Cover Image: The Thespian Spy

The Thespian Spy

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Member Reviews

I just could not get into the writing style or stick with the plot on this one - not for me but definitely could be for others!

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A a moderately entertaining novel that blends elements of espionage and romance in a theatrical setting. The characters are likeable, but sometimes their actions seem contrived and clichéd. Champagne's writing style is enjoyable, providing a light and easy read, but the plot occasionally feels predictable. The setting is vividly described, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of the stage and the intrigue of the spy game. Overall, "The Thespian Spy" is a decent read for those who enjoy a lighthearted mix of romance, theatre, and espionage, but it may not satisfy readers looking for a more substantial or thought-provoking story.

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Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.

I did not enjoy this as much as I thought I would. While there were some parts I found really interesting, there were adventure, romance, danger, and spies, the heroine Mary was stubborn (but I did like her), but the hero Gabe was another story for me. I found him much more of a jerk, who pushes the woman he loves aside, not only does he not realise that he loves her, but he continues to berate the accomplishments she makes, but he does make one point stating that she does deserve a better life.

While I did not enjoy this book as much, it was still a good read.

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I haven't read anything by Ms. Champagne before, so I was excited to try a new author. I was not disappointed! I always enjoy a good spy story set in the Regency genre, and this one really fit the bill. This is the first book in the Seductive Spies series featuring a strong and resourceful heroine, Mary. Mary has known Gabriel since they were children, and they were best friends growing up. But they unfortunately drifted apart. Mary's heart was broken when Gabriel left all those years ago. Now they both find themselves recruited by the Crown as spies, working on a mission together. Their continuous close proximity sparks the old flame within her and the mutual attraction between them gives way to a romance that blossoms and grows. Gabriel was kind of a jerk to her when he let his jealousy get the best of him, but he does redeem himself later.
I do want to warn you, there are some quite steamy scenes included, so just a word of caution if you don't care for those types of scenes. I did enjoy the interactions and banter between the two. Mary is an intelligent and witty woman, so the dialogue was always fun to read. I would definitely like to continue the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review
.

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Mary Wright and Gabriel Ashley have known each other since they were children. Gabriel is half-Scotsman, half Englishman and at loose ends with basically no family. When he is offered the opportunity to work as a Crown spy, he doesn't say no. Mary wants to be an actress and working as a Crown spy gives her the opportunity to fulfill her dream. England and their allies are still at war with Napoleon. Secrets are crossing the Channel to help the French. It's Mary and Gabriel's job working together to reveal the traitors indentities. The danger they face will force them to acknowledge their feelings, but their job isn't over until they have the evidence needed to arrest the traitors. A bewitching actress and her protective partner work for the Crown. Some flashback in the beginning.
Explicit sex and violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

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Boy. Was that a better story than I ever expected. Just label me, "Blown away."
Spoiler alert.
I enjoyed this book so much! Talk about a talented author!!! I have never read an author that has successfully done what she did!
The story actually starts at the middle, then we move to the initial meeting, then meet up with the story again!! And it worked!. I have read and reviewed 2 books in the last week, where the author tries to do the same and it fails so much. But this was a seamless transition.
I like the spy thing because it always includes intrigue, action and danger. I found the charavters all likeable and honorable, except the villains. There are some very mean and nasty villains
If I have one critique of the book, it would be the ending could have been more rounded out. But I get the idea that this is a series because they mention occurrences that took place earlier.
I will definitely be following this author to buy any previous and future books. I was hooked from the start and could NOT put it down, even during my favorite tv show!
I give this book 5 stars and a re commendation to read.

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This book sounded really good and I was super excited to read this one. But there were a few issues I didn't like. I felt like for the most part this book was centered around sex. I did like all of the thrills and suspense of this book. I didn't like how the main character used her sex appeal to get what she wanted. It seems very anti feminist to me. I don't think I really enjoyed the story that much.

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This story had everything going for it: spies, romance, danger, adventure, and a Scotsman. Sadly, it just didn't live up to my expectations. The reasoning between the hero and heroince grew tedious quickly with the same misunderstanding happening again and again. And honestly, Mary was smart enough to complete the assignment on her own. Gabe was simply a thickheaded idiot.

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What a fun and adventurous read! This book had a lot going on but I was here for it. The chemistry, tension, and angst were outstanding. The spy activity was at times outlandish but I loved it, it was fun and engaging.

I look forward to the rest of the series.

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THE THESPIAN SPY
Cheri Champagne
Historical Romance

Miss Mary Wright has always dreamed of being on stage. When she is approached to be a British spy she eagerly jumps on the chance because it will land her the roles on stage that she wants. Now working with her former best friend Gabriel Ashley the sparks start to fly.

I really liked this book because it really showed how you should not judge a person by what the do for a living or what they look like. This was definitely a 5 star read for me. I would highly recommend this book any romance lover or anyone who would like a good spy novel.

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dnf 44%
2.5 stars
It just wasn`t my cup of tea. I mean, i found the heroine boring and bland and the love interest just the same, maybe even more.

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Gabriel Ashley was born into a noble family. His mother was Scottish, and his dad was English. He used to get bullied all the time. When his dad died, he was no longer welcome. So, he headed to London and became a spy.

Mary Wright was a very pretty and kindhearted girl. She had been raised as a crofter's daughter.
She wanted to be an actress in the worse way. When she got older, she acted in little plays for people in the tavern and worked to support her dad. She and Gabe knew each other and grew up together
until he left.

I loved the different slant to the story. They both became spies and were rather good at it. They got the same assignment and they had problems. Gabe was so jealous and so protective of her that he made a fool of himself and treated her very badly.

I enjoyed the spy tale and the mixing of the other spies. The bad guys were horrible. They abused ladies, tortured people, and were debauched. Not including treason. It kept me on the edge of my seat sometimes. A lot of action and not being able to put the book down. It was exciting. It was an easy read and flowed very smoothly. I am so pleased that I got a chance to read this wonderful novel.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

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This is the first book by this author that I have read. I always enjoy a good spy story with a great romance included but for me, I found the unlying story centered around sex was just too much for this reviewer. Sadly I didn’t finish it but I may one day just to see how the spy story works out. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

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I loved ties book! At first I wasn't sure where it was going but it was an interesting plot, and a less common historical fiction story. Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for the arc.

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This book had a fantastic friends to rivals to lover arc complete with mutual pining, misunderstandings, and so much drama you won’t know what way is up! Mary and Gabe are super interesting and their lives twist in and around each other so much that by the time they finally kiss for the first time it’s like releasing a long breath. Gave was a bit of much of a jerk for a lot of it, and his Scottish accent was written a little too hard in the text. He’s confessing to wanting her and he keeps saying “aboot” and it’s distracting. He fights through some terrible thoughts about women and sex workers throughout. He was right to say Mary was too good for him! But by the happy ending all is well, and I’m looking forward to reading more.

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The Thespian Spy is a delightful book. I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed. Excellent story line. The various locations were vivid. I felt like I was there. And the costumes were well described. The lead character, Mary, was a very brave soul and she was truly likeable. Her leading man, Gabriele, was extremely protective of her. Bullheaded about love at first, but before long he saw the light. They were the perfect spy couple. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book for a book club. I'm sure I will read it again.

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I was given an early digital copy of The Thespian Spy in exchange for an honest review.

The First historical fiction that I have read this year. This is my favorite genre. Add a little romance along with some espionage’ you have a great novel. As good as you it was, I really grew weary of the constant reminders that they were friends and played together as children.

I can see how this could have an easy follow up series . Would make a great Netflix’s or Prime series. I hope you make it happen. Would love to follow.. I plan to seek out Cheri Champagne in the future.

Yes, I would definitely recommend. For an historical fiction with a strong female lead character.
Special thanks to #NetGalley, #PandamoonPublishing, #CheriChampagne#TheThespianSpy

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In her new series, bestselling author Cheri Champagne takes on Regency romance from a new perspective. During an era when acting was a somewhat scandalous profession, Mary, the daughter of a poor crofter, becomes a celebrated actress in London. Acting skills prove more valuable, however, when she becomes a spy for the Crown.

Former childhood friend Gabriel comes from a noble family, but his family rejects him after his parents die. Having joined an elite unit of spies, he is horrified when Mary also joins the unit. In spite of her acting career (which he does NOT approve of), he does not believe in her capabilities as a spy. Further complicating matters, they will have to lie about their relationship to a house party and pose as lovers.

So basically, this is a contemporary take on a regency. They're doing something for a good purpose (because they're spies) but it's well outside the realm of the normal regency plot. Even so, they still have their "old-school" ways of doing things, making this a really unique take on a historical novel.

This is definitely an enemies-to-lovers piece. They're fighting for most of the novel but you can easily tell it's just sexual heat, which I loved. The romance burned along at the perfect pace!

The period details are pretty accurate but Cheri Champagne doesn't let you get bogged down by them. Even though it's kind of a contemporary trope (fake relationship), it FELT regency. There's also a good dose of danger (things do NOT go as planned on their mission) that brings them together in a lovely way.

Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4555146601

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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** Received review copy.**

Loved the premise but found the Hero to be an asshole. There were several places where the story felt false and I had difficulty finishing the book.

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Sprung from the modest roots from a crofter’s life, Miss Mary Wright dreamt of being an actress on stage at the Theatre Royale in London. When a mysterious man in black offers her the life she’s always wanted, how could she possibly refuse? But there is one stipulation: she must become a spy.
Gabriel Ashley, half Scotsman, half Englishman, and Mary’s former best friend, is no longer accepted by his family after the death of his parents. In the darkness of night, a man offers Gabe the opportunity for a very unique and utterly enticing education.
Now, living the life of Crown spies, Mary and Gabe struggle with past differences and old desires. When their superior sends them on an assignment together, will their quarrels tear them apart, or will their magnetic attraction bring them together at long last?
An actress that was a spy. This was the unusual thing to be said about their situation.
I have never read a book by this author before and I thought I could be able to find it good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

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