By Any Other Name
“A high-stakes, high-drama mystery…led by a plucky, determined hero I would have followed anywhere…[A] romantic, delightful romp!” —Mackenzi Lee, New York Times bestselling author of A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue
A down-on-his-luck actor and an English lord reluctantly team up to solve the murder of Christopher Marlowe in this Shakespearean-era “quippy, heart-wrenching debut…ideal for fans of Mackenzi Lee and F.T. Lukens” (Kirkus Reviews).
London, 1593. Sixteen-year-old Will Hughes is busy working on Shakespeare’s stage, stuffing his corsets with straw and pretending to be someone else. Offstage, he’s playing a part, too. The son of traitors, Will is desperate to keep his identity secret—or risk being killed in the bloody queen’s imperial schemes. All he wants is to lay low until he earns enough coin to return to his family.
But when his mentor, the famous playwright Christopher Marlowe, is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Will’s plans are hopelessly dashed. What’s worse, Marlowe was a spy for the queen, tasked with stalking a killer rumored to be part of an elusive order of assassins, and his secrets and untimely death have put Will under a harsh spotlight. Then, when Will unwittingly foils an attempt on the queen’s life, she names him her next spymaster.
Now, to avoid uncomfortable questions, prison, or an even more terrible fate, Will reluctantly starts his new career, which—yes—will secure him the resources to help his family…but at what cost? Adding insult to injury is the young Lord James Bloomsbury, Will’s new comrade in arms, whose entitled demeanor and unfairly handsome looks get under Will’s skin immediately.
Together, the two hunt the cunning assassin, defend the queen’s life, and pray to keep their own...all while an unexpected connection blossoms between them.
A down-on-his-luck actor and an English lord reluctantly team up to solve the murder of Christopher Marlowe in this Shakespearean-era “quippy, heart-wrenching debut…ideal for fans of Mackenzi Lee and F.T. Lukens” (Kirkus Reviews).
London, 1593. Sixteen-year-old Will Hughes is busy working on Shakespeare’s stage, stuffing his corsets with straw and pretending to be someone else. Offstage, he’s playing a part, too. The son of traitors, Will is desperate to keep his identity secret—or risk being killed in the bloody queen’s imperial schemes. All he wants is to lay low until he earns enough coin to return to his family.
But when his mentor, the famous playwright Christopher Marlowe, is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Will’s plans are hopelessly dashed. What’s worse, Marlowe was a spy for the queen, tasked with stalking a killer rumored to be part of an elusive order of assassins, and his secrets and untimely death have put Will under a harsh spotlight. Then, when Will unwittingly foils an attempt on the queen’s life, she names him her next spymaster.
Now, to avoid uncomfortable questions, prison, or an even more terrible fate, Will reluctantly starts his new career, which—yes—will secure him the resources to help his family…but at what cost? Adding insult to injury is the young Lord James Bloomsbury, Will’s new comrade in arms, whose entitled demeanor and unfairly handsome looks get under Will’s skin immediately.
Together, the two hunt the cunning assassin, defend the queen’s life, and pray to keep their own...all while an unexpected connection blossoms between them.
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Community Reviews
Interesting the way she weaves the present and the past. A different look for the author. A page turner.
Most reviews start with something positive. This is not one of them. Kind of.
I profoundly dislike the trope of the secretly smitten hero with an oblivious heroine. In spite of it, this managed to grow past it and become endearing.
The smitten hero was a full character, with his own life and his own struggles. What ultimately made the trope forgivable is that his attraction to the MC didn't become his sole focus, thus making their falling in love believable.
although I was a little blindsided by the chess games... I felt slightly betrayed to discover this history between them that late in the book
Back to praise now. I loved the descriptions and the landscapes. The heroine had a vibrant imagination and it was so much fun to join her on her daydream adventures. Seeing the world through her was a love letter to love - and to books
I profoundly dislike the trope of the secretly smitten hero with an oblivious heroine. In spite of it, this managed to grow past it and become endearing.
The smitten hero was a full character, with his own life and his own struggles. What ultimately made the trope forgivable is that his attraction to the MC didn't become his sole focus, thus making their falling in love believable.
although I was a little blindsided by the chess games... I felt slightly betrayed to discover this history between them that late in the book
Back to praise now. I loved the descriptions and the landscapes. The heroine had a vibrant imagination and it was so much fun to join her on her daydream adventures. Seeing the world through her was a love letter to love - and to books
This book will on my favorites list for a long time. I absolutely adored this story of enemies-to-lovers.
If books about working in publishing as an editor of a romance author interest you, then this release is perfect.
It follows the love story of Lanie as she realizes what she is looking for isn't what she expected. It's fun to read and adds a lot to the story.
Aside from that, her all-time favorite romance author is now under her and she's responsible for ensuring she gets her manuscript in on time. Secrets have a way of making themselves known though and Lanie is in deeper than she thought. The way that her love story and work-life intermingle will have you smiling and so happy.
The writing is beautiful and this novel was hard to put down. Five stars all the way!
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