Deceived by Desire
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4.3 • 13 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age, explore the dazzling world of America’s 19th century elite in this lush series of sparkling, page-turning love stories…
From New York Times bestselling author Marie Force comes a glittering tale of star-crossed romance set amid the lavish mansions and decadent lifestyles of early 20th century Newport, Rhode Island. But even in an age of great fortune, the heart has its own idea of true riches . . .
Wealthy American industrialist Aubrey Nelson has invited the Duke and Duchess of Westbrook to visit his family’s Newport seaside “cottage” for the summer. With his parents’ departure from New York delayed, Aubrey’s mother sends him ahead to oversee preparations for their guests. But when he arrives, he’s surprised to find the house and staff in disarray . . .
With much to do and little time, Aubrey comes to rely on the housekeeper, a lovely young Irish woman named Maeve Brown. And when he also finds himself confiding in Maeve about more personal matters, he tells himself it’s merely their close proximity that draws him to the compassionate, hard-working beauty. Yet when he suspects Maeve is in danger, Aubrey realizes his feelings for her have grown much deeper than they should have. For what will his mother, who dreams of a society match for her son, have to say when she arrives to discover he’s lost his heart to a girl of the working class?
Praise for Duchess by Deception
“Force has crafted a masterpiece with the perfect amount of romance.”
—Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Force's second Gilded historical (after Duchess by Deception), set in the early 20th century, is full of flashy wealth and drama. Wanted for murder after killing her abusive husband in self-defense, Maeve Brown flees Ireland for Newport, R.I. Her new employer, Mrs. Nelson, is known to be beastly to her staff, but Maeve would rather work for an ogre than face the hangman's noose. When Aubrey Nelson arrives at his family's summer home, he is immediately taken by the new Irish housekeeper. After he learns of his mother's dreadful behavior, he vows the new staff will answer only to him, and he pitches in to get the disheveled estate up to par before a visit from an English duke and duchess. He offers to protect Maeve from her legal troubles by marrying her; she agrees, not least because she's smitten with him. But Mrs. Nelson is appalled that Aubrey isn't marrying someone wealthy and titled, and she sets out to destroy Maeve. Aubrey and Maeve have great chemistry, the friendships are strong, and the romance is passionate and well developed. Regency romance fans looking for a change of scenery will enjoy this American adventure.
