~~Reviewed by Shell~~

This is book 3 in the Survivors series, I didn’t realise this book was part of a series, but don’t let that put you off I found you can read this book without reading the others first….but I will definitely be buying books 1 and 2, to find out how it all started.

Rafe is asked by Colonel Draven to gather intelligence on Collette Fortier because she is under suspicion by the Foreign Office and to do this Rafe has to seduce. Well, he does try and at times not so successfully.

Unaware what Rafe is trying to do, Collette thinks Rafe is the most handsome man that she has met, and when Collette is nervous she talks about hedgehogs, which for me had me laughing out loud. Collette is in London trying to clear her father’s name and for this to happen she has to get a letter.

For me, the chemistry between Collette and Rafe was wonderful especially the humour, and at times it made me cry as well. I must also say that the secondary characters brought humour into the book. Mainly when Rafe was with his friends, Ewan, Neil and Jasper, you could tell they had been through a lot and had a very close bond. The other character was Rafe’s stepmother, who married his father when he was eight, and for reasons that are explained he felt he couldn’t get close to her.

As a whole, this was a good book and not one to be missed.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Oh, this series!

Rafe's story was all I hoped it would be when he got stuck babysitting the orphans at Juliana's orphanage in the last book. ;) One knew there had to be something lurking behind his love-'em-and-leave-'em ways (his nickname in the war was "the Seducer") and oh, did it tug at my heartstrings to hear what it was. There were some guilty giggles, too--no, it's not amusing that a small child is forgotten by the rest of his large family, yet somehow Ms. Galen's retelling of a few of the situations made me smile. More than once. (Not my fault! Blame her excellent storytelling skills...)

Speaking of amusement, Collette's tendency to spout off random hedgehog facts when she's nervous (more often than not having to do with their mating habits--apparently these are the books she read to help her learn English???) had me out-and-out LOLing so. Many. Times. Add in the drama and danger of spying and (possible) double-crossing and/or double-agenting, and it's pretty much a given that I'm going to love this book. Likable, relatable characters, humor, andespionage? Yes, please!

Ms. Galen definitely piques our interest in her epilogue about what is going on with the scarred and mysterious Jasper--that had better mean that his book in next! In the meantime, I'll get caught up by listening to Ewan's story in an attempt to buy patience...

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

In this third book from Shana Galen’s The Survivors series, Rafe “The Seducer” Beaumont has finally met his match. Collette Fortier, daughter of an infamous French assassin is playing the part of a spy very badly. She needs to get close to someone in the Foreign Assignment office to get codes to save her father’s life. But then she meets or more precisely wooed by the extremely handsome and charming Rafe. But she must get those codes for to fail means her and her father’s death. This one had me laughing in stitches one minute and teary eyed the next. An Affair with A Spare has successfully reworked the enemies to lovers trope, giving it such an entertaining twist. A known seducer for the crown who has been incessantly pursued by women, Rafe has never ever failed in the game of seduction. So to actually having him beg for advice from his other mates was hilarious which was constantly pointed out in the book as well. I definitely loved his backstory and Collete’s story as well. She on the other hand was also presented as someone of a pushover at first but she sheds this persona quite quickly by her devotion to her father, her acknowledgement of her feelings and also for grabbing what she wants and accepting when to let go. There was a moment in the book where the tension of how it as all going to be resolved started to play. Logically you know you were getting an HEA but how it was going to happen and will it honor the whole storyline was nail biting element. I’m glad to say it all wrapped up fantastic. I will definitely keep reading this series until the last of them gets their own HEA!

I have read and enjoyed all three books of this series. An Affair with a Spare has unusual characters; the daughter of an assasin and a spy who collected information from the women he slept with. I give the book 4.5 stars.

Rafe and Collette have an unusual relationship. Ms. Galen gives Collette the very human aspect of not being a virgin. She readily admits she was not led astray taking an active part in losing her virginity. While Rafe is known as The Seducer of Draven's men. He is still chased by women and wants to be friends with women not just a bed mate. Bring these two together with Collette the very incompetent spy trying to free her father and Rafe being given the assignment to find out if she is who she claims.

Rafe's connection to being the spare is being the eighth child and far from inheriting a title. He is comical in trying to understand why Collette is immune to his charms. Women fall or jump into his bed. Collette is really not immune, she just wants to free her father from prison in France so they can be together.

Rafe sees this as his opportunity to change his lack of 'fighting' in the war as one of Draven's men. Add in some interesting secondary characters and Ms. Galen has another great book. This is not a nail biter, but interesting just the same.

Like all of Ms. Galen's books, this book was artfully written. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the story.

Loved it! Delightfully intriguing two people who are spying on each other find love. The plot is full of twists the story is captivating and fast paced. The characters are well written and the attraction is believable, not in an instantaneous fall in love at first sight, more of the grow on each other with witty banter kind. Get ready to fall in love with a Rogue spy who has more trouble with the ladies than he knows what to do with. Some laugh out loud moments make this an absolute gem!
Rafe and Collette are so sweet I loved getting to know them!
Shana Galen never disappoints, her writing is flawless full of emotions and plenty of action to keep you entertained till the end!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

I received An Affair with a Spare by Shana Galen from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the third book in her Survivors Series but can be read as a stand-alone. However, the first two books were wonderful.
Collette is forced to spy by the French government on the English in order to save her father, an assassin for Napoleon's reign. Rafe, The Seducer of Draven's suicide military group, is sent in to find out what exactly Collette is looking for. As a truly beautiful man, he struggles to keep women at arm's length. While Collette is attracted to him, she succeeds in ignoring him until he offers friendship.
Both Rafe and Collette grew up lonely for different reasons- Rafe was ignored or forgotten and Collette's father was working. Both are drawn to one another through friendship as if they are (and they are) starving for a TRUE friendship. Both are also working against the other in the attempt to secure needed information.
Collette isn't a spy and she is horrible at it. Her contact should have seen this but this never comes up. Rafe was... boring really. I loved the first two books and was looking forward to this one however, it kinda fell flat for me. Neither character drew me in. I was more interested in the secondary characters than Collette and Rafe.
I have greatly enjoyed Shana's writing and while I thought this story was OK, I was slightly disappointed. But, I can't wait till Jasper's story next. #AnAffairwithaSpare #NetGalley

While this book was an enjoyable read, the plot took was a bit slow for me. I enjoyed the storyline, though some of it was unbelievable. But it just took quite a bit of time for things to happen in the book. It left me feeling like I had to push myself to read it. A good historical romance novel overall, but just plan on a slow move. The spy novel piece wasn’t really my thing either but if you enjoy that, it will be great for you.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

As the eighth child of an earl, Rafe Beaumont is most definitely a spare. Blessed with extraordinary good looks, even when he joined the army he ended up using his unique abilities to seduce information from Frenchwomen to serve his country.

Now the war is over, and Rafe is at a loose end. Weary of being literally chased around London society by eager women, when instructed by his commanding officer to find out if a young Frenchwoman is a spy, he jumps at the opportunity. The only problem? Collette appears to be the only woman he’s ever met who is immune to his charms…

Collette’s not really a French spy. Her father’s in prison and she’s being blackmailed, ordered to obtain by any means necessary ciphers used by the British government to encode important correspondence. Which exposed, if not quite a gaping plot hole, at least the utter illogicality of those who devised that plot, because who would send a Frenchwoman to do that job in the years right after the Napoleonic Wars? Any Englishman with access to that sort of sensitive information would peg her for a spy the moment she even began to hint at the subject, and it seemed peculiar to me that Rafe didn’t point that out to Collette.

That point aside, this was so well written and enjoyable. Collette was lovely, a shy girl with hidden reserves of courage, and Rafe was a perfect hero for her. This is the third in this series of Shana Galen’s I’ve read (after No Earls Allowed and Third Son’s A Charm) and they’re all absolutely delightful. I’m very eager to read Jasper’s story, and also Draven’s - the snippets we get of them are a great incentive to keep reading the series!

Five stars for a well written and enjoyable historical romance. Just let your disbelief be suspended regarding Collette’s mission and you’ll enjoy this thoroughly.

"An Affair and a Spare," was a likable historical-fiction that was fun to read and yet the overall plot is in need of minor repairs. I thought that the plot was super slow almost like turtle-slow. Over half of the book contained little excitement with nothing exciting happening with both the production of the story or that of the romance. Still, I did like this book. The book might not be a favorite or memorable read but it does have its moments.


For example, once the romance actually started moving forward I did not want to put the book down. The attraction between Rafe, the hero, and Collette, the heroine was not one of a genuine fire, but I liked the chemistry anyhow. I absolutely enjoyed the adventure that both Rafe and Collette underwent. This book has no shortage of wanderlust with danger lurking around each corner. In fact, this book should have been labeled as pure fiction instead of historical-romance. If so, I would have given the overall story a much higher rating. The adventure in this book is definitely entertaining. Now, if only the romance would have been as equal in nature.


I was pleasantly surprised to have found that the characters worked so well together. Rafe was beastly-like in nature and I thought that Collette although was sweet she was willing to go the distance and play her role alongside Rafe in a witty, lightly sharp manner. In short, Collette and Rafe made for a thrilling team.


If you love a Regency novel that contains adventure, attraction, danger and little hints of romance then this book is for you. I liked the story well enough to recommend this book but I do not know if I will return to the series as I have other future releases currently capturing my attention.

This is book three from the Survivors series and the story of Rafe Beaumont, one of the survivors from the Draven’s suicide unit. Even though the premise of the story was good, I didn’t get pulled into in and the characters were a little disappointing. Reading about Rafe’s history made my heart bleed but his romance with Collete was a bit of a turnoff for me. I just couldn’t feel the connection between them. This is not one of my favorite books from this series.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

an affiar with a spare is the third book in the survivors series, and rafe beaumont might be my favorire hero. her's charming and kind and sensitive. he's not maybe the smartest or most savvy but when he falls for collette he falls heart and soul and he will do everything to protect her.

so much of this story is built around the plot of the animosity between the french and british post-napoleon. but how collette and rafe build their relationship really builds on the emotional and physical attraction between these two characters.

it ends up being super romantic and swoony and of course, it's exactly what you want to read. or maybe it's exactly what i want to read.

**an affair with a spare will publish on july 3, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/sourcebooks casablanca in exchange for my honest review.

Collette Fortier, a Frenchwoman, is attending a ball with her friend, Lady Ravensgate, and hoping for an introduction to Lieutenant Colonel Draven. Collette has been trying to get in with the people who are part of Britain’s Foreign Office. She is seeking to find the codes that Britain uses to encrypt their messages and to eventually free her father who has been imprisoned by the Bourbons.

Rafe Beaumont is the youngest of 8 children of the Earl and Countess of Haddington. With such a large and busy family, Rafe was often forgotten and left behind. Thus, his schooling was sadly lacking. Although he was never a scholar, his handsome looks more than make up for it. When he joined the military, he found his niche. As he has always been popular with the ladies, this means he sometimes finds himself in difficult situations. At the ball, when Rafe needs rescuing from an over zealous woman, Colonel Draven steps in to help him. In exchange for his help, Colonel Draven tasks Rafe with finding out more about Collette. Is she who she says she is or is she a French spy? If she is, Rafe must find out what information she seeks, and then he must kill her.

Thus begins another spy/romance novel. I have to say that I have known Shana Galen for a long time. She is a very talented author and her writing has only gotten better over the years. Early in her career, she wrote mostly historical romance novels that I loved. Then, she moved into adding a spy here and there. Now, her books seem to focus on spy novels. There are a lot of readers who love them, but I honestly do not. Again, I love this author but do not like this theme. For those who do, she is the author for you.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Shana Galen does several things very well. She knows how to write a seduction scene that will make you melt. She also know how to write a suspense scene that will make you tighten with anxiety, and want to close your eyes until its over. Now I can’t wait for Jasper to fall in love.

Rafe Beaumont, a charming and seductive former special ops soldier matches wits with Collette Fortier--a French assassin's daughter determined to find a set of codes to free her father and start a new life. Rafe and Collette circle each other in the midst of a busy London season and while they both know not to trust the other they find themselves fighting a pull they are unable to resist

This installment of the Survivor's series felt...different from the previous books in the series. It starts off with the same upbeat humor and comical situations as the previous two; when we are introduced to Rafe he is haplessly running and dodging female pursuers in a scene that is dynamic and as great flow. But as Rafe and Collette try to friend-zone each other while trying to pry each other secrets from one another, it just didn't capture me.

Towards the end of the book, I was a bit surprised when the character of Thomas Gaines an escaped former slave turned business owner shows up. I guess it's kind of jarring because I hardly come across black characters in Regency romance and I was getting rep sweats. I was wondering how the characters were going to react, was someone going to say something cringe-y ?

And sure, this character mostly exist to help the hero and heroine get to their HEA but...at least he didn't die. I wonder if he will get his own book or novella

With all the said I thought this book had a classic romantic ending but it won't go down as the most memorable in the series.

Rafe Beaumont is a war hero and a member of an elite group of military men who fought in the Peninsular War. The team was comprised of second and third sons of the nobility. These men were viewed as expendable and were given the most dangerous assignments; except for Rafe.

He used his good looks and sexual charms to get information from the wives and daughters of Napoleon’s generals and advisers. He’d snuck out a few bedroom windows during the war but, he’d never had a challenging assignment. Rafe is thrilled when his former commander, Lt. Colonel Draven, approaches him with a mission. His assignment? To charm information from Collette Fortier; the daughter of one of Napoleon’s assassins.


Shana Galen’s descriptive writing style adds so much to the romance between Rafe and Collette. Ms. Galen deftly provides insight into both characters during the suspense filled novel. I loved it when Rafe was exasperated by Collette. I could imagine his frustration as he’d been introduced to Collette several times. Instead of pursuing him; she is so flustered by Rafe that she starts talking to him about the mating habits of hedgehogs! Loved the honest, poignant dialogue between the couple. Through their conversations, Rafe learns about Collette’s childhood and he begins to understand her fierce loyalty to her father.

One of my favorite scenes is when Rafe and Collette hide in an empty stable to avoid a confrontation with the neighborhood watchman. Rafe admits that he cares for Collette and she admits that she may love him. Rafe is faced with a life changing decision. Could he help Collette and her father escape and commit treason? Or did he love her enough to let her go?

Shana Galen weaves a complex story in Affair With A Spare. The perfectly executed spy vs spy plot, the characters and the smart dialogue drew me into the story. Rafe and Collette’s dangerous journey kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed that both Rafe and Collette were strong complex characters—both were resilient than they appeared to be. The secondary characters of Thomas Gaines and Lady Haddington were superbly written. Shana Galen is known for her perfectly executed conclusions and Affair With A Spare does not disappoint. The ending is full of emotion, suspense and has a few surprises!

An Affair with a Spare is #3 in the "The Survivors"series, but can be read as a stand alone. This is the story of Rafe Beaumont the fifth son of an earl and who uses his charm with the ladies to find out secrets. Collette Fortier father’s life is at stake, so she has to spy for the French to try to save him. A page turner for me, grab me from the beginning to end. Filled with secrets, spies, danger, trust, passion, love and romance. But can Rafe and Collette find their HEA and save her father?
Well crafted with charming and engaging characters. The storyline flows seamlessly and effortlessly. What a joy to read!
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however,  these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR

This was an incredible read! This is the story of Rafe Beaumont, an absolutely breathtaking specimen of a man, an English war hero, oh and spy. Put him together with the very shy, determined, hedgehog information spouting Collette Fortier...who is also a spy, and you end up with an amazing story.

Collette has come to England after the war has ended, to find the information she needs to free her father, while doing her best to be subtle, and not be noticed overmuch, the foreign office becomes suspicious of her and puts their best man on the case. Rafe has been told to get information from her, find out what she is after and get rid of her if need be. But as their relationship grows, he finds it harder and harder to do his job, and she will not stop trying trying to save her father no matter what.

This was the second book in The Survivors series, I have not read the first, but have no fear that did not lessen my love or enjoyment from this book. I would definitely recommend this as a great read, with a great plot, lots of love, and laughs.

This story took me a while to get into. I don't think I've read anything else in this series, but I was still able to enjoy the story.