What do you think?
Rate this book
The Deception
Set in Regency England, this is the story of Adrian, Earl of Greystone, who is tricked into marrying Kate by her scheming uncle, an old enemy of his.
Gentle Reader,
Let me say straight off, it was not my idea to trap England's greatest hero and most eligible bachelor, the Earl of Greystone, into marrying me. My uncle, Lord Charlwood, was the moving force behind that little plot. If my father hadn't been murdered and left me in Charlwood's power, none of this would have happened.
So now I am Lady Greystone, a countess and a wife. Learning to be the first is not that difficult. Learning to be the second would be much easier if only I weren't in danger of tumbling head over heels in love with the one person who is beyond my reach-my husband.
If I cannot win Adrian's love, however, I am determined to win vengeance for my father. I have vowed to unmask his murderer and I don't care what kind of danger I may court in doing so. If you, Gentle Reader, would like to find out how my various problems unravel themselves, read on.
With sincere affection,
Kate, Countess of Greystone
Gentle Reader,
Let me say straight off, it was not my idea to trap England's greatest hero and most eligible bachelor, the Earl of Greystone, into marrying me. My uncle, Lord Charlwood, was the moving force behind that little plot. If my father hadn't been murdered and left me in Charlwood's power, none of this would have happened.
So now I am Lady Greystone, a countess and a wife. Learning to be the first is not that difficult. Learning to be the second would be much easier if only I weren't in danger of tumbling head over heels in love with the one person who is beyond my reach-my husband.
If I cannot win Adrian's love, however, I am determined to win vengeance for my father. I have vowed to unmask his murderer and I don't care what kind of danger I may court in doing so. If you, Gentle Reader, would like to find out how my various problems unravel themselves, read on.
With sincere affection,
Kate, Countess of Greystone
ebook
First published January 1, 1996
33 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Joan Wolf
98 books370 followersJoan Wolf is a USA TODAY bestselling American writer, whose acclaimed Regency romances have earned her national recognition as a master of the genre. Her many historical and contemporary romances, some of which have been chosen as Literary Guild selections, have been highly praised by reviewers and authors alike.
Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College. An avid rider and horse owner, Joan lives in Connecticut with her husband Joe and two grown children, Jay and Pam.
Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College. An avid rider and horse owner, Joan lives in Connecticut with her husband Joe and two grown children, Jay and Pam.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 9, 2016
I almost gave this book 3 stars because it wasn't that hard to continue reading. The story was unremarkable but somehow it just flowed. In the end, I ended up giving it 2 stars.
One thing I would definitely have wanted to know that this book was written in the first person. Kate, the heroine was the person narrating the story. So we got to hear and see everything from her perspective. I found her a bit odd. I appreciate that she wasn't needy or desperately (aka pathetically) waiting for Adrian to love her back. But her behavior toward Adrian's then almost fiance Lady Mary was reprehensible. She told Lady Mary to "stay away from my husband!"I winced when I read that chapter. Maybe it wasn't so bad but somehow I just did not like it.
The side plot about Kate's evil uncle was overdone. I didn't care for it. He was evil, ok, I get it. But nobody in this novel ever seemed real to me. Just going through the motion, but somehow I followed them through this act and finished the book in less than 90 minutes.
One last thing that I want to mention is the fact that we have absolutely no idea about how Adrian felt and what he was thinking the entire book. When he finally, at the end of the book, came out and said oh i love you, I rolled my eyes. It was just melodramatic. I did not mind that he said it only late in the book .What I minded was that Adrian was never seen or heard saying or doing anything that remotely suggested his devotion. I don't need a sweet talking man. But I have to be convinced of his feelings when he said "I love you".
Overall I cannot say that this was a great introduction to Joan Wolf. I did enjoy the way she told the story so I might give the writer another try. This particular story was as Goodreads has defined the 2 stars rating: It was ok.
One thing I would definitely have wanted to know that this book was written in the first person. Kate, the heroine was the person narrating the story. So we got to hear and see everything from her perspective. I found her a bit odd. I appreciate that she wasn't needy or desperately (aka pathetically) waiting for Adrian to love her back. But her behavior toward Adrian's then almost fiance Lady Mary was reprehensible. She told Lady Mary to "stay away from my husband!"I winced when I read that chapter. Maybe it wasn't so bad but somehow I just did not like it.
The side plot about Kate's evil uncle was overdone. I didn't care for it. He was evil, ok, I get it. But nobody in this novel ever seemed real to me. Just going through the motion, but somehow I followed them through this act and finished the book in less than 90 minutes.
One last thing that I want to mention is the fact that we have absolutely no idea about how Adrian felt and what he was thinking the entire book. When he finally, at the end of the book, came out and said oh i love you, I rolled my eyes. It was just melodramatic. I did not mind that he said it only late in the book .What I minded was that Adrian was never seen or heard saying or doing anything that remotely suggested his devotion. I don't need a sweet talking man. But I have to be convinced of his feelings when he said "I love you".
Overall I cannot say that this was a great introduction to Joan Wolf. I did enjoy the way she told the story so I might give the writer another try. This particular story was as Goodreads has defined the 2 stars rating: It was ok.
August 21, 2021
This was a refreshing read. If you like MC fighting and a lot of action? This is not the book for you. I loved that the characters didn't fight. Both showed lot of maturity and both were perfect for each other. The secondary characters were great and enhanced the story. The only problem is the h tended to included her brother in law in her plots instead of her husband.
There a two evil villains in the story. The first villian killed her father. The h's father was an Irish horse trader who was shot in the woods. Of course there is a more to the story that I won't reveal. The second villian is the h's uncle. He hates the H and arranges for his niece to be compromised. He wants the political H to have to marry the daughter of a Irish horse trainer. The joke is on him when everybody loves her including her husband.
The story was told in first person POV. I'm so used to reading different POV. Seeing through the h eyes was well done. She was never dull.
All in all, It was an enjoyed read. It was just what I needed.
Warning: I can see a lot of other readers finding the story boring. It does have some less than exciting parts. It all depends on your mood.
There a two evil villains in the story. The first villian killed her father. The h's father was an Irish horse trader who was shot in the woods. Of course there is a more to the story that I won't reveal. The second villian is the h's uncle. He hates the H and arranges for his niece to be compromised. He wants the political H to have to marry the daughter of a Irish horse trainer. The joke is on him when everybody loves her including her husband.
The story was told in first person POV. I'm so used to reading different POV. Seeing through the h eyes was well done. She was never dull.
All in all, It was an enjoyed read. It was just what I needed.
Warning: I can see a lot of other readers finding the story boring. It does have some less than exciting parts. It all depends on your mood.
April 13, 2010
I like books written in the first person, it's easier to feel some empathy towards the main character but at the same time the fact that you know them better doesn't mean that are easier to like. I did like the premise of this book very much, it is a murder mystery combined with a forced marriage plot and the characters seemed decent enough to make the story work.
The main character is Kate. A young girl of 18, recently orphaned who goes to live with her uncle. She suspects her father has been murdered but has no means to investigate at first. Her uncle, Charlwood, hates the Earl of Greystone and to get his revenge forces a wedding between Kate and Greystone with the goal ruin the Earl's political aspirations since Kate is socially a nobody. Charwood's plan is foiled though as Kate and Greystone do try to make the marriage work and she ends up being accepted by society. Besides have to learn to live with her husband Kate doesn't give up on her plans to find what really happened to her father.
My main problem with the story was the heroine, Kate. She falls in love with her husband but doesn't believe he can love her after being forced to marry so she never reveals her love to him. At the same time that she feels guilty for having ruined his chance to find love (her was almost betrothed to another woman), she attacks the other woman telling that Greystone is now hers so she can stop pining for him. To make matters worse she confides in Harry (Greystone's brother) and relies on him to help her find the truth about her father's death but she never tells any of that to her husband nor trusts him with what she is doing. This leads him to be jealous of the Harry / Kate relationship and she seems the only one oblivious to his feelings.
So, while I felt the story had potential, the fact that I didn't like Kate all that much and I felt she should have understood her husband a bit better and a bit sooner leads me to give this one a lower grade than I would otherwise have given.
Grade: 3.5/5
The main character is Kate. A young girl of 18, recently orphaned who goes to live with her uncle. She suspects her father has been murdered but has no means to investigate at first. Her uncle, Charlwood, hates the Earl of Greystone and to get his revenge forces a wedding between Kate and Greystone with the goal ruin the Earl's political aspirations since Kate is socially a nobody. Charwood's plan is foiled though as Kate and Greystone do try to make the marriage work and she ends up being accepted by society. Besides have to learn to live with her husband Kate doesn't give up on her plans to find what really happened to her father.
My main problem with the story was the heroine, Kate. She falls in love with her husband but doesn't believe he can love her after being forced to marry so she never reveals her love to him. At the same time that she feels guilty for having ruined his chance to find love (her was almost betrothed to another woman), she attacks the other woman telling that Greystone is now hers so she can stop pining for him. To make matters worse she confides in Harry (Greystone's brother) and relies on him to help her find the truth about her father's death but she never tells any of that to her husband nor trusts him with what she is doing. This leads him to be jealous of the Harry / Kate relationship and she seems the only one oblivious to his feelings.
So, while I felt the story had potential, the fact that I didn't like Kate all that much and I felt she should have understood her husband a bit better and a bit sooner leads me to give this one a lower grade than I would otherwise have given.
Grade: 3.5/5
June 28, 2022
The first person tense is a little bit jarring and we kind of don't get to see into the MMC's head which I didn't realise would bother me so much.
Plus I hate that she was hiding shit from him. That almost never works out for the better. I do think this was more interesting than American Duchess though.
Plus I hate that she was hiding shit from him. That almost never works out for the better. I do think this was more interesting than American Duchess though.
July 18, 2015
I have read this book tons of times and it never gets boring. Never.
This was one of the first Joan Wolf books I read and has become the standard marker against which I measure her other books. Even in modern stories, it is extremely difficult to find a character who is so funny, sassy and just amazing! I was laughing so hard like a madwoman at midnight, probably frightening my family!
It was not only Kate. This story is one of the best moulded narratives of the author. There is actually a sensible storyline and a well-rounded cast of supporting characters. Harry, Aunt Louisa and Paddy were substantial to the story and were so appealing that I just found myself liking them.
And nobody, simply nobody, can say anything wrong about Lord Adrian. He is one of the greatest heroes ever and the perfect match for Kate. He was a strong character of his own and you can actually get a great idea of his character despite not hearing from him first-hand. That is my only complaint. I would have liked to read Adrian's side of the story, to hear his voice. But otherwise, I have no problems at all.
This was one of the first Joan Wolf books I read and has become the standard marker against which I measure her other books. Even in modern stories, it is extremely difficult to find a character who is so funny, sassy and just amazing! I was laughing so hard like a madwoman at midnight, probably frightening my family!
It was not only Kate. This story is one of the best moulded narratives of the author. There is actually a sensible storyline and a well-rounded cast of supporting characters. Harry, Aunt Louisa and Paddy were substantial to the story and were so appealing that I just found myself liking them.
And nobody, simply nobody, can say anything wrong about Lord Adrian. He is one of the greatest heroes ever and the perfect match for Kate. He was a strong character of his own and you can actually get a great idea of his character despite not hearing from him first-hand. That is my only complaint. I would have liked to read Adrian's side of the story, to hear his voice. But otherwise, I have no problems at all.
July 21, 2012
This was a re-read for me - I've read most of Joan Wolf's backlist way back when, and took the chance to get the e-version when she released most of her backlist in digital format.
There are dated tropes galore (the forced marriage, the Big Misunderstanding, the sinister uncle, the feisty heroine), but you know what? This was as much fun as I remembered.
Unusually for a historical romance, this has a first-person POV which I appreciated - I liked the horse-mad Kate very much, and enjoyed seeing Adrian through her eyes. Obviously there were things that was glaringly obvious to everyone except Kate, but I just sat back and went along for the ride and watched the two of them fumble their way towards each other. Great secondary characters, and really, overall it's a great sentimental angst-y romance that pushed the right buttons for me.
There are dated tropes galore (the forced marriage, the Big Misunderstanding, the sinister uncle, the feisty heroine), but you know what? This was as much fun as I remembered.
Unusually for a historical romance, this has a first-person POV which I appreciated - I liked the horse-mad Kate very much, and enjoyed seeing Adrian through her eyes. Obviously there were things that was glaringly obvious to everyone except Kate, but I just sat back and went along for the ride and watched the two of them fumble their way towards each other. Great secondary characters, and really, overall it's a great sentimental angst-y romance that pushed the right buttons for me.
September 5, 2010
As much as it pains me to agree, this is not Wolf at her first person best. So many misunderstandings ... the whole live apart with the servants ... jealousy of the brother. It was not her finest Regency moment.
July 9, 2019
Nice Cosy romance. Good Heroine. No hysterics. Horses. Some villains.
December 1, 2018
Sweet, relatively standard romance for Wolf, with some last-minute kidnappings and drama and maybe a little more psychosexual crazy than I was prepared for (at the end, ). However, written with telling rather than showing, and so many horse details that I just kind of skimmed, hence the DNF rating.
May 9, 2023
Joan Wolf is an excellent writer and for the most part historically accurate. Romance and sexual scenes are natural--integral to the plot and loving in so many ways. They are not the whole point of the story nor do they introduce mirrors and other objects people of that time would not be engaged in with their spouses--although perhaps with their courtesans. I learned a great deal about horses--even though i am scared of them--that was wonderful. Only jarring notes were the young heroine swearing saying "damn" and other curses which was totally unseemly. Also her aggressively confronting a perceived rival--the daughter of a duchess, no less--and telling her to back off in a confrontational manner at a ball. Not done. Really bad ton.
April 25, 2022
Много сладко regency. Липсва обичайната захарница и така любимите на авторките изкуствени и безумно звучащи недоразумения, които да крепят подобие на сюжет.
Тук героите са индивиди с нормално умствено развитие, които - след като един от лошите ги подмамва в компрометираща ситуация, водеща до далеч не любимата ми тропа “брак по договорка” - се справят доста зряло. Адаптират се прилично с културните си различия, и се подкрепят. Второстепенните характери са много симпатични и достоверни. Конете ми дойдоха в повече, но пък какво са английски аристократи от наполеоновата ера без породисти коне?
3,5 ⭐️
Тук героите са индивиди с нормално умствено развитие, които - след като един от лошите ги подмамва в компрометираща ситуация, водеща до далеч не любимата ми тропа “брак по договорка” - се справят доста зряло. Адаптират се прилично с културните си различия, и се подкрепят. Второстепенните характери са много симпатични и достоверни. Конете ми дойдоха в повече, но пък какво са английски аристократи от наполеоновата ера без породисти коне?
3,5 ⭐️
August 22, 2021
Such an odd book. It started out well, but two mysteries/dramas were basically two too many. It got way dark and it really shouldn't have. I felt there were two novels trying to be written here and neither succeeded. Still, I don't usually like first person, and I did enjoy Kate for the most part. She got a bit ooc towards the middle of the novel, though, and I didn't understand the shift. It just was weird.
December 23, 2016
A very enjoyable read. I liked the protagonist a lot, which is always really important - Kate had backbone without being annoying, and was naiive but not stupid. A bit too convenient sometimes, but overall quite a good story. Oh, but I have no idea what the deception is supposed to be. The title makes no sense to me.
March 6, 2020
La storia, raccontata in prima persona dalla fresca e testarda protagonista, per quanto di per sé piuttosto ovvia nel suo sviluppo (e forse un po' troppo tirata per le lunghe verso la fine) finisce con il conquistare anche un lettore abbastanza smaliziato. Un discreto romanzo, di una buona scrittrice.
September 26, 2023
A wonderful Regency romance
Joan Wolf wrote many wonderful Regency romances back in the day … this one is my favorite. I am so glad to find it in ebook format!
The evil uncle forces Kate to marry a duke who has been away at war with Wellington. It is lovely watching these two strong-minded people fall in love.
Joan Wolf wrote many wonderful Regency romances back in the day … this one is my favorite. I am so glad to find it in ebook format!
The evil uncle forces Kate to marry a duke who has been away at war with Wellington. It is lovely watching these two strong-minded people fall in love.
May 10, 2017
I really enjoy Joan Wolf's books, and especially enjoy the first person aspect of her writing.
October 29, 2017
Not her best work.
March 31, 2019
Light, undemanding reading just for de-stressing. At least heroine wasn’t so bad.
September 10, 2019
Light and fun. A little too much conflict - felt a little dragged out toward the end. But still enjoyable!
February 2, 2023
Es ist eine schöne und unterhaltsame Liebesgeschichte. Keine grosses Meisterwerk oder überraschende Wendungen. Trotzdem ist es ein Buch, bei dem ich mich wohl fühle.
Read
March 16, 2024PL Zemsta
December 28, 2025
4.5. Pretty good book, I intend to try another by this author.
June 11, 2018
loved the plot and of course the graystone...this was my first read of Joan wolf..will generously give 5 star
June 2, 2014
I really love Joan Wolf Regency romances (her historical fiction is good, too). I compare her Regency romances to champagne. They are light, fizzy, and enjoyable. The plots are well-crafted. The time period is drawn accurately and is well described. The hero and heroine both are three dimensional characters, complete with flaws. And if the heroine is often a little forward-thinking for the time period, well, that works for me.
"The Deception" is no exception. Kate is an appealing (and modern) heroine. Adrian is an almost (but not quite) perfect hero. There are some plot twists that are readily foreseeable but enjoyable all the same. And, of course, as with all good romances, the book ends happily ever after.
If you are looking for a light, easy summer read, Joan Wolf romances fit that description perfectly.
"The Deception" is no exception. Kate is an appealing (and modern) heroine. Adrian is an almost (but not quite) perfect hero. There are some plot twists that are readily foreseeable but enjoyable all the same. And, of course, as with all good romances, the book ends happily ever after.
If you are looking for a light, easy summer read, Joan Wolf romances fit that description perfectly.
August 15, 2015
A nice story, good plot and a charming hero.
What is missing is a spunky heroine of the like Joan portrayed in The Pretenders.
Kate is not too bad, but she is very like the usual dumb 'I-am-so-stupid-I-run-off-to-dark-places-to-meet-strangers-based-on-anonymous-notes' person.
As a person whose literary diet is mostly filled with romance novels, I cant tell you how weary and irritated it makes me to find yet another stupid girl with more looks than brains.
Not that Kate is very bad.She has her moments, especially when she stands up to Lady Mary and when she decides against being a watering pot after being left alone after her marriage.
Its just that after reading 2 novels with smart heroines, Joan kinda lets you down with Kate.
What is missing is a spunky heroine of the like Joan portrayed in The Pretenders.
Kate is not too bad, but she is very like the usual dumb 'I-am-so-stupid-I-run-off-to-dark-places-to-meet-strangers-based-on-anonymous-notes' person.
As a person whose literary diet is mostly filled with romance novels, I cant tell you how weary and irritated it makes me to find yet another stupid girl with more looks than brains.
Not that Kate is very bad.She has her moments, especially when she stands up to Lady Mary and when she decides against being a watering pot after being left alone after her marriage.
Its just that after reading 2 novels with smart heroines, Joan kinda lets you down with Kate.
November 4, 2008
THE DECEPTION - VG
Wolf, Joan - standalone
Tricked by her scheming uncle, a longtime enemy, into marrying Kate, Adrian, Earl of Greystone, sails across the English Channel, leaving his new wife behind to avenge her father's death, only to realize that he is charmed by his accomplished but unwanted bride.
Joan Wold is a very good writer. The protagonist was a bit slow off the mark, but I could forgive her that. The story is well done. It has a bit of a Gothic touch but, in general, it was just very enjoyable romance.
Wolf, Joan - standalone
Tricked by her scheming uncle, a longtime enemy, into marrying Kate, Adrian, Earl of Greystone, sails across the English Channel, leaving his new wife behind to avenge her father's death, only to realize that he is charmed by his accomplished but unwanted bride.
Joan Wold is a very good writer. The protagonist was a bit slow off the mark, but I could forgive her that. The story is well done. It has a bit of a Gothic touch but, in general, it was just very enjoyable romance.
March 5, 2014
It was interesting to read a title written in the first person. Allowed to really understand the character from that perspective. Loved the story...felt Adrian was still a stranger at the end of the novel but then we were told about it from Lady Greystone's standpoint. Didn't care for the end which was a bit fuzzy with time and pregnancy status but a good read historical novel nonetheless. A bit of confusion with the use of the term 'cab' in that period.
March 14, 2013
There was a sparkling depth to Kate and Adrian, and though their marriage did not start on the best terms and though they faced quite a few obstacles on their way to happily ever after, they both faced adversity with this inexplicable quality that really drew me into their story. I liked this one :) Deff a fun read!
March 26, 2011
Love all of her books. Best sexy Regency Romances. You have to find them used since they're out of print, in libraries or buy online.
April 15, 2011
read the one by Barry Reed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews