A young woman with brains and courage delves, head first, into the mystery surrounding her kidnapped friend in Victorian England. The second installment of the Lady’s ’ Guide to Mischief and Mayhem is wonderful. Caro Hardcastle writes articles warning women about issues thought to be too distressing for delicate ladies in her friend Lady Kate’s newspaper….cases of murdered and missing women, how to protect yourself and the perils of being a woman with little or no rights or status in Victorian England.

Caro is an unconventional heiress to a vast manufacturing fortune but not a member of the nobility. Because of this, she stepped away from the love of their life, Lord Valentine Thorn, 4 years ago when he failed to stand up for her with his snobby relatives. Now the heir to a dukedom, Val also become entangled in the search for Caro’s friend but what does this mean their future? Mayhem, deception and desire ensure…..

An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire is a thoughtful yet just slightly off-kilter historical romance. While the characters are fairly rounded, the pacing of the plot and some aspects of the writing render the book a slight disappointment, especially given the ambitious nature of the synopsis.

​The plot begins to unravel a bit as the story progressed, with Collins struggling to juggle two storylines: Val and Caro's romance and Effie's kidnapping mystery. In the end, the romance wins out, and the mystery is rather hastily tied up. Additionally, the nature of the romance is somewhat flat; while Val and Caro are originally touted as adversaries, their amorous reunion progresses rather quickly and without much protest from either side. That being said, their romance is genuine, and their meditations on marriage and the expectations of men and women in marriage are fascinating to read.

The writing feels a little strange at times. While this novel does involve dual POVs, it feels that Val and Caro's points of view are so closely intertwined that they should be one; both characters sometimes think the exact same things and make the exact same observations, even though they are meant to act independently.

What I enjoyed most about this novel, however, is the faithful historical ambiance that Collins creates. As a rather nitpicky history buff, I always demand that my historical romances have a believable historical backdrop, and this book certainly satisfies that demand. Victorian England is brought to life with concrete historical markers like the Reform Act of 1867, which neatly anchors the story in real history.

Ultimately, An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire is perfect for anyone looking for a light historical read with an undercurrent of mystery and second-chance romance.

​Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I first need to start by saying that I've never read the first book in the series, "A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem," and therefore felt like I was missing out on some things that lead up to the sequel. Heiress's Guide was flagged as a romance but I felt it was mostly a whodunit with a touch of romance thrown in. Once I adjusted my expectations, I enjoyed the book more.

The first half of the book was a little slow but when it hit the midway point it grabbed me.
The wish I could have had more chemistry between the main characters, Caro and Val, in the first half of the book but once the characters got together I really enjoyed them on page. Their teasing and banter was endearing.

The cast of side characters were all well written. The author piqued my interest in the next book to find out where Flora snuck off to. Overall, I think it was a cute whodunit with some second chance romance. I would rate it 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins is the second book in the A Lady’s Guide series. This second chance love story focuses on the relationship between Miss Caroline Hardcastle and Lord Valentine Thorn as well as an intriguing new mystery. When I read A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem (the first book in the series), I was instantly interested in the hilarious and contentious relationship between Caro and Val. I absolutely loved their story, and thought it was even better than the first book.

Val and Caro are a riot. I was actually laughing while reading this book. Between the witty snipes they would make at each other and the outlandish situations they found themselves in, Caro and Val made this book an absolute joy. Additionally, it was fun that Lady Katherine and Detective Inspector Andrew Eversham had such a big role in solving the mystery in this book. Lady Katherine and Caro are quite a combination and it continues to be funny to watch Andrew and Val navigate the pair of them. I am happy that this sequel found Lady Katherine still solving mysteries, bringing down the patriarchy, and running her newspaper instead of settling down with children.

Also, the author introduced some new characters, which will set up the third book in the series. The arrogant Duke of Langham certainly made a first impression in this story. His character already has managed to surprise me while solving this mystery, so I can’t wait to see what is in store for him. While I did enjoy this book as part of the Ladies Guide series, I do believe it would work as a standalone.

I was invited to read an ARC of An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #AnHeiress'sGuidetoDeceptionandDesire

Val and Caro! I fell in love with both in A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem, and I was so excited that the sequel would be about the two of them. It's a fantastic second chance romance. Or is it enemies-to-lovers?

I really enjoyed the thoughtfulness and growth of both characters. Add in a heroine who has her dresses made with pockets, and I was enchanted. I was so happy to read their story.

Beyond that, I love the premise of this series with a column about crime and its effects on women in The London Gazette. It's great to read a historical romance that calls out misogyny in the first few pages. And, of course, I was also drawn into the intrigue that Val and Caro (with Kate and Andrew from the previous book) investigated together.

I enjoyed this book more than the first, and I was so pleased that it exceeded my expectations. I will be happily waiting for the series to continue (and it's another two characters I love).

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

4.5 stars rounded up

4.5 Stars!

What a fantastic follow up to A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem! The books in this series are interconnected standalones, but I highly recommend reading them in order.

We first met Caro and Valentine in the first book, and you could tell there was definitely between them due to their interaction. We really dive into their relationship in this book. Their second chance, enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience HEA, worked perfectly. I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out the who done it aspect of this historical romantic suspense!

I really appreciated that the animosity between Caro and Valentine was cleared up early in the book, and that they worked as a team. You’ll be cheering them on in no time as they fight against misogyny while solving a kidnapping.

“I have no wish to curb your freedoms, Lady Wrackham,” he said with all sincerity. “Only to share some of your adventures.”

I am beyond thrilled that this series is continuing on, with Flora’s story.

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.
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.
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.
This is a romantic comedy, mystery, multiple kidnapping case.
Caro and Val make for a knowing couple in this hilarious and mysterious novel.
Manda Collins is a talented author who knows what her audience wants.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins is her second book in her A Lady’s Guide series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone book. It’s a fun, lighthearted regency-era romance with just a bit of mystery.

Miss Caroline Hardcastle is one-half of the crime column writing duo. Caro, along with her friend Lady Katherine, writes about crimes in London and teaches women about crimes and how to protect themselves. When their close friend is kidnapped, Caro has to find her abductors before something horrible happens to her. Unfortunately, in order to find her friend, she has to team up with her ex-fiance, Lord Valentine.

Lord Valentine, or Val, never loved anyone like he loved Caro, but when he failed to support her and appeared to be embarrassed by her lifestyle, Caro broke off the engagement many years ago. But, now he has to work with her in order to help his cousin who is in love with the abducted woman and is also a person of interest in the investigation. But working again with Caro ignites the passion he felt for her all those years ago.

This book is just a lot of fun. The dialogue was so good, and I enjoyed reading about such adventurous women in a time when women were not supposed to do anything except marrying and raising children. The relationship between Cara and Val was realistic and fun to watch. Their love for each other is always there, underneath the surface as they spar with each other after not seeing each other for the past 7 years since their engagement was broken off.

I also enjoyed the mystery. I did not figure out who abducted Caro’s friend and there were a few red herrings that led me in different directions. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a lighthearted mystery in the regency time period. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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

Miss Caroline Hardcastle may be one of the wealthiest heiresses in London, but she cares more about her infamous crime column - alongside best friend, Katherine - than being respectable for the ton. Her scandalous reputation and her father's background in trade may have cost her a fiancee, but she has no desire on ever becoming a lady, especially not after having her heart broken by a lord all those years ago. But when one of her friends goes missing, and she has to join forces with just the person who broke her heart, Val, the new Viscount Wrackham, Caro might have to keep all her wits about her to come out the other side safely. For Val, he's never loved anyone as much as he loved Caro, but when she overheard his brother make disparaging remarks about her family, she broke off their secret engagement, and he's never looked at marrying again. However, following his elder brother's death, he's the new heir and his father is on at him to marry for the succession. Hoping that the proximity to Caro will make her remember her past feelings, Val wants nothing more than to win her back.

After adoring A Lady's Guide, I have been impatiently waiting for Caro and Val's book. Their animosity and past which had been alluded to in book 1 was extremely enticing, and I needed to know more - and by god, was it worth the wait. Caro and Val are such well written characters, with a strong persona and facade they portray to the world, but alone, they are vulnerable, and wholly suited to each other. In the four years they've been separated, they've formed lives for themselves, and have tried to make it seem as if they weren't affected by their secret love, but they were irrevocably changed, and it was only with discussion and forgiveness could they start to get over it. The mystery wasn't as great as in the first book, but enjoyable nonetheless, and seeing Kate and Andrew again was wonderful, especially now happily married. I'm so pleased I was approved for this book (thanks again, Forever!), and will, once again, be impatiently waiting for Manda's next book.

First I want to say thank you to Netgalley for letting me receive this in exchange for an honest review!

I don’t want to say to much, so i’ll just say this was really good. Caro and Val’s romance was so cute and the mystery was so fun. The story was easy to follow and I enjoyed the second chance romance aspect of this. Overall I’d give this book a 5/5.

This wasn't an enemies to lovers OR a friends to lovers, this book was Lovers to Enemies to Friends to Lovers and I was enthralled for every moment of it. I wanted Val and Caro to get together from the first moment they interacted in this book. I know that they were characters in Collins' previous novel in this series but their chemistry was so much more vivid in An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series.

I loved this one so much! I stayed up late last night because I needed to know what happened. Now I’m sad I have to wait until next fall for their friend Flora’s story.

I absolutely loved A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem, but I think I liked this one even more. I loved Caro and Val and their second chance forced engagement. The pair was briefly betrothed a few years ago when Caro overheard Val’s family malign her and Val didn’t respond. Their banter and animosity was a fun part of book one.

I felt like there was even more mystery for Caro and Kate to solve in this one with more romance as well. I loved how Caro and Val worked to repair their formerly damaged relationship. It was clear the affection for one another never dimmed. The mystery of what happened to their friend and Val’s cousin kept me guessing until the end. I was impressed with Kate and Caro’s detective skills and how resourceful they were. I preordered a copy because I needed it in my shelf!

Thank you Netgalley and Forever for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I will update with the link when I share to my Bookstagram page.

If you liked Bridgerton, you should read this book. And I'm not just saying that because of the general similarities (ie the time period) because this is the 10th 19th century romance novel I've read this year alone. This book was uniquely like Bridgerton and I loved it.

I do think having read the first book in the series first really added something to this book. Not only were you already familiar with side characters, you also got a teaser of Val and Caro's interactions.

This book was fantastic, I love the dynamic between Caro and Val. I loved the marriage of convenience but we're actually in love plot line. And I enjoyed the mystery at the heart of the novel too.

Surprisingly, I enjoyed this book even more than the first novel in the series (a rarity for me!). But as mentioned, think you should probably read both (not just for characters but because the first is good too).

I have no complaints about this book, can't wait to add it to my reread list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this earc

This book was as cute as the first one!
I really enjoyed second chance romance for Val and Caro. When we first met them it was obvious that they have history and even though we got to see some of it I wish we saw the good too not just the bad things that happened during their courtship.

But I did like that this time around their relationship is more mature and there is a lot more communication going on between them. I loved that Val actually stood up to his father. I loved that Caro didn’t chance herself and Val was able to appreciate her as she is and stood by her side all through the mystery part of the story.

I really enjoyed that they didn’t jump straight into “love” after not being together for 4 years and actually took their time to get to know each other again.

Was the “engagement” scene a bit random? Yes. But did it work out in the end? Absolutely

Can’t wait to see what’s next in this world

This book was so much fun! I quickly flipped through the first book in the series again, to reacquaint myself with the characters, and I’m glad I did. As much as this is Caro (great name!) and Val’s story, Kate and Eversham feature greatly and are integral to the tale.

It’s not a surprise that a marriage of convenience is part of the plot, but what makes it different here is that the author didn’t wait until the end of the book for emotions to become involved. And as this is also a second-chance romance (my fav!), I so appreciated that the author didn’t drag out the animosity between Caro and Val. It began slowly, but the forgiveness train soon picked up speed.

This was just such a satisfying read, and I’m so glad I got to read it early. I now cannot wait for book three!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I've been wanting to know more about Caro and Val's story since we first met them in the first installment in the series, and I had so much fun with this book! With more mystery than your usual historical romance and more romance than your usual mystery, the best comparison I can think of would be to TV shows like 'Miss Scarlet and the Duke' or 'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries,' with strong-willed, clever women and the exasperated but supportive men who love them (even if they won't admit it at first).

Where the first book in the series was more of an enemies-to-lovers (or, more accurately, annoyances-to-lovers!), this one is a lovely second-chance romance with a dash of fake dating for good measure! Caro and Val get pulled into the same missing-persons investigation, when her friend is kidnapped in front of his cousin. Naturally, they're not pleased with this proximity, given their messy personal history together. It's a romance - you know where it's all headed, but it's so much fun to get there, and that's where this book really shines: reminding us of just how much *fun* genre fiction can truly be!

Interesting mystery and compelling characters, much like the first book. The chemistry between the two leads is a little lacking, but the friendships really help to drive the story. It felt a lot like show don't tell between the two leads, where we were getting a lot of telling, but not enough show of how the characters felt, and in a mystery romance you do still want the romance.

If you are a fan of true crime and period pieces though, I think you will enjoy this

Book Review
An Heiresses Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins

The second instlment in the Ladies Guide series

I am loving this female empowered suffragist regency romance! The women are fiercely independent and the men that care for them fully support them and their endeavours to gain equality. What?? You heard that right! The rakish devil may care Valentine wouldn’t change a hair on Caroline’s head- even though they are constantly at odds, and may not share the same views they respect and love each other. Full of steam, witty banter, and all out girl squad that screams goals.

For fans of regency romances (think Bridgerton meets Enola Holmes)

Thanks to @netgalley and @readforever @grandcentralpub for my #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review

This was an interesting read for the historical romcom sub genre in that it included mystery. I though that that was a good driver for the plot because otherwise you have to keep the plot moving with the same old miscommunications. And I did find the mystery interesting with the red herrings and final twists at the end.

That being said, I unfortunately found the mystery (lukewarm as it was) to be the best part of the book. The chemistry between the two leads wasn’t really there nor was the development. Aside from a few barbed comments to one another, I didn’t sense that there was any angst or lack of trust. I kept on being told that but it seemed like the two were in love the whole book, which makes sense that they started the day as enemies and then were engaged by the end of the night. So it was sweet but ultimately wasn’t believable or compelling to me.

Overall I’m not sure I would recommend this book when there are many other compelling romance novels in the historical rom com space. It was a fine time but nothing revolutionary.

Oh, this book was delightful. I sped through reading it, finishing it in a little over a day.

Caroline "Caro" Hardcastle writes for England's infamous crime column, preferring to bring light issues ignored by society rather than worry about what people think of her. However, when a close friend is kidnapped, Caro has to work with Lord Valentine "Val" Thorn, her former fiancé and the man who broke her heart, to try to figure out where her friend might be. When her actions result in a marriage of convenience to Val to protect her family's reputation, she must figure out how to protect her heart while working with Val to solve the mystery of her friend's disappearance. Meanwhile, Val is desperate to prove to Caro that he has learned from his past mistakes and is ready to dive wholeheartedly into their relationship.

While I haven't read the first book in the series, I found myself easily following these characters and this world. Unraveling the mystery of what happened to Caro's friend was really fun. I appreciated the different tactics that Caro, Andrew, Kate, and Val would employ to get the information that they wanted - all different, and all effective in their own contexts. So many of the side characters were fully-fleshed-out characters in their own right, and I enjoyed watching them all interact, especially when Val is very careful to toe the propriety line and Caro is fine fully ignoring it.

Learning about Caro and Val's past was fun, although I wish I knew more about some of the nicer parts of their past relationship, rather than the small hints we got in comparison to the many negative aspects of their past relationship. As I learned more about their past together, I found myself enjoying watching how Caro and Val both grew in the four years apart, especially finding the moment of understanding that Caro has on how or why Val would have behaved as he did (despite it being upsetting) was a great moment of growth for Caro. It was hilarious to see how in the beginning, Val and Caro would butt heads in person but end up having very similar trains of thought when it came to the investigation and possible suspects. I loved watching them grapple with their feelings for each other as their relationship grew back to what it once was and more.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC.