Tess had not seen Heath in years, not since her family had fired Heath's father as her tutor. Now she seems to run into him everywhere, and she wants to know what he's up to. Is he back for revenge over what her part in his father's dismissal so many years ago, or has he discovered her secret life as a spy for the foreign office? Tess is determined to find out, but she ferreting the truth of his return proves harder than it seems when she consistently loses her head to passion whenever he is near. . .

Heath can't believe that his childhood friend is really a thief, as her accusers state. Yet, as he investigates her in secret, he realizes she is definitely hiding something, and it certainly seems as if there is more to her than meets the eye. But his investigation is thrown off balance as he loses his heart and soul to the beautiful but scandalous Lady Tess Golding.

I have a penchant for historicals, and love those that star strong heroines who can stand independent of the story's hero. Sari Robins' heroine in When Seducing a Spy is just such a woman. Having been the center of several scandals, betrayed by her now deceased husband, and left to pull herself up by her bootstraps after finding herself penniless and cut off by her domineering father, she has finally found her backbone after a lifetime of doing what is expected of her, and cowing to the wishes of her father and husband. While we aren't a part of that growth process, we experience it in her memories, and find admiration for the woman that has grown out of such adversity.

Heath is as aggravating and clueless as they come, but these traits make for a great plot, of course! Truly, if readers did not find Heath aggravating, then the author would not have done her job. Robins ably engenders feelings in the reader that mirror those of Lady Tess as she deals with Heath. While definitely not a bad guy, his ambitions have him working against his better judgment, with the bait of a promising legal career and an advantageous marriage leading him astray.

But Heath soon redeems himself, as his feelings for Tess override his ambitions, and he finally does right by her, no matter the cost to his personal goals.

I'd certainly recommend When Seducing a Spy to anyone who loves historicals with a strong woman cast as the heroine and a few unsuspected twists in a suspenseful plot.

Reviewed by Jennifer, ck²'s kwips and kritiques

4 Klover rating

Several years ago, Lady Tess Golding, lost everything when her husband died in a duel, taking her inheritance and her reputation with him. Angry at the gossipmongers who continually added fuel to the scandal surrounding her since marrying, Tess wrote an article concerning the power of rumors for a local paper. This article caught the eye of a man at the Foreign Office who immediately found Tess out and offered her a job as a spy. Her latest assignment doesn't sit well with Tess, she's being forced to use her position to spy on friends in the Society for the Enrichment and Learning of Females.

Heath Bartlett dragged himself up from the stigma of being the tutor's son to a position of great envy within the Office of the Solicitor General. He wants to settle down, start a family and all of this is within reach with one Penelope Bright at last if only he'll help her family bring a thief to justice. A cousin of the future in-laws has accused Tess, who also happens to be Heath's childhood friend, of stealing valuable possessions and Lady Bright wants to see her in prison for the crime.

In order to start his investigations, Heath needs to find a reason to be close to Tess, so therefore decides to make an application for membership to the Society she's involved heavily in. On the other side, Tess is busily guarding her own secret agenda and trying to figure out just what Heath's doing back in her life.

Incredibly well-written, humorous, with extremely strong characters that in no way grated on a readers nerve, Ms. Robbins adds another great addition to her Anderson Hall series. As a heroine, Tess, is one of the most well developed protagonists I've read about. Her upbringing and background were all described in such a way to really make the reader understand who she is now and why she is so strong and independent.

Reviewed by Val Graye, The Romance Readers Connection
Rating: 4

Reviewer: Michele, Romance Junkies

A can't-put-it-down historical tale, thick with deception, temptation, and unforgettable characters. The story starts building steam after the two main characters, Tess and Heath, discover there is a crackling passion simmering just below the surface between the two of them.

Lady Tessa Golding joins the Society for the Enrichment and Learning of Females. Tess quickly discovers that the society is a noble sanctuary where women come to learn and fellowship with one another. Tess unexpectedly bumps into a childhood friend, Heath Bartlett, one day. A surge of desire instantly ignites between Heath and Tess. Unbeknownst to Tess, Heath is involved in probing a crime that involves Tess. Tess has her own secret that she must protect to benefit the Crown.

Heath Bartlett, appointed by Solicitor-General Dagwood, is delegated the job of investigating a crime. The person believed to be responsible for this crime is Heath's childhood friend, Tess. Heath can not accept the fact that Tess would be involved in any illegal affairs. Heath devises a scheme to enter the Society for the Enrichment and Learning of Females. Heath needs to be closer to Tess in order to uncover the clues about the crime. What Heath does not expect to find is that Tess has grown into an enchanting, gorgeous woman. Will Heath reveal the truth behind the crime? What information is Tess secretly hiding from everyone?

WHEN SEDUCING A SPY is a fascinating, historical novel set in the Napoleon era. Sari Robins has spun a captivating tale of intrigue, deception, and romance. The passionate sparks that fly between the two main characters, Tess and Heath are so combustible it could start a fire. I had a fan nearby to cool me off. The story is rich in historical details. Sari Robins did an outstanding job of weaving in the mannerisms, settings and dress of the Napoleon era. I found myself so engrossed in the compelling tale that the book was hard to put down. The dialogue is clever and engaging. The characters are complex and irresistible. Sari Robins is a magnificent storyteller. She develops the story with skill, building up the excitement and tension, disclosing the backgrounds of the major characters, along with a thrilling conclusion.

"An emotional and touching mix of murder, romance and redemption."

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted March 15, 2007
Fresh Fiction

With her hands full of books, Tess, Lady Golding, trips and falls. In her unladylike sprawl, Tess looks up and sees her old childhood friend, Heath. In the years since she last saw Heath, her life has altered dramatically. Gone is the biddable, lighthearted girl, transformed by harsh realities in her life. Tess wonders if he believes the gossip that flows around her. Society whispers that she drove her husband to debauchery and eventual death. Penniless and rejected by her family, Tess now works secretly spying for the Foreign Office.

Heath Bartlett, a disgraced tutor's son, used his brains and ambition to become a barrister. His priority in life is to maintain a pristine reputation and secure his future with a powerful job. Heath is well on his way to success. His mentor is the Solicitor General, a politically astute man who's grooming Heath to join him in his political career. At his intervention with a noble and respectable family, Heath courts their youngest daughter, Penelope. Gentle and sweet, Penelope will be an asset to his career, unlike the shrew he just met in the hallway.

In his quest for Penelope's hand, her family demands he investigate a Jezebel who caused their cousin's financial ruin. The Jezebel is none other than Tess. His scrutiny of Tess throws them together, inciting a passion neither wants. Their desires become secondary when Tess finds herself involved in a murder that could land her on the gallows.

Ms. Robins shines in her latest novel. It's a tale of lost dreams and reviving a tarnished heart. With its well- constructed plot, she mixes romance and murder, placing readers on an emotional rollercoaster. Warning, start reading early or you'll be up all night.

When Seducing a Spy
Summary

Heath Barlett doesn't want to believe that his childhood friend had any part in the dastardly crime he's investigating - but the bewitching, intoxicating beauty is certainly hiding something. And he will do whatever necessary to uncover the truth.

The ton sees her merely as the castoff of a disreputable rake. In truth, Lady Tessa Golding is protecting her own secret, so she dares not surrender to Heath's intimate temptations - even though when Heath comes within arm's reach of Tessa, passions flare. Despite that the danger to the Crown is too great, and the threat to their vulnerable hearts even greater...when a passion this heated is unleashed, sometimes even the strongest must submit.

Booklist Review

If you wished James Bond wore breeches and Hessian boots, your wish just came true.

As childhood friends, Tess was shy and biddable, while Heath was daring. But life has a way of taking its toll, and when the two meet again as adults, the roles have reversed. Both hounded by scandal, Tess is obliged to use her reputation as an informant for the Foreign Office, while Heath strides to gain respectability in the office of the Solicitor General. A newer scandal, and passion, forces them into each other's lives, threatening to undermine everything each has worked for. While modern sensibilities and language intrude, making the story feel more like a late Victorian than Regency romance, Robins' skill in penning sexy, adventurous fare shines through. Layers of intrigue unfold, pulling the reader deeper into the story, while the sexual play between Tess and Heath is sure to warm any chilled heart. If you wished James Bond wore breeches and Hessian boots, your wish just came true.

WHEN SEDUCING A SPY - Sari Robbins
Andersen Hall Series
Avon Books
ISBN: 978-0-06-078248-1
April 2007
Historical Romance

London, England – 1812

The son of a tutor, Heath Bartlett has mostly himself to thank for rising above his station and gaining his current position as Law Officer to the Crown. All his hard work has paid off; he enjoys the favor of his superior, the Solicitor General, and his career looks very promising. Now Heath is poised to climb his way even higher in politics, and an aristocratic bride would help his cause. However, although he has been courting Lady Penelope Bright, it is her parents to whom he must prove himself worthy before they will allow their daughter to marry a commoner, even a well-favored one.

Fortunately for Heath, he has been presented with a golden opportunity to win Lady Bright's goodwill. One of her relations has recently been swindled out of a fortune in jewels, and Heath has been charged with the task of making a case against the woman accused of the crime. Only he is shocked that the suspect is Lady Tessa Golding, a childhood friend. Heath's father was Tessa's tutor for a time, until he was fired in disgrace. But in their youth, Heath and Tessa formed a strong bond of friendship. Ten years have passed since last they saw each other, but Tessa has never been forgotten. As Heath begins his secret investigation into the crime and Tessa's alleged involvement, he learns that the kind, timid girl he once knew has grown into an independent, confident woman that he finds irresistible. And even though he knows she is hiding something, she makes him forget what his true focus is. If he cannot control his growing attraction, Tessa could very well jeopardize the future for which Heath has so painstakingly labored.

Lady Tessa Golding never imagined meeting Heath Bartlett again. She regrets how the two parted and lives with the guilt of knowing it is because of her that his father lost his job and the two were turned out without a reference. Unfortunately, Tessa is full of regrets, including her brief marriage to a ne'er do well husband whose scandalous death left her reputation in shreds. Yet, since her spouse's untimely demise, Tessa has come to enjoy her independence and the secret work she does for the Crown. It seems she has a knack for gathering information, and she takes great pride in helping her country. It's her spying ability, as well as her determination to avoid being hurt again, that makes her wary of Heath. She has always had a tendre for Heath, and he has grown into a strikingly handsome man. But she senses there is more to his reappearance in her life than he admits. Obviously, Tessa is not the only one with secrets, and she must guard her heart if she is to save herself from having any more regrets.

Ms. Robins continues her very pleasurable Andersen Hall Series with WHEN SEDUCING A SPY, the fourth book in the series. Present again are charming main characters with vulnerabilities to make the reader care about them, a healthy dose of wit, a passionate romance, and exciting intrigue to keep the pages turning. Impressive this time around is the way in which Ms. Robins very creatively keeps the series fresh. What a pleasant surprise (and change) to read about a female spy! After the death of her disreputable husband, Tessa was left with few options -- marry again, genteel poverty, or become a spy. Readers will enjoy reading about how she became an undercover agent for the Crown as well as her life as a spy. She's sharp and resourceful. But then so is Heath, and it's highly entertaining to see how the two try to outwit each other while working on their own secret agendas, only to eventually collaborate together on a common cause. Indeed, there is more than one mystery to be solved in WHEN SEDUCING A SPY, which allows for outside conflicts, tension, danger, and interesting secondary characters to be introduced into the plot. But not overshadowed is the romance between Tessa and Heath. She's a strong heroine, but he's an even stronger hero, and their scenes often sizzle. Yet even though the sexual tension between them is palpable, their thoughts and actions, as well as their history together, help convince readers that Tessa's and Heath's emotions are very engaged, too, and so a heartwarming love story unfolds for readers.

I highly recommend WHEN SEDUCING A SPY, as well as the entire series. The books are only loosely connected and do not need to be read in any particular order, but all are guaranteed to delight.

Sandra Brill
Romance Reviews Today

Readers will enjoy this delightful spy vs. sleuth Regency romance

In 1810, the Girard Street Crier contains an article that comes to the attention of the Foreign Office as its author Deiniol writes about "Sifting Truths: The Power of Rumor and the Art of Discernment". Tristan Wheaton and Sir Lee Devane agree that this intelligent male aristocrat needs to be recruited.

Two and half years later, Lady Tess Linowes is a card carrying member of the Society for the Enrichment and Learning of Females. The widow also works undercover for the Crown having been outed not too long ago. Her childhood friend Heath Bartlett has been assigned by another government agency to investigate Tess' involvement in a recent theft. To his chagrin he wants her though she is the worst type of female for his career plans as she is a blue-blooded modern day feminist. Still when she is framed to take the fall for a homicide, Heath does everything to prove her innocence and make her his wife.

Readers will enjoy this delightful spy vs. sleuth Regency romance in which the suspense keeps the audience hooked until the final confrontation. The fast-paced story line stars two interesting characters as Heath wants a biddable spouse whose name will further his ambition yet he only dreams of Tess. She on the other hand is attracted to him, but fears marriage would end her career. Thus Heath knows he must seduce the spy to make her his spouse that is after getting her out of jail.

-- Harriet Klausner, at Barnes & Noble

Joyfully Reviewed
Reviewed by Annmarie

Shortly after seeing his childhood friend again, Heath Bartlett is shocked to hear she is being accused of a crime.  As an Officer of the Crown, Heath is assigned to investigate the lovely Lady Tess Golding.  While he doesn't want to believe she is guilty,  Heath will do whatever it takes to solve the case. 

Tainted by scandal, Lady Tess Golding is not what she seems.  Tess has secrets that must be kept to protect her country.  Unfortunately, Heath Bartlett is a threat to her way of life.  Heath tempts Tess with his passionate embraces and seductive kisses.  If Tess isn't careful, she will give Heath more than the secrets she keeps, she will give him her heart.

I adore romances involving childhood friends.  Although I never experienced this type of romance, it still appeals to my romantic soul.  One of my favorite elements of When Seducing a Spy is the magnetism Heath and Tess share.  Sari Robins made it clear these two are soul mates that must have each other to find true happiness.  I adored the way Heath thought of Tess constantly and that Tess was unable to deny her passion for Heath. 

Although When Seducing a Spy is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.  I'm sure that after you finish When Seducing a Spy, you will, like me, rush out to purchase the first two in this series. 

"The reader will have a hard time putting this one down."
Reviewer: Maura
Coffee Time Romance

Tess, Lady Golding, lost everything three years ago when her husband gambled away her inheritance and his own, cheated at cards and lost a duel. The head of the Foreign Office took advantage of that, turning her into one of his best spies. Now he is asking her to spy on her friends.

Heath Bartlett, the son of a tutor, has worked his way up the ladder to a prominent position with the Solicitor-General and is courting a young woman from a very well placed family. All he has to do is to prove that his childhood friend Tess has stolen from a relative of his almost fiancé.

Two childhood friends meet again after ten years and find that they might be on different sides. The years have changed both of them and it might not be for the better. Heath cannot believe that Tess is a thief, and though she is suspicious of Heath's motives in joining her ladies' society, she has a spy to catch.

The author has created some very memorable characters in this story. Tess and Heath are great lead characters. They both have overcome their pasts to become stronger people. Tess started out as a victim and gained control of her life, and Heath strives to be more than his philandering father. The other characters, Bills the colorful lawyer, Lucy the mute widow, and the other ladies of the society are very well drawn. Reynolds and Tristam Wheaton are very sinister, and the Whilom family is the very worst of snobby society. The plot has many twists and turns to keep the reader interested, as well as some very well crafted and erotic love scenes. The reader will have a hard time putting this one down.