⭐️Clever Plot including plenty of twists & unbeatable witty banter!⭐️

*An Artful Deceit* by Holly Newman is a delightful and enchanting Regency romance that captivated me from the first page to the last. Newman masterfully blends romance, intrigue, and wit, creating a story that feels fresh while staying true to the beloved hallmarks of the genre.

The protagonist, Lady Lydia Howick, is a sharp and intelligent heroine, navigating both the glittering world of London society and a dangerous mystery that threatens everything she holds dear. Her chemistry with the dashing and enigmatic Earl of Granville is electric, making their banter as engaging as their deepening romance. Newman's characters are richly developed, and their interactions are both charming and authentic.

What sets this book apart from other Regency romances is the cleverly plotted mystery woven into the story. The intrigue keeps the reader guessing, with plenty of twists and turns that make the novel impossible to put down. Newman’s attention to period detail enhances the experience, immersing the reader in the world of Regency England with its manners, fashion, and social mores.

Overall, *An Artful Deceit* is a perfect blend of romance, humor, and suspense. Fans of historical romance will fall in love with this book and its characters. Holly Newman has crafted a thoroughly enjoyable read that is both heartwarming and thrilling. Highly recommended!

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from the author/publisher via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄
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This was the first book in a series. Cute story with a little romance, intrigue, hijinks, and mystery. I loved the romance aspect and the interactions between Miles and Ann, and would have loved to see more develop on the romance side. This has a lot to offer the reader in terms of adventure, character cast, some comedy, and intrigue. It kept my attention and was well written. All in all, I would say this was 3.5 stars for me, as it was entertaining but didn't wow me. Thanks so much to Holly Newman, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this e-arc.

This book was read thanks to netgalley.


I LOVED THIS BOOK, there is a short list of authors that can manage two different genres (or maybe three) without leaning more for one side than other, so it was so refreshing that the author packed the romance and the mystery (and some comedy) soooooo well, the characters are so lovable that there isn't a moment when i wasn't rooting for them. PLEASE GIVE IT A CHANCE.

I have not had the opportunity to read anything by this author before and I was excited to try this book out. I was not disappointed! This is the first installment of The Art of Love series and what a delightful start! Romance mixed with mystery and adventure made for a very entertaining read. The story was well-written and caught my attention from the very start. Miles, Duke of Ellinbourne, is an artist at heart. He is asked by his cousin to attend a house party in his place and give his regrets to the hostess and to his intended, Ann. Ann is self-conscious because of the physical challenges she faces, but is a delightful and intelligent young woman. Upon meeting her, Miles is thoroughly enchanted. The house party is full of mysteries which Ann and Miles get entangled in and work together to solve. I found this to be a very entertaining and enjoyable read and the story captured my attention from the start. The characters were lovely and very nicely developed and there was no question as to how strong their chemistry was. A very well-written story and great start to what looks to be a very entertaining series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This is the first book in the Art of Love series and I think the series is off to a good solid start.
Everything you could want or come to expect is in this fun frolicking caper! You have lords (who wish they weren't) and ladies (one wishes the same), viscounts, duchesses and dukes, a house party gone awry with a little murder and mayhem thrown in as icing on top of the many layered cake.
When Miles Wingate, Duke of Ellinbourne steps in for his cousin Viscount Redinger he is thought to be the Viscount and finds himself entangled with his cousin's intended Ann Hallowell. When the two meet sparks begin to fly and they both begin to question whether the marriage between the viscount and Ann should occur or is the wrong cousin the intended groom?. To make matters even worse, a guest is knocked out in a room he is not supposed to be in only to turn up dead later on.
This was a lively house party and the characters are quirky and humorous. I enjoyed this fast-paced regency romp and look forward to book 2.
Thank you to Oliver Heber Books and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

What happens when a Duke is mistaken for a Viscount? Add that to two Michelangelo sketches, hidden passages, vanishing and reappearing art, threatening messages, conniving art collectors, arrogant academicians, a Bow Street agent, a lovelorn couple, and an elderly prankster. Miles Wingate, the new Duke of Ellinbourne, was not supposed to be at the Dowager Duchess of Malmsby’s house party. He was supposed to be in London preparing for the spring opening of the Royal Academy of Art, yet here he was, a stand-in guest for his injured cousin, Viscount Redinger. The only rational person at the house party was Miss Ann Hallowell, the Duchess’s granddaughter, and as his luck would have it, his cousin’s intended! Thrown together when he’s mistaken for his cousin, Miles and Ann join to unravel the house party mysteries.
A new author to me & a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed it & loved the mix of romance & mystery. I loved Miles the vicar’s son & artist now finding his way as a Duke, I also loved Ann. I loved how Miles & Ann's relationship grew & changed & enjoyed their road to a HEA but I did feel the romance took second place to the mystery. There were plenty of characters & it took me a little while to feel as how I had everyone ‘sorted’. A well written entertaining read & I look forward to more from the author

When Miles Wingate, the Duke of Ellinbourne is mistaken for his injured cousin, Viscount Redinger, he finds himself falling in love with his cousin’s betrothed, Ann Hallowell. Together with Amy, he endeavours to uncover the many mysteries at the house party of Ann’s grandmother, where some art works go missing.
A sweet love story, with two engaging characters who are determined to go against the expectations of their roles in society. With plenty of action and several great secondary characters, this was an entertaining read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

The Duchess of Malmsby is having a house party for family and associates to showcase her home and art collection. She is also arranging to settle the marriage between her granddaughter Ann Hallowell, and the Viscount Redinger. Ann had agreed to a marriage of convenience with the Viscount because she thinks she would not be able to have a love match because of her injuries from a horse riding accident, including a facial scar.

Before the house party occurs, Redinger gets into a drunken tussle with the Watch and suffers quite a few injuries himself. To make his excuses for not attending the house party, he sends his cousin, Miles, the new Duke of Ellinbourne. Ellinbourne presents himself to Ann and her stepmother to relay the excuses of his cousin, and is wrangled into joining the house party in his cousin's stead. As he himself is an artist, he agrees, because the Duchess is known to have a great art collection including two possible Micheangelo prints.

While at the house party, there is a situation of identity swaps where Ellinbourne is presented as his cousin, but as Miles is new to the role, and was raised as a clergyman's son, and artist, rather than as an aristocrat, he doesn't get upset and goes along with the perceived prank. In the meantime, he and Ann share an enjoyment of art, and get to know each other, and have a deepening attraction. Miles envies his cousin in that Ann is promised to Redinger, despite the planned betrothal being an arrangement of convenience.

During the house party, things go awry when a guest is attacked and later murdered, and suspicion falls upon members of the party, especially when it was found out that the Duchess has been threatened recently to force her hand to sell her Micheangelo prints.

I thought this was a sweet story of Miles and Ann, but it was also convoluted by too many other other story lines. Ann and Viscount Redinger are nearly betrothed, but the Viscount apparently loves another. Ann and Miles are attracted to each to each other, but Ann also lacks confidence because of her age and disabilities, but feels pressure to marry because of her step mother. Her stepmother is attracted to someone and cares for him, but feels obligated to not marry again, until Ann is settled. Miles chaffs against being a Duke and the social limitations in that Dukes are not artists, and disloyalty to his cousin by being attracted to Miles. Then there is the murder mystery, which is entangled with a spy/conspiracy story, which apparently is linked to other books by Newman. Complete with hidden identities and secret passageways. It just felt like too much to carry in a relatively short book.

3.25 stars out of 5.

Miles never envied his cousin Randolph his title, and was far from happy when he unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. But when he first meets the woman Randolph's family has planned for Randolph to marry, he does regret that Ann is not free for him to court. Then an accident puts Randolph in bed just before a house party at which he was to meet Ann - and he arranges for Miles to take his place. At the art-themed house party, Miles and Ann are thrown together as being almost the only 'normal' people there, and they work together to try to unravel the minor (and major) mysteries that keep cropping up. Will they ever work out what is going on? And when the way opens for them to pursue the attraction between them, will the girl who planned to marry for convenience open her heart to marry for love?

As I've found before with this author, an editor is needed to fix errors/typos and tighten things up a bit - doing so would make it a five-star book, but I still found it an enjoyable four-star read. It was interesting watching Miles come to terms with his new position, and I enjoyed watching the relationship between Miles and Ann grow. The 'mysterious occurrences' gave them something to investigate, and in some cases they were interesting in themselves, but overall that side of things interested me less - and it felt like a bit of an information dump at the end when they talk through it all. Also, while the book was clean overall, there were a few uses of language I could have done without, and one 'bawdy' poem that I would have preferred to avoid. Nevertheless, a good read, as long as you're not too fussy about editing (it's not terrible, but I think it should be better).

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

A charming tale filled with a mystery, humor, quirky characters and an attraction that could not be denied!

At the house party given by her grandmother, she was to meet her potential betrothed and get to know him. But it seems he has been in an accident (although there was more to it!) and his cousin comes in his stead.

He was raised by a parson and an artist at heart, so when he is thrust into the title of Duke, he just wants to continue to work on his art. Of course there is scorn from the ton. Then he meets her.

When some art seems to have been stolen or disappeared, the hunt is on to find it. But there are many stops along the way and it seems there may be time to find love!

An Artful Deceit by Holly Newman is the first book in the Art of Love series. Miles Wingate, Duke of Ellinbourne, was not supposed to be at the Dowager Duchess of Malmsby’s house party. He was supposed to be in London to prepare for the Royal Academy of Art. He came to the party to stand in for his injured cousin, Viscount Redinger. He finds himself mistaken for his cousin. He is thrown together with his cousin’s intended, Miss Ann Hallowell. The pair begins to unravel the house party’s many mysteries.

This is a good mystery-heavy book. I went into this book expecting more romance, though, so I feel I would have enjoyed it much more if there was more romance.

I was happily surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The dialogue is occasionally stilted, and there are one or two (very, very) minor plot holes, but the characters are so much fun, and I love a good mystery-at-a-house-party story. I will gladly pick up another book by Newman when I want something light and satisfying.

My thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

An Artful Deceit is the first book in The Art of Love series, and it’s a fun story with intrigue, humor, and romance. Ann and Miles are well-developed protagonists who form an instant connection upon meeting. I liked Miles and Anne, and I thought both were unique and unconventional characters. They both face social and familial pressures while still staying true to themselves, and it’s clear from the start that they are a well-matched pair.

I liked the romance between Anne and Miles, but I wish there were a bit more of it because, at times, the mystery overshadowed the love story, and I’m all about the love story. Plus, Miles and Anne’s time together is romantic and filled with great conversation and banter, and I just wanted to see more of it.

I always enjoy historical romances that take place at a house party, so I was delighted when Ann and Miles became embroiled in an intriguing mystery while at the same house party. Subterfuge, pranks, and enigmatic house guests with unclear agendas add to the intrigue, and the twists and turns and characters who enjoy shenanigans make solving a mystery even more complicated.

Overall, I enjoyed this read. It’s a quick and sweet romance with likable characters, an interesting mystery, and some great conversations about art. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book by Holly Newman. It’s the first I’ve read from this author and found it to be a lively, very clean and a sweet romance.

The story line was more of a mystery adventure than a romance with lots of twists and turns which kept me guessing. Miles the Duke of Elinbourne, a painter turned Duke when he first met Miss Ann Hallowell granddaughter to a Duchess, he instantly liked her and you could tell throughout the book that they were meant to be together but there was little in the way of romance.

All the characters within the storyline were perfect and I must admit that I do enjoy a mystery now and again, so although I was disappointed with the romance side, the storyline itself was really enjoyable and kept me reading until the end which is why I have given it a 5*

I would definitely recommend you read this book if you love clean, sweet romance stories with a great mystery, you won’t be disappointed. I look forward to reading more of Holly’s books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I loved this book as a mystery adventure. The primary and many secondary characters were vivid. A lot was happening in the plot, yet it didn’t confuse me. All the mystery and subterfuge created an entertaining, page-turning book. I felt this was much more an adventure than a romance. The characters did not have much time alone together on page. As I read for the romance, that was a little disappointing. This was a sweet romance; I felt the connection was almost love at first sight. The romantic relationship was not allowed to breathe and grow. That being said, I loved the scenes featuring Miles and Ann.

I liked how Miles is an untraditional Duke. He is an artist at heart and refuses to give up his passion. Ann has been injured and deals with insecurities. When Miles and Ann meet, it is obvious they are kindred spirits. The mystery and adventure of the book kept me turning the page. The plot was well thought out and flowed quickly and smoothly.

An Artful Deceit is the first book in The Art Of Love series. This was an engaging, promising beginning for a new series. Holly Newman caught my attention, and I look forward to the next book. I do hope we get more of a chance for romance in this next one. Overall, a brilliant, savvy adventure.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An original story bye a new author to me that I absolutely loved. The mystery was well written but with all the twists and turns and pranks (dowager duchess) it was hard to figure out. A very clean, sweet and entertaining read I recommend and look forward to more. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

4.5 stars

A delightful clean story. The Duke has ingerited but he was previously just a commoner with a skill in Art. He wants to continue making his painting. Hiis posh but snobbish uncle thinks it's time for him to wed. He's been invited to a house party but only goes when his reckless, feckless viscount cousin has obviously let down his would be finance. He goes and meets Ann who he finds delightful. They spend time together avoiding her naughty godmother and solving a mystery about some Michelangelo sketches, hidden passages and fierce spies.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

So this was a sort of fun story but I did find it a little bit complicated. The main characters didn't seem to get too much time which was disappointing as I felt like I would have enjoyed spending time with them. The art / spy / mystery plot was a bit convoluted and heavily written.

All in all it probably could have done with a little less story and heavy handed explanation and more time on the characters. 2.5/5.

This is a good book to read. Action, mystery, romance and intrigue. Interesting story line with enough twists and turns to keep you turning the page.