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Veiled Seduction #2
Sweet Deception
In the dark, the greatest lover can become the most dangerous conspirator...
Footsteps In The Fog
Lord Frederick Aveline, otherwise known as Derick, has successfully kept up appearances as an English nobleman. What no one knows is that he's a full-blooded Frenchman—a double agent for the British against the French. But there is something else no one knows about Derick. Deciding to leave behind his days of espionage, he's arrived home in Derbyshire to finish one final order of business: to find and expose a dangerous traitor in their midst.
But Aveline Castle holds its own share of secrets — including murder — and an unexpected lure in the brilliant and feisty Emma Wallingford. Emma's loyalty lies with acting as the town's magistrate, and she doesn't welcome an unanticipated, though appealing, intrusion like Derick's. As the two of them are drawn closer, the sordid past of Derick's family comes to light, as does the true nature of his arrival. But when deception, however sweet, is the name of the game, no one can be trusted. And every love — and every life — is at risk.
Footsteps In The Fog
Lord Frederick Aveline, otherwise known as Derick, has successfully kept up appearances as an English nobleman. What no one knows is that he's a full-blooded Frenchman—a double agent for the British against the French. But there is something else no one knows about Derick. Deciding to leave behind his days of espionage, he's arrived home in Derbyshire to finish one final order of business: to find and expose a dangerous traitor in their midst.
But Aveline Castle holds its own share of secrets — including murder — and an unexpected lure in the brilliant and feisty Emma Wallingford. Emma's loyalty lies with acting as the town's magistrate, and she doesn't welcome an unanticipated, though appealing, intrusion like Derick's. As the two of them are drawn closer, the sordid past of Derick's family comes to light, as does the true nature of his arrival. But when deception, however sweet, is the name of the game, no one can be trusted. And every love — and every life — is at risk.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
32 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Heather Snow
17 books213 followersHeather Snow is an award winning historical romance author with a degree in Chemistry who found she much preferred creating chemistry on the page, rather than in the lab. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two rambunctious boys and one very put upon cat. She loves to hear from readers, and can be reached at Heather@HeatherSnowBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
July 25, 2012
One thing you must know before I begin is that Heather Snow's females are brilliant. Liliana Claremont from Sweet Enemy is a chemist, a total geek with an awesome personality. In Heather's second book in her Veiled Seduction series, we have Emma Wallingford, who is all around awesome. Since her brother's stroke, she has been the town of Derbyshire's acting magistrate but only the town knows of this, because if outside finds out a female is magistrate it would not be a good thing. Emma is a mathematics genius among being intrigued with crime and forensics.
Enter Lord Derick Aveline, hasn't been back to his ancestral home in nearly a decade, but when he enters his home to find a rather dominating Emma directing the staff in the search for a missing housemaid, he is taken aback. You see, his memories of the girl he called Pygmy were nothing compared to the attractive woman he now sees, and from minute one, she confounds the wits out of him
Derick had not even wanted to go home, but for his last hurrah as a spy, he has been sent to return to his hometown and find a traitor in the midst, someone who was working for France. Derick has not had an ideal life. English father, French mother, he has felt like an outsider, somewhat of a failure. He left home, ended up in a French prison and has spent his subsequent years in the business of espionage.Now eager to put that behind him, he ends up in Derbyshire in the sights of Emma, who is quite the enigma.
Emma has been in love with Derick for so long. Even though he was gone for all those years, he wasn't far from her thoughts. She was just beginning to become immune to his memory when he reappears. Liliana tries not to be that little Pygmy that Derick dubbed her all those years ago and when he finds she is a budding criminal investigator, he is intrigued and more than a little attracted. Unfortunately, Derick doesn't plan on lingering in Derbyshire, for all of its bad memories, namely the apparent suicide of his mother.
When Emma and Derick find themselves smack in the middle of multiple murders, feelings become stronger and confusion abounds. Who is the traitor? Who is the murderer? Are they one and the same person? Will Derick overcome the ghosts of his past and stop blaming himself for all that has gone wrong in his life. Will he accept that he can love and be loved? So many questions like these are answered in Sweet Deception.
This book has so many pluses... murder, mystery, intrigue and romance. I love the fact that Emma at first tries to deny her feelings for Derick, then she goes full speed ahead to try to ensnare him in her mysterious web. There are occasions when I would like to take a stick to Derick, but that feeling quickly disappears when the light-bulb finally goes off in his head. Taking two seemingly different people from two seemingly different backgrounds and throwing them together doesn't always work out, but when all unravels and underneath these are two are more similar than dissimilar, the fun begins!
Heather Snow has yet another winner with Sweet Deception. This story has all the machinations to keep you coming back for more, to help solve the mysteries and to root for the Emma and Derick I have been a fan of Heather Snow since Sweet Enemy and can't wait for more from this utterly talented lady.
~KIMBERLY~
Heather Snow's Website: http://www.heathersnowbooks.com/
Heather on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeather...
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August 25, 2012
The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.-Leonardo da Vinci
Heather Snow delivers another intelligent mystery set in Regency England with SWEET DECEPTION, Book Two in the Veiled Seduction Series. Readers briefly met the hero, Lord Frederick Aveline, during a house party in SWEET ENEMY, Book One. This connection is minimal as SWEET DECEPTION is a stand alone story in which Snow raised her already high standard.
Aveline may play the aristocratic fop, but he is an English spy with French blood. He knows his talent has served the crown, he does not feel at home in England. Aveline accepts one more assignment to discover a suspected traitor in Derbyshire. Since he happens to have a castle in Derbyshire, he has the perfect cover. Aveline plans on using a childhood friend, Emma Wallingford, to gain the trust of the locals. He did not plan on falling in love with Emma – a trained mathematician who acts as the magistrate for her ailing brother. Emma is a woman before her time, one who can deduce criminal activity from statistics.
Working as a team, Emma and Aveline track down the traitor-turned-killer. Although the mystery did hold my attention, their partnership-turned-relationship-turned-romance stole my heart. Like SWEET ENEMY, Snow turns the tables with her historical characters – the intelligent heroine is confident while the military hero struggles with living up to the title thrust upon him. In a departure from SWEET EMENY, Snow takes readers outside the fun loving house party to give us a glimpse of estate living where the lord and locals work the land together.
For SWEET DECEPTION, the acting lord is, in fact, a lady who the locals accept nonetheless. Emma attacks everything in life with a mathematical equation, including winning Aveline over as a partner in crime, er, criminal investigation. She even has an equation to keep Aveline interested in his land, Derbyshire, and her as a partner in marriage … for practical reasons. You’ll have to read the book to see how she calculates love and passion into the equation!
Recommended read for those seeking a sophisticated story with an enlightened heroine who the hero comes to appreciate.
Heather Snow delivers another intelligent mystery set in Regency England with SWEET DECEPTION, Book Two in the Veiled Seduction Series. Readers briefly met the hero, Lord Frederick Aveline, during a house party in SWEET ENEMY, Book One. This connection is minimal as SWEET DECEPTION is a stand alone story in which Snow raised her already high standard.
Aveline may play the aristocratic fop, but he is an English spy with French blood. He knows his talent has served the crown, he does not feel at home in England. Aveline accepts one more assignment to discover a suspected traitor in Derbyshire. Since he happens to have a castle in Derbyshire, he has the perfect cover. Aveline plans on using a childhood friend, Emma Wallingford, to gain the trust of the locals. He did not plan on falling in love with Emma – a trained mathematician who acts as the magistrate for her ailing brother. Emma is a woman before her time, one who can deduce criminal activity from statistics.
Working as a team, Emma and Aveline track down the traitor-turned-killer. Although the mystery did hold my attention, their partnership-turned-relationship-turned-romance stole my heart. Like SWEET ENEMY, Snow turns the tables with her historical characters – the intelligent heroine is confident while the military hero struggles with living up to the title thrust upon him. In a departure from SWEET EMENY, Snow takes readers outside the fun loving house party to give us a glimpse of estate living where the lord and locals work the land together.
For SWEET DECEPTION, the acting lord is, in fact, a lady who the locals accept nonetheless. Emma attacks everything in life with a mathematical equation, including winning Aveline over as a partner in crime, er, criminal investigation. She even has an equation to keep Aveline interested in his land, Derbyshire, and her as a partner in marriage … for practical reasons. You’ll have to read the book to see how she calculates love and passion into the equation!
Recommended read for those seeking a sophisticated story with an enlightened heroine who the hero comes to appreciate.
August 10, 2012
I LOVED Sweet Enemy, Heather Snow’s debut novel and the first book in her Veiled Seduction trilogy, so much that it immediately became one of my favourite books read in 2012 and so I was impatiently counting back the days until the release of the second novel. Thankfully the wait is over as Sweet Deception released this week and I am happy to report that Heather Snow did not disappoint with this second instalment, her position on my "new favourite authors" list is secure ;-)
Though Sweet Deception can very well be read as a standalone (there are just a few mentions of the previous novel’s couple to make a loose connection between the books of the series, but nothing major that you need to know prior to starting Sweet Deception), I still think you shouldn’t miss out on Sweet Enemy as it is such a delightful story.
If you have read Sweet Enemy you might have a few preconceived ideas on what to expect of Sweet Deception, and though there are similarities between the two novels, I would still say that their general tone is quite different. While Sweet Enemy is light and full of flirty, light seduction, Sweet Deception is a bit darker and the mystery(ies) plotline is more central to the story. Though Sweet Enemy had a few mystery undertones as well, Sweet Deception is rather a historical mystery romance. The story is built around murder investigations, uncovering traitors, and as someone once said “it is less obvious and easy to be cute when dead bodies are scattered around”. ;-)
But do not be afraid, what you got to love in Sweet Enemy you’ll also find it in Sweet Deception: a wonderfully brilliant scientist heroine, a dark and tortured, yet warmhearted and loving hero, sizzling chemistry and sensual romance, and most of all Heather Snow’s beautifully evocative and smooth writing:
"The barrage of today’s revelations was almost too much for her to bear. So many pieces, memories, and thoughts seemed to make a new kind of sense now and yet make no sense at all. It was as if she’d been looking at Derick through a kaleidoscope that blurred his edges, but it hadn’t mattered because he’d been such a beautiful, dazzling thing. But now, with a turn of the wrist, the lenses had aligned and he’d come suddenly into sharp, stark view with all of his faults on display. And she found him even more beautiful."
Emma is a delightful heroine, I loved how besides her intelligent scientific mind (she is a brilliant mathematician and a female criminal profiler!) she had such a naïve and optimistic outlook on life, and the way she jumbled up common sayings and proverbs made her human and so lovable (she reminded me a lot of dr. Temperence Brennan aka as Bones from the TV series, although Emma is never aloof or cold, she is approachable, compassionate and very loving).
And Derick… oh Derick. Derick (short for Lord Frederick Aveline, Viscount Scarsdale) was a great hero. I found it impressive how despite him being a tortured hero with a bleak outlook on life, he wasn’t a depressing character: he had so much life, energy and passion that it livened up the dark outlook he forced himself to adopt. It was moving to see the way Emma unraveled him layer by layer and got under his skin despite Derick’s declarations and objections. His attraction, passion, tender feelings and love for Emma progressed beautifully and when he finally realized the depth of his emotions for her, it was humbling. These two’s romance was beautiful and worth telling alongside Liliana and Geoffrey’s (the heroine and hero of Sweet Enemy).
Verdict: Sweet Deception was a fantastic addition to the Veiled Seduction trilogy. With a scientist heroine and a dark hero, murders and investigations, mystery and romance, it had everything to keep the reader’s heart rate racing, either due to the intrigue or the sensual romantic storyline.
And once again I’m back where I started: impatiently counting back the days until the release of Book #3, Sweet Madness… *groans*
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Cover: 8/10 - suits the story as Emma is often described as wearing green dresses, and I like how this one looks so mysterious with the darker background and flickering candles
Overall I give Sweet Deception 4.5 stars!
Though Sweet Deception can very well be read as a standalone (there are just a few mentions of the previous novel’s couple to make a loose connection between the books of the series, but nothing major that you need to know prior to starting Sweet Deception), I still think you shouldn’t miss out on Sweet Enemy as it is such a delightful story.
If you have read Sweet Enemy you might have a few preconceived ideas on what to expect of Sweet Deception, and though there are similarities between the two novels, I would still say that their general tone is quite different. While Sweet Enemy is light and full of flirty, light seduction, Sweet Deception is a bit darker and the mystery(ies) plotline is more central to the story. Though Sweet Enemy had a few mystery undertones as well, Sweet Deception is rather a historical mystery romance. The story is built around murder investigations, uncovering traitors, and as someone once said “it is less obvious and easy to be cute when dead bodies are scattered around”. ;-)
But do not be afraid, what you got to love in Sweet Enemy you’ll also find it in Sweet Deception: a wonderfully brilliant scientist heroine, a dark and tortured, yet warmhearted and loving hero, sizzling chemistry and sensual romance, and most of all Heather Snow’s beautifully evocative and smooth writing:
"The barrage of today’s revelations was almost too much for her to bear. So many pieces, memories, and thoughts seemed to make a new kind of sense now and yet make no sense at all. It was as if she’d been looking at Derick through a kaleidoscope that blurred his edges, but it hadn’t mattered because he’d been such a beautiful, dazzling thing. But now, with a turn of the wrist, the lenses had aligned and he’d come suddenly into sharp, stark view with all of his faults on display. And she found him even more beautiful."
Emma is a delightful heroine, I loved how besides her intelligent scientific mind (she is a brilliant mathematician and a female criminal profiler!) she had such a naïve and optimistic outlook on life, and the way she jumbled up common sayings and proverbs made her human and so lovable (she reminded me a lot of dr. Temperence Brennan aka as Bones from the TV series, although Emma is never aloof or cold, she is approachable, compassionate and very loving).
And Derick… oh Derick. Derick (short for Lord Frederick Aveline, Viscount Scarsdale) was a great hero. I found it impressive how despite him being a tortured hero with a bleak outlook on life, he wasn’t a depressing character: he had so much life, energy and passion that it livened up the dark outlook he forced himself to adopt. It was moving to see the way Emma unraveled him layer by layer and got under his skin despite Derick’s declarations and objections. His attraction, passion, tender feelings and love for Emma progressed beautifully and when he finally realized the depth of his emotions for her, it was humbling. These two’s romance was beautiful and worth telling alongside Liliana and Geoffrey’s (the heroine and hero of Sweet Enemy).
Verdict: Sweet Deception was a fantastic addition to the Veiled Seduction trilogy. With a scientist heroine and a dark hero, murders and investigations, mystery and romance, it had everything to keep the reader’s heart rate racing, either due to the intrigue or the sensual romantic storyline.
And once again I’m back where I started: impatiently counting back the days until the release of Book #3, Sweet Madness… *groans*
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Cover: 8/10 - suits the story as Emma is often described as wearing green dresses, and I like how this one looks so mysterious with the darker background and flickering candles
Overall I give Sweet Deception 4.5 stars!
August 5, 2012
Will you accept my perfect love?
Derick Aveline, Viscount Scarsdale is the master of disguise and the best at the art of hiding in plain sight. Despite trying to retire from the business of being a spy, he is once again called into his country’s war on traitors. This fight takes him to the one place he never wanted to see again – home. He ran from that nightmare as soon as he could, and being forced back is anything but pleasant or so he imagined until he set his eyes upon Emma. Emmeline Wallingford and Derick had been childhood friends, who one after moments in the same room reconnect as it they had just seen each other an hour again instead of years.
Despite his seasoned control, Derick is having an issue with concentrating on his mission anytime Emma is near. Always the professional Derick soon discovers too many potential suspects and one surprising fact that knocks directly on Emma’s door. For Derick keeping Emma safe becomes priority number one, but he all too quickly discovers she is not only beautiful she is a brilliant scientist. Emma has spent years running her brothers magistrate service researching crime, statistics, and patterns and doing a great job of corresponding her information to other magistrates. Emma is using her beautiful mind to both assist Derick in searching for answers not only to the crimes but also about Derick himself. Emma knows there is something that is not adding up and all signs point to Derick and his refusal to answer a direct question.
Time together is shows both of them the most splendid moments of passion and excitement as well as the darkest of secrets. When you spend so many years pretending to be something you are not how do you convince anyone that you truly are what they are seeing now. Solving crime is so much easier than baring your soul to the object of your affection.
Heather Snow is a genius with plot, characters, and intricate information. Readers must embrace the magic that is the romance of her words, and appreciate the brilliance of her ability to write a mystery no one can figure out.
Derick Aveline, Viscount Scarsdale is the master of disguise and the best at the art of hiding in plain sight. Despite trying to retire from the business of being a spy, he is once again called into his country’s war on traitors. This fight takes him to the one place he never wanted to see again – home. He ran from that nightmare as soon as he could, and being forced back is anything but pleasant or so he imagined until he set his eyes upon Emma. Emmeline Wallingford and Derick had been childhood friends, who one after moments in the same room reconnect as it they had just seen each other an hour again instead of years.
Despite his seasoned control, Derick is having an issue with concentrating on his mission anytime Emma is near. Always the professional Derick soon discovers too many potential suspects and one surprising fact that knocks directly on Emma’s door. For Derick keeping Emma safe becomes priority number one, but he all too quickly discovers she is not only beautiful she is a brilliant scientist. Emma has spent years running her brothers magistrate service researching crime, statistics, and patterns and doing a great job of corresponding her information to other magistrates. Emma is using her beautiful mind to both assist Derick in searching for answers not only to the crimes but also about Derick himself. Emma knows there is something that is not adding up and all signs point to Derick and his refusal to answer a direct question.
Time together is shows both of them the most splendid moments of passion and excitement as well as the darkest of secrets. When you spend so many years pretending to be something you are not how do you convince anyone that you truly are what they are seeing now. Solving crime is so much easier than baring your soul to the object of your affection.
Heather Snow is a genius with plot, characters, and intricate information. Readers must embrace the magic that is the romance of her words, and appreciate the brilliance of her ability to write a mystery no one can figure out.
February 11, 2015
Originally posted at my site Addicted To Romance
Summary
Frederick Aveline, is a peer in the realm, but has been away since he was seventeen years old. Many speculate that he is a french spy, since he is half french. But he is a spy but for England, and has spent most of his adult life in Europe to aid England in the war. He has now come back home, for one last mission, and then plans on leaving everything to start fresh, in America. His mission, go to Derbyshire, to expose a traitor, who is the local magistrate in town. But when he arrives, he finds a innocent young woman missing, and working alone side with the magistrate's sister, Emma Wallingford. Emma who used to follow him around everywhere, and he nicknamed her "Pygmy" and they developed a strong friendship. Emma, always had a soft spot for Frederick, ever since she was a child, she adored him. But then he left and she realized that she cared for him more than he ever knew. Now he is back, and they are on the search, and having to unravel a mystery, but soon a desire erupts between them, and Frederick will have to decide if he can trust Emma, will all of himself...
The Hero
Frederick Aveline, is quite a complex character, and I quite enjoyed his personality. He had quite a bit of depth to him, and he was the brooding hero that I just always fall in love with. Aveline is a spy for England, but has had to spend most of his time in Europe. To his country, he is only half french, but what they don't know is he doesn't have one drop of English blood in him. Frederick struggles with not feeling worthy of the title. Frederick, is quite talented at giving off the image he wants to convey. But he isn't read for Emma's smarts. He has always liked Emma, since they were children, even if she followed him everywhere. But he holds great affection for her. Frederick was quite the hero, a bit different than I was expecting. He is charming, handsome, and a scoundrel. But when you dig a bit deeper you see he has a heart of gold, but suffers from the sacrifices he has had to make, and you how tormented he is.
The Heroine
Emma Wallingford, may be a woman, but she is quick and smart and sassy. She is stubborn to a fault and determined to win. Emma was the type of heroine you just admire from the get go. She has tenacity and spirit, but has the sweet endearing quality about her you can relate to at any given moment. I loved how quick she is, and sees through Aveline's facade of a pompous rake. Emma has a mathematical and logical mind, her father passed away, and her brother is suffering from a mental disability, where he is only lucid for certain periods of time. So she has had to take it upon herself to be the magistrate full time. She is determined to bring a end to crime. She sees things in her mind very logical, and is determined to find out the cause of crime in England and put a stop to it (quite a challenge I know). But she is quite strong willed, and she is smart enough to do it. I loved seeing her character become quite a strong element in the story.No flight young miss we have here, I wish I was half as smart as she seems to be. And boy does she know how to answers to riddles and puzzles.
Plot and Story Line
This is quite a complex story, and so the plot definitely keep you excited and anxious. From the first chapter, you are drawn into a story that you know its going to surprise you...and boy did it pack quite the punch of surprises, shocks and delights. I just couldn't get enough of Sweet Deception. You see how this author weaves a tale of mystery, intrigue, depth, and heart pounding desire. I can be picky about the regency romances, but I swear this author keeps winning me over with this genre. Sometimes I get bored with it, but now when Heather Snow is at the helm. She has a beautiful way of creating a story that is intense, keeps your mind active, and at the same time satisfying you will a delightful romp of a romance. There were so many things that I adored about this story. One of the things that I found delightful was how Emma is determined to show Frederick that they are worth fighting for. She can be very bold and daring, which I wasn't expecting. At first you think of her as smart and quick, but more of the sedate time. But no, when she wants something, she goes after it, with any means at her disposal. I loved the banter between Emma and Frederick, it was quite fun and playful. Despite the seriousness of the story line, locating a traitor and a killer on the loose, but the story is also packed with a some sizzling sexual tension, and some complex character and this is a story to keep your heart racing, and guaranteed to hold onto your attention and won't let go till the last page.
Cover
Now I will say I just love the covers for this series. They fit the profile of the story, and the cover for Sweet Deception is mysterious and beautiful. I am a big fan for the color green, I feel like its such a good color, and really fits the heroine's style that is displayed in the story. As a whole it has a simplicity to it, but at the same time gives off a edge of mystery as well. I love her pose, its very self assured and confident--which is exactly Emma. I love the way the dress is draped on, not too revealing, but gives off a hint of sensuality. Quite stunning.
Overall View
Sweet Deception is a is a wonderfully written romance that combines, witty dialogue, captivating characters, fast paced plot, a few twists along the way, and a breathtaking love story. Heather Snow is a author that you HAVE to watch out for. Quite simply...refreshing and tasteful!!
Summary
Frederick Aveline, is a peer in the realm, but has been away since he was seventeen years old. Many speculate that he is a french spy, since he is half french. But he is a spy but for England, and has spent most of his adult life in Europe to aid England in the war. He has now come back home, for one last mission, and then plans on leaving everything to start fresh, in America. His mission, go to Derbyshire, to expose a traitor, who is the local magistrate in town. But when he arrives, he finds a innocent young woman missing, and working alone side with the magistrate's sister, Emma Wallingford. Emma who used to follow him around everywhere, and he nicknamed her "Pygmy" and they developed a strong friendship. Emma, always had a soft spot for Frederick, ever since she was a child, she adored him. But then he left and she realized that she cared for him more than he ever knew. Now he is back, and they are on the search, and having to unravel a mystery, but soon a desire erupts between them, and Frederick will have to decide if he can trust Emma, will all of himself...
The Hero
Frederick Aveline, is quite a complex character, and I quite enjoyed his personality. He had quite a bit of depth to him, and he was the brooding hero that I just always fall in love with. Aveline is a spy for England, but has had to spend most of his time in Europe. To his country, he is only half french, but what they don't know is he doesn't have one drop of English blood in him. Frederick struggles with not feeling worthy of the title. Frederick, is quite talented at giving off the image he wants to convey. But he isn't read for Emma's smarts. He has always liked Emma, since they were children, even if she followed him everywhere. But he holds great affection for her. Frederick was quite the hero, a bit different than I was expecting. He is charming, handsome, and a scoundrel. But when you dig a bit deeper you see he has a heart of gold, but suffers from the sacrifices he has had to make, and you how tormented he is.
The Heroine
Emma Wallingford, may be a woman, but she is quick and smart and sassy. She is stubborn to a fault and determined to win. Emma was the type of heroine you just admire from the get go. She has tenacity and spirit, but has the sweet endearing quality about her you can relate to at any given moment. I loved how quick she is, and sees through Aveline's facade of a pompous rake. Emma has a mathematical and logical mind, her father passed away, and her brother is suffering from a mental disability, where he is only lucid for certain periods of time. So she has had to take it upon herself to be the magistrate full time. She is determined to bring a end to crime. She sees things in her mind very logical, and is determined to find out the cause of crime in England and put a stop to it (quite a challenge I know). But she is quite strong willed, and she is smart enough to do it. I loved seeing her character become quite a strong element in the story.No flight young miss we have here, I wish I was half as smart as she seems to be. And boy does she know how to answers to riddles and puzzles.
Plot and Story Line
This is quite a complex story, and so the plot definitely keep you excited and anxious. From the first chapter, you are drawn into a story that you know its going to surprise you...and boy did it pack quite the punch of surprises, shocks and delights. I just couldn't get enough of Sweet Deception. You see how this author weaves a tale of mystery, intrigue, depth, and heart pounding desire. I can be picky about the regency romances, but I swear this author keeps winning me over with this genre. Sometimes I get bored with it, but now when Heather Snow is at the helm. She has a beautiful way of creating a story that is intense, keeps your mind active, and at the same time satisfying you will a delightful romp of a romance. There were so many things that I adored about this story. One of the things that I found delightful was how Emma is determined to show Frederick that they are worth fighting for. She can be very bold and daring, which I wasn't expecting. At first you think of her as smart and quick, but more of the sedate time. But no, when she wants something, she goes after it, with any means at her disposal. I loved the banter between Emma and Frederick, it was quite fun and playful. Despite the seriousness of the story line, locating a traitor and a killer on the loose, but the story is also packed with a some sizzling sexual tension, and some complex character and this is a story to keep your heart racing, and guaranteed to hold onto your attention and won't let go till the last page.
Cover
Now I will say I just love the covers for this series. They fit the profile of the story, and the cover for Sweet Deception is mysterious and beautiful. I am a big fan for the color green, I feel like its such a good color, and really fits the heroine's style that is displayed in the story. As a whole it has a simplicity to it, but at the same time gives off a edge of mystery as well. I love her pose, its very self assured and confident--which is exactly Emma. I love the way the dress is draped on, not too revealing, but gives off a hint of sensuality. Quite stunning.
Overall View
Sweet Deception is a is a wonderfully written romance that combines, witty dialogue, captivating characters, fast paced plot, a few twists along the way, and a breathtaking love story. Heather Snow is a author that you HAVE to watch out for. Quite simply...refreshing and tasteful!!
July 6, 2017
*trigger*
Hrmz didn't enjoy this one as much but it probably just not my cuppa to have the h running after the H, instead of finding it headstrong and empowering the h, I actually cringe quite a bit at her going to such lengths to go after such a reluctant H, wanted to scream "self respect!!!!" and stop being so desperate! Honestly if H didn't return the feeling, it's going to be quite awkward and she might v well be the ow that would have deteriorated into a loony bin running after H's intended we read about in other books.
I actually liked the H based on the first book, and was pretty disappointed at how he really is here. Seemed pretty detached for most of the book except to have lusty thoughts of the h, and honestly I didn't like how their sexy times came about as it would have been totally destroying to the h's reputation, not to mention there's a high chance of her getting pregnant. If he really had cared, he would have not done it, or if he'd done so, would have made amends. We also didn't get a good feel of him despite quite a bit of monologue. I never understand why he's so bitter about his secret for over a decade, and why he decides on what he thinks he wants to do in the future. While we know what has gone on, I just didn't connect enough with him to feel his angst and all (he's not abused, he's got a good family upbringing, so honestly, I just didn't get it, maybe I was skimming some parts and didn't realize how traumatic it was for him as a boy...) It's pretty deplorable for him to behave in such a way with the h, despite her having asked for it and probably deserved what she got. About turn came about really way way too late for me, I more or less just didn't care by that point, and because of how he kept pushing her away, there really isn't anything sweet or romantic in this one for me to enjoy.
Our h, as mentioned, isn't my preferred type in romanceland unfortunately. While I like a headstrong woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it, I just didn't enjoy an insecure h excusing and scheming to get the man she wants, despite said man having rejected her quite blatantly time and again. I think I might agree given the H's background, a persistent h will be the only one to break down his walls, but that doesn't mean I actually enjoy reading it. Would have been ok if it's a secondary cast's story or a novella, but it's painful to read a book where the h more or less begs and throws herself at the H every other page, then being all pitifully tearful when said H wanted to reject her but couldn't because he didn't want to hurt her feelings. Also, while I like smart cookied h in historical novels, even I find it odd how h can only seem to make sense of anything in the world using equations and math, when in real life I didn't think life is that simple to reason away that way. It really makes her quite annoying to read at times, as she seems to simplify problems quite a bit.
The only thing I really enjoy in this one is the plot as it's intriguing enough to still get me engaged (in the end, I more or less just skimmed the main story). Also fascinating is how the two went about discovering our villain and the grand revelation.
I think I'm going to take a slight break from Georgian period, as that might have been my problem with this one, my being a bit overstuffed with same genre.
Hrmz didn't enjoy this one as much but it probably just not my cuppa to have the h running after the H, instead of finding it headstrong and empowering the h, I actually cringe quite a bit at her going to such lengths to go after such a reluctant H, wanted to scream "self respect!!!!" and stop being so desperate! Honestly if H didn't return the feeling, it's going to be quite awkward and she might v well be the ow that would have deteriorated into a loony bin running after H's intended we read about in other books.
I actually liked the H based on the first book, and was pretty disappointed at how he really is here. Seemed pretty detached for most of the book except to have lusty thoughts of the h, and honestly I didn't like how their sexy times came about as it would have been totally destroying to the h's reputation, not to mention there's a high chance of her getting pregnant. If he really had cared, he would have not done it, or if he'd done so, would have made amends. We also didn't get a good feel of him despite quite a bit of monologue. I never understand why he's so bitter about his secret for over a decade, and why he decides on what he thinks he wants to do in the future. While we know what has gone on, I just didn't connect enough with him to feel his angst and all (he's not abused, he's got a good family upbringing, so honestly, I just didn't get it, maybe I was skimming some parts and didn't realize how traumatic it was for him as a boy...) It's pretty deplorable for him to behave in such a way with the h, despite her having asked for it and probably deserved what she got. About turn came about really way way too late for me, I more or less just didn't care by that point, and because of how he kept pushing her away, there really isn't anything sweet or romantic in this one for me to enjoy.
Our h, as mentioned, isn't my preferred type in romanceland unfortunately. While I like a headstrong woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it, I just didn't enjoy an insecure h excusing and scheming to get the man she wants, despite said man having rejected her quite blatantly time and again. I think I might agree given the H's background, a persistent h will be the only one to break down his walls, but that doesn't mean I actually enjoy reading it. Would have been ok if it's a secondary cast's story or a novella, but it's painful to read a book where the h more or less begs and throws herself at the H every other page, then being all pitifully tearful when said H wanted to reject her but couldn't because he didn't want to hurt her feelings. Also, while I like smart cookied h in historical novels, even I find it odd how h can only seem to make sense of anything in the world using equations and math, when in real life I didn't think life is that simple to reason away that way. It really makes her quite annoying to read at times, as she seems to simplify problems quite a bit.
The only thing I really enjoy in this one is the plot as it's intriguing enough to still get me engaged (in the end, I more or less just skimmed the main story). Also fascinating is how the two went about discovering our villain and the grand revelation.
I think I'm going to take a slight break from Georgian period, as that might have been my problem with this one, my being a bit overstuffed with same genre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2015
4.5 Stars
This review was posted at Under the Covers
What was I waiting for and why didn't anyone tell me how great Heather Snow was? I started reading this book with really no expectations. I was more than pleasantly surprised. This is just the type of historical I like to read.
Here are just a few of the things that made this such a great read for me:
An awesome heroine
Emma Wallingford is extremely smart, she's not scared of much, she faces life and problems head on. She's strong, opinionated, loyal. While she's had a crush on her neighbor Lord Frederick Aveline since she was a little girl, she didn't just fall at his feet, even though she wanted to swoon when he came back into town after a long absence. And I love that she has a fascination with green dresses and men's boots!
A mystery to solve
The story revolves around mystery and intrigue. Some people have been turning up dead and Emma decided she would be the one to investigate. With her brain, no one can refuse her if she wants to help catch the killer. But there is also the fact that she's taken over the duties of town's magistrate in place of her brother, who is not well enough to do the job anymore. Only bad point to this was the fact that I figured out the killer way early in the book and was actually disappointed that I was right.
The one thing that annoyed me a bit at the same time that I liked him was Derick himself. I think I might've been reading too many "I'm not good enough for you because I've done some awful things in the past" books because I had reached my limit with Derick. Yes he's not the noble that people think he is, he has a rather unorthodox relationship with both the French and the English. He's a double agent, he's killed, he's made enemies. He should stay away from Emma. And this line of thinking goes on for just a tad too much for my liking.
But all that couldn't outshine how sweet and innocent Emma broke through his walls and wove herself into his heart.
*ARC provided by publisher
This review was posted at Under the Covers
What was I waiting for and why didn't anyone tell me how great Heather Snow was? I started reading this book with really no expectations. I was more than pleasantly surprised. This is just the type of historical I like to read.
Here are just a few of the things that made this such a great read for me:
An awesome heroine
Emma Wallingford is extremely smart, she's not scared of much, she faces life and problems head on. She's strong, opinionated, loyal. While she's had a crush on her neighbor Lord Frederick Aveline since she was a little girl, she didn't just fall at his feet, even though she wanted to swoon when he came back into town after a long absence. And I love that she has a fascination with green dresses and men's boots!
A mystery to solve
The story revolves around mystery and intrigue. Some people have been turning up dead and Emma decided she would be the one to investigate. With her brain, no one can refuse her if she wants to help catch the killer. But there is also the fact that she's taken over the duties of town's magistrate in place of her brother, who is not well enough to do the job anymore. Only bad point to this was the fact that I figured out the killer way early in the book and was actually disappointed that I was right.
The one thing that annoyed me a bit at the same time that I liked him was Derick himself. I think I might've been reading too many "I'm not good enough for you because I've done some awful things in the past" books because I had reached my limit with Derick. Yes he's not the noble that people think he is, he has a rather unorthodox relationship with both the French and the English. He's a double agent, he's killed, he's made enemies. He should stay away from Emma. And this line of thinking goes on for just a tad too much for my liking.
But all that couldn't outshine how sweet and innocent Emma broke through his walls and wove herself into his heart.
*ARC provided by publisher
August 13, 2012
I love this author's work! Let me repeat! I love this author's work!
While the plot and style match what you expect from the cover, this book is much more. The main character Emma is a strong woman with a brain and an understanding of how to use it to solve crimes and problems in her life. She is likeable and moreover someone you would like to hang out with. Her foil and male lead, Derick, is a great match for her and learns to respect and value her intelligence among other aspects of her character. Author, Heather Snow, takes advantage of the interest in the current plethora of crime and forensics shows and books to let us see what it would have been like if somebody used some of those techniques earlier, but keeps the love story at the forefront too. She is a master of balance of all elements.
I highly recommend this book!
While the plot and style match what you expect from the cover, this book is much more. The main character Emma is a strong woman with a brain and an understanding of how to use it to solve crimes and problems in her life. She is likeable and moreover someone you would like to hang out with. Her foil and male lead, Derick, is a great match for her and learns to respect and value her intelligence among other aspects of her character. Author, Heather Snow, takes advantage of the interest in the current plethora of crime and forensics shows and books to let us see what it would have been like if somebody used some of those techniques earlier, but keeps the love story at the forefront too. She is a master of balance of all elements.
I highly recommend this book!
April 30, 2022
Derick was introduced in the first book (but this stands on its own). In this Derick goes back to his hometown after his mother's suicide to catch a traitor. It will be the last job he does for the Crown. He's worked as a spy for the past 13-14 years. He crosses paths with Emma, a friend from childhood. Emma is working as the magistrate in place of her brother who had an accident years ago leaving him with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subsequent stroke (CVA). At the start they are trying to figure out who murdered one of Derick's maids.
Emma is super intelligent and also has loved Derick since she was a young girl. That's one of the things I liked about Derick; he was impressed with Emma's knowledge and she was fully involved in the investigation. She does eventually realize Derick's background and confronts him about it. And of course Feelings develop.
This does have a slower start, but picks up. There is more than 1 murder and things do tie together nicely. And I did guess who the traitor was, but thought the "why" wasn't explained.
Emma is super intelligent and also has loved Derick since she was a young girl. That's one of the things I liked about Derick; he was impressed with Emma's knowledge and she was fully involved in the investigation. She does eventually realize Derick's background and confronts him about it. And of course Feelings develop.
This does have a slower start, but picks up. There is more than 1 murder and things do tie together nicely. And I did guess who the traitor was, but thought the "why" wasn't explained.
September 5, 2012
4.5 stars. Very good story. Great romance and a great mystery, too. Emma and Derick, childhood friends, are hunting a murderer and traitor, each for their own reasons. Derick, recently returned from abroad, has a lot of secrets while Emma is pretty much an open book - that was different from the usual of both having deep secrets. Emma's only "secret" is her huge crush she's carried for Derick for years. There are some really great scenes where Emma tries to suppress these feelings that she has for Derick, fearing he does not return them. Also, I was very surprised by the mystery of who the traitor turned out to be when usually I can figure these things out. Very well done.
August 11, 2012
Heather Snow delivers another knock out novel in Sweet Deception! Her second in the Veiled Seduction series does not disappoint. How can you not love a story with a brilliant witty heroine matched with a dark mysterious hero? You simply can't! It was a fabulous read!
I was intrigued by Sweet Enemy, captivated by Sweet Deception, and can only imagine I'll be dazzled by Sweet Madness.
Well done, Heather Snow, well done!
Looking forward to Sweet Madness!
I was intrigued by Sweet Enemy, captivated by Sweet Deception, and can only imagine I'll be dazzled by Sweet Madness.
Well done, Heather Snow, well done!
Looking forward to Sweet Madness!
September 24, 2014
Sweet Deception is well written with likeable main characters. I don't know exactly why, but it was difficult to get in to. It took me about four days to read, when I usually finish in one or two. I guess it suffers from second in a series syndrome-a bit of a let-down from the first book.
April 26, 2017
Pardon da intikam bunun neresindeydi? İlk kitaptan sonra kendi adıma tam bir hayal kırıklığı oldu. Derick'in aşkı olmasa bence Emma'yı at çöpe gitsin.
March 29, 2019
Listening to this in audible brought the story alive and the narrator Kate March did such an amazing job. Her variation on the different voices and inflections are excellent and brought me under her spell.
Sweet Deception brings Lord Derick Aveline returning home after 14 years away, where he had been working for the crown. He had been unable to find a traitor which was his last assignment. What he finds is Miss Emma, a criminologist, in his home and he did not recognize her until he met her eyes. She was the neighbor girl he had grown up with and wanted to know what she was doing.
Thus begins an adventure and mystery. Emma was looking for a missing maid and it ends up they both are looking for possibly the same person. I loved these two! Emma was really brilliant and had a knack for deductions and mathematics. She had always been in love with Derek from childhood and he now sees how she has grown up.
Heather Snow utilizes the strong heroine in Emma and takes her and Derick through many twist and turns. There is humor, delightful dialogue and a mystery that needs to be solved.
I cannot wait to read or listen to more by this author. I highly recommend this story! You will not be disappointed!
Sweet Deception brings Lord Derick Aveline returning home after 14 years away, where he had been working for the crown. He had been unable to find a traitor which was his last assignment. What he finds is Miss Emma, a criminologist, in his home and he did not recognize her until he met her eyes. She was the neighbor girl he had grown up with and wanted to know what she was doing.
Thus begins an adventure and mystery. Emma was looking for a missing maid and it ends up they both are looking for possibly the same person. I loved these two! Emma was really brilliant and had a knack for deductions and mathematics. She had always been in love with Derek from childhood and he now sees how she has grown up.
Heather Snow utilizes the strong heroine in Emma and takes her and Derick through many twist and turns. There is humor, delightful dialogue and a mystery that needs to be solved.
I cannot wait to read or listen to more by this author. I highly recommend this story! You will not be disappointed!
November 23, 2017
Better than the first, but still just an ok read
April 9, 2014
http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...
Heather Snow est sans doute l’auteure qui manie le mieux la romance historique et l’enquête policière actuellement. Sans jamais oublier l’histoire d’amour, elle pimente son récit d’une intrigue solide toujours implantée dans un contexte historique intéressant et elle s’appuie sur les connaissances scientifiques balbutiantes de l’époque en matière de crime.
Nous avions croisé le héros Derick Aveline dans le premier tome. C’est un espion qui après la guerre contre Napoléon est au bout de con contrat avec la couronne britannique. Il revient dans son village natal pour enquêter sur un espion justement qui se trouverait là. C’est un homme usé par le service, qui a passé de longues années à recueillir des renseignements auprès des femmes en couchant avec elle. Il a un peu oublié sa voisin, Emma, qui passait son temps lors de leur enfance à le suivre partout. Il va la retrouver, adulte, vieille fille et terriblement savante. Mais en plus, il doit l’assister car une jeune bonne a été assassinée et Derick est très soupçonneux étant donné que traine un agent dans les parages.
L’histoire est remarquablement mené, alternant passages purement policiers et histoire d’amour. Emma a toujours aimé Derick et va vite s’apercevoir qu’elle a encore des sentiments. Emma est sans doute un des meilleurs personnages féminins récents dans la romance historique. C’est une intellectuelle, formée par un père mathématicien peu chaleureux. Elle a développé un esprit scientifique hors du commun pour une femme de cette époque. Capable de tout mettre en équation, Emma est bien moins à l’aise dans sa vie personnelle. Ce double visage, de femme sûre d’elle et de son esprit mais qui doute tellement de sa séduction l’a rend très touchante. Derick est plus classique en espion blasé mais il tient bien son rôle, très égal à celui d’Emma.
Très intelligemment, l’auteure va associer les deux héros dans une enquête qui se révèle plus compliquée que prévue. Tous deux fait preuve d’intelligence et de connaissances scientifiques. On sourit devant les qualités d’observation de Derick qui repère vite les menteurs ou les connaissances d ’Emma en matière de médecine légale. C’est un peu anachronique mais amené avec tant de conviction et de subtilité qu’on se laisse entraîner sans problème. L’enquête d’ailleurs mange son lot de surprises. Ce n’est évidemment pas un roman policier mais c’est une intrigue d’une facture très solide.
Nous passons un excellent moment dans cette romance historique qui sort un peu des entiers battus de la romance Régence. Pas de bal, ni de garden parties mais des observations peu ragoutantes sur la rigidité cadavérique par exemple. Derick et Emma forment une paire sympathique, et leur histoire d’amour simple et sensuelle fonctionne aussi très bien. Un excellent moment de lecture.
Heather Snow est sans doute l’auteure qui manie le mieux la romance historique et l’enquête policière actuellement. Sans jamais oublier l’histoire d’amour, elle pimente son récit d’une intrigue solide toujours implantée dans un contexte historique intéressant et elle s’appuie sur les connaissances scientifiques balbutiantes de l’époque en matière de crime.
Nous avions croisé le héros Derick Aveline dans le premier tome. C’est un espion qui après la guerre contre Napoléon est au bout de con contrat avec la couronne britannique. Il revient dans son village natal pour enquêter sur un espion justement qui se trouverait là. C’est un homme usé par le service, qui a passé de longues années à recueillir des renseignements auprès des femmes en couchant avec elle. Il a un peu oublié sa voisin, Emma, qui passait son temps lors de leur enfance à le suivre partout. Il va la retrouver, adulte, vieille fille et terriblement savante. Mais en plus, il doit l’assister car une jeune bonne a été assassinée et Derick est très soupçonneux étant donné que traine un agent dans les parages.
L’histoire est remarquablement mené, alternant passages purement policiers et histoire d’amour. Emma a toujours aimé Derick et va vite s’apercevoir qu’elle a encore des sentiments. Emma est sans doute un des meilleurs personnages féminins récents dans la romance historique. C’est une intellectuelle, formée par un père mathématicien peu chaleureux. Elle a développé un esprit scientifique hors du commun pour une femme de cette époque. Capable de tout mettre en équation, Emma est bien moins à l’aise dans sa vie personnelle. Ce double visage, de femme sûre d’elle et de son esprit mais qui doute tellement de sa séduction l’a rend très touchante. Derick est plus classique en espion blasé mais il tient bien son rôle, très égal à celui d’Emma.
Très intelligemment, l’auteure va associer les deux héros dans une enquête qui se révèle plus compliquée que prévue. Tous deux fait preuve d’intelligence et de connaissances scientifiques. On sourit devant les qualités d’observation de Derick qui repère vite les menteurs ou les connaissances d ’Emma en matière de médecine légale. C’est un peu anachronique mais amené avec tant de conviction et de subtilité qu’on se laisse entraîner sans problème. L’enquête d’ailleurs mange son lot de surprises. Ce n’est évidemment pas un roman policier mais c’est une intrigue d’une facture très solide.
Nous passons un excellent moment dans cette romance historique qui sort un peu des entiers battus de la romance Régence. Pas de bal, ni de garden parties mais des observations peu ragoutantes sur la rigidité cadavérique par exemple. Derick et Emma forment une paire sympathique, et leur histoire d’amour simple et sensuelle fonctionne aussi très bien. Un excellent moment de lecture.
April 12, 2013
After reading the first in the Veiled Seduction series by Heather Snow, I was really looking forward to continuing the series by reading Sweet Deception. It definitely didn't disappoint!
One of my favourite aspects of Heather Snow's books (so far) are her amazing heroines. They're always very strong and intelligent, and Emma is no exception. She's a gifted and self-taught criminologist, she's extremely intelligent and loyal. She's also very endearing, she has a rather innocent outlook on life despite dealing with crime regularly by acting as the town's magistrate. She also has low self-esteem when it comes to her attractiveness and desirability, although very assured of her own intelligence.
Derick is a very intriguing hero. He presents the appearance of a self-absorbed fop, but he's actually spent years on the Continent as a spy for England. At first Emma takes him at face value and scorns the pompous young Lord, but it's not long before she starts to peel back the layers and find the real man.
Derick has a dark view of life- unsurprising, considering he's spent years as a double agent; but also because of the truth of his heritage.
The romance between Emma and Derick was so sweet and progressed at a very believable pace. The passion between them was undeniable! I loved how Derick would convince Emma of how beautiful she was. I also thought the way she set about purposefully seducing Derick was brilliant.
The mystery and intrigues along the way, as they tried to determine who murdered the housemaid, who the traitor was in their midst and how it all linked together was all very interesting. It didn't detract from Derick and Emma's relationship, if anything it was a great way to develop it as they worked together. And as to who the traitor actually was... well, it all took me rather by surprise! I don't think I'd make a very good criminologist...
Overall, this is another fantastic and engrossing book from Heather Snow. With sensual romance and gripping mystery, you really can't go wrong. I can't wait to get reading Heather Snow's recently released Sweet Madness (the third in the series), if only the snail mail would get it here faster!
I was lucky enough to win a copy of Sweet deception from the author.
This review was originally published at Rookie Romance.
One of my favourite aspects of Heather Snow's books (so far) are her amazing heroines. They're always very strong and intelligent, and Emma is no exception. She's a gifted and self-taught criminologist, she's extremely intelligent and loyal. She's also very endearing, she has a rather innocent outlook on life despite dealing with crime regularly by acting as the town's magistrate. She also has low self-esteem when it comes to her attractiveness and desirability, although very assured of her own intelligence.
Derick is a very intriguing hero. He presents the appearance of a self-absorbed fop, but he's actually spent years on the Continent as a spy for England. At first Emma takes him at face value and scorns the pompous young Lord, but it's not long before she starts to peel back the layers and find the real man.
Derick has a dark view of life- unsurprising, considering he's spent years as a double agent; but also because of the truth of his heritage.
The romance between Emma and Derick was so sweet and progressed at a very believable pace. The passion between them was undeniable! I loved how Derick would convince Emma of how beautiful she was. I also thought the way she set about purposefully seducing Derick was brilliant.
The mystery and intrigues along the way, as they tried to determine who murdered the housemaid, who the traitor was in their midst and how it all linked together was all very interesting. It didn't detract from Derick and Emma's relationship, if anything it was a great way to develop it as they worked together. And as to who the traitor actually was... well, it all took me rather by surprise! I don't think I'd make a very good criminologist...
Overall, this is another fantastic and engrossing book from Heather Snow. With sensual romance and gripping mystery, you really can't go wrong. I can't wait to get reading Heather Snow's recently released Sweet Madness (the third in the series), if only the snail mail would get it here faster!
I was lucky enough to win a copy of Sweet deception from the author.
This review was originally published at Rookie Romance.
March 15, 2013
Originally posted on What I'm Reading
Today I was able to finish Sweet Deception by Heather Snow which is the second book in A Veiled Seduction. I must say this was a delightful read with mystery and intrigue. Before I tell you what I thought, I best beginning what the story is about.
The last time we saw Derick Aveline, Viscount Scarsdale, was in Sweet Enemy trying to figure out who was the traitor. Now he has a new assignment which takes him back to Aveline Castle near Derbyshire to find a traitor in the mist.
The top suspect would be the neighbors older brother, Lord Wallingford. However, there is an appealing obstacle in his way, Emma Wallingford. The last time he saw her was when she was a gawky young girl, but now stands a beautiful smart young woman. Now they need to worked together to figure out who is killing off unsuspecting bystanders.
First off, loved this book. Here's why:
This kind book kind of reminds me of Bones for regency times. This is my reasoning: Emma Wallingford reminds a lot of the character Temperance Brennan, because the way her mind process things. Not only that, but she would say something that didn't match the normal idiom she was trying to convey. For example she would say, "I propose we put our currency where our mouths are." Which she should have said money instead of currency. Something Bones would say. Another thing was how she hated the nickname Derick gave when they were kids and he would call her Pygmy (like the pygmy owl all knowing and wise). She would tell Derick quick calling me that, kind of like Booth calling Brennan "Bones." The last thing is how Emma had the ability to detach herself from emotions.
In closing, this is a great book. I found it fun and loved it as much as the first book. Not only that, I didn't peek at the end of the book (which is a huge thing). The story was captivating from the first page to the last and I didn't have the urge see the end. Plus, Ms. Snow had you guessing who the real culprit was up until the end. So, if you are looking for a little mystery and a romance I would suggest taking a look at Sweet Deception. Not only that Ms. Snow knows how to write an intelligent heroine that isn't too self-absorbed.
Today I was able to finish Sweet Deception by Heather Snow which is the second book in A Veiled Seduction. I must say this was a delightful read with mystery and intrigue. Before I tell you what I thought, I best beginning what the story is about.
The last time we saw Derick Aveline, Viscount Scarsdale, was in Sweet Enemy trying to figure out who was the traitor. Now he has a new assignment which takes him back to Aveline Castle near Derbyshire to find a traitor in the mist.
The top suspect would be the neighbors older brother, Lord Wallingford. However, there is an appealing obstacle in his way, Emma Wallingford. The last time he saw her was when she was a gawky young girl, but now stands a beautiful smart young woman. Now they need to worked together to figure out who is killing off unsuspecting bystanders.
First off, loved this book. Here's why:
This kind book kind of reminds me of Bones for regency times. This is my reasoning: Emma Wallingford reminds a lot of the character Temperance Brennan, because the way her mind process things. Not only that, but she would say something that didn't match the normal idiom she was trying to convey. For example she would say, "I propose we put our currency where our mouths are." Which she should have said money instead of currency. Something Bones would say. Another thing was how she hated the nickname Derick gave when they were kids and he would call her Pygmy (like the pygmy owl all knowing and wise). She would tell Derick quick calling me that, kind of like Booth calling Brennan "Bones." The last thing is how Emma had the ability to detach herself from emotions.
In closing, this is a great book. I found it fun and loved it as much as the first book. Not only that, I didn't peek at the end of the book (which is a huge thing). The story was captivating from the first page to the last and I didn't have the urge see the end. Plus, Ms. Snow had you guessing who the real culprit was up until the end. So, if you are looking for a little mystery and a romance I would suggest taking a look at Sweet Deception. Not only that Ms. Snow knows how to write an intelligent heroine that isn't too self-absorbed.
November 14, 2012
Lord Derick Aveline has never wanted to return home, to his estate in Derbyshire. He has left after a disagreement with his mother that has caused the ruination of everything he thinks he knows about himself and his purpose in life. After spending nearly ten years on the continent as a spy for England, he has only one loose end to tie off. Unfortunately, such last order of business will require him to return to Derbyshire and search for a traitor amongst those he once knew as neighbors and friends.
Emma Wallingford is everything a lady should not be, and she has been ever since her childhood infatuation with Derick Aveline came to nothing but heartache. With a keen mind for mathematics and logic, she has been secretly performing her invalid brother’s duties as the local magistrate for many years. Her work has not only afforded her a respected place in local society, but an independent life most women could never dream of. When her latest murder investigation draws the interest of the newly returned Lord Derick Aveline, Emma begins to worry that her carefully crafted life is about to fall in about her ears.
Derick is astounded to find the acting magistrate is not only a woman, but a much changed Emma Wallingford, the girl he once called Pygmy. Now he must deal with her nosy, forthright prying while trying to balance his investigations on behalf of the crown. The more they are forced to work together, the more Derick finds himself attracted to the girl who once dogged his every footstep. As they get closer and closer to the murderer, their collective pasts collide in a twist that will reveal more than either one ever could have suspected.
Ms. Snow is unmatched in her attention to historic details regarding the intricate workings of crime solving in the 1800’s. Derick is everything a girl could want in a dashing spy with his tormented past, heroic nature and debonair charm. Though Emma Wallingford is a delightfully independent and resourceful heroine, she seems to have a constantly selfish desire for overt manipulation. Though the book is a thoroughly enjoyable read, it might leave the reader wondering if the heroine really deserves the affections of our sexy prince charming.
Kaitlin
Emma Wallingford is everything a lady should not be, and she has been ever since her childhood infatuation with Derick Aveline came to nothing but heartache. With a keen mind for mathematics and logic, she has been secretly performing her invalid brother’s duties as the local magistrate for many years. Her work has not only afforded her a respected place in local society, but an independent life most women could never dream of. When her latest murder investigation draws the interest of the newly returned Lord Derick Aveline, Emma begins to worry that her carefully crafted life is about to fall in about her ears.
Derick is astounded to find the acting magistrate is not only a woman, but a much changed Emma Wallingford, the girl he once called Pygmy. Now he must deal with her nosy, forthright prying while trying to balance his investigations on behalf of the crown. The more they are forced to work together, the more Derick finds himself attracted to the girl who once dogged his every footstep. As they get closer and closer to the murderer, their collective pasts collide in a twist that will reveal more than either one ever could have suspected.
Ms. Snow is unmatched in her attention to historic details regarding the intricate workings of crime solving in the 1800’s. Derick is everything a girl could want in a dashing spy with his tormented past, heroic nature and debonair charm. Though Emma Wallingford is a delightfully independent and resourceful heroine, she seems to have a constantly selfish desire for overt manipulation. Though the book is a thoroughly enjoyable read, it might leave the reader wondering if the heroine really deserves the affections of our sexy prince charming.
Kaitlin
May 16, 2013
I couldn’t get interested. The characters didn’t pull me in. They didn’t make me want to keep reading.
There was too much pondering or thinking within the dialogue. For example she said something. Then two or three paragraphs of her or his thoughts before he said something. Several times I skimmed through these thoughts just to get to the dialogue (he said, she said, he said).
The concept was good. Remember the math guy in the tv show Numb3rs? Emma is like the 1817 version of him - solving crimes using math. I think the author was careful to be historically accurate about mathematical ideas of the time, which I commend. There is a killer in the area. Emma came up with one thing about the killer using math. But that didn’t catch him. So not a lot happened with the math, but I liked the idea of it. Efforts by someone else eventually caught the killer The solving of that mystery was like a lot of other stories. I prefer something special or different.
Derrick is an English Viscount but he doesn’t think he deserves to be. So learning why and changing his feelings is part of the story. He was a spy for England during the Napolean wars. He just now returned from France, looking for a traitor in the area where Emma lives.
There was sex. It was ok. Derrick resists because he’s trying to be honorable. She’s the seducer. Sometimes that works. But for some reason it wasn’t exciting for me here. I usually I prefer the guy wanting, desiring, and going after the girl.
DISCLOSURE:
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 351 pages. Swearing language: mild including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: 1817 - 1819 England. Copyright: 2012. Genre: regency mystery romance.
There was too much pondering or thinking within the dialogue. For example she said something. Then two or three paragraphs of her or his thoughts before he said something. Several times I skimmed through these thoughts just to get to the dialogue (he said, she said, he said).
The concept was good. Remember the math guy in the tv show Numb3rs? Emma is like the 1817 version of him - solving crimes using math. I think the author was careful to be historically accurate about mathematical ideas of the time, which I commend. There is a killer in the area. Emma came up with one thing about the killer using math. But that didn’t catch him. So not a lot happened with the math, but I liked the idea of it. Efforts by someone else eventually caught the killer The solving of that mystery was like a lot of other stories. I prefer something special or different.
Derrick is an English Viscount but he doesn’t think he deserves to be. So learning why and changing his feelings is part of the story. He was a spy for England during the Napolean wars. He just now returned from France, looking for a traitor in the area where Emma lives.
There was sex. It was ok. Derrick resists because he’s trying to be honorable. She’s the seducer. Sometimes that works. But for some reason it wasn’t exciting for me here. I usually I prefer the guy wanting, desiring, and going after the girl.
DISCLOSURE:
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 351 pages. Swearing language: mild including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: 1817 - 1819 England. Copyright: 2012. Genre: regency mystery romance.
July 30, 2013
Ok yeah I liked this one more than the previous novel. I really fell for Derek and Emma and their history together. In particular, I liked the way they always talked to each other, they never hid things which was nice. The crime detective subplot was nice and I liked that Emma focused her energy into compiling statistics for crime, that was an interesting angle and one I haven't seen before in a historical heroine of this time.
I will say, the last 30 pages regarding the wrap up of the murder(s) and traitor(s) was a bit too EASY for me. Everything fell into place and was wrapped up too nicely which I thought didn't fit the rest of the book. Also, I am mad about the ending regarding where Derek and Emma chose to make their home. I don't feel like making a spoiler cut so I don't want to go into detail but I just didn't feel like it fit with their personalities, Emma in particular.
Those small quibbles aside, I really did enjoy this book and give it a strong 4/5.
I will say, the last 30 pages regarding the wrap up of the murder(s) and traitor(s) was a bit too EASY for me. Everything fell into place and was wrapped up too nicely which I thought didn't fit the rest of the book. Also, I am mad about the ending regarding where Derek and Emma chose to make their home. I don't feel like making a spoiler cut so I don't want to go into detail but I just didn't feel like it fit with their personalities, Emma in particular.
Those small quibbles aside, I really did enjoy this book and give it a strong 4/5.
August 23, 2016
Oops... I think I am obsessed with Heather Snow's writing style...!! the story is written beautifully... is amazing... It has perfect amount of suspense, mystery, romance, fun, humour.. I really like how the story of Derick and Emma... Emma's mathematical stats were quite intriguing... Also, the love that blossomed or perhaps was already there...
This book is a must read if u love mysteries and romance...!!
This book is a must read if u love mysteries and romance...!!
August 22, 2012
Totally loved this!! Emma was completely delightful!! I just loved her intelligence and devotion to criminology. The mystery aspect kept me guessing until the end. The romance between Emma and Derick was great, also. While Derick's "I'm not worthy" angst was a little annoying, it wasn't overdone. This was a terrific book.
August 17, 2012
This was a very good story with a heroine who is older, smart and goes after who and what she wants. Derick is a spy with questionable parentage who goes home for one last mission. It is with the memories of childhood the two write their story. The villian was easy to identify early on, but there was still a surprise twist at the end. Ms Snow is improving and I look forward to her next book.
October 1, 2012
It's an espionage CSI historical romance. How can I not love it.
December 9, 2012
Love Emma!
February 11, 2016
Epsilonun eşsiz güzellikte olduğunu söylemek isterdim " ama imkansız " kötü çeviriye örnek teşkil eden bir kitaptı ..sevemedim ..
February 26, 2020
So this book made me very angry. Partly because the first one was so perfect and this was a far cry from the first novel for me. So I wrote some thoughts down and was going to post it immediately, but decided to sleep on it and see how I felt in the morning. I’m still upset...not so much with the story, but with the characters. Some of the things I pick on are petty and I admit that...so reader beware. Basically, the rest of this review is my specific, personal opinion. It seemed like every personal trigger I had was set off with this novel.
Historical romance featuring one or both protagonists as a spy is usually a hit or miss for me based on my personal preferences. Sometimes you just have these characters that are so emotionally disconnected because of their work, I feel like the growth to a full blown romantic interest is too much of a jump. That's how I felt with Derick in this novel. He just ruined it for me...like the worst kind of narcissist that was just all over the place. Derick seemed like an interesting character when he was introduced in Sweet Enemy, but what a waste he turned out to be. Snow really didn’t know who he was...and I know he says at one point even he doesn’t know who he is anymore, so maybe this whole experience was intentional, but that just doesn’t work for me. I didn’t feel anything for him and I certainly didn’t believe his transition.
I have to say this biggest disappointment was his egotism towards Emma's feelings. It was like nails on a chalkboard. For the first half of the book he was picking apart how much Emma desired him and loved him...constantly saying he could see it in her eyes...or the way she held her hands. He could tell how deep her feelings were. This was so early in the book, and Derick made it clear he in no way reciprocated these feelings. He lusted after her, sure...but he wasn't emotionally involved like she was.
Derick decides at one point (this is still very early in the book) to prove to Emma how "visible" her feelings are...so he whispers a few proactive clues, places his hands on certain points of her body...all to basically say "Hey! You have the hots for me....you lust after me." Whatever...but they're AT A FUNERAL when he does this. A. FUNERAL. I personally felt that was just so insulting to Emma. Not only that Derick was being crude, but that Emma's feelings were so powerful, so overwhelming (i.e. she’s predictable, inferior, just another pawn) that Derick had to prove to her she couldn't even control herself during a time of mourning. Like he was pulling apart her weakness...her "tells."
I get that this is what he’s done for the last 10 plus years as I spy. I get that he used his sexual prowess in the bedroom to win the war so this is probably a gut reaction for him...but is he not smart enough to realize Emma is NOT a spy and he doesn’t have to fuck the answer out of her? What a lucky guy he is to be the one spy dedicated to using his penis to get all the secrets. I guess I should have felt sorry that he had to whore himself out for England, but I didn’t. But what guy...seriously...what guy tells the girl he just slept with (her first time of course with the guy she has spent half her life in love with)...that he spent the last 10 years sleeping with a different woman each night. WHAT???????? Her mathematician brain thought he was serious! He knew how she LOVED HIM, PINED FOR HIM...for literally her entire life. Gahhh. I hate it. Fucking hate it. And why did we just gloss over the fact that he killed people??? Why does he have so much guilt that he slept with half of France, but not that he killed people????
In case you haven’t caught on at this point, this book made me very angry.
He was not like this with Liliana...not at all. He didn’t make advances on her or suggestive comments...he was sweet, kind considerate. The role he was supposed to play...I get it...but why in the world was this acceptable behavior with Emma? How was this romantic? For someone that was supposed to be a fabulous actor as a spy he sure did everything wrong with Emma.
And Emma is just treated as some discarded animal, living in Derbyshire...licking her wounds...pining (and I stress pining) after the man that left her alone over a decade ago. It's too much. She figures out his story fairly quickly, and that's great and all...good for her. But Derick just wasn't worth her time...yet despite that she can't help herself. She keeps trying to manipulate Derick into this relationship...into something he clearly is not...and I just couldn't stand it. It wasn't romantic...it was desperate and I hated seeing a heroine in that position.
Not a fan...not a fan at all of this couple.
Historical romance featuring one or both protagonists as a spy is usually a hit or miss for me based on my personal preferences. Sometimes you just have these characters that are so emotionally disconnected because of their work, I feel like the growth to a full blown romantic interest is too much of a jump. That's how I felt with Derick in this novel. He just ruined it for me...like the worst kind of narcissist that was just all over the place. Derick seemed like an interesting character when he was introduced in Sweet Enemy, but what a waste he turned out to be. Snow really didn’t know who he was...and I know he says at one point even he doesn’t know who he is anymore, so maybe this whole experience was intentional, but that just doesn’t work for me. I didn’t feel anything for him and I certainly didn’t believe his transition.
I have to say this biggest disappointment was his egotism towards Emma's feelings. It was like nails on a chalkboard. For the first half of the book he was picking apart how much Emma desired him and loved him...constantly saying he could see it in her eyes...or the way she held her hands. He could tell how deep her feelings were. This was so early in the book, and Derick made it clear he in no way reciprocated these feelings. He lusted after her, sure...but he wasn't emotionally involved like she was.
Derick decides at one point (this is still very early in the book) to prove to Emma how "visible" her feelings are...so he whispers a few proactive clues, places his hands on certain points of her body...all to basically say "Hey! You have the hots for me....you lust after me." Whatever...but they're AT A FUNERAL when he does this. A. FUNERAL. I personally felt that was just so insulting to Emma. Not only that Derick was being crude, but that Emma's feelings were so powerful, so overwhelming (i.e. she’s predictable, inferior, just another pawn) that Derick had to prove to her she couldn't even control herself during a time of mourning. Like he was pulling apart her weakness...her "tells."
I get that this is what he’s done for the last 10 plus years as I spy. I get that he used his sexual prowess in the bedroom to win the war so this is probably a gut reaction for him...but is he not smart enough to realize Emma is NOT a spy and he doesn’t have to fuck the answer out of her? What a lucky guy he is to be the one spy dedicated to using his penis to get all the secrets. I guess I should have felt sorry that he had to whore himself out for England, but I didn’t. But what guy...seriously...what guy tells the girl he just slept with (her first time of course with the guy she has spent half her life in love with)...that he spent the last 10 years sleeping with a different woman each night. WHAT???????? Her mathematician brain thought he was serious! He knew how she LOVED HIM, PINED FOR HIM...for literally her entire life. Gahhh. I hate it. Fucking hate it. And why did we just gloss over the fact that he killed people??? Why does he have so much guilt that he slept with half of France, but not that he killed people????
In case you haven’t caught on at this point, this book made me very angry.
He was not like this with Liliana...not at all. He didn’t make advances on her or suggestive comments...he was sweet, kind considerate. The role he was supposed to play...I get it...but why in the world was this acceptable behavior with Emma? How was this romantic? For someone that was supposed to be a fabulous actor as a spy he sure did everything wrong with Emma.
And Emma is just treated as some discarded animal, living in Derbyshire...licking her wounds...pining (and I stress pining) after the man that left her alone over a decade ago. It's too much. She figures out his story fairly quickly, and that's great and all...good for her. But Derick just wasn't worth her time...yet despite that she can't help herself. She keeps trying to manipulate Derick into this relationship...into something he clearly is not...and I just couldn't stand it. It wasn't romantic...it was desperate and I hated seeing a heroine in that position.
Not a fan...not a fan at all of this couple.
October 2, 2017
Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 09/30/17 at http://bit.ly/2vOiisE
Derick Aveline, Viscount Scarsdale is a spy – traitor hunter to be exact - for the English government. He hasn’t been home in many years and just on the cusp of retiring, he is pulled back to the responsibilities of his viscountcy as a ruse to conduct an investigation. He never could have imagined just how deep this investigation would take him, or that there could possibly be a murderer in their midst. Also knocking him for a loop is the highly intelligent, mathematician, Emma Wallingford. She was a bit of a pest in their younger years, but she has grown into a force Derick has not yet encountered; nor one he can resist. She stirs feelings he has shut down for so long, dreams he has thought impossible. But Derick believes himself nonredeemable – unable to atone for his past sins as a spy – not worthy of his deep desires.
Emma Wallingford is a brilliant mind. She looks at everything as a math problem – something that can be solved and rationalized logically. Her brain, in fact, is a bit of a handicap in that she flopped in her London season. Women like her are few and far between; definitely not marriage material within the ton. Emma has also been in love with Derick since childhood. His sudden appearance doesn’t quite make sense and she’s determined to figure out what he’s doing there and what his future plans are. Emma never thought he might be continuing to work for the government. She discovers that he does not see himself as “good enough” for her. After all the lies of omission are cleared away, she’s renewed with new purpose. Find the traitor and save Derick from himself.
I just love Ms. Snow. She has a magical way of tuning bookish, highly intelligent women, into some of the best female leads I have come across within HR novels. I remember reading the first book in this series as an ARC, and somehow never got around to this one. Not quite sure how I overlooked this gem, but you can be sure I’ll be reading the rest of the series as well. I truly enjoyed Emma’s literal mind and her difficulty with colloquialisms. There were several fun areas in which she unknowingly misinterprets a common idiom, eliciting a chuckle from me each time. Derick was quite a fun character to spend time with as well. I always enjoy the inner thoughts of the male struggling with new emotions and trying to figure out where the devil they came from. 😊 Also entertaining is the fine line balanced with Derick’s struggle with revealing too much, versus not precisely telling a lie. Ah, the life of a spy.
Knowing the first book, and now reading this one, I can say it is not necessary to read SWEET ENEMY first. There are brief mentions of the previous main characters, but nothing that interferes with the assimilation of this story. This book is a fabulous Historical HEA that is guaranteed to satisfy. I highly recommend the first two books in the series and am confident the others would be just as wonderful. Heather Snow is easily an author who is an automatic read that will hold a coveted place upon my bookshelf. If you haven’t experienced the pleasure of her books, you are committing a disservice to yourself.
Kindle version provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Derick Aveline, Viscount Scarsdale is a spy – traitor hunter to be exact - for the English government. He hasn’t been home in many years and just on the cusp of retiring, he is pulled back to the responsibilities of his viscountcy as a ruse to conduct an investigation. He never could have imagined just how deep this investigation would take him, or that there could possibly be a murderer in their midst. Also knocking him for a loop is the highly intelligent, mathematician, Emma Wallingford. She was a bit of a pest in their younger years, but she has grown into a force Derick has not yet encountered; nor one he can resist. She stirs feelings he has shut down for so long, dreams he has thought impossible. But Derick believes himself nonredeemable – unable to atone for his past sins as a spy – not worthy of his deep desires.
Emma Wallingford is a brilliant mind. She looks at everything as a math problem – something that can be solved and rationalized logically. Her brain, in fact, is a bit of a handicap in that she flopped in her London season. Women like her are few and far between; definitely not marriage material within the ton. Emma has also been in love with Derick since childhood. His sudden appearance doesn’t quite make sense and she’s determined to figure out what he’s doing there and what his future plans are. Emma never thought he might be continuing to work for the government. She discovers that he does not see himself as “good enough” for her. After all the lies of omission are cleared away, she’s renewed with new purpose. Find the traitor and save Derick from himself.
I just love Ms. Snow. She has a magical way of tuning bookish, highly intelligent women, into some of the best female leads I have come across within HR novels. I remember reading the first book in this series as an ARC, and somehow never got around to this one. Not quite sure how I overlooked this gem, but you can be sure I’ll be reading the rest of the series as well. I truly enjoyed Emma’s literal mind and her difficulty with colloquialisms. There were several fun areas in which she unknowingly misinterprets a common idiom, eliciting a chuckle from me each time. Derick was quite a fun character to spend time with as well. I always enjoy the inner thoughts of the male struggling with new emotions and trying to figure out where the devil they came from. 😊 Also entertaining is the fine line balanced with Derick’s struggle with revealing too much, versus not precisely telling a lie. Ah, the life of a spy.
Knowing the first book, and now reading this one, I can say it is not necessary to read SWEET ENEMY first. There are brief mentions of the previous main characters, but nothing that interferes with the assimilation of this story. This book is a fabulous Historical HEA that is guaranteed to satisfy. I highly recommend the first two books in the series and am confident the others would be just as wonderful. Heather Snow is easily an author who is an automatic read that will hold a coveted place upon my bookshelf. If you haven’t experienced the pleasure of her books, you are committing a disservice to yourself.
Kindle version provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2019
Sweet Deception is an exiting and engaging historical romance set during the early 1800s. Author Heather Snow is a master with character development, intricate plot, and descriptive information.
The story revolves around Lord Frederick Aveline and Emma Wallingford who grew up together but who have not seen each other in over a dozen years because Derick has been spying for England as a double agent. Considering he’s spent the majority of his adult life in France, he no longer feels at home in England and desires to move to America. Before he relocates, he needs to finish one more assignment for the crown: he needs to uncover a suspected traitor who is living in Derbyshire. After a 15-year absence, Derick returns home and plans on using Emma to gain the trust of the locals. However, he did not plan on falling in love with Emma.
Emma is probably the best female character I’ve ever read/listened to. She is a trained mathematician who acts as the magistrate for her ailing brother. She has an eidetic memory and can recall any conversation she has ever had. At the same time she is terrible with cliches because her big smart brain doesn’t have time to be bothered with the trivial. Emma uses her beautiful mind to both assist Derick in searching for answers for the crimes he is investigating, but also about Derick himself.
I listened to the Audible version of this book narrated by the highly talented Kate Marcin. Like she did with the first book in the Veiled Seduction series, Kate’s narration is simply outstanding. She provides different voices for all the characters and she has a rhythm to her reading that is simply melodic and enchanting. I highly recommended this audiobook!
The story revolves around Lord Frederick Aveline and Emma Wallingford who grew up together but who have not seen each other in over a dozen years because Derick has been spying for England as a double agent. Considering he’s spent the majority of his adult life in France, he no longer feels at home in England and desires to move to America. Before he relocates, he needs to finish one more assignment for the crown: he needs to uncover a suspected traitor who is living in Derbyshire. After a 15-year absence, Derick returns home and plans on using Emma to gain the trust of the locals. However, he did not plan on falling in love with Emma.
Emma is probably the best female character I’ve ever read/listened to. She is a trained mathematician who acts as the magistrate for her ailing brother. She has an eidetic memory and can recall any conversation she has ever had. At the same time she is terrible with cliches because her big smart brain doesn’t have time to be bothered with the trivial. Emma uses her beautiful mind to both assist Derick in searching for answers for the crimes he is investigating, but also about Derick himself.
I listened to the Audible version of this book narrated by the highly talented Kate Marcin. Like she did with the first book in the Veiled Seduction series, Kate’s narration is simply outstanding. She provides different voices for all the characters and she has a rhythm to her reading that is simply melodic and enchanting. I highly recommended this audiobook!
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