One Thing Leads to a Lover Rating: 3.5/5
One Thing Leads to a Lover Synopsis: Amanda Kingston has fulfilled her duties as the wife of an earl. She’s married young and well. She provided an heir and a spare. After the death of her husband her life becomes somehow even more dull. When there is a mix-up in her book purchase she’s placed in the middle of a spy mission. Major Langley Stanhope’s attempt to retrieve the misplaced code book has placed him and Amanda in danger’s way. With the risks and attraction elevated, there’s a lot on the line.
I received a complimentary copy of this books from NetGalley with Kensington Books for an honest and fair review. All thoughts are that of my own. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for a wonderful read!
This book will be published on April 6, 2021! Set your calendars for the release!
Review
I enjoy a good historical mystery romance novel. I mean what’s there not to love. One Thing Leads to a Lover had the perfect set up for that kind of novel. With it being the second novel in Susanna Craig’s Love & Let Spy Series it doesn’t require you to have read the previous novel. I did. Let me say that they are not the same at all. Who’s That Earl definitely hung out more in the romance section than the mystery section and One Thing Leads to a Lover was more in the mystery.
Characters:
I enjoyed that the main character, Lady Amanda Kingston, was a window with two children. It’s not often that you get a historical romance with a character like that. Especially one that rings more true to the society of then. She knew her limitations in the world being a woman, and while she began her character arc it was never outlandish. I wish that there had been a bit more depth to Amanda, but even without it the addition of her children in the novel gave her enough levels of interest for me. The budding romance between Amanda and Langley was cute. I enjoyed their interactions and felt like it was nicely played out with the rest of the story!
Major Langley Stanhope’s long time spy with a past was interesting too. I really wish that there had been more to him. I felt like I never really knew what was going on with him. His past was a little shaky and I wanted more on that for sure. I didn’t know where to put him in the realm of everything. I liked that he had the beginnings of a tragic past but it wasn’t pushed any further besides a scene or two. Plus I didn’t see what his overall purpose was in regards to the mystery. Like I know what it was, but his job was more vague.
Plot:
I had a couple of problems with the plot as well. One being that the whole spy network and job situation felt completely unreal. That’s not how intelligence is or was collected. If it were there’s no doubt as to how much information would be given up if people just waltzed into spy networks (even if you’re the love interest!!) and definitely not being involved with the creation of plans. I didn’t understand the whole Hopkin’s situation either. It was very muddled and unclear how information was being spread. A little more ante on the mystery would have been great!
Long Story Short
Do I recommend this book? Yes. It’s not incredibly deep and doesn’t delve into the characters as much as I would want, but it is a rather fun read. It reminds me a bit of A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everette. Very similar plots, but with key differences. So if you liked that one, this one is right up your alley! I wish I could have liked this one more, but it was good enough. I am very curious as to how the rest of the series is going to go and look forward to those releases as well!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for a complimentary copy of this book for an honest and fair review. All thoughts and opinions are that of my own.
Here is the Amazon Link (I am NOT affiliated with Amazon)
Are you looking forward to reading One Thing Leads to a Lover? Have you read the first one in the series, Who’s that Earl?
If you like the sound of this novel, I highly recommend checking out Duchess if You Dare by Annabelle Bryant. A duke and female vigilante go on the hunt for missing women in London. Read my full review here.
