Alexander (The Perfect Mistress) delights with a strong heroine, dashing hero, and unexpected plot twists with a heavy dose of humor. Married for two years, Evelyn and Adrian Hadley-Attwater are still deeply in love and good friends as well. Dignified, respectable Evie is a former secret agent, and she remains unaware that Adrian was her boss. She feels guilty keeping her secret from Adrian, while he wonders how to get her to tell the truth. Then Evie is given one last assignment, and Adrian frets over her sudden distraction, wondering whether she misses the excitement of espionage, is having an affair, or is pining for her ex-boss-not knowing he's her husband. The two are strong, and determined to teach each other a lesson about love and trust. They're also consistently as practical as they are affectionate, making this Victorian romp fun, passionate, and funny. Agent: Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Blissfully married to a man she adores, Evelyn Hadley-Attwater, Countess of Waterston, has no intention of returning to her former life as a spy-especially since she's never told her husband about her adventurous past or about "Sir," the anonymous agent with whom she worked so closely. When a sensitive file is stolen, Evelyn is blackmailed into one last covert mission, which throws her life into chaos and puts her marriage and, ultimately, her life in jeopardy. Likable characters, a surfeit of secrets, fast-paced action, and a complex plot combine in this satisfying story of deception and suspense. While readers may be annoyed that Evelyn and her husband, Adrian, are not more open about their pasts in the first place, this title is great fun and beautifully sets the stage for the next in the series. VERDICT Witty, lively, and intriguing, this multilayered story is a rewarding read and, while somewhat less intense, may appeal to fans of Joanna Bourne's "Spymaster" books. Alexander (His Mistress by Christmas) lives in Omaha. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From the very first day of their marriage, two years earlier, Evelyn Hadley-Attwater, the Countess of Waterston, had never, ever lied to her husband, Adrian. Technically speaking. If her husband didn't ask the right questions about her past, then as far as Evelyn is concerned, it isn't her responsibility to enlighten him. And it isn't as if it really matters anyway, since Evelyn has no intention of returning to her job at the Department of Domestic and Internal Affairs. However, when Evelyn's old boss coerces her into accepting one last mission retrieve a missing file with the names of several important British agents Evelyn hopes that her luck will hold, and she won't have to explain to her husband that he married a spy. Alexander's writing snaps, crackles, and pops with her distinctive brand of wit, and My Wicked Little Lies is tailor-made for readers who enjoy sexy historical romances generously seasoned with humor.--Charles, John Copyright 2010 Booklist