Best Spy Novels with Romance (2026): Love Under Cover

Readers who want danger and devotion in the same book will find it in the best spy novels with romance. This list compares 5 picks plus 1 more option on plot, series and edition.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Walters	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	The Spy Who Seduced Her by Caldwell	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	It Takes a Spy... by Jeane	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Beauty and the Spy by Long	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Where We Started by Muñoz	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Walters

Natalie Walters·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A modern FBI undercover romance about former first loves, for low-spice readers.

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Pros

• FBI undercover plot with former first loves
• 336 pages stated, the only count here
• Described as low-spice in the title

Cons

• Crime, smuggling and murder elements in the plot
• No series position stated
• No reading age or grade level stated

2

The Spy Who Seduced Her by Caldwell

Christi Caldwell·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A Regency spy romance about a widowed viscountess and a returned spymaster, for historical espionage readers.

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Pros

• Crown spy agency plot in Regency England
• Book 1 of 5, The Brethren
• Second-chance romance between former loves

Cons

• No page count stated
• Older edition, September 8, 2017
• Romantic passion is part of the story

3

It Takes a Spy... by Jeane

Sheridan Jeane·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A Victorian novella about a lady clearing her framed fiancé, for mystery readers.

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Pros

• Victorian jewel-theft mystery with a clever heroine
• Book 1 of 5, stands alone
• 2nd edition, November 1, 2014

Cons

• No page count stated
• Content note covers language and an intimate scene
• A Book 0.5 precedes this Book 1

4

Beauty and the Spy by Long

Julie Anne Long·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A Regency spy romance about a London belle and a banished spymaster, for witty historical espionage readers.

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Pros

• His Majesty's spy in Regency London
• Mystery plot around accidents following her
• Warner Forever edition, June 2, 2008

Cons

• No page count stated
• Oldest edition here, June 2, 2008
• Description notes sensual content

5

Where We Started by Muñoz

Ashley Muñoz·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A small-town motorcycle club romance about an inheritance battle and childhood sweethearts, for romance readers rather than spy readers.

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Pros

• Book 1 of 4, Stone Riders MC
• Childhood sweethearts reunited as adults
• Published November 3, 2023

Cons

• No spy agency or espionage plot is stated
• No page count stated
• Description describes the romance as steamy

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More picks to compare

• The Spy by KingA 52 page spy romance novella for a quick read.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents, edition, value, and listed age or level where given. None lists an age or grade level here. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best spy novels with romance

Start with the setting

Regency and Victorian settings dominate, with one modern FBI plot: Caldwell and Long for historical London, Walters for a modern case. For more spy stories, see best spy novels with female leads.

Check the series position

Several picks open their series, so check whether Book 1 suits a reader who wants one complete story; Jeane states each romance stands alone. For more thrillers, see best spy thriller novels.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and date on the listing before ordering.
• Check which book comes first, since several picks open their series.
• Check content notes, since several picks note mature themes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start a series?

Start with Book 1: Caldwell, Jeane and Muñoz each open their series.

What age do these books suit?

No pick lists a reading age or grade level, so check content notes before buying for a younger reader.

Which edition should I buy?

Buy the edition the listing states, and check the date.

Still deciding? Our top pickSpies, Lies, and Alibis by Walters

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Related lists

See every Young Adult list and all Kids and Teens lists.

More lists: spy novels for young adults, YA romance novels, historical romance novels and romance adventure novels.