Y’all, I actually read a sequel. Who am I? š But I thoroughly enjoyed The Assassin and the Libertine by Lily Riley. So, since I already bought the sequel, The Agent and the Outlaw, I figured why not go ahead and dive in?
It took me longer to read that it should have, simply because the day job is destroying me. But, I am very excited that Riley wasn’t just a one-hit wonder for me, as I enjoyed the sequel, too!
Book Info

Publisher: City Owl PressĀ |Ā Release Date: May 2022Ā |Ā Pages:Ā 262
Age Range: Adult |Ā Genre: Fantasy RomanceĀ |Ā Format: PaperbackĀ |Ā Source:Ā Bought
The murder of a marquis, an accidental kidnapping, an elite vampire death squad, and a beast stalking the French countryside? All in a dayās work for a member of the les Dames Dangereuses.
As the most enviable comtesse of the tonne, Charlotte de Brionne was almost satisfied with her wealth, power, and rather tepid marriage, until her murderous husband betrayed her.
Now she has seized the chance to make a more adventurous start with les Dames Dangereuses, an order of women spies in service to the French crown. But her latest assignment is rudely interrupted when she is kidnapped by a crossbow-wielding madman, who turns out to be not at all mad only rather surly and annoyingly handsome.
Lieutenant Antoine de Valle has no idea what to make of the exasperating, untrustworthy, and frustratingly beautiful woman heās suddenly saddled with, but his honor demands he see Charlotte safely home. Especially since itās his fault she accidentally witnesses his murder of a marquis, ends up on the wrong end of a brutal vampire death squad, and barely survives an encounter with the Beast of GĆ©vaudan.
In fact, the more Antoine tries to keep Charlotte safe, the more trouble they find themselves in. And the harder it is for Antoine to remember his honor in the face of Charlotteās dangerous charms.
On the Page
Referenced
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.

Review
Likes
- Chemistry. A romance novel is made or break for me on chemistry and this one did not disappoint!
- Twists of lore. I don’t want to give any spoilers. But, let’s just say there was some things done with werewolves that I didn’t expect, but really appreciated.
- Van Helsing. Honestly, she might be my favorite character so far out of all the books. Which makes the fact she’s getting her own book next so exciting!!
Dislikes
- Repetitiveness: Antoine, as broody and hot as he is, is a bit repetitive in his characterization.
- Missing the friendship established in book one: The plot wouldn’t really work to have it, set it as it is. But, I really missed Charlotte and Daphne interacting as much as I did in the first book.
Rating

For me, The Agent and the Outlaw was a very solid romance! I enjoyed the banter and the chemistry between Antoine and Charlotte. And I’m very happy she got a second chance at happiness, because she absolutely deserves it! Getting to learn more about this world was super exciting, too.
Even with some of my misgivings, I’m still enjoying this series enough to continue. I am eagerly awaiting the third book, The Doctor and the Devil, which had a cover reveal just recently! VAN HELSING ROMANCE HERE I COME.

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Ooh this sounds fun! I’m currently deeply obsessed with the BBC Musketeers show from a few years back, which also has immaculate French swashbuckling vibes, so I’ll have to check this one out!
Oh yes, if you like the French influence, I bet you’ll love this series! It’s so fun and a refreshing change of pace from British-inspired historical romances!