Cindy Anstey has done it again. I love her books because they are such cute, funny, historical romances.

Such an interesting concept. Totally something I'd recommend to my students.

https://www.bustle.com/p/9-humorous-ya-books-for-lovers-of-witty-historical-fiction-50826

*I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Duels and Deception is a sweet feel good regency novel that puts a pleasant smile on your face.

This novel was a lovely book. The characters were charming and relate-able while the different romances seemed to pull at the heart strings. Reading Lydia and Robert's dialogue always brought a smile to my face and the slow build of the romance was quite refreshing. While the side-characters are not mentioned too much, I found them all to be enjoyable, wishing for more scenes with poor Cassidy and finding myself quite fond of Shelley and her husband.

The mystery was quite mysterious, and here I must complain a bit because for about 40% of the book I had no idea where the book was heading or what it was to be about. I had to read the summary to understand, which lowers the quality of the book. Eventually I got the gist of it-- who kidnapped her and why?! Once the mystery was introduced I had fun guessing who the main villain could be.

Another thing I'd like to comment on, Lydia starts the book out imagining shadows or people following her... I feel like this was never addressed in the end especially since Robert checked a shrubbery for her to no avail. I was beginning to think there was a supernatural element (lol) only for it to drop off, so I am still confused about that.

I wasn't entirely hooked on this book, but that fault lies with me and my preferences, and I do think this is an enjoyable book that others may find well done. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction, details, really getting a feel for the life of the time, and those who want a break from insta-love.

Cute but not much substance and it felt predictable.

This was such an adorable historical romance!! Thank you to the Publisher for review copy!

Miss Lydia Whitfield’s life is all planned out. Her father has chosen her husband and her predictable nature makes her happy to accept so she can care for her estate and family. But behind the scenes, her Uncle, who is serving as trustee, is ruining everything and only Lydia can save her livelihood. Robert, a clerk for the estate’s lawyer, wants to help her, but when Lydia is kidnapped it’s her reputation on the line. Avoiding scandal with the help of her friends Lydia’s can’t deny her feelings for Robert, especially when her intended fiancé challenges him to a duel. Together Robert and Lydia devise a clever way out of the challenge while at the same time foiling a devilish plot to bilk Lydia out of all her money, opening the way for true love’s triumph.
Anstey creates a character who is spunky and intelligent and then adds freshness to her romance by allowing her male lead to love her heroine for these exact qualities. The extensive cast of secondary characters add great flair to the story and accentuates some perfectly unprincipled villains. The plot is well paced with just the right amount of scheming and backstabbing to balance out the thoughtful moments that address the themes of friendship and love. With a clear Regency setting, this book is certainly for fans of Austen who are looking for a clean starter romance that pays homage to the era with just enough of a modern flair for contemporary readers to be engaged.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Anstey's previous book, Love, Lies, and Spies was one of my favourite books of last year. I adore anything to do with the Regency Era and Anstey completely understood the era and how to create a fantastic plot line. I had high hopes for Duels & Deception, and was not disappointed.

Duels & Deception sees Lydia as the mistress of her own household, but because she is a girl, she doesn't have control over her inheritance. Her incompetent uncle is slowly ruining her home and squandering her wealth for his own gain, and no one will listen to her. Her mother only cares about marrying her off, and her intended is far beneath what Lydia deserves, even if he is off the same rank as her. However, when her lawyer's apprentice comes to visit to check on the estate and her marriage contract, they soon find themselves kidnapped, and thrown into a whole world of intrigue. Someone wants her money, and won't hesitate to ruin her reputation to do so, and Lydia and Robert have to work together in order to protect themselves.

I loved the story from the get go. Yes, parts of the plot was predictable and a tad unbelievable at times, but I still enjoyed every minute. The world was so well written and detailed that I felt as if I was immersed in the world, which was perfect for me.

Lydia was someone who reminded me of my all time favourite heroine, Elizabeth Bennet. She had an edge about her, and chaffed at the restrictions of her time because of her gender. She was more than capable of running her household, but no, she couldn't, because she was a lady, and a whole bunch of incompetent men are obviously more prepared for the job. She had her life planned out, and knew what she needed to do if she wanted to be happy. Obviously, none of this panned out, but I feel like Lydia acted brilliantly, and dealt with her lot with true grit.

Her relationship with Robert was as swoony as I could've wanted. Every interaction they had, there were sparks flying, and though both felt unworthy of one another, they tried everything they could to protect the other, and keep them safe. I loved how Robert appreciated Lydia's brilliance, and didn't look down upon her simply because she was female, but rather cherished her capabilities as someone should.

The revelation of who was behind the blackmailing wasn't completely out of the blue, but I did enjoy how Anstey led up to this point, and how much action there was in the book. I can't wait to see what Anstey publishes next, she has definitely gone on my must buy list!

Cindy Anstey's Duels & Deceptions is incredibly adorable, and that's not a word I really use to describe YA fiction. Not lately, anyway. I think this book suffered one of those cute, but wrong moment kind of reads. It also didn't have the same pacing that her first book had, so I didn't feel as swept away in the cute Regency romantic adventure of it all like I was with the first. However, it is incredibly rare to find a YA romance that's cute, fluffy, and ultimately free of sex? Like, it's exactly what you might expect from a fluffy romance – breathlessness, lingering glances, fluttery hearts, etcetera. I'm also a sucker for the slow burn stuff, and this is full of that longing.

Anstey plays with the idea of what's appropriate in Regency society, and most of the tension and drama in the novel comes from an incident in which Lydia and Robert are kidnapped. The two main characters are already aware of each other and already feel something toward each other but haven't quite figured out what that feeling might be. The story was a bit slow from the kidnapping until the final, somewhat predictable reveal of some bribery and of who arranged for the kidnapping, but it wasn't a terrible sort of slow. I think, like I mentioned before, I was expecting more of that constant feeling of adventure and excitement like I got from her other book to be present in this novel, especially with the word duels in the title!

If you like cute, fluffy historical romances and are in the mood for a few giggles, Duels & Deceptions might be right up your alley. I'll certainly be recommending it to readers who are ready to bridge from the children's section but aren't quite ready for the heavy-handed drama, tension, and sex often found in the pages of some YA romance!

A copy of this book was provided to me for review by the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a very fun weekend read! I cerntainly enjoyed it and would recommend it to those looking for something fun and familiar.

Set in the Regency time period, this was a refreshing read when people behaved "properly". Not that kidnapping, betrayal, or dueling is considered proper! While the plot was a little predictable, there were still some pleasant surprises. And you get a happy ending!

I feel like I am the wrong person to review “Duels & Deception.” It definitely seems like this is a case of “it isn’t the book; it’s me.” The budding romance featured is cute and the historical elements are fascinating. It’s also a very clean book for those looking for one, which is not very easy to find. The flowery prose just seemed to grate on me and kept me from enjoying it. If this seems like the type of book you will enjoy, please give it a try. Don’t let my dislike sway you.

I found "Duel & Deception" to be a really cute read and am so glad I picked it up. Lydia's father passed away a few years ago and although she is not quite 18 yet, she is basically in charge of the family estate. While her drunken uncle has been named executor until she becomes of age, he is the brightest of chaps and left alone, would quickly run the estate into the ground. Lydia is set to marry Lord Ashterton, a neighbor who doesn't necessarily have the money, but does hold the status, and together run both neighboring estates. However, while this plan was fine with Lydia in the past, once she meets her lawyer's new apprentice, Robert Newton, she starts to question if she is marrying for all the wrong reasons. In addition, throw in a kidnapping, a lot of deception and foul play, and a few ornery and despicable characters and Anstey creates a fun historical romp.

One of my favorite things about "Duels & Deception" is the characters. Lydia is definitely not the quiet, passive refined individual someone in her position should be and she almost always speaks her mind. She is also as smart as a tack because she manages to accomplish things yet maintain propriety and make it look like she is the mild-manner lady-in-waiting society expects. I loved the interaction between her and Mr. Newton as well. I will say that I quite easily figured out the main mystery part of the novel, yet so many other things were playing out that it was just as exciting even though I was aware.

If you enjoy historical novels and don't mind a little bit of romance, then you'll probably find "Duels & Deception" to be of some interest. Anstey's writing is smooth and easy and every time I set the book down, I found myself picking it back up to read just a little bit more. I haven't yet read her first book, "Love, Lies & Spies" but definitely plan on doing so in the future.

I received a copy of "Duels & Deception" from Xpresso Books Tours and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Duels and Deceptions are the perfect book for people who love Jane Austen books or are intimidated to read them and want a taste of them. I really enjoyed seeing familiar key elements present in Austen's story in this book, yet the author also manages to shape them as her own.. Sadly, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me and some parts really dragged. Still, I’m curious enough to want to read her other books.

I absolutely loved this book! I certainly hope Anstey writes more novels in this genre.

Regency intrigue takes center stage in Cindy Anstey’s Duels & Deception

DUELS & DECEPTION by Cindy Anstey, Feiwel and Friends (Swoon Reads), April 11, 2017, Softcover, $10.99 (young adult)

Swoon Reads, which publishes under the Feiwel and Friends arm of Macmillan, is an interesting business model. Writers submit manuscripts and online readers help push worthwhile manuscripts to the top of the pile. It’s a smart idea, and if Cindy Anstey’s Duels & Deception is and indication, it’s working.

At the center of Duels & Deception is Miss Lydia Whitfield, an intelligent young woman who will one day inherit her family’s fortune. But because Lydia is a woman living in the Regency period, she’s not expected to make any decisions about her estate or fortune. In fact, the men managing her affairs would rather she just sit back and prepare for her future as a wife.

Before he passed away, Lydia’s father planned for everything, including the man she would marry when of age. Up until lately, Lydia has had no reason to question her father’s wishes. She’s so confident in his plans, that she’s ready to begin drawing up her marriage contract.

Lydia is forced to rethink things, though, after she and Mr. Robert Newton, a young law clerk, are kidnapped. Someone wants Lydia’s fortune, and they don’t care if they destroy her reputation getting it. Luckily for Lydia, Robert is as quick thinking as she is. With his help, Lydia is able to keep her family’s name out of the rumor mills. But after all that effort, Lydia is left wondering if perhaps the future her father planned for her isn’t in her best interests after all.

Duels & Deception fits nicely into the modern Regency genre. It holds itself well next to the Proper Romance series from Shadow Mountain, though stands on its own merits as well. Author Cindy Anstey’s writing is clear and easily accessible. You immediately feel at home in the world she’s created in part because of her prose and in part because of her characters.

Lydia is immediately likable, pushing the “acceptable” boundaries for women in a time when reputation meant everything. Her wit and charm are equally matched in Robert. Robert wants to be good and proper, but he’s also practical with a good eye for the truth.

Duels & Deception is a fast-paced read that holds your attention. I read it in one sitting, and I expect to read it again in the near future.

This was a really cute book! Yes, it god a bit predictable at times, and no, it didn't really leave any lasting impression on me, but sometimes that's what you want in a book. After reading the Goodreads summary, I was a bit surprised by the actual book - I thought that the kidnapping was going to be a much bigger part of it, but that was actually resolved fairly quickly. I thought the romance between Lydia and Robert was really cute. It does come across as a bit insta-love-y, but it's really more of insta-infatuation than anything. Not one of those weird "I just met you and I'll die for you" relationships. I was invested enough in the two of them that I didn't really care that most of the rest of the characters were pretty forgettable. My one problem with the book is a bit of a spoiler, but I can say that it has to do with not understanding why a certain character did something. The motivations were explained, but I can't really think how the action taken would have helped anything.

Miss Lydia Whitfield is at her wits’ end. Though her father’s passing made her the rightful heiress to his vast estate (and fortune), she’s unable to fully take charge and run the place as she sees fit due to her age. Her uncle has stepped in (though he’s more often than not nursing a drink – or a hangover) and has some…rather illogical ideas, schemes really, that he’s convinced will net him his very own fortune.

Lydia only has to wait until her intended proposes, then she’ll be entirely content to run the house (and, hopefully, family). Prior to her father’s death, he had chosen Lord Aldershot as her future husband and the pair get along well enough. It’s certainly no love match, but so few marriages are and Lydia’s not the romantic sort anyway. That is, until she decides to move forward with the marriage contract and calls on a young law clerk, Robert Newton. Her carefully laid plans go even further south when she and Robert are suddenly kidnapped.

I want to get this out of the way first and foremost: the kidnapping that seems to be the main focus of the novel? It’s actually a small, very small part and the pair quickly escape. It merely serves as a way to bring Lydia and Robert together and, while I was okay with this, I was a little surprised to see the scene come and go so quickly when the summary made it seem like a huge plot.

I’m a sucker for a pretty cover and Duels and Deception has a great one. Even better is what’s inside! The story sounded cute and fun and I’m thrilled to say it surpassed every single expectation I had. Lydia is strong-willed and ambitious, not afraid to offer up her own opinion at a time when it was unacceptable for women to do so. She’s witty and clever, but also cares deeply for her loved ones – society won’t care a bit that Lydia was kidnapped, they’ll only latch onto the fact that she was out. In the middle of the night. With a boy. Unchaperoned. It won’t just be her reputation that will be ruined, her entire family will have to bear the brunt of it, any marriage prospects for her young cousins will virtually vanish. Because of this, once the kidnapper(s) start making demands, she’s willing to comply.

Robert, on the other hand, is not nearly as rash or impulsive. He’s quiet and studious, happily tackling his work while his older brother lives a life of leisure as their father’s heir. He’s quick to catch on to the fact that Lydia and Lord Aldershot have absolutely zero chemistry, but he knows it’s not his place to say anything (and given his status as the third son, he knows any feelings he has for Miss Whitfield must be suppressed).

Duels and Deception features alternating chapters and I loved – loved – getting the look into both Lydia’s and Robert’s minds. For Robert, meeting Lydia was practically insta-love (and I was SO onboard with that!) while Lydia is extremely slow to realize why she looks for excuses to call on Robert. Seriously, this back and forth was so ridiculously cute and I adored every second.

Although Duels and Deceptions doesn’t feature any surprises or plot twists that caught me off-guard, I was more than okay with that. Going in, you know what’s going to happen, how the ending will play out, and I was delighted to go along for the ride. The villains get their comeuppance, the romance is insanely adorable, and the writing was incredibly easy-breezy. Duels and Deceptions is a perfect summer read and I’m thrilled to have gotten my hands on a copy! I’m even more excited that Anstey has other books – I need more of her writing in my life (though I would looove to see more of Lydia and Robert someday)!

An amazing new author with a fresh voice and beautiful writing style. I hope to see more from Cindy Anstey.
When a competent level headed young woman knows what is best for her estate but the laws of the land and her father's will keep her from making the decisions, said young woman must take a circuitous route to get things done. Lydia Whitfield appeals to her father's lawyer when her uncle makes some horrendous decisions, pineapple growing in the UK really? The lawyer sends his clerk to assess the situation and Lydia realizes she may be capable of romantic feelings after all.
The usual historical genre trope of a kidnapping takes on a whole new feel in Anstey's hands. Imagining the action will have you laughing and rooting for the characters to win the day. Throw in the mystery of finding out who the villain is and you have a wonderful book everyone will enjoy reading .