Anne here, and today I have the very great pleasure of interviewing Mary Jo about her new book, just published, ONCE A SPY, the fourth book in her "Rogues Redeemed" series. I thoroughly enjoyed it — so much so that I ripped through it the first time, just to gobble up the story, then had to read it again. 
It's getting some lovely —and well deserved — reviews. Publisher's Weekly said: "Putney’s dramatic historical is filled with scintillating romance and tense danger."
Kirkus reviews called it "equal parts adventure and romance."
Reviewer Barbara Rogers said:"I loved that this book wasn’t about insta-lust. I loved that the love and intimacy grew over time until they were both ready for it. That made the romance so very believable."
ONCE A SPY is about a Frenchwoman, Suzanne, the young widowed Comptesse de Charbon, and Simon Charbon, half French, half English, her late husband's cousin.
When the story opens, Suzanne is living in a boarding house in a poor part of London, trying to earn a living by sewing. Simon, having heard from a friend that his late cousin's widow, a woman he'd heard was dead, is now living in London, calls on her. And in a very short time he proposes marriage — a marriage of friendship and companionship.
Both hero and heroine are worn down by their experiences, and believe any sexual life is behind them, Simon because he's tired and disillusioned by years at war, and Suzanne, because after a brief, unhappy marriage, she was captured by corsairs and sold into a Turkish harem, where her experiences have put her off sex for life.
Readers might remember Suzanne from Once A Scoundrel where she helped to rescue the heroine, Lady Aurora Lawrence, from the harem in which they were both imprisoned.
Anne: Mary Jo, Suzanne has been through so much, and yet she does not come across as a victim. What qualities do you admire in Suzanne?
Mary Jo: She's so very resilient. Rather than curling up in a ball and bewailing her fate, she makes the best of what life sends her—and also has the courage to take chances. In Once a Scoundrel, she took the risk of freedom, and in Once a Spy, she has the courage to marry a near stranger.
Anne: As for Simon, I think readers will fall in love with him for his patience and kindness, as well as his cool-headed courage. Tell us about Simon.
Mary Jo: He first appeared in Once a Soldier, Rogues Redeemed #1, when he is one of five men imprisoned in a cellar in Portugal and condemned to be shot at dawn.. The other four men are British and Simon claims to be a French royalist. The men work together through the night and bond in the process, making a pact to keep in touch and get together if they survive the wars. That's the premise of this series. 
But Simon has been enigmatic up until now. He was in the cellar, then appears later in that book as a British intelligence officer. Now, finally, it's his turn in the spotlight. When we first meet him, he's selling out of the army after Napoleon's abdication. He's exhausted to the bone and lonely, with little surviving family. Then he finds Suzanne, whom he met when she was a very young bride marrying Simon's cousin. They liked each other but were going on different paths. Now when they meet up, it's different, and in her he sees the remedy for his loneliness.
One of the things I like best about their relationship is how they're always honest with each other. They're mature and have seen a great deal of life, and they both realize that their marriage needs honesty if it is to have a chance to succeed.
Anne: Amelia from Goodreads (who gave it a 5 star rating) said: "While many storylines with a Regency setting are centered on attending balls and staying respectable, the fourth book in the Rogues Redeemed series is focused on relationship challenges and political turmoil." That was a good description, because the novel really has two storylines — the unfolding story of two friends healing each other's wounds and falling in love, and the action-packed story of spies, Napoleon's escape from Elba, the search for a long-lost relative, and . . . Waterloo.
What challenges did you face in weaving these very different threads together?
Mary Jo: About the same as any book where one is weaving the romance and the plotline together! In this case, the research on intelligence gathering during Napoleon's Hundred Days and the march to Waterloo was very complex. In an earlier book, Shattered Rainbows, I did a head on approach to Waterloo, from the social life of Brussels to the battlefield and beyond.
The timeline of the Rogues Redeemed series had brought me to Waterloo again, but I couldn't do another book centered on the actual battle. Since Simon had been an intelligence officer, it made sense for him to be involved on the spying end. (And no, I wasn't planning that from the beginning of the series! I'm not that organized. <G>)
Waterloo and the events around it are very well documented, so I did a lot of reading to find bits and pieces that would fit into Simon and Suzanne's story. I did find some very good bits, but you're right that it was complicated weaving them into their story.
Anne: I really enjoyed learning that part of the history. I liked the historical notes at the end, too. You wove in a number of other threads to the rich tapestry of the story — which did you enjoy most?
Mary Jo: There ended up being family issues for both of them, which again, I hadn't planned, but I think they enriched the characters and the stories. And there was a cat, of course. Little Leo is a young gray tabby who attaches himself to Suzanne (almost literally!) He's my Smokey, who also appeared under the name Sombre (Shadow) in Once a Soldier. He's living a full vicarious life. <G>
Anne: Yes, cats have that tendency. I really liked the way the family issues were resolved, too.
Could you give us a little taste of ONCE A SPY please?
Mary Jo: Here's a snippet from the first chapter, when Simon and Suzanne first meet up"
"Very prudent of your mother and her family." She cocked her head to one side. "Are you here only to look up a distant family connection? Perhaps you are bored now that you've sold out of the army?"
"Not bored, though I am rather at loose ends," he admitted. "But as soon as Hawkins mentioned you, I wanted to see if you were the right Suzanne Duval, and if so, to learn how you are faring."
Mr. Potter returned, a tea tray in hand. The tray was dented pewter and there was a chip in the spout of the teapot, but her landlord presented the refreshments with the air of a duke's butler. There was also a dish of shortbread.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter!" Suzanne said warmly. "You and your wife have outdone yourselves."
"The pleasure is ours, my lady." He inclined his head and withdrew from the room.
"My lady?" Simon asked as she poured tea for them. "He knows that you're an aristocrat?"
"He was just being polite, though you might have changed that." She sipped her tea, then offered him the shortbread. "Have a piece. Mrs. Potter is a wonderful baker."
He followed her advice and murmured appreciatively after he bit into it. "She is, and she doesn't stint on the butter." He finished his tea in a long swallow and set the cup down with a clink. "I wonder if I might find old friends or relations in the émigré community. Have you found your compatriots welcoming even though your relatives have returned to France?"
Her mouth twisted. "The grand émigrés in Soho will have nothing to do with a woman who was a whore in Turkey."
He winced. "Surely no one said such an appalling thing!"
"The aristocratic ladies did. Their husbands tried to corner me in empty rooms," she said tartly. "I decided I would be safer among my more humble countrymen here in St. Pancras."
He bit off a curse. "You deserve so much better than this, Suzanne!"
She sighed. "If there is one thing I have learned, it's that no one 'deserves' anything more than the right to struggle for survival. I'd rather be here altering gowns in a cold room than living in luxury in a Turkish harem and wondering which night might be my last, so I think I am doing well." She raised her teacup in a mock toast. "Will you drink to my survival, Simon?"
"I can do more than that," he said, his gaze intense. "Marry me, Suzanne."
Anne: Lovely. It's a surprise proposal, that's for sure, but Suzanne didn't exactly jump at the chance to snag a rich husband, which made me like her all the more. And thus the adventure begins . . .
Mary Jo also has a novella that's out today. Seduction on a Snowy Night is a trio of Christmas novellas, with Madeline Hunter and Sabrina Jeffreys. Kirkus reviews said: "One Wicked Winter Night by Putney (Once a Spy, 2019, etc.) is, by far, the standout of this trio, with a lovely second-chance romance as lovers reunite at a magical costume ball."
Mary Jo will be giving away a copy of Once A Spy to someone who leaves a comment, or answers these questions: Do you like friends-to-lovers stories? What do you like (or dislike) about them?
Yes, I love stories where intimacy is more important than the physical aspect of love. It works with a mature couple such as Simon and Suzanne, not so much within other common Regency tropes. I’m loving how desire is waking in Simon and he’s taking it very easy with her while she recoils at the thought of sex. As he tenderly held her after her nightmare on their wedding night made me take Simon into my heart.
Yes, I love stories where intimacy is more important than the physical aspect of love. It works with a mature couple such as Simon and Suzanne, not so much within other common Regency tropes. I’m loving how desire is waking in Simon and he’s taking it very easy with her while she recoils at the thought of sex. As he tenderly held her after her nightmare on their wedding night made me take Simon into my heart.
Yes, I love stories where intimacy is more important than the physical aspect of love. It works with a mature couple such as Simon and Suzanne, not so much within other common Regency tropes. I’m loving how desire is waking in Simon and he’s taking it very easy with her while she recoils at the thought of sex. As he tenderly held her after her nightmare on their wedding night made me take Simon into my heart.
Yes, I love stories where intimacy is more important than the physical aspect of love. It works with a mature couple such as Simon and Suzanne, not so much within other common Regency tropes. I’m loving how desire is waking in Simon and he’s taking it very easy with her while she recoils at the thought of sex. As he tenderly held her after her nightmare on their wedding night made me take Simon into my heart.
Yes, I love stories where intimacy is more important than the physical aspect of love. It works with a mature couple such as Simon and Suzanne, not so much within other common Regency tropes. I’m loving how desire is waking in Simon and he’s taking it very easy with her while she recoils at the thought of sex. As he tenderly held her after her nightmare on their wedding night made me take Simon into my heart.
I have always liked “marriage of convenience” stories and this one was one of the nicest. Getting married and getting to know each other and then falling in love, is so much nicer than falling in love and being disappointed in marriage, I think.
I have always liked “marriage of convenience” stories and this one was one of the nicest. Getting married and getting to know each other and then falling in love, is so much nicer than falling in love and being disappointed in marriage, I think.
I have always liked “marriage of convenience” stories and this one was one of the nicest. Getting married and getting to know each other and then falling in love, is so much nicer than falling in love and being disappointed in marriage, I think.
I have always liked “marriage of convenience” stories and this one was one of the nicest. Getting married and getting to know each other and then falling in love, is so much nicer than falling in love and being disappointed in marriage, I think.
I have always liked “marriage of convenience” stories and this one was one of the nicest. Getting married and getting to know each other and then falling in love, is so much nicer than falling in love and being disappointed in marriage, I think.
I love friends-to-lovers stories. I enjoy seeing friendship blossoming into a loving relationship that goes beyond friendship. Once A Scoundrel was my first Mary Jo Putney book, and I had to get the other two of the Rogues Redeemed. They then led me to the Lost Lords series. Like chocolates, I cannot get enough! Each book contains a perfect balance of history, romance, and dangers. I am looking forward in reading Once A Spy.
I love friends-to-lovers stories. I enjoy seeing friendship blossoming into a loving relationship that goes beyond friendship. Once A Scoundrel was my first Mary Jo Putney book, and I had to get the other two of the Rogues Redeemed. They then led me to the Lost Lords series. Like chocolates, I cannot get enough! Each book contains a perfect balance of history, romance, and dangers. I am looking forward in reading Once A Spy.
I love friends-to-lovers stories. I enjoy seeing friendship blossoming into a loving relationship that goes beyond friendship. Once A Scoundrel was my first Mary Jo Putney book, and I had to get the other two of the Rogues Redeemed. They then led me to the Lost Lords series. Like chocolates, I cannot get enough! Each book contains a perfect balance of history, romance, and dangers. I am looking forward in reading Once A Spy.
I love friends-to-lovers stories. I enjoy seeing friendship blossoming into a loving relationship that goes beyond friendship. Once A Scoundrel was my first Mary Jo Putney book, and I had to get the other two of the Rogues Redeemed. They then led me to the Lost Lords series. Like chocolates, I cannot get enough! Each book contains a perfect balance of history, romance, and dangers. I am looking forward in reading Once A Spy.
I love friends-to-lovers stories. I enjoy seeing friendship blossoming into a loving relationship that goes beyond friendship. Once A Scoundrel was my first Mary Jo Putney book, and I had to get the other two of the Rogues Redeemed. They then led me to the Lost Lords series. Like chocolates, I cannot get enough! Each book contains a perfect balance of history, romance, and dangers. I am looking forward in reading Once A Spy.
I have ordered “Once A Spy” and “Snowy Night”, anxiously awaiting their arrival. Each day I find myself at the mailbox, thinking are you here yet?? I have been a reader all my life, from children’s books to Gone With the Wind when I was 11. My kid brother and nephew would pester me to come play with them when I was hiding in the top of the apple tree with my book!! Books have always been my friends to the point at one time I had five (5) bookcases full of books. My husband finally complained about moving all those books when we moved to another house – LOL.
I have ordered “Once A Spy” and “Snowy Night”, anxiously awaiting their arrival. Each day I find myself at the mailbox, thinking are you here yet?? I have been a reader all my life, from children’s books to Gone With the Wind when I was 11. My kid brother and nephew would pester me to come play with them when I was hiding in the top of the apple tree with my book!! Books have always been my friends to the point at one time I had five (5) bookcases full of books. My husband finally complained about moving all those books when we moved to another house – LOL.
I have ordered “Once A Spy” and “Snowy Night”, anxiously awaiting their arrival. Each day I find myself at the mailbox, thinking are you here yet?? I have been a reader all my life, from children’s books to Gone With the Wind when I was 11. My kid brother and nephew would pester me to come play with them when I was hiding in the top of the apple tree with my book!! Books have always been my friends to the point at one time I had five (5) bookcases full of books. My husband finally complained about moving all those books when we moved to another house – LOL.
I have ordered “Once A Spy” and “Snowy Night”, anxiously awaiting their arrival. Each day I find myself at the mailbox, thinking are you here yet?? I have been a reader all my life, from children’s books to Gone With the Wind when I was 11. My kid brother and nephew would pester me to come play with them when I was hiding in the top of the apple tree with my book!! Books have always been my friends to the point at one time I had five (5) bookcases full of books. My husband finally complained about moving all those books when we moved to another house – LOL.
I have ordered “Once A Spy” and “Snowy Night”, anxiously awaiting their arrival. Each day I find myself at the mailbox, thinking are you here yet?? I have been a reader all my life, from children’s books to Gone With the Wind when I was 11. My kid brother and nephew would pester me to come play with them when I was hiding in the top of the apple tree with my book!! Books have always been my friends to the point at one time I had five (5) bookcases full of books. My husband finally complained about moving all those books when we moved to another house – LOL.
Pamela DG, wasn’t Simon a sweetheart? Just what Suzanne needed. Their experiences have given each of them a great deal of understanding and acceptance.
Pamela DG, wasn’t Simon a sweetheart? Just what Suzanne needed. Their experiences have given each of them a great deal of understanding and acceptance.
Pamela DG, wasn’t Simon a sweetheart? Just what Suzanne needed. Their experiences have given each of them a great deal of understanding and acceptance.
Pamela DG, wasn’t Simon a sweetheart? Just what Suzanne needed. Their experiences have given each of them a great deal of understanding and acceptance.
Pamela DG, wasn’t Simon a sweetheart? Just what Suzanne needed. Their experiences have given each of them a great deal of understanding and acceptance.
Beverly, I think it helped that they both married with rather low expectations–companionship and kindness. So they get to enjoy when so much more develops.
Beverly, I think it helped that they both married with rather low expectations–companionship and kindness. So they get to enjoy when so much more develops.
Beverly, I think it helped that they both married with rather low expectations–companionship and kindness. So they get to enjoy when so much more develops.
Beverly, I think it helped that they both married with rather low expectations–companionship and kindness. So they get to enjoy when so much more develops.
Beverly, I think it helped that they both married with rather low expectations–companionship and kindness. So they get to enjoy when so much more develops.
Thanks for the kind words, Karen H! It’s a high honor to be compared to chocolate. *G*
Thanks for the kind words, Karen H! It’s a high honor to be compared to chocolate. *G*
Thanks for the kind words, Karen H! It’s a high honor to be compared to chocolate. *G*
Thanks for the kind words, Karen H! It’s a high honor to be compared to chocolate. *G*
Thanks for the kind words, Karen H! It’s a high honor to be compared to chocolate. *G*
Lola, I was also the one hiding away with my books! I hope the books you ordered show up today. Yes, moving a library is a lot of work, but how can we part with our books?????
Lola, I was also the one hiding away with my books! I hope the books you ordered show up today. Yes, moving a library is a lot of work, but how can we part with our books?????
Lola, I was also the one hiding away with my books! I hope the books you ordered show up today. Yes, moving a library is a lot of work, but how can we part with our books?????
Lola, I was also the one hiding away with my books! I hope the books you ordered show up today. Yes, moving a library is a lot of work, but how can we part with our books?????
Lola, I was also the one hiding away with my books! I hope the books you ordered show up today. Yes, moving a library is a lot of work, but how can we part with our books?????
I do like friends-to-lovers stories (along with a host of other types is stories). I like the fact that the friends already have a history together when the story begins. (Don’t enter me in the drawing. I won a copy in a GoodReads drawing that is on its way.)
I do like friends-to-lovers stories (along with a host of other types is stories). I like the fact that the friends already have a history together when the story begins. (Don’t enter me in the drawing. I won a copy in a GoodReads drawing that is on its way.)
I do like friends-to-lovers stories (along with a host of other types is stories). I like the fact that the friends already have a history together when the story begins. (Don’t enter me in the drawing. I won a copy in a GoodReads drawing that is on its way.)
I do like friends-to-lovers stories (along with a host of other types is stories). I like the fact that the friends already have a history together when the story begins. (Don’t enter me in the drawing. I won a copy in a GoodReads drawing that is on its way.)
I do like friends-to-lovers stories (along with a host of other types is stories). I like the fact that the friends already have a history together when the story begins. (Don’t enter me in the drawing. I won a copy in a GoodReads drawing that is on its way.)
Congratulations on winning a copy already, Kareni! I agree that Simon and Suzanne needed that bit of shared history. It hadn’t been for very long, but enough to establish a connection that they could build on.
Congratulations on winning a copy already, Kareni! I agree that Simon and Suzanne needed that bit of shared history. It hadn’t been for very long, but enough to establish a connection that they could build on.
Congratulations on winning a copy already, Kareni! I agree that Simon and Suzanne needed that bit of shared history. It hadn’t been for very long, but enough to establish a connection that they could build on.
Congratulations on winning a copy already, Kareni! I agree that Simon and Suzanne needed that bit of shared history. It hadn’t been for very long, but enough to establish a connection that they could build on.
Congratulations on winning a copy already, Kareni! I agree that Simon and Suzanne needed that bit of shared history. It hadn’t been for very long, but enough to establish a connection that they could build on.
I too am anxiously awaiting my book to arrive in my mailbox. I keep looking to see if it has even shipped yet! Much less arrive in my mailbox.
Both Simon and Suzanne have intrigued me since they first appeared in the various books. What fun that they end up with a HEA together.
Convenient marriages in the right hands are really fun books so I’m looking forward to this one after all the rave reviews.
I too am anxiously awaiting my book to arrive in my mailbox. I keep looking to see if it has even shipped yet! Much less arrive in my mailbox.
Both Simon and Suzanne have intrigued me since they first appeared in the various books. What fun that they end up with a HEA together.
Convenient marriages in the right hands are really fun books so I’m looking forward to this one after all the rave reviews.
I too am anxiously awaiting my book to arrive in my mailbox. I keep looking to see if it has even shipped yet! Much less arrive in my mailbox.
Both Simon and Suzanne have intrigued me since they first appeared in the various books. What fun that they end up with a HEA together.
Convenient marriages in the right hands are really fun books so I’m looking forward to this one after all the rave reviews.
I too am anxiously awaiting my book to arrive in my mailbox. I keep looking to see if it has even shipped yet! Much less arrive in my mailbox.
Both Simon and Suzanne have intrigued me since they first appeared in the various books. What fun that they end up with a HEA together.
Convenient marriages in the right hands are really fun books so I’m looking forward to this one after all the rave reviews.
I too am anxiously awaiting my book to arrive in my mailbox. I keep looking to see if it has even shipped yet! Much less arrive in my mailbox.
Both Simon and Suzanne have intrigued me since they first appeared in the various books. What fun that they end up with a HEA together.
Convenient marriages in the right hands are really fun books so I’m looking forward to this one after all the rave reviews.
Vicki L, I hope you enjoy it like the rave reviewers! I enjoyed the way their relationship worked out– rather different from any couple I’ve done before.
Vicki L, I hope you enjoy it like the rave reviewers! I enjoyed the way their relationship worked out– rather different from any couple I’ve done before.
Vicki L, I hope you enjoy it like the rave reviewers! I enjoyed the way their relationship worked out– rather different from any couple I’ve done before.
Vicki L, I hope you enjoy it like the rave reviewers! I enjoyed the way their relationship worked out– rather different from any couple I’ve done before.
Vicki L, I hope you enjoy it like the rave reviewers! I enjoyed the way their relationship worked out– rather different from any couple I’ve done before.
Yes I definitely enjoy friends to lovers stories. I like the surprise of the newly developed feelings. Also because they already have a history and know each others moods and personalities it’s harder to BS each other and easier to build on that trust that’s already there.
Yes I definitely enjoy friends to lovers stories. I like the surprise of the newly developed feelings. Also because they already have a history and know each others moods and personalities it’s harder to BS each other and easier to build on that trust that’s already there.
Yes I definitely enjoy friends to lovers stories. I like the surprise of the newly developed feelings. Also because they already have a history and know each others moods and personalities it’s harder to BS each other and easier to build on that trust that’s already there.
Yes I definitely enjoy friends to lovers stories. I like the surprise of the newly developed feelings. Also because they already have a history and know each others moods and personalities it’s harder to BS each other and easier to build on that trust that’s already there.
Yes I definitely enjoy friends to lovers stories. I like the surprise of the newly developed feelings. Also because they already have a history and know each others moods and personalities it’s harder to BS each other and easier to build on that trust that’s already there.
Honestly, I don’t care if the story’s friends to lovers or enemies to lovers or anything else for that matter. What I do love, Mary Jo, is your writing and the way you make your characters come alive. Put me in the running for Once a Spy, and kiss Smokey for me.
Honestly, I don’t care if the story’s friends to lovers or enemies to lovers or anything else for that matter. What I do love, Mary Jo, is your writing and the way you make your characters come alive. Put me in the running for Once a Spy, and kiss Smokey for me.
Honestly, I don’t care if the story’s friends to lovers or enemies to lovers or anything else for that matter. What I do love, Mary Jo, is your writing and the way you make your characters come alive. Put me in the running for Once a Spy, and kiss Smokey for me.
Honestly, I don’t care if the story’s friends to lovers or enemies to lovers or anything else for that matter. What I do love, Mary Jo, is your writing and the way you make your characters come alive. Put me in the running for Once a Spy, and kiss Smokey for me.
Honestly, I don’t care if the story’s friends to lovers or enemies to lovers or anything else for that matter. What I do love, Mary Jo, is your writing and the way you make your characters come alive. Put me in the running for Once a Spy, and kiss Smokey for me.
Absolutely – I think all couples should be friends, and having them start that way just moves us along in the story so they can tackle any problems together.
Absolutely – I think all couples should be friends, and having them start that way just moves us along in the story so they can tackle any problems together.
Absolutely – I think all couples should be friends, and having them start that way just moves us along in the story so they can tackle any problems together.
Absolutely – I think all couples should be friends, and having them start that way just moves us along in the story so they can tackle any problems together.
Absolutely – I think all couples should be friends, and having them start that way just moves us along in the story so they can tackle any problems together.
I had to think about this question for a while. Why do I keep coming back to the Regency genre and other “romance” novels so frequently? It’s not for the romance, per se. It’s for the interesting individual characters and their interactions in uusual situations. (Along with the industrial revolution, the Napoleanic wars, the sociological boundaries, the burgeoning science and arts … but I digress.) Mature people are capable of solving dilemmas without hormones derailing them. They can move from being friends or frenemies to an intimate relationship while testing each other and cooperating, sometimes reluctantly. Extra points for cross-purposes that get ironed out along the way. So yes, I like nicely paced friends-to-lovers stories. I also like quirky and funny, in either the H and h, or at least in the side characters. Mozart had the right idea in The Magic Flute.
I had to think about this question for a while. Why do I keep coming back to the Regency genre and other “romance” novels so frequently? It’s not for the romance, per se. It’s for the interesting individual characters and their interactions in uusual situations. (Along with the industrial revolution, the Napoleanic wars, the sociological boundaries, the burgeoning science and arts … but I digress.) Mature people are capable of solving dilemmas without hormones derailing them. They can move from being friends or frenemies to an intimate relationship while testing each other and cooperating, sometimes reluctantly. Extra points for cross-purposes that get ironed out along the way. So yes, I like nicely paced friends-to-lovers stories. I also like quirky and funny, in either the H and h, or at least in the side characters. Mozart had the right idea in The Magic Flute.
I had to think about this question for a while. Why do I keep coming back to the Regency genre and other “romance” novels so frequently? It’s not for the romance, per se. It’s for the interesting individual characters and their interactions in uusual situations. (Along with the industrial revolution, the Napoleanic wars, the sociological boundaries, the burgeoning science and arts … but I digress.) Mature people are capable of solving dilemmas without hormones derailing them. They can move from being friends or frenemies to an intimate relationship while testing each other and cooperating, sometimes reluctantly. Extra points for cross-purposes that get ironed out along the way. So yes, I like nicely paced friends-to-lovers stories. I also like quirky and funny, in either the H and h, or at least in the side characters. Mozart had the right idea in The Magic Flute.
I had to think about this question for a while. Why do I keep coming back to the Regency genre and other “romance” novels so frequently? It’s not for the romance, per se. It’s for the interesting individual characters and their interactions in uusual situations. (Along with the industrial revolution, the Napoleanic wars, the sociological boundaries, the burgeoning science and arts … but I digress.) Mature people are capable of solving dilemmas without hormones derailing them. They can move from being friends or frenemies to an intimate relationship while testing each other and cooperating, sometimes reluctantly. Extra points for cross-purposes that get ironed out along the way. So yes, I like nicely paced friends-to-lovers stories. I also like quirky and funny, in either the H and h, or at least in the side characters. Mozart had the right idea in The Magic Flute.
I had to think about this question for a while. Why do I keep coming back to the Regency genre and other “romance” novels so frequently? It’s not for the romance, per se. It’s for the interesting individual characters and their interactions in uusual situations. (Along with the industrial revolution, the Napoleanic wars, the sociological boundaries, the burgeoning science and arts … but I digress.) Mature people are capable of solving dilemmas without hormones derailing them. They can move from being friends or frenemies to an intimate relationship while testing each other and cooperating, sometimes reluctantly. Extra points for cross-purposes that get ironed out along the way. So yes, I like nicely paced friends-to-lovers stories. I also like quirky and funny, in either the H and h, or at least in the side characters. Mozart had the right idea in The Magic Flute.
About moving libraries: When we moved to the NYC area in 1982, we showed out book cases to the mover and called it to his special attention. I don’t think he believed us! He was very irritated by the lowed by the time the truck arrived in New Jersey.
Seven years later when we returned to Missouri, we packed the books into boxes BEFORE we called the mover. All he saw were the boxes. The move went MUCH better.
About moving libraries: When we moved to the NYC area in 1982, we showed out book cases to the mover and called it to his special attention. I don’t think he believed us! He was very irritated by the lowed by the time the truck arrived in New Jersey.
Seven years later when we returned to Missouri, we packed the books into boxes BEFORE we called the mover. All he saw were the boxes. The move went MUCH better.
About moving libraries: When we moved to the NYC area in 1982, we showed out book cases to the mover and called it to his special attention. I don’t think he believed us! He was very irritated by the lowed by the time the truck arrived in New Jersey.
Seven years later when we returned to Missouri, we packed the books into boxes BEFORE we called the mover. All he saw were the boxes. The move went MUCH better.
About moving libraries: When we moved to the NYC area in 1982, we showed out book cases to the mover and called it to his special attention. I don’t think he believed us! He was very irritated by the lowed by the time the truck arrived in New Jersey.
Seven years later when we returned to Missouri, we packed the books into boxes BEFORE we called the mover. All he saw were the boxes. The move went MUCH better.
About moving libraries: When we moved to the NYC area in 1982, we showed out book cases to the mover and called it to his special attention. I don’t think he believed us! He was very irritated by the lowed by the time the truck arrived in New Jersey.
Seven years later when we returned to Missouri, we packed the books into boxes BEFORE we called the mover. All he saw were the boxes. The move went MUCH better.
I downloaded Once a Spy yesterday and finished it the same day. (As I had two more new books on my reader, I haven’t yet gone back for my reread – but I’m looking forward to that.
All the things that I have liked about it have already been mentioned. I agree with all the other readers here.
I downloaded Once a Spy yesterday and finished it the same day. (As I had two more new books on my reader, I haven’t yet gone back for my reread – but I’m looking forward to that.
All the things that I have liked about it have already been mentioned. I agree with all the other readers here.
I downloaded Once a Spy yesterday and finished it the same day. (As I had two more new books on my reader, I haven’t yet gone back for my reread – but I’m looking forward to that.
All the things that I have liked about it have already been mentioned. I agree with all the other readers here.
I downloaded Once a Spy yesterday and finished it the same day. (As I had two more new books on my reader, I haven’t yet gone back for my reread – but I’m looking forward to that.
All the things that I have liked about it have already been mentioned. I agree with all the other readers here.
I downloaded Once a Spy yesterday and finished it the same day. (As I had two more new books on my reader, I haven’t yet gone back for my reread – but I’m looking forward to that.
All the things that I have liked about it have already been mentioned. I agree with all the other readers here.
I’m not wild about friends to lovers per se, but I do gobble up any sort of marriage of convenience story. And very often those do involve the couple becoming friends before they are lovers, which is lovely. And I also love historicals that get away from Mayfair and the ballrooms.
I’m not wild about friends to lovers per se, but I do gobble up any sort of marriage of convenience story. And very often those do involve the couple becoming friends before they are lovers, which is lovely. And I also love historicals that get away from Mayfair and the ballrooms.
I’m not wild about friends to lovers per se, but I do gobble up any sort of marriage of convenience story. And very often those do involve the couple becoming friends before they are lovers, which is lovely. And I also love historicals that get away from Mayfair and the ballrooms.
I’m not wild about friends to lovers per se, but I do gobble up any sort of marriage of convenience story. And very often those do involve the couple becoming friends before they are lovers, which is lovely. And I also love historicals that get away from Mayfair and the ballrooms.
I’m not wild about friends to lovers per se, but I do gobble up any sort of marriage of convenience story. And very often those do involve the couple becoming friends before they are lovers, which is lovely. And I also love historicals that get away from Mayfair and the ballrooms.
Yes, I do like friends to lovers books and am looking forward to the arrival of my copy of “Seduction”. Thank you for all your stories. Hugs, Jenny
Yes, I do like friends to lovers books and am looking forward to the arrival of my copy of “Seduction”. Thank you for all your stories. Hugs, Jenny
Yes, I do like friends to lovers books and am looking forward to the arrival of my copy of “Seduction”. Thank you for all your stories. Hugs, Jenny
Yes, I do like friends to lovers books and am looking forward to the arrival of my copy of “Seduction”. Thank you for all your stories. Hugs, Jenny
Yes, I do like friends to lovers books and am looking forward to the arrival of my copy of “Seduction”. Thank you for all your stories. Hugs, Jenny
Elf, Smokey and I both thank you for the kind words!
Elf, Smokey and I both thank you for the kind words!
Elf, Smokey and I both thank you for the kind words!
Elf, Smokey and I both thank you for the kind words!
Elf, Smokey and I both thank you for the kind words!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Sue! I hope you enjoy the other two books equally. One can never have too many good books! Though movers might not agree. *G*
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Sue! I hope you enjoy the other two books equally. One can never have too many good books! Though movers might not agree. *G*
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Sue! I hope you enjoy the other two books equally. One can never have too many good books! Though movers might not agree. *G*
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Sue! I hope you enjoy the other two books equally. One can never have too many good books! Though movers might not agree. *G*
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Sue! I hope you enjoy the other two books equally. One can never have too many good books! Though movers might not agree. *G*
Diane, I much prefer characters who are on the same page rather than fighting over silly stuff. That leaves space for them to deal with real issues, as you say.
Diane, I much prefer characters who are on the same page rather than fighting over silly stuff. That leaves space for them to deal with real issues, as you say.
Diane, I much prefer characters who are on the same page rather than fighting over silly stuff. That leaves space for them to deal with real issues, as you say.
Diane, I much prefer characters who are on the same page rather than fighting over silly stuff. That leaves space for them to deal with real issues, as you say.
Diane, I much prefer characters who are on the same page rather than fighting over silly stuff. That leaves space for them to deal with real issues, as you say.
Mary M, I’m with you on what makes the Regency era so good to write in. Though the romance grows out of the storyline and setting, the emotions involved are universal.
Mary M, I’m with you on what makes the Regency era so good to write in. Though the romance grows out of the storyline and setting, the emotions involved are universal.
Mary M, I’m with you on what makes the Regency era so good to write in. Though the romance grows out of the storyline and setting, the emotions involved are universal.
Mary M, I’m with you on what makes the Regency era so good to write in. Though the romance grows out of the storyline and setting, the emotions involved are universal.
Mary M, I’m with you on what makes the Regency era so good to write in. Though the romance grows out of the storyline and setting, the emotions involved are universal.
I’m not good at ballrooms myself, Karin. The era is so much richer and more interesting than the London social scene, though the latter can add spice.
I’m not good at ballrooms myself, Karin. The era is so much richer and more interesting than the London social scene, though the latter can add spice.
I’m not good at ballrooms myself, Karin. The era is so much richer and more interesting than the London social scene, though the latter can add spice.
I’m not good at ballrooms myself, Karin. The era is so much richer and more interesting than the London social scene, though the latter can add spice.
I’m not good at ballrooms myself, Karin. The era is so much richer and more interesting than the London social scene, though the latter can add spice.
You’re very welcome, Jenny! The Panda sends a few purrs.
You’re very welcome, Jenny! The Panda sends a few purrs.
You’re very welcome, Jenny! The Panda sends a few purrs.
You’re very welcome, Jenny! The Panda sends a few purrs.
You’re very welcome, Jenny! The Panda sends a few purrs.
All good points, Tina. The characters aren’t starting at ground zero, so their interactions are different and interesting.
All good points, Tina. The characters aren’t starting at ground zero, so their interactions are different and interesting.
All good points, Tina. The characters aren’t starting at ground zero, so their interactions are different and interesting.
All good points, Tina. The characters aren’t starting at ground zero, so their interactions are different and interesting.
All good points, Tina. The characters aren’t starting at ground zero, so their interactions are different and interesting.
Yes, this trope is one that I do enjoy. Friends that become lovers have already established a relationship that hopefully, includes affection and trust. This is a solid basis for building a love connection. BUT, I do not like the friends to lovers story that has to overcome what always seems to me to be an artificial barrier when one or the other is a younger sibling of another friend and thus, out of bounds. Also, I just finished Petals in the Storm again, (audio this time)so female spy, count me delighted!
Yes, this trope is one that I do enjoy. Friends that become lovers have already established a relationship that hopefully, includes affection and trust. This is a solid basis for building a love connection. BUT, I do not like the friends to lovers story that has to overcome what always seems to me to be an artificial barrier when one or the other is a younger sibling of another friend and thus, out of bounds. Also, I just finished Petals in the Storm again, (audio this time)so female spy, count me delighted!
Yes, this trope is one that I do enjoy. Friends that become lovers have already established a relationship that hopefully, includes affection and trust. This is a solid basis for building a love connection. BUT, I do not like the friends to lovers story that has to overcome what always seems to me to be an artificial barrier when one or the other is a younger sibling of another friend and thus, out of bounds. Also, I just finished Petals in the Storm again, (audio this time)so female spy, count me delighted!
Yes, this trope is one that I do enjoy. Friends that become lovers have already established a relationship that hopefully, includes affection and trust. This is a solid basis for building a love connection. BUT, I do not like the friends to lovers story that has to overcome what always seems to me to be an artificial barrier when one or the other is a younger sibling of another friend and thus, out of bounds. Also, I just finished Petals in the Storm again, (audio this time)so female spy, count me delighted!
Yes, this trope is one that I do enjoy. Friends that become lovers have already established a relationship that hopefully, includes affection and trust. This is a solid basis for building a love connection. BUT, I do not like the friends to lovers story that has to overcome what always seems to me to be an artificial barrier when one or the other is a younger sibling of another friend and thus, out of bounds. Also, I just finished Petals in the Storm again, (audio this time)so female spy, count me delighted!
I enjoy all kinds of tropes. I probably enjoy friends to lovers, because it tends to be a little angsty when one or the other, or both, realizes they’ve fallen in love and don’t think that love is returned!
I enjoy all kinds of tropes. I probably enjoy friends to lovers, because it tends to be a little angsty when one or the other, or both, realizes they’ve fallen in love and don’t think that love is returned!
I enjoy all kinds of tropes. I probably enjoy friends to lovers, because it tends to be a little angsty when one or the other, or both, realizes they’ve fallen in love and don’t think that love is returned!
I enjoy all kinds of tropes. I probably enjoy friends to lovers, because it tends to be a little angsty when one or the other, or both, realizes they’ve fallen in love and don’t think that love is returned!
I enjoy all kinds of tropes. I probably enjoy friends to lovers, because it tends to be a little angsty when one or the other, or both, realizes they’ve fallen in love and don’t think that love is returned!
Dolores Feagin, the heroine of Once a Spy does some spying, though she’s not a professional like Margot! But a lady has to do what a lady has to do…
Dolores Feagin, the heroine of Once a Spy does some spying, though she’s not a professional like Margot! But a lady has to do what a lady has to do…
Dolores Feagin, the heroine of Once a Spy does some spying, though she’s not a professional like Margot! But a lady has to do what a lady has to do…
Dolores Feagin, the heroine of Once a Spy does some spying, though she’s not a professional like Margot! But a lady has to do what a lady has to do…
Dolores Feagin, the heroine of Once a Spy does some spying, though she’s not a professional like Margot! But a lady has to do what a lady has to do…
Janie–I think that fear that love isn’t returned is common in all romances! Though maybe more often in friends to lovers. Shall ponder this.
Janie–I think that fear that love isn’t returned is common in all romances! Though maybe more often in friends to lovers. Shall ponder this.
Janie–I think that fear that love isn’t returned is common in all romances! Though maybe more often in friends to lovers. Shall ponder this.
Janie–I think that fear that love isn’t returned is common in all romances! Though maybe more often in friends to lovers. Shall ponder this.
Janie–I think that fear that love isn’t returned is common in all romances! Though maybe more often in friends to lovers. Shall ponder this.