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Regency Sinners #4
Wicked Deception
Maximillian Smythe, the Earl of Carlton, is the fourth of the eight gentlemen, known as The Sinners, tasked with proving or disproving the guilt of a lady in Society as being a spy for Napoleon, and a traitor to the English Crown.
The lady Maxim is to investigate is his young and beautiful widowed stepmother, Lady Heather Smythe, the Dowager Countess of Carlton.
Maxim remembers Heather as being passionate and wild as the rugged Cornish coastline where she resides with her young son. Ralph is Maxim's half-brother and his heir since their father died eighteen months ago.
Heather is far from pleased when her arrogant stepson, Maxim Smythe, arrives at Treganon House for an unexpected visit. She is only too well aware of the contempt Maxim has for her. As she holds less than fond memories of him.
From the moment of Maxim's arrival, they treat each other with suspicion.
Heather believes Maxim, a friend of the Prince Regent, to be in Cornwall to investigate the smuggling in the area. Something her family has been involved in for several centuries.
Maxim knows Heather is hiding something, but he is unsure if it is her role as a spy for the imprisoned usurper, Napoleon, or something else.
While the turbulent seas roil and crash in the cove beneath Treganon House, the desire and passion Maxim and Heather once shared flares back into life, and this time refuses to be extinguished.
Author's Note: All the books in the very sexy Regency Sinners series are complete and HEA stories. The stories are connected by the friendship of the eight heroes.
The lady Maxim is to investigate is his young and beautiful widowed stepmother, Lady Heather Smythe, the Dowager Countess of Carlton.
Maxim remembers Heather as being passionate and wild as the rugged Cornish coastline where she resides with her young son. Ralph is Maxim's half-brother and his heir since their father died eighteen months ago.
Heather is far from pleased when her arrogant stepson, Maxim Smythe, arrives at Treganon House for an unexpected visit. She is only too well aware of the contempt Maxim has for her. As she holds less than fond memories of him.
From the moment of Maxim's arrival, they treat each other with suspicion.
Heather believes Maxim, a friend of the Prince Regent, to be in Cornwall to investigate the smuggling in the area. Something her family has been involved in for several centuries.
Maxim knows Heather is hiding something, but he is unsure if it is her role as a spy for the imprisoned usurper, Napoleon, or something else.
While the turbulent seas roil and crash in the cove beneath Treganon House, the desire and passion Maxim and Heather once shared flares back into life, and this time refuses to be extinguished.
Author's Note: All the books in the very sexy Regency Sinners series are complete and HEA stories. The stories are connected by the friendship of the eight heroes.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2017
About the author
Carole Mortimer
1,303 books911 followersI have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 3, 2019
3.5 stars
November 23, 2017
FINAL DECISION: I didn't think much of the story as it started, but the relationship between the hero and heroine as the story progressed made me enjoy the story quite a bit. This is a simple easy story and certainly not a complex drama, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
THE STORY: Maximillian Smythe, Earl of Carlton is taking his turn searching for the traitor that the eight Sinners are searching for. The woman he is to investigate is his own stepmother Heather. The young and beautiful second wife to his father. Six years ago Maxim and Heather had a whirlwind romance before Maxim left to spy for the Crown and returned to find Heather married to his father. Now Maxim must determine what Heather is hiding.
OPINION: The story line here is not surprising and almost everything is quickly disclosed to the reader (if not to the characters). A second chance at love for these two characters complicated by deceptions and lies and misunderstandings.
The story and the characters are not particularly deep, but sometimes an uncomplicated story makes a nice easy read. The characters were not stupid despite their misunderstandings and I liked that they quickly were able to unravel the secrets between them.
I liked Maxim as a character and thought that his darkness was actually what made the story interesting. This book reminds me of the category romances in the past (although more erotic and explicit) because of the simplicity of the story.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a novella.
CONNECTED BOOKS: WICKED DECEPTION is the fourth book in the Regency Sinners series. This is a series of books with the overarching storyline of the search for a woman traitor. While there is some connection between the books, this book can certainly be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Maximillian Smythe, Earl of Carlton is taking his turn searching for the traitor that the eight Sinners are searching for. The woman he is to investigate is his own stepmother Heather. The young and beautiful second wife to his father. Six years ago Maxim and Heather had a whirlwind romance before Maxim left to spy for the Crown and returned to find Heather married to his father. Now Maxim must determine what Heather is hiding.
OPINION: The story line here is not surprising and almost everything is quickly disclosed to the reader (if not to the characters). A second chance at love for these two characters complicated by deceptions and lies and misunderstandings.
The story and the characters are not particularly deep, but sometimes an uncomplicated story makes a nice easy read. The characters were not stupid despite their misunderstandings and I liked that they quickly were able to unravel the secrets between them.
I liked Maxim as a character and thought that his darkness was actually what made the story interesting. This book reminds me of the category romances in the past (although more erotic and explicit) because of the simplicity of the story.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a novella.
CONNECTED BOOKS: WICKED DECEPTION is the fourth book in the Regency Sinners series. This is a series of books with the overarching storyline of the search for a woman traitor. While there is some connection between the books, this book can certainly be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
August 20, 2018
Another brilliant episode in the search for the lady committing treason against Crown and country.
This was a fast moving, page turner and I loved every moment of it.
The cutest little boy, a mother who has a secret, a lover who has returned from the wars who also hides his secret - it really shows that communication is a great solver of problems.
The story is well balanced and kept me in its clutches to the very end and I am quite happy to recommend it as a really good read.
This was a fast moving, page turner and I loved every moment of it.
The cutest little boy, a mother who has a secret, a lover who has returned from the wars who also hides his secret - it really shows that communication is a great solver of problems.
The story is well balanced and kept me in its clutches to the very end and I am quite happy to recommend it as a really good read.
July 29, 2020
LOVED this book! Some of the material may be difficult to read (the side-plot about Maxim’s imprisonment can get graphic). As usual with the series, explicit sexual content. However, I truly enjoyed this book. A great read!
December 5, 2017
Awesome Read
Loving this series. Love healing powers are so great. Can't wait for more!!!! Happy Reading. Get your copy today😀😀 It's a definite must read
Loving this series. Love healing powers are so great. Can't wait for more!!!! Happy Reading. Get your copy today😀😀 It's a definite must read
May 2, 2018
Does he or doesn't he?
Other excellent book! If you knew someone(knew as a lover) 5 years ago and then she married your father. That didn't go over well. Heat level is always hot!
Other excellent book! If you knew someone(knew as a lover) 5 years ago and then she married your father. That didn't go over well. Heat level is always hot!
September 29, 2018
A lovely story. 4☆
May 4, 2021
ARG! I wanted to like this story, no I wanted to LOVE this story but I had to stop reading it. This is the perfect example of a novel that had all of the pieces to be wonderful, jilted lovers, tragic past, romantic era, spies and intrigue. Yes...and had it gone through the ringer of a publishing house then the things that truly bugged me about this writing would have been fixed. I got almost halfway through and I just couldn't take anymore. This is the 2nd indie published book by this author I had to stop for this same reason.
I would highly suggest not wasting your time.
I would highly suggest not wasting your time.
November 23, 2017
Regency Sinners
As with the previous books in this series, I can't wait for the next & I keep reading over & over again. Absolutely heart stopping heroes along with quirky and faithful heroines. I am thrilled with each successive storyline and often don't see the twist until it hits me smack in the forehead. Five out of five stars without hesitation. Very well done!
As with the previous books in this series, I can't wait for the next & I keep reading over & over again. Absolutely heart stopping heroes along with quirky and faithful heroines. I am thrilled with each successive storyline and often don't see the twist until it hits me smack in the forehead. Five out of five stars without hesitation. Very well done!
July 30, 2020
This series just keeps on getting better
This is the forth book in a series that just keeps on getting better. The characters are portrayed wonderfully and the plot is brilliantly crafted. There are plenty of twists and turns, with some beautiful emotional moments. This book will suit all those that love steamy historical romances with lots of emotion.
This is the forth book in a series that just keeps on getting better. The characters are portrayed wonderfully and the plot is brilliantly crafted. There are plenty of twists and turns, with some beautiful emotional moments. This book will suit all those that love steamy historical romances with lots of emotion.
March 17, 2019
Love never a problem
Filled with the perfect amount of chemistry to make it sizzling. The more one reads the more intrigued we become with Maxim's and Heather's past and what shaped them. One thing was certain love was never a problem and neither was treason.
Filled with the perfect amount of chemistry to make it sizzling. The more one reads the more intrigued we become with Maxim's and Heather's past and what shaped them. One thing was certain love was never a problem and neither was treason.
November 26, 2018
Such a sweet story... I'm reading the books of this series in the right order but so far this was the one I liked best 👍
February 24, 2021
The characters act foolishly, repeatedly, but the story was still engaging. The first two books were better than these last two, in my opinion, but I haven't regretted reading any of them, and will continue on with the series.
December 4, 2018
Little predictable yet enduring! It's keeps you hooked and you will surely fall in love with Maxim and Heather!! It's worth the time and anxiety!
Want to Read
June 25, 2023Reading one a day keeps the doctor away!
September 19, 2024
Again a strong story with compelling characters but why the overarching traitor nonsense
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews