A new dynamic duo in Oliver and Emily. Emily is the daughter of a madam of a popular London brothel. One night, Oliver, an agent of the Crown falls onto Emily’s balcony after being attacked on the roof. Their chemistry, even at this initial stage is crazy good with lots of open-door sex to be had. After Oliver heals, he moves on with his assignment to infiltrate a salacious house party to investigate possible treasonous activities and bring the perpetrators to justice. He decides to enlist the help of Emily who will pose as his lover while there.

The sense of danger, the chemistry between them and the chase that ensues will keep you interested. I received an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing Flame Division and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

Kelsey Swanson has quickly become a new favorite author for me, and "Seducing the Spy" is a perfect example of why. I absolutely love that this story steps away from the ballrooms of the haute ton and delves into the grittier, more intriguing underbelly of Regency London. Our hero, Oliver, is a spy who clawed his way out of the gutters, and our heroine, Emily, is the fiercely intelligent yet sheltered daughter of a Covent Garden madam. This fresh setting alone had me hooked from page one.

The chemistry between Oliver and Emily is electric from the moment he literally crashes onto her balcony. Their relationship is a fantastic slow burn built on mutual respect and a shared sense of adventure, rather than just title or fortune. The plot is a mix of espionage and romance, as they pose as lovers at a decadent and dangerous house party. Swanson masterfully balances the suspense of the spy mission with genuinely tender and scorchingly hot moments. It’s a compelling, fast-paced read that proves you don’t need a duke to have a deliciously romantic and exciting historical romance. I devoured this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a chance to read this book. I always look for books that are by Dragonblade Publishing they are always so good and perfect reads for romance readers. There is spies an secrets of course with danger, also plenty of steam, seduction and passion with this story. If every Historical Romance was like this sign me up i could not put it down.

Oliver and Emily, hot 🔥 🔥

This was a lovely book of two very interesting, intelligent and courageous young MMCs who work together to bring down a conspiracy and spy network.

The plotline moved fast, there was a lot of buildup in the romance, mystery and intrigue. I cannot wait for book 3, where it looks like may get more of Oliver.

#SeducingtheSpy #NetGalley

Spies, Secrets, and Seduction
He falls onto her balcony, and she saves his life—changing her sheltered world forever.
Though Emily grew up above her mother’s Covent Garden brothel, she was always protected and kept apart from its business. Rarely venturing beyond its doors, she longed for adventure without knowing just how much her life was about to change.
Oliver, once a street boy, escaped the hangman’s noose only by agreeing to become a spy. Years later, deep in a mission against a depraved and dangerous man, he refuses to stand down—even when injured. To finish the job, he convinces Emily to pose as his lover and accompany him to a scandalous house party, vowing to keep her safe.
Neither expected love to enter the equation. But with danger on every side, Oliver believes his world can only bring Emily harm. Can they survive long enough to claim a future together—and will Oliver succeed in bringing down his ruthless enemy?
This story swept me up with its mix of danger, passion, and intrigue. Perfect for readers who enjoy historical romance filled with treachery, daring missions, forbidden desire, and plenty of steam.

Wow, A huge thanks to NetGalley for helping me discover this outstanding author. Kelsey Swanson knows how to get you hooked in an instant. In this story we meet a fierce and feisty Emily Tailor. She is a strong-willed woman. She doesn't like her boring life where her mom, the madam of Covent Garden, keeps her away from danger oh and from fun.
Oliver Black is working as a covert agent for the crown when he is wounded on a mission and finds himself in the unforgettable hands of Emily. Now he needs her help as she poses as his lover to help him on his mission. What could possibly go wrong? Will Emily get the adventure she craves?
This is a grab you from beginning kind of story. A great and masterful combination of wit, excitement, action, intrigue and of course some wonderful romance and spice. Everything you could want in a historical romance and more than you could have imagined. Swanson has created amazing characters in a detailed and exciting story. I loved it! I want to read more from this amazing author. I have found a new favorite author that I must collect more.
Your going to want to enjoy this adventure for yourself.

A millions stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I liked this one much more than the first. The ML was not frustrating to me in anyway.

Both our main characters are pretty amazing in this Emily was amazingly capable and not a blushing virginal girl which was great because she worked at Bordello and her mother was the notorious madame. And I like her mom a lot too. She loved her daughter and made sure she was well cared for.

Oliver was not aggravating in anyway. He had dealt with a lot in his life and does not feel worthy of love or that the dangerous life he leads has a space for it.

Their love grows while they attend a naughty party that he is there to work and she has agreed to help him. I like house party stories as they really give the most time to grow a relationship.

This book is very open door and it was HOT. The only thing is, I did feel it did read very fast.

Great love story with a great banter and entertaining plot. Never a boring moment, witty and endearing. Classic true love that prevails. Definitely worth the read.

Suppressed daughter of a brothel owner and the spy that literally falls on her balcony doorstep... turned investigators at a very spicy house party. Fun original story with lots of details and romance as they fall in love. Very standalone readable, but definitely a world that I'm curious to read more about. Definitely recommend this if you're looking for a spicy spy house party.

Kelsey Swanson has become one of my favorite authors, and Seducing the Spy enforces that standing. From the very first page I was grabbed and held captivated by Oliver & Emily until the last word. Kelsey Swanson is an artisan at the perfect mix of fascinating characters, steamy passion, and intriguing plot. You'll be delighted with this book. It's from Dragonblade Publishing Flame Division, so keep in mind that means it will have lots of spicy scenes.

Emily is the sheltered yet world-wise daughter of the madam of a popular London brothel. Oliver literally crashes into Emily's world when he falls onto her balcony after being attacked on the roof. He's an agent for the Crown and needs a place to hide while he heals. They're fascinated with each other, Oliver drawn to Emily's light and intelligence, Emily drawn to Oliver's sense of mystery and adventure. After recuperating Oliver leaves and Emily assumes the adventure is over. However Oliver returns with a proposal. He needs her to pretend to be his lover at a salacious house party. He's been investigating the host for possible treason, and if he doesn't show up with someone he can trust his cover could be blown.

Oliver & Emily travel to the house party where every day they have to use their combined strengths and skills to outmaneuver the machinations of the host and the other guests. Their teamwork was a thing of beauty, and to see the connection grow between them was heartwarming. The sense of danger felt real too, not contrived. There were many times I was at the edge of my seat hoping it would all work out. It was an excellent read and I cannot wait to read the next in the series.

Thank you Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. My opinions are unsolicited and my own viewpoint on what I have read.

This was my first Kelsey Swanson book and I was so taken by her easy flowing prose. This was an incredibly fast read, with each chapter molding seamlessly into another.

The plot itself is quite original. Oliver is a former street boy, turned spy, who enlists a sheltered Emily on a mission to unmask some unsavory characters. They fall in love in the process and learn to trust and depend on each other. This book is very open door and spicy. I quite enjoyed the interaction between the main characters. I would have liked to see the main bad guys intrigue to be a bit more developed for a deeper plot, but I am looking forward to reading more from the author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade publishing for providing an opportunity to read this ARC.

I thought it was rather lovely that despite Emily Tailor's mother being a madam, that she nevertheless protected her daughter from the lifestyle, keeping her safe. Which is why Emily came to find a severely wounded man on her secluded balcony. Oliver had been given a second chance: serve the Crown, or hang. He chose the Crown and espionage. With no choice but to trust Emily, Oliver allows her a peek into his world and when it is time for him to continue following his lead, in spite of his serious injury, Emily refuses to be left behind. It is the most excitement she's had all her life! Arriving at a licentious house party is an eye-opener for Emily, although she is well-versed in the theory of congress. While Oliver needs Emily's participation to root out a traitor, he is terrified for her and does what he can to protect her. Ultimately, they have to separate, but not before Emily completes the tasks Oliver gave her. The return to normality is difficult for both of them, but fortunately, Oliver has a good friend who talks sense into his hard head. The novel comes to a lovely conclusion, and for the first time, Oliver experiences the love he has always longed for. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

He is dedicated to his mission and duty. She is well read albeit sheltered. Together they make a formidable team infiltrating a traitorous group and finding the evidence to prove their guilt. Enjoyable read as the pair evade and elude sticky situations, achieving their goals and finding themselves falling for each other. Very satisfying HEA as well!

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

Oliver Black literally falls into Emily Taylor's bedroom. The daughter of Lady Night, owner of one of the most well known brothels, lives in seclusion. Emily refuses to have him moved until he heals from his wounds and keeps him drugged with laudanum. After three days Oliver
leaves over Emily's objection. To finish a mission, he needs Emily's help to infiltrate a house party and find proof of traitors against the crown. This is no ordinary house party. It's a perilous game and could lead to torture and death.
I was totally engaged in the story of not just a game of spies, but a love story of two people who need each other.
Explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is a scorching hot historical romance. It is not just a steamy romp, there is a lot of adventure and danger to go with it. The story line is fascinating and the characters are strong, brave and do not come from the lower end of society. Our hero was dragged from a prison cell into his present employment. Our heroine is the daughter of a successful Madam and has grown up in the brothel.
The book is part of a series so you will meet characters from the other books , but they spoil each others stories.
I loved it.

Immerse yourself in this fast paced adventure filled with danger, steam, intrigue and so much more. Oliver has had a rough life yet this author writes in a way that demonstrates him dealing with it, being a better person and adding a gentleness that's hard to find. Emily is an odd mix on innocents, wisdom and adventurous. Together, this pair is wonderfully matched. The depth of the characters is powerful and realistic. There's a slow burn which actually improves the romantic side of the story without overtaking the main plot line. Explosive and real.

Espionage? Action? A seductive house party? Seducing the Spy definitely offered a lot of enticing points that made it an easy decision to pick up and peruse. I adore both historical romance and a good mystery/thriller, so I was eager to see some crossover and see where the story took Emily and Oliver.

Overall, I feel I got what I expected out of the book, and thought it was a decent quick cozy read, which was unfortunately weighed down by some repetitiveness/pacing issues, missed opportunities, and editing errors. The book had some tropes that I love, with a tortured/scarred hero, those espionage moments, and a whole range of spice! I thought Swanson did a stellar job writing said spice, offering the readers a salacious amount of engaging description and fun. Seriously, she seemed at her best writing that spice, and the book was full of it! This side was all the more fun by it being between our hero and heroine, who I found to be well-written and interesting characters themselves.

I hated that there were those aspects that weighed down the enjoyment for me, because all the components and ingredients for a great story were there. I think the book both started and ended at the wrong moments in the plot; I could have done without the prologue, and the sex scene following the "conclusion" of the spy plot was misplaced, since I felt the book was practically over then, and would've preferred it wrap up with the epilogue/marriage without that-- even though it was quite hot. This pairs with some of the pacing issues in the middle, in that I felt they got repetitive, with a lot of voyeuristic party spice, a small amount of sleuthing, them touching base about keeping the door locked, rinse, repeat. I started to feel like I was reading the same thing, and it was getting bland; I think there could've been more opportunities for different spy activities or action that could've taken place around the house. In addition, I found my immersion and enjoyment at times broken by editing errors, such as missed dialogue tags, or at one point, Oliver even having the wrong name used for him. Which is another preference point; even though he had a fake name for half the book for Emily, I think it would have been easier and smoother for his real one to be used full time in the descriptive and narrative text.

Truly, though, what I was most bothered by was being blueballed...? Sword-sheathed...? Gun-emptied.....? By the 'final confrontation' between Oliver and the villain at the end. We got the lead-up, and the conclusion weeks later, but did not actually get to witness the action scene itself. I thought this was a huge mistake, since it robbed us of some of the most exciting action/espionage material out there (especially when Swanson didn't shy from it earlier, with that AWESOME scene in Chapter 1 and Oliver/Emily's first meeting!). There ended up being very little pay-off I actually felt from the spy plot because of it. So much potential there.

Still, fun characters, and great spice.

Well!! Lawdy this book was hot. I loved the premise of how Oliver ended up meeting Emily. I do love a good nursing someone back to health book. And then you add a house party? I'm sold. Very, very hot, I say again.
Thank you to Kelsey Swanson and Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

While you were spying...

I really liked this book. Set in the more gritty world of spies, brothel owners and shady characters, there are no aristocrats here. Nope, rather Oliver, who ran away from his abusive father at age ten to live and survive on the streets as a child. He became a thief and a gang leader. He then was saved and became a spy as a teenager. Somehow, he retains his sense of self, justice and right and wrong. A Pollyanna with skills. Until he is stabbed and seeks aid.

Emily is the sheltered, pampered daughter of Lady Night, the premiere madam of London.
She is isolated and protected and cosseted with no life skills, save for painting and drawing.
She is middling in everything and is only to happy when Oliver comes crashing into her world so she and he can go off spying, as she was dreadfully bored in her sheltered existence.
Recommend.

Two unlikely heroes team up to track down a traitor who threatens the very fabric of society.

Oliver Black, once a street urchin who lived by his wits, has now become a covert agent for the Crown. His journey from thief to spy is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Despite his tough past, Oliver remains kind-hearted and protective with a strong sense of justice. Emily is the illegitimate daughter of a brothel owner, but she longs for more than her predetermined path. She is intelligent and curious, always wanting to explore the world beyond her limited experience. Together, they begin a thrilling journey to track down a dangerous traitor, blending intrigue, excitement and passion.

As they delve deeper into their quest, Emily's bravery shines through. She is not afraid to face danger, driven by a desire for adventure and a longing to prove herself. Her inquisitive nature helps them unravel clues that would escape others. Oliver, on the other hand, is steadfast and selfless, always ready to shield Emily from harm. Their partnership is a beautiful blend of trust and teamwork, allowing them to face dangerous challenges knowing they have each other's back. Their shared moments of peril and discovery reveal the depth of their characters and provide a thrilling contrast to the simmering tension between them.

The anticipation in this tale of espionage builds steadily, weaving a slow-burn romance that enhances the mystery. Oliver and Emily's relationship develops as they navigate hidden agendas and the threats of their investigation. Moments of lighthearted banter blend seamlessly with moving exchanges that hint at their growing bond. Each encounter is layered with depth, revealing their vulnerabilities and desires. Kelsey's remarkable ability to explore the complexities of human emotions elevates this story, making each scene feel alive. As the danger increases, so does the passion between them, culminating in a relationship that feels both earned and genuine. The storytelling is immersive, that readers are captivated by both the thrilling plot and the emotional stakes. This combination of action and romance ultimately makes the journey toward resolution exhilarating, leaving you eager for more from an author unafraid to continually grow and innovate.

Kisses only until 70% but after that, grab your fan! Our patience is rewarded with multiple explicit, emotionally charged scenes including dirty talk, edging, light bondage and answers the question Emily has of why there are mirrors on the ceiling!

I was honored to receive an early copy from the author and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.