What do you think?
Rate this book
Wentworth Trilogy
Duke of Deception
1st Place Winner of RWA's 2013 Gulf Coast Silken Sands Contest Historical Romance category, winner of Virginia Romance Writers 2013 Holt Medallion Award of Merit
A desperate young woman ... Lady Louisa Barrick will do anything to save her estate and the village that depends on it, but when she tries to use a rakish privateer in her scheme, things don't turn out as planned.
A duke masquerading as a privateer ... Jonathan Derek Wentworth has a scheme of his own: to track down the ton-based smuggling gang responsible for his father's death. When he's caught in a compromising situation with Lady Louisa, he decides it's better to marry her than to risk being ostracized by the London society whose invitations are vital to his plan. But Louisa refuses to marry him, unless he meets her terms, one of which is a month-long reprieve from consummation.
Intent on seduction, Derek doesn't count on his unexpected jealousy wreaking havoc with his emotions, his marriage, and his masquerade. Lucy, still grieving the death of her father, wants desperately to avoid another heartbreak, but fears she may have schemed herself into a marriage with the one man destined to break her heart: a man who isn't what he seems, who obviously can't be trusted, and who will surely leave her the first chance he gets.
A desperate young woman ... Lady Louisa Barrick will do anything to save her estate and the village that depends on it, but when she tries to use a rakish privateer in her scheme, things don't turn out as planned.
A duke masquerading as a privateer ... Jonathan Derek Wentworth has a scheme of his own: to track down the ton-based smuggling gang responsible for his father's death. When he's caught in a compromising situation with Lady Louisa, he decides it's better to marry her than to risk being ostracized by the London society whose invitations are vital to his plan. But Louisa refuses to marry him, unless he meets her terms, one of which is a month-long reprieve from consummation.
Intent on seduction, Derek doesn't count on his unexpected jealousy wreaking havoc with his emotions, his marriage, and his masquerade. Lucy, still grieving the death of her father, wants desperately to avoid another heartbreak, but fears she may have schemed herself into a marriage with the one man destined to break her heart: a man who isn't what he seems, who obviously can't be trusted, and who will surely leave her the first chance he gets.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
49 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Stephie Smith
7 books20 followersStephie Smith was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, the fifth of six girls. Early years were spent making mischief and, in general, driving her parents crazy while the family migrated between Ohio, West Virginia, and Florida. In fact, her family moved so often--18 times before Stephie finished sixth grade--that some people suspected they were running from the law. Stephie left home at 14, finished high school at 16, and joined the Air Force at 18, graduating with honors from the USAF Schools of Electronics and Instrumentation. After attending several colleges and universities around the country (switching majors from Chemistry to Art to English to Psychology but never figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up), she followed her sisters to east central Florida and settled there. She remains there today writing historical romance, humorous women's fiction, and computer how-to books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 4, 2013
This was a reasonably good regency romance. There were two issues for me: One, the tendency of both hero and heroine to assume the worst on the flimsiest of evidence; and two, there were some issues with improper address. A huge pet peeve of mine is the improper use of titles when addressing those of rank. If you want to write period pieces, you very much need and are expected to know the manner of polite address. If you are introducing a duchess, for instance you would refer to her as, "Her Grace, the Duchess of Wellesley." The Queen of England and all her other titles would be simply, "Her Majesty, the Queen." When chatting up a duchess, you would not say, "Duchess, would you care for tea?" She would be addressed as, "Your Grace." Also, using references to title too much in conversation would be considered questionable, unless one was being a properly deferential servant.
October 24, 2021
WOW THIS STORY IS ALL OVER THE PLACE!! WHAT A WASTE OF TIME!!
We start out with the Duke of Wentworth who also, was a Ship designer builder and Captain of his own vessel. He is using the name Capt. Derek Wainright. He returns to England from America to look for the treasonous spies that killed his father.
Lady Louisa Barrick age 19 daughter of an Earl. Her father has died in an accident and her evil villain uncle has betroth her into marriage to steal her inheritance. Her father has left everything to her except the Title which he could not do. Making her extremely Wealthy!! But she cannot claim her inheritance until she is 21.
Lucy as she is know comes up with a scheme to ruin her reputation to stop her betrothal . See sets her sights on Derek. But Derek is honorable so he marries the scheming girl.
My problem with the story is its strays from Derek looking for the people who murdered his father. Lucy acts like a spoiled child who has temper tantrums. Derek hiding that he is a Duke and rich powerful one at that. He pays Lucy's evil uncle and obscene amount of money for him to agree to the marriage. Who pays someone money when they believe they might have killed there father!! This is Crazy!! Then he goes off on his ship and he has the whole slave trade encounter. Lucy after one sexual act with her husband is pregnant and Miscarries. I hate stories with miscarriage in them. Why add one more bad thing to this already depressing storyline!! Its like the author had all these ideas and she put them all in the story even though they caused the story to feel disjointed and unfocused. A WASTE OF MY TIME!!
We start out with the Duke of Wentworth who also, was a Ship designer builder and Captain of his own vessel. He is using the name Capt. Derek Wainright. He returns to England from America to look for the treasonous spies that killed his father.
Lady Louisa Barrick age 19 daughter of an Earl. Her father has died in an accident and her evil villain uncle has betroth her into marriage to steal her inheritance. Her father has left everything to her except the Title which he could not do. Making her extremely Wealthy!! But she cannot claim her inheritance until she is 21.
Lucy as she is know comes up with a scheme to ruin her reputation to stop her betrothal . See sets her sights on Derek. But Derek is honorable so he marries the scheming girl.
My problem with the story is its strays from Derek looking for the people who murdered his father. Lucy acts like a spoiled child who has temper tantrums. Derek hiding that he is a Duke and rich powerful one at that. He pays Lucy's evil uncle and obscene amount of money for him to agree to the marriage. Who pays someone money when they believe they might have killed there father!! This is Crazy!! Then he goes off on his ship and he has the whole slave trade encounter. Lucy after one sexual act with her husband is pregnant and Miscarries. I hate stories with miscarriage in them. Why add one more bad thing to this already depressing storyline!! Its like the author had all these ideas and she put them all in the story even though they caused the story to feel disjointed and unfocused. A WASTE OF MY TIME!!
October 23, 2014
When I was reading this book, I stayed up a little bit too late at night because I didn't want to put it down, and I opened it up again as soon as I woke in the morning. The author does a great job of writing non-stop tension that shifts seamlessly between the mystery and the relationship drama. I like romances that have a mystery to them; with only few exceptions, I get bored when it's all about the relationship. The trick (I imagine) is to weave together the mystery and the relationship, and Smith did that beautifully. It was riveting!
All romances are predictable, because you know what's going to happen in the end, but you don't know how they're going to get there. Duke of Deception leaned toward the less predictable end of the romance spectrum, because I really had no idea how things were going to play out. A lot of the plot twists surprised me, and I kept changing my mind about what I thought of several of the characters. I didn't figure out who the 'bad guy' was until about three-quarters of the way through, and even the villain wasn't two-dimensional.
I look forward to the next instalment of the Wentworth trilogy. It's exciting to discover an up-and-coming historical romance author, and I have a feeling that Smith is a rising star in the genre.
All romances are predictable, because you know what's going to happen in the end, but you don't know how they're going to get there. Duke of Deception leaned toward the less predictable end of the romance spectrum, because I really had no idea how things were going to play out. A lot of the plot twists surprised me, and I kept changing my mind about what I thought of several of the characters. I didn't figure out who the 'bad guy' was until about three-quarters of the way through, and even the villain wasn't two-dimensional.
I look forward to the next instalment of the Wentworth trilogy. It's exciting to discover an up-and-coming historical romance author, and I have a feeling that Smith is a rising star in the genre.
July 2, 2014
Satire or Serious?
I got this book because I read the author's book "The Rules of Lying," and really enjoyed it. This book, however, makes me scratch my head. From the Duke's numerous and outrageous jealous fits, to the main character's portrayal as a woman n a n who is independent for her time, yet allows her husband to rape her (in one of his jealous rages), and not only blames herself for it, but still desires him sexually and cannot see a life without him, I really couldn't believe that this book was supposed to be anything other than a satirical historical fiction novel. A little disappointed, to say the least.
I got this book because I read the author's book "The Rules of Lying," and really enjoyed it. This book, however, makes me scratch my head. From the Duke's numerous and outrageous jealous fits, to the main character's portrayal as a woman n a n who is independent for her time, yet allows her husband to rape her (in one of his jealous rages), and not only blames herself for it, but still desires him sexually and cannot see a life without him, I really couldn't believe that this book was supposed to be anything other than a satirical historical fiction novel. A little disappointed, to say the least.
November 17, 2012
Swoonworthy hero and delightfully sympathetic heroine. Excellent writing style as well. Looking forward to the next one.
January 31, 2025
This did not work for me. I don't think the author did that much research on the period in question, so everything felt a bit "off." MCs were too hot and cold for me (that is, not in the good way, but more in the "maybe you two should get some help" way).
November 14, 2012
The story takes place in 19th century England. It is love at first sight for Lady Louisa and Captain Wainwright. They have both recently lost their fathers. Lady Louisa is facing an arranged marriage by her uncle to an older man not to her liking, while Captain Wainwright is in disguise trying to hunt down a criminal ring of smugglers.
The story is quick paced and enjoyable. There was a particularly humorous conversation between Lady Louisa and her friend Sarah as she tries to describe "the birds and the bees." The only drawback to the story were the constant misunderstandings/fights/jealousies between them with little reason.
The story is quick paced and enjoyable. There was a particularly humorous conversation between Lady Louisa and her friend Sarah as she tries to describe "the birds and the bees." The only drawback to the story were the constant misunderstandings/fights/jealousies between them with little reason.
February 1, 2013
Fantastic. Clever plot, interesting characters and idyllic settings. It has everything you expect from a great historical romance, including intrigue and mystery with a generous helping of a to die for wealthy male. It made me smile, cry and everything in between. Really incredible.x
June 29, 2013
love this book, could not put it down
December 10, 2013
Great book ! Well written & well worth a read .
September 14, 2015
no surprises, but a pleasant, easy read.
November 26, 2017
This started off really well but then it just got a bit bogged down with a middle that was a bit stagnant. The H seemed to be the type of "pirate/Duke" that Connie Mason would create and the heroine liked to dredge up additional drama for no sane reason. There were some interesting minor characters like the nymphomaniac maid Bridget who just couldn't stop commenting on the H's sexy body. It was also fairly easy to guess the identity of the traitor/villain by the time I got to about 60% of the story. I had such high hopes for this novel, because it had seemed to be so very exciting. It was a fairly enjoyable novel but not one that I can see myself reading again.
May 17, 2020
WOW
I absolutely loved this story, which is so unusual, because I prefer my historical romance novels to be about Dukes, ballroom dancing, the look, the chase and most importantly, the steamy, hot, sizzling sex. This story has all that surrounded by mayhem, mystery and murder. This is my first time reading anything by this author and what a delight. I can not wait until I read any follow up novel by Lady Stephie. You rock.
I absolutely loved this story, which is so unusual, because I prefer my historical romance novels to be about Dukes, ballroom dancing, the look, the chase and most importantly, the steamy, hot, sizzling sex. This story has all that surrounded by mayhem, mystery and murder. This is my first time reading anything by this author and what a delight. I can not wait until I read any follow up novel by Lady Stephie. You rock.
June 7, 2020
When first we practice to deceive
Very nice story, well written with some interesting twists and turns. I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy romance, intrigue, strong willed men and women of honor you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
Very nice story, well written with some interesting twists and turns. I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy romance, intrigue, strong willed men and women of honor you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
April 20, 2021
Typical of so many books of this genre. But quite enjoyable nevertheless.
April 25, 2014
If you know the saying "Hoisted by your on petard" lol. That sums it up.
Lady Lucy Barrick's family estate is all that's important to her. The only thing lost when her father died was the title. Until legal age her uncle is her guardian. He isn't going to let that happen. He decides she is to marry a not so upstanding Lord to get possession of her estate. The uncle is no good and owes gambling debts all over London. Our Lucy decides she won't take this lying down.
Lucy decides to use a devilish privateer to ruin herself so she can be left alone until she can inherit her property. Unknown to her the privateer is Derek the Duke Dorrington. Spying for the crown to find out who is involved in Ton based smuggling.
Lucy's dream of being ruined and being left alone is up in flames but still she thinks her new husband the privateer is going to go back to America when he is done because still Lucy doesn't know he is a Duke.
This story has humor and sexy alpha male, bad guys and an HEA. Good regency.
Lady Lucy Barrick's family estate is all that's important to her. The only thing lost when her father died was the title. Until legal age her uncle is her guardian. He isn't going to let that happen. He decides she is to marry a not so upstanding Lord to get possession of her estate. The uncle is no good and owes gambling debts all over London. Our Lucy decides she won't take this lying down.
Lucy decides to use a devilish privateer to ruin herself so she can be left alone until she can inherit her property. Unknown to her the privateer is Derek the Duke Dorrington. Spying for the crown to find out who is involved in Ton based smuggling.
Lucy's dream of being ruined and being left alone is up in flames but still she thinks her new husband the privateer is going to go back to America when he is done because still Lucy doesn't know he is a Duke.
This story has humor and sexy alpha male, bad guys and an HEA. Good regency.
March 6, 2020
this book was okay. the title should have clued me in, but there was a bit too much jealousy and misunderstandings, but then those are the usual in historical romances.
i thought the characters were interesting (lucy with her desire to take care of the village, and derek with his pursuit of his father's murderer), but they also both came across as somewhat immature. they fought quite a bit and it was always due to some crazy assumption (you know what they say when you assume) and then have some crazy misunderstanding due to said assumption. while i know this is one way to keep things interesting, it would have been nice if one of them would say, "hey, let's talk about this reasonably."
okay, so sometimes they would try the reasonable approach, but only after the other was already in a fit.
also, the bad guy at the end was... hmm. while i suspected it would be him, i think i would've appreciated more hints here and there.
but oh well.
overall, an okay book.
i thought the characters were interesting (lucy with her desire to take care of the village, and derek with his pursuit of his father's murderer), but they also both came across as somewhat immature. they fought quite a bit and it was always due to some crazy assumption (you know what they say when you assume) and then have some crazy misunderstanding due to said assumption. while i know this is one way to keep things interesting, it would have been nice if one of them would say, "hey, let's talk about this reasonably."
okay, so sometimes they would try the reasonable approach, but only after the other was already in a fit.
also, the bad guy at the end was... hmm. while i suspected it would be him, i think i would've appreciated more hints here and there.
but oh well.
overall, an okay book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2014
While I enjoyed reading this book I also felt like I was reading two different stories. Sadly, I am not able to explain what I mean by this. :( There is a lot of deception and false leads that the Duke both does intentionally and by his own misunderstandings. I felt he was more obsessed with his own alternate identity that he didn't put more effort in his life otherwise but expected it to be a certain way. I really did not see some of the twists coming and was actually amazed as how things turned out. Lady Louisa was a bit on the bipolar side meaning that she appears a very headstrong women who knows what she wants and then turns right around and seems extremely weak. I felt serious emotions on all the bad things that kept coming her way. An entertaining read for sure.
April 12, 2013
Good story, Louisa & Derek do fit together.A couple of secondary players needed a lot more depth. It keeps you guessing who is or was the traitor. Only a few to like and a bunch to dislike. My mind went with one person then well no that can't be it, then another possibility comes and goes and comes back to the first one, but another comes in, and on and on it goes. Didn't guess untill almost to the end and still there was a suprise.
Lot of things were never explain thing were not cleared out as I thought they should in some cases. To much was left hanging. Need some proofreading.
Lot of things were never explain thing were not cleared out as I thought they should in some cases. To much was left hanging. Need some proofreading.
August 30, 2014
Decent story that kept my interest but Derek's jealousy got old fast and the miscommunication between him and Lucy was tiring. Lucy was strong willed but not ridiculously so. She made a mess of things when trying to compromise herself but fortunately Derek was a gentleman or things could have been really awful. A couple of plot twists that were explained toward the end added a little intrigue. Readers might want to know there is quite a bit of detail with the bedroom scenes. I'll probably check out the others in the series.
September 11, 2012
I needed a good escape and I got it, but I must admit I was a tad frustrated at times. The conclusions the characters jumped to on multiple occasions without actually talking to each other was frustrating. A bit predictable, sometimes over the top, but overall okay.
August 2, 2013
Quite a good read with the type of characters that i like best, strong and intelligent. One of those stories of misunderstanding & misconception where both the H/H assumed the worst of each other over the smallest thing. Irked a bit at times but otherwise a good read & well written.
January 11, 2014
I thought this one started out strong, but it lost me around half way through. There were only so many ways I could read and go with miscomunication and misconception.
May 10, 2014
It's an easy read for holidays where you don't want to think too much. Some things didn't get cleared up, some details were off, but it didn't interrupt the story. The story is quite well written, fast paced, leaving you guessing who the villain is. I liked it and had a hard time putting it down.
January 31, 2016
One thing that always gets me in books similar to this is the ease in which people assume the worest and easily forgive any amount of deception. no matter how muh you love someone lies hurt big or small ans big lies are not something to blink and be good about. otherwise the book was okay so so
February 12, 2016
Solid book, I definitely got into the plot line & was invested in the characters. There were parts that were inplausible and therefore annoying, but I still wanted to see what happened and how it got resolved.
May 14, 2012
quick book to read on a mini break...gun fight and deception by all..
May 21, 2012
Nice historical romance.... Bit of the usual with strong characters and all sorts of methods of miscommunication that can happen.
June 2, 2012
Boooring..but okay..
June 6, 2012
This was a good book but they really need to update the cover!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews