two people with strong wills can get along for the sake of the safety of others. 

Its a rather good book, though on some scenes, their frustrations tend to affect me as well. Meaning, I sometimes to climb in there and strangle her and shake some sense into her. But there are some that I find funny since they seem to clash to be at arms against each other, unknowingly that the feelings in them only grew with every encounter. And through hard times, once must learn to set each other's grievances aside and use their heads together. It is for the sake of the greater good, you know.

And finally, what I really liked about this one as well as her first book, was that looks can be deceiving. That under all that frill, poise and cool-under-pressure facade, lies a woman ready to do whatever it takes for duty, loyalty and eventually love. All in all, like her first book, Andrea Pickens's novel shows that women can kick ass too. 

* * * * *

Rate: 5/5