The Gentleman's Deception by Karen Tuft (Review & #Giveaway)


I enjoyed this author's last book, The Earl's Betrothal, that I read last year (review here), so I was happy to see she was releasing another book. Read my thoughts and enter the giveaway below...

The Gentleman's Deception
by Karen Tuft
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 242 Pages
December 1st 2017 by Covenant Communications

Summary

Renowned actress Ruby Chadwick, The Darling of Drury Lane, has long planned and prepared for her final performance. With exceptional beauty comes the unwanted attention of men, and after years of fending off odious suitors, Ruby is ready to leave it all behind in favor of a quiet life. The first step is to reclaim a piece of her past: her true identity as Lavinia Fernley. But leaving town unnoticed proves impossible, and in one desperate moment, she embarks on the greatest act of her life when she throws herself into the arms of a stranger to avoid recognition.

Lucas Jennings is shocked to find the stunning redhead in his arms, but something moves him to play along with her ruse when she calls him her husband. This charade marks the start of an unpredictable journey as he escorts the lovely Lavinia and her traveling companions to Primrose Farm, far from the glaring lights of London. Soon, the tables are turned when Lucas introduces Lavinia to his family—as his fiancée. Before long, their mutual deception begins to feel all too real. But when the truth of her past is revealed, will Lavinia’s dream of a happy ending slip through her fingers?

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

My Review

THE GENTLEMAN'S DECEPTION is a story full of quirky characters, a darling damsel in distress, and the dashing hero who comes to her aid. Full of humor and sweet moments as they fall in love with these characters, is sure to charm readers. Recommended to historical romance readers who like their stories sweet with some fun twists.

These characters were so much fun! Between Lavinia's friends and Lucas's family, there is quite a range of characters and throwing them all together just livens things up. Of course, my favorite characters were Lavinia and Lucas. I loved their strength—Lavinia's determination and brilliance in the face of men who would only use or hurt her and her desire to find a safe place for her and her friends to retire and Lucas's equally stoic stance on helping Lavinia and her friends and being honorable. They were an ideal pair with plenty of sweet moments as they both begin to trust each other and open their hearts.

I did think some parts could have been developed slightly more. It seems like Lucas's brother got off rather easily for the disaster he caused. I also thought the shock towards the end and the reconciliation could have actually been stretched out more to allow a little more depth to the characters and story. Regardless, these were minor and I still enjoyed the story immensely.

In the end, was it what I wished for? An enjoyable Regency romance with quirky characters, a little adventure, and sweet romance that was fun to read. I'm looking forward to seeing what Tuft writes next!

Content: Some innuendo, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books in the Series

This isn't necessarily a series (each book can be read on its own), but the
characters who are referenced at the very beginning of The Gentleman's
Deception are his friends and their story can be found in The Earl's Betrothal.

The Earl's Betrothal
by Karen Tuft
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 264 Pages
May 1st 2016 by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Summary

Out of the war and into another, Captain Lord Anthony Hargreaves finds the politics of romance to be as uninviting a battle as the one that nearly cost him his life in Badajoz, Spain.

Wounded both mentally and physically from the Peninsular War in 1812, Anthony returns home to find that his older brother has died, placing Anthony next in line to inherit the estate. But he’s not ready for such responsibilities. And when Anthony’s dying father pleads with him to marry and produce an heir to preserve the family title, it nearly sends Anthony over the edge; nevertheless he dutifully faces a long line of hopeful young ladies who await him. No one grabs his attention, though, like Amelia Clarke, his mother’s stunning companion, who is off-limits for the earl. But when Anthony unwittingly puts Amelia in a compromising situation, he dedicates himself to protecting her reputation.

But the horrors Anthony faced while away from home have left him feeling broken and tormented. And Anthony finds himself drawn to Miss Clarke, the only one who can chase away his demons, but he must overcome the hostility of a society driven by class, a jealous duke bent on revenge, and himself—for could Amelia ever really love a haunted man?

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

About the Author


Karen Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU and graduated from the University of Utah in music theory, where she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies.

In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mom, grandma (hooray!), pianist, composer, and arranger. She likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel, whether it's by car, plane, or paperback.


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