There’s something about the Regency era that has captured the popular imagination — be it the voluptuous ballgowns, the complicated rules of courtship, or the flourishing of art and culture via wealthy patrons. It was an age that called for lavish “coming out” balls. In these decadent masquerades, members of both sexes mingled freely, sprawling countryside estates, remarkable innovations in fashion, and all-out hedonistic living.
Shows such as Bridgerton as well as romance and mystery novels set during the Regency era, have ignited a fresh fascination for this exciting period in history — and if that’s your cup of tea, you’ll definitely be enchanted by Bianca M. Schwarz’s The Gentlemen Spy Regency Mysteries. The series consists of four massively compelling books, filled with feisty characters, daring plots, and marriage shenanigans, along with plenty of suspense and spice.
Born in Germany, raised in London, and presently living in Los Angeles, Bianca M. Schwarz has wowed her readers with her Gentleman Spy series that’s also available as a complete box set for collectors or anyone in the mood for a binge-read. Meticulously researched, with excellent characterization, steamy scenes, and magnificent Regency details, the series has everything a thrill-seeking, mystery-solving, romance-loving bookworm can ask for.
Schwarz is also the author of an upcoming novel, The Missing Baroness, the first in the Inconvenient Heirs series, that also combines historical mysteries with dashing romance.
So, if you’re curious to learn more about her books, read on and find out, or simply treat yourself to the boxed set of the Gentleman Spy Mysteries and embark on a ride of a lifetime!
The Innkeeper's Daughter
The Innkeeper’s Daughter begins with zero frills, introducing readers to a dark and decadent London filled with sex-traffickers, spies, pimps, and traitors at every seedy corner.
Enter Eliza Broad, who’s been abused, beaten and sold to a sadist by her wicked stepfather. She manages to escape but has nowhere else to go, till she’s found in the middle of the street by one Sir Henry. He’s wealthy, charming, influential and also a secret agent for the Crown. Under Henry’s care, the traumatized Eliza gradually heals, and the duo become friends, even developing feelings for each other.
But Eliza is more than just a worthy partner — she might be the key to identifying a hidden traitor responsible for selling military secrets to France. Filled with intrigue, action, and charm, Eliza and Henry’s search for justice will surely compel you to keep the pages turning.
The Gentleman's Daughter
The second book features the return of Sir Henry March, everyone’s favorite loveable rogue. Since Henry and Eliza have parted as friends, Henry is in need of a “respectable” wife, to keep the prying eyes of the ton away from his secret spy business as well as his illegitimate daughter.
But society loves to gossip and finding a partner isn’t easy. Enter Isabella, a talented painter who wishes to keep painting and pacify her overbearing mother at the same time, and a fake courtship with Henry March seems to be the best way to go about her plans.
But soon, feelings get involved and Isabella is kidnapped, and Henry must unravel a web of deceit to find their happily-ever-after. If you love secret societies, complex characters healing from trauma and a refreshing hero to brood over, The Gentleman's Daughter will definitely win your mind and heart.
The Memory of Her
The third book in the series features the return of another fan favorite — yes, Eliza Broad is back in the game.
Thanks to the efforts of Sir Henry March, Eliza has slowly healed from trauma and become a confident and skilled spy, and she’s also captured the attention of Henry’s friend and fellow spy, Allen Strathem. However, Allen gets captured and tortured by Russians in Crimea and when he finally comes home, it falls upon Eliza to aid his recovery and investigate the Russian spies that may have followed them home.
Can Eliza save her love life and the country with her unique skills? Find out in The Memory of Her that runs concurrently with the events in The Gentleman's Daughter, although the books are best read in order.
The Spy's Daughter
Finally, the last book in the series focuses on Henry March’s illegitimate daughter, Emily March. She’s talented, beautiful, and wealthy, but society still views the fact of her “illegitimacy” as a fatal flaw.
She’s prepared for her debut and has captured the attention of Max Warthon, who belongs to the very secret society that despises her. Naturally, their whirlwind romance raises eyebrows and attracts the attention of enemies, but perhaps together, Max and Emily can face the obstacles standing in the way of their happily-ever-after.
With several of the older characters making appearances, The Spy's Daughter is a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Featured image: BoliviaInteligente / Unsplash
