Good. Second chance romance, obviously some mystery and investigation, good friendships and relationships.

Favorite lines:
“You truly must think me a self-important ass.” “I think you’re a man. So, perhaps.” - so true, even today

“I’ve seen cats in a bag that get along better.” - an amazing way to say mortal enemies, stealing this

“If it were up to men, ladies would never be present for any interesting conversations.” - still somewhat true but hilarious

a fantastic historical romance! The characters are engaging with an interesting plot to move the story forward.

I really enjoyed this historical romance, it’s a great read. The characters are well drawn and the plot is interesting. I especially liked the mystery, and the behind the scenes at the theater. It’s great to see how Caro and Val resolved their issues! 4 stars.

Having heard all the hype around Manda Collins' "A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem," I was definitely excited to jump on in and read "An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire." However, I was a bit disappointed and found myself unable to connect with the characters or story. I thought it would be more into the mystery solving aspect, as I've heard about in relation to the first book in the series, but it ended up being focused upon the romance side of things. While I adore a good romance (or 100), I wasn't picking up this a Collin's book for that reason. But the major reason why I didn't fully enjoy this story was ultimately due to the complaints, and when I mean complaints I mean the express of dissatisfaction relating to misogynistic men and how they diminish and reduce women. I am all about feminism (and am one myself) but I want to read and dive into a story that I thought would be a mystery-romance. Instead I got a romance that I wanted to DNF but found myself compelled to complete. Overall, while this book wasn't for you it ultimately might be your kind of thing. I just didn't expect for the book to ultimately be what it was.

I love Kate and Caro so much! They are feminists of the 1800s and I really enjoy their sleuthing in theses novels. I was so happy when I found out this novel’s focus was on Caro because I was such a fan of her in the first novel. She’s so intelligent, quick-witted, strong, and is really supportive of those around her. The second chance love trope in this one was really sweet and the main characters are so wonderful to one another. I love that these female characters can stay so true to themselves but also have so much growth at the same time. This is a well-loved series for me and I can’t wait for the next one!

Man this book was full of all the great tropes! I really enjoyed this one! Former lovers, marriage of convenience. The characters were well written and strong and a perfect Victorian romance.

A nice follow up to the first book but it was a bit of a drag by comparison. This gives me similar vibes to Evie Dunmore's series but it just feels like this book was lacking... something. However, I will say, that I am still hooked as a reader so I think this series has a lot of potential and am excited for then book!

So glad I finally made time for this historical romance romp! I love this series, and I can't wait for the next one.

A second chance romance, with some mystery through into the mix. I did enjoy this one, but not at much as the first one. I needed a little more romance to move the story along with the mystery.

This book was a fun treat! I loved it! It was a good reset after I read a heavier book. It kept me flipping pages well past my bedtime!!

For those who love Bridgerton, I picked this up to fill the historical fiction romance void in my heart! I didn’t realize this is actually the second book in a series, but you do not have to read them in order to be able to follow along with the plot.

The second chance romance between Caro and Val kept me guessing as I read, and the mystery aspect of the novel was my favorite part. I would certainly enjoy continuing to read novels in this series!

So good! I really liked this one more than the first. The first one felt slow but this one really picked up and brought it home for me.

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK: An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire
AUTHOR: Manda Collins
FORMAT: eBook
GENRE: Historical Romance
PUB DATE: 11/16/21
RATING: 6/10
3 stars

Thank you so much net galley and Forever Publishing for my gifted, advanced copy of AN HEIRESS'S GUIDE TO DECEPTION AND DESIRE, out now!

MY THOUGHTS

I definitely went into this expecting a romance and got a lot more mystery than I was anticipating. I have a difficult time with books that dip into multiple genres, especially ones that involve mystery. For that reason, I did not really vibe with the book in the way I was hoping to. I felt that the writing style was a lot more tell than show which is always a difficult thing to get past for me. I enjoyed the premise of the book, but I also found the characters to be a lot more modern than they were supposed to be in the 19th century. All in all, I enjoyed but there were a decent amount of things I would change about this one.

This series is just so delightful. Going into it, I sort of had to remind myself that this was more of a mystery novel with less emphasis on the romance, but the romance actually played a very significant role right alongside the mystery! I was completely surprised by the betrothal plot leading to a quick marriage, but in this instance, I think it acted as a nice impetus for Caro and Val to clear up their misunderstandings of one another sooner rather than later because they were literally forced to tie the knot (at least at first). The mystery itself and whodunnit were less compelling, but I was really invested in the setting, the characters, and the trajectory of the HEA which made this one as engaging for me as the first book. (And that sequel setup? Fabulous.)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book! The whole series is wonderful. Bluestockings, best friend's sibling, and unrequited love all in one package.

A fun entertaining read!! Manda Collins brings you back in time and brings the best tropes along with her (second chance romance & marriage of convenience)! I enjoyed the character development and friendships shown throughout the novel, can be a bit slow at times but still a fun read when you need that mystery novel with a HEA!

Special Thanks to NetGalley, Manda Collins, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with this free digital copy in exchange for my honest review .

This book was a lot of fun. I liked the plot and I enjoyed both Caro and Val. This is a great book to start with if you've never read historical!

I didn’t love Manda Collins’ first Lady’s Guide novel, A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem (review here) but I enjoyed it enough to want to read book two, An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire. I was rewarded with a second book that I definitely liked more than the first and has me much more excited for the third – whenever it comes!

Here’s the book’s description:
England, 1867 : As half of the writing duo behind England's most infamous crime column, Miss Caroline Hardcastle has quite the scandalous reputation. It may have cost her a fiancé, but she would much rather bring attention to crimes against those ignored by society than worry about what the ton thinks of her.
After Caro's dear friend is kidnapped, however, she has no choice but to work with Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart. Worse, when her actions put her father's business at risk, a marriage of convenience may be her only solution . . . but can she trust Val to stand by her? Or will their past repeat itself?
Val--the new Viscount Wrackham--is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet the only woman he's ever loved, Miss Caroline Hardcastle, is notorious for behaving improperly. And she's never forgiven him for his youthful transgressions, missteps made in the name of familial duty, but ones he still regrets to this day.
As they grow closer to unmasking the culprit, Val sees an opportunity to show Caro he's a changed man. But can he convince her to give their love a second chance--before death does them part?
I hadn’t read much historical romance before 2020. I read lots of romance, of course, and tons of historical fiction. But I think I actually had a few misconceptions or biases towards the subgenre, which is ridiculous since I am a reader and proud supporter of all things romance. I’m glad I gave a few of them a try and am really enjoying the trend of historical rom coms that seem to be everywhere. I like when history and romance can combine into one story. I will say, though, that this one was heavier on the mystery and the romance than the history. You knew it was set in the past (1867, to be precise) as Collins kind of hits you over the head with the fact that women in this time didn’t have many rights and most men thought women were only good for their looks, for sex, and for keeping house. I’m all for feminism but some of the lines from the characters were a bit heavy handed, in my opinion.

I liked that Caro and Val had a history and were working their way back to each other – even though both of them were loath to admit they still had feelings for the other. I didn’t blame them. They were both hurt when their brief engagement had ended years before. They’re older and wiser now and Caro wasn’t about to take any BS from Val and he had realized where he had erred in the past. I was totally rooting for the two of them to get back together. And they did – with gusto! Nothing like a surprise fake engagement to spice up the party.

The mystery in this one was, I think, supposed to play a larger part but I have to say it was ultimately forgettable. I only read this book a month ago and I’m scratching my head wondering what actually happened and who did what. As more comes back to me, I’m reminded that I enjoyed that the mystery introduced some more small historical facts, particularly about classism and illegitimate children.

All in all, An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire was a fun way to spend a few hours. I’ll be looking forward to the next book in Manda Collins’ series and hopefully it will be just as entertaining as this one.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Forever, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

My Highly Caffeinated Thought: A fabulously witty, smart, and charming historical mystery with a bit of romance to heat up the pages.

AN HEIRESS'S GUIDE TO DECEPTION AND DESIRE is the second book in the Ladies Most Scandalous series, and how wonderful it is to be back in Lady Katherine and Caro’s world again. Collins did it again. The author delivers an entertaining novel filled with intrigue, second chance love, and intelligent women at the helm.

After meeting the characters in the first book, I was hoping for Caro and Val’s story to grace the pages of the second. There was something unfinished about their relationship that made me want more of them. And boy did the author deliver. This story not only centers around a missing friend but also a chance for these two to reconnect and possibly get back what they ended years before.

What makes these stories so great is that the characters grow through each experience they have together as well as on their own. There are equal measures of romance and courtship as there are mysteries and investigations. Not to mention the historical backdrop; setting these books in the 1860s only makes the narrative that much richer. Caro and Katherine, as well as the other women introduced, are capable women even if society may see them as less than men. Yet, time and time again, they prove that they are not meek wallflowers. Their strength, intellect, and heart make them formidable women.

For those who adore historical romances and even those who enjoy a lighter mystery not filled with too much darkness, this book is perfect for you. I absolutely loved every minute spent with these women and the men in their orbit. I am so ready for the next book.

I loved this book! I wish I had read the first one because while this one didn't need the first book, it would have been much better because these characters were present in that one and you got a different view of them! But I loved this couple, I loved their chemistry, their banter with each other! I just loved their whole relationship throughout the book! And I thought that their shared history really made their story so much more interesting! I highly recommend this book! It was so much fun!