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 … 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
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The cover didn’t capture my attention, but I was won over by the description! Think of it as Downtown Abbey with heat!
I have read many books by Marie Force and she never seems to disappoint. I took a chance on requesting a historical romance because I’m usually a contemporary romance kind of gal, but I am so glad that I read this book! I highly recommend you reading Aubrey and Maeve’s story.
It was so exciting to see how Aubrey protected his wife and how him and his friends were such forward thinkers that didn’t let “old” social etiquette dictate their happiness.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Wealthy Aubry falls for the young housekeeper Maeve. The storyline is a bit of a stretch, but overall worked. I did think that the amount of times they professed their undying love for one another too was excessive. I received this ARC from NetGalley and Kensington books for my honest review.
Deceived by Desire by Marie Force is the second in her Gilded series, following Duchess by Deception. Aubrey Nelson has arrived at his parents’ “cottage” in Newport to prepare for the arrival of his family and his summer guests. He is appalled to discover that the staff from the previous summer was so disgruntled with their treatment that instead of closing up the house, they had left open all the windows and had purposely left food in some rooms for maximum damage. He discovered that a lone woman, Maeve Brown was attempting to bring it all under control. An she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He misrepresented himself as the new butler so he could stay at her side and help to clean. Of course, that ruse was discovered in short order when the new butler arrived and introduced himself. Things get more complicated from there.
Force writes a lovely romance novel. Her plots are different that most of these type books and kind of throw punches at “society,” and its ridiculous mores. Her loves scenes are just detailed enough to make them titillating but full of love at the same time. Her characters are warm and loving, by and large. Her villains are well drawn and the reader can feel the evil. Many of the peripheral characters are just that: flat but necessary to the story. Force compiles an entertaining novel, just right for an afternoon poolside. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Deceived by Desire. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #deceivedbydesire
I did not knew Mrs Marie Force was publishing Historical romance, she was a contemporary romance author to me. Why I have not yet read one of her work.
I do not know if it is me or the time period sets for this book, but I find it so much more modern than the historical romances have read so far.
The writing style is smooth and the plot flows without any bump.
It was Cinderella with a bit of suspense.
Once I was over this change of writing style, I surely enjoyed Maeve and Aubrey’s story.
It was lust then love at first sight on Aubrey’s part, once he settled his eyes on Maeve, his future was sealed, he was lost and would do anything to protect her, even going against his own family. His only challenge is to make her fall in love with him and not doubting the sentiments she returns. He is a dotting husband and will go to any length to be sure she is accepted and happy.
Maeve after the predicament she found herself in, is weary of men, especially the charming sort, so far they proved to not be trustworthy, even worse. Why she is facing dire circumstances and must do with life still has to offer to her.
And Aubrey is everything she knows she must avoid, kind, attractive, from a well-regarded family and her employer. But whatever she tries to deter him seems to not work. He is determined and when one secret is revealed, he jumps on the occasion to get what he desires most, honor bond to protect her.
I have not read the previous book, but I never felt lost as each of the side characters had its history explained. It was lovely to see how a deep friendship can become more important and stronger than a blood bond. Maeve and Aubrey outside their first days together have strong supporters who won’t be afraid by the task asked to them.
A sensual tale of finding love and friendship despite rank and wealth.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by Netgalley and the publisher Kensington Books, I purchased my own copy too. It is my true and unbiased opinion.
Interesting story of the elite of Rhode Island at the turn of the last century
Love the characters and enjoyed building on the stories of the friends we came to know in the first book. Fun, easy read.
Aubrey and Maeve’s story is a great blend of intrigue, romance, history and fun. As with many great stories both characters are working through some baggage or family issues and they meet while doing so. This story takes on additional element though history and looking at society and roles of people during that time period. Extremely well written, I was immersed in the story very quickly and enjoyed it all in one setting. Vivid descriptions had me picturing some of the vile rooms, picnic locations, grand homes and beautiful attire.
This is the second story in the Gilded series, and while several characters from the first book play a role in this story, it still can be read and enjoyed on its own. However, I would recommend reading them in order as the first book has some events and people that are mentioned in Aubrey and Maeve’s story…plus it is just a great read!
As I mentioned with book one, this is not my typical genre, but if Marie Force writes it I am going to read it as there has not been a book or series yet that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you InkslingerPR and Marie Force for the chance to read this book and share my opinion!
When wealthy American Aubrey Nelson arrives at his family’s lavish Rhode Island summer home just three weeks before his illustrious guests, and friends, the Duke and Duchess of Westbrook, he’s shocked to find the house in complete disarray. When he finds only the rather alluring new housekeeper in residence, he is instantly attracted and vows to spend as much time with her as possible. There’s an enormous amount of work to be done and he’s happy to spend more time with Maeve Brown, and Aubrey continues to become even more enthralled. When danger from her past catches up to her, Aubrey realizes he has developed deeper feelings than he should and steps up to help her. But with his mother angry and vengeful Maeve’s troubles may not end so simply.
This book was well-written and I couldn’t put it down, and yet it was rather disappointing for me. There was such good build up and blatant foreshadowing for a dramatic climax that would up falling flat and anticlimactic for me. There was so much build up and potential here and it just didn’t deliver. Don’t get me wrong, the overall happily ever after itself was satisfying, but the path there was just too tedious and then too abrupt. Some sections felt repetitive to me, and while I adore romance (obviously), and Aubrey was endearingly sweet, his professions of adoration and devotion were a bit much, a bit fast, and a bit frequent to be quite believable. Plus if I had to read any more references to “the Irish housekeeper” I was ready to just scream.
All that said, I still think this series has potential and will keep trying this author as she moves into historical romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.