An Adventurer's Contract

by Penny Hampson

A man on the hunt for a traitor. A woman in search of the truth.

Gabrielle Mercer is in trouble. Her cousin is missing, her father’s death looks like murder, and now there are rumours she is spying for the French. With no one to turn to, dare she accept help from a man she doesn’t like?

Jack Ashdown is on a mission to unmask a ruthless spy. Could it be the reclusive young Frenchwoman who has made no secret of her contempt for Englishmen like himself? Perhaps Gabrielle’s predicament will be the perfect opportunity to win her trust and do some spying of his own.

Getting close to one’s enemy is a dangerous option, but the stakes for Jack and Gabrielle are too high to ignore. Will their gamble to trust one another lead to disaster, or will they discover that neither of them is what they seem?

Read the other books in the Gentlemen Series

A Gentleman’s Promise

An Officer’s Vow

A Bachelor’s Pledge

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2024

About the author

I’ve been passionate about books ever since I first learnt to read. A common refrain at home was that I always had my nose in a book; things haven’t changed, even though I’m now somewhat older.
History is a passion too; it’s great that these two interests combine so well.
With degrees in history and historical research, I’ve spent my working life helping others to achieve publication; now I’ve decided it’s my turn.
My Regency stories are filled with mystery, adventure, and romance – my three favourite themes. I’ve enjoyed writing them and I hope you enjoy reading them.

Reviews

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Adventurer's Contract is book four of the Gentlemen series of historical romances.

This story is set in England at the time of The French Revolution. Gabrielle Mercer is a young French woman living in London. Her father has recently died under suspicious circumstances and she is currently receiving unwanted attention from her late father’s business partner.

Jack Ashdown works for the government and is part of a team who are trying to break a French spy ring. He is asked to keep a watch on Gabrielle.

The action takes the characters from London, to Bath and then onwards to Falmouth. These were interesting locations and I enjoyed the historical arm-chair travel, especially the parts set in Cornwall. There’s a light romantic theme which sits gently beside the mystery elements of the tale.

I’ve not read the earlier books in this series, but this can easily be read as a stand-alone piece of fiction.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Adventurer's Contract is a well written historical romance and mystery involving Jack Ashdown and Gabrielle Mercer. Jack is a naval officer working for the 'good side' to reveal a spy and bring down a group of spies. Gabrielle, who is a Frenchwoman but also an Englishwoman, has just lost her father and it looks like murder to her. Her cousin Michel is also missing and she has heard rumors she is a french spy. Which she most certainly is not! Jack and Gabrielle traipse all over England looking for Michel and answers to Gabrielle's father's death. I was surprised about Bernard in the end and can not wait for more from this author!
The writing is really well written for a historical romance and mystery. I was trying to figure out what happened to Michel and Gabrielle's father almost the entire book and that is some great writing! I loved the interactions between Jack and Gabrielle also, they were perfect for each other and so cute. The story is engaging for all readers and there is some action in this book also I love a historical romance mixed with spies! The setting in the English Countryside and in England is so perfect for this book.

If you love spies and romance this book is for you!

[D G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is written by Christine Ashbolt. I was given an advance copy of this book from the author and the following is my honest, unbiased review:
With her father dead and her cousin missing, Gabrielle doesn’t know who she can trust. With two men offering to protect her who is telling the truth and what ulterior motives do they have? As Gabrielle flees from London to Bath and then to Cornwall is she risking her own life in the search to find her cousin?
Set in Regency England Penny’s historical accuracy, use of language and descriptions of places make you feel you have been transported to another era.
Espionage, Danger and Romance – Penny’s latest book in her ‘Gentleman’ series ‘An Adventurer’s Contract’ is a thrilling read. Characters from her previous stories crop up and for those readers who have read her other books in the ‘Gentlemen’ series it is like meeting old friends. However, it is not necessary for readers to have read the other books as they are all very enjoyable as stand-alone stories.
A great read for anyone who enjoys history, romance and adventure.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

In An Adventurer's Contrac by Penny Hampson, readers are thrust into a gripping tale of intrigue and mistrust set against a backdrop of espionage. Gabrielle Mercer is caught in a perilous situation, grappling with her cousin's mysterious disappearance and her father's suspicious death, all while facing accusations of treachery. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she reluctantly agrees to accept assistance from Jack Ashdown, a man she openly dislikes yet cannot afford to dismiss.

Hampson expertly crafts a narrative that intertwines Jack's mission to uncover a high-stakes spy with Gabrielle's desperate search for the truth. Their initial animosity evolves into a complex relationship, filled with tension and unpredictability. The suspense builds as layers of deception are peeled back, revealing that both protagonists harbor secrets that could change everything.

The chemistry between Jack and Gabrielle adds emotional depth to their journey, making readers invested in their fates. Hampson’s writing captures the tumultuous period beautifully, combining romance, danger, and character-driven drama. "An Adventurer's Contract" is a compelling read for fans of historical fiction, offering both excitement and a nuanced exploration of friendship and betrayal.

[Bookshortie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Ashdown is looking for a spy and Gabrielle Mercer is on his radar. Gabrielle is aware of rumours that her late father was a spy. Is there a bigger picture that Jack and Gabrielle are not aware of?

When this book arrived I didn't realise that it was the third in the Gentleman Book series. But it is a book that can be read as part of the series or as a standalone. Initially I thought that this was a historical romance but it was actually so much more than that. There was a political angle to the story which I really enjoyed and it’s that angle that brings Jack and Gabrielle together.

Gabrielle was a brilliant character. She's smart, independent and knows her own mind but she’s very much alone. Her father has died and it transpires that what happened to her father might not have been an accident especially when rumours start to circulate that he was a spy. This makes Gabrielle question everything she thought she knew about her father but also in her heart she doesn't believe that this is actually true so she makes it her mission to find out the truth. At the same time she has to clear her own name because of the rumours and her cousin has gone missing. Jack is asked to look into potential spies and this is when Gabrielle comes on his radar so he starts to create opportunities for their paths to cross so he can get to know her better and find out if she is a spy.

What was intriguing about these two characters is that they are very good at bluffing and have brilliant poker faces. When their paths cross they try to suss each other out to find out what the other person knows without disclosing the information they have. When Gabrielle confides in Jack about her missing cousin this is when the story takes a different turn because she asks for his help. As a woman Gabrielle is at a disadvantage but she is aware that by gaining Jack's trust and confidence he will be able to find out information and open doors that would normally be closed to her. Although Jack and Gabrielle are very different they are also very stubborn and determined. Once they get an idea into their head they will pursue that until they find the answer they are looking for. So when they start to work together they are a formidable team.

I've not read the other books in the series but I’m looking forward to reading them.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Ashdown, former lieutenant of His Majesty’s Navy, craves adventure. Following a suspect through the roughest part of town is the ultimate adrenaline rush. But things don’t always go the way one envisages. Now Jack has to face the wrath of the Duke of Wheatley.

Gabrielle Mercer’s recollection of the life-threatening sea voyage when she was a child remains seared in her mind. She and her parents survived the ordeal and found refuge in England. But now she is a woman grown, and her parents deceased, her father having passed away recently. The only family she has left is her frail uncle and his son, Michel.

But now Michel is missing, and she cannot help but think the worst. She is also haunted by the lingering suspicion that her father’s demise was not accidental, but rather a result of his betrayal of their adopted country. She is committed to leaving no stone unturned in her quest for answers about her father’s death and Michel's disappearance.

Unbeknownst to Gabrielle, she had caught the attention of the Duke of Wheatley. Despite not being convinced of Gabrielle’s involvement in treasonous activities, Jack has been assigned to monitor her. A task that has become easier but also harder when his Aunt Augusta takes Gabrielle under her wing.

Can Jack truly trust Gabrielle, or is she just another Bonaparte spy?

Be prepared to be enthralled by Penny Hampson’s fabulous new book, An Adventurer’s Contract. Set in Regency England, this captivating tale reveals that nothing is as it seems and dark secrets hide beneath the glitz and glamour of the ton.

The Revolutionary government faced a conspiracy from multiple French émigrés who wanted to bring back the old regime with the support of foreign powers. Yet, some individuals favoured the new government and Napoleon Bonaparte. This novel delves into intelligence gathering, espionage, and counterespionage during this era. At the beginning of this novel, the War Office mistakenly thinks they have eliminated the danger posed by France on British soil, but this is not the case. In reality, the enemy is hiding in England, actively plotting, funding activities in France, and smuggling French products. Many involved live in the criminal underworld, but there are also those whose public persona covers a multitude of treacherous sins. Before it’s too late, the adventurous protagonists must reveal the truth and prevent the perpetrators from achieving their goals.

Jack’s successful encounter with the enemy at sea may have left him unscathed, but the same cannot be said about his new job working for the Duke of Wheatley. He was surprised to discover that certain aristocrats were collaborating with French conspirators. Nonetheless, precise planning is necessary to flush out these traitors. Jack is an adventurous man who thrives on taking risks and finds joy in the excitement of pursuit. In addition, he is a loyal patriot. Jack is a character that elicits an instant connection from readers. Despite his occasional foolish courage, he consistently maintains his honesty and is a genuinely likeable protagonist.

In the same way, Gabrielle elicits a particular response from the readers. With her privileged upbringing, she possesses a rare opportunity to aid her less fortunate compatriots by engaging in embroidery work, a skill she possesses great proficiency in. The death of her father has left her heartbroken, but she is also deeply troubled by the fear that he may have been a traitor, and she is determined to find out the truth, one way or another. The authentic likability and immeasurable bravery of Gabrielle enables a deep connection with Hampson's readers.

The introduction of various antagonists in this novel immediately sparks suspicion in the reader. These characters may seem charming, but they conceal a secret malevolence. The reader can only hope for the protagonists to come out unscathed after their encounters with these men. The antagonists’ portrayal is superb, and it plays a critical role in propelling the story forward. These characters are skilfully portrayed and have a haunting presence that sends shivers down the reader’s spine.

Despite his limited presence, the Duke of Wheatley’s actions have a profound effect on the main characters in the novel. Known for his sharp intelligence and no-nonsense attitude, he has gained a reputation for being ruthless and using unconventional methods to uncover French plots on British soil. He is definitely someone you should not trifle with, and he has high expectations for his agents, which Jack soon discovers. Nonetheless, he is an equitable individual who acknowledges that plans can occasionally fail. Despite his intimidating presence, his poor health makes him relatable and adds a human touch to his character.

The meticulous attention to historical detail in this novel is truly admirable; Hampson clearly dedicated significant time to accurately portraying this era. Every aspect of the character’s appearance, behaviour, and interaction with their surroundings has been extensively studied and flawlessly brought to life. The author’s description of the City of Bath is impressively precise, demonstrating a clear understanding of the city’s layout and the aristocracy’s behaviour while residing there. Similarly, Falmouth in Cornwall was illustrated skilfully, emphasizing the significance of this bustling port town.

The main narrative is accompanied by a gentle romance. The romance is depicted in a convincing and beautifully crafted manner. Nevertheless, the bulk of this book is devoted to a thrilling adventure story, and it truly is a thrilling one!

From start to finish, An Adventurer’s Contract by Penny Hampson is an electrifying tale that holds the reader’s attention throughout. This book is so captivating that once readers start, they won’t be able to stop until they have turned the last page. It is in all ways a complete success and one I highly recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical novel is part of a series but can be read standalone. I've not read anything by this author before but I felt like the characters were written well and enjoyed the story.

If you enjoy historical mystery stories this might be one to try.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to RachelsRandomResources and to Penny Hampson for the gifted copy . I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A woman named Ms. Gabrielle, who flees London, risking her life to find her cousin. Her father's death is mysterious in her eyes, and she is spying for the French. She is pretty much on the run, and during this time she finds herself catching the attention of several people. Who can she trust to assist her in this time of need? It was such an interesting read because you have this spy suspense style story going on, but it's taking place during an era where I wasn't exactly sure how I would picture an undercover spy or agent to be depicted. We end up meeting Jack. A man that Gabrielle can't stand. However, he is another main character in this book, and I don't want to ruin anything in the story, whether Jack is someone we can trust or not. I've been a fan of historical fiction novels, but this espionage style gives it such a nice twist. I've only read many romance-style novels, and so having this spy plot was fun and suspenseful. I enjoyed that it was a combination of adventure, history, and romance. If there are books that are suspenseful like this from this era, it would be new to me. This is the first of this kind that I've read.

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Adventurer's Contract was everything I've come to expect from a Penny Hampson story. It's a suspenseful mystery, a well depicted historical fiction, and a delicious slow burn romance.

Gabrielle Mercer ran from France with her father when she was a child. Years later she is in London, and try to help her countrymen thanks to her embroidery work. Jack Ashdown left his navy job to become a secret agent, his first assignment is to verify if Gabrielle is a Bonaparte's spy. They casually meet in a book shop, and from that day on they are in for a scary and adrenaline-filled adventure they'll never forget.

I instantly loved Gabrielle, she is sweet but determined, she bustle about helping others, and she never complain about her life. Jack is confident and assertive, but he soon has to get used to engage with strong women who don't appreciate to be spoken for, or to be commaded. They are attracted to each other, but they try to restrain it because they can't fully trust each other. I've enjoyed these characters and their fiery banters.

This novel is just as good as the previous ones in the Gentlemen series, but it could also be read as a standalone. I recommend it.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recruited from the Navy, Jack now works for a clandestine department of the war office. Gabrielle is a French aristocratic woman who has fled the French Revolution. After her father's recent death, she wants answers, and Jack's bosses believe she is a French spy. They have an uneasy relationship full of suspicion, but circumstances and outside interventions force them into a tenuous alliance. It's packed with intrigue, mystery and gentle romance. The historical details evoke the period and draw the reader into the sights and sounds, making it an engagingly immersive read,
It's a lovely addition to an engaging series of books.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Margo · Rating 3 out of 5]

(My 3 stars may be your 4.) Unable to review timely, but this book and the series are pretty good (should be read in sequence).