To Kiss a Spy by Jane Feather

               To Kiss a Spy is the second book in the Kiss Trilogy written by Jane Feather.  While many of the characters are the same as the first book, The Widow’s Kiss, the main character is different.  Lady Guinevere is not at the center of the story this time around.  Instead, this book is set several years after the first and Lady Guinevere’s oldest daughter Pen is at the center of the action.         

                Lady Pen Bryanston has not only lost her husband but also given birth to a stillborn child.  At least that is what everyone keeps telling her.  She knows her husband died, but Pen is certain she heard her baby cry before they took him away.  Everyone, including her close-knit family, doubts her.  Their lack of belief forces Pen to figure out the truth of what happened to her child alone.  Thankfully, it does not take Pen long to acquire the help of a French spy by the name of Owen d’Arcy.  Initially unbeknownst to Pen (a friend to Henry VIII’s eldest daughter Princess Mary); Owen is in town to seduce Pen in order to learn Princess Mary’s secrets.  Pen and Owen first meet when Owen comes across Pen hunting for information in her in-law’s home.  He tries to kiss her to begin the seduction process, but Pen laughs in his face.  Intrigued, Owen later makes a deal that he will help Pen find out what happened to her child if she gives him Princess Mary’s secrets.  Pen’s loyalty to the princess makes her reluctant to agree, but finding out the truth is far too important for her not to go along with the deal.  It does not take long for feelings to grow between Pen and Owen, but the question quickly becomes whether the romance can last, especially when the spy’s secrets begin to be revealed.

                Owen and Pen are two characters I really like.  If Owen cannot tell Pen something he explains why instead of acting high and mighty and demanding Pen do his bidding.  He is fair.  I also like Pen for her strength and spirit.  She is independent and has her own mind, but does not immediately cast aside the thoughts of others.  Of the three books in this series, Owen and Pen are my favorite couple.