Waiting For A Spy To Fall (Duke of Lies 5) by Tabetha Waite-review
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Indigo /
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date March 9, 2026
Miss Astara Smith has only wanted one thing in life – to be somebody. She was left on the steps of an orphanage when she was a baby and the quest for her true identity has been her sole purpose ever since. When she discovered The Lion Watch, she knew the long-awaited answers to her parentage would finally be answered with such resources at her disposal. However, it doesn’t take long before it becomes apparent she has a natural ability to read people and learn their secrets, especially criminals. She never makes a mistake—but when she does, it may just cost her dearly.
Knox Ancell, the Duke of Hampton, is rather stunned when a beautiful woman quite literally jumps into his carriage and starts making demands. He wants to be offended by her upstart attitude, but he finds it quite refreshing when compared to the proper ladies he’s currently been pursuing. He’s always had a rebellious streak of his own, but as a duke, he’s been forced to subdue his darkest longings. But he discovers that in Astara’s arms, the attraction is instantaneous and he can finally be the man he’s always yearned to unleash.
However, when Astara’s past starts to come to light, the passion between them is in danger of unraveling.
•••••
REVIEW:Waiting for a Spy to Fall by Tabetha Waite is a steamy historical romance that blends Regency era intrigue, espionage, and instant attraction 😜
It’s part of the “Duke of Lies” series, and the book follows orphaned Astara Smith, a sharp witted woman driven by her lifelong quest to uncover her true parentage. I’ve not read any of the previous stories, and I don’t think it matters a great deal.
She joins The Lion Watch (a secretive organisation, tied to spying and intelligence work,) where her uncanny talent for reading people and extracting secrets makes her a natural operative, until one critical mistake threatens everything! All Astara wants to know is who were her parents, and why did they abandon her?! And she thinks the Lion Watch society is the answer…..
Enter Knox Ancell, the Duke of Hampton, a nobleman with his own rebellious side.😜 He’s bored with the ladies he’s usually seen with, and so Astara is a welcome change…..
Their meet/cute is unconventional to say the least…. Astara literally leaps into his carriage and starts issuing commands. 😂 What could have been a disaster turns into refreshing chemistry for the jaded duke, who finds in her the spark to unleash the man he’s always held back.
The attraction ignites fast and fierce. 😜
The story builds as Astara’s mysterious past begins to surface, putting their budding romance at risk!
Although a novella, this story packs a whole lot in… hidden desires, and trust, twists and then add in the spy element, and it’s a great afternoon read.
Astara’s determination made her a joy to read, while Knox’s internal conflict made me smile (it’s not often an MMC is confused 😉)
If you’re drawn to historical romances featuring spies, bold heroines, and steamy encounters, this will delight and entertain you.
Copy supplied for review
Reviewed by Julie B🦋
