Member Reviews

This romance is not your every day romance. It’s set in Scotland during Queen Mary’s reign during a time when she did not trust anyone but her closest friends.

Insert two newcomers to her court, that she does not only mistrust but thinks are using her for information for other courts, and you have yourself a plot for intrigue and some hot romance!

Queen Mary was of course astute and knew when she was being played but could not outright call their bluff, so she decides the two would make a good match and has them marry!

By this time in the book I knew why both were in Scotland and although Mary’s instincts were not completely off, they were not completely on either. There is a lot of espionage but in places where she, and the reader, does not entirely suspect. The more that happens in the court, the more the two are forced to be together in a situation that neither want.

After a few days of cooling off together and as they get to know one another, the intrigue really starts up and this plot starts getting hot!

What I really loved was this is not a typical fall in love romance. Both characters have issues and are basically sworn enemies. Both are intelligent although they use their intelligence in different ways, and neither wants to be wed to the other. I giggled through half of it and the other half I was swooning or afraid for their safety.

Fast paced, amazing romance that I want to read again and I just finished this yesterday!

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Great historical romance! The female character grows from the beginning of the book from a more childish woman to a woman ready for the world. The male character is strong but not overly so. Loved the history and setting the author has placed this story. Very good read!!!

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I really enjoyed finding this author. I have read one of her other books and I can't seem to wait for more. I also enjoy her writing style. The story is about Simon Marcheford who is Queen Elizabeth spy wants to retire. Aimee de Verris has to become a spy in order to save herself and report on Queen Mary's activities. I hope you enjoyed the book as much as I did.

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I thought this was another weaker entry by Sharon Cullen and likely my last, sadly (esp since I loved MacLean's Passion). I had to force myself to finish the book. The plot sounded interesting (two spies spying on each other) and the historical setting was fun and different (Scottish court intrigue), but I found the author's constant explaining to really detract from the book. Something along the lines of - "This happened... she felt mad about it. He looked embarrassed. She thought about it. She figured out a solution. She felt so happy. He was happy." There was just too much explaining and plodding descriptions. I think the author needs to trust her readers a little more - like if she says something embarrassing happens, we can all figure out that a character will feel embarrassed without her saying it. I also didn't see much evolution of the heroine's character. She seemed immature, obsessed with another man (who she just kind of... forgets about), and a little silly, frankly. She essentially falls in love with the hero because... he kept her warm and he was nice and strong. Hm. The hero seemed like a catch and probably could have done better. Poor guy.

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4.5 stars - A wonderful historical romance. Simon is so noble and loving and Aimee so brave and naive, they make a wonderful, unlikely pair.

This is a captivating read filled with steam, intrigue and suspense. I recommend it!

I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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This novel was a delightful read. The author did a good job of combining the history of Queens Elizabeth and Mary and designing a story that showed the inner workings of the kingdoms during that time period. The novel has romance and involves spies.
Simon Marcheford is an English spy sent to watch King Philip who sends him to Queens Mary in Scotland. He wants to finish the mission so he can return home to his sister and live out the rest of his days in peace.
Aimee de Verris is sent by Catherine de Medici to spy on Queen Mary. Catherine banished her from the court because Aimee was caught in an embrace with a man. Catherine told Aimee she can return to France if she gathers good intel on Mary. Aimee wants to return to France to man she believes she is in love with.
However, fate has other plans. Aimee and Simon are introduced by Queen Mary and she decided they should marry, believing Catherine sent Aimee to spy on her. Both are not happy about this idea. Simon begins to accept Aimee as his wife but Aimee still hold onto the infatuation of her love in France. She fights her feelings for Simon.
Trouble strikes in the form of those opposed to Mary's council. While escaping from Scotland, with prices on their heads, Aimee realizes she loves Simon. Simon has always known he would love her and has protected her. He would do anything for Aimee. When they arrive in the court of Queen Elizabeth, they encounter more trouble. Will the two lovers be able to be together or have their "spy games" gotten the better of both of them?

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I received this from Netgalley/ Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is the start of a new series by Sharon Cullen. It is set in the time of Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots. I really enjoyed this. We first meet three spies given tasks by Queen Elizabeth to do various tasks to spy on Queen Mary. Will, Thomas and Simon are sent out and make their way to Scotland. Simon as the book continues is married to a lady from the French court and craziness ensues. I loved the romantic story a great deal. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

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I absolutely love Sharon Cullen's book. They are full of romance and adventure. Wed to a Spy did not disappoint. I loved Simon. It took a little longer for me to warm up to Aimee but I liked her too in the end. I look forward to the rest of the books in the series.

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Who could resist Aimee and Simon?
Aimee is a young and definitely in the wrong place. A spy? In a country as cold as Scotland? She is French and proud of it - and she is in love with someone at the French Court. Unfortunately Catherine de Medici has the power to turn Aimee's life upside down and that's how a young and sweet girl like her ends up as a well, not really a spy, rather a spy-to-be-if-she-knew-what-she-does, far away from France and her love - and wed to some English brute.

Oh, one should add that Simon isn't very happy either. he being a real, very successful spy of Queen Elizabeth's at Queen Mary's Court where he is supposed to spy on Queen Mary who suddenly finds himself wed to Aimee to watch her. Considering the fact that he just wanted to retire and spend time with his young sister instead of spying once more for Queen Elizabeth, things have certainly got a bit complicated.
It won't get easier when he discovers a murderous plot and Aimee and he have to flee from Scotland - but sometimes it's the hard times that form people and their relationship. Fighting for their very lives and depending on each other Aimee and Simon come to care for each other and maybe - maybe this marriage will turn into something more than just a polite marriage of convenience.

I loved the story which was well plotted and well written and I loved those wonderful, complex and very loveable characters. I didn't love the Queens and the purely arbitrary way how they treated their people. A spy who is not allowed to retire, a wedding the happy-couple-to-be doesn't want and... yes, I know, it's a historical romance and queens and kings were known for such things but it doesn't make it better, does it?

Anyway, I really loved this book which is not the first and definitely not the last by Sharon Cullen that I've read and will definitely read it again, soon!

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