Once Upon a Scandalous Secret

A Regency Historical Romance

by Cassandra Samuels

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Book 2 of Spies Like Us Series

Pub Date Apr 24 2026 | Archive Date Apr 27 2026

Dragonblade Publishing

Historical Fiction | Romance

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Description

Duty made him her guardian. Desire made him break every rule.

Lord Anthony Ashton, spy and confirmed bachelor, becomes guardian to orphan Miss Lucinda Sterling, a clever, captivating beauty hidden away in a country finishing school for far too long.

Granted, with her long-awaited London season at last, Lucinda dreams of finding a husband and a place to belong. But a scandalous secret, long buried and tied to her father's mysterious death, threatens to shatter her reputation.

As Anthony guides Lucinda through the perils of the ton, he's drawn not only to her beauty but her unexpected resiliency in the face of whispered slander. Every stolen glance, every lingering touch pushes the bounds of propriety… and his self-control.

But falling for one's ward would end his career. And when the truth of her father's secret emerges, it tests not only their hearts, but their very lives.

Tropes you'll enjoy:

Guardian and Ward / Forbidden Love
Spy Hero
Hidden Secrets / Mysterious Past
Slow Burn Romance
Improper Attraction / Crossing Social Boundaries
Innocent Heroine Meets Dangerous World
Reputation in Peril / Scandal Threat

Spies Like Us Series

Book 1 - Once Upon a Wicked Wager

Book 2 - Once Upon a Scandalous Secret

Book 3 - Once Upon a Reckless Rogue

Book 4 - Once Upon a Devilish Duke

Duty made him her guardian. Desire made him break every rule.

Lord Anthony Ashton, spy and confirmed bachelor, becomes guardian to orphan Miss Lucinda Sterling, a clever, captivating beauty hidden...

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	04102026OUSS1
PRICE	$3.99 (USD)
PAGES	290

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Additional Information

Average rating from 19 members

Featured Reviews

Librarian 732079

I thought this was a good book. Different concept than you would normally read from this genre. Good dialogue, good characters. I really enjoyed this book! A must read!

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Pamela B, Reviewer

Second in a series about men leading undercover lives and their romances.
Anthony is the youngest brother of a Duke. He works for a spy ring to give himself purpose.
He suddenly inherits a ward Lucinda who he cannot resist despite their closeness.
Lucinda wants a family, someone to hug her and never leave like her father.
There are secrets and intrigue with danger and spicy kisses.
Intriguing and interesting banter.