Author: Manda Collins
Series: A Lady's Guide #2
Published by: Forever on Nov. 16, 2021
Genres: Historical Romance, Mystery/Thriller
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Source: HBG Canada
Book Rating: 9/10
Former lovers become reluctant allies in this delightfully witty historical rom-com from the bestselling author of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem—for fans of Evie Dunmore, Enola Holmes, and Netflix’s Bridgerton!
England, 1867 : As half of the writing duo behind England’s most infamous crime column, Miss Caroline Hardcastle has quite the scandalous reputation. It may have cost her a fiancé, but she would much rather bring attention to crimes against those ignored by society than worry about what the ton thinks of her.
After Caro’s dear friend is kidnapped, however, she has no choice but to work with Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart. Worse, when her actions put her father’s business at risk, a marriage of convenience may be her only solution . . . but can she trust Val to stand by her? Or will their past repeat itself?
Val–the new Viscount Wrackham–is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet the only woman he’s ever loved, Miss Caroline Hardcastle, is notorious for behaving improperly. And she’s never forgiven him for his youthful transgressions, missteps made in the name of familial duty, but ones he still regrets to this day.
As they grow closer to unmasking the culprit, Val sees an opportunity to show Caro he’s a changed man. But can he convince her to give their love a second chance–before death does them part?
Review:
Quirky, adventurous, and fun!
An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire is a playful, engaging tale set in London during 1867 that takes you into the life of Miss Caroline Hardcastle, a crime columnist who, after one of her closest friends goes missing, must grudgingly team up with he ex-fiancé and one man who broke her heart, the dashingly handsome, Lord Valentine Thorn in order to solve the case and rescue her dear friend, Effie as quickly as possible.
The writing is cheeky and engaging. The characters are resourceful, clever, and endearing. And the plot is a passionate, compelling tale full of family, friendship, societal expectations, deductive reasoning, scheming behaviour, tricky situations, awkward moments, secrets, attraction, desire, sleuthing, and of course, a little romance.
An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire is an amusing, lighthearted, entertaining tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second title in the A Lady’s Guide series by Collins, that if you ask me, keeps getting better and better.
This book is available now.
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Thank you to HBG Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.