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London League #6
To Sketch a Sphinx
From the Hand of Sketch...
Henrietta "Hal" Mortimer has been working with England's operatives and spies for years, her remarkable memory and artistic talents invaluable to many missions. The last thing she expects is to be pulled into a field mission herself, and to be partnered with the most insufferable asset she has ever met. Worse, then, that she has to marry the man.
And the mind of Sphinx...
There are very few people who rattle John Pratt, gifted code-breaker for the Crown, but Hal Mortimer was one of them. Marrying her in order to go into the field for their mission in Paris would be torture, but they had no choice. Will their mutual spite doom their mission before it starts or can they set it aside and work together for the safety and security of their country?
Henrietta "Hal" Mortimer has been working with England's operatives and spies for years, her remarkable memory and artistic talents invaluable to many missions. The last thing she expects is to be pulled into a field mission herself, and to be partnered with the most insufferable asset she has ever met. Worse, then, that she has to marry the man.
And the mind of Sphinx...
There are very few people who rattle John Pratt, gifted code-breaker for the Crown, but Hal Mortimer was one of them. Marrying her in order to go into the field for their mission in Paris would be torture, but they had no choice. Will their mutual spite doom their mission before it starts or can they set it aside and work together for the safety and security of their country?
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2020
178 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
89books1,140followersI was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 15, 2020
SO much fun. An arranged marriage story and a spy story all rolled together. I loved every moment of these two getting to know each other and working together. I loved their banter. I loved how clueless both were about the opposite sex. You could tell they were more shocked to fall in love with each other then anyone else. They were so open and honest with each other! There were some super amazing kisses! One of the reason Connolly is a favorite of mine is that she writes a story that flows so well. You get to know the characters without pages of intro, you get involved in the action and you know everything that is going on. There are no crazy stupid misunderstandings that don't make any sense and the romance just flows like a real romance would. Completely love Sketch and Sphinx! So much fun. So glad this contiunes. We are introduced to some new characters and have some new people to follow!
August 17, 2020
As different as these two characters are, I loved them as individuals and loved them with each other- both when they are bickering (which they do so well) and when they are romantic. It was refreshing to have a somewhat fresh storyline to follow- the League is taking a new strategy to get ahead of the Faction rather than reacting to it's treachery. I absolutely loved the setting of Paris and the new characters we are introduced to! I'm hoping that we get future stories for the deep undercover spies that helped Hal and John. Sidenote: I have to admit that Hal's nickname often threw me off since it's so masculine in my mind, but it really created a swoony contrast when John would call her Ange. Hal and John each have a "very particular set of skills" (I'm saying that in Liam Neeson's voice in my head), which make them quite brilliant assets. They start out a bit competitive with each other, but as they work together they realize that they perfectly complement each other, in more ways than just their spy skills ;) I loved their chemistry and the way they grew to care for and support each other as true partners. This book has a perfect balance of intrigue, suspense, romance, and action. It wraps up with a satisfying ending, but also with a lead-in to the next book, which I can't wait for!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
August 3, 2020
I’m a Rebecca Connolly fan, she’s an automatic buy, but the last few releases have been hard for me to rate. I love her writing and storytelling skills. It’s easy to fall into one of her stories and be lost for a few hours. But...this is hard for me to say...I’m having a hard time fully enjoying the most recent releases, in this series and The Spinsters. They start out great, fun, witty banter, characters you want to know more about, the storyline gets going, maybe one major event happens with little detail within, during or the aftermath, and then the book is over with very little else happening. It’s hard to put into words exactly what is not working for me. The best I can describe it is, these books lack substance. Maybe it’s one of those it’s me and not you scenarios. Maybe what I need as a reader has changed and not so much the author’s storytelling. But each of the new stories in the last year or so have fallen short in the respect that nothing happens and if it does, we are told, not shown. And the one major event in this story was at the ball in the servants corridor, I’m like finally, something exciting is happening and then it’s over, they pass on the info and done. Hal and John discover something new in the library and you think you are going to get more to the story, then the book is abruptly over and it’s just a set-up for another book. I really liked Hal and John as characters, wanted more to their story and how their love really developed, how they grew together because of their circumstances and bonded over what they shared together. I don’t want to disparage Rebecca Connolly’s books, she is extremely talented and puts a lot of work into each of her books and her imagination surpasses many. I’m merely a reader that feels like recent books lack any substance, they need significantly more “story� and more developed plot and events, I feel like sometimes we get the bare bones of the story and not what it could truly be if it was well fleshed-out, meatier. They just lack the magic of earlier books or what The Arrangement series had. Again, it’s probably me, not you. Giving this book an extra star for being by Rebecca Connolly and she is still an automatic buy especially since my library doesn’t carry her books.
August 24, 2020
The London League does not disappoint!
The members of the league are gentlemen who are serving the crown as spies. Each one of them is unique. Sphinx's story is no exception.
I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a fun regency romance with a mystery happening at the same time.
The members of the league are gentlemen who are serving the crown as spies. Each one of them is unique. Sphinx's story is no exception.
I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a fun regency romance with a mystery happening at the same time.
August 18, 2021
This book has two of my favorite tropes, a marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers. In this story Sketch (Hal aka Harriet) is asked to marry Sphinx (John) for a special assignment that will take them to Paris. Neither of them is thrilled with this yet they desire to do their best for this field assignment. Sketch has a remarkable memory and the ability to draw what she sees. Sphinx is an amazing code breaker.
Sphinx and Sketch make a memorable team. They have great chemistry and I enjoyed watching them go from enemies to lovers. Their marriage enabled them to be in close proximity to each other and this made for some great romantic moments. What I love, is that Rebecca Connolly has the ability to create those moments from simple touches like squeezing a hand or putting Hal’s hair behind her ear. She captures their growing attraction to one another in such a way that it’s hard to stop reading.
I love this series and look forward to her continuation of these stories with a new series, Agents of the Convent.
Sphinx and Sketch make a memorable team. They have great chemistry and I enjoyed watching them go from enemies to lovers. Their marriage enabled them to be in close proximity to each other and this made for some great romantic moments. What I love, is that Rebecca Connolly has the ability to create those moments from simple touches like squeezing a hand or putting Hal’s hair behind her ear. She captures their growing attraction to one another in such a way that it’s hard to stop reading.
I love this series and look forward to her continuation of these stories with a new series, Agents of the Convent.
July 30, 2020
The League Continues
I give this book a 3.5. I have so enjoyed this series by Rebecca Connolly! I hate to see it come to an end but thrilled that she will be continuing the storyline in a new series. To Sketch a Sphinx had less action than the other League books but that didn't detract from the story. I loved the banter between Hal and Pratt. As always, Connolly develops her characters in such a way that you connect with them and fall in love with their personalities and quirkiness. The only downside to the story was that I wanted a little more of the overarching story to be revealed. This operation with assets seemed like a big deal to keep other operatives safe but yet the mission itself seemed small and didn't give us much new information about the Faction. This book was a quick easy read. It is worth reading to learn a little more about Hal and John Pratt and to watch their story unfold.
I give this book a 3.5. I have so enjoyed this series by Rebecca Connolly! I hate to see it come to an end but thrilled that she will be continuing the storyline in a new series. To Sketch a Sphinx had less action than the other League books but that didn't detract from the story. I loved the banter between Hal and Pratt. As always, Connolly develops her characters in such a way that you connect with them and fall in love with their personalities and quirkiness. The only downside to the story was that I wanted a little more of the overarching story to be revealed. This operation with assets seemed like a big deal to keep other operatives safe but yet the mission itself seemed small and didn't give us much new information about the Faction. This book was a quick easy read. It is worth reading to learn a little more about Hal and John Pratt and to watch their story unfold.
July 23, 2020
To Sketch a Sphinx is the latest in the London League series. It brings together two protaganists from past books that I hadn't really given much thought to. They were front-and-center in this one. A code breaker and an artist with a photographic memory, what a combination.
In Paris visiting distant relatives while on their supposed honeymoon, they are tasked with finding and breaking the new code of an elite French unit. This part was confusing to me. I wasn't always sure who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. Needless to say, John Pratt (Sphinx) did figure it out.
I would have liked a touch more romance, but it is clean throughout. Being spies, or assets as they call themselves, they lack communication skills. In other words, John and Hal didn't really talk to each other. However John went a long way in redeeming himself in the way he told her he loved her. I cheered.
Many many references to past books, a couple I had to look up to see who they were. This is not a standalone. If you kept up with the series, it will come back to you. There is a major cliffhanger at the end, which is the breadcrumb for the next book. The writing was concise and a quick read.
I do recommend To Sketch a Sphinx. 4.5 stars rounded up.
I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book with thanks to Ms Connolly. And so it is.
In Paris visiting distant relatives while on their supposed honeymoon, they are tasked with finding and breaking the new code of an elite French unit. This part was confusing to me. I wasn't always sure who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. Needless to say, John Pratt (Sphinx) did figure it out.
I would have liked a touch more romance, but it is clean throughout. Being spies, or assets as they call themselves, they lack communication skills. In other words, John and Hal didn't really talk to each other. However John went a long way in redeeming himself in the way he told her he loved her. I cheered.
Many many references to past books, a couple I had to look up to see who they were. This is not a standalone. If you kept up with the series, it will come back to you. There is a major cliffhanger at the end, which is the breadcrumb for the next book. The writing was concise and a quick read.
I do recommend To Sketch a Sphinx. 4.5 stars rounded up.
I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book with thanks to Ms Connolly. And so it is.
July 29, 2020
As I started this story it took me a minute to get into it. But once I did I had a hard time putting it down. Confession... It has been a while since I have read the other books in this series, but it was fun as I read the book and was able to remember the other characters they were mentioned. I loved watching Hal and John's relationship grow and progress. They had an opportunity to learn to trust, rely and help one another. Definitely loved this book. Looking forward to the new one about the Convent to come out, wish it was already here.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 28, 2020
What a fun adventure! This regency spy romance was full of intrigue and combined two of my favorite tropes, enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience. I love Hal and John's characters and how well they complimented each other and can only imagine the adventures they have yet to experience together!
Glad to see there is a connected series coming soon from the author. Her books are always a treat!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but it in no way affected my review.
Glad to see there is a connected series coming soon from the author. Her books are always a treat!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but it in no way affected my review.
March 9, 2022
A well done antagonists to lovers trope. The transition from disgruntled partners to admiring friends to sweethearts was logical. Connolly wrote in some very fine scenes of sizzling chemistry and romantic tension. I even felt like I sort-of understood what they were doing in their espionage task which is a rarity for me in this series. This was fun.
November 2, 2020
Absolutely a delightful read.
July 29, 2020
Wow! Just wow people! I always get excited when one of Rebecca Connolly’s novels come out, but ESPECIALLY when it’s one of the London League Series and in this one she really outdid herself! 😁
This is Hal’s (aka Sketch) and Sphinx’s story!! Both of which we’ve met and had “interactions� with from the very beginning of the series. I’ve been so eager to find out more about them, particularly Hal’s history. No spoilers! Rebecca Connolly’s novels are always clean and thoroughly engaging and enjoyable reads. So if you haven’t already read the previous books from this series before, I definitely recommend reading them first (and in order) if you can. Because as I said, we meet Hal and Sphinx earlier on in the series, but there are also other characters and story lines/references from previous books in the series in this one, so for the best reading experience, checkout the other books in the series. If you enjoy clean and intriguing, Regency era spy novels, you are going to love them! I absolutely LOVED this story and I am already so eager for the next one. It’s going to be hard to wait haha
I received an ARC from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave a review.
This is Hal’s (aka Sketch) and Sphinx’s story!! Both of which we’ve met and had “interactions� with from the very beginning of the series. I’ve been so eager to find out more about them, particularly Hal’s history. No spoilers! Rebecca Connolly’s novels are always clean and thoroughly engaging and enjoyable reads. So if you haven’t already read the previous books from this series before, I definitely recommend reading them first (and in order) if you can. Because as I said, we meet Hal and Sphinx earlier on in the series, but there are also other characters and story lines/references from previous books in the series in this one, so for the best reading experience, checkout the other books in the series. If you enjoy clean and intriguing, Regency era spy novels, you are going to love them! I absolutely LOVED this story and I am already so eager for the next one. It’s going to be hard to wait haha
I received an ARC from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave a review.
July 21, 2020
3.5 stars
The book prior to this in the series had more violence than I enjoy so I was worried about what would be coming in this one. I needn't have worried. There was no violence at all in this one. Even only a very brief period of possible danger. Probably because the main characters aren't actually spies but assets that the spies generally use on their cases.
I liked the main characters. I hope they might show up again in upcoming books. I liked their banter and how they fell in love during their marriage of convenience. But I kind of kept waiting for something big to happen. Yes, they fulfill their assignment but their success happens in a room with just the two of them and on paper. Not a lot of action. It seems that Trace's book and this one are extreme opposites. Trace's was very intense and this one was pretty mild. I kind of prefer them somewhere in between I think. Definitely enjoyed the romance aspect more than the intrigue of this book.
This book sets up a new series, Agents of the Convent, so I suspect that it will get more exciting again. I am curious to start that new series.
Sex: no
Language: some, mild
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
The book prior to this in the series had more violence than I enjoy so I was worried about what would be coming in this one. I needn't have worried. There was no violence at all in this one. Even only a very brief period of possible danger. Probably because the main characters aren't actually spies but assets that the spies generally use on their cases.
I liked the main characters. I hope they might show up again in upcoming books. I liked their banter and how they fell in love during their marriage of convenience. But I kind of kept waiting for something big to happen. Yes, they fulfill their assignment but their success happens in a room with just the two of them and on paper. Not a lot of action. It seems that Trace's book and this one are extreme opposites. Trace's was very intense and this one was pretty mild. I kind of prefer them somewhere in between I think. Definitely enjoyed the romance aspect more than the intrigue of this book.
This book sets up a new series, Agents of the Convent, so I suspect that it will get more exciting again. I am curious to start that new series.
Sex: no
Language: some, mild
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 30, 2020
I always enjoy books by Connolly! This was a fun, quick story. It was a marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers! Fun combination and I loved both characters and their slow romantic build.
July 22, 2020
I am really glad that Rebecca Connolly gave us Hal and John Pratt's story. They were fun "assets" throughout the London League series so I was excited to get a chance to know their characters better and watch their romance come about. I enjoyed the slow romance as their marriage of convenience turned into more. Their relationship seemed to develop naturally throughout the story and I enjoyed the romantic tension they had as they started recognizing their true feelings. This book didn't have as much action as some of the other stories, but it still had a good amount of suspense with the spy theme. I was expecting more of a conclusion, but I guess it is setting up a new series so hopefully those answers will come.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All ideas and thoughts are my own.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All ideas and thoughts are my own.
July 19, 2020
Light and fluffy read. Follows Hal and Sphinx with ‘fake marriage� trope. They’re super cute together.
I will say that I would’ve liked more relationship angst and problems. I was expecting that last minute lovers spat that is so prevalent in Connolly books, and was surprised that I didn’t get it. It’s was very positive all the way through with no conflict.
So it was good, I liked watching them fall in love, but would prefer more relationship drama sprinkled through out the novel. It’s two steps forward one step back, not twelve miles forward one step back. I want to watch them fight and bicker and misunderstand each other and drive each other crazy and be human! Make the characters flawed!
Overall a good book but really fluffy.
I will say that I would’ve liked more relationship angst and problems. I was expecting that last minute lovers spat that is so prevalent in Connolly books, and was surprised that I didn’t get it. It’s was very positive all the way through with no conflict.
So it was good, I liked watching them fall in love, but would prefer more relationship drama sprinkled through out the novel. It’s two steps forward one step back, not twelve miles forward one step back. I want to watch them fight and bicker and misunderstand each other and drive each other crazy and be human! Make the characters flawed!
Overall a good book but really fluffy.
March 20, 2022
Oh the joy of opening a new London League book! To once again having the privilege to go into the written world of Rebecca Connolly's. I loved how the wit made me laugh again and again. This book is different than the previous books in the series, not so much action as the characters here are not spies in the true sence, but used for other qualities that are so unique to them. This is the action of the mind and I love to see how their gifts work and how they are used. Code breaking is fascinating and I can't help wondering if these were real codes or if they are the imagination of Ms Connolly's own mind?
I also love that Hal and John are such unsocial, probably introvert, persons and that they find a love that non of them thought they might ever find. They are so sweet together and John way of declairing his love is just perfect!
The cliffhanger at the very end made me sqeel in anticipation of the next book, that will start a new series!
There, I talked myself into start reading it all over again...
I also love that Hal and John are such unsocial, probably introvert, persons and that they find a love that non of them thought they might ever find. They are so sweet together and John way of declairing his love is just perfect!
The cliffhanger at the very end made me sqeel in anticipation of the next book, that will start a new series!
There, I talked myself into start reading it all over again...
January 17, 2024
Another fun historical novel by Rebecca Connolly.
August 17, 2020
To Sketch a Sphinx
The London League #6
By Rebecca Connolly
The end was just the beginning...
Hal is just an asset never working in the field herself. But now Henrietta Mortimer is about to receive a codename "Sketch" and be given a field mission. And her mission is going to take her to France where she will be connecting with her late mother's family - a family she knows nothing about. Why she is being tasked is beyond her understanding - other than her memory and artistic skills she has nothing to offer in her estimation. But for Weaver, she'll do just about anything. There is just one small matter to take care of before she goes forth - she's expected to get married first. And she has no idea who she expected to wed.
John Pratt aka "Sphinx" has a gift for his code-breaking, he sees patterns in what most would think as an ordinary letter. He has always worked behind the scenes for the League, never in the field, that is until now. His brother "Rook" has been the field operative of the Pratt family, he is the serious brother. the one not seen amongst society. But his skills are needed in France and as part of his cover, he is expected to marry his partner.
Can they convince the enemy that they are a happily married couple who have become disenchanted with England? Or will they compromise their mission before it even begins with a clash of personalities that have never worked well together in the past?
I really enjoyed this sixth book in the London League series. It was fun getting to know Hal as more than just an artist. And it is interesting to see how these two differing personalities have to learn to work together. But the big question is whether they will be able to discover what the Faction is doing and how they have compromised the League? Fans of Rebecca Connolly will not be disappointed in this latest offering. To be honest, this may be my favorite book in the London League series - I really enjoyed getting to know Sketch and Sphinx as operatives and individuals. I highly recommend this if you want a clean-read Regency era weekend escape from your day-to-day.
The London League #6
By Rebecca Connolly
The end was just the beginning...
Hal is just an asset never working in the field herself. But now Henrietta Mortimer is about to receive a codename "Sketch" and be given a field mission. And her mission is going to take her to France where she will be connecting with her late mother's family - a family she knows nothing about. Why she is being tasked is beyond her understanding - other than her memory and artistic skills she has nothing to offer in her estimation. But for Weaver, she'll do just about anything. There is just one small matter to take care of before she goes forth - she's expected to get married first. And she has no idea who she expected to wed.
John Pratt aka "Sphinx" has a gift for his code-breaking, he sees patterns in what most would think as an ordinary letter. He has always worked behind the scenes for the League, never in the field, that is until now. His brother "Rook" has been the field operative of the Pratt family, he is the serious brother. the one not seen amongst society. But his skills are needed in France and as part of his cover, he is expected to marry his partner.
Can they convince the enemy that they are a happily married couple who have become disenchanted with England? Or will they compromise their mission before it even begins with a clash of personalities that have never worked well together in the past?
I really enjoyed this sixth book in the London League series. It was fun getting to know Hal as more than just an artist. And it is interesting to see how these two differing personalities have to learn to work together. But the big question is whether they will be able to discover what the Faction is doing and how they have compromised the League? Fans of Rebecca Connolly will not be disappointed in this latest offering. To be honest, this may be my favorite book in the London League series - I really enjoyed getting to know Sketch and Sphinx as operatives and individuals. I highly recommend this if you want a clean-read Regency era weekend escape from your day-to-day.
August 7, 2020
When a Desk Job Goes on a Field Trip . . .
à la ville lumière, Paris . . . & there's a wedding thrown in for good measure. John, known to the London League as Sphinx, has one of the most brilliant minds and is one of the best code breakers for the Crown. His skills have been an asset to various government departments and spy organizations; however, they've only ever taken as far as his desk, until now.
Hal (short for Henrietta) has a photographic memory and can draw someone's likeness after only seeing them for a couple of minutes; and her skill set has allowed various departments ID multiple enemies of the crown. And while she has assisted in multiple cases, none of them have given her a reason to go out into the field . . . or have a code name . . . until now.
With her new identity as Sketch, she and Sphinx must infiltrate high society of Paris, discover who is a threat to England and intercept and decipher their coded messages. There's just one little hitch . . . they have to get hitched and travel as newly weds. At the beginning, they're still deciding whether the French Faction each other is the enemy; past interactions have been confrontational and argumentative at best. However, as they grow to depend on each other and appreciate each other's skill set; each begins to wonder if this marriage will remain in name only.
As a fan of stories where a couple can't stand each other yet are brought together by outside forces and end up being the best thing for each other; I greatly enjoyed it, along with the London League mystery and intrigue. Goes great with the rest of the series.
à la ville lumière, Paris . . . & there's a wedding thrown in for good measure. John, known to the London League as Sphinx, has one of the most brilliant minds and is one of the best code breakers for the Crown. His skills have been an asset to various government departments and spy organizations; however, they've only ever taken as far as his desk, until now.
Hal (short for Henrietta) has a photographic memory and can draw someone's likeness after only seeing them for a couple of minutes; and her skill set has allowed various departments ID multiple enemies of the crown. And while she has assisted in multiple cases, none of them have given her a reason to go out into the field . . . or have a code name . . . until now.
With her new identity as Sketch, she and Sphinx must infiltrate high society of Paris, discover who is a threat to England and intercept and decipher their coded messages. There's just one little hitch . . . they have to get hitched and travel as newly weds. At the beginning, they're still deciding whether the French Faction each other is the enemy; past interactions have been confrontational and argumentative at best. However, as they grow to depend on each other and appreciate each other's skill set; each begins to wonder if this marriage will remain in name only.
As a fan of stories where a couple can't stand each other yet are brought together by outside forces and end up being the best thing for each other; I greatly enjoyed it, along with the London League mystery and intrigue. Goes great with the rest of the series.
July 28, 2020
To Sketch a Sphinx, Rebecca Connolly’s final book in The London League series does not disappoint. Hal (Sketch) and John (Sphinx) � referenced in earlier stories in the London League � get their own love story as they embark on an adventure into the world of spies and intrigue. Hal and John are both solitary beings but must step outside of themselves and work together. This is not easy since it appears they rubbed each other the wrong way in their earlier (though undescribed) encounters. (In a nice piece of foreshadowing there was a reference in an earlier story of Sphinx gazing a little longer than necessary at Hal � I love that when it happens because you start to anticipate another story!) Nevertheless, they manage to form a truce based on respect for each other’s abilities; the truce then turns to friendship, then friendship turns to love. For me, that was the best part of their story - seeing how they individually concluded that the other meant just a bit more than they had before until ultimately finding their hearts full of one another.
To Sketch a Sphinx marks the end of The London League series but it seems to lay the framework for a new set of characters, new plots of intrigue, new mysteries to unravel and new loves to find and treasure (although I hope a few of these memorable characters will have cameos). I cannot wait to read them!
To Sketch a Sphinx marks the end of The London League series but it seems to lay the framework for a new set of characters, new plots of intrigue, new mysteries to unravel and new loves to find and treasure (although I hope a few of these memorable characters will have cameos). I cannot wait to read them!
September 3, 2020
The entire London League series is an incredible take on Regency, England and the tensions between the French and English during the time period. Connolly is so talented at fully immersing her readers in the world of the League. You feel like a part of the gang, one of the guys (and may I just say that the guy's banter in this series is perhaps even better than the romance. I was sad that this book really didn't include the rest of the League so there was little male bantering) and like you belong. All of her characters are extremely likable (except the villains which she does an excellent job making you hate) and it is easy to relate to them despite the difference in time period, class, and customs.
To Sketch a Sphinx is unique in comparison to the rest of the LL. It does not take place in England, and it does not include the rest of the league. It focuses primarily on the 2 main characters and love interests. Their love story is unique as well, as it is kind of a hate to love story. They are both wildly talented operatives, intellectuals, with little care for the sappy romance of say Gent. Yet their love story is still plenty sweet.
This book does end in a cliffhanger, but what can we expect! They ARE spies after all, and the Faction is still out there.
It is not my favorite book of the LL, but it IS in the LL, and it IS Rebecca Connolly, so I recommend it!
To Sketch a Sphinx is unique in comparison to the rest of the LL. It does not take place in England, and it does not include the rest of the league. It focuses primarily on the 2 main characters and love interests. Their love story is unique as well, as it is kind of a hate to love story. They are both wildly talented operatives, intellectuals, with little care for the sappy romance of say Gent. Yet their love story is still plenty sweet.
This book does end in a cliffhanger, but what can we expect! They ARE spies after all, and the Faction is still out there.
It is not my favorite book of the LL, but it IS in the LL, and it IS Rebecca Connolly, so I recommend it!
July 28, 2020
A phenomenal continuation of the London League Series � Can be read as a stand alone.
What do you do when your spies have been compromised and lives are hanging in the balance? Who do you send when you don’t know who your enemy knows? John (Sphinx) and Henriette or Hal (Sketch) work to support the London League in defending England but they are players in the background, not seen or even really known outside of a limited few. They join together in a mutual dislike of one another. When agents are being compromised and no one can get a grasp on the workings or plans of the Faction, an organization working to overthrow the English government, new means must be employed to stop the Faction and protect agents. With Hall having had a French mother and still with relatives in France as well as a remarkable memory and art skills, she becomes the perfect person to send. For her partner John, an extremely talented code breaker is chosen. Their combined skills and ties to the French aristocracy through Hal may allow them access to people and places that can save England and lives. To address propriety John and Hall wed, reassured that after their foray into the world of spies the marriage can quickly and quietly be dissolved with no one the wiser. Will they find what they need without compromising either themselves or others? Will they find enough information to protect their fellows in the London League as well as their government? An excellent read. I finished in under 24 hours. A book where you are constantly trying to figure out why you should be reading instead of doing something else. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
What do you do when your spies have been compromised and lives are hanging in the balance? Who do you send when you don’t know who your enemy knows? John (Sphinx) and Henriette or Hal (Sketch) work to support the London League in defending England but they are players in the background, not seen or even really known outside of a limited few. They join together in a mutual dislike of one another. When agents are being compromised and no one can get a grasp on the workings or plans of the Faction, an organization working to overthrow the English government, new means must be employed to stop the Faction and protect agents. With Hall having had a French mother and still with relatives in France as well as a remarkable memory and art skills, she becomes the perfect person to send. For her partner John, an extremely talented code breaker is chosen. Their combined skills and ties to the French aristocracy through Hal may allow them access to people and places that can save England and lives. To address propriety John and Hall wed, reassured that after their foray into the world of spies the marriage can quickly and quietly be dissolved with no one the wiser. Will they find what they need without compromising either themselves or others? Will they find enough information to protect their fellows in the London League as well as their government? An excellent read. I finished in under 24 hours. A book where you are constantly trying to figure out why you should be reading instead of doing something else. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2020
Full happy 4 stars :). I like this series but have to admit I was a little worried in the beginning that "To Sketch a Sphinx" wouldn't be as good as other books. Fortunately after 2 chapters it turned out nice and interesting. The author did a good job in making Hal and John's relation both sensual and innocent - it's a clean read but with a palatable attraction between main characters. Hoooray!
Thing that didn't satisfy me and made me question the quality of the book in the beginning was an alleged dislike between Hal and John. We are told they barely tolerate each other but there are very few moments - scenes, dialogues etc. that confirm this information. I had a feeling that I had to believe the author in this matter cause I didn't have a chance to witness it in the text. It shouldn't be like this. Neverthless the rest of this book made up for this lack ;). If you're searching for a light romantic read you can give "To Sketch a Sphinx" a chance.
Thing that didn't satisfy me and made me question the quality of the book in the beginning was an alleged dislike between Hal and John. We are told they barely tolerate each other but there are very few moments - scenes, dialogues etc. that confirm this information. I had a feeling that I had to believe the author in this matter cause I didn't have a chance to witness it in the text. It shouldn't be like this. Neverthless the rest of this book made up for this lack ;). If you're searching for a light romantic read you can give "To Sketch a Sphinx" a chance.
November 4, 2020
Rebecca has slowly peaked our interest in these two characters while still keeping an air of mystery around them with each London League book. As such, I have to confess, while I felt like I had a tentative grasp on their characters I had a hard time recalling interactions between the two of them.
This left a question mark for me as to why there was so much animosity between the two characters. While normally the author's lack of addressing their background would have niggled at me. All it did in this case was make me want to re-read all the London League books again, looking for them specifically. Also, they're so fantastic, they're worth a reading over ;).
The pace of this book is a little slower as far as spy stories go and in comparison to the others in the series. This slower pace fit perfectly with these characters. I loved the slowly built tension both in the romance and the adventure.
This left a question mark for me as to why there was so much animosity between the two characters. While normally the author's lack of addressing their background would have niggled at me. All it did in this case was make me want to re-read all the London League books again, looking for them specifically. Also, they're so fantastic, they're worth a reading over ;).
The pace of this book is a little slower as far as spy stories go and in comparison to the others in the series. This slower pace fit perfectly with these characters. I loved the slowly built tension both in the romance and the adventure.
July 27, 2020
An intriguing addition to Rebecca Connolly’s London League series! The premise was interesting, and this was a refreshingly unique take on the marriage-of-necessity trope. Although I expected a bit more action, the cliffhanger is gripping and I’ll definitely be reading the upcoming books.
There were times when I felt the plot developed a bit too slowly, and although the bits about coding were utterly fascinating, I felt a bit lost and definitely sympathized with John’s frustrations at being unable to crack the codes. Some parts were repetitive, but John and Hal’s partnership is sweet and strong.
To Sketch A Sphinx is not to be missed by fans of the London League series or anyone who loves historicals with mystery and intrigue. 3.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There were times when I felt the plot developed a bit too slowly, and although the bits about coding were utterly fascinating, I felt a bit lost and definitely sympathized with John’s frustrations at being unable to crack the codes. Some parts were repetitive, but John and Hal’s partnership is sweet and strong.
To Sketch A Sphinx is not to be missed by fans of the London League series or anyone who loves historicals with mystery and intrigue. 3.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 28, 2020
Each installment in this series gets better and better and Hal and John will demonstrate why. I love the marriage of convenience between two agents who cannot stand one another. They quickly find a common ground and mutual respect and I loved the way their relationship grew and blossomed. Both characters are highly intelligent and fully complimented by the gifts and talents of the other. They bring depth and balance to each other in addition to their quick wit, which caused multiple smiles and chuckles on my part. The intrigue is authentic and believable, and I loved how previous characters from the League are mentioned. While it is part of a series and will be most fully appreciated if read order, it can still easily be enjoyed as a standalone clean, historical romance. I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions offered are my own and freely given.
September 6, 2020
To Sketch a Sphinx by Rebecca Connolly (5 stars)
The fake marriage of two talented British operatives (Sketch and Sphinx) leads to a trip to France to try to uncover the secrets of The Faction. Their unique talents have never been needed in the field and both are worried about how they’ll perform.
They stay with relatives in France who are unusual at best, but delightful to the reader, I wish we’d seen more of the Baron and his wife and children.
Our protagonists� relationship morphs from dislike to grudging respect to awed respect to love. It flows quite naturally and is so pleasant to read, and enjoy, the clever dialogues between these two.
Ms. Connolly makes this spy story exciting and romantic. This whole series is just wonderful!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, something special
The fake marriage of two talented British operatives (Sketch and Sphinx) leads to a trip to France to try to uncover the secrets of The Faction. Their unique talents have never been needed in the field and both are worried about how they’ll perform.
They stay with relatives in France who are unusual at best, but delightful to the reader, I wish we’d seen more of the Baron and his wife and children.
Our protagonists� relationship morphs from dislike to grudging respect to awed respect to love. It flows quite naturally and is so pleasant to read, and enjoy, the clever dialogues between these two.
Ms. Connolly makes this spy story exciting and romantic. This whole series is just wonderful!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, something special
June 11, 2022
Nothing is as it seems
Wonderful story of two brilliant minds joining forces by way of marriage and lost family ties working together to unfold more of schemes of the French rebellion group currently plotting against England. It's a captivating story, moves along well and the character development of Hal/Ange and John is fun to watch. Theirs is a fact gathering mission with an extremely minimal amount of danger as compared to other stories in this series but very well written and a necessary step leading into a new series revolving around members of the covert agency The Convent. As in all Rebecca's books this story grabs your heart, keeps you interested, has clean romance and makes you want that next book in the series. I highly recommend ALL of the London League books starting with Lady and the Gent. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.
Wonderful story of two brilliant minds joining forces by way of marriage and lost family ties working together to unfold more of schemes of the French rebellion group currently plotting against England. It's a captivating story, moves along well and the character development of Hal/Ange and John is fun to watch. Theirs is a fact gathering mission with an extremely minimal amount of danger as compared to other stories in this series but very well written and a necessary step leading into a new series revolving around members of the covert agency The Convent. As in all Rebecca's books this story grabs your heart, keeps you interested, has clean romance and makes you want that next book in the series. I highly recommend ALL of the London League books starting with Lady and the Gent. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.
July 30, 2020
I have found Hal an interesting character since she was first introduced in the series, and I love that she was paired with fellow agent Sphinx. Hal and John are not the typical combat operatives. They each have unique talents and serve as assets to help England. Hal has an amazing memory and can remember details and draw people with precise accuracy. John has earned his code name Sphinx because he can work out puzzles like no one else can. I love Ciphering and I found the ones John worked through incredibly interesting.
This book was another great addition to a series I always enjoy reading. I love that each book can stand alone but they also build off of one another. I can’t wait to find out what happens in Fortune Favors the Sparrow, the new Agents of the Convent Series.
This book was another great addition to a series I always enjoy reading. I love that each book can stand alone but they also build off of one another. I can’t wait to find out what happens in Fortune Favors the Sparrow, the new Agents of the Convent Series.
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