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Lord and Lady Spy #3.6
All I Want for Christmas is Blue
The thrilling follow-up to Shana Galen’s popular Lord and Lady Spy novella The Spy Wore Blue!
This Christmas, retired spy Blue and his wife Helena have more to worry about than a holiday ball with his frosty parents. Months ago Blue promised Helena to put her first in his life and retire from spying. But when operatives from his past suddenly reappear, Blue will have to choose between the love of his life and the mission that could prove too enticing to refuse.
This Christmas, retired spy Blue and his wife Helena have more to worry about than a holiday ball with his frosty parents. Months ago Blue promised Helena to put her first in his life and retire from spying. But when operatives from his past suddenly reappear, Blue will have to choose between the love of his life and the mission that could prove too enticing to refuse.
61 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2014
About the author
Shana Galen
82 books1,461 followersShana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 15, 2022
There was nothing I didn't love about the Christmas novella "All I Want for Christmas is Blue" by Shana Galen.
I have confessions - normally, I will not buy a book because so many great books are available on KU, and my KU checkouts stay full.
I also am not a buyer (or checker-outer) of books that are spy focused, so this book had two things stacked against it that would normally put it automatically in the nope pile.
But I saw this book mentioned somewhere - I think someone said it was a cute fast read.
This had been one heck of a week. My MIL lives with us and got sick enough to be put in the hospital. My husband's car battery died. My refrigerator died. And the dryer stopped drying.
Since I had full care of my FIL and a *crazy* amount of stress with no time to get into a book, cute and fast was on the menu.
The book wasn't crazy expensive, so I took a chance! And I am so glad I did!
I literally made this stretch out over 3 days, haha, but persons that aren't being turned around in circles by life could finish in an hour or so.
Good news - it is so easy to follow that you can put it down and pick it up and put it down and pick it up and put it down... (see where this is going?!)
The heroine did make me irritable very briefly, but it was necessary! I was invested in this couple and stayed solidly in their corner without telling any of the characters to just move on already. The drama was dramatic without being stress-inducing. It was truly a nice read.
I have confessions - normally, I will not buy a book because so many great books are available on KU, and my KU checkouts stay full.
I also am not a buyer (or checker-outer) of books that are spy focused, so this book had two things stacked against it that would normally put it automatically in the nope pile.
But I saw this book mentioned somewhere - I think someone said it was a cute fast read.
This had been one heck of a week. My MIL lives with us and got sick enough to be put in the hospital. My husband's car battery died. My refrigerator died. And the dryer stopped drying.
Since I had full care of my FIL and a *crazy* amount of stress with no time to get into a book, cute and fast was on the menu.
The book wasn't crazy expensive, so I took a chance! And I am so glad I did!
I literally made this stretch out over 3 days, haha, but persons that aren't being turned around in circles by life could finish in an hour or so.
Good news - it is so easy to follow that you can put it down and pick it up and put it down and pick it up and put it down... (see where this is going?!)
The heroine did make me irritable very briefly, but it was necessary! I was invested in this couple and stayed solidly in their corner without telling any of the characters to just move on already. The drama was dramatic without being stress-inducing. It was truly a nice read.
April 18, 2017
Okay, it’s official, Helena and Blue own a piece of my heart. And this little snippet of their post-reconciliation life together hit me in all the right feels.
I really liked how the main conflict revolved around work/life balance. Helena coming to the realization that Blue wasn’t Blue without his work as a spy, just as she herself wouldn’t be whole if she could not sing, and finally learning to trust that their love for each other would always come first no matter what. COUPLES LOVING, TRUSTING AND SUPPORTING EACH OTHER, IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER???
P.S. I took off a star for the thwarted sexy times, once in the library *SOBS* and then TWICE in the carriage. Talk about rude! Also, Blue’s family are THE WORST.
I really liked how the main conflict revolved around work/life balance. Helena coming to the realization that Blue wasn’t Blue without his work as a spy, just as she herself wouldn’t be whole if she could not sing, and finally learning to trust that their love for each other would always come first no matter what. COUPLES LOVING, TRUSTING AND SUPPORTING EACH OTHER, IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER???
P.S. I took off a star for the thwarted sexy times, once in the library *SOBS* and then TWICE in the carriage. Talk about rude! Also, Blue’s family are THE WORST.
December 28, 2014
I was very disappointed when author Shana Galen retired, Blue, my favorite character form The Lord and Lady Spy novels. I couldn't believe that I wouldn't be reading about Blue's brightly colored capes and pink waistcoats, his adventures with Butterfly, Baron, Wolf and Saint and his unusual obsession with the opera.
After reading A Spy Wore Blue and Love And Let Spy, I wasn't convinced that my favorite blue-eyed spy was enjoying retirement from the Barbican group. Helena wasn't even mentioned in the last book. My hero didn't get his happily ever after. Or did he?
The story begins as Baron is trying to entice Blue into assisting the Barbican group by decoding a message. Blue is tempted because he loves to work through puzzles and codes but, he promised to put Helena first and retire from spying. He declines. Reluctantly.
Shana Galen has written a sweet, sexy holiday romance for Blue and Helena. I enjoyed the entire book from the fabulous, sexy cover to the last few words. Fans of the much loved Lord and Lady Spy series will enjoy Lord and Lady Bloomington's coach ride to the Ely ball. The adventure begins as Blue's plans for a bit of passion in the coach are interrupted by an unexpected visit. I enjoyed the unexpected events which occurred at the Ely ball. Both our hero and heroine learn important truths about each other, their careers and their family.
Thank you to Shana Galen for the Happily Ever After for Blue and Helena! All I Want For Christmas Is Blue is the perfect gift for your readers who enjoyed The Lord and Lady Spy series!
After reading A Spy Wore Blue and Love And Let Spy, I wasn't convinced that my favorite blue-eyed spy was enjoying retirement from the Barbican group. Helena wasn't even mentioned in the last book. My hero didn't get his happily ever after. Or did he?
The story begins as Baron is trying to entice Blue into assisting the Barbican group by decoding a message. Blue is tempted because he loves to work through puzzles and codes but, he promised to put Helena first and retire from spying. He declines. Reluctantly.
Shana Galen has written a sweet, sexy holiday romance for Blue and Helena. I enjoyed the entire book from the fabulous, sexy cover to the last few words. Fans of the much loved Lord and Lady Spy series will enjoy Lord and Lady Bloomington's coach ride to the Ely ball. The adventure begins as Blue's plans for a bit of passion in the coach are interrupted by an unexpected visit. I enjoyed the unexpected events which occurred at the Ely ball. Both our hero and heroine learn important truths about each other, their careers and their family.
Thank you to Shana Galen for the Happily Ever After for Blue and Helena! All I Want For Christmas Is Blue is the perfect gift for your readers who enjoyed The Lord and Lady Spy series!
December 10, 2014
I just loved ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS BLUE by Shana Galen. This novella is short, sweet, and spicy hot. It was a quick, fun Christmas treat. Here we get to catch up with Blue and his wife Helena. They have been married for five years. Blue was a spy for the Barbican group. Helena is an opera singer. Blue has been summoned by the Duke and Duchess of Ely. It is time for Helena to meet the parents.
March 23, 2017
lol oops it seems like I forgot to rate this when I read it
December 10, 2014
Lord Ernest is the sixth son of the Duke and Duchess of Ely and the tenth of eleven children. Now retired from his service for the crown, he spends most of his time at the opera in Covent Garden where his wife, Helena, is a singer. She is vehemently opposed to him returning to this work. When he worked for the crown, his code name was “Blue” as he has bright blue eyes. He is constantly being asked to return to his work but he refuses.
His parents do not approve of his marriage to Helena, however, they relented and agreed to attend his parents’ elaborate Christmas Eve ball. At the ball, his parents try to pair him with debutantes while his brothers dance with Helena. As they are very serious about their dislike of his marriage to Helena and are willing to go to any lengths to break them up. Will they be successful? Will Ernest be content to follow Helena as she continues her work? What about Blue's love for the work he has done for the crown? Where will all of this end up?
This novella is cleverly written to show just how much Blue and Helena mean to one another
His parents do not approve of his marriage to Helena, however, they relented and agreed to attend his parents’ elaborate Christmas Eve ball. At the ball, his parents try to pair him with debutantes while his brothers dance with Helena. As they are very serious about their dislike of his marriage to Helena and are willing to go to any lengths to break them up. Will they be successful? Will Ernest be content to follow Helena as she continues her work? What about Blue's love for the work he has done for the crown? Where will all of this end up?
This novella is cleverly written to show just how much Blue and Helena mean to one another
December 20, 2014
Blue, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Happy to say that the intriguing and eccentric spy Blue and his lovely wife Helena are back in this Christmas novella from Shana Galen. I loved it. Witty, funny and thank goodness a HEA. All I Want for Christmas is Blue is a quick read, and a real treat for fans of the Lord and Lady Spy Series.
December 22, 2019
What a wonderful treat to visit with Blue (Ernest) and Helena again. Blue is hoping to reunite with his family, and the Barbican group is trying to woo him back to spying. Now he has to assure Helena that her insecurities about both are unfounded. In this case I recommend reading The Spy Wore Blue before this story.
December 6, 2017
A short novella set at Christmas time. The fabulous character, Blue, shows his true heart. As he falls deeper in love with his wife every day. And tries to give his parents every chance to love Helena as much as he does. Or even give her a chance.
December 11, 2014
ALL I REALLY NEED IS MORE STARS!!!!!!
Shana Galen may have outdone herself (again). Indeed, that may be the goal of each writer.
Here, she takes two delightful characters and uses a fine-nibbed pen, sketches them out in delightful Regency detail. To fill in the scenes around them, she uses more vague strokes of a lighter color, or even, in the case of the heroes siblings, transparent watercolors. While the story is short, it is full of emotion - and not just the love of the main characters. This is a story with the pain of rejection running through it, with a hero in dire need of acceptance from people who either cannot or will not give it.
I loved this sizzling story...and I do hope the door stays closed.
Shana Galen may have outdone herself (again). Indeed, that may be the goal of each writer.
Here, she takes two delightful characters and uses a fine-nibbed pen, sketches them out in delightful Regency detail. To fill in the scenes around them, she uses more vague strokes of a lighter color, or even, in the case of the heroes siblings, transparent watercolors. While the story is short, it is full of emotion - and not just the love of the main characters. This is a story with the pain of rejection running through it, with a hero in dire need of acceptance from people who either cannot or will not give it.
I loved this sizzling story...and I do hope the door stays closed.
December 4, 2014
I love Blue and Helena and this story was fantastic, just enough to satisfy my craving for more of this great couple. At least for the time being. Set on Christmas Eve, with a delightful mix of steamy romance, family drama, a bit of conflict to make the resolution that much sweeter, and with some cameos from much loved characters in the Lord and Lady Spy series to boot, this story was a lot of fun. It would be fantastic to see more Blue and Helena in further adventures in the future.
December 13, 2014
A lovely Christmas story featuring Blue and Helena. Love it!
March 24, 2015
A lovely short story - I enjoyed reading this.
December 31, 2019
When I started reading this story, I didn't know that it is actually a short story about characters from a previous novella. (I had thought this was a standalone.) However, my not having read the previous story didn't stop me from enjoying this short story. I really enjoyed the humor in this story, especially how Blue's acquaintances were continually surprised that he had a wife instead of a male lover. Helena and Blue also have several steamy encounters that people are constantly interrupting which made me laugh quite a bit. This story definitely prompted me to read the other stories in this series!
October 2, 2018
All chapters have teasing scenes. While I'm ok with teasing episodes, too much of it slightly annoys me. In some ways it cheapens the story. But I like the tale despite of the teases. I'll simply ignore those.
April 23, 2019
A good plot with well conceived characters.
The gold formula an alpha male/heroe/spy and a damsel (somewhat strong but vulnerable) in distress and the birth of a everlasting love story.
A good historical, regency, ChicLit
The gold formula an alpha male/heroe/spy and a damsel (somewhat strong but vulnerable) in distress and the birth of a everlasting love story.
A good historical, regency, ChicLit
December 20, 2022
Wonderful
This new to me author definitely got my attention and in a hurry. This wonderful like novella showed m Mr the talents if this author, Shana Galen. I can't wait to read more of this series.
This new to me author definitely got my attention and in a hurry. This wonderful like novella showed m Mr the talents if this author, Shana Galen. I can't wait to read more of this series.
May 27, 2017
A spy named Blue
Loved to read about Blue in the other books. This story revealed a lot about the spy named Blue. Shana Galen has written some great stories!
Loved to read about Blue in the other books. This story revealed a lot about the spy named Blue. Shana Galen has written some great stories!
February 4, 2018
So happy to visit Blue again! I loved her Lord and Lady spy series, and even a quick jaunt back into the crew is a fun time.
April 29, 2019
A story about how Blue met his wife would have been preferable. However, his struggle with retirement isn't that bad a story
A nice short read.
A nice short read.
July 26, 2019
Muito bom rever o Blue e a Helena, esse casal maravilhoso que tem uma química off the charts. S2
October 9, 2019
Good but...
Way too short... very detailed and exciting romantic scenes. Bonde, Barron, Wolf, and Saint join forces to help Blue return
Way too short... very detailed and exciting romantic scenes. Bonde, Barron, Wolf, and Saint join forces to help Blue return
April 29, 2023
Love!
Short, sweet, romantic and very sensual! I can’t get enough of Blue! I wish there was more!! This was so good!
Short, sweet, romantic and very sensual! I can’t get enough of Blue! I wish there was more!! This was so good!
December 15, 2014
Rating 4.5 stars
Vikki’s Musings
I can always count on Shana Galen to bring me a tale of adventure and humor. All I Want for Christmas is Blue is another delightful story of daring and mischief. I just love these characters and it was so nice to have a chance to visit with them again.
Blue and Helena have settled into wedded bliss. While Helena pursues her operatic career, Blue spends his evenings watching his wife perform. Then the baron shows up wanting him to decipher a missive that had been intercepted. He is so tempted, but he has promised Helena he is done with the Barbican group for good. He refuses to help, but after the baron leaves, he feels the crackle of paper in his pocket.
Helena steps out of her dressing room, ready to go to the Christmas Eve ball at the Ely mansion, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Ely, Blue’s parents. Even though they were estranged, they had sent him an invitation, and he hopes that it means they are willing to finally accept his wife into the fold.
When they arrive at the ball, the duchess ignores Helena and pulls him away on the pretense of introducing him to an acquaintance. She pawns his wife off on one of his brothers, and proceeds to put him in a situation where he has to dance with one of the debutantes his mother had gathered around them.
Later in the evening, the duke and duchess corner Blue as he is having a disagreement with Helena over the missive. Helena rushes out of the library, leaving him with his parents. They present him with a document that would grant him an annulment, along with an ultimatum. Either he signs it, renouncing his marriage to Helena, or they will disown him, parting him from all his brother and sisters forever. Will Blue place family above his love for Helena, or will he turn his back on them for that love?
I thoroughly enjoyed this brief glimpse into Blue and Helena’s life. I feel like I got to know them well in The Spy Wore Blue. If you have not read it by the way, you really will want to read it first. As always, Ms. Galen gives me another emotionally charged tale that has high stakes for both characters. For such a short book, her character development is superb and her story line fulfilling. And of course, she gives me a great “Happily Ever After”, which I can always count on.
I also enjoyed getting a touch of the other amazing characters from the other books in this fun series. If have not read the other stories in Lord and Lady Spy series you are missing out! If you enjoy a story of adventure and a lot of action yet portrays a tender story of enduring love, then you will enjoy this new offering by Shana Galen. I know I certainly did. Happy reading!
Vikki’s Musings
I can always count on Shana Galen to bring me a tale of adventure and humor. All I Want for Christmas is Blue is another delightful story of daring and mischief. I just love these characters and it was so nice to have a chance to visit with them again.
Blue and Helena have settled into wedded bliss. While Helena pursues her operatic career, Blue spends his evenings watching his wife perform. Then the baron shows up wanting him to decipher a missive that had been intercepted. He is so tempted, but he has promised Helena he is done with the Barbican group for good. He refuses to help, but after the baron leaves, he feels the crackle of paper in his pocket.
Helena steps out of her dressing room, ready to go to the Christmas Eve ball at the Ely mansion, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Ely, Blue’s parents. Even though they were estranged, they had sent him an invitation, and he hopes that it means they are willing to finally accept his wife into the fold.
When they arrive at the ball, the duchess ignores Helena and pulls him away on the pretense of introducing him to an acquaintance. She pawns his wife off on one of his brothers, and proceeds to put him in a situation where he has to dance with one of the debutantes his mother had gathered around them.
Later in the evening, the duke and duchess corner Blue as he is having a disagreement with Helena over the missive. Helena rushes out of the library, leaving him with his parents. They present him with a document that would grant him an annulment, along with an ultimatum. Either he signs it, renouncing his marriage to Helena, or they will disown him, parting him from all his brother and sisters forever. Will Blue place family above his love for Helena, or will he turn his back on them for that love?
I thoroughly enjoyed this brief glimpse into Blue and Helena’s life. I feel like I got to know them well in The Spy Wore Blue. If you have not read it by the way, you really will want to read it first. As always, Ms. Galen gives me another emotionally charged tale that has high stakes for both characters. For such a short book, her character development is superb and her story line fulfilling. And of course, she gives me a great “Happily Ever After”, which I can always count on.
I also enjoyed getting a touch of the other amazing characters from the other books in this fun series. If have not read the other stories in Lord and Lady Spy series you are missing out! If you enjoy a story of adventure and a lot of action yet portrays a tender story of enduring love, then you will enjoy this new offering by Shana Galen. I know I certainly did. Happy reading!
December 24, 2014
This is a delightfully charming and fun holiday novella featuring the inimitable and sexy spy, Blue, and his lovely opera singer wife, Helena.
Though joyously reunited for the Christmas holidays, they must still navigate his aristocratic family’s snubs and Blue’s threatened return to the Barbican Group.
Husband and wife Helena and Blue were reunited in the novella, The Spy Wore Blue, After that story, Blue agreed to give up his spy work for the Barbican Group, a secret spy network dedicated to the Crown, and devote his energies to their marriage.
But while Helena pursues her operatic career, Blue is, well, bored. He misses being busy but he doesn’t want anything to jeopardize his marriage.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1AIbtXv
Though joyously reunited for the Christmas holidays, they must still navigate his aristocratic family’s snubs and Blue’s threatened return to the Barbican Group.
Husband and wife Helena and Blue were reunited in the novella, The Spy Wore Blue, After that story, Blue agreed to give up his spy work for the Barbican Group, a secret spy network dedicated to the Crown, and devote his energies to their marriage.
But while Helena pursues her operatic career, Blue is, well, bored. He misses being busy but he doesn’t want anything to jeopardize his marriage.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1AIbtXv
January 2, 2015
The splendid conclusion to one of my favourite series ever! Finally, we get to read more about the enigmatic Blue and his splendid wife. I find it remarkable that Ms. Galen put so much content in so few pages! A very sexy, sizzling, magnificently written romance story between two people who love each other so much that they are willing to sacrifice what they cherish the most! I have to admit I was stunned by the conclusion! Shana Galen never ceases to amaze me! ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS BLUE is very short and yet there is so much material, it might as well be a full book! What a perfectly lovely Christmas read, although it did leave me teary-eyed on two accounts. And dare I hope that it might possibly be not completely over … Simply wonderful!
September 11, 2018
I am in love with Blue. Blue is his code name for a group of men and women who spy for the Crown. He is no longer an active member because he loves his wife Helena, an opera singer in Convent Gardens, and she does not want him back in the war. Blue aka Lord Earnest is one of the younger sons of the Duke of Ely. His powerful parents have never accepted his wife or his marriage of six years. Blue still has hope. An invitation with a personal note take him to his parent's Christmas ball. Of course he takes his wife.
December 13, 2014
This was a great little addition to Shana Galen's Lord and Lady Spy series. I loved getting another peek into Blue's life and seeing how he and his wife, Helena, were doing after he won her back in the novella, The Spy Wore Blue.
All I Want For Christmas is Blue, while only 6 chapters, was a fun,quick read and perfect to get you into the holiday mood. It has all the humor and great love scenes that make this series one of my favorites. I enjoyed this story immensely and loved getting to see a few of the other characters from the series
All I Want For Christmas is Blue, while only 6 chapters, was a fun,quick read and perfect to get you into the holiday mood. It has all the humor and great love scenes that make this series one of my favorites. I enjoyed this story immensely and loved getting to see a few of the other characters from the series
December 30, 2014
It's Christmastime and Lord and Lady Blue are going to his parents' Christmas Eve Ball. Still disapproving of their son's marriage to an opera singer, it's sure to be a tense evening. Furthermore, the Barbican wants him to come out of retirement to decode a message for them. With secrets and tensions swirling all around, can Blue stay true to his wife and himself at Christmas?
This charming story will keep you reading right through to the very end. Filled with characters from previous stories who pop in at the most unexpected times, Lord and Lady Blue have their hands full.
This charming story will keep you reading right through to the very end. Filled with characters from previous stories who pop in at the most unexpected times, Lord and Lady Blue have their hands full.
May 28, 2016
I’m so glad Shana Galen gave Blue this second novella to complete his story. He’s one of my fav’s of the Lord and Lady Spy series. You gotta love a handsome guy who wears colorful velvet coats, and fine linen shirts with lace sleeves, even if they are a bit out of style. And a man who loves his wife, Helena, so much that he walked away from his service to the Crown for her. When his old friends coerce a little help from him, the conflict of career versus relationship must be satisfied once and for all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews