How to Seduce a Spy

Potions and Passions, Book 1

By: Catherine Stein

Narrated by: David Lane Pusey

Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

2019 PRISM award winner for best steampunk book.

Where potions run technology and passions run deep.

A barmaid with a rare talent.

Paris, 1882. Barmaid and potions expert Elle Deschamps knows a worrying secret: The supply of the magic serum that gives her potions their potency is running dangerously low. When a mysterious gentleman hires her to help search out new sources for serum, she jumps at the chance to earn her way to a life of less drudgery.

A spy on a mission.

Agent of the British crown Henry Ainsworth has a simple directive: End the potions crisis, by any means necessary. Posing as a bodyguard, he joins the beguiling potions expert on her continent-hopping expedition, determined to protect her from the unknown foes who wish to thwart her.

A love neither can resist.

With time of the essence, Elle and Henry must rely on one another to avert disaster. As enemies close in, they find the greatest danger of all may not be to their their lives, but to their hearts.

How to Seduce a Spy is a standalone romance in the Potions and Passions series. Full of humor, heat, and heart-pounding action, this around-the-world adventure will whisk you away into a Victorian world of magic and love.

Buy it today and join Elle and Henry on the road to happily ever after.

©2018 Catherine Stein (P)2020 Catherine Stein

Engaging Steampunk Adventure

Part adventure tale, part historical romance, this book made for fun listening. The narrator handles the multiple accents well. The story is engaging from beginning to end and touches on several historical issues that are equally relevant to our modern world.

Catherine Stein has several other books available in digital and print formats. I hope to see more audiobook offerings soon!

Dorkiest spy ever

I loved it from start to finish. A fun romp around the world. Reminded me of Indiana Jones and The Mummy

Adventuresome and action-packed

The narration enhanced the action and actually accelerated the pace. I initially questioned the use of a male narrator but approved of it once I realized the number of masculine voices in the story. Mr. Pusey’s only weakness was Elle’s. The variety of his accents and tones to differentiate each character is excellent. It really magnifies the multiculturalism of the story.

My first SteamPunk romance did NOT disappoint

Loved this steampunk adventure romance! Each of the characters was very complex and multi-faceted: barmaid, potion master, adventuress, lady, lowborn wench…. And a spy, nerd, virgin, adventurer, lier, romantic, pragmatist. I loved the many sides of these characters and all the different locations. The mystery/drama was pretty interesting and moved the story forward well and the angst between lovers was somewhat understandable. Henry was a great beta hero, very supportive of the heroine but protective when needed. There was very little tension though, they sort of just fell together and the real drama was whether they could find a way to make things work long term. So this is a very enjoyable story for those looking for a more adult/grown up romance where the parties communicate and understand each other. Great start to this series!

Excellent

Brilliant romantic steam punk novel with great narration. In a Victorian world fuelled by magic serum, a potion maker and a spy go on a quest to discover why the serum sources are drying up and discover a huge worldwide conspiracy. Courageous heroine Elle and English spy Henry make a great pair as they battle conspiracy and corruption. Great snappy dialogue, emotional scenes exotic locations and some heat make this a superbly written, entertaining and engrossing story. Narrator has a pleasing voice, easy to listen to with a good range of voices and accents. Great fun. Highly recommended. I received an complimentary copy from Storyorigin and am leaving a honest voluntary review