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Author : Cindy Anstey
Genre : YA historical fiction, contemporary
Release Date : April 19th, 2015
Publisher : Swoon Reads
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Juliana Telford is not your average nineteenth-century young lady. She’s much more interested in researching ladybugs than marriage, fashionable dresses, or dances. So when her father sends her to London for a season, she’s determined not to form any attachments. Instead, she plans to secretly publish their research.
Spencer Northam is not the average young gentleman of leisure he appears. He is actually a spy for the War Office, and is more focused on acing his first mission than meeting eligible ladies. Fortunately, Juliana feels the same, and they agree to pretend to fall for each other. Spencer can finally focus, until he is tasked with observing Juliana’s traveling companions . . . and Juliana herself.
It's no secret that I love historical fiction, though for some reasons I haven't read many historical fiction (I watched a lot of historical fiction, though!). So when Swoon Reads announced that they're going to publish this book, I just knew that I'm going to love it. And of course, my prediction is right. Also, bonus points for the gorgeous cover!
So basically, this book is about Juliana Telford, who is more interested in ladybugs than finding someone to marry. When her family send her to London for the Season, she's not happy, but she decide to use this chance to publish their research. Before she go to London, though, she met Spencer Northam, who is a spy for the War Office. Spencer is also not interested in marriage, so they decide to start this 'fake relationship' to avoid other gentlemen and ladies who's interested in them. And just like other fake relationship, it blossoms to something more.
Juliana might be not interested in marriage, but that doesn't mean she's that kind of badass girl who broke all the rules. She's actually pretty similar to girls in 19th century (you know, polite and kind) and in constant need of a knight in shining armor. That doesn't make me think that she's weak though, since it's something very common back then (and it makes this book more swoony!). Spencer is also like the usual gentlemen in 19th century, except the fact that he's a spy who is tasked to spy Juliana's travelling companion, the Pyebalds. I adore Spencer, and the way he kept saving Juliana from dangerous situation make him more adorable!
As one expected from Swoon Reads book, the romance is very swoony and very cute. From the moment Spencer and Juliana met (in which Spencer saves Juliana who's hanging on the edge of a cliff) I already ship them. I was slightly afraid that there will be insta-love since it's very common back then, but there isn't any. In fact, while reading this book, I want them to just kiss already and admit the love each other!
Love, Lies and Spies is definitely a light and adorable read. There aren't many actions in this book (well, not as many as I expected from a book with a spy character). The secondary characters are pretty great too (I love Juliana's father, Mr. Reeves, and Juliana's cousin Carrie. The Pyebalds, on the other hand, is one fucked up family). Will I recommend this? Of course! And I definitely will read more Cindy's book in the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French.
Cindy loves history, mystery and… a chocolate Labrador called Chester. Love, Lies and Spies is her debut novel.
GIVEAWAY
Thanks for your review! I've been wanting to read this since I've first saw the cover!! LOL! Thanks!
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