3.5⭐

Another really fun, sweet, and humorous addition to this series! I adore Caro and Kate and loved being back with them to solve another mystery.

This series is so addictive and fun to read. I love how Manda Collins balances the mystery and romance elements - both feel like focal points and fully fleshed out. This book/series feels like a classic whodunit mystery with a modern update and I'm completely hooked.

My favorite aspect of this sequel was definitely Caro's character. I love how strong and self-assured she is in a time that didn't really allow women much agency. But Caro takes control of her life and situation in any way she can, I loved following her throughout this book.

And I loved the chemistry between her and Val. I like that Val isn't your typical historical romance hero, he's not a rake or cold and aloof, he's a sweet cinnamon roll who is completely head over heels for Caro (even though she can't always see it). Their dynamic and banter was fantastic and I was definitely rooting for them the whole way through.

My one complaint about this book is that things reconcile a little too easily or quickly at times. There are a lot of great themes brought up in here about class and wealth and I really appreciated those discussions. But there were definitely times that people saw their error of their actions or were forgive a little too quickly for me to fully buy into - for example Val's father admitting his mistake within the same chapter. I wish a little more groveling/reflection was added in.

This also applies to the romance itself. As much as I loved the characters together, things moved FAST. Like in book 1, this starts as an enemies to lovers situation, but the enemies portion is very quick. And while I love a good marriage of convenience, it definitely sped up the romance even further. I just wanted a little more time spent with the romance before the I do's.

But overall, I had such a good time reading this book. The series is a fun, witty, feminist romance full of characters and tropes I love. If you love equal parts romance and mystery, definitely add this series to your list! And I'm so excited we're getting another book in this world next fall! (Langham was such a great side character, I can't wait for his book!!)

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

Mystery plus romance is a real sweet spot of mine but while Manda Collins’s An Heiress’s Guide to Deception & Desire has its many commendable qualities it doesn’t fully satisfy.

Four years ago Miss Caroline Hardcastle—now a cookbook author & one of the writers of the notorious Lady’s Guide crime column—was secretly engaged to Lord Valentine Thorn.

But their class differences romance withered on the vine after he made a mistake.

They don’t entirely get along now but they’re paired together to solve the disappearance of a friend of Caroline & Kate’s (a lead from the previous book), who’s an actress who just so happens to be secretly engaged to Valentine’s cousin.

I enjoyed the twists this tale takes, particularly as their vaguely enemies to lovers story takes a turn toward something more matrimonial 👀 & both characters internally admit their leftover feelings.

Both leads have done a great deal of growth since they were together & separated & it makes it easy to see how things could be different this time around. Val, in particular, is very much into showing his desire to be better.

But I wanted more chemistry between them. Val is so self-aware, so perfectly imperfect & well-intentioned, & I’m sure this will be annoying to some reading my review, but it was a little much for me (*hiding behind my hands*). I just didn’t totally fall for this pairing, though I do love when characters grow & change & act to show it which these characters do in abundance.

This book doesn’t entirely click *with me* but that might be an it’s not you, it’s me kind of situation.

3.5 ⭐️. Release date: 11/16.

[ID: an ebook rests on top of a hard book book & it’s surrounded by a flat lay of predominantly white covered romances.]

I just have to come to grips with the fact that Manda Collins just isn’t for me. I understand why so many people love her books, but for me personally, it’s a miss. Though I really want to love it. The cover! The historical aspect! Second chance romance! All of it should equal a great time for me, but instead, I forced myself to pick it up and slogged through it over two weeks.

The book is marketed as a romance, but it’s really a mystery driven story that wasn’t compelling enough for me. I need more gripping romance. The drama between the two wasn’t there and the characters fell flat.

I’m sad to write this review because I really wanted to love this one.

This was my first Manda Collins book and my first historical romance that had a mystery as the main focus. I don't frequently read mystery or have a strong desire to, so the fact that this story kept me engaged and turning pages was a happy surprise. And I will definitely read more in this series! 

This is the second book in "A Lady's Guide" but it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first book (yet) but it wasn't necessary to understand and enjoy this book. 

Our main characters, Caro and Val (Lord Valentine *swoon-that name*), are former lovers who are trying to find a friend who was kidnapped. What starts off as reluctance to work together, soon becomes a friendship--and it turns out their deeper feelings for each other from the past never fully went away. I love that Caro is part of a duo that writes a crime column. She is independent, brave, and smart. I love that Val was ready to prove himself to Caro after breaking her heart years ago, and appreciates that she is a capable woman who doesn't need a hero or protector. 

As a romance reader, I could have gone for a lot more chemistry, tension, and desire between our main characters. This relationship was a bit tame for me and the main plot and excitement in this book surrounds the mystery of the missing friend. 

Even without the typical historical spicy swoon and steam, I absolutely enjoyed jumping into this world that Manda Collins created and would recommend this to other historical romance readers who are intrigued by the idea of a mystery in their romance. 

Thank you so much Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for allowing me to read and review this book.

An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers; Second Chance Romance
Steam: Some Steam towards the end, not over the top
Quick Desc: Nancy Drew meets Jane Austen in this Romantic Suspense in which former betrothed Miss Caroline Hardcastle and newly minted Viscount Wrackham are forced to put aside their differences and join forces in order to find her missing friend and save his cousin.

Historical Romantic Suspense? I didn’t even realize it was a genre, but it was exactly what I needed and one I will definitely be searching out in the future! (Luckily for me, this is the second in a series – so you know I am off to my favorite book shop to pick up the first one today! 😉)

I love a good mystery novel and have been reading them for years now – this one reminded me so much of the types that I most enjoy: Nancy Drew and Stephanie Plum mysteries 😊 However, this had the advantage of a marvelous twist in also delivering a historical romance!

I adored Val and Caro, our two leads and former lovers – I thought they had great chemistry and I was rooting for them from the beginning. Both were strong characters and interesting in their own right, but seeing a second chance romance unfold was lovely. The secondary cast of the book were all great too – which of course makes me eager to continue with the series. Kate and her husband were wonderful. And I’m especially eager for book 3 now that I know which characters it will center on (they had some great moments in this book) – color me intrigued!

The pacing and flow were perfect – I enjoyed trying to solve the case alongside our crew and the twists in the case along the way. I was also excited because I was not able to guess that last twist, so I was surprised with the ending. I will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of book 3 – but in the meantime, am very thankful to both Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for my thoughts.

(Goodreads review posted on 11/7/21. Post on Bookstagram (@TheBookishDachshund) will occur in the week prior to release. Amazon review will be posted on release date.)

Manda Collins writes the absolute best historical romances with a dash of mystery and intrigue. (Thank you so much to Forever and NetGalley for my advance copy.)

An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire was every bit as wonderful as I had hoped it would be. We met Caro and Val in A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem, but this book was their chance to shine and they shone brilliantly.

Theirs is a second-chance romance. Four years ago, Caro broke their engagement after feeling disparaged by Val’s family. They’re thrown back together after a dear
friend is abducted, and together with Lady Kate and Detective Inspector Eversham to investigate her disappearance.

The plotting was excellent; the pacing was perfect; and I loved that there wasn’t a baby in the epilogue.

An excellent second book to the series! Val and Caro’s history is complicated and turbulent. But in the end these two are such a strong couple and the love is sweet. There is mystery, intrigue, and romance. The storyline kept me interested all the while building the relationship. Great series so far! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

This was my first book by Manda Collins and it is absolutely lovely. I enjoyed it from start to finish. It has romance, mystery and character who are very enjoyable and have great chemistry.

I have not read the first book in the series (which I will be doing soon!) But, it is easy to follow Caro and Val’s world. So it can be read as a standalone, but I would start with a Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem because my guess is, it is really good!

This is a second chance romance that is centered around Miss Caroline “Caro” Hardcastle and Lord Valentine Thorn, the new Viscount Wrackham who are brought back together to work together to solve the disappearance of Caro’s friend and Val’s Cousin. That is how they start to reconnect!

I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the Flora and Langham story!

Thank you Manda Collins for writing such a fun romance and Forever (Grand central Publishing) for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

In AN HEIRESS'S GUIDE TO DECEPTION AND DESIRE, Manda Collins creates the perfect blend of romance, mystery. A second chance enemies-to-lovers romance develops between Miss Caroline Hardcastle and Lord Valentine Thorn as the couple investigate the kidnapping of a popular stage actress. Quick-witted characters and palpable suspense makes this a cross-genre must-read novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Caroline thinks she's done with her former betrothed Valentine, until they find themselves working together to find a missing friend. As mysteries and mishaps continue to bring Val and Caro together, they start to realize that their feelings for each other are not as in the past as they'd thought.

From the characters to the plot to the writing style, I really enjoyed this book. Caro was a wonderful and engaging heroine; she was willful and determined and so easy to root for. Val too was an excellent love interest, and watching him work to become a better man for Caro was rewarding and endearing. Generally, I stay away from second-chance romances, but this had none of the aspects that generally bother me. Both characters are clearly different people than they were during their first betrothal, and it truly felt inevitable and natural watching them come together again.

An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire is a very easy read, too; I read it in under 24 hours and loved every minute of it. The mystery itself was simple yet engaging, with plenty of twists and turns and action and intrigue to keep the reader interested. Manda Collins' writing style impressed me, too, and made the story very easy to follow and kept everything flowing beautifully. While I really enjoyed reading this, and will definitely be recommending it to others, I give this 4 instead of 5 stars because I don't know that the story is really going to stick with me. Nonetheless, I loved reading this book and am so glad I did.

The setup for the next book was perfect, too--I loved Langham probably more than I liked Val, and I can't wait to see his story.

Review:
Valentine and Caroline used to be betrothed but now they are uneasy frenemies both trying to find a missing friend. Valentine is wrapped up in this because his cousin is engaged to the missing girl, and Caroline is determined to see his flaws as a snobbish aristocrat and future duke. She recognizes nothing about Val, the man she was engaged to, except his superior air and concern for propriety. Except she still feels drawn to him.

As they begin to investigate Effie's disappearance together they are reminded of what they had once and how they've changed. It was amazing to see characters realize they've grown and changed and recognize that in another person and let that spur them to give them another chance for some kind of happiness.

Val is definitely a great example of a male character who learns from his mistakes in the past and is determined not the repeat them again. He sees in this book how his privilege and power can influence others and decides to hold strong to his principles, mainly that Caroline, despite her lower birth, is just as capable and worthy of anyone as a fellow peer.

Synopsis:
Former lovers become reluctant allies in this delightfully witty historical rom-com from the bestselling author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem—for fans of Evie Dunmore, Enola Holmes, and Netflix's Bridgerton!

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?

This book reminded me of Sherlock Holmes, and who doesn’t love a good mystery? I enjoyed that Caro was an independent woman for her time. Even though her dad was a successful businessman, she built a fortune of her own. It was refreshing to see that she wouldn’t have to marry because of money or position, like any other girl in her position.

I also liked Val, and that he stood up to his dad for what he wanted. It was nice to see that the hero took the backseat and let Caro do what she felt was needed to decipher the mystery of her friend’s disappearance. But I also have to say I didn’t feel the chemistry between Caro and Val despite their history.

I would’ve liked to see more of Val’s mother relationship with Caro’s mom—I think it would’ve perhaps been fun.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I’m actually looking forward to Duke Langham’s story coming up next. If Caro’s friend is as feisty as she seemed, then that promises their story will be even better than Caro’s.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me this arc via Netgalley!
This was a nice second chance romance, with tons of feminism (which I love to see in a historical romance).
However, even though it felt like it had everything to be one of my favs, it didn't really leave an impact and it actually took me a while to get through it.
It's a fun read tho, so 3 stars.

I was so happy to get approved of the second in this fun mystery/romance series.

I remember Caro and Val in book #1 and I was down for a second chance romance with a dash of enemies to lovers. This one did not disappoint.

I sometimes think that I don't like historical romance as much as I want to, but these are some of my favorites. I think it doesn't constantly remind me of the misogyny of the times. And it was cool that they had the mystery aspect in there as well.

I enjoyed how Val saw the error of his ways and apologized. He had a real character arc and I think reflected on reasons he hurt Caro and really wanted forgiveness for them. I was worried he was going to be annoying with the first couple chapters, but he was definitely a book crush in the end.

There was a second in the middle of the story where we didn't focus on the mystery enough I think. But I did like the extra romance there. It got a bit spicy there for a second.

Book 2 dives us Val & Cato and why they snipe at one another constantly. Yes they have a past and Cato does not wish to forgive or forget. Val, however, would like to erase his mistake but he thinks Caro will have none of it.
When her friend & his cousins’ disappear, they work together to find them.
I really loved that, although there had been a long running conflict, he steps up and they have a discussion about it and once resolved, they are good.
You get 2nd chance, fake engagement, and forced proximity.

Caro and Val were once betrothed but he made a mistake and she ended the betrothal. Neither of them has got over the break up. They are thrown together when Caro's friend Effie is kidnapped and Val's cousin Frank is injured when he tried to prevent Effie's abduction. Caro and Val are forced into another betrothal but this time neither wishes to end it. They work tirelessly to find Effie and those who kidnapped her.

This was a romantic read along with a terrific who-done-it. There are some red herrings along the way as well as glimpses of the villain. I can recommend it for HR fans as well as Historical Mystery fans.

An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire is a lovely tale of second chances.

It weaves together into the tapestry that is this book: romance, intrigue, and mystery. A detective story at its heart, Collins Regency Era novel takes us into the heart of London in the glittering glam of the theater. A dear friend and actress named Effie, of the main character, Caroline Hardcastle, goes missing. As Caroline and her bestie, Lady Katherine Bascomb, look into the whereabouts of their friend, enter Caroline’s broody and ex-fiancé Viscount Wrackham.

What I love most about this book is the way Collins creates these women sleuths who are willing to take on a case that the local police aren’t interested in.

With engaging characters, first-time readers of Collin’s novel will undoubtedly be taken by her lively plotting, jaunty wit, and flavorful banter. If you love a headstrong protagonist who fights tooth and nail against the tons views, and a love interest who supports feistiness and peculiarity then slip this one onto your TBR.

AND FRIENDS!!!

I am ready for the third book.

The way Collin’s sets up the next two characters in this one is PERFECTION. I immediately thought “These TWO!!! Please, please have them featured in the next book!”

Although we don’t know what happens to Caroline and Katherine’s friend Flora Deaver, it’s very mysterious as to why she’s unable to cat-sit and seems to fall through the cracks towards the end of the book, but I’ll let it slide. Because I’m ready to read Flora’s book with the Duke of Langham.

Simply a fun read, readers who enjoy a good romance with a splash of steam, and a stirring in of detective story will enjoy this one.

Happy Reading ~ Cece

I love a good historical romance where the genial characters tail against the patriarchy!

Caroline has a controversial career as a drone writer and it once cost her a fiancée. Val has never loved anyone but Caroline; however, he feels obligated to fulfill his duties as the new Viscount. A missing friend and a compromising position push Val and Caroline into marriage. As they race against time to find Caroline’s missing friend, Val abs Caro find this might be a move match after all.

This is the second book in the series and I have not read the first one. However, I have not read the first book and had no problem following the story. I love that Caro is I afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if it goes against social conventions. I also loved how sweet Cal was and accepted Caro as she was. There was a perfect balance of steam and mystery that kept me engaged throughout the whole story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy!

I read this book in a little over a day. It's cute, I love books where there are star-crossed lovers, who feel they have been wronged but can't stop loving each other. A non-aristocratic Heiress and a Viscount who happens to be heir to a dukedom. His family rejected her 4 years ago and he didn't stand up for her back then. All that changes when they meet up again to help the Viscount's (Val) cousin find his missing fiance - a theatre star, with a massive following of male idols.

I have to say, that I am purchasing book 1 to read the story of Lady Kate and next year, book 3.

If you love regency historicals with strong female leads and happy endings - where love triumphs. This is the book for you.

My one little complaint, is that I thought Caro was sometimes just too much. Too assertive, too domineering etc etc.... but, you still come to root for her and love that she got her happy ending.

Thank you Netgalley

An Heiress’s Guide To Deception and Desire

My Rating: 5/5⭐️’s

Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for giving me this eARC! I was so happy to receive it because I read the first book in this series and loveddd it!

I’m a huge lover of historical romance because it’s so much fun and easy to read. This book was great because it had a mixture of mystery and romance (two of my favorite genres). The mystery itself I thought was great, and I wasn’t exactly expecting the reveal! I also lovedd the romance between the main characters. (Second-chance romance is one of my fav tropes). I thought they worked so well together.

This book is also very outspoken about violence against women, and the heroine is apart of a crime column who writes about crimes against women. I thought it was great to see in a book that was set in a time that women had little independence in their lives.

Overall this book was a great reading experience and I recommend reading this when it is published on November 16th! Lovers of historical romance or those just getting into the genre will enjoy this book.