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Rescued By the Scot (Romancing the Spies #3) by Laura A. Barnes ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Rescued By the Scot (Romancing the Spies #3)Rescued By the Scot by Laura A. Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rescued by the Scot is the third and final book in the Romancing the Spies series from Laura A. Barnes. I would recommend that you read the novels in order even though it has been suggested that they can be read as standalones. They do overlap characters and have continuing storylines that make sense in ways that would not if you hadn’t read the previous two books prior to this one. I will say this is probably my favorite of the three books and it closed out the series in a well-rounded culmination. I would still like to make my suggestion that maybe a new addition of the novels with new covers be released someday. I just don’t think these fit, even for historical, and honestly are often deterrents for me to want to pick up novels that are often good books inside.

In Rescued by the Scot we find Skye looking for her brother and hoping that he is safe when and if he is found. She never saw what was coming nor did she expect to fall for the man she would capture in the process, Zane. To top it all off, she will be forced to give him up and risk breaking both of their hearts. What will happen for these two? Will they both survive with their lives and love intact?

Review by @lizaileen
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Rescued by the Scot (Romancing the Spies #3) by Laura A Barnes – Review by Katie Matthews

Rescued By the Scot (Romancing the Spies #3)Rescued By the Scot by Laura A. Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

This is the third book in the romancing the spies series and the third book that I have absolutely loved! Her stories captivate me from the beginning to the end and her writing just flows seamlessly. Skye and Zane were brilliant characters, so much passion and chemistry between them which resulted in some particularly steamy scenes between them. They had a great connection and I really enjoyed reading about them.
I have yet to find a historical romance writer whose books I cannot wait to read more of by I definitely have in Ms Barnes. I absolutely adore her writing, her attention to detail in both the settings for the stories and the amazing characters she creates. This book could be read as a standalone however I would also highly recommend books 1 and 2 you will not be disappointed!
I can’t wait for more from this author in the future!

Review by @katiem

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Rescued by the Spy (Romancing the Spies #2) by Laura A. Barnes ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Rescued by the Spy (Romancing the Spies, #2)Rescued by the Spy by Laura A. Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Usually I am not a major fan of historical romances but, the first one in the Romancing the Spies series from Laura Barnes, Rescued By the Captain, was actually a really gripping read for me so I was back for more with Rescued by the Spy. This one was not too bad, but not my favorite of the two.

In Rescued by the Spy we get the story of Raina LeClair and Charles Mallory. Raina is on a mission to find out who is responsible for killing her family. When she finds them she has a particular plan in place for them. Charles is on his own mission to find someone, only his is to find the person responsible for his own kidnapping. He was also left for dead. There is one small hitch to this scenario, he fell for his kidnapper, and it just happens to be Raina. Turns out Raina feels for Charles too but knows that she can’t be all that he needs. Will they be able to figure out how to make a relationship work and to trust each other?

Just when you thought that all was enough confusion to figure out…. BOOM… it gets a whole lot more confusion. I almost felt like these two could have their own spinoff miniseries. For me, this is what drug down this novel and made it a bit difficult for me to follow and read. I am hesitant going into the third novel.

Review by @lizaileen
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Rescued by the Captain by Laura A Barnes – Review by Shannon Fowler

Rescued By the Captain (Romancing the Spies, #1)Rescued By the Captain by Laura A. Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“It all started with a kiss in the rose garden.”

Sigh. This is a sweet story set in the early 1800’s. There’s no texting or phones calls. Information was passed by word of mouth. The major way of transportation was by sea or horseback. Simple injuries and sickness could easily turn to death. Reputations were easily ruined and virtues could just as easily be preserved. There were pirates and unscrupulous people everywhere. These people add to the mystery and adventure of this story.

I enjoyed this story. The main characters, Thorn and Ivy, seemed in tuned with each other. Even in their love confused state. Thorn and Ivy are perfect for each other even if there are a few years between them. Thorn and Ivy are characters that learn not everyone is honest and true. This story was easy to read and with minor characters like Sammy, this story is complete.

This is my first book by Barnes but will not be my last as I am looking forward to Maxwell’s and Charles’ I stories. I hope to read that Thorn and Ivy have more adventures together as well. Barnes makes “being rescued” something we all should want!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Rescued By the Captain (Romancing the Spies #1) by Laura A. Barnes – Review by Liz Vrchota

Rescued By the Captain (Romancing the Spies, #1)Rescued By the Captain by Laura A. Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Normally I would have never even picked up this book just based off of the cover. I tend to avoid the covers that look like a Harlequin romance novel, simply because they do not keep my attention. However, I am glad that I chose to read some of the reviews and then give it a chance. It was a pretty decent read for a rainy day.

There is a lot of intrigue, action, drama, and of course pirates that will keep you reading till the very end in one sitting. It may not have been my typical choice of novel but the author, Laura Barnes, made sure to keep things relevant and interesting. I found myself relating to Ivy even though historically she is far different from myself.

Ivy is determined to save her brother. She is a strong willed woman and believes in jumping right away to accomplish what you wish to do. This does pose as a benefit as much as a deterrent. Something I too struggle with. She means well and eventually figures out her way, which is what really made me appreciate her character.

Marcus is madly in love with Ivy. His determination lies in protecting her. He never wavered in his love and devotion which made me love him. Too often guys are the jerks that have to evolve in a lot of romances. But this guy was consistent and I loved that about him.

Overall this was a great historical romantic read, with realistic problems to overcome before the characters can get that happily ever after they so desire. I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to reading the next book in the series, Rescued by the Spy.

Review by @lizaileen
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Rescued by the Captain (Romancing the Spies Series Book #1) by Laura A. Barnes – Review by Angela Hayes

4 Stars

 

Rescued by the Captain is the first book in the Romancing the Spies series by Laura A. Barnes. This is an intriguing historical romance that has mystery, suspense, kidnapping, being in the right place at the right time, passion, love, spice, unrest, plots, treason, action, adventure, and some drama. This is my first book by Ms. Barnes and this is also her debut novel- although she has written a couple more in the time since this one was released. I think this is a great debut story, and I look forward to reading more of her books.

As the story starts, I was drawn into an adventure on the high seas- meeting Captain Marcus Thornhill (Thorn) who is a 29-year-old commissioned officer, entrusted with special missions on behalf of the government. He had just plucked a young woman out of the ocean, barely alive- and is shocked to see a face from his past. Ivy had never been far from his mind these past 7 years. Now that fate had cast her into his life once more, he was determined to find a way to prove himself to her and win her trust and love, again. But these are dangerous times and he knows she’s hiding something from him. What happens when everything is revealed?

Ivy Mallory has been through quite an ordeal before finally being plucked out of the ocean, unconscious and on the brink of death. Little does she expect that when she finally opens her eyes, it would be to see the man she’s loved since she was 16- the same man who rejected her and broke her heart. But, she can’t allow him to hurt her again- she will have to remain strong and guarded. Not to mention that she can’t let anything distract her from her mission to save her brother.

What ensues makes for some really great reading, and if this story is anything to go by- the rest of the series loos set to be fantastic!

 

Thank you, Ms. Barnes!