Deceive Not My Heart

Louisiana #3

by Shirlee Busbee

HER FURY PROMISED VENGEANCE

Leonie's only interest in the despicable cad she had been forced to marry was the return of her dowry. She had not seen her husband in five years, and now Morgan Slade angrily denied there had ever been a marriage.

HER PASSION PROMISED LOVE

But in the cool shadows of the enchanting forest that surround Morgan Slade's elegant southern plantation, the fury of her hatred yields to the fierce hunger of unquenched longing. In the powerful arms of the dark and handsome husband she thought she despised, Leonie trembles with the sweet agony of awakened desire and helplessly surrenders to the wild, intoxicating ecstasy of blazing passion. And together they abandon themselves to the exquisite pleasure of the love their hearts cannot escape.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Enemies To Lovers, Fiction

454 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Shirlee Elaine was born 9 August 1941 in San Jose, California, USA. She was the first daughter of a career naval officer, later she had two sisters and three brothers, they raised traveling the world. She went to the institute in Kentri, Morocco, after which she returned to California and she went to Burbank Bussines College of Santa Rosa, where she received a certificate in 1962.

Shirlee married with Howard Busbee in June 22, 1963. Now, they live in hills of California, where they raise for pleasure Standard Schnauzers, Standardbred horses, and other many animals.

She has worked as a receptionist for the Marin County Title and Abstract Co., as plant supervisor for Fairfield Title Co., and as secretary and drafting technician for the County Parks Department of Fairfield, California, where she met her life-long friend and mentor Rosemary Rogers. Published since 1977, Shirlee Busbee is the proud author of over 18 novels, including seven New York Times bestsellers. With over nine million copies of her books in print, she is the recipient of numerous awards for excellence in writing, including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and Affaire de Coeur's Silver and Bronze Pen Awards.

You may write to Shirlee Busbee care of C/O Warner Books, Inc., Time and Life Building, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

Reviews

[Azet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I GIVE THIS BOOK 100 STARS!!!Or maybe 1000,or maybe million!!!!
That proves how much i have come to love this historical romance,and for it to become one of my favourite novels ever. (GOSH HOW I LOVE THIS BOOK)
This is my first book by Shirlee Busbee and certainly not the last.The story was written beautifully like the novels by Lisa Kleypas or Judith McNaught and i love every word of it.
The heroine Leoine was so brave and such a wild beautiful tigress,and i just love her stubborness,and the pride she has and the exclusive love she gradually will feel for her soulmate,her hero.

The hero Morgan Slade...just made me swoon all over the place.He was so beautiful and manly and i just came to fall for his adventourus heart.He was a captivating Anti-hero who falls head over heals over his wife.Morgan`s powerful love for Leonie made me cry!There are so many beautiful romantic moments,it was both sizzling and hot at the same time.I just loved everything about IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!This is a AMAZING book for a romantic lover like myself (dreamy smile).

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

To clarify, this is more a 4.5* book than a 4* book, but not quite a 5* due to the "abrupt" ending. Every romance reader knows what I mean by that . . . the wrap up of the hero and heroine "cementing" their love story and, in particular, a VERY central "mystery" detail of the entire plotline was virtually solved at the "closing line" of the book. ARRG! I definitely wanted MORE of a reaction from both the characters on that "little" detail . . . as it was a HUGE revelation for them. Not for the reader, mind you, we were privy to the information all along, but of course we wanted the reaction of the main characters!! Thus, I just couldn't give it a full 5* rating as a "4.5*" which I normally do if it's truly more than a 4* for me, as I like to round up, rather than round down.

This is an old "bodice ripper" that I became intrigued with from a recommendation under a "theme" thread on the Amazon Romance boards. I couldn't remember if I'd ever read Shirlee Busbee, but the name sounded familiar, and even when I received the book through PBS, the cover seemed familiar as well. I read hundreds of romances in the '80s, until finally giving up the interest in the '90s to pursue other things. Consquently, I can't remember 90 percent of what I had read from those times. Once I started reading this book, I was certain I had read it before, and although I couldn't remember any of the details, I also had a distinct feeling it had been a "winner" for me back then. Fortunately, my gut instincts were correct, and I loved this storyline. This reading, did, like MOST of the '80s romances on a re-read have some dated qualities that weren't as paletable in the current times' romance style, but nevertheless, it was still a romantic and intiguing story.

Our heroine, Leonie, lives a societal disenfranchised life as the granddaughter of a fading French aristocratic family in New Orleans, low on funds, and on the brink of bankruptcy. Her grandfather, her sole remaining relative (other than an unacknowleged by the family (but not Leonie) half-sister from her father's mistress) has gambled away most of the remainder of the family weath, and has few days of life left. Before he dies, he wants Leonie to be married to a "good" man who will take care of her. He meets our hero Morgan at a card party and events lead him to believe Morgan to be perfect for his granddaughter. Unfortunately, when Leonie's grandfather finally seeks "Morgan" out to cement a marriage deal with him, he mistakes Ashley, Morgan's nepharious, look-alike" cousin for Morgan, and marries poor Leonie off to the "VERY wrong" man. Ashley carries a long-time grudge against Morgan, and sets a plan into action to both swindle Leonie of her dowry (the only remaining funds she has left to her), and besmirch Morgan's good character as well, by marrying her while impersonating himself as Morgan. Of course, he deserts Leonie within days, and years later she comes searching for "Morgan" for repayment of the dowry and her last hope to save her home. Naturally, Morgan has no idea who the heck Leonie is, and their compelling love story unfolds as they spar with one another in efforts to find out exactly who the fraud is.

I ended up enjoying this story tremendously, and other than the parallel mystery plotline I mentioned in the opening that wrapped up too fast for me in the end of the book, I have little to criticize, especially as a re-read of an older style romance (which can't be avoided). If you're in the mood for "older" flavor without too much of the "Stormfire" feel, I think you will enjoy this well-written oldy-but-goody!
K.

[Nona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to first say I stumbled across Shirlee Busbee and have been devcouring her books as quickly as I can get my hands on them. If I can remember correctly I read Gypsy Lady first, Catherine and Jason Savages story ( my my what a story!)

Deceive Not My Heart starts out with Leonie a young girl trying to hold the estate together with her grandfathers addiction to gambling it seems too much. Slowly it all unravels until there is little left so he marries her off to a rich, level headed, honest to God good man.... or so he thought. Morgan has always been restless and roamed the world for adventure until Leonie shows up demanding her dowry back to save her home with a 5 yr old Justin on her well worn heels. Morgan who had never seen Leonie before is shocked and angry that he should be cheated by Leonie until he realizes that may... just maybe being married to her and having a son like Justin wouldn't be such a bad thing but is it worth it and the scandal it will cause?

I really like the whole family deception or should I say there is always a rotten apple in the bushel? Anyways I enjoyed the story, the banter, the fiesty lil Leonie and the ever brooding suspious Morgan are great for each other. I can't wait til I pick up Midnight Masquerade to see where the next story takes me.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger: H mistakenly thinks h is a girl sent to him at night when she accidentally enters his room to escape, he thinks she was sent for the night and he was drunk a bit so he forces her and she struggled but it was not a brutal rape scene as he was very seductive or able to be soft handed with her. .......🤷🏻‍♀️

This is an old skool bodice ripper novel so it was expected but this is a trigger for many, I would advice to avoid reading this and if its not a trigger then go ahead, it has lots of angst and the h was amazing, she had guts and could stand for herself.

Safety: H is h’s only lover.

[kimberly grider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, it is what I would consider to be a lighter bodice ripper in my opinion, I breezed through it in two days time.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me ha parecido ameno de leer y entretenido sin más. No sé siento que ha envejecido mal. Pienso que si lo hubiera leído hace unos años me hubiera impactado mucho más, pero ahora estoy ya de vuelta de todo. El libro no ha estado mal. El misterio del hijo no sé resuelve hasta la última hoja y eso le ha restado para mi gusto puntos. Y aunque hay una seudo violación al principio por los malentendidos propios de la autora. El protagonista no me ha caído mal y me ha parecido bastante tierno y dulce comparado con otros de esta autora como el capitán sable de la amante cautiva. No es un libro con un romance tan tormentoso como otros de la autora y eso me ha gustado. Me ha dejado buen sabor de boca. Se deja leer.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens in the summer of 1799. Set in Louisiana on the plantation, Chateau Saint-Andre, a deteriorating graceful lady.

Her bare foot mistress, 16 year old Leonie Saint-Andre, has taken sole responsibility to care for the Chateau and what is left of the land and her people. The obstacle in her way, whom she butts heads with is her grandfather, Claude Saint-Andre.

Claude has gambled and drank away all the money. When Leonie brings this subject up early in the story, it's a treat to see the sparks ignite between these 2 arrogant, stubborn, hard-headed characters. Leonie might be tiny, but she gives her grand-pere no quarter. His MO is to fly into an arrogant rage while making it clear NOBODY tells Claude Saint-Andre what to do and then he proceeds to the nearest gambling and drinking function, signing markers and owing everybody.

I found myself chuckling every time those 2 had at it.

The family was killed when Leonie was 2 years old, leaving her grandfather to raise her. Since drinking and gambling was his priority, Leonie raised herself. Wild, out-spoken, hard headed, Leonie's character is wonderful.

Well, Claude gets hit with a reality punch, and for the 1st time realizes he has to do something about assuring Leonie's future. That something turns into finding her a husband and it doesn't take him long to find a prospect...Morgan Slade.

Morgan Slade, yum.

The story picks up 5 years later after the marriage of Morgan and Leonie. (They struck an agreement, a marriage of convenience and Morgan was to return Leonie's dowry ($5,000 in gold) to her.)

She needs that money, the Chateau needs that money, so she tracks Morgan down.

But Morgan Slade denies he ever set eyes on her, let alone married the "lying little whore", and he sure as hell isn't going to give her any money.

Oh yes, those sparks light up the pages. These 2 are great together.

Shirlee Busbee's style of writing grabbed me from the 1st page and not once did I get bored or frustrated with the characters interaction with each other.

Her characters are well defined, and so fleshed out they could have been in the room as I read each page.

I loved them all.

There is a rape scene,
political intrigue between the Spaniards, the French and the English in Louisiana,
reference to slavery,
violence,
death,
marriage of convenience,
and good sex

I really enjoyed this book.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

1. Half-naked man and woman locked in steamy embrace on cover: check
2. Standard formula cheesy book title: check
3. Bodice ripping scene: check
4. A man who thinks with his crotch: check
5. Poor beautiful woman-child who for some strange reason feels strange attraction and pleasurable tingling while being raped: Check

This book angered me in many ways. Our hero was depicted as a man unable to control his desires and that was perfectly okay and normal and our heroine was portrayed as a woman who enjoyed rape and believed it was her fault. What's wrong with this picture? There is obviously a huge market for this sort of writing and this may be considered a great romance read, but I don't get it. I would have given it one star...but I knew I would hate it and I read it anyway, my bad.

Why did I read it? Because it was free and the story takes place in my home state of Louisiana. I think I will pass on the rest of the series...and Barnes and Noble, please, can you stop sending me emails wanting me to purchase more great romances? There is a reason I made a rule of never reading trash romances and I don't think I will be making this mistake again any time soon.

[Regan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Case of Mistaken Identity and an Intriguing Love Story from old Louisiana

Originally published in 1984 and updated for the eBook version, this is a classic romance--a bodice ripper--from a great historical romance author.

Set in New Orleans and environs beginning in 1799, this is the story of 16-year-old Leonie Saint-Andre, whose only living parent is a gambling grandfather who has impoverished their family’s plantation. Knowing he does not have long to live, her grandfather decides to take care of Leonie’s future by finding her a wealthy husband. Unfortunately, the man he picks, Morgan Slade, is a bitter man whose first wife married him for his money and then left him for another. And what Leonie’s grandfather does not know is that Morgan has a look alike cousin who, unbeknownst to Morgan, has assumed his identity in order to wed Leonie to steal her dowry.

Busbee has done her research and the history of Louisiana in the late 18th century is vividly portrayed. It was a time of plantations and the French creole families; and it was a time of dramatic change. Originally claimed by Spain, Louisiana was also claimed by France, and in 1803 most of it was acquired by America. The plot has many twists and turns and while the reader knows what is going on, the characters don’t. Lots of sexual tension and angst as Leonie is deceived yet rises as a courageous heroine to triumph in the end. I recommend it.

[Lynsey A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another oldie but goodie from Shirlee Busbee. I read this book years ago. Definitely need to do a re-read some time soon.

There is forced seduction in this book which fit the times. I love the ending when all is revealed but I wanted a little bit more of that scene. The reader has to wait until almost the very last page for the big secret to get revealed. A little frustrating but overall doesn't take away from the enjoyment in the book.

[Analia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/4 estrellas

Leonie Saint- André es una joven de dieciséis años, próximo a heredar la plantación de su abuelo Claude. Shirlee Busbee nos la describe a nuestra heroína como una joven ardiente, exótica y llamativa, con una piel dorada y cabellera leonina; Pequeña muchacha que podía parecer más frágil de lo que en realidad era.
Económicamente no se encuentra bien porque su abuelo utiliza el dinero en apuestas; La plantación en la que viven había sufrido una terrible inundación, producto del desborde del Río Mississippi, destruyendo todo, incluso sus padres y su abuela mueren ahogados; Sólo la casa había logrado soportar la fuerza del agua. Producto de esta desgracia, Claude Saint-André había perdido el interés por todo, incluida su nieta Leonie, volcando su vida a las bebidas y a las apuestas. Entonces es su nieta quien lleva los libros de cuentas de la plantación, pese a que su abuelo se niega a ver a Leonie “entre libros”.
Más allá de la rudeza de Claude, Leonie logra vencerlo en las discusiones a la hora de la toma de decisiones y él termina asumiendo que por culpa de su propio egoísmo terminaron cayendo en la ruina.
La única solución posible para salvar la plantación y a su nieta es por medio del matrimonio; Un marido conveniente para Leonie; Sin embargo, Claude no quiere cualquier hombre, sino alguien extraño, un desconocido con mucho dinero y que cuide bien a Leonie. ¿Cómo recibirá la noticia la joven muchacha?

Morgan Slade es un hombre muy llamativo, de ojos brillantes, piel oscura y de pómulos más altos y pronunciados. Un hombre duro y prudente que ha levantado una barrera para protegerse de las mujeres porque él tiene una historia que dejaré que las lectoras la descubran.
Leonie y Morgan se conocerán de una abrupta, oscura y apasionante manera; No se verán sus rostros y serán sus cuerpos quienes se conocen a causa que ella ingresa en una habitación donde se encontraba él y la confunda con una prostituta; Será su primera experiencia con el sexo. A diferencia de otras novelas ochentosas que nos tienen acostumbradas a que los personajes se casan inmediatamente, aquí no sucede eso; Es más, Leonie sin saberlo se termina casando con el primo de Morgan, Ashley, el cual es un caradura y la termina engañando. Con éste ella hará un acuerdo: su dote a cambio de no compartir el lecho matrimonial.
A partir de aquí la vida de Leonie no será fácil. Su abuelo fallece y ella descubre que el supuesto Morgan (Ashley) jamás le devolverá la dote ya que se desaparece por varios años, tiene que vender partes de las hectáreas de la plantación y luego marcharse de allí, su propio hogar y no lo hará sola, porque también tiene un hijo el cual fue producto de aquella noche con un desconocido.
Leanie así decidirá recuperar su dote. A partir de aquí la novela se divide en tres partes y se torna muy atrapante y llena de misterio. Morgan es el típico personaje de mis adoradas “ochentosas” novelas románticas: Un hombre que me enamoró inmediatamente pero también me generó una pregunta: ¿Qué plan tramaba? Y ¿A dónde quería llegar con el mismo? Porque Slade no se quedará de brazos cruzados y querrá saber toda la verdad y en esa búsqueda tanto él como Leonie no podran evitar la pasión y el amor.

En mi opinión el ritmo de la historia es atrapante; Temía que luego de la segunda parte se tornase algo aburrido pero no sucedió eso. Es un libro de 334 páginas con escenas que no sólo me hicieron suspirar sino también sonreír –no reír porque humor no hay; - así que mi viaje en torno a ella fue muy satisfactorio. A veces temo que algunos de estos libros de la Serie Lousiana me decepcionen o me aburren, pero no fue el caso con éste el cual es el tercero de la serie.

Es una edición muy viejita así que si alguna de ustedes tiene el placer de tenerlo en sus manos se los recomiendo como lectura; Éstas novelas viejitas no decpecionan.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five well - deserved stars!!!
This was a great read by S.B. The whole book was full of twists and turns that one was constantly kept at the edge of one's seat. Until the very end!!! S.B. did not disappoint.
I absolutely loved the angst between the main characters; they never end and that's what kept me wanting to know more ... and more. Their inner turmoils, their inner thoughts were such delights to read. And the plots, oh man, intelligent I tell you. For the first part; Part I - it was glorious! I instantly fell in love with the story, with the characters. And then the subsequent parts, they were pretty awesome, too.

But I gotta be honest, I didn't get all of these awesomeness from reading the blurb.
The blurb was the only thing I would change cuz it was really bad (I think). It was so vague and so up there that it did not tell you much about what the book was all about.
I decided to read other readers' reviews and when I saw that most of them raved about this one, only then I downloaded the eBook - and boy was I glad I read it. I finished this 300 over pages book in a day. And if I could give my two-cents ... errr I would do away with the cover. It's so "No."

The Hero was to die for - he's oh so hot and ugh ... I just loved him. And the heroine, I simply adored her; she's feisty, she's a fighter and she's amazing. One thing I must caution you is there is rape. Bodice ripper. Whatever you call it. I call it rape. Plain and simple. It did not bother me that much, in fact, it kinda made me open my eyes wide and big (you'll know what I mean, when you get to that part). Anyways, brave S.B. I will hunt for the author's other books.

[Regan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Case of Mistaken Identity and an Intriguing Love Story from old Louisiana—a Bodice Ripper!

Originally published in 1984 and updated for the eBook version, this is a classic romance from a great historical romance author.

Set in New Orleans and environs beginning in 1799, this is the story of 16-year-old Leonie Saint-Andre, whose only living parent is a gambling grandfather who has impoverished their family’s plantation. Knowing he does not have long to live, her grandfather decides to take care of Leonie’s future by finding her a wealthy husband. Unfortunately, the man he picks, Morgan Slade, is a bitter man whose first wife married him for his money and then left him for another. And what Leonie’s grandfather does not know is that Morgan has a look alike cousin who, unbeknownst to Morgan, has assumed his identity in order to wed Leonie to steal her dowry.

Busbee has done her research and the history of Louisiana in the late 18th century is vividly portrayed. It was a time of plantations and the French creole families; and it was a time of dramatic change. Originally claimed by Spain, Louisiana was also claimed by France, and in 1803 most of it was acquired by America.

The plot has many twists and turns and while the reader knows what is going on, the characters don’t. Lots of sexual tension and angst as Leonie is deceived yet rises as a courageous heroine to triumph in the end. I recommend it.

[Myfanwy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could probably just copy my review of Lady Vixen here, minus the bit about Andrew Jackson. This is a book that was very much written when people still thought of Gone With the Wind as an unproblematic fave.
But despite everything Leonie, Morgan, and Justin are just so great. It was so much fun to watch their relationships with one another develop. Justin was also one of those rare romance novel children who manages to not be the gratingly quirky, wise-beyond-his-years type that seems irresistible to so many romance writers.

Update: While the first time I read this I was definitely kind of appalled by the fairly blasé treatment of slavery, having since read a pile of other bodice rippers set in the American South pre-Civil War, Shirlee Busbee spends way less time romanticising the relationships between slave owners and their slaves. This isn’t to say that she doesn’t indulge in some of that, but Busbee also doesn’t wallow in it the was Jennifer Blake tends to.

[MrsEdwardCullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a plot and a polish to it that is so exceptional, it almost feels like sacriledge to label it a romance novel. The description on the back does not do the story justice. Morgan and Leonie will blow you away.

[Kit★]

Marking to-ponder since Morgan was a character in The Tiger Lily.

[Elspeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for my romance book club through Open Library.

There was a lot going on in this story and even to get to the "good stuff" but overall I really enjoyed the story and the characters.

Leonie's grandfather makes her marry, and chooses Morgan for her, but he accidentally marries her off to Morgan's lookalike cousin.

Meanwhile Leonie was attacked by a stranger and becomes pregnant.

6 years later she goes to Mississippi to find her wayward husband and meets the true Morgan. He falls in love with her and her son. The whole time Leonie thinks she had married Morgan and he doesn't believe her.

Yes, the ending having to do with her son and her future with Morgan is kind of rushed and glossed over, but all in all I enjoyed the story and the characters.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would’ve been proud to have finished this if it weren’t for the cover. Like why is it so ugly😭 (It was the latest cover, I couldn’t find the classic ones like this one) Anyways, there was a lot of misogynistic here in the story, well given that it was set in 1800’s, not surprising but it still galled me to think that women such Leonie were treated like some dumb creature who had to be married just to secure her life, like gosh she can take care of herself. One thing I didn’t like also is how susceptible Leonie to Morgan’s advances like girl I get it he’s hot and everything but you are literally disrespecting yourself by letting him make love to you after like such big argument. I mean you like that yeah (me as well hehe) but! Don’t be so marupok! And the ending? Gosh it was so brief like they just solved one challenge and then that’s it, the end. Couldn’t the author have included more scene? I’m so sick of endings like that.
Well anyways, I love the plot and the fire so it’s a ❤️

[EllenF · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first romance I ever read. It has a lot of the problems of older romances— a lot of historical detail that’s extraneous to the plot, excessive wordiness, dubious consent, and even rape. Even so, the characters manage to carry the story. The depiction of a spitfire young woman who will do almost anything to save her faded family home is reminiscent of Gone With the Wind, but Leonie is infinitely more likable than Scarlett O’Hara. Morgan is the typical alpha male jerk hero of the period, but his tragic backstory and his confusion over Leonie’s motives justifies it to some degree. My biggest problem with the story is Morgan’s failure to figure out the plot’s central mystery within two paragraphs— but I suppose you can’t expect romance heroes to have looks AND brains. A solid older story from a grand old dame of romance, but modern readers will probably find the rape early in the story too unpleasant to continue reading.

[Marina P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this a little better, than the fist book of this series, where the hero was a really disgusting rapist/alpha-a..hole.

The hero here was not at fault as to the way the heroine was cheated out of her dowry. His distrust and anger towards the heroine was understandable. And he was not cruel to the heroine. I liked their romance, they couldn’t help falling in love with each other.

What I really hated was how the first sexual encounter between the hero and the heroine (forced intercourse!) was portrayed as somewhat pleasurable. Even it’s subsequent mentioning at the end of the book was treated unsatisfactorily. When a man sees his bedpartner‘s resistance, he must stop, right? Not this hero here- he thought that is trick, although he noticed that she was rather young…

I liked the heroine though, because of her strength and courage to master the difficulties life dealt her.

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, this was an entertaining book! In spite of an early cliche (where the H mistakes the virginal h for a prostitute), the story was pretty original, with a one night stand, six years separation, mistaken identity, a hasty marriage, the wrong husband, an "unknown" father, an unpaid dowry, false accusations, lies that seem to be true, truth that seems to be lies, a whole lot of mistrust and suspicion, tempered with an undeniable attraction, and unspoken love!

You don't know who to sympathize with more, Morgan or Leonie, as both have been through a lot, and both find themselves telling the truth and having their word questioned, neither realizing that they've both been played by one of the most amoral villains ever! When he finally gets his comeuppance (and it's a harsh one) you'll feel like cheering!

And you'll be very entertained by this novel!

[Marie Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because it was already in my personal library. That's a good thing since there's currently a pandemic, and I'm not using the public library. I probably bought it because it takes place in the early 1800's which is my favorite era for reading. I wasn't happy, as I started reading, to see that it takes place in New Orleans instead of England or Ireland. Having said all that, I thoroughly enjoyed Deceive Not My Heart. I think what made it more original was the fact that the reader knew the answers to the questions that the main characters asked. I found myself wanting to tell them what to, or not to, do. I wanted to nudge them to fall in love. If they only knew what I knew !

[Manisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first book by Shirlee Busbee and such a disappointment. I love when an author puts so much efforts into details snd characters and their thoughts. But it seemed a wasted effort. So much so that I had start skipping through sentences to get through the book to keep my sanity intact.
Leonnie's thought of "oh, but I cannot fall in love with him" was repeated at least 200 times.
It was a good story and could have been wrapped up in 300 pages rather spinning everything around for 200 pages more. Plus the extra extra extra extra characters!!! What was it about Burr and Wilkinson and so many more. So much unnecessary details.
Aah, such a wasted effort.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and was engaged once I got into it. However, I found the book to get off to a really slow start which threw me off. When it finally got going, I was totally into it and was engaged and couldn't wait to see what happened. Then the ending. The ending just ended when I felt like there should have been a couple more pages just to finish it up. That didn't happen, it just ended.
I will be reading the rest of the books in the series.

[Kelly Leventhal · Rating 3 out of 5]

It used to be one of my favorites but now it's just meh. The sex scenes seem to just go on and on. I'm now bothered by the fact the Leonie is raped or doesn't want to have sex with Morgan the first few times they do have sex. Although he seduces her and she enjoys it, she does tell him no but he ignores her.

[Tempy Mcbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed

I have been obsessed with trying to find this book. I’ve been searching for it for YEARS. I read it several years ago but couldn’t remember the name or author. Somehow my copy disappeared and I e been on a mad search since. And I finally found it. I was so happy. Just finished reading it and it’s as fabulous as I remember it being.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars?
I enjoy a good historical every now and then, and the writing was good here. This one was recommended in multiple groups I am in, so figured I'd give it a go. Unfortunately, I think it fell a little flat for me. And I can't even really say why, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to/thought that I would.

[Kristýna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter-sweet romantic story exactly for my romantic soul. I gave it four stars because the main character is sad to be raped which in my opinion is far away from the story itself. No physical or psychological abuse is presented, she was just seduced ;d Anyway the book was very interesting and written very well.

[Love Good · Rating 2 out of 5]

I somehow sat and finished this book.... boring.
Just boring.
There was almost no excitement and the writing was very bland.

I originally thought more maybe going on because it was set in the south... but the main character had no spine and seemed so drab. It's just a generic book.

[Lou Del · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry included

The story is one-of-a-kind. Romantic too.
What I really like about the book are the poetry that introduces the sections and f the novel. The poems fit into the picture.