Deceived by Desire
-
-
4.4 • 163 Ratings
-
-
- $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.
Customer Reviews
Enticing second story in the series.
I loved the beautiful writing this fantastic author always delivers in this second historical romance offering. The characters are intriguing with the downtrodden Maeve running from her past of nobility lost and tragic secrets. She leaves Ireland with her secrets and finds a job as the housekeeper to the rich in Newport Rhode Island and first encounters her employer son, the ever endearing Aubrey. He is smitten with the lovely Irish housekeeper at first sight and seems unable to control his growing feelings to the dismay of Maeve. She knows there is no hope for a relationship with Aubrey, at least one she is not willing to consider. There's too much on the line to risk her livelihood and reputation and expose her secret past. Aubrey fell really fast and I didn't feel the connection between the lovers until later in the story. The build up was captivating and the potential was there for a thrilling climax but it kind of fell flat and there was some repetition. I did like the upstairs/downstairs feel of the story with Aubrey's snobby, horrible mother and the class division. My heart went out to Maeve with her struggles and I swooned over Aubrey with his sweetness to Maeve. They're a terrific couple. I always love to read this author stories with her magnificent storytelling and wonderful characters and this one was no exception. I just wanted a little more but I'm look forward to the next story in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 3.5 stars
Great read
I’m not usually into reading this genre, but this book was wonderful, just like the first one. I absolutely loved the characters and story. It was nice to visit characters we met previously in the first book. Great connection between friends. Another successful book by Marie.
Deceived by Desire
Marie has a wonderful gift that she shares with all of her readers. She allows us to take a wonderful trip each and every you read one of her books without leaving home!!