To Kiss a Spy (Get Connected Romances) [Mass Market Paperback]

The novel opens with Lady Pen Bryanston, the eldest daughter of Lady Guinevere Mallory (from "The Widow's Kiss") valiantly trying to give birth. She is a recent widow (her husband had died of a mysterious illness). But through all the pain of childbirth, and even though she is heavily drugged, she feels herself give birth to a life child; so that she's quite horrified when she is told by her mother-in-law, a truly evil woman, that she had given birth to a son but that it was stillborn. Because of this, Pen's husband's lands and title pass on to his weak younger brother who is completely ruled by his mother. The novel than fast forwards a couple of years. Pen is now a lady-in-waiting to Princess Mary (the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon), but she has never given up hope that her son is still alive and that she will find him. In the meantime, the young king is dying, and it looks as if Princess Mary will be next in line for the English throne. However, Mary is Catholic, and the religion of England is fervently Protestant. The Duke of Northumberland, John Dudley, has a bold plan in mind keep England Protestant (and to maintain his hold on the throne) involving the Duke of Suffolk's eldest daughter, Jane Grey, who is a Tudor by blood as well as an ardent Protestant. And this is where Owen d'Arcy, the hero of this novel enters the picture. A Frenchman, Owen is in the pay of the Holy Roman Emperor, who also happens to be Princess Mary's uncle, and he fears for his niece's future. Owen is sent to England in order to infiltrate the English court. The plan is for Owen to seduce Lady Pen Bryanston, and to get her to spy on the Princess for them -- talk about a plan full of loopholes! Pen however turns the tables on Owen: used to being able to seduce women with a few charming words and smiles, he is stunned when Pen seems to be impervious to his charms. However, Owen soon finds a way to get to Pen, by agreeing to help discover, once and for all, if Pen's child had indeed died at childbirth, or if the Dowager Countess of Bryanston had something to do with the child's disappearance. In exchange for his help, Pen agrees to spy on the Princess for Owen. However this simple contract soon becomes complicated by the growing attraction that Pen and Owen feel for each other, and by the reappearance on Pen's stepbrother, Robin, who is an agent of Northumberland's and who warns Pen to be on her guard against Owen, a man who has a dark past involving his own wife and children. What is Pen to do? Whom is she to believe? Instinctively, Pen doesn't believe Robin's claims, but surely her beloved stepbrother would not lie to her? Things become especially tense when it becomes all too obvious that the king is not long for this earth. With time running out, Pen and Owen must work their way through mistrust in order to successfully achieve their different goals. But can they do so?

My advice is to either buy this book at once (if you can afford it) or else reserve a copy at your local library, for "To Kiss A Spy" is a romance novel not to be missed. The romance that develops between Pen and Owen is electric and memorable, and refreshingly grown-up! And the plot is not one to be sneezed at either! And I liked the manner in which Feather used historical actuality as a backdrop to this fictional romance -- making this novel more substantial and interesting a read. All the characters were nicely developed (esp Pen, who possessed all the intelligence and determination and courage that every romance reader hopes the heroine would), and the plot unfolded at a breakneck pace 'that made' me devour this novel in one setting. Another thing in this novel's favour is that in spite of the many diverse subplots -- the political intirigue, the hunt for Pen's child, and the developing romance between Pen and Owen -- nothing gets sidelined. Truly a fun read.

Owen de Arcy, a smart, sophisticated spy, is sent to King Edward's court to seduce Lady Penelope in hopes of becoming her confidante in matters of royal secrets, which he will deliver back to the French ambassador. Instead of the meek, pliable woman he has been led to believe Pen is, Owen finds a strongly independent woman who resists the charms that never failed him before now.

Following a short period of becoming better acquainted with each other, Pen and Owen not only form a deep attraction, but confide their secrets and enter into a dangerous bargain to help one another. Master spy that he is, Owen will call upon his contacts to see what he can learn about Pen's child, living or dead, and Pen will confide any secrets she learns regarding Princess Mary's fate.

Centered on young King Edward's court and his cousin and heir, Princess Mary, TO KISS A SPY is a complex, dangerous, mysterious tale of lies, betrayals, power and greed. After the initial sparks fly between Pen and Owen, their relationship travels along a natural path, both being open and honest with the other. Secondary characters also shine, most especially Pen's sister, Pippa, and stepbrother, Robin, lending much needed support and touches of humor.

Ms. Feather pens a dangerous, emotional tale that takes the reader from London proper into the seedier spots where brothels and stews abound. Some dialogue seemed more modern to me than sixteenth century "speak", but did not detract enough to pull me out of this exciting story.

I recommend TO KISS A SPY as a fast-paced, engrossing novel of intrigue, passion and the power of not only romantic love, but love of family, to conquer and heal all.