Can I say just how much I actually enjoyed this book? I was really anticipating reading it ever since i picked it up from the library, and since I found out one of my favorite authors read it and enjoyed the story, but I have a habit of sometimes putting a book off, because I'm afraid I won't like it when I start reading it. The same thing happened with this book i put it off a little bit and read another one. That one wasn't fun/interesting quirky or anything that made it an enjoyable read for me. So when I started this one, i was a bit wary. But I was hooked from the first chapter. I loved the first meeting of our two main characters and I enjoyed the chapter titles as well. 
 So the cover, I liked it' all the keys and locks not to mention the random fans, clocks and feathers, it's a bit busy but I think my favorite image is the one of the woman chasing the carriage. I had a feeling then this would be a fun light hearted read. I was right. 
 Juliana got me from the start, when we meet her hanging from a cliff face and she's concerned with having the right kind of people rescue her. in this case a farmer or a shepherd. I liked her independent streak and her perchance to wander. But I also liked the fact she had a head on her shoulders. She picks up on all of Mr. Northam's little tells and she figures out what's going on in the end without having to have the entire thing spelled out for her. Juliana was a wonderful heroine for me. Of course this is a romance so her thoughts did center rather a lot on our main love interest but I'm glad she never lost herself, and become a shadow pining after her one true love. 
 Speaking of Love Spencer was a likeable male lead, he wasn't cruel, condescending, or the like. He was actually a perfect gentleman which I enjoyed. (view spoiler)[ And the fact that he's not a master spy but still learning the ropes. Is a refreshing change, from all the overly perfect characters who're perfect in all they do. (hide spoiler)] I liked him and I enjoyed the relationship the two had. I'm also glad he had second thoughts about deceiving Juliana. (view spoiler)[ am i the only one loving the fact Juliana, didn't need to be hit over the head with the fact he was a spy and using her to get close to the Pyebalds? And that she didn't throw it all in his face and storm off in a huff or anything like that. (hide spoiler)] I also liked his relationship with his bff Bobbington. (view spoiler)[ and the fact that both were in the spy game but in different departments. Thus the need for better interdepartmental communication. (hide spoiler)] Bobbington and Carrie were I think likeable side characters and I'm hoping those two got together. (view spoiler)[ I feel like they did I mean the implications were there but since they never had a whole lot of interactions after the truth of the Plybalds came out I'm not for sure. Still I totally think they did. Speaking of the Plybalds was anybody else blindsided by the kidnapping thing at the end? I was not expecting that to happen. (hide spoiler)] 
 Over all I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I liked the writing style, the plot moved at just the right speed, it wasn't to slow nor too fast. Also this is a standalone book. I'm glad I don't have to track down a sequel. Not that I wouldn't have it's just nice to have a book on it's own when so many authors nowadays write trilogies and duologies. Or are they called duets? 
 Recommended? Yes I'm not a Jane Austen fan persay but I do enjoy a good historical fiction/regency book. So i think almost everyone can enjoy this book. That being said it is a romance book geared towards young adults so don't take everything to seriously. 
 Buy or Borrow? Me I borrowed this book first but since I liked it so much I'm going to go buy it for my own collection. So in this case I'd say check with your wallet and then decide. Mine is saying fine but not for another few months. *sigh*