Lord of Deceit

Lord Of Deceit by Sara Ramsey is #2 in "Heiress Games", but can be read as a stand alone. See, Book 1, "Duke of Thorns". This is Octavia Briarley and Lord Rafael Emmerson-Fairhurst's story, and what a story it is! Readers, fell in love with the Briarleys, from the beginning — a family who for centuries, was known for their scandals and sin. Do be aware: the "Lord of Deceit" re-visits or overlaps with Thornthon and Callista, from the "Duke of Thorns", so the reader, at first, may feel, they have been there before, but keep reading, you have not. Once again Ms. Ramsey has woven a story of revenge, passion, deception, destiny, desperation and romance, into an utterly compelling Regency Historical Romance. Readers will be drawn into an another time and place with an intricately and utterly intriguing story, that is well written, steady paced, as well as unique. Ms. Ramsey never disappoints her readers, and also delivers a compelling story with utterly enjoyable, engaging and simply flawed characters. From the very beginning, she challenges the reader, to learn more of the fascinating and truly mesmerizing tale of, Octavia and Rafael. Octavia, a ruined debutante, seeking redemption from her family, her ancestral home and inheritance. Rafael, who survived being a spy in Spain, to come home to find his sister's heart was broken, by who else, but, Octavia's, one-time protector. Now, he is seeking revenge, against he man who so carelessly broke his beloved sister's heart, by using information he hopes to receive from Octavia. Will he, get his revenge, or find more than he ever thought possible, love? Can Octavia and Rafael find their destiny and their HEA or lose all to deceit and revenge? The reader can almost feel the character's angst, betrayal and need for love, acceptance and forgiveness, albeit, they look for it, in all the wrong places, until... the "Duke of Thorns" and "Lord of Deceit". I can't wait to read the next installment, in this captivating tale, that is passionate, as well as, compelling. A great read! Fans of Regency period, Historical Romance, and a great read, will definitely enjoy, "Lord of Deceit". Captivating! Received for an honest review. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Rating: 4.5 Heat rating: Mild Reviewed by: AprilR

O the indescribable joy of discovering a fabulous author! Four years ago, Octavia Briarly’s every chance of happiness was ruined. Octavia, the toast of the ton, the darling of the Season, was kissed by a suitor. Her beloved cousin Lucy told Octavia’s hot-headed brother Julian, who promptly challenged the other man to a duel, and it all ended in a bloody tragedy, as both men died and the House of Maidenstone is left without an heir. Octavia is rescued, in a manner of speaking, by Lord Somerville who asks her to become his mistress. Rather than the other alternative, that is remaining cloistered in Devonshire until the end of time, Octavia accepts his proposition. Octavia enjoys security, companionship, and is relatively happy, until the fateful day when Somerville tells her to pack her things and move out; he needs a proper wife to fulfill his political aspirations. And again, Octavia is left to fend for herself. The Briarlys are preparing to host a fête when Octavia arrives at her former home, and very soon she is made to understand that she is definitely not welcome. Lucy destroyed her life, and Octavia is determined to make her pay. Meanwhile, Lord Rafael Emmerson-Fairhurst is also attending the same gathering with his family, he and Octavia are vaguely acquainted and he knows of her association with Somerville, with whom he has a bone to pick. Octavia seems the best way to accomplish what he set out for: he is bent on revenge and his target is Somerville. Rafe’s reputation as a rake and former soldier precedes him, and Octavia deems him a worthy ally in her quest to ruin Lucy. Sara Ramsey has woven an intricate and utterly compelling story around deceit, hypocrisy, and revenge unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Octavia and Rafe are amongst the most fascinating and complex characters I have ever seen, and Octavia ranks as one the strongest, fiercest, most intriguing women I have ever seen. Ms. Ramsey’s understanding of Regency customs, society, and politics is outstanding, as it is the most important component of the issues in LORD OF DECEIT, and my heart broke for Octavia at the unfairness of her situation, but not for long; she is determined not to remain a victim and she will succeed, no matter how hard she had to try. Rafe is just as fascinating, and he is precisely the kind of hero I always wish to read about: a consumed professional, toughened by the war, he is not your domineering, controlling, and mocking aristocrat; for once, the hero came off as a real person and not as your stereotypical romance hero. Octavia and Rafe exchange wonderful, witty, and realistic banter, the chemistry they share is obvious from the very beginning, and still the tone remains so faithful to the era, LORD OF DECEIT might as well have been written by a Regency author. Ms. Ramsey’s prose is sumptuous, eloquent, yet effortless and elegant, and she knows exactly the amount of detail to insert to convey complete authenticity to her story and her characters. The plot is intelligent, and carefully crafted with several quite unexpected turns of events; nothing came easy for Rafe and Octavia. There is also a most extraordinary realistic, touching, heartbreaking sex scene I will never forget. LORD OF DECEIT made me laugh, smile, cry, and cheer desperately for Octavia to triumph, and I held my breath several times as well. I could say so much more about this superb book, but suffice it to say that it was the first book I had read from Sara Ramsey and I am now decidedly a fan. Such a rare talent is not seen that often, and I will be awaiting the next book in this series with bated breath, as it promises to be as wonderful as LORD OF DECEIT. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rafe surprised me and Octavia wasn't what she appeared at first either. I had a blast figuring them out and if their love would make it.