ARC Review: An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire (A Lady's Guide #2) by Manda Collins
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Series: A Lady's Guide #2
Author: Manda Collins
Published November 16th 2021 by Forever/Piatkus
Goodreads Synopsis
Former lovers become reluctant allies in this delightfully witty historical rom-com from the bestselling author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem—for fans of Evie Dunmore, Enola Holmes, and Netflix's Bridgerton!
England, 1867 : As half of the writing duo behind England's most infamous crime column, Miss Caroline Hardcastle has quite the scandalous reputation. It may have cost her a fiancé, but she would much rather bring attention to crimes against those ignored by society than worry about what the ton thinks of her.
After Caro's dear friend is kidnapped, however, she has no choice but to work with Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart. Worse, when her actions put her father's business at risk, a marriage of convenience may be her only solution . . . but can she trust Val to stand by her? Or will their past repeat itself?
Val--the new Viscount Wrackham--is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet the only woman he's ever loved, Miss Caroline Hardcastle, is notorious for behaving improperly. And she's never forgiven him for his youthful transgressions, missteps made in the name of familial duty, but ones he still regrets to this day.
As they grow closer to unmasking the culprit, Val sees an opportunity to show Caro he's a changed man. But can he convince her to give their love a second chance--before death does them part?
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Miss Caroline Hardcastle may be one of the wealthiest heiresses in London, but she cares more about her infamous crime column - alongside best friend, Katherine - than being respectable for the ton. Her scandalous reputation and her father's background in trade may have cost her a fiancee, but she has no desire on ever becoming a lady, especially not after having her heart broken by a lord all those years ago. But when one of her friends goes missing, and she has to join forces with just the person who broke her heart, Val, the new Viscount Wrackham, Caro might have to keep all her wits about her to come out the other side safely. For Val, he's never loved anyone as much as he loved Caro, but when she overheard his brother make disparaging remarks about her family, she broke off their secret engagement, and he's never looked at marrying again. However, following his elder brother's death, he's the new heir and his father is on at him to marry for the succession. Hoping that the proximity to Caro will make her remember her past feelings, Val wants nothing more than to win her back.
After adoring A Lady's Guide, I have been impatiently waiting for Caro and Val's book. Their animosity and past which had been alluded to in book 1 was extremely enticing, and I needed to know more - and by god, was it worth the wait. Caro and Val are such well written characters, with a strong persona and facade they portray to the world, but alone, they are vulnerable, and wholly suited to each other. In the four years they've been separated, they've formed lives for themselves, and have tried to make it seem as if they weren't affected by their secret love, but they were irrevocably changed, and it was only with discussion and forgiveness could they start to get over it. The mystery wasn't as great as in the first book, but enjoyable nonetheless, and seeing Kate and Andrew again was wonderful, especially now happily married. I'm so pleased I was approved for this book (thanks again, Forever!), and will, once again, be impatiently waiting for Manda's next book.
Dates Read:
September 4-5, 2021
Rating
4 Stars
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