by Amanda Quick
Genres: Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Miss Amity Doncaster, world traveler, is accustomed to adventure and risk. Benedict Stanbridge, a man of science and a spy for the Crown, has faced danger in the darker corners of foreign lands. But they are about to face a threat that is shockingly close to home . . .One does not expect to be kidnapped on a London street in broad daylight. But Amity Doncaster barely escapes with her life after she is trapped in a carriage with a blade-wielding man in a black silk mask who whispers the most vile taunts and threats into her ear. Her quick thinking, and her secret weapon, save her . . . for now. But the monster known in the press as the Bridegroom, who has left a trail of female victims in his wake, has survived the wounds she inflicts and will soon be on his feet again. He is unwholesomely obsessed by her scandalous connection to Benedict Stanbridge—gossip about their hours alone in a ship’s stateroom seems to have crossed the Atlantic faster than any sailing vessel could. Benedict refuses to let this resourceful, daring woman suffer for her romantic link to him—as tenuous as it may be. For a man and woman so skilled at disappearing, so at home in the exotic reaches of the globe, escape is always an option. But each intends to end the Bridegroom’s reign of terror in London, and will join forces to do so. And as they prepare to confront an unbalanced criminal in the heart of the city they love, they must also face feelings that neither of them can run away from. . .
Amanda Quick is one of my favorite authors, and I was excited to slip into one of her historical romance. Otherwise Engaged is a romantic suspense that delivered quite the mystery, with spies for the crown, and murder. It also offered a delicious romance with a feisty, travel-wise heroine and a geeky hero who made me swoon.
Miss Amity Doncaster is on the shelf, independent and an excellent traveler who carries a fan that is sharp as a blade. I adored Amity from the start, and her chance meeting with Benedict Stanbridge, an engineer and reluctant spy for the crown set of a chain of events that forced them to fake an engagement. I was delighted this story entailed one of my favorite tropes.
Amanda Quick, a pseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz, is quite talented at spinning a tale whether it is a straight up historical romance or one twisted with paranormal woo-woo. In Otherwise Engaged, she brings us a romantic suspense with an engaging murder mystery and a quest to locate engineering plans before Russia. It was brilliant from the wicked banter to the chase. Quick knows how to pace a story, weaving in secondary storylines, and providing twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.
Benedict is awkward, noble, and downright sexy. I loved his interaction with Amity from his aloofness to how hard he tried to get things right. He was protective, yet appreciated and respected Amity’s considerable skill set. There is a second couple, and while not as fleshed out, their story made me smile. The villains were twisted and Quick brought them to life, creating a sense of danger and allowing us to fully loathe them.
I consumed Otherwise Engaged in a single evening losing track of the world around me. If you are looking for a thrilling mystery set in Regency London with a couple to cheer for this book, just might be for you. This novel isa standalone and in my opinion was spectacularly done. Jayne Ann Krentz also known as Amanda Quick, and Jayne Castle is an auto-buy for me.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lark
Yup, this one was definitely a devour-it-in-one-sitting read! I kind of miss her woo-woo stuff, but at the same time, I love the straight-up (well, humorously straight-up) romantic suspense books.
Maria Behar
I am DEFINITELY adding this one to my Goodreads TBR and Amazon wish list! I’ve heard great things about this author, whatever name she chooses to write under! This romance sure sounds like a quirky and fun adventure!
Thanks for your excellent review, in which your description of the main couple was another factor that made me want to read this novel!! : )
Katherine
So I’ll be reading this. You pretty much had me with the blade in the fan comment. How can I pass that up?? I did enjoy my last Jayne Ann Krentz so I’m looking forward to giving her historicals a try.
Stormi
This sounds great, it’s going on the TBR pile..what is one more..right..lol. Not read this author so looking forward to it. 🙂
Diana Leigh
Amity sounds like my kind of heroine!
brandileigh2003
The mystery sounds great in this one
Quinn
I’m almost embarrassed to say that I have never read an Amanda Quick book. I have read Jayne Ann Krentz, but not in a very long time. This seems awesome, though, and I am adding it to my TBR list right now.
Kiran J.
I haven’t read anything by Amanda Quick and I don’t read historical romances if I can help it (I’ve only read one or two historical fiction books so far) but this book really sounds interesting! Thanks for the review! 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
This author… with both names… is on my must read author list. I love just being totally enveloped within a book and so you know you have me putting this one on my wishlist!
Angela Adams
I’m not a big historical reader, but the suspense aspect puts this book on my TBR list! Thanks for the review.
Faye D'Social Potato
Oooh, I never would have thought that this was a romantic suspense form that cover. I initially thought it as a historical romance comedy actually (which is quite far off the mark haha). In any case, the cast of characters here sounds spectacular! Would love to read this one!
Debbie Haupt
Kimba, I LOVE Amanda’s wonderful quirky and strong historical and not hysterical heroines. Great Review this one is actually on my shelf, better blow off the dust 🙂
Michelle
Honestly, I want to read this one because of the geeky hero. I think I would just love him to pieces! We see lots of geeky heroines but not enough heroes, in my opinion 🙂
Great Review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Trish
Sounds like a fun mix up of a few different genres which is something I love. And what a fab cover, that’s enough to make me want it!
Mary
“Miss Amity Doncaster is on the shelf, independent and an excellent traveler who carries a fan that is sharp as a blade.” Oh, I’m a fan of this chick already and I haven’t even read the story!!
Nick
I’ve never read an Amanda Quick book! *hides head in shame*
I want to though after reading your review for this book. Love the sound of Amity. And Benedict is awkward and sexy? Heck, yes! 😀 (Can you tell I’m a little shallow?)
Plus, I love the idea of a historical romantic suspense. Most historical books I’ve read have been romances, so I should probably branch out and explore the genre a bit more.
Lovely review, Kim!
Carmel
From looking at the cover, I would never have expected the story to feature mystery, spies, and murder. Appearances can be deceiving! I like that it’s a stand-alone, and that you were able to lose yourself between the pages for an entire evening. Win/win!
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
I need this book! Really badly but alas I am 4th in line at the library 🙁 This has been a popular book since it released –there has always been a waiting list.
kindlemom1
I seriously will try this author someday!
Melliane
I didn’t know this one was another name for Ann Krentz but I love the books I read by her but I confess I haven’t tried her historical romances yet. The mix in it sounds so great and I confess you made me curious now. Thanks for introducing me to another of her name and books.
Silvia
I have three Amanda Quick’s books on my bookshelf, how about that? Considering she’s one of your favourite authors, I get the message loud and clear “Are you still thinking about it, Silvia?” 😛 I’ll read her works, I promise! How can I not do that after such a great review? 😉
kara-karina
I NEED to read this book! I adore Amanda Quick, she is one of my first romance authors I picked up 20 years ago, and I still read her. Delicious review, Kimba! 🙂
blodeuedd
I enjoyed this one too 😀