High marks for style. Anstey really captures the atmosphere of something like an Austen novel. And not just the setting - the dialogue and the very sensibility of the culture and the characters. The plot has a fair amount of excitement and intrigue, what with kidnapping and secret machinations towards money and influence. It's intriguing but not always compelling. For a reader used to the style and pacing of most modern novels the pacing of this one can seem kind of slow. The plot is, at times, overly reliant on convenient twists and suffers from some logical deficiencies. While it isn't the sort of thing I normally read, I know of a certain class of teens that will adore this novel.

Lydia Whitfield is confident, a planner, and is certainly confident in her future plans. That is, until, she and her young law clerk, Robert Newton, are kidnapped by ne’er-do-wells for unknown purposes. What follows is a cute, and oftentimes funny, story as the pair try to investigate whoever is behind the foul plan to ruin their good names. In Duels and Deceptions, the reader is thrown right into the plot, as the Regency version of a meet-cute happens within the first five pages between Lydia and Robert.

This was the first book I’ve read by Cindy Anstey, and I really enjoyed it. Particularly the dialogue. Anstey has a style of making the dialogue intrude upon the point-of-view narrative that makes it more “stream of thought” than I’m used to. The writing also did a great job of showing how breathless and antsy both Lydia and Robert were getting around one another as their burgeoning attraction grew.

I also loved both the hero and the heroine. Lydia was wonderfully confident and forceful — appealing to the 21st century reader, but still provided an accurate representation of the 19th century girl. Robert was equally confident, but more quietly so, and I loved how they balanced each other out in their problem solving methods.

I think the one drawback I can readily find is that we didn’t get to meet Robert’s family. We’re told he’s the third son of an Earl, and has lots of siblings besides, but we really only see him interact with his friend Cassidy. I thought for sure there would a scene near the end with his father or other siblings - since the happily-ever-after was all but guaranteed - but alas, none.

Cute, quirky and certainly clean, I’d say this book is the perfect gateway into the historical romance genre for teen readers.

I really, really wanted to love this, but instead I only liked it. The story didn't capture my attention as much as I wanted it do and the characters and their motivations weren't always as fleshed out as they could have been - at times I thought I must have missed something somewhere. But it is a sweet, clean historical romance - with Duels and Deception - even if not executed as well as I had hoped!

I would recommend it as a possible gateway to historical romance - because it is clean - but there are better options out there that do that if (some of the Heyers for example).

Review based on a digital galley provided via Netgalley.

3.5 stars

This fun, regency romp finds Lydia Whitfield, a headstrong young woman, in a battle to keep her uncle from running her beloved farm into the ground. Enter Robert Newton, a young clerk for Lydia’s lawyer, with whom she becomes friends. Together, they face down foes and unravel deceptions. Filled with period details, family drama, the threat of duels, the threat (um, I mean, the anticipation) of birthday balls, friendship and budding love, this book delivers. It is not deep and thought provoking, but that is okay. It is a hilariously enjoyable read with characters you will want to root for – and some villains you hope will get their due.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Duels and Deception by Cindy Anstey
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: April 11, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Miss Lydia Whitfield, heiress to the family fortune, has her future entirely planned out. She will run the family estate until she marries the man of her late father's choosing, and then she will spend the rest of her days as a devoted wife. Confident in those arrangements, Lydia has tasked her young law clerk, Mr. Robert Newton, to begin drawing up the marriage contracts. Everything is going according to plan.

Until Lydia—and Robert along with her—is kidnapped. Someone is after her fortune and won't hesitate to destroy her reputation to get it. With Robert's help, Lydia strives to keep her family's good name intact and expose whoever is behind the devious plot. But as their investigation delves deeper and their affections for each other grow, Lydia starts to wonder whether her carefully planned future is in fact what she truly wants…

What I Liked:

It is no secret that I adore adult historical romance novels. Tessa Dare, Elizabeth Hoyt, Caroline Linden, Katharine Ashe... you name it, I've probably read it or heard of it, one of the two. Historical fiction set in the 1800s isn't super common in YA fiction, especially since when there is a YA novel set in the 1800s, it's usually of a story with paranormal or steampunk aspects - basically, not a purely historical fiction novel. Cindy Anstey's books are exceptional: they are YA historical fiction novels that anyone who loves adult historical romance will love.

Duels and Deception is a standalone novel, not related to Love, Lies and Spies in any sense (not a companion novel, not a sequel). It begins with Miss Lydia Whitfield meeting Mr. Robert Newton for the first time, in which Robert comes to Roseberry Hall (Lydia's home) to discuss important legal matters with Lydia and her uncle. Robert is the apprentice of the Whitfield's solicitor, Mr. Lynch. Lydia and Robert discuss mundane things like replacing the estate manager, and figuring out what to do about Lydia's greedy uncle... oh, and drawing up Lydia's marriage contract. Lydia has always know that she won't marry for love, and marrying her equally reluctant neighbor, Lord Aldershot, will suffice. So, the marriage contract is drafted. But while in town, Lydia and Robert are kidnapped, and only barely escape. And then someone starts threatening Lydia. Someone is trying to ruin Robert and extort a lot of money from Lydia - and they must find out who, before irreparable damage is done.

I am seriously in love with this book! I loved Love, Lies and Spies, which had been my favorite Swoon Reads book to date. Has anyone else been disappointed by the books published by Swoon Reads? They are hit-or-miss for me, mostly miss. But Cindy Anstey's books give me hope. Maybe it's because I love adult historical romance so much, maybe it's because her books have such swoony and undiluted romances, but Anstey's books are easily my favorite of the Swoon Reads line, and the best I've read by far.

Lydia is such a lovely young lady. She is clever and kind and selfless. Perhaps in the beginning she comes across as too selfless and agreeable - she puts her family first in everything, and puts up with so much. She stands to inherit everything when she comes of age (which is shortly, since she turns 18 soon), or marries. Her uncle, aunt, and two cousins live with her, since her father died. So she lives with them, her mother, and her sister, and she gives in to a lot of their crap, Lydia is so sweet and honestly a better person than I'd be. Family is so important but sometimes, family needs to be put in their place. I loved seeing the development of this character - Lydia becomes more vocal as the book goes on. In many ways, she was assertive to begin with - she is a bit of a control freak, which is why she is arranging her own marriage and drawing up the paperwork with Robert.

Robert! I love Robert. This book is writing in third-person limited POV, switching between Lydia and Robert. So Robert is equally as important in this story, as it is shared between him and Lydia. Robert is a new book boyfriend for sure! He is intelligent and hardworking and such a sweetheart. He's a gentleman to a fault, and always looks out for Lydia in a protective, loyal, sweet way. He's not an overly aggressive alpha type, but he is commanding and authoritative in a distinct way. He is an apprentice to become a lawyer, but he's also the third son of a nobleman (earl, I think?). Basically he is a good man and I want one of him! I'll take the excellent manners and kind but protective disposition any day.

The world-building is so flawlessly written. At no point did I feel like I was reading anything but an 1800s England story. The towns, the peerage, the mode of dress, the language/phrases, the customs and norms of society... Anstey has really done her research, because this world was created so well and so unshakably. I usually read and seek out anachronisms in historical fiction novels, because they're pretty common if you really look. But with this book, I'm not sure I found any! Or perhaps I was so captivated that I missed any.

I loved the light, fun tone of the book, with the sense of adventure, even with the terrible kidnapping and the harm that came to Robert and Lydia (Robert especially). The overall tone of the book was incredibly lighthearted and warm, which is so refreshing. YA books can be so grim, you know? This book was fun, and incredibly enjoyable. I was hooked from start to finish.

The romance made my heart so happy! I finished the book with a serious case of the warm and fuzzies. Yes, it might seem like there might be some sort of love triangle or something, with Lydia drawing up a marriage contract for her and Aldershot. But they're not engaged, and Aldershot is enamored with someone else, and Lydia doesn't care for him - she sees marrying him as duty. When she meets Robert, this changes, and the more time she spends with him, the more seriously she considers not marrying to preserve family honor and such. Trust me, there is no love triangle.

The romance between Robert and Lydia is so adorable and swoony. Once they meet, you can clearly see how much the two of them want to be in the other's company. Eventually it gets to the point in which they are always thinking about each other, which is so cute. There are so many swoony moments in this book, even though there isn't a ton of actually touching going on (I mean it's 1800s England, what do you expect). I loved watching these two fall for each.

And I loved the ending! It's perfect! You might wonder how there could be some sort of ending, with Lydia being a rich heiress, and Robert being an apprentice (though he is the third son of an earl - I think it's an earl). But the author pulls it off really nicely. The ending is excellent and the whole story is wonderful - trust me!

What I Did Not Like:

I don't really have any dislikes! Maybe more kisses? Every book needs more kisses...

Would I Recommend It:

I highly recommend this book especially if you love adult historical romance! It's a very "clean" version of an adult historical romance novel, like Tessa Dare's or Elizabeth Hoyt's. And with the wonderful characters and swoony romance, I think any YA reader would enjoy this book.

Rating:

4.5 stars. I'm trying to decide if I want to round up or down, so I'm going with down for now! This book and Anstey's debut novel, Love, Lies and Spies, are so brilliant, and probably Swoon Reads's best books (in my opinion). I really hope Anstey writes more YA historical fiction for Swoon Reads, because I am impressive and dying for more!

This was a hoot. The author perfectly captures the style of Jane Austen down to the chapter summaries (‘In which a carriage should not have been ordered and an apology has unseen consequences’), the period phrases (such as ‘doing it up too brown’ to mean doing something well) and the sly wit and humour:

‘With a gasp, Lydia sat up in a dizzy stupor and came perilously close to issuing a most undignified scream. Had her training at Miss Melvina’s Finishing School for Young Ladies been anything buy exemplary, she might have done so...’

Lydia is a plucky and resourceful heroine and Robert an able and likeable hero. Together they seek to find out who is behind the abduction of Lydia and the attempt to ruin her reputation. For as any fan of Jane Austen knows, a lady’s reputation must be maintained at all costs:

‘A ruined reputation would affect the entire household. Society would look askance at all the ladies of Roseberry should news of Lydia’s disappearance be made known. Worthy marriage prospects for Elaine, Ivy and Tessa would vanish on the strength of Lydia’s immoral influence.’

The book has a cast of characters worthy of Jane Austen including scatty mama and unlucky in love friend. So if you want reticules, spencers and curricles and a Regency romp involving bonnets, butlers, duels at dawn, light-hearted intrigue, tender romance, interspersed with tea in the drawing room, then this is the book for you.

Well done to the author for this accomplished pastiche and respectful homage to her literary heroine, Jane Austen. Although it is categorised as Young Adult, I think it would make a fun, light read for readers of any age.

I received an advance reader copy courtesy of NetGalley and publishers, Macmillan, in return for an honest review.

Cute, romantic and quirky, Duels and Deception is an excellent addition to Cindy Anstey's roster of published works. Our MCs, Lydia and Robert, are sweet and engaging, the story quick and lovely. The witty dialogue will keep you laughing, the romance will keep you reading. If you enjoyed Love, Lies and Spies, you'll love Duels and Deception.

Cindy Ashley has done it again, I loved Duels and Deception. Despite the of world culture and social norms Lydia's personality and spark made her well rounded and thoughtful. Robert and Lydia's adventure made for fun intriguing storytelling with just enough romance and pretty dresses for a regency story! I can't wait for her next story!

This is a great read set in one of my favorite time periods. The romance was sweet and the mystery intriguing. I love that it is a standalone! This was just an overall good, fun, light read and I highly recommend it.

This book was cute, and the romance was sweet! I wasn't as drawn into the story as I wanted to be, but definitely worth a read!