Can a runaway English bride find love with a haunted Irish rebel? Paris Burke, Dublin’s most charismatic barrister, has enough on his mind without the worries of looking after his two youngest sisters. The aftermath of a failed rebellion weighs on his conscience, so when the young English gentlewoman with an unwavering gaze arrives, he asks far too few questions before hiring her on as … hiring her on as governess. But her quick wit and mysterious past prove an unexpected temptation.
Rosamund Gorse knows she should not have let Mr. Burke think her the candidate from the employment bureau. But after her midnight escape from a brother bent on marrying her off to a scoundrel, honesty is a luxury she can no longer afford. With his clever mind and persuasive skill, Paris could soon have her spilling her secrets freely just to lift the sorrow from his face. And if words won’t work, perhaps kisses would be better?
Hiding under her brother’s nose, Rosamund knows she shouldn’t take risks. If Paris learns the truth, she might lose her freedom for good. But if she can learn to trust him with her heart, she might discover just the champion she desires . . .
Praise for Susanna Craig
“A stunning, sensual storyteller . . . evocative prose and richly drawn characters.”
—New York Times bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston
more
The Lady’s Deception by Susanna Craig
Rogues & Rebels #3
When Paige Burke overhears her half-brother’s plot to marry her off to someone she is not interested in she flees with the plan of finding a lawyer to find out what her rights are. Stumbling across barrister Paris Burke when she finally reaches town she realizes that he has misunderstood her purpose, thought she was there to be the new governess and headed home with him to do her best with his two younger sisters. She is still hopeful she can find a way to elude her brother and the man he has in mind for her but in the meantime hunkers down and fits in as she can in Burke’s home. This story has precocious young girls, a kitten in need, a barrister trying to make amends, a dastardly brother, smugglers, a “ghost”, a look into the lives of those in the previous books of the series, a bit of history and a lovely romance. This story with a HEA for Paris and Rosamund was an enjoyable way for me to escape to a different time and place instead of dealing with the not so wonderful news and weather outside.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington – Lyrical Press for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
When she learns of her brother’s plan to marry her off to a scoundrel of a man more than twice her age, Rosamund Gorse flees the dreary Irish castle she and her brother were visiting in the dead of night. When she runs into Mr. Paris Burke on a Dublin quay, he mistakes her for the governess candidate he’s meant to be meeting. Mr. Burke is desperate for a governess for his two young sisters and Rosamund, just as desperate, does not correct him. But Paris is clever and easy to talk to, not to mention troubled by his past failures, and soon Rosamund will share anything with him to take away some of his tension. But the fear of being found by her brother remains and as Rosamund and Paris form a tenuous bond, it seems he may be just the helpmate she needs, and vice versa.
I was a little unsure of Paris at first given his acute, palpable anger, but once I learned it stemmed from guilt I was just sorry for him suffering that way. Luckily his sister set him straight and Rosamund brought him back to life. I really enjoyed their story and found Paris to be surprisingly romantic. I couldn’t put this book down and hope for more from the Burke family.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In this third book in Susanna Craig’s Rogues and Rebels series, it’s the eldest of the Burke family, barrister Paris, who meets his match. Still suffering guilt over the consequences his participation in the failed 1798 Irish Rebellion brought down on his friends and family, he’s been drinking when he meets a young woman he incorrectly assumes is the new governess sent to look after his sisters.
In the midst of a panicked flight from a forced marriage, Rosamund Gorse seizes on the opportunity offered by Paris Burke’s mistake. He might even be able, with his knowledge of the law, help her escape her brother’s clutches, but before she gets up the courage to ask him, he disappears on a case. Things go wrong when she discovers he’s travelled to the location she just fled from and jumps to conclusions.
Susanna Craig always puts a great deal of historical detail in her books, and you really get a strong flavour of the time period from the little details which really add up to create a coherent picture of how people really lived. Paris suffers a real crisis of conscience over falling in love with an Englishwoman, enough that when he leaves Dublin to visit a small rural town and they think he’s English that I actually laughed. He definitely had to think about his prejudices when the tables were turned, same as Rosamund had to reconsider her privileged life when she had to fall back on her own wits for survival.
Five stars for an excellent addition to one of my favorite series. If you haven’t read Susanna Craig yet, and you love historical romance, you really should pick these up. You’ll have a new fave author in no time!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Rosamund Gorse is at Kilready in Ireland with her brother Charles, Viscount Setterby while he is visiting a friend from school, the Earl of Dashfort. But when she thinks his children have played a trick on her and she runs into the earl in the hall, she realizes that her brother is planning on selling her to the earl!! Upset and angry, Rosamund runs away determined to thwart Charles, she plans to travel to Dublin and find a lawyer to help her challenge his guardianship.
Paris Burke has had a little too much to drink when Rosamund runs into him – she tells him she is looking for a lawyer – Paris is a lawyer – and he assumes she is the governess he planned to hire to take care of his younger sisters. With no money and nowhere to go, Rosamund doesn’t correct his assumption and plans to hide out until she comes of age in a few weeks. When they arrive at his house, the his family’s home, the ordeal of running away and the long walk catches up with her and she faints.
Paris is concerned and takes care of her, worried that she took ill in his care. That dredges up memories of another time he failed to take care of someone in his care. But Rosamund is fine, she is just exhausted from the walk from Kilready. She wakes the next day embarrassed and immediately begins working with the girls, Bellis & Daphne.
Paris is attracted to Rosamund and the feeling is returned, but he doesn’t feel worthy of her. He takes a case involving a boy from Kilready and hopes that he can begin atoning for what he considers a great failure. But when Rosamund learns that he was at Kilready, she is sure her brother will find her and she bolts, not realizing the girls are in hot pursuit or that Paris has discovered her secret and wants to help her.
I thought this was a good story, well written with a lot of deep seated emotion and very likable characters. The love scenes were very mild and stayed true to the characters, the villains were dealt with and our tortured hero finds comfort and begins to heal. I loved catching up with his elder sisters Camilla and Erica, as well as their husbands and the epilogue in this book was very sweet. This is the third book in the series and can easily be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this story and would be happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Wow, what a great book this was to read, Susanna Craig did a fabulous job of writing Paris and Rosamund’s story. One can tell a lot of research went into it and I found it so interesting learning more about the United Irishmen.
Paris is a barrister with a lot of personal angst and as we learn the cause of it, we also watch him start to slowly begin to forgive himself with the help of Rosamund and his big family. Rosamund has her own personal problems, one which leads her to run away from her home and ends up working as a governess to Paris’ two youngest sisters. There is never a dull moment and I just adored Daphne and Bell, as well as their kitten which had me giggling at many scenes:) I enjoyed the slow burn between Paris and Rosamund, how their relationship evolves and how they help each other.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A gentleman needing help with his two precocious sisters. A woman on the run from her brother and the cruel man he wishes her to wed. A chance meeting, a mistaken identity, and so many twists and turns! I enjoyed this story. I received an ARC of this book.
The Lady’s Deception
Rogues and Rebels Series #3
Susanna Craig
https://www.facebook.com/susannacraigauthor/
Release date 10/29/2019
Publisher Kensington / Lyrica Press
Blurb
Can a runaway English bride find love with a haunted Irish rebel?
Paris Burke, Dublin’s most charismatic barrister, has enough on his mind without the worries of looking after his two youngest sisters. The aftermath of a failed rebellion weighs on his conscience, so when the young English gentlewoman with an unwavering gaze arrives, he asks far too few questions before hiring her on as governess. But her quick wit and mysterious past prove an unexpected temptation.
Rosamund Gorse knows she should not have let Mr. Burke think her the candidate from the employment bureau. But after her midnight escape from a brother bent on marrying her off to a scoundrel, honesty is a luxury she can no longer afford. With his clever mind and persuasive skill, Paris could soon have her spilling her secrets freely just to lift the sorrow from his face. And if words won’t work, perhaps kisses would be better?
Hiding under her brother’s nose, Rosamund knows she shouldn’t take risks. If Paris learns the truth, she might lose her freedom for good. But if she can learn to trust him with her heart, she might discover just the champion she desires . . .
My review
Will two persons who are running away, find a path to one another.
I do love this series, why after reading The Companion’s Secret, I preordered without even a though the next installment to come.
It is not often I have read an historical romance with Ireland as a background.
The change of scene and the different setting is like a breath of fresh air.
At first I was not sure if I liked Paris Burke, he was so filled with anger in the first book. Then this anger was a masquerade to hide his own guilt. He has an immense love for his family but he feels like his past actions had created a chasm between them and himself. He can’t shake of his mind the idea, he was the one whom brought tragedy among his kin. Since he can’t forgive himself and avoid them whenever possible.
Thus how he finds himself in charge of the custody of his younger sisters, when he didn’t followed his parents to England.
By his changes of customer base, he tries in his own way to make amends for his past errors. Still, his remorses prevent him from involving himself in his siblings education, hence his need for a governess.
Rosamund, despite her sheltered upbringing, is no pining miss. Even when she finds herself in dire circumstances, she makes things do. She arranges her tales in order to adapt to her new environment. She is smart and resourceful, using her surrounding to accommodate to her new “occupation”. By employing her cleverness and friendliness wisely, she easily won her new charges unwavering affection.
Paris’ sisters are two adorable girls, creative and full of mischief. With the fur ball Eileen, they are messengers of happy moments.
In spite of the agitated background, it was no sad tale, even the supposed vilains are not so bad, mostly ill-advised people. It is a story about forgiveness and letting the past and its old bitterness go to be able to enjoy a brighter future.
I loved this narrative which focused on the life of a commoner, it. As nice to get an insight of this period of history, as Irish people have a long road ahead of them before being seen as equal as English.
Mrs Craig did it again, she crafted a wonderful story which will make you shed a tear, smile, laugh and swoon a bit with Paris, Rosamund, Bell, Daphne and Eileen.
5 stars.
Just a remark about the cover, it conveys the idea of a gothic story, which it is not.
I was granted an advance copy through Netgalley by the publisher Kensington. I had previously preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/462683410987502?sfns=mo
Rosamund Gorse is literally on the run with nothing but the clothes on her back. She’s English and in Ireland. She needs a lawyer and meets one while she’s wondering around on the street. Paris Burke, Barrister, has the responsibility of taking care of his youngest two sisters while in Ireland. He needs a governess and thinking Miss Gorse was on her way to his house, assumes she’s the governess. A manipulative brother, a ghost, a kitten and two precocious sisters who become matchmakers, make it an interesting, complex story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Susanna Craig keeps producing thrilling, brilliantly nuanced, and creative books! Loved this one as much as the others! Enjoy!
Rosamund Gorse had seen a child walk across the garden and went to the nursery but her two pupils were in bed asleep. What had she seen? Lord Dasfort, the children’s father wanted to kiss her but she tried to push him away. But he said, “surely you will not deny your future husband a good night kiss?” Her brother had sold her to Lord Dasfort to be his wife. She ran.
Paris Burke was a Barrister. She had run to Dublin in search of a lawyer. She had to get out from under her brother’s guardianship. But Paris assumed she wanted the governess spot. On the way to his house, he told Miss Gorse all about his sisters. He came from a large family but they had gone to London and left the two youngest with him.
I really enjoyed this story. It was funny, the banter between characters kept you smiling while you were entertained. All the things this poor girl had to go thru was amazing, thank goodness she had help, Paris, his two sisters, and Eileen. Towards the end, it does get a little sexy so probably should be above eighteen to read. I do recommend it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed and enjoyed it, greatly.
The lovely eBook cover caught my attention. Even the book information hinted that it was probably a pretty good story. For me though, it had some hits and some misses.
The main characters Rosamund and Paris had their share of pain and troubles. Rosamund had such a bleak childhood with little to no warmth and no real love or affection shown to her. At least after her father died anyway. But it came mainly from a lot of years under her brother’s stifling control.
Paris has so many regrets and sorrows. Many that were really never his to shoulder. He did have a loving family though and they missed him. Because he has basically hid himself away. His family has their moments in this book that adds a warmth and got-your-back feel.
I have to say right here, that this book didn’t quite draw me in as much as I had hoped. There was a slower pace where not a lot really seemed to be happening for quite a while. I had a hard time staying interested in the story.
I will say that Daphne and Bell, who Rosamund is supposed to be a”governess” to did add so fun and adventures.
There are some moments of sweetness as well as some heat from a couple of sexual scenes in the book.
I did like the twist at the end of the book. It does contain a couple. And the Epilogue is a nice touch as well.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Each story that I read by this wonderful author only makes me anxious to read more!
Rosamund Gorse was desperate. She would not be sold by her brother to that man and her only thought was to get away and find someone to help her, possibly a lawyer?
Good fortune smiled down on her when she met Paris Burke (don’t you just love that name? sigh). Practically crossing in front of his path, it seemed fate was at work. He was making his way to his next appointment to a lady who was to help him find a governess for his two young sisters and he mistakenly took her for the candidate!
I loved every bit of this book. The characters of Paris and Rosamund had me holding my breath to see what would happen. Paris, an Irishman, with his wounded soul who needed find peace and forgiveness within himself. The sisters, Daphne and Bell where delightful and impish and won my heart and of course their precious kitten.
But of course, Paris does not know her secret but it will come out and you will just have to read to find out what happens!
Perfect. That is all I can say!
The Lady’s Deception by Susanna Craig is book 3 in the Rogues and Rebels Series. This is the story of Rosamund Gorse and Paris Burke. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Rosamund learns of her brother seem to marry her off to someone she does not want to be with. So she runs away looking to find a way to stop his plans. This leads her to run into Paris who misunderstands who she is and thinks she is a Governess that he need for his younger sisters. Rosamund ends up not correcting him but does take the job hoping to hide out from her brother until she can do something to stop him.
Paris Burke, Dublin’s most charismatic barrister, has enough on his mind without the worries of looking after his two youngest sisters. The aftermath of a failed rebellion weighs on his conscience, so when the young English gentlewoman with an unwavering gaze arrives, he asks far too few questions before hiring her on as governess. Rosamund Gorse knows she should not have let Mr. Burke think her the candidate from the employment bureau. But after her midnight escape from a brother bent on marrying her off to an older Earl, honesty is a luxury she can no longer afford.
This is the third book in the series & a third Burke sibling has their story, I look forward to the rest of the siblings finding love especially Galen. This was my least favourite of the series. It was well written with characters of depth. Whilst I liked both Paris & Rosamund I didn’t love them & found their relationship was a little lacking in chemistry but did like the slow burn romance. I did love Daphne & Bell though That said I was still captivated & read it in under a day
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read