Never Spar with a Viscount - by Lindsay Lovise (Paperback)

About the Book

"Ivy Bennett learned early on how to fight-literally-for what she wants, and what she wants is to escape the Marriage Mart. Spending her days as a governess and her nights running a secret self-defense class for women, Ivy is generally content-as long as she can avoid her surly employer. But when several crimes appear to be tied to the new viscount, Ivy is tasked by the spymaster known as the Dove to gather intel on the grumpy, brooding-and handsome-lord. Owen, Viscount Brackley, has his hands full with his unruly half-sisters and the crumbling estate he recently inherited. He doesn't need the distraction of the cheeky, way too cheerful, and undeniably stunning governess who always seems to be underfoot. But when Ivy finds herself in need of a beau to avoid her conniving father's attempts to marry her off, Owen surprises the both of them by offering to falsely court her and teach her the finer points of flirting. And as their deception continues, Owen discovers two things: that perhaps his heart is not quite as numb as he'd come to believe. And that Ivy is keeping secrets from him"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

The rules are simple: fake a relationship and solve a mystery. That should be easy ... right?

Ivy Bennett has escaped the marriage mart once already--by becoming a governess to the new Lord Brackley's unruly little sisters. Spending her days in the schoolroom and her nights running a secret self-defense class for women, she has absolutely no interest in a husband. So when Ivy is handed a secret assignment by the spymaster known as the Dove, she sees an opportunity: fake a courtship with the enigmatic Owen Brackley to avoid her conniving father's attempts to marry her off, complete the mission, and finally secure her freedom. Simple. Until it's not.

Women across London are succumbing to a strange madness, and they all share a connection to Brackley--the same man who looks at Ivy like he sees right through her and is none too bothered by her lack of ladylike charm. As Ivy gathers gossip like breadcrumbs and dodges increasingly dangerous attempts on Brackley's life, she realizes two things: someone wants the viscount gone, and the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to tell what's real and what's just part of the game.

Review Quotes

"An enjoyable Victorian romance threaded with mystery."--Kirkus, on Never Gamble Your Heart

"Sensual love scenes and simmering suspense combine to make this a true page-turner."--Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Never Gamble Your Heart

About the Author

Lindsay Lovise writes historical romances with quirky heroines and a dash of mystery. When she's not writing, Lindsay is reading (probably romance) and drinking coffee. Lindsay has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching. She lives on the East Coast and enjoys winter more than she probably should. Readers can visit lindsaylovise.com for information on her books, her newsletter, and more!