Duels & Deception

Yes, yes, it's just another fluffy regency romance... except there's also a strong willed young woman at the center of the story, and a young man who admires her for it. Also, there's an aristocrat who is relishing his law work, and a lot of good historical information about the stupidity of dueling and how to foil a duel, should you find yourself in one by accident. Also, dastardly adventures! Mystery! and rotten folks getting their comeuppance. Yargh, satisfying.

I adored Anstey's first book, Loves, Lives & Spies, and was super excited to see she had a new one coming out this year. I jumped at the chance to review it.

Like the first book, Duels & Deception was super fun. It was also an engaging and quick read - I sat down anticipating only reading a few pages and when I looked up, I had finished over half the book. I loved the characters, and did not want to leave them. And I love that mystery and intrigue also played a large role in the plot.

Anstey writes intelligent and headstrong heroines (yes!!!), and heroes who like educated women who stand up for themselves (double yes!!!). Lydia is super smart, inquisitive, and refuses to let the men in her life sideline her. She is determined to take show more control of her property, her business, and her future. Robert is also also super smart, loyal, and tenacious -- just like Lydia. I loved them and rooted for them the entire book.

Given how much I loved this book and her previous one, Anstey just became an insta-buy author for me.

Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. show less

This is the story of Lydia Whitfield, who has inherited her family estate and will run it on her own in a few short years when she comes of age. For now, she is subject to the whims of her frequently-drunk uncle and his subpar land agent. However, when the two start showing their incompetence, a representative from the family law firm arrives, young Robert Newton. Though Newton is immediately smitten, Lydia's mind is filled only with the plans her father left for her life. If she is to break free and find love and safety, she is going to have to learn to trust and allow Robert to help her.

Though there were some over-the-top events, I loved every minute I spent with these characters. The romances are sweet and rather chaste, due to the show more period setting. There are outstanding friendships--both male and female--and lovely, smart, capable female protagonists. Nobody is unrealistically perfect and the horrid family members and neighbors would have made Heyer proud.

http://webereading.com/2017/04/lies-spies-duels-deception-and-love.html show less

Lydia Whitfield's future is settled: she will marry the owner of the neighboring estate, whom her father chose for her before his untimely death. But when Robert Newton, apprentice to the family solicitor, comes to help settle a few details, neither Lydia nor Robert can deny that there's an immediate pull between them. When Lydia is kidnapped a few days later and Robert is able to assist in her escape, their friendship is cemented -- but will they ever be able to share more than friendship? And who is attempting to kidnap Lydia, ruin her reputation, and steal her fortune?

This is a fun Regency read, ostensibly for teens, but will probably appeal to Regency readers of any age. To purists, Lydia may read as a little too modern in her show more actions and opinions, but in general, I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to fans of the genre. show less

This book is absolutely adorable. I enjoyed every minute of reading it. It is light, fluffy, sweet, and fun, which is exactly what I wanted to read at that time. I was smiling and giggling throughout most of this story. I have also been to Bath, where the book is set, so it was really fun to read a story set in a place that I have visited. A totally sweet and comforting read!

In the same manner as Emma or The Grand Sophy, D&D has a female protagonist who thrives on Managing Others. Lydia is smart & kind & quite capable of rescuing herself from her circumstances (drunk guardians, botched kidnappings, disappointing fiances), but she is in desperate need of a companion in her campaigns for domination. Enter the male protagonist, who is quite sweet in his support of her. The sinister plot(s) underpinning the story are a little silly, but the drama is fun & serves the romance well.

**I received a free advanced readers copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Humor, romance and a dash of mystery make this YA novel set in the Regency Era a perfect escape from contemporary times. As Lydia Whitfield approaches her 18th birthday, she must make a decision: to marry or not to marry the Lord next door. Enter her lawyer’s clerk, Robert Newton, and the decision may not be as easy as she once thought. Add a kidnapping twist into the narrative, and Lydia’s life becomes completely changed. Though the villain in the story is very easy to identify, the humorous tone and developing romance story keeps the narrative flowing. I wanted to keep reading to find out if Lydia would follow her heart. Lydia is a very show more strong female – in some ways wise beyond her years – which I like seeing in young adult novels. Recommended for teens that enjoy fun historical romance novels with a strong female protagonist. show less