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Dark Deceit
Historical novel set in 1140s Gloucester and Normandy
Murder. Betrayal. Hope.
On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight’s only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor, investigating the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her progress through England, he is torn between his oath and his duty.
Left to defend her manor following her father’s death, Alleyne de Bellac reluctantly accepts Geoffrey’s support. As she doesn’t trust the taciturn stranger, she asks Will d’Arques, an old friend, for help. But loyalties change. Her life in danger and her inheritance at stake, Alleyne must decide which man to trust.
Discover England and Normandy divided by a brutal civil war, where vows are broken as allegiances waver.
Murder. Betrayal. Hope.
On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight’s only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor, investigating the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her progress through England, he is torn between his oath and his duty.
Left to defend her manor following her father’s death, Alleyne de Bellac reluctantly accepts Geoffrey’s support. As she doesn’t trust the taciturn stranger, she asks Will d’Arques, an old friend, for help. But loyalties change. Her life in danger and her inheritance at stake, Alleyne must decide which man to trust.
Discover England and Normandy divided by a brutal civil war, where vows are broken as allegiances waver.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2012
196 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Cathie Dunn
13 books154 followersI write historical fiction, mystery and romance. My novels have garnered praise for their authentic descriptions of the past.
I am also a book promoter with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Find out more about blog tours and other book promos at www.thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com!
I'm a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
I am also a book promoter with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Find out more about blog tours and other book promos at www.thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com!
I'm a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 7, 2024
It would have been a full 5 and a very good story if the ending had been less rushed and with a more satisfying romantic scene... it's like at least 50 pages were missing.
____PLOT___ 1140 Gloucester and Normandy
Geoffrey de Mortagne is an under-sheriff of Gloucester and a spy for the Empress Matilda. While he is returning from the Battle of Lincoln, together with two of his sergeants and great friends, he witnesses the ambush that some criminals carry out on a knight.
They fight to help him, but the knight's wounds are very serious, so they decide to leave him in the care of the friars and go to warn their daughter at the castle.
Arriving at the castle, they have a good welcome from Alleyne de Bellac and his trusted servant, they also make friends with the guards.
Unfortunately, the girl is obsessed from a young age by the beauty and charm of another noble man who thinks he will ask her as his wife very soon.
Alleyne thus calls Will d'Arques, an old acquaintance of Geoffrey, but this will prove to be anything but a gentleman and by the time Alleyne realizes this, after her father's death, things will now be adrift.
Geoffrey, humiliated and rejected in his amorous approaches, will still help the young heiress, because he is bound by a vow made to his father, but it will not be an easy undertaking...adventures and dangers are what awaits him.
_________________
MY OPINION :
I initially gave 5 stars, because the story is gripping and full of twists.
I also loved the main male character and also the supporting characters (I loved the heroine less, who was a selfish turncoat, but I was happy not to find the usual heroine who was perfect in everything!)
The book has a good fast pace and at a certain point I couldn't care less about the fact that there was very little romance.
Romance was based only on mutual attraction, except for a very quick kiss scene at the beginning and another little love approach after 60% of the book, but the story still kept me glued to the pages.
Towards the end I longed for the solution to all our heroes' problems, but at the same time I was sad to finish the book because I wanted to read about this story again and again...
-------------> And then I had a cold shower:
An abrupt and too fast ending, the development of which was not taken care of either in detail or in the way in which things unfolded (total absence of romance!).
The ending was so unsatisfying that I couldn't believe the same writer wrote it.
5 stars would not be deserved.
I rate it 4 stars because I really enjoyed reading until almost the end, but for the poorly done ending I should rate it only 3 stars!
The ending should be the icing on the cake and here instead it is a sterile ending devoid of any romance!!
Let's not talk about the epilogue, which should be totally erased.
WHY ??
The epilogue does not tell us about the happiness of our heroes and their friends, after all the vicissitudes faced at the risk of their lives... but .
Therefore a sterile ending and an epilogue which is a cliffhanger and which makes us wait for a sequel.
In fact, on Goodread (and on the cover of the book) it is written that this is book #1 of a trilogy.
12 years have passed and no other book has followed this one, so reading that epilogue, that actually include a cliffhanger, was to me like finishing a good meal with a bitter pill!
It would be nice if the author reprinted the book with some more expanded parts, especially the ending, and deleted that annoying epilogue or wrote a worthy sequel with new adventures and an ending as readers expect.
Another small annoying thing:
There were no historical notes at the end.
While I read books related to historical events that actually happened, I never fail to do my research on the web, however it would have been nice if the author also added something at the end of the book like many other authors do.
In conclusion: I'm happy to have read the book, but for the ending I had to use MY IMAGINATION.
I RECOMMEND THE BOOK TO :
_ I recommend it only to those who love adventure, fast-paced novels and the idea of a love story in the air without anything concrete ever really happening and without major clarifications between the two characters on the problems between them and without sensational declarations of love and passion.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THE BOOK TO:
_No to romance lovers: the title says hint of romance and indeed it's really just a small hint.
_No to mystery lovers: there is a murder, but no investigation, just speculation about who did it.
Thanks for reading my opinion, I'm sorry for the author if I have been too harsh, but I have to be honest and reviews must be useful to people when they have to choose if to read something or not.
Please, forgive my poor English, it's not my native language.
____PLOT___ 1140 Gloucester and Normandy
Geoffrey de Mortagne is an under-sheriff of Gloucester and a spy for the Empress Matilda. While he is returning from the Battle of Lincoln, together with two of his sergeants and great friends, he witnesses the ambush that some criminals carry out on a knight.
They fight to help him, but the knight's wounds are very serious, so they decide to leave him in the care of the friars and go to warn their daughter at the castle.
Arriving at the castle, they have a good welcome from Alleyne de Bellac and his trusted servant, they also make friends with the guards.
Unfortunately, the girl is obsessed from a young age by the beauty and charm of another noble man who thinks he will ask her as his wife very soon.
Alleyne thus calls Will d'Arques, an old acquaintance of Geoffrey, but this will prove to be anything but a gentleman and by the time Alleyne realizes this, after her father's death, things will now be adrift.
Geoffrey, humiliated and rejected in his amorous approaches, will still help the young heiress, because he is bound by a vow made to his father, but it will not be an easy undertaking...adventures and dangers are what awaits him.
_________________
MY OPINION :
I initially gave 5 stars, because the story is gripping and full of twists.
I also loved the main male character and also the supporting characters (I loved the heroine less, who was a selfish turncoat, but I was happy not to find the usual heroine who was perfect in everything!)
The book has a good fast pace and at a certain point I couldn't care less about the fact that there was very little romance.
Romance was based only on mutual attraction, except for a very quick kiss scene at the beginning and another little love approach after 60% of the book, but the story still kept me glued to the pages.
Towards the end I longed for the solution to all our heroes' problems, but at the same time I was sad to finish the book because I wanted to read about this story again and again...
-------------> And then I had a cold shower:
An abrupt and too fast ending, the development of which was not taken care of either in detail or in the way in which things unfolded (total absence of romance!).
The ending was so unsatisfying that I couldn't believe the same writer wrote it.
5 stars would not be deserved.
I rate it 4 stars because I really enjoyed reading until almost the end, but for the poorly done ending I should rate it only 3 stars!
The ending should be the icing on the cake and here instead it is a sterile ending devoid of any romance!!
Let's not talk about the epilogue, which should be totally erased.
WHY ??
The epilogue does not tell us about the happiness of our heroes and their friends, after all the vicissitudes faced at the risk of their lives... but .
Therefore a sterile ending and an epilogue which is a cliffhanger and which makes us wait for a sequel.
In fact, on Goodread (and on the cover of the book) it is written that this is book #1 of a trilogy.
12 years have passed and no other book has followed this one, so reading that epilogue, that actually include a cliffhanger, was to me like finishing a good meal with a bitter pill!
It would be nice if the author reprinted the book with some more expanded parts, especially the ending, and deleted that annoying epilogue or wrote a worthy sequel with new adventures and an ending as readers expect.
Another small annoying thing:
There were no historical notes at the end.
While I read books related to historical events that actually happened, I never fail to do my research on the web, however it would have been nice if the author also added something at the end of the book like many other authors do.
In conclusion: I'm happy to have read the book, but for the ending I had to use MY IMAGINATION.
I RECOMMEND THE BOOK TO :
_ I recommend it only to those who love adventure, fast-paced novels and the idea of a love story in the air without anything concrete ever really happening and without major clarifications between the two characters on the problems between them and without sensational declarations of love and passion.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THE BOOK TO:
_No to romance lovers: the title says hint of romance and indeed it's really just a small hint.
_No to mystery lovers: there is a murder, but no investigation, just speculation about who did it.
Thanks for reading my opinion, I'm sorry for the author if I have been too harsh, but I have to be honest and reviews must be useful to people when they have to choose if to read something or not.
Please, forgive my poor English, it's not my native language.
April 26, 2012
If you like Historical Novels with believable characters, settings, conflicts and a touch of romance, I readily recommend this book.
This is the first book in what promises to be a memorable trilogy.
In Dark Deceit, Cathie Dunn has incorporated all the necessary characters, settings, conflicts and resolutions required to ensure a captivating and easy to read historical novel.
Set amidst the unrest of an a civil war c.1140's, the throne of England is up for grabs. King Stephen has been imprisoned Empress Matilda seeks to be crowned Queen in his place.
Following a battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester is on route to join the Empress on her route to London to secure the thrown. En-route, he and his men happen upon a knight under ambush. They enter the fray and rescue the stricken knight, but not before the final throw of an axe lands, striking what would become a fatal blow.
Geoffrey and his men are convinced that this was no ordinary ambush. He suspects the attackers to have been mercenaries, but who had ordered the attack and why?
Leaving the gravely injured knight in capable hands, Geoffrey sets out with his Sergent Guy to carry the news to the knights Daughter, Alleyne de Bellac, and to fulfil his promise to protect her and his estate until his return.
Expecting a damsel in distress, Geoffrey is captivated by the strength and beauty of the young woman he finds awaiting her fathers return. Alleyne is also captivated by the man who brings news of her fathers attack.
When news of her father's death arrives just days after Geoffrey, Alleyne is faced with an uncertain future. Un-married, she has no protector for her or her estates. Aware that Geoffrey is eager to join with the Empress on her procession to London and convinced that her neighbouring Lord is behind her fathers death, Alleyne sends word to the only man she feels she can trust, Will d’Arques. Alleyne had always considered him to be her fathers closest friend and secretly held thoughts of him becoming the perfect suitor.
***
Dark Deceit is a well written and captivating read that draws you in the the plot of civil war, murder, confusion, intrigue and a sprinkling of romance, just for good measure.
An easy and enjoyable read...roll on book #2.
This is the first book in what promises to be a memorable trilogy.
In Dark Deceit, Cathie Dunn has incorporated all the necessary characters, settings, conflicts and resolutions required to ensure a captivating and easy to read historical novel.
Set amidst the unrest of an a civil war c.1140's, the throne of England is up for grabs. King Stephen has been imprisoned Empress Matilda seeks to be crowned Queen in his place.
Following a battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester is on route to join the Empress on her route to London to secure the thrown. En-route, he and his men happen upon a knight under ambush. They enter the fray and rescue the stricken knight, but not before the final throw of an axe lands, striking what would become a fatal blow.
Geoffrey and his men are convinced that this was no ordinary ambush. He suspects the attackers to have been mercenaries, but who had ordered the attack and why?
Leaving the gravely injured knight in capable hands, Geoffrey sets out with his Sergent Guy to carry the news to the knights Daughter, Alleyne de Bellac, and to fulfil his promise to protect her and his estate until his return.
Expecting a damsel in distress, Geoffrey is captivated by the strength and beauty of the young woman he finds awaiting her fathers return. Alleyne is also captivated by the man who brings news of her fathers attack.
When news of her father's death arrives just days after Geoffrey, Alleyne is faced with an uncertain future. Un-married, she has no protector for her or her estates. Aware that Geoffrey is eager to join with the Empress on her procession to London and convinced that her neighbouring Lord is behind her fathers death, Alleyne sends word to the only man she feels she can trust, Will d’Arques. Alleyne had always considered him to be her fathers closest friend and secretly held thoughts of him becoming the perfect suitor.
***
Dark Deceit is a well written and captivating read that draws you in the the plot of civil war, murder, confusion, intrigue and a sprinkling of romance, just for good measure.
An easy and enjoyable read...roll on book #2.
July 25, 2017
Malgré une heroine très énervante, l'histoire est très intéressante. je suis curieuse de lire la suite.
August 14, 2012
Reviewed By BlackTulip for Booked Up
I had great expectations for this book and I wasn't disappointed in the least. This novel is set in medieval England and Normandy where two rival branches of the same tree fight for power. King Stephen is captured at the battle of Lincoln by Robert of Gloucester. The rivalry for the throne will lead to years of discord and civil war in England, that have been called the Anarchy.
It is in this atmosphere of chaos, constant danger, and uncertainty that this story takes place.
One morning Alleyne de Bellac has a loving parent in her life, the morning after she finds herself all alone, her father having succumbed to his injuries after he was savagely attacked by some outlaws. Her fragile world collapses and suddenly she's nobody's daughter!
Alleyne is an intelligent and spirited young woman but she is also very naive. Her lack of experience in the ways of the world makes her ill-equipped to make the right decisions. She is not familiar at all with intrigue, subterfuge, and scheming. she has no idea what greed and lust for power does to a man and that he won't hesitate to sell his soul to the devil. It's a man's world and she is like a lamb that goes to the slaughter.
In the middle of that tragedy, two men are there to help her. Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and his men rescued her father when he was brutally assailed. He is an honorable but determined man and he gave his oath to Alleyne's father and for him a promise given is a promise kept. He had to take care of the Lady.
Then there is Will d'Arques, a man her father and herself have known a good part of their lives, a man she knows she can trust to help her, a man she likes very much ... Both men have their own private agenda which are poles apart.
Because of her inexperience she will put her trust in the wrong man and find herself, more than once in a perilous situation. She will need all the courage she can muster and luck to get by, but she will also have some help.
I'm not going to spoil the story by telling more here, you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out!
There are a few betrayals and twist and turns still to come and things will get worse before they get better. Hardship will only make Alleyne a stronger and a wiser woman and so she will be better prepared for what is yet to come.
I love Cathie Dunn's book for its captivating characters and vivid descriptions of these harsh and tumultuous times. I love it for its very well researched storyline and its crafty mix of fiction and history. The result is an engrossing read that I highly recommend. The hardest part now will be to wait for book 2 to be released! I give 5 stars.
I had great expectations for this book and I wasn't disappointed in the least. This novel is set in medieval England and Normandy where two rival branches of the same tree fight for power. King Stephen is captured at the battle of Lincoln by Robert of Gloucester. The rivalry for the throne will lead to years of discord and civil war in England, that have been called the Anarchy.
It is in this atmosphere of chaos, constant danger, and uncertainty that this story takes place.
One morning Alleyne de Bellac has a loving parent in her life, the morning after she finds herself all alone, her father having succumbed to his injuries after he was savagely attacked by some outlaws. Her fragile world collapses and suddenly she's nobody's daughter!
Alleyne is an intelligent and spirited young woman but she is also very naive. Her lack of experience in the ways of the world makes her ill-equipped to make the right decisions. She is not familiar at all with intrigue, subterfuge, and scheming. she has no idea what greed and lust for power does to a man and that he won't hesitate to sell his soul to the devil. It's a man's world and she is like a lamb that goes to the slaughter.
In the middle of that tragedy, two men are there to help her. Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and his men rescued her father when he was brutally assailed. He is an honorable but determined man and he gave his oath to Alleyne's father and for him a promise given is a promise kept. He had to take care of the Lady.
Then there is Will d'Arques, a man her father and herself have known a good part of their lives, a man she knows she can trust to help her, a man she likes very much ... Both men have their own private agenda which are poles apart.
Because of her inexperience she will put her trust in the wrong man and find herself, more than once in a perilous situation. She will need all the courage she can muster and luck to get by, but she will also have some help.
I'm not going to spoil the story by telling more here, you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out!
There are a few betrayals and twist and turns still to come and things will get worse before they get better. Hardship will only make Alleyne a stronger and a wiser woman and so she will be better prepared for what is yet to come.
I love Cathie Dunn's book for its captivating characters and vivid descriptions of these harsh and tumultuous times. I love it for its very well researched storyline and its crafty mix of fiction and history. The result is an engrossing read that I highly recommend. The hardest part now will be to wait for book 2 to be released! I give 5 stars.
February 8, 2016
If asked which character I identified most with in Dark Deceit I would have to say it was with Geoffrey de Mortagne. What a patient man! Being rejected is not something that puts Geoffrey down for long. He is a strong character, a leader of men, true to his oaths, but has flaws-Alleyne de Bellac is his biggest. The fact that he is steadfast in protecting Alleyne through thick and thin is wonderful to read. Cathie Dunn portrays a very human hero in Goeffrey, and yet there is an aloofness that is totally in keeping for the hero in the Historical genre. As to the heroine I found her shallow-at first. She is a young woman who has a lot to learn about the harsh world of medieval times. From the outset her mind is made up about who carries blame and who is trustworthy- not easily swayed to change her mind. She makes some poor choices, especially in her trust of Will d’Arques, BUT she does learn as the story unfolds. Physical and moral support are not only given by Geoffrey, I look forward to the next book to see if supporting characters, Guy for example, has a story to tell. Dark Deceit is great read.
April 5, 2012
Layered with authentic detail that will delight any historian, Dark Deceit is a well-written tale of romance, intrigue and dastardly machinations. At its core is Lady Alleyne, a knight's daughter. When her father is mysteriously murdered, she inherits his manor--but in uncertain times will she manage to keep it? Gallant Geoffrey steps in to offer his assistance, but despite her attraction to the under-sheriff, Alleyne is determined to seek help from an old flame, Will d'Arques. As the first of a series, Dark Deceit sets up the conflict well. The backdrop of war-torn England and Normandy provides ample drama going forward. The ending of the novel breaks at a good spot, and lets the reader know the happy ending is only happy-for-now. I enjoyed watching Alleyne blunder her way to love. Equally satisfying was Geoffrey's quest to set his own personal demons to rest. I'll be looking for the next book in the series.
February 17, 2012
Travel back in time to the 1140's in Medieval England. A civil war is in progress between Empress Matilda and her cousin, Maude, for the Queen-ship of England. Allegiances are changing almost as much as the weather.
Throw into this situation an under-sheriff (Geoffrey de Mortange), a recently bereaved rich young heiress (Alleyne de Bellac), and an altogether "bad egg" (Will D'Arques), a murder, a siege, an escape, a spattering of romance and some reunions and you have a fast-paced, addictive, captivating and well-written insight into the tensions of one group of people fighting to restore a lost inheritance.
I don't give five star reviews away easily, but this book by Cathie deserves every one of them. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for part 2 of the Trilogy to be released. I would highly recommend "Dark Deceit" to all historical fiction fans - I know you will not regret reading it.
Throw into this situation an under-sheriff (Geoffrey de Mortange), a recently bereaved rich young heiress (Alleyne de Bellac), and an altogether "bad egg" (Will D'Arques), a murder, a siege, an escape, a spattering of romance and some reunions and you have a fast-paced, addictive, captivating and well-written insight into the tensions of one group of people fighting to restore a lost inheritance.
I don't give five star reviews away easily, but this book by Cathie deserves every one of them. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for part 2 of the Trilogy to be released. I would highly recommend "Dark Deceit" to all historical fiction fans - I know you will not regret reading it.
September 4, 2012
Cathie Dunn is a writer of historical fiction in the tradition established by Sir Walter Scott, except that, reflecting the way in which historical fiction has evolved in the 21st Century, it is far more meticulously researched. It is set against the somewhat obscure period of Anglo-Norman history (perhaps a little less obscure now than it was a few years ago, as a result of Helen Castor’s TV series, The She-Wolves of England) dominated by civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda for the crown of England and the Duchy of Normandy (1139-1154). It is not a novel of the great events or the most powerful figures of the age. The reader is not an eye-witness to the Battle of Lincoln, and does not meet Stephen or Matilda, or other key figures such as Robert of Gloucester or Waleron de Beaumont, although they are very much in the background. Instead, Dunn presents a credible picture of a land that is both ungoverned and ungovernable, in which appointed law officers have no law to keep, in which mercenaries roam the land raping and plundering at will, and in which nobody knows who they can trust. At its heart is a beautiful heiress, courted by several men, but unsure of their true intentions; a bitter rivalry between former friends; and jealousy between two brothers. The main characters all belong to the minor nobility, and we are invited to explore the impact of total political chaos on the personal lives of these people, whose concerns, ordinarily, would be with the administration of their estates, and of justice on a very local level. It is fast-paced, with plenty of action, realistically portrayed, and a fair amount of romance, though always with an edge. The descriptions of place are faultless. A thoroughly good read.
July 30, 2012
When her father dies after a brutal attack mounted by persons unknown, slightly spoiled heiress Alleyne De Bellac finds assistance and attraction in the form of Undersheriff Geoffrey De Mortagne, who has sworn an oath of protection to Alleyne’s dying father that detours him away from a strategic assignment he is about to embark upon. Familiar security and temptation packaged as old family friend Will D’Arques shows up offering support to Alleyne, albeit with his own agenda. Strong but naïve, Alleyne must find her way to love, retain her estate, and solve the mystery of her murdered father.
Set against a backdrop of French-Anglo conflict with appealing support characters such as Ancil (Captain of the Guard for Bellac) and Guy (Geoffrey’s longtime friend and comrade at arms), this book does not disappoint. I read it through in two days, finding myself up late into the night. It has everything one could want in the genre; a lovely but confused heiress, a tempting villain, political intrigue, royalty, romance, and a hero who is decent to the core, yet only human too. Well written with a nicely done ending that closes the book yet subtly promises more to come.
I look forward to watching Geoffrey and Alleyne in the next phase of their relations, accompanying them in the hopeful recovery of Bellac, discovering more about Geoffrey’s heritage, and seeing how the politics get on.
4 of 5 stars
Set against a backdrop of French-Anglo conflict with appealing support characters such as Ancil (Captain of the Guard for Bellac) and Guy (Geoffrey’s longtime friend and comrade at arms), this book does not disappoint. I read it through in two days, finding myself up late into the night. It has everything one could want in the genre; a lovely but confused heiress, a tempting villain, political intrigue, royalty, romance, and a hero who is decent to the core, yet only human too. Well written with a nicely done ending that closes the book yet subtly promises more to come.
I look forward to watching Geoffrey and Alleyne in the next phase of their relations, accompanying them in the hopeful recovery of Bellac, discovering more about Geoffrey’s heritage, and seeing how the politics get on.
4 of 5 stars
February 22, 2014
A bit disappointed with this. I liked the hero, but not the heroine, and I found their back-and-forth relationship more irritating than tantalizing. I never truly rooted for them to get together. I think I'll still try the next book in the series, as I'd like to see the villain put in his place, and hopefully will enjoy the main characters' relationship more now that they've finally settled.
August 12, 2017
Excellent Romance
I loved this book. The hero was so good. The heroine was smart,strong and realistic. It was a hard book to put down. The story was exciting and suspenseful. I would recommend this book to adults who like a happy ending.
I loved this book. The hero was so good. The heroine was smart,strong and realistic. It was a hard book to put down. The story was exciting and suspenseful. I would recommend this book to adults who like a happy ending.
August 13, 2017
DNF. No chemistry between the h/h, which almost always kills a book for me. The heroine immediately puts forward someone as the villain but the author doesn't bother to explain why, and he never appears in the book, which is pretty pointless. She's also naive and has zero personality beyond that, especially for someone who considers herself a protector of her people. The real villain is laughable obvious, and the plot varies from being too fast to too slow. Key events happen offscreen. Etc etc. I gave up halfway through.
April 4, 2019
Brilliantly written
Brilliantly written book. The plot was intriguing, the characters fascinating. You can well imagine the plotting of both king Stephen's men and Matilda's men fighting for the throne. Plenty of twists and turns
Brilliantly written book. The plot was intriguing, the characters fascinating. You can well imagine the plotting of both king Stephen's men and Matilda's men fighting for the throne. Plenty of twists and turns
March 5, 2014
Dunn thrusts us straight into the action and provides both depth of character and splendid sense of place.
Following the battle of Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne is en route to link up with the Empress but interrupts the ambush of a local nobleman, Raymond. The mortally wounded Lord Raymond is father to Alleyne de Bellac. Geoffrey vows to the dying knight that he will protect Alleyne and her estate.
With her father dead, Alleyne’s future looks bleak. Despite his good intentions, Geoffrey is a stranger to her. She must fall back on the old friendship of Will d’Arques. She was vulnerable, as a prospective bride and as a landowner.
Told alternately from Geoffrey’s and Alleyne’s viewpoint, this historical romance never flags. A story needs conflict and we have that – between Geoffrey and Alleyne, and Alleyne and Will, and between Will and Geoffrey.
Wounded in love many years ago, Geoffrey is reluctant to be ensnared again. ‘Her large eyes stared into the fire and he knew she floated miles away, perhaps even as far back as her childhood. Memories were prone to attack you in moments of grief, rendering you helpless. Swiftly, he shrugged off unwanted memories of his own.’
Geoffrey is very patient with Alleyne’s vacillations of heart, one of several traits that endear him to the reader. And, gradually, her character changes, mellowing with time and experience. But before that can happen, we have the pair jousting with their emotions: ‘Her dark glance down her nose assessed him coolly. She was too haughty, too dismissive. He felt like a piece of untreated meat, left in the heat to rot…’ They’re well-drawn characters, and we’re happy to be acquainted with them.
Stephen’s reign is often called ‘The Anarchy’ as it seemed that royal power was at its lowest while baronial power was at its height. Dark Deceit is the first in ‘The Anarchy Trilogy’.
I for one want to carry on with Alleyne and Geoffrey’s journey.
Following the battle of Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne is en route to link up with the Empress but interrupts the ambush of a local nobleman, Raymond. The mortally wounded Lord Raymond is father to Alleyne de Bellac. Geoffrey vows to the dying knight that he will protect Alleyne and her estate.
With her father dead, Alleyne’s future looks bleak. Despite his good intentions, Geoffrey is a stranger to her. She must fall back on the old friendship of Will d’Arques. She was vulnerable, as a prospective bride and as a landowner.
Told alternately from Geoffrey’s and Alleyne’s viewpoint, this historical romance never flags. A story needs conflict and we have that – between Geoffrey and Alleyne, and Alleyne and Will, and between Will and Geoffrey.
Wounded in love many years ago, Geoffrey is reluctant to be ensnared again. ‘Her large eyes stared into the fire and he knew she floated miles away, perhaps even as far back as her childhood. Memories were prone to attack you in moments of grief, rendering you helpless. Swiftly, he shrugged off unwanted memories of his own.’
Geoffrey is very patient with Alleyne’s vacillations of heart, one of several traits that endear him to the reader. And, gradually, her character changes, mellowing with time and experience. But before that can happen, we have the pair jousting with their emotions: ‘Her dark glance down her nose assessed him coolly. She was too haughty, too dismissive. He felt like a piece of untreated meat, left in the heat to rot…’ They’re well-drawn characters, and we’re happy to be acquainted with them.
Stephen’s reign is often called ‘The Anarchy’ as it seemed that royal power was at its lowest while baronial power was at its height. Dark Deceit is the first in ‘The Anarchy Trilogy’.
I for one want to carry on with Alleyne and Geoffrey’s journey.
October 3, 2019
Poor Choices
Geoffrey de Mortagne one of the most honorable righteous man of his time is on the way back from the battle of Lincoln when he heard the sounds of a battle ahead. He as the Under-Sheriff of Gloucester is responsible for the keeping of the law and quickly sees a man of Noble birth and his retinue have been attacked by mercenaries and only the Lord is alive but is seriously wounded. They are not able to catch the cowards that ran away when he appeared, but he takes the man to the Franciscan Monastery for medical and spiritual help. He then leaves to bring the man's daughter to him, but before this is possible they receive word he has died. Lord de Belloc begged a promise from Geoffrey that he would find his murderer and protect his daughter Alleyne from those that would profit from those that would prey on her.
Alleyne was a very naive girl with very poor judgement. She trusted the worst man possible and did not fully trust Geoffrey to have her best interest. She foolishly dismissed him causing great harm to come to her home and self. The Captain Of the Guard seeing the deception escaped and went to the Queens court to find Geoffrey to help rescue Alleyne. He felt betrayed, but went anyway.
This love story of the foolish damsel in distress and the handsome Knight that saves her is a good story. My only complaint is after everything that happened the story kind of fell flat at the end. The boy got the girl but I expected it to be more and the villain is left laughing at our hero saying he will get him one day in the future. He gets her properties and her home which is totally wrong. I know the next book will pick up where this one left off, but I didn't care for the bad guy winning.
Geoffrey de Mortagne one of the most honorable righteous man of his time is on the way back from the battle of Lincoln when he heard the sounds of a battle ahead. He as the Under-Sheriff of Gloucester is responsible for the keeping of the law and quickly sees a man of Noble birth and his retinue have been attacked by mercenaries and only the Lord is alive but is seriously wounded. They are not able to catch the cowards that ran away when he appeared, but he takes the man to the Franciscan Monastery for medical and spiritual help. He then leaves to bring the man's daughter to him, but before this is possible they receive word he has died. Lord de Belloc begged a promise from Geoffrey that he would find his murderer and protect his daughter Alleyne from those that would profit from those that would prey on her.
Alleyne was a very naive girl with very poor judgement. She trusted the worst man possible and did not fully trust Geoffrey to have her best interest. She foolishly dismissed him causing great harm to come to her home and self. The Captain Of the Guard seeing the deception escaped and went to the Queens court to find Geoffrey to help rescue Alleyne. He felt betrayed, but went anyway.
This love story of the foolish damsel in distress and the handsome Knight that saves her is a good story. My only complaint is after everything that happened the story kind of fell flat at the end. The boy got the girl but I expected it to be more and the villain is left laughing at our hero saying he will get him one day in the future. He gets her properties and her home which is totally wrong. I know the next book will pick up where this one left off, but I didn't care for the bad guy winning.
February 4, 2018
Does anyone remember the racy Angelique and Catherine historical romance novels which were so loved in the 70s and 80s? Nowadays, they have sadly lost favour to sexy fantasy tales of violence and intrigue in imaginary kingdoms. But Cathie Dunn takes up the baton from the Golons and Juliette Benzoni with this perfect example of the genre.
Set in twelfth century England and Normandy during the civil war between Matilda and Stephen, ‘Dark Deceit’ has all the essential elements: historical accuracy, political intrigue, the atmosphere of the times, a virtuous lady under threat from ruthless villains, a noble knight to protect her and defend her honour. The blood flows as it did in those violent times; the heroine Alleyne resists unwanted, or sometimes secretly desired, attentions in steamy encounters; true love is rejected and then found again. In a fast-moving plot we are swept through the South of England and on into the Norman forests, breathlessly trying to keep up with every twist and turn in the intrigue. The writing is tight and economic and keeps us turning the pages. The doubts, fears, prejudices and misconceptions of the characters bring them vividly to life.
There is one problem with this novel: it ends too soon. Though the couple eventually find each other, there is some unfinished business waiting to be resolved. Everything is set up for the sequel, but where is it? Come on Cathie, don’t keep us in suspense. Get the quill out and start scratching!
Set in twelfth century England and Normandy during the civil war between Matilda and Stephen, ‘Dark Deceit’ has all the essential elements: historical accuracy, political intrigue, the atmosphere of the times, a virtuous lady under threat from ruthless villains, a noble knight to protect her and defend her honour. The blood flows as it did in those violent times; the heroine Alleyne resists unwanted, or sometimes secretly desired, attentions in steamy encounters; true love is rejected and then found again. In a fast-moving plot we are swept through the South of England and on into the Norman forests, breathlessly trying to keep up with every twist and turn in the intrigue. The writing is tight and economic and keeps us turning the pages. The doubts, fears, prejudices and misconceptions of the characters bring them vividly to life.
There is one problem with this novel: it ends too soon. Though the couple eventually find each other, there is some unfinished business waiting to be resolved. Everything is set up for the sequel, but where is it? Come on Cathie, don’t keep us in suspense. Get the quill out and start scratching!
January 10, 2013
A historical romance in true tradition – complete with a knight of valour, a fair lady, and some devilish political intrigues - enough to satisfy the taste of any lover of this genre. With a faithful stallion to save the day for his master, a mystery of identity and delicious romantic rivalry to keep the pages turning.
Event stumbles after event in quick succession, and as the plot develops, its ingredients untangle: deception, violence, brutality, dramatic flight and poignant emotion.
And all the while Alleyne the heiress changes her agendas with subtlety, causing delightful misunderstandings.
An unimportant niggle for this reader was what Alleyne looked like – my fault. Although I became well aware of her striking eyes and seductive figure, somewhere in the middle of the book I’d forgotten the colour of her hair and that bothered me. But I was so absorbed in the story I didn’t want to break off and look back. It was a relief to be reminded again towards the end.
The quaint English is but one example of the accuracy and attention to detail in this story. Yet it does not distract a reader unfamiliar with the language of the times. And there is a satisfying circularity about the ending.
Event stumbles after event in quick succession, and as the plot develops, its ingredients untangle: deception, violence, brutality, dramatic flight and poignant emotion.
And all the while Alleyne the heiress changes her agendas with subtlety, causing delightful misunderstandings.
An unimportant niggle for this reader was what Alleyne looked like – my fault. Although I became well aware of her striking eyes and seductive figure, somewhere in the middle of the book I’d forgotten the colour of her hair and that bothered me. But I was so absorbed in the story I didn’t want to break off and look back. It was a relief to be reminded again towards the end.
The quaint English is but one example of the accuracy and attention to detail in this story. Yet it does not distract a reader unfamiliar with the language of the times. And there is a satisfying circularity about the ending.
February 26, 2019
A Medieval tale of mystery, deceit, and love - there is civil war in England, the king is captured and Alleyne de Bellac's father is dead. Chaos, constant danger, and uncertainty is her world now. Who is friend and who is foe?
Geoffrey de Mortagne, he and his men tried to save her father, and Geoffrey gave his oath to the knight to take care of her.
Then there is Will d'Arques, a man she has known a good part of her life, a man she can trust, a man she likes very much.
There is betrayal and twist and turns, a wonderful mix of fiction and history.
Geoffrey de Mortagne, he and his men tried to save her father, and Geoffrey gave his oath to the knight to take care of her.
Then there is Will d'Arques, a man she has known a good part of her life, a man she can trust, a man she likes very much.
There is betrayal and twist and turns, a wonderful mix of fiction and history.
August 18, 2017
An engrossing read and a lovely bit of escapism for me into the 12th century after all the contemporary books I’ve been reading. Cathie Dunn really brings the period to life. The novel is very well researched but the historical details are delivered subtly so I didn’t feel bombarded by facts or as if I was being given a history lesson. The story is skilfully teased out so the reader is kept guessing until the end.
June 22, 2012
I loved the setting and story of DARK DECEIT. The characters are believable (circumstances, action, etc), and the time period is accurately depicted as very unstable. The dialogue and storytelling lacked a bit of sophistication that brought it from 4 to 3 stars for me. I will read the next book because I care about the characters...the mark of a good story!
August 12, 2017
I did not find this book entertaining. I skimmed most of the pages and I can't relate to the characters. This is superficial work, lacking indepth character development, no rapport with any one of them It is like reading a newspaper report. I have read a lot of other Historical novels by the more seasoned writers and they did not insult their readers/fans by sloppy trash like this. There is even an editing issue here~"as if" is used like in the present day timeline. I do not know who to pity more, the readers or the author. The 4stars rating is pure hype. This book shouldn't be in any discerning reader's shelf or archive.
November 20, 2017
So disappointing. This book had the foundation to be really great. Unfortunately, nothing was developed. I am not sure how it was a "romance." The heroine and hero hardly even talked to one another. Then all of a sudden, they are in love? Not much of a mystery either. I kept reading because the author does have promise. She does have a nice style. I just kept telling myself, maybe it will get better.
October 25, 2017
The heroine in this book is pathetically dismal and spineless, always choosing the wrong guy. The hero is the only reason that I skimmed through the book at all. And he's not anything to write home about. I mean, he's okay, but nothing special. The story isn't all that great either. And be forewarned, the book starts out with a rather gruesome scene.
August 25, 2017
A good book about the Middle Ages.
I enjoyed the book, no historical mistakes but the author leaves everyone with an unfinished story. I don't like cliff hangers at the end of a book.
I enjoyed the book, no historical mistakes but the author leaves everyone with an unfinished story. I don't like cliff hangers at the end of a book.
November 28, 2017
Medieval drama
Headstrong & bad character judge, young heiress puts her own life, her people lives & her fathers legacy in jeopardy.
I want to shake the female lead as she is continues to make bad decisions & is ungrateful. Though saving grace chivalry is not dead.
Headstrong & bad character judge, young heiress puts her own life, her people lives & her fathers legacy in jeopardy.
I want to shake the female lead as she is continues to make bad decisions & is ungrateful. Though saving grace chivalry is not dead.
November 1, 2017
Couldn’t get past the thin characters in the first 20 pages.
December 15, 2019
The heroine is too stupid and goes for whatever guy can help her. You have to read the next one book to find out what happens to them.
October 8, 2022
The book was an easy read. Didn’t care for the heroine, self centered teenager.
July 30, 2023
i’ve never been a huge fan of historical books since GCSE history was a BATTLE buttttt… i judged a book by its cover and actually enjoyed it.
April 13, 2013
A decent light read. The female character, Alleyne got a bit taxing after a bit.
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