What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweet Deception
After killing her husband in self-defense, Thomasina Waxton flees her home, takes the name of Ellen Scarlet, and builds a new life for herself on the London stage. Original.
432 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1992
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 26, 2026
This was a wild ride, action-packed, over the top and so dramatic! Which I completely mean in an entertaining time. Read it for book club and this book definitely allows for so much conversation.
Thomasina’s father loses their family’s lands when the story starts, she’s 13/14 and told that he arranged her to marry the Earl of Waxton (a man 40 years older than her). The story jumps 8 years later, Thomasina has been living as a virgin bride, constantly abused from her husband, locked up, and treated as a possession. She ends up find a letter including his name and some of his terrible friends, she uses it as blackmail potential and wants an annulment in exchange. Which leads to a fight and her eventually killing him in self-defense. She runs off and her life takes a turn after she finds a protector who rescues her (Richard) and takes her in. We cut to 2 years later again and now Thomasinq is living in London with Richard, she’s a successful actress and goes by Ellen with her newly red (dyed) hair. Then enters Gavin, he shows up from America to find out about his older brother’s death and to get vengeance against the woman who killed him…all while he falls for Ellen, the actress he meets.
The romance was pretty great between Gavin and Ellen, very hot and cold of her pushing him away, they’re both hiding their identities from one another for a bit of the book (her the longest). All while a villain (her late husband’s gross friend) is after her, lots of attacks, fleeing, dangerous situations, being on the run, push and pull between her and Gavin, etc. Literally non-stop adventure and dramatic plot lines, but kept it entertaining! This is an older historical romance so just know it does have problematic language at times and the fact that Gavin owns a plantation in Maryland.
Thomasina’s father loses their family’s lands when the story starts, she’s 13/14 and told that he arranged her to marry the Earl of Waxton (a man 40 years older than her). The story jumps 8 years later, Thomasina has been living as a virgin bride, constantly abused from her husband, locked up, and treated as a possession. She ends up find a letter including his name and some of his terrible friends, she uses it as blackmail potential and wants an annulment in exchange. Which leads to a fight and her eventually killing him in self-defense. She runs off and her life takes a turn after she finds a protector who rescues her (Richard) and takes her in. We cut to 2 years later again and now Thomasinq is living in London with Richard, she’s a successful actress and goes by Ellen with her newly red (dyed) hair. Then enters Gavin, he shows up from America to find out about his older brother’s death and to get vengeance against the woman who killed him…all while he falls for Ellen, the actress he meets.
The romance was pretty great between Gavin and Ellen, very hot and cold of her pushing him away, they’re both hiding their identities from one another for a bit of the book (her the longest). All while a villain (her late husband’s gross friend) is after her, lots of attacks, fleeing, dangerous situations, being on the run, push and pull between her and Gavin, etc. Literally non-stop adventure and dramatic plot lines, but kept it entertaining! This is an older historical romance so just know it does have problematic language at times and the fact that Gavin owns a plantation in Maryland.
June 29, 2019
Couldn't put it down!
March 26, 2013
I read this book like 100 years ago and I still love it. I can still remember it so vividly. One of my favorite historical romances without a doubt! Read it! =)
December 2, 2018
Deception
This is an excellent book! The characters are well developed and engaging. It is amazing all that Ellen has endured. Richard rescues her from an evil man. Richard is so kind and giving even though he has suffered unspeakable things. Gavin sees Ellen and instantly wants her. Has to have her, but Ellen has to keep her past a secret. I didn't want to put this book down, at times it was very intense or had me laughing out loud.
This is an excellent book! The characters are well developed and engaging. It is amazing all that Ellen has endured. Richard rescues her from an evil man. Richard is so kind and giving even though he has suffered unspeakable things. Gavin sees Ellen and instantly wants her. Has to have her, but Ellen has to keep her past a secret. I didn't want to put this book down, at times it was very intense or had me laughing out loud.
March 10, 2013
A little different but pretty good!
March 27, 2017
Thomasina Waxton killed her husband after years of abuse. All I can say is read the book. Mystery, Romance, it has it all.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews