What do you think?
Rate this book
Nexus #2
Checkmate, My Lord
A desperate mother falls in love with the spymaster she’s sent to betray.
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Lord Somerton, has spent the last decade protecting England’s shores against a French invasion. Known for his cold logic and ability to sacrifice anything for the greater good, few can outwit him, and even fewer dare challenge him. Until now.
After being exiled to his country estate, Sebastian is surprised when his beautiful, no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him. But years of intrigue have left him wondering why a respectable widow would risk scandal for a few nights in his bed. Sebastian takes his time unraveling the widow’s secrets, for he quickly realizes she might be the one sacrifice he is unwilling to make.
Living a quiet existence at Winter’s Hollow, Catherine Ashcroft spends her days doing little more than caring for her precocious six-year-old daughter and negotiating her neighbors’ various complaints against their absentee landowner, the enigmatic Earl of Somerton. But, all her boredom comes to a searing halt after learning her newly returned neighbor might have had something to do with her husband’s murder.
Catherine's orderly existence soon upends and she now finds herself in a desperate bid to save her daughter’s life. But she must betray the earl to do so, even though she no longer suspects him of foul play. Lauren succumbs to the the earl’s passionate kisses and recognizes the same loneliness she has felt for years lurking in his hard, crystalline eyes. As her lover’s enemies close in, will Catherine be able to save both her beloved daughter and the handsome spy who has stolen her heart?
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Lord Somerton, has spent the last decade protecting England’s shores against a French invasion. Known for his cold logic and ability to sacrifice anything for the greater good, few can outwit him, and even fewer dare challenge him. Until now.
After being exiled to his country estate, Sebastian is surprised when his beautiful, no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him. But years of intrigue have left him wondering why a respectable widow would risk scandal for a few nights in his bed. Sebastian takes his time unraveling the widow’s secrets, for he quickly realizes she might be the one sacrifice he is unwilling to make.
Living a quiet existence at Winter’s Hollow, Catherine Ashcroft spends her days doing little more than caring for her precocious six-year-old daughter and negotiating her neighbors’ various complaints against their absentee landowner, the enigmatic Earl of Somerton. But, all her boredom comes to a searing halt after learning her newly returned neighbor might have had something to do with her husband’s murder.
Catherine's orderly existence soon upends and she now finds herself in a desperate bid to save her daughter’s life. But she must betray the earl to do so, even though she no longer suspects him of foul play. Lauren succumbs to the the earl’s passionate kisses and recognizes the same loneliness she has felt for years lurking in his hard, crystalline eyes. As her lover’s enemies close in, will Catherine be able to save both her beloved daughter and the handsome spy who has stolen her heart?
394 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
19 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Devlyn
45 books397 followersTracey Devlyn is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical suspense, which often contains elements of mystery, romance, and environmental crime.
Despite the thrilling, emotional ride she crafts for her readers, Tracey enjoys an annoyingly normal lifestyle with her husband and rescue dogs at her home in the mountains of North Carolina.
For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at https://TraceyDevlyn.com.
Readers can buy books direct at Tracey's online bookshop and get early access to new releases at discounted prices - https://payhip.com/TraceyDevlynBookshop.
Despite the thrilling, emotional ride she crafts for her readers, Tracey enjoys an annoyingly normal lifestyle with her husband and rescue dogs at her home in the mountains of North Carolina.
For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at https://TraceyDevlyn.com.
Readers can buy books direct at Tracey's online bookshop and get early access to new releases at discounted prices - https://payhip.com/TraceyDevlynBookshop.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 18, 2025
I gave this an A- at AAR, so 4.5 stars
Checkmate, My Lord is a truly enthralling romantic thriller set in the year before Trafalgar, and while it’s the second book to feature the secret organisation of the Nexus it’s not necessary to have read the first (A Lady's Revenge) in order to be able to follow the story.
At the beginning of the book, the recently widowed Catherine Ashcroft has made her way to the London residence of Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, to see if he is able to shed any light on the recent death of her husband, from whom she had been estranged for several years.
Danvers was a friend of Jeffrey Ashcroft and they are also neighbors, as their country estates adjoin each other. But what Catherine does not know is that Sebastian is head of the Nexus, a network of informants, couriers and spies who are dedicated to keeping England safe from the threat of invasion; or that her husband was one of his agents. She does, however, suspect that there is more to Ashcroft’s death than a random attack or robbery gone wrong; and her desire to know more leads her into a web of deceit and treachery which ultimately endangers her life and that of her young daughter.
Sebastian has worked for the British government for a number of years, and has a reputation for intelligence, ruthlessness, and calculating cold-heartedness. He inherited his earldom at the age of twelve and has no family, so has had to be self-sufficient for most of his life. He knows that the enemy will exploit any weakness and knows, too, that becoming emotionally involved with anyone could prove dangerous for both them and him; he maintains his distance behind a steely façade of hard-nosed efficiency.
He does, however, agree to make Catherine aware of what he learns about her husband, all the while meaning – for her own protection – to present her with a story he feels is sufficient to appease her curiosity.
Right off the bat, the two are strongly attracted to each other. They have met before of course, but although there is a hint that Catherine has perhaps been carrying a torch for him for a while, Sebastian’s personal code would never have allowed him embark on an affair with his friend’s wife. In any case, because of the nature of his work, he does not allow himself to form permanent relationships; yet now, he finds himself unable to stop Catherine from haunting his thoughts and dreams.
Even worse, not only does Sebastian have to struggle with his growing attraction to the widow, but with the fact that he has been temporarily relieved of his command while he is subject to an investigation. He therefore leaves London for the country where he has promised Catherine that he will reveal what he has so far discovered about her husband’s death.
Sebastian and Catherine are soon unable to deny the explosive nature of the attraction between them, and agree to embark on a no-strings-attached affair until he returns to London. But an enemy of Sebastian’s has begun to foster doubts in Catherine’s mind about the earl’s true loyalties, and enlists her help to expose him as a traitor.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I’ll be the first to say that the story itself is far from original, but Devlyn’s skill in telling her story pulled me into it right from the start, and the pace never slackened. The characters of Sebastian and Catherine are well-drawn and the sexual tension between them really sizzles. I especially liked the fact that they came to their “arrangement” in a mature (if unromantic) way and that Catherine wasn’t at all missish about the fact that she was as keen to embark on a sexual relationship with Sebastian as he was with her.
The romance develops well and the writing shows us the vulnerability beneath the surface of these two strong people. Both are guarding their hearts carefully; Sebastian because he doesn’t want to endanger Catherine, and she because she wants a man who will put his family before the affairs of the country, unlike her late husband and – we learn – her father. I especially enjoyed the way that Sebastian gradually comes to the realization that, after years spent learning how to be an earl and to run his estates, and then years spent in the service of his country, it’s time for him to live his own life and pay attention to his own wants and needs. Devlyn sews the seeds of his enlightenment throughout the story, which makes his eventual decision about his future all the more believable.
I did have a problem with the fact that Catherine was so ready to suspect Sebastian – someone she knew vaguely – on the word of a man she knew not at all; and that, even though she was allowed sufficient freedom to go to his bed each night, she took so long to confide in him and ask for help. Also, with the fact that Sebastian was so reluctant to tell Catherine anything about her husband’s death. He frequently left her with the impression that he didn’t want to tell her what he had discovered and never explained that he was trying to keep her out of danger by telling her as little as possible. I’m also puzzled as to what the title has to do with the actual story! But they are minor irritants, and in no way spoiled my enjoyment.
There is a likeable cast of secondary characters, including Cora and Ethan from the first book, Catherine’s supportive and eminently sensible mother, and her lively and charming six-year-old daughter, Sophie. There’s intrigue, murder, and a truly despicable villain; but nothing is superfluous and everything is tightly pulled together as the story fairly rattles along towards an eminently satisfactory conclusion. I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes a dollop adventure and intrigue in with their historical romance, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
Checkmate, My Lord is a truly enthralling romantic thriller set in the year before Trafalgar, and while it’s the second book to feature the secret organisation of the Nexus it’s not necessary to have read the first (A Lady's Revenge) in order to be able to follow the story.
At the beginning of the book, the recently widowed Catherine Ashcroft has made her way to the London residence of Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, to see if he is able to shed any light on the recent death of her husband, from whom she had been estranged for several years.
Danvers was a friend of Jeffrey Ashcroft and they are also neighbors, as their country estates adjoin each other. But what Catherine does not know is that Sebastian is head of the Nexus, a network of informants, couriers and spies who are dedicated to keeping England safe from the threat of invasion; or that her husband was one of his agents. She does, however, suspect that there is more to Ashcroft’s death than a random attack or robbery gone wrong; and her desire to know more leads her into a web of deceit and treachery which ultimately endangers her life and that of her young daughter.
Sebastian has worked for the British government for a number of years, and has a reputation for intelligence, ruthlessness, and calculating cold-heartedness. He inherited his earldom at the age of twelve and has no family, so has had to be self-sufficient for most of his life. He knows that the enemy will exploit any weakness and knows, too, that becoming emotionally involved with anyone could prove dangerous for both them and him; he maintains his distance behind a steely façade of hard-nosed efficiency.
He does, however, agree to make Catherine aware of what he learns about her husband, all the while meaning – for her own protection – to present her with a story he feels is sufficient to appease her curiosity.
Right off the bat, the two are strongly attracted to each other. They have met before of course, but although there is a hint that Catherine has perhaps been carrying a torch for him for a while, Sebastian’s personal code would never have allowed him embark on an affair with his friend’s wife. In any case, because of the nature of his work, he does not allow himself to form permanent relationships; yet now, he finds himself unable to stop Catherine from haunting his thoughts and dreams.
Even worse, not only does Sebastian have to struggle with his growing attraction to the widow, but with the fact that he has been temporarily relieved of his command while he is subject to an investigation. He therefore leaves London for the country where he has promised Catherine that he will reveal what he has so far discovered about her husband’s death.
Sebastian and Catherine are soon unable to deny the explosive nature of the attraction between them, and agree to embark on a no-strings-attached affair until he returns to London. But an enemy of Sebastian’s has begun to foster doubts in Catherine’s mind about the earl’s true loyalties, and enlists her help to expose him as a traitor.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I’ll be the first to say that the story itself is far from original, but Devlyn’s skill in telling her story pulled me into it right from the start, and the pace never slackened. The characters of Sebastian and Catherine are well-drawn and the sexual tension between them really sizzles. I especially liked the fact that they came to their “arrangement” in a mature (if unromantic) way and that Catherine wasn’t at all missish about the fact that she was as keen to embark on a sexual relationship with Sebastian as he was with her.
The romance develops well and the writing shows us the vulnerability beneath the surface of these two strong people. Both are guarding their hearts carefully; Sebastian because he doesn’t want to endanger Catherine, and she because she wants a man who will put his family before the affairs of the country, unlike her late husband and – we learn – her father. I especially enjoyed the way that Sebastian gradually comes to the realization that, after years spent learning how to be an earl and to run his estates, and then years spent in the service of his country, it’s time for him to live his own life and pay attention to his own wants and needs. Devlyn sews the seeds of his enlightenment throughout the story, which makes his eventual decision about his future all the more believable.
I did have a problem with the fact that Catherine was so ready to suspect Sebastian – someone she knew vaguely – on the word of a man she knew not at all; and that, even though she was allowed sufficient freedom to go to his bed each night, she took so long to confide in him and ask for help. Also, with the fact that Sebastian was so reluctant to tell Catherine anything about her husband’s death. He frequently left her with the impression that he didn’t want to tell her what he had discovered and never explained that he was trying to keep her out of danger by telling her as little as possible. I’m also puzzled as to what the title has to do with the actual story! But they are minor irritants, and in no way spoiled my enjoyment.
There is a likeable cast of secondary characters, including Cora and Ethan from the first book, Catherine’s supportive and eminently sensible mother, and her lively and charming six-year-old daughter, Sophie. There’s intrigue, murder, and a truly despicable villain; but nothing is superfluous and everything is tightly pulled together as the story fairly rattles along towards an eminently satisfactory conclusion. I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes a dollop adventure and intrigue in with their historical romance, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
January 5, 2013
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
Checkmate, My Lord was a lovely romance, as good as the first in the Nexus series. It was full of the same combination of delightful romance and thrilling intrigue.
Catherine was a worthy heroine, which is saying much after seeing the heroine of book 1, Cora (who does show up with her fiance in this one). She is a devoted mother, willing to do anything to protect her child, even though in involved betraying the man she loves. My one complaint about her is that I don't get why she trusted the man who sent her to betray Sebastian. She was understandably wary of Sebastian while he was being nothing but kind. I don't get why that suspicion didn't extend to a man who she mentioned several times set her on edge. That just didn't seem to fit. But, she does come to her senses eventually, though a little late, so I got over it. It was just a little frustrating.
Sebastian was wonderful, a total beast, which anyone who has read book 1 will know. But, in this book, we get to see more of his softer side than his cutthroat spymaster side, though that does show up. He was really sweet, especially to Catherine and her daughter, Sophia. Catherine and Sebastian were sweet together. They complemented each other and made each other stronger. Both were wary and refused to see what was right in front of them for a while but that didn't stop them from falling head over heels. And having some "fun" along the way ;)
The plot was interesting, though there were a few points when it could have moved faster. But it still kept me interested all the way through. And the ending was perfectly satisfying for Sebastian and Catherine's story while leaving a nice lead in into the next book.
Checkmate, My Lord was a wonderful book, full of romance and thrills. Romance lovers, you should definitely try this one out.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
Checkmate, My Lord was a lovely romance, as good as the first in the Nexus series. It was full of the same combination of delightful romance and thrilling intrigue.
Catherine was a worthy heroine, which is saying much after seeing the heroine of book 1, Cora (who does show up with her fiance in this one). She is a devoted mother, willing to do anything to protect her child, even though in involved betraying the man she loves. My one complaint about her is that I don't get why she trusted the man who sent her to betray Sebastian. She was understandably wary of Sebastian while he was being nothing but kind. I don't get why that suspicion didn't extend to a man who she mentioned several times set her on edge. That just didn't seem to fit. But, she does come to her senses eventually, though a little late, so I got over it. It was just a little frustrating.
Sebastian was wonderful, a total beast, which anyone who has read book 1 will know. But, in this book, we get to see more of his softer side than his cutthroat spymaster side, though that does show up. He was really sweet, especially to Catherine and her daughter, Sophia. Catherine and Sebastian were sweet together. They complemented each other and made each other stronger. Both were wary and refused to see what was right in front of them for a while but that didn't stop them from falling head over heels. And having some "fun" along the way ;)
The plot was interesting, though there were a few points when it could have moved faster. But it still kept me interested all the way through. And the ending was perfectly satisfying for Sebastian and Catherine's story while leaving a nice lead in into the next book.
Checkmate, My Lord was a wonderful book, full of romance and thrills. Romance lovers, you should definitely try this one out.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
May 26, 2018
Really good! I love a good spy/romance novel with well-written protagonists.
February 16, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I think I have stopped gushing over this book long enough to write a review!
When Catherine Ashcroft loses her husband, she turns to Sebastian Danvers, Lord Somerton for help deciphering her late husbands letter and Lord Somerton seems to be the man for the job. Unaware that Sebastian is a spymaster and a Chief of an organization called Nexus that have spent protecting the English Shores from the French invasion and a man of quiet a few enemies.
Sebastian is unable to keep the widow from his mind and offers her an affair while he moves down to lay low in the country from London. Unaware the real reason behind Catherine risking a scandal.
When a strange man approaches Catherine on the streets of London, claiming to know the information behind her late husbands murder – he offers the information in exchange of Catherine spying on Lord Somerton. Living in the quiet comfort of Winter's Hollow. Catherine finds herself helping Lord Somerton tend to the disgruntled tenants and their share of complaints against their landowners absence. Seducing her way into his house, as well as his heart. When her daughter's life becomes endangered, Catherine is found herself doing everything in her will in order to save her, which includes betraying Sebastian.
Oh how I loved this book. I was so excited to run into a few great historical romance recently when I needed that fix. I loved Checkmate, my Lord. It had a riveting storyline, exciting characters, and a very emotional ride. Catherine was a head strong heroine who even though has had a rocky marriage with her late husband, still wanted the truth behind her husbands death – knowing how it had effected her daughter.
Sebastian was always known for his cold logic and putting everything out there in sacrifice of the greater good. Though the Earl has countless of hard walls holding up his exterior, on the inside there is a void of loneliness that only the widow and her daughter can fill.
I loved the passion and attraction between Sebastian and Catherine. I also loved how he was with her daughter as the book progresses. The way Sophie got attached to him, it really captures your heart. Tracey Devlyn has created a world of intriguing characters with real emotions and attachments. Catherine would have done anything to protect her daughter including betraying the one man that had made her feel love in a very long time.
Checkmate, my Lord is also filled with tons of supporting characters that make the story that much more compelling, interesting and down right emotional. Parts of it even had me on the edge of the street, and one piece in particular downright shocked me. Loved Tracey Devlyn's writing, the way she tells the story and makes you feel so involved you cannot help but feel attached to the characters. I was even a little sad when the book is over but I am looking forward to finding out what happens to Danforth, one of my favorite supporting characters in this book. I will also have to find book one that started this wonderful series.
I think I have stopped gushing over this book long enough to write a review!
When Catherine Ashcroft loses her husband, she turns to Sebastian Danvers, Lord Somerton for help deciphering her late husbands letter and Lord Somerton seems to be the man for the job. Unaware that Sebastian is a spymaster and a Chief of an organization called Nexus that have spent protecting the English Shores from the French invasion and a man of quiet a few enemies.
Sebastian is unable to keep the widow from his mind and offers her an affair while he moves down to lay low in the country from London. Unaware the real reason behind Catherine risking a scandal.
When a strange man approaches Catherine on the streets of London, claiming to know the information behind her late husbands murder – he offers the information in exchange of Catherine spying on Lord Somerton. Living in the quiet comfort of Winter's Hollow. Catherine finds herself helping Lord Somerton tend to the disgruntled tenants and their share of complaints against their landowners absence. Seducing her way into his house, as well as his heart. When her daughter's life becomes endangered, Catherine is found herself doing everything in her will in order to save her, which includes betraying Sebastian.
Oh how I loved this book. I was so excited to run into a few great historical romance recently when I needed that fix. I loved Checkmate, my Lord. It had a riveting storyline, exciting characters, and a very emotional ride. Catherine was a head strong heroine who even though has had a rocky marriage with her late husband, still wanted the truth behind her husbands death – knowing how it had effected her daughter.
Sebastian was always known for his cold logic and putting everything out there in sacrifice of the greater good. Though the Earl has countless of hard walls holding up his exterior, on the inside there is a void of loneliness that only the widow and her daughter can fill.
I loved the passion and attraction between Sebastian and Catherine. I also loved how he was with her daughter as the book progresses. The way Sophie got attached to him, it really captures your heart. Tracey Devlyn has created a world of intriguing characters with real emotions and attachments. Catherine would have done anything to protect her daughter including betraying the one man that had made her feel love in a very long time.
Checkmate, my Lord is also filled with tons of supporting characters that make the story that much more compelling, interesting and down right emotional. Parts of it even had me on the edge of the street, and one piece in particular downright shocked me. Loved Tracey Devlyn's writing, the way she tells the story and makes you feel so involved you cannot help but feel attached to the characters. I was even a little sad when the book is over but I am looking forward to finding out what happens to Danforth, one of my favorite supporting characters in this book. I will also have to find book one that started this wonderful series.
February 23, 2013
Catherine, receives a bunch of strange letters from her estranged husband after his death. She starts trying to find answers of what really happened to him.
Sebastian is one Catherine goes to for help. He agrees to help her, hoping that while he does that he will find more info on who is trying to bring Nexus down.
Catherine just wants answers for her daughter and herself hoping it will help them understand why he left them. To stay busy while Sebastian looks into the letters her husband wrote, she offers to help with, all repairs that needs done to the estate and the tenants homes. Knowing all the families in the area. While working together they start developing feeling each. But neither of them wanting to grow close to another. Catherine because she doesn't want her daughter or herself to feel the sting of being left behind again. Sebastian because he doesn't loved ones to be used against him. But when stuff goes down they both realize that they are stronger together.
I really enjoyed reading Checkmate, My Lord. The characters were extremely well written, and the plot was awesome. I loved how the characters interact. The Chemistry between Catherine and Sebastian was hot and steamy. Checkmate, My Lord is an awesome read, I hated having to put it down and getting back to work.
I give Checkmate, My Lord Five Cocktails!
Reviewed by SammySosa for Cocktails and Books
Sebastian is one Catherine goes to for help. He agrees to help her, hoping that while he does that he will find more info on who is trying to bring Nexus down.
Catherine just wants answers for her daughter and herself hoping it will help them understand why he left them. To stay busy while Sebastian looks into the letters her husband wrote, she offers to help with, all repairs that needs done to the estate and the tenants homes. Knowing all the families in the area. While working together they start developing feeling each. But neither of them wanting to grow close to another. Catherine because she doesn't want her daughter or herself to feel the sting of being left behind again. Sebastian because he doesn't loved ones to be used against him. But when stuff goes down they both realize that they are stronger together.
I really enjoyed reading Checkmate, My Lord. The characters were extremely well written, and the plot was awesome. I loved how the characters interact. The Chemistry between Catherine and Sebastian was hot and steamy. Checkmate, My Lord is an awesome read, I hated having to put it down and getting back to work.
I give Checkmate, My Lord Five Cocktails!
Reviewed by SammySosa for Cocktails and Books
July 13, 2017
Yet another contemporary-in-regency-clothes, but I couldn't manage to finish it. The heroine's husband worked for the hero's secret service agency (which is known as "the Nexus," which makes me think of Android products rather than the early nineteenth century) and, in consequence, didn't see his wife for several years straight... which I guess is supposed to make us okay with the fact that his boss almost immediately starts romancing his wife (and his wife is interested), but really just makes all the interpersonal relationships in this book feel as thin as cardboard. There are just too many anachronisms and tone problems, and the characterizations aren't strong enough to overcome that. DNF.
December 24, 2024
Set in 1804 London, Sebastian Danvers is the Earl of Somerton. He is also a spy master.
Catherine Ashcroft is a widow with a seven year old daughter.
Catherine brings Sebastian a packet of letters written by her deceased husband: Jeffrey Ashcroft.
A suspenseful historical romance.
Catherine Ashcroft is a widow with a seven year old daughter.
Catherine brings Sebastian a packet of letters written by her deceased husband: Jeffrey Ashcroft.
A suspenseful historical romance.
February 26, 2017
Lost interest
June 24, 2020
I read this book because of its silly title and I never really got any clarification as to why it’s called that, but it turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. It’s a cliche romance with problematic tropes and gender roles and plot contrivances bla bla bla but it was a fairly fun light read.
April 8, 2022
Have the paperback. Finished it in a day
February 27, 2013
CHECKMATE, MY LORD (Nexus #2) by Tracey Devlyn
ABOUT THE BOOK: Released February 1, 2013
A desperate mother falls in love with the spymaster she’s sent to betray.
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Lord Somerton, has spent the last decade protecting England’s shores against a French invasion. Known for his cold logic and ability to sacrifice anything for the greater good, few can outwit him, and even fewer dare challenge him. Until now.
After being exiled to his country estate, Sebastian is surprised when his beautiful, no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him. But years of intrigue have left him wondering why a respectable widow would risk scandal for a few nights in his bed. Sebastian takes his time unraveling the widow’s secrets, for he quickly realizes she might be the one sacrifice he is unwilling to make
REVIEW: CHECKMATE, MY LORD is the second storyline in Tracey Devlyn’s regency romance Nexus series set in the historical English countryside of 1804 against the backdrop of the French Revolution and continuing wars in Europe, and the men and women who work as British Secret agents.
Sebastian Danvers (Lord Somerton) returns home to discover that his widowed neighbor- Catherine Ashcroft- has taken it upon herself to aid the people of the ton on his behalf. With their Lord away on government business, much of the ton has fallen into disrepair. As a young mother and widow, Catherine learns more about the people of the ton than the absent Lord could have imagined and by doing so, she has also placed herself in a position to aid the Lord on his return. Sebastian will soon discover that he has feelings for the young widow but there are secrets about her late husband’s murder that Sebastian refuses to divulge and in this, the story begins. Catherine is unable to trust Sebastian and feels betrayed that he has knowledge that he refuses to impart.
Throughout the story, we see an emotionally strong young woman who has had to overcome the loneliness of an absentee husband only to discover that he may have been murdered by someone she has taken into her confidence and befriended.
But I had an issue as the storyline progressed. This fiercely independent, smart and free-thinking woman is told by a stranger that Lord Somerton and his men are responsible for her husband’s death and she willingly agrees (without question) to spy for and steal important documents for this stranger. Catherine is consumed in her journey to unravel the mystery of her husband’s murder but in doing so places everyone, including her young daughter and Lord Somerton in harms way. When Sebastian refuses to tell her the information, she believes he is responsible for the death of her husband and blindly sets out to retrieve important information of which she has no idea. It seemed completely out of character for the woman to whom we were first introduced.
Lord Somerton’s refusal to reveal information to Catherine sets up a series of lies, betrayals and emotional heartbreak when Catherine believes he is trying to hide his own guilt. In doing so, Catherine is willing to trust complete strangers before she can trust the man in whom she has fallen in love. Sebastian continues to prove that his intentions towards Catherine are those of a man protecting the woman that he loves, but Catherine only see deceit and refuses to look at the bigger picture-even when evil moves into her home and threatens their lives.
CHECKMATE, MY LORD is the second storyline, but for a few references to previous events, can be read as a stand-alone without too much difficulty. The story is filled with espionage, deceit, betrayal, romance and love. Catherine and Sebastian are perfect for each once each can get past the fact that their relationship has been built on lies. If you like your historical romance novels with a bit of real history and story, Checkmate, My Lord and the Nexus series are the perfect read for you.
Copy supplied by the publisher through netgalley
ABOUT THE BOOK: Released February 1, 2013
A desperate mother falls in love with the spymaster she’s sent to betray.
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Lord Somerton, has spent the last decade protecting England’s shores against a French invasion. Known for his cold logic and ability to sacrifice anything for the greater good, few can outwit him, and even fewer dare challenge him. Until now.
After being exiled to his country estate, Sebastian is surprised when his beautiful, no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him. But years of intrigue have left him wondering why a respectable widow would risk scandal for a few nights in his bed. Sebastian takes his time unraveling the widow’s secrets, for he quickly realizes she might be the one sacrifice he is unwilling to make
REVIEW: CHECKMATE, MY LORD is the second storyline in Tracey Devlyn’s regency romance Nexus series set in the historical English countryside of 1804 against the backdrop of the French Revolution and continuing wars in Europe, and the men and women who work as British Secret agents.
Sebastian Danvers (Lord Somerton) returns home to discover that his widowed neighbor- Catherine Ashcroft- has taken it upon herself to aid the people of the ton on his behalf. With their Lord away on government business, much of the ton has fallen into disrepair. As a young mother and widow, Catherine learns more about the people of the ton than the absent Lord could have imagined and by doing so, she has also placed herself in a position to aid the Lord on his return. Sebastian will soon discover that he has feelings for the young widow but there are secrets about her late husband’s murder that Sebastian refuses to divulge and in this, the story begins. Catherine is unable to trust Sebastian and feels betrayed that he has knowledge that he refuses to impart.
Throughout the story, we see an emotionally strong young woman who has had to overcome the loneliness of an absentee husband only to discover that he may have been murdered by someone she has taken into her confidence and befriended.
But I had an issue as the storyline progressed. This fiercely independent, smart and free-thinking woman is told by a stranger that Lord Somerton and his men are responsible for her husband’s death and she willingly agrees (without question) to spy for and steal important documents for this stranger. Catherine is consumed in her journey to unravel the mystery of her husband’s murder but in doing so places everyone, including her young daughter and Lord Somerton in harms way. When Sebastian refuses to tell her the information, she believes he is responsible for the death of her husband and blindly sets out to retrieve important information of which she has no idea. It seemed completely out of character for the woman to whom we were first introduced.
Lord Somerton’s refusal to reveal information to Catherine sets up a series of lies, betrayals and emotional heartbreak when Catherine believes he is trying to hide his own guilt. In doing so, Catherine is willing to trust complete strangers before she can trust the man in whom she has fallen in love. Sebastian continues to prove that his intentions towards Catherine are those of a man protecting the woman that he loves, but Catherine only see deceit and refuses to look at the bigger picture-even when evil moves into her home and threatens their lives.
CHECKMATE, MY LORD is the second storyline, but for a few references to previous events, can be read as a stand-alone without too much difficulty. The story is filled with espionage, deceit, betrayal, romance and love. Catherine and Sebastian are perfect for each once each can get past the fact that their relationship has been built on lies. If you like your historical romance novels with a bit of real history and story, Checkmate, My Lord and the Nexus series are the perfect read for you.
Copy supplied by the publisher through netgalley
Read
March 12, 2017loved it
February 26, 2013
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers’ life is not his own. Catherine Ashcroft’s life is too much her own.
Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, left his much-loved home, Bellamere Park, to head up Nexus a secret group of spies that work unceasingly to protect England from its enemies. His endurance, intellect, and long-held beliefs have been tested to the limit. On leave as per his superior’s request, Sebastian returns to Bellamere Park to find the steward he hired sight unseen has been unresponsive to the tenants needs. Trying to rectify the situation and trying to come to terms with an order from the office of his superior has Sebastian on edge—he is not sure he can make himself obey the order. All these things plus the guilt he feels about the death of Jeffrey Ashcroft gives him lots of sleepless nights—not to mention the overwhelming attraction he feels toward Ashcroft’s widow.
Catherine Ashcroft holds strong to her mother’s advise to “draw strength from your fear then vanquish it”. Making a good life for her daughter Sophie is Catherine’s number one priority. She has been without a husband except for short, few-and-far-between visits for four years, so his being dead does not change her life very much. She is respected and trusted by the people of the community. She is an advocate for the tenants of Bellamere Park since the steward there seems less and less concerned with seeing to the tenants needs.
The intelligent, lively seven-year-old Sophie is like a ray of sunshine sparkling on the morning dew. She brightens everyone’s life. It is horrifying to think the evil antagonists would harm her to get what they want.
Cochran and Silas, evil personified, slither in and out of Catherine’s life compelling her to go to whatever lengths necessary in an effort to get them what they want. The side story that involves these two evil men just adds to their sins. These two characters stir up dark emotions.
As both Sebastian and Catherine try to cope with their lives that are in chaos, their attraction to each other grows. Their relationship that brings sensational satisfaction but also incredible guilt for each of them makes intense, page-turning reading. The love scenes are breathtakingly beautiful and the inner turmoil of these two complex characters plus the ever-lurking danger keep the reader’s senses and emotions on full alert.
The side stories like those of Sebastian’s wards and Meghan McCarthy add depth to Checkmate, My Lord. They help augment the development of the characters so the reader gets to see what makes them tick.
Tracey Devlyn’s writing style is compelling and powerful. She taps into the emotions and senses of the reader as she reveals the dark side of human nature as well as the giving, honest, and loving side that overrides the darkness.
Checkmate, My Lord is an intense love story that offers redemption to the hero and heroine and gives them a happy-ever-after that the reader can rejoice in.
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers’ life is not his own. Catherine Ashcroft’s life is too much her own.
Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, left his much-loved home, Bellamere Park, to head up Nexus a secret group of spies that work unceasingly to protect England from its enemies. His endurance, intellect, and long-held beliefs have been tested to the limit. On leave as per his superior’s request, Sebastian returns to Bellamere Park to find the steward he hired sight unseen has been unresponsive to the tenants needs. Trying to rectify the situation and trying to come to terms with an order from the office of his superior has Sebastian on edge—he is not sure he can make himself obey the order. All these things plus the guilt he feels about the death of Jeffrey Ashcroft gives him lots of sleepless nights—not to mention the overwhelming attraction he feels toward Ashcroft’s widow.
Catherine Ashcroft holds strong to her mother’s advise to “draw strength from your fear then vanquish it”. Making a good life for her daughter Sophie is Catherine’s number one priority. She has been without a husband except for short, few-and-far-between visits for four years, so his being dead does not change her life very much. She is respected and trusted by the people of the community. She is an advocate for the tenants of Bellamere Park since the steward there seems less and less concerned with seeing to the tenants needs.
The intelligent, lively seven-year-old Sophie is like a ray of sunshine sparkling on the morning dew. She brightens everyone’s life. It is horrifying to think the evil antagonists would harm her to get what they want.
Cochran and Silas, evil personified, slither in and out of Catherine’s life compelling her to go to whatever lengths necessary in an effort to get them what they want. The side story that involves these two evil men just adds to their sins. These two characters stir up dark emotions.
As both Sebastian and Catherine try to cope with their lives that are in chaos, their attraction to each other grows. Their relationship that brings sensational satisfaction but also incredible guilt for each of them makes intense, page-turning reading. The love scenes are breathtakingly beautiful and the inner turmoil of these two complex characters plus the ever-lurking danger keep the reader’s senses and emotions on full alert.
The side stories like those of Sebastian’s wards and Meghan McCarthy add depth to Checkmate, My Lord. They help augment the development of the characters so the reader gets to see what makes them tick.
Tracey Devlyn’s writing style is compelling and powerful. She taps into the emotions and senses of the reader as she reveals the dark side of human nature as well as the giving, honest, and loving side that overrides the darkness.
Checkmate, My Lord is an intense love story that offers redemption to the hero and heroine and gives them a happy-ever-after that the reader can rejoice in.
April 23, 2013
ข้อดีของเล่มนี้ก็คือ ยังดีกว่าเล่มแรกค่ะ เท่านี้จริง ๆ นะคะ ซึ่งเมื่อคิดว่า เล่มแรกก็ไม่ได้น่าประทับใจอะไรมากมายนัก เล่มนี้ก็เลยไม่ได้ถึงกับดีอะไรมากขึ้นมาพอกัน
แต่หากว่าไป ปัญหาใหญ่ของเราในการอ่านเล่มนี้ก็คือ ผลพวงที่มาจากเล่มแรกในชุดค่ะ (A Lady's Revenge) เพราะพระเอกในเล่มนี้ก็คือ หัวหน้าสายลับที่เป็นเจ้านายของพระนางในเล่มก่อนหน้า ซึ่งจากเหตุการณ์ที่เล่ามาในเล่มแรก เราไม่ชอบผู้ชายคนนี้อย่างรุนแรง ดังนั้นคงต้องขอท้าวความเล็กน้อย
เซบาสเตียน เดนเวอร์ ซึ่งเป็นเอิร์ลแห่งซัมเมอร์ตันไม่ได้เป็นแค่ขุนนางธรรมดา แต่เขาเป็นหัวหน้าขบวนการสายลับที่ส่งลูกน้องไปเสี่ยงตายอยู่ทั่วยุโรป เพื่อขัดขวางการขยายอำนาจของนโปเลียน จุดนี้เราโอเคนะคะ เราเข้าใจว่า คนทำงานแบบนี้จะให้เป็นคนนิสัยดี อ่อนโยนคงไม่ได้ แต่จากเล่มแรก เขานำเด็กสองคนที่อยู่ในความดูแลของเขาเข้ามาในวงการสายลับ ส่งเสริมเห็นดีเห็นงามขนาดเด็กสาวคนนึงยอมทิ้งอนาคตที่ตัวเองเป็นถึงลูกสาวของไวส์เคาท์ยอมกลายมาเป็นสายลับที่ต้องเอาความบริสุทธิ์เข้าแลก โดยยอมนอนกับสายลับฝรั่งเศส เซบาสเตียน (ซึ่งเป็นพระเอกเล่มนี้) ไม่ขัดขวาง ไม่เปลี่ยนใจ เรื่องพยายามอธิบายนะว่า เป็นความต้องการของเธอเอง แต่เราอ่านยังไงก็ยอมรับไม่ได้ เด็กคนนี้มาอยู่ในความดูแลของเซบาสเตียนในวัยสิบต้น ๆ เขาคือผู้ปกครอง เขาน่าจะทำให้ชีวิตของเธอดีกว่านี้ได้ แล้วก็ใช่ว่า เซบาสเตียนจะหาสายลับจากที่อื่นไม่ได้นะ ไม่เห็นจำเป็นต้องเอาชีวิตของเด็กในปกครองตัวเองไปเสี่ยง
ประเด็นนี้ซึ่งอยู่ในเล่มแรก คนที่อ่านเล่มนี้อย่างเดียวคงจะไม่มีปัญหาอะไร เพราะแทบไม่ได้กล่าวถึง เป็นปัญหาใหญ่สำหรับเราค่ะ เพราะในเรื่องนี้ นางเอกก็เป็นแม่หม้ายมีลูกติด แถมเป็นลูกสาวอีก เราอ่านไปก็พาลนึกไปว่า เดี๋ยวตานี่ก็คงจะเอาลูกนางเอกไปผลิตเป็นสายลับ แล้วส่งไปทำงานเสี่ยงอันตรายอีกเป็นแน่ เราเลยส่งเสียงเชียร์ให้นางเอกทิ้งตานี่ไปเพื่อลูกจะได้มีชีวิตสุขสบายกว่านี้
��ย่างที่บอกนะคะ นี่เป็นประเด็นในสมองเรา ที่มาจากการอ่านเล่มแรก ถ้าว่ากันด้วยเรื่องราวในเล่มนี้เพียว ๆ ก็ถือว่า ไม่มีประเด็นอะไรล่อแหลม หรือร้ายแรง
ผลพวงจากเหตุการณ์ในเล่มก่อนหน้า ทำให้เซบาสเตียนถูกพักงานจากตำแหน่งหัวหน้าสปาย เขาจึงกลับไปยังบ้านในชนบท ที่ซึ่งเขาได้มีโอกาสใกล้ชิดกับแม่หม้ายที่สามีเพิ่งเสียชีวิตไปอย่างลึกลับ แน่นอนว่า เซบาสเตียนก็ไปชวนสามีของเธอมาทำงานเป็นสายลับ แล้วก็พาเขาไปตาย นี่เป็นอีกจุดนึงที่เรารับไม่ค่อยได้ เพราะพอสามีเขาตาย (เพราะตัวเอง) พระเอกก็เข้าเส���ยบ แถมตอนจบตัวเองมาทำงานนั่งโต๊ะไม่ต้องเสี่ยงตายอีกนะ
แต่แคทเธอรีนก็ถูกดึงเข้าไปพัวพันกับความวุ่นวายจนได้ เมื่อเธอถูกข่มขู่ในสิบหาความลับที่เป็นรายชื่อของสายลับที่ทำงานให้กับเซบาสเตียน หาไม่แล้ว ลูกสาวของเธอจะโดนทำร้าย ทำให้เธอไม่มีทางเลือกนอกจากยอมทำตาม
พล็อตเรื่องนี้ธรรมดาค่ะ อ่านได้เรื่อย ๆ แต่เราดันตั้งแง่กับพระเอกเอาไว้เยอะ ตั้งแต่ที่มาจากเล่มก่อน (คิดตลอดว่า อีกไม่กี่ปีเดี๋ยวก็คงฝึกลูกสาวนางเอกให้ไปเป็นดาวยั่ว เพื่อสืบความลับ) แล้วก็ยังมีประเด็นเรื่องเขาส่งเสริมให้สามีนางเอกไปเป็นสายลับ (เข้าใจนะคะว่า สามีนางเอกเลือกเอง แต่มันดูไม่ยุติธรรมพิกล เขาลากผู้ชายคนนึงไปพัวพันเรื่องใหญ่จนตาย ส่วนตัวเองมาครอบครองภรรยาเขา แล้วยังมีหน้าหางานใหม่ทำที่อันตรายน้อยกว่าอีก)
คะแนนที่ 53
แต่หากว่าไป ปัญหาใหญ่ของเราในการอ่านเล่มนี้ก็คือ ผลพวงที่มาจากเล่มแรกในชุดค่ะ (A Lady's Revenge) เพราะพระเอกในเล่มนี้ก็คือ หัวหน้าสายลับที่เป็นเจ้านายของพระนางในเล่มก่อนหน้า ซึ่งจากเหตุการณ์ที่เล่ามาในเล่มแรก เราไม่ชอบผู้ชายคนนี้อย่างรุนแรง ดังนั้นคงต้องขอท้าวความเล็กน้อย
เซบาสเตียน เดนเวอร์ ซึ่งเป็นเอิร์ลแห่งซัมเมอร์ตันไม่ได้เป็นแค่ขุนนางธรรมดา แต่เขาเป็นหัวหน้าขบวนการสายลับที่ส่งลูกน้องไปเสี่ยงตายอยู่ทั่วยุโรป เพื่อขัดขวางการขยายอำนาจของนโปเลียน จุดนี้เราโอเคนะคะ เราเข้าใจว่า คนทำงานแบบนี้จะให้เป็นคนนิสัยดี อ่อนโยนคงไม่ได้ แต่จากเล่มแรก เขานำเด็กสองคนที่อยู่ในความดูแลของเขาเข้ามาในวงการสายลับ ส่งเสริมเห็นดีเห็นงามขนาดเด็กสาวคนนึงยอมทิ้งอนาคตที่ตัวเองเป็นถึงลูกสาวของไวส์เคาท์ยอมกลายมาเป็นสายลับที่ต้องเอาความบริสุทธิ์เข้าแลก โดยยอมนอนกับสายลับฝรั่งเศส เซบาสเตียน (ซึ่งเป็นพระเอกเล่มนี้) ไม่ขัดขวาง ไม่เปลี่ยนใจ เรื่องพยายามอธิบายนะว่า เป็นความต้องการของเธอเอง แต่เราอ่านยังไงก็ยอมรับไม่ได้ เด็กคนนี้มาอยู่ในความดูแลของเซบาสเตียนในวัยสิบต้น ๆ เขาคือผู้ปกครอง เขาน่าจะทำให้ชีวิตของเธอดีกว่านี้ได้ แล้วก็ใช่ว่า เซบาสเตียนจะหาสายลับจากที่อื่นไม่ได้นะ ไม่เห็นจำเป็นต้องเอาชีวิตของเด็กในปกครองตัวเองไปเสี่ยง
ประเด็นนี้ซึ่งอยู่ในเล่มแรก คนที่อ่านเล่มนี้อย่างเดียวคงจะไม่มีปัญหาอะไร เพราะแทบไม่ได้กล่าวถึง เป็นปัญหาใหญ่สำหรับเราค่ะ เพราะในเรื่องนี้ นางเอกก็เป็นแม่หม้ายมีลูกติด แถมเป็นลูกสาวอีก เราอ่านไปก็พาลนึกไปว่า เดี๋ยวตานี่ก็คงจะเอาลูกนางเอกไปผลิตเป็นสายลับ แล้วส่งไปทำงานเสี่ยงอันตรายอีกเป็นแน่ เราเลยส่งเสียงเชียร์ให้นางเอกทิ้งตานี่ไปเพื่อลูกจะได้มีชีวิตสุขสบายกว่านี้
��ย่างที่บอกนะคะ นี่เป็นประเด็นในสมองเรา ที่มาจากการอ่านเล่มแรก ถ้าว่ากันด้วยเรื่องราวในเล่มนี้เพียว ๆ ก็ถือว่า ไม่มีประเด็นอะไรล่อแหลม หรือร้ายแรง
ผลพวงจากเหตุการณ์ในเล่มก่อนหน้า ทำให้เซบาสเตียนถูกพักงานจากตำแหน่งหัวหน้าสปาย เขาจึงกลับไปยังบ้านในชนบท ที่ซึ่งเขาได้มีโอกาสใกล้ชิดกับแม่หม้ายที่สามีเพิ่งเสียชีวิตไปอย่างลึกลับ แน่นอนว่า เซบาสเตียนก็ไปชวนสามีของเธอมาทำงานเป็นสายลับ แล้วก็พาเขาไปตาย นี่เป็นอีกจุดนึงที่เรารับไม่ค่อยได้ เพราะพอสามีเขาตาย (เพราะตัวเอง) พระเอกก็เข้าเส���ยบ แถมตอนจบตัวเองมาทำงานนั่งโต๊ะไม่ต้องเสี่ยงตายอีกนะ
แต่แคทเธอรีนก็ถูกดึงเข้าไปพัวพันกับความวุ่นวายจนได้ เมื่อเธอถูกข่มขู่ในสิบหาความลับที่เป็นรายชื่อของสายลับที่ทำงานให้กับเซบาสเตียน หาไม่แล้ว ลูกสาวของเธอจะโดนทำร้าย ทำให้เธอไม่มีทางเลือกนอกจากยอมทำตาม
พล็อตเรื่องนี้ธรรมดาค่ะ อ่านได้เรื่อย ๆ แต่เราดันตั้งแง่กับพระเอกเอาไว้เยอะ ตั้งแต่ที่มาจากเล่มก่อน (คิดตลอดว่า อีกไม่กี่ปีเดี๋ยวก็คงฝึกลูกสาวนางเอกให้ไปเป็นดาวยั่ว เพื่อสืบความลับ) แล้วก็ยังมีประเด็นเรื่องเขาส่งเสริมให้สามีนางเอกไปเป็นสายลับ (เข้าใจนะคะว่า สามีนางเอกเลือกเอง แต่มันดูไม่ยุติธรรมพิกล เขาลากผู้ชายคนนึงไปพัวพันเรื่องใหญ่จนตาย ส่วนตัวเองมาครอบครองภรรยาเขา แล้วยังมีหน้าหางานใหม่ทำที่อันตรายน้อยกว่าอีก)
คะแนนที่ 53
February 2, 2013
In this second book of the Nexus series, we find the Chief of Nexus, Sebastian/Lord Somerton dealing with an investigation in which he is told to give up the names of his secret agents. While he is dealing with that, Catherine Ashcroft has asked him to look into the death of her husband, one of the Chief’s agents (but Catherine is unaware of this at the time). Catherine will stop at nothing to get answers and finds herself involved in a very evil world of secrets and lies where her life and the lives of those she loves are threatened. I thought Tracey Devlyn did a fabulous job with the plot line in this story. It continues on from the first book between France and England so it helps to read A Lady’s Revenge first.
Sebastian and Catherine were two strong willed people that continued to go back and forth with each other. One minute they were giving into their attraction and the next minute they did not trust one another and tried to build up walls around their hearts. They both did agree, however, to have an affair while Sebastian was in town but would end it when he went back to London. Of course these things never work out exactly as planned, right? Sebastian did not want to get attached to Catherine and her daughter, Sophie, for fear of placing them in danger just by having the relationship with him, but he found that difficult.
Catherine was too afraid to give her heart to Sebastian, for fear of losing another man because of his dangerous job. Sophie, who was six, added such emotion to the story. She was so full of life and curious that she always seemed to catch people off guard. It was great fun to watch her melt the hearts of grown men. I enjoyed the rest of Sebastian’s family including Cora, Guy, and Ethan. I love Ethan’s lack of filter when he speaks, maybe because I can relate! You never have to guess what he thinks or how he feels about something. I am looking forward to his book next!
I found Cora to be a wonderful friend to Catherine near the end of the story and for being one of the only females in Sebastian’s life who could tell him what he needed to hear regarding women and love. All of the people in Sebastian’s close circle have such a good relationship and work very well together when a conflict arises. I especially liked watching Cora and Ethan bicker with one another as all siblings do now and then.
This book has plenty of mystery, suspense, love, romance, and even the laughter of a free spirited six year old. I highly recommend this it and look forward to the third book in the series.
Sebastian and Catherine were two strong willed people that continued to go back and forth with each other. One minute they were giving into their attraction and the next minute they did not trust one another and tried to build up walls around their hearts. They both did agree, however, to have an affair while Sebastian was in town but would end it when he went back to London. Of course these things never work out exactly as planned, right? Sebastian did not want to get attached to Catherine and her daughter, Sophie, for fear of placing them in danger just by having the relationship with him, but he found that difficult.
Catherine was too afraid to give her heart to Sebastian, for fear of losing another man because of his dangerous job. Sophie, who was six, added such emotion to the story. She was so full of life and curious that she always seemed to catch people off guard. It was great fun to watch her melt the hearts of grown men. I enjoyed the rest of Sebastian’s family including Cora, Guy, and Ethan. I love Ethan’s lack of filter when he speaks, maybe because I can relate! You never have to guess what he thinks or how he feels about something. I am looking forward to his book next!
I found Cora to be a wonderful friend to Catherine near the end of the story and for being one of the only females in Sebastian’s life who could tell him what he needed to hear regarding women and love. All of the people in Sebastian’s close circle have such a good relationship and work very well together when a conflict arises. I especially liked watching Cora and Ethan bicker with one another as all siblings do now and then.
This book has plenty of mystery, suspense, love, romance, and even the laughter of a free spirited six year old. I highly recommend this it and look forward to the third book in the series.
December 30, 2013
This is the second book of the spies of Nexus series and I liked it better than the first.
If you decide to read it, please do so in order, so that you’ll get the greatest enjoyment out of this story, and the entire series. Here’s the order of the series: #1 is ‘A Lady’s Revenge’ followed by #2 here ‘Checkmate, My Lord’ and ending with #3 ‘Lady’s Secret Weapon’. The reason behind it is the back-story and the dynamic of the Nexus group and who they are and what their mission is.
And now let me tell you why this story impressed and delighted my little ol’ self. The reason behind it is Catherine and Sebastian. They were solid, three-dimensional and very complex characters that fascinated and at times boggled the mind.
Catherine is forced to deal with a personal loss of her husband and is ready to do anything it takes to discover who’s behind it, even if it means a personal sacrifice.
Sebastian is a Chief of Nexus, a spymaster whose enemies are widely spread and as advanced as their own organization and while he might seem calm, cool and collected on the outside, he is anything but.
Even though the storyline was a tad predictable, I enjoyed the plot and its fast pace. Those combined with two very headstrong characters, such as Sebastian and Catherine, make this a very compelling story.
Tracey Devlyn had managed to create a fascinating, exciting and intriguing world of good guys and bad; love stories with passion and chemistry that jumps off the pages; characters that have gone through betrayals and heartbreak only to realize that they’re just human and therefore flawed, yet still capable to give and receive deep and abiding love.
Bottom line my bookworms? If you’re a history buff, you’ll like this story; if you like your romance with seduction, sensuality and suspense, you’ll love this story very much.
Melanie for b2b.
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
If you decide to read it, please do so in order, so that you’ll get the greatest enjoyment out of this story, and the entire series. Here’s the order of the series: #1 is ‘A Lady’s Revenge’ followed by #2 here ‘Checkmate, My Lord’ and ending with #3 ‘Lady’s Secret Weapon’. The reason behind it is the back-story and the dynamic of the Nexus group and who they are and what their mission is.
And now let me tell you why this story impressed and delighted my little ol’ self. The reason behind it is Catherine and Sebastian. They were solid, three-dimensional and very complex characters that fascinated and at times boggled the mind.
Catherine is forced to deal with a personal loss of her husband and is ready to do anything it takes to discover who’s behind it, even if it means a personal sacrifice.
Sebastian is a Chief of Nexus, a spymaster whose enemies are widely spread and as advanced as their own organization and while he might seem calm, cool and collected on the outside, he is anything but.
Even though the storyline was a tad predictable, I enjoyed the plot and its fast pace. Those combined with two very headstrong characters, such as Sebastian and Catherine, make this a very compelling story.
Tracey Devlyn had managed to create a fascinating, exciting and intriguing world of good guys and bad; love stories with passion and chemistry that jumps off the pages; characters that have gone through betrayals and heartbreak only to realize that they’re just human and therefore flawed, yet still capable to give and receive deep and abiding love.
Bottom line my bookworms? If you’re a history buff, you’ll like this story; if you like your romance with seduction, sensuality and suspense, you’ll love this story very much.
Melanie for b2b.
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 12, 2013
English review coming up, soon.
Buku pertama Tracey Devlyn yang saya baca, and I liked it. A lot.
Sebetulnya sih nggak ada yang baru dari novel ini dibandingkan novel-novel sejenisnya, tema mata-mata sehubungan dengan perang antara Inggris dan Perancis. Tapi saya suka dengan Sebastian aka Lord Somerton, mengingatkan saya pada Sir Ross di Lady Sophia's Lover-nya Lisa Kleypas. Saya juga suka dengan tema ketika salah satu punya maksud di balik sikap manis dan pendekatannya.
Setelah sekilas curi baca sedikit novel sebelumnya, A Lady's Revenge, saya jadi cukup familiar dengan tokoh-tokoh lainnya, dan jadi penasaran. Harusnya sih memang baca novel yang itu dulu, tapi berhubung saya lebih naksir sama cover buku yang kedua ini, jadilah ini yang saya baca dulu. Judulnya juga cukup catchy, meskipun nggak terlalu menggambarkan ceritanya. Di bagian mananya ya si Catherine bisa bilang, Checkmate, My Lord? Apakah karena Catherine 'berhasil' mencuri hati Sebastian dan membuatnya kembali menginginkan hidup normal: love, marriage and family?
Dan setelah beberapa waktu baca novel yang cukup detil di adegan uhuk-ehem, novel ini menurut saya terbilang cukup sopan dengan tidak menggunakan pilihan kata yang vulgar. Adegan intimnya juga tidak dibahas secara detil dan berlebihan yang biasanya bisa menghabiskan satu chapter tersendiri. Di novel ini cukup beberapa paragraf saja. Simpel, sederhana, manis. Ini seolah mengingatkan saya bahwa tidak perlu adegan uhuk-ehem yang panas membara untuk membuat cerita roman yang bagus. Atau mungkin karena mood saya lagi pengen yang adem ayem aja jadi saya seneng sama novel ini.
*baca ini dalam rangka memenuhi challenge TBR Pile, harus membaca buku-buku (bukan ARC) yang terbit sebelum Maret 2013
Buku pertama Tracey Devlyn yang saya baca, and I liked it. A lot.
Sebetulnya sih nggak ada yang baru dari novel ini dibandingkan novel-novel sejenisnya, tema mata-mata sehubungan dengan perang antara Inggris dan Perancis. Tapi saya suka dengan Sebastian aka Lord Somerton, mengingatkan saya pada Sir Ross di Lady Sophia's Lover-nya Lisa Kleypas. Saya juga suka dengan tema ketika salah satu punya maksud di balik sikap manis dan pendekatannya.
Setelah sekilas curi baca sedikit novel sebelumnya, A Lady's Revenge, saya jadi cukup familiar dengan tokoh-tokoh lainnya, dan jadi penasaran. Harusnya sih memang baca novel yang itu dulu, tapi berhubung saya lebih naksir sama cover buku yang kedua ini, jadilah ini yang saya baca dulu. Judulnya juga cukup catchy, meskipun nggak terlalu menggambarkan ceritanya. Di bagian mananya ya si Catherine bisa bilang, Checkmate, My Lord? Apakah karena Catherine 'berhasil' mencuri hati Sebastian dan membuatnya kembali menginginkan hidup normal: love, marriage and family?
Dan setelah beberapa waktu baca novel yang cukup detil di adegan uhuk-ehem, novel ini menurut saya terbilang cukup sopan dengan tidak menggunakan pilihan kata yang vulgar. Adegan intimnya juga tidak dibahas secara detil dan berlebihan yang biasanya bisa menghabiskan satu chapter tersendiri. Di novel ini cukup beberapa paragraf saja. Simpel, sederhana, manis. Ini seolah mengingatkan saya bahwa tidak perlu adegan uhuk-ehem yang panas membara untuk membuat cerita roman yang bagus. Atau mungkin karena mood saya lagi pengen yang adem ayem aja jadi saya seneng sama novel ini.
*baca ini dalam rangka memenuhi challenge TBR Pile, harus membaca buku-buku (bukan ARC) yang terbit sebelum Maret 2013
November 6, 2012
Available February 2013.
A spy is murdered and his wife and child are left to pick up the pieces of their lives–-of course, after being recruited as a spy, he’s spent the last 4 years of their lives together secretive, missing important dates and events, and emotionally unreachable. Lovely, then, that he died a hero’s death. Catherine, our heroine, is angry that the man she married should have turned out just like her father, putting the affairs of the nation before care for his family, and vows never again to love a man who can’t be trusted to care for them first.
Develyn delivers an emotionally gut-wrenching tale of danger and romance. Her love scenes are very well written, and her hero is swoon-worthy. Catherine, her mother, and her daughter Sophie are warm, charming women who rise above diversity with courage and fortitude. Sebastian is compelling, and his personality intriguing.
The one flaw that frustrated me in this book was Develyn’s descent into purple prose whenever a metaphor was (and sometimes was not) called for. Sebastian’s mind is both layered and closed. Their kiss, which touches him, burrows through layers, but is diverted. Catherine's metaphorical walls against love are pictured oozing mortar as they embrace.
Too, I had some trouble with Sebastian’s refusal to tell her anything at all about her husband’s life and death. He could have reassured her without giving away state secrets, or if he could not, the case was not made for me. Her later disastrous actions were a direct result of that choice.
Aside that, if you’re interested in a gut-wrenching regency complete with spies, danger, some truly charming moppets, and a couple that burn up the sheets, this could be a very good choice.
A spy is murdered and his wife and child are left to pick up the pieces of their lives–-of course, after being recruited as a spy, he’s spent the last 4 years of their lives together secretive, missing important dates and events, and emotionally unreachable. Lovely, then, that he died a hero’s death. Catherine, our heroine, is angry that the man she married should have turned out just like her father, putting the affairs of the nation before care for his family, and vows never again to love a man who can’t be trusted to care for them first.
Develyn delivers an emotionally gut-wrenching tale of danger and romance. Her love scenes are very well written, and her hero is swoon-worthy. Catherine, her mother, and her daughter Sophie are warm, charming women who rise above diversity with courage and fortitude. Sebastian is compelling, and his personality intriguing.
The one flaw that frustrated me in this book was Develyn’s descent into purple prose whenever a metaphor was (and sometimes was not) called for. Sebastian’s mind is both layered and closed. Their kiss, which touches him, burrows through layers, but is diverted. Catherine's metaphorical walls against love are pictured oozing mortar as they embrace.
Too, I had some trouble with Sebastian’s refusal to tell her anything at all about her husband’s life and death. He could have reassured her without giving away state secrets, or if he could not, the case was not made for me. Her later disastrous actions were a direct result of that choice.
Aside that, if you’re interested in a gut-wrenching regency complete with spies, danger, some truly charming moppets, and a couple that burn up the sheets, this could be a very good choice.
July 29, 2016
I could not resist the title of this book, but in the end, we judge books by their content, and not what is on the cover. This romance was just ok. the story of the Nexus is continued from A Lady's Revenge, which I enjoyed. The Nexus is a group of spies in England who's mission is to keep Napoleon from taking over all of Europe. I like some adventure and history with my romance, but the romance is at the forefront here, and it really goes no further.
The characters from the first book are back, but in barely supporting roles. The focus is on Catherine, the widow of a slain Nexus agent, and Sebastian, the leader of the Nexus. Catherine and Sebastian are neighbors who have always felt an attraction towards one another but were unable to act on these feelings due to her marriage and his involvement with his job at the Nexus. Towards the beginning of the book, he proposes an affaire with her to have a set begin date and end date. She agrees. Fine.
Then, Catherine finds some encrypted documents from her husband. One of them mentions the name Cochran. He shows up & she thinks him friend. Big mistake. Cochran is the enemy and ends up using Catherine's relationship with Sebastian to his own nefarious ends. Mainly, to obtain the list of Nexus agents so Cochran can wipe them all out and make way for Napoleon's entrance into England. This storyline is all in the background, while Catherine, the townspeople and Catherine's daughter take up most of the narrative. I didn't get the romance between the two besides her wanting a father for her child, and him wanting a real family; but I guess sometimes that's enough. This book was a chore to pick up at times, but I was too far invested to give up.
The characters from the first book are back, but in barely supporting roles. The focus is on Catherine, the widow of a slain Nexus agent, and Sebastian, the leader of the Nexus. Catherine and Sebastian are neighbors who have always felt an attraction towards one another but were unable to act on these feelings due to her marriage and his involvement with his job at the Nexus. Towards the beginning of the book, he proposes an affaire with her to have a set begin date and end date. She agrees. Fine.
Then, Catherine finds some encrypted documents from her husband. One of them mentions the name Cochran. He shows up & she thinks him friend. Big mistake. Cochran is the enemy and ends up using Catherine's relationship with Sebastian to his own nefarious ends. Mainly, to obtain the list of Nexus agents so Cochran can wipe them all out and make way for Napoleon's entrance into England. This storyline is all in the background, while Catherine, the townspeople and Catherine's daughter take up most of the narrative. I didn't get the romance between the two besides her wanting a father for her child, and him wanting a real family; but I guess sometimes that's enough. This book was a chore to pick up at times, but I was too far invested to give up.
September 24, 2013
eckmate My Lord is set England in the time of Napoleon. The two main characters, Catherine Ashcroft and Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton are neighbors. Catherine is newly widowed. Her husband, Jeffery, had not been home for years and her marriage had been over for a long time. Just before his death he wrote her a series of strange letters and Catherine goes to Sebastian asking for help in finding out what the letters really meant and how Jeffery really died. That action sets up the story.
I have often said that in romance it is not the destination but the journey that makes the story. While Checkmate My Lord is a very pleasant read the plot in is one that has been used many times. England is at war with France and has a secret spy network that is being threatened. The book is very well written but there were no surprises in the plot. That made the journey very predictable and I knew what was going to happen long before I got to the end. There were also several oblivious hooks for future books that did not add anything to the story line.
An added problem for me was the fact that this is the second book about the spy network and I have not read the first book. Even though a lot of back-story is added in the first few pages of the book I was still left in the dark about some of the side characters and what had happened in book one to set up this story. I recommend reading book one before Checkmate My Lord. All in all for me Checkmate My Lord was a bit of a disappointment.
I have often said that in romance it is not the destination but the journey that makes the story. While Checkmate My Lord is a very pleasant read the plot in is one that has been used many times. England is at war with France and has a secret spy network that is being threatened. The book is very well written but there were no surprises in the plot. That made the journey very predictable and I knew what was going to happen long before I got to the end. There were also several oblivious hooks for future books that did not add anything to the story line.
An added problem for me was the fact that this is the second book about the spy network and I have not read the first book. Even though a lot of back-story is added in the first few pages of the book I was still left in the dark about some of the side characters and what had happened in book one to set up this story. I recommend reading book one before Checkmate My Lord. All in all for me Checkmate My Lord was a bit of a disappointment.
February 14, 2013
CHECKMATE,MY LORD by Tracey Devlyn is another intriguing Regency Historical Romance. Book 2 in the "Nexus"series,but can be read as a stand alone. See, "A Lady's Revenge". Faced paced and filled with spies,secrets,danger,passion,betrayal,treason,scandal,seduction,romance and love.Follow, Widow, Catherine Ashcroft and Sebastian Danvers,Earl of Somerton, spymaster, as they navigate danger and possible treason. Mrs. Ashcroft is determined to found what really happened to her deceased husband. She feels all is not what it appears,after receiving some disturbing letter written before his death. There goes, lies the trouble. A powerful story that will have you captivated from the first page to the last. Oh, who doesn't love a brave,courageous,precocious six year old,who is trouble,with a capital T and can capture a tough,cunning spymaster's heart. Ms. Devlyn is a wonderful storyteller who draws the reader into the story,and holds them there long after the last page. A must read! If you enjoy historical,romance,spies,England,France and its spies,an emotional story that tugs at your heartstrings as a young widow must save her family and deliver something that could only be consured as treason. I would highly recommend "Checkmate,My Lord" you will not regret reading this title. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
February 27, 2013
To read my full review, visit: Love Saves the World
Disclosure: I received the ARC through Netgalley. (Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for accepting my request.) Yes, this is an honest review.
There are a lot of questions that the author poses in the story -- but she answers them all nicely in the end. Devlyn has given dimension to her characters -- showing us multiple aspects of their lives and how they come to play in the decisions that they make. Catherine is woman, mother, lover and friend -- and it's interesting seeing her try to make sense of the things that happen around her and which aspect of her personality comes into play.
The story is a bit long but it really picks up momentum when the true villains decide to show their hand and threaten Catherine and her family (from Chapter 15). It all gets very exciting and complicated -- how will Sebastian save them?
I have two questions, though -- how old is Sebastian? (Considering he raised Cora and her brother, he must be in his 40s?) And, why the title?
Disclosure: I received the ARC through Netgalley. (Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for accepting my request.) Yes, this is an honest review.
There are a lot of questions that the author poses in the story -- but she answers them all nicely in the end. Devlyn has given dimension to her characters -- showing us multiple aspects of their lives and how they come to play in the decisions that they make. Catherine is woman, mother, lover and friend -- and it's interesting seeing her try to make sense of the things that happen around her and which aspect of her personality comes into play.
The story is a bit long but it really picks up momentum when the true villains decide to show their hand and threaten Catherine and her family (from Chapter 15). It all gets very exciting and complicated -- how will Sebastian save them?
I have two questions, though -- how old is Sebastian? (Considering he raised Cora and her brother, he must be in his 40s?) And, why the title?
February 25, 2014
I would say Checkmate, My Lord is a highly unusual historical romance read. What sets this apart from other historical romance is that the main character, Catherine Ashcroft, sets out to uncover the truth behind her husband's death by trying to decipher his letters. She sought the help of Lord Somerton, whose name appeared on her husband's letters numerous times.
The plot was interesting, though I still cannot understand why Catherine would easily trust the guy who sent her to betray Sebastian. I also frown upon Catherine's acceptance to Sebastian's offer to an affair. Somehow, it was a risky arrangement in that era. What's more was that Catherine has a daughter to care for. Nevertheless, everything works out smoothly in the end. I really enjoyed reading about her daughter, Sophie. I like the way Sophie interacts with Sebastian (and vice versa) and it's kind of cute!
I admit I didn't know this was book 2 in the series but that didn't hinder my reading progress. However, I would recommend reading the first book to understand more about the characters mentioned in this book.
Overall, an enjoyable and interesting historical romance read.
The plot was interesting, though I still cannot understand why Catherine would easily trust the guy who sent her to betray Sebastian. I also frown upon Catherine's acceptance to Sebastian's offer to an affair. Somehow, it was a risky arrangement in that era. What's more was that Catherine has a daughter to care for. Nevertheless, everything works out smoothly in the end. I really enjoyed reading about her daughter, Sophie. I like the way Sophie interacts with Sebastian (and vice versa) and it's kind of cute!
I admit I didn't know this was book 2 in the series but that didn't hinder my reading progress. However, I would recommend reading the first book to understand more about the characters mentioned in this book.
Overall, an enjoyable and interesting historical romance read.
February 20, 2013
Checkmate, My Lord was quite the adventure. It is the second in a series. At first, I felt like I was missing something since I hadn't read the first book. I think had I read it, I would have been able to orient myself to the characters a little better. As the story progressed, I found myself feeling more comfortable with Sebastian and Catherine's story.
When it comes to spies and intrigue, who can you trust? Catherine wants to find out what happened to her husband, but can she trust the one man who can tell her? I loved Catherine and Sebastian together. They both long for love and family, but they are afraid they will never find it. I liked that Catherine wasn't a naive timid virgin. It was a nice change. I was really rooting for them! The other characters were wonderful especially little Sophie.
I highly recommend this book. It's filled with spies, action and a mysterious figure who looks to maybe play a part in the next book? I look forward to reading Ethan's story as well as going back and reading Cora's.
When it comes to spies and intrigue, who can you trust? Catherine wants to find out what happened to her husband, but can she trust the one man who can tell her? I loved Catherine and Sebastian together. They both long for love and family, but they are afraid they will never find it. I liked that Catherine wasn't a naive timid virgin. It was a nice change. I was really rooting for them! The other characters were wonderful especially little Sophie.
I highly recommend this book. It's filled with spies, action and a mysterious figure who looks to maybe play a part in the next book? I look forward to reading Ethan's story as well as going back and reading Cora's.
September 24, 2013
I was pleasantly surprised by how good Devlyn's novel was! I'm not too keen on spy-centred romance novels, though historical ones are my preferred sub-genre. The intrigue here is quite interesting and the plot tightly-paced and knuckle-biting. But the strength of the romance novel lies in the hero's and heroine's characterization. They are wounded beings both: Sebastian from spending too many years protecting his country so that his heart petrified; and, Catherine, after the death of a husband whose indifference and neglect left her demoralized. The trajectory of their relationship, from attraction to trust and friendship, brought to the brink of mistrust and betrayal, and then back to each other again, is a pleasure to read. If you'd like to read a more thorough review, please follow the link below:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
March 8, 2013
ARC received from NetGalley.
3.5 stars
Checkmate, My Lord is the second book in the series. I have not read the first book, but I did not find this title difficult to follow - I feel it may be read well as a standalone story.
Set in the Regency era, this story places the widow Catherine Ashcroft in a somewhat desperate position. She wants answers about the death of her husband, and only the Earl of Somerton can help. The Earl, Sebastian, clearly knows more than he's willing to let on, keeping silent for the sake of Catherine's safety and that of her daughter. An elegant historical romance here blends with intrigue and danger in the backdrop of political tensions between England and France.
I don't get to read as many Regency novels as I'd like, and I found Checkmate, My Lord to be engaging and well-written. I would consider going back in the series to catch up.
3.5 stars
Checkmate, My Lord is the second book in the series. I have not read the first book, but I did not find this title difficult to follow - I feel it may be read well as a standalone story.
Set in the Regency era, this story places the widow Catherine Ashcroft in a somewhat desperate position. She wants answers about the death of her husband, and only the Earl of Somerton can help. The Earl, Sebastian, clearly knows more than he's willing to let on, keeping silent for the sake of Catherine's safety and that of her daughter. An elegant historical romance here blends with intrigue and danger in the backdrop of political tensions between England and France.
I don't get to read as many Regency novels as I'd like, and I found Checkmate, My Lord to be engaging and well-written. I would consider going back in the series to catch up.
February 1, 2013
If you like spies and all the twisted and complicated issues that their careers cause in their lives, you’ll like Tracey Devlyn’s “Checkmate, My Lord.” The characters have a satisfactory depth to overcome that little bit of foolishness that the whole spy thing causes. The hero is tormented by the need to give up a normal life in order to serve his country and the heroine resents being left out of the loop. One of several novels about the same group of spies—a “series” of a sort—this novel is entertaining and definitely worth the read. Tension is escalated by the “bad guy’s” nabbing of Caroline’s little girl, but that precipitates the hero to the rescue. While not an outstanding novel, this book is entertaining and worth the read.
May 22, 2014
This is the 2nd book in Tracey Devlyn's Nexus Series. I love reading the suspense/romance genre and this certainly fits the bill. Adding a historical story line only increased my interest as I do not read a lot of Regency/Historical romance Novels. The H/h are two very strong willed characters which only adds more angst to the book. Something I appreciate, those page grabbing moments when you read on because you can not stop, the need to find out what is happening next. Catherine is compelled to find out the circumstances behind her late husband's death. While Sebastion only wants to keep the secret that her husband was an Nexus Agent from her. Tender moments,hot sensuality and the fear to trust all combine to make this book a MUST READ for lovers of the Historical Romance genre!
February 11, 2013
I had to give this book three stars and that is not because it's a mediocre book, but because as per my usual I didn't realize this was part of a series. I felt like I missed a huge part of the story, which I did by skipping the first book, but it wasn't so bad that I had no idea what was going on. The book is full of reoccurring characters and subplots but not enough to distract from the story between Sebastian and Catherine. Once I got into the story a few chapters it picked up and was very enjoyable, but I would recommend to read these books in order for the best possible pleasure. This was the first time I read this author but it won't be the last.
March 18, 2015
Book 2 in the "Nexus" series, but I think it can be read as a stand alone. Mrs. Ashcroft is determined to find what really happened to her deceased husband. Can she trust the one man who can tell her? Sebastian is head of the Nexus, a network of informants, couriers and spies who are dedicated to keeping England safe. He is trying to keep silent for the sake of Catherine and her daughter's safety. Sebastian takes his time with the widow because he soon believes she might be the one sacrifice he is unwilling to make. This book has mystery, suspense, love, family, and romance.I really enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews