Earl of Deception

Sisterhood of Secrets #4

by Jennifer Monroe

Jennifer Monroe spins a tantalizing tale of two very unlikely lovers in this intriguing friends-to-lovers Regency romance between a young beauty and a scarred beast of an earl, who is dead-set on vengeance.

To get his revenge, he needs a bride...

Nicholas, Lord Dowding, is a dangerous and reckless man. For more than five years, revenge has been the earl's only goal as he traveled England seeking to ruin the lives of those who once wronged his family.

Earning himself the moniker "Earl of Deception" for his deadly, scheming ways, Nicholas is close to putting the past to rest once and for all. The only problem? He'll need a woman by his side to do it.

To play the role of a lifetime, she'll bargain her heart…

Her education could never have prepared the romantic dreamer Miss Jenny Clifton, for a man like Nicholas. When the earl arrives at the school to call in a favor she never expected to have to repay, Jenny is quickly caught up in a dangerous game where she must first pose as his fiancée.

Nicholas is dashing but ruthless, and his heart is heavily scarred by his past. But Jenny can't help but be drawn to this man who blazes with passion wherever he goes.

The greatest deception of all…

She's just a lovestruck silly schoolgirl who owes him a favor. Their burgeoning friendship is a bonus, but what he requires of her is strictly business. It's a simple enough plan—in theory.

…Is between a man and his unruly heart.

But Nicholas finds Jenny is one entanglement he cannot easily escape. While the girl is vexingly naive and innocent, she also burns with a beauty and sensuality that makes his heart beat faster. Soon Nicholas finds himself brought to his knees by a woman who holds a power even greater than that of deception: love.

Genres: Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction

311 pages, ebook

First published August 1, 2022

About the author

Jennifer Monroe writes sweet Regency Romance you can’t resist. Her stories are filled with first loves and second chances with dashing dukes and strong heroines. Each turn of the page promises an adventure in love and many late nights of reading.
Not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, A Lady’s Promise, from my website and have it delivered to your inbox today!

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Jill booksandescape · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.

Earl of Deception by Jennifer Monroe is the fourth book of the Sisterhood of Secrets. Nicholas, Lord Dowding, has spent the last five years of his life bent on revenge. He seeks to financially ruin everyone who wronged his family. He has one target left, but to take him down he will need a fiancée. Miss Jenny Clifton had no idea the Earl of Deception would actually come calling in the favor she owed him. She quickly gets caught up in Nicholas’ scheme as his fake fiancée. Jenny is eager to prove to herself and others that she is no longer a naive schoolgirl. The pair form a powerful friendship that yearns to grow into something more. But Nicholas has been burned by love in the past, leaving him afraid to risk his heart. As they grow ever closer, Nicholas must overcome his past and accept true love with Jenny.

Jennifer Monroe has written another charming historical romance full of adventure and wit. I love the focus on friendship between the Sisters. I look forward to the next story!

[Romancing the Duchess - Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Review
I keep hoping that this series will get better because I will enjoy the connection and weaving together of the characters happy ever afters...but I just don't. Maybe it is that they are clean romances, but I also just don't feel the passion or love between Nicholas and Jenny. And some of the plot is just silly to me. Nicholas is avenging the death of his sister, a sister he didn't know and had never met. I can get behind a good revenge plot, but this felt flaky and then he wouldn't contemplate a relationship with Jenny due to said revenge. It may also be that they both just seemed so immature even though they were supposed to be portrayed as just having become a woman and graduating from the finishing school.

I did finish the book as I hate to DNF a book, let alone an ARC. But I just didn't enjoy it very much.

Tropes
Historical Romance, Georgian Romance, Country Life, Gamma Hero, Titled Hero, Dresses as Male, Virgin Heroine, Clean Romance, Fake Relationship, Revenge Trope

[Heather Moll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nicholas, Lord Dowding, has a reputation for deceiving people and is bent on revenge. Nicholas is close to putting the past to rest, but he needs a woman to pose as his fiancée to help him in his final scheme. Jenny Clifton is love struck and naïve when Nicholas arrives at her school to call in a favor. 

This is fourth in a series of schoolgirls but I never thought you had to read the others to read this one.

I was hoping to see a burgeoning friendship unfold while a clever scheme played out. But I was bored with the slow pace and dull characters. I was skimming pretty early on. The 1806 setting doesn’t exactly come alive.

Nicholas knows he’s using Jenny’s crush on him to get what he wants. And she is painfully immature. Their characters arcs are flat and their motivations didn’t always make sense. I couldn’t connect with either of them.

I received an arc from NetGalley

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Nicholas, Lord Dowding, has become known as ‘The Earl of Deception' because for more than five years, revenge has been the earl's only goal as he travelled England seeking to ruin the lives of those who once wronged his family. Nicholas is close to putting the past to rest once and for all. The only problem? He'll need a woman by his side to do it. Miss Jenny Clifton is a dreamer. When the earl arrives at the school to call in a favour she never expected to have to repay, Jenny is quickly caught up in a dangerous game where she must first pose as his fiancée. Nicholas finds Jenny is one entanglement he cannot easily escape. While the girl is vexingly naive and innocent, she also burns with a beauty and sensuality that makes his heart beat faster.
This is the fourth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I really liked Nicholas who was carrying out his father’s final wish & seeking revenge on those who hurt & abused a family member. I liked Jenny but found her very immature. I also didn't feel much chemistry between the pair, they became friends but I found it hard to believe they fell in love. That said I did enjoy the book but I didn’t burn to read it in a sitting & I felt the villain didn’t get his just desserts & neither did a villainess
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so Jenny is the fourth ‘sister’ who heeds the summons to be at her ill old headmistress’ side. As with the others in this series, she is requested to tell her story of finding love. Jenny, a student at Mrs. Rutley’s School for Young Women, and Nicholas, the Earl of Dowding, met when he retrieved and returned her handkerchief to her. Later, when he found himself in need of a fake fiance, she came to mind. For five years Nicholas had been engaged in seeking revenge against a group of unscrupulous men. The final victim was within his grasp, but he needed Jenny’s help to clinch the deal. What follows is a romantic tale with an undercurrent of danger. An old lover rears her ugly head; a mysterious and unseen gentleman sends letters of instruction; and a vile man may just get away with human trafficking. Nicholas goes through an emotional evolution as he truly learns what it is like to be in love. Jenny strives to prove that she is more than just a naive schoolgirl. This story runs the emotional gamut, has romantic and humorous moments, a few twists and surprises (wait until you see what happens with Abigail) and is truly a delightful read. Such a good series! Louisa is up next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

After twenty years, Jenny, Countess of Dowding, has returned to Mrs. Rutley's School for Young Women. Mrs. Rutley is very ill. She asks Jenny to tell her story of how a handkerchief helped in meeting Nicolas, Earl of Dowding. Nicolas is on a mission of revenge using deception. After five years of destroying four men, he has one more to go. Jenny dreams of marriage for love and children. Meeting Nicolas, Jenny knows he could be the one. Nicholas may be afraid of love, but he can't let her go. She is willing to help in anyway she can in bringing down his last victim, but a woman in his past tries to come between them. A very interesting approach to tell the stories of how each young lady in the group of "sisters" finds love. If it's anything I dislike is an empty-headed young lady. Not so with Jenny. She is very smart and wise beyond her eighteen years.
Kisses and embracing only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the Sisterhood of Secrets series, the previous three are available on Kindle Unlimited and this one will be available on Kindle Unlimited on publication day. They can all be read as a stand-alone book.

I feel like the Regency Romance genre is having a renaissance since Bridgerton burst onto our Netflix screens during the pandemic and I’m here for it as I love it!.

I just knew this book was going to be good when the Prologue started Chatsworth, England 1825.

It was an entertaining romp through a courtship with a twist that I enjoyed so much , I just love this type of book and if you love Regency Romance you’ll enjoy it too.

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming addition to this delightful series!

This is Jenny & Nicholas's story that Jenny tells at the bedside of her old headmistress who is ill.
Jenny is young and a dreamer and she has dreamed of Nicholas ever since they met by chance years
ago.

Nicholas has been on a quest to revenge the people who had wronged his family. He realizes he needs a "wife" to put in action his next plan. Jenny comes to mind and he request she pretend to be his wife.
As these two are around each other, it seems love just might grow and the pretense become real!

Sweet romance.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice Prevails!
This was a very enjoyable and entertaining story about the ladies from the 'Sisterhood of Secrets' and I loved it so much.
In it Jenny and Nicholas find themselves falling in love but first they have to overcome the powers of a very evil man and destroy him so he can no longer harm anyone else.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary review is recorded above.

[Shar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little romance but it was a bit slow for me at first. I find myself more enthralled by the bits and pieces of Ms. Rutley's story that comes together in each book. I liked the plot and appreciated the romance that was growing between the couple but I did hate the lack of communication that turned into problems. I felt as if the book could have been shorter if they had just communicated a bit more.


I received an ARC of The Earl of Deception by Jennifer Monroe from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. I enjoyed the other two books I read in the Sisterhood of Secrets series (#1 & #3), but I can’t help noticing my reviews earn fewer stars each time I read one of her books. It makes me hesitant to read the next one. It also makes me wonder whether the first was as good as I thought at the time.

This one is about Jenny and Nicholas Dowding, the Earl of Deception. As usual, the male lead is given a clever moniker that barely represents the reality of who he is. In one of the previous books, Jenny threw her handkerchief over her shoulder to represent an end to unnecessary flirtations and the beginning of maturity. Nicholas picked it up and exacted a promise from her to help him at some future date. Neither can get the other out of their minds and eventually, Nicholas decides to cash in on the promise in this book.

Jenny has been enamored with Nicholas since their first meeting, to the point that her internal dialogue is rife with schoolgirl fantasies of happily-ever-after with him. Granted, she is a school girl, but she is on the verge of leaving school, and I would have expected a bit more maturity and less impulsiveness. In his relationship with Jenny, Nicholas, although motivated by the desire to exact revenge from his enemies based on his father’s deathbed wishes, is primarily driven by his reluctance to fall in love because he was once hurt. Who hasn’t been? His reaction seemed a bit histrionic to me.

Both characters lack depth, although Nicholas is a bit more realistic. Jenny’s head seems to be filled with air, peppered with hopes, dreams, and suspicions. She jumps from believing Nicholas loves her to thinking he is using her, simply based upon whatever circumstances within which she finds herself. One moment, she is impervious to the implied duplicity of Nicholas made by Lady Ayes, the one who broke his heart. The next moment, she has fallen for it hook, line, and sinker for the lies and refuses to allow him to explain.

And the exclamation points! I feel certain I’ve mentioned this in the past, but there are entirely too many exclamation points in this book! An author should be able to convey emotions without resorting to punctuation to do so! Maybe try using some action verbs, or simply allow the words to speak for themselves!

I’m tempted to give this book only two stars, but I’ll err on the side of generosity. Still, I cannot recommend it.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this series is that you start off each story knowing that the H and h have gotten married but then you get to hear how their romance came about, as the h tells her story to her former school mates and their headmistress. Each story works well as a stand alone although there are some discussions about situations in past stories. There's some drama and suspense as the couple works out situations that may interfere with their getting together.

This latest story begins with a plot of revenge which throws you a little off about the character of the H, Nicholas, Lord Dowding, but as time goes on you will discover he is not who people believe him to be. He is called the Earl of Deception by those around him and they believe he killed his father or was it a woman? He has been working for five years to avenge a terrible wrong done to someone in his family. He is so close to giving retribution to each person involved in the scandal but the last man he is trying to deal with believes he has a fiance and now he must produce a woman to act the role. That's when a young naive girl he met in the past comes back to his mind. She had promised him a favor but could he ask her to act as his fiance knowing it may ruin her reputation?

Miss Jenny Clifton, has finished her schooling and will be leaving the institution as soon as her parents return from a trip abroad. She has done some foolish things over the years but she has finally matured from a girl into a woman. She had met Nicholas a few months ago and made a reckless promise to give him a favor if asked. When he comes to the school to seek her out she is amazed he has come for that very thing. She knows she won't refuse what he asks because she is very enamored with him.

This sets off a series of meetings with the earl which leaves Jenny wondering where she stands with him. Is she just a friend to him or is he denying the growing feelings that are between them? Will she discover that he really is the Earl of Deception?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the story of Jenny Clifton, a rather naive, romantic young woman who followed the ill-advice of her sister in how to attract men, namely by drawing their attention by tossing handkerchiefs at them. She vowed to leave such silly mechanisms behind her, and through one last act to show that was the case, she tossed her handkerchief over her shoulder... which ironically brought her the attention of Nicholas, Lord Dowding, who picked it up and gave it back to her.

There are a lot of rumours about why Nicholas is knows as the Earl of Deception, including how he murdered his father. The truth is that he is engaged in a long game of finding and bringing down people who were involved in the destruction of one of his family, in honour of one of his father's dying wishes. He is near the end of his road to revenge, needing to bring down one last person on his list, a Lord Tulk. However, to draw him out, Nicholas must find a woman to act as his faux fiancee, and thinks of the lovely Jenny. He is conflicted however, when Jenny seems to naive, and innocent for his plots. However he cannot help but be drawn in by her loveliness and innocence as well.

I did not love the story of Nicholas and Jenny's romance; namely as I found Jenny to be too girlish, naive, and innocent. However, I am still drawn by the overarching back story of Mrs Rutley... she is still a mystery and with each Sister's story, more of her story is drawn out, and that is the endgame for me - WHAT IS UP WITH MRS. RUTLEY!!!!!! I NEED TO KNOW HER DEAL!!!

3.25 stars out of 5.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Sweet Love Story

Nicholas Dowding known to some as the Earl of Deception was on a mission to get revenge from five men who had wronged his family. Four down and one to go, he needed a make believe fiancée to move forward to his next target. Miss Jenny Clifton resided at Mrs Rutley’s School for Young Women and had previously dropped her handkerchief. Nicholas had picked it up and made her promise to do him a favour if ever he requested it of her.

Nicholas now needed a make believe fiancée to carry out the last part of his revenge and decided to pretend to woo Jenny into his make believe fiancée. Jenny was a dreamer and her heart’s desire was to be loved by a man, have children and live happily together.

Nicholas found that he could not deceive Jenny and destroy her innocence, he wanted to protect her and her innocence so agreed that they should be friends. Still fighting his feelings for her he asked as a friend if she would pretend to be his fiancée at his masquerade ball he was holding.
A beautiful well written clean romantic story about finding that perfect someone, even in the midst of revenge! Nicholas and Jenny were perfect for each other and I really enjoyed their journey.

I loved the secondary character of Mr Thomas who had helped Nicholas gain his revenge for the last five years. What a twist with plenty of intrigue and mystery. I can’t wait for Louisa’s story!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE READ AND SERIES!!! Earl of Deception by Jennifer Monroe is book 4 in the Sisterhood of Secrets series and though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. What I just love about this story and series is that the headmistress of a school for young ladies has fallen ill and each lady is to tell her their love story of years ago and how the headmistress help them to find their love. Jennifer has such an amazing talent in writing these stories and such a creative imagination…. I am in awe. I have now read all 4 of the Sisterhood of Secrets and have loved every one of them including Earl of Deception. This story was just too charming for word and I found it easy to read, very vivid descriptions, original, wonderful characters, had the real feel of the regency era and just a true delight to read. This story has a a lady about to leave the school as she is now finished, an Earl that is set on revenge, a father’s last dying wish, a sister that makes outlandish advice on how to catch a man, a lady that is evil and only thinks of herself, blackmail, 5 gentlemen that used a servant disgustedly, death, schemes, dressing as a man, secrets, romantic adventures, affair to to fall in love, students that form a sisterhood and always willing to help, a vow misunderstandings and falling in love. I am highly recommending you read this book… as I said it was just a true delight to read!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have loved all the books of the Sisterhood of Secrets. Each sister’s story has been fun to read about and has varied so much from the other stories. I love the idea of school friends forming a sisterhood that endures time.
This book is no exception to the enjoyment I have had reading this series. Jenny has been impulsive in the past, but has worked to become what every young lady hopes to achieve. She sets her sights on the “Earl of Deception” and discovers who he really is and what he stands for. She wants so much to trust him and give her heart to him but he seems to be holding back a lot of secrets of his own.
The Earl has had a hard time since his father died. He made a promise to him that has exacted a high price to fulfill. He also became entangled with a conniving, selfish woman who has come to create more trouble for him and his future. What is he to do when he wants to move forward and look to the future, but his past is holding him back?
Amongst all the pressures and time demands I couldn’t put the book down. I knew how things would end, but I had to know how I would get to the ending. A little mystery, a lot of intrigue, mountains of trust, and a blossoming love.
If you enjoy a clean romance with more to the story, you will love this book and the series of “Sisterhood of Secrets”.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sisterhood of Secrets has been such a delightful series to read so far and I can tell you this latest addition was no different. It might even be my favorite so far. It is now Jenny's turn to tell her old headmistress her story of love.
Nicolas' focus for so long had been avenging his family members who have been wronged. When he is close to fulfilling his father's wish, he seeks out Jenny's help, who he had met briefly before. She is quite taken with him and agrees to help him in his mission. Despite all the danger that surrounds them, a wonderful romance develops between them. What starts out as an act becomes all too real.
The danger and mystery interwoven with romance kept me turning the pages and it was so easy to get caught up in the adventure and suspense of it all.
The story is captivating and pulls you in right from the start. I liked how the characters were well-developed and I became invested in their story from the beginning. The storyline had a nice flow and the plot twists kept me turning the pages. The story has a nice combination of romance, drama, danger, and intrigue and it was a very entertaining and enjoyable story. I can't wait for the next installment!
I received a complimentary copy from Wolf Publishing and the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a friends to lovers tale that is most intriguing.
Jennifer Monroe has written an new episode in this tale that extends from a school for girls.
To get his revenge, he needs a fiancée...
Nicholas, Lord Dowding, is a dangerous and reckless man. For more than five years, revenge has been the earl's only goal as he traveled England seeking to ruin the lives of those who once wronged his family.
Earning himself the moniker "Earl of Deception" for his deadly, scheming ways, Nicholas is close to putting the past to rest once and for all. The only problem? He'll need a woman by his side to do it.
To play the role of a lifetime, she'll bargain her heart...
Her education could never have prepared the romantic dreamer Miss Jenny Clifton,, for a man like Nicholas. When the earl arrives at the school to call in a favor she never expected to have to repay, Jenny is quickly caught up in a dangerous game where she must first pose as his fiancée.
Nicholas is dashing but ruthless, and his heart is heavily scarred by his past when he asks Jenny to pose as his fiancée.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agnes Rutley, Headmistress of Miss Rutley’s Finishing School for Young Women, is quite ill and has called her girls, the Sisterhood of Secrets, back to her side. She asks each of the women to tell her a story, the story of how they fell in love. It’s Jenny’s turn to tell the tale of how she and Nicholas, Lord Dowding (known as the Earl of Deception) found their happily ever after.

Nicholas has worked hard to take down the vile men who were responsible for the death of the sister he never met, and countless others. For his plan for the last man on his list, he needs a wife or at least a fiancée, not a real one. He decides to ask Jenny Clifton, a young woman from Mrs. Rutley’s school whom he met quite by accident, to help him with his plan. She agrees. The plan is good; the problem is that Nick and Jenny like each other and their feelings are growing. Perhaps when the task is done, the pretending will become real. Secrets, misunderstandings, and doubt planted by one of the villains might ruin everything,
A mysterious person gives them the chance to talk. It might be just what they need to find their happily ever after. A wonderful addition to the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Donique Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenny Countess of Dowding…returns to the school she attended as a girl to see her sick former headmistress, school, she has set her sights on the earl and is determined to have him. Nicholas…Earl of Dowding..mission to avenge his dead sister, not looking to settle down and definitely not fall in love. As with the other books in this series (Sisterhood of Secrets) this story is told as a memory through storytelling. It is the h who is the aggressor and not the H. Of course our h is very naïve in her pursuit, so there I a great deal of emotional misunderstandings. The lack of straight communication is the problem here, the H and h are not both jumping to conclusions that creates more problems. This is pretty much a clean romance novel, there is some kissing. I was a little disappointed by this story in the series I felt as if something was missing so the ending felt kind of rushed. Overall, it was a cute story and interesting premise.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off do read in order, will make more sense since one story blends into the next. It is all centered around a girls finishing school, present and flashback to past. A Sisterhood of Secrets was formed by a select group of students and their Headmistress, with the promise of being there when one is needed. With the Headmistress gravely ill, one by one the girls return and tell their story per her request. This is Jenny story and how she fell in love with Nicholas. It’s a story of trust, revenge and righting a wrong. Jenny and Nicholas have developed a friendship, Jenny is patient but wants more. Nicholas is afraid, but also need’s Jenny help to honor his father dying wish. A slow building romance to get to their HEA.
I enjoyed reading this since now I have read the previous books in the series. As I stated before, a prologue of how the Sisterhood of Secrets was formed would be great. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #EarlofDeception #SisterhoodofSecrets

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth installment of the Sisterhood of Secrets series. Nicholas is the Earl of Deception who made a promise to his father to find his half sister. Unfortunately by the time he finds where she is - she has died. Nicholas goes on a mission to find the men responsible and avenge his sister. He needs to be engaged to complete his mission. Jenny Clifton is a young woman to promised to help Nicholas if he ever asks for help.

Soon Jenny and Nicholas are involved in a plan to punish the last of the men who caused the death of Nicholas's sister. Jenny is young and a little silly as the story starts but does slowly grow and matures as she works to help Nicholas. As for his part, Nicholas comes to truly care for Jenny

It was interesting to see how the characters grew and changed as part of the story. I was not sure at first if I liked the characters but I did find by the end of the story that I really enjoyed it.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earl of deception Jennifer Monroe
I received this eBook from the publishers. This review is my own.

5his the fourth book in the series of sisterhood of secrets.
Jenny is coming to the end of her school life and
must become a lady not a child. In the temp to proof this she throws her handkerchief over her shoulder and walks away. Only to be called by the Earl of deception, Nicholas Downing. Upon receiving her handkerchief from him he requests I promise in return.

Nicholas is a troubled man he has secrets that's all him, the promise but he made to his father upon his deathbed to avenge a sister he did not know he had.

Throughout the story Nicholas and Jenny become close but can their affection for each other have a happy ending or will old flames and Nicolas secrets keep them apart.

I enjoyed the story more more than the other three, I think it was because we did not have the first few chapters outlining the friends relationship to each and the headmistress.

[Beverly Manring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an early copy in exchange for an honest review. I love love historical fiction and this one checked all the boxes for me. Attraction at first sight. Check! Jennifer is ready to graduate from a girls finishing school. Jenny throws her handkerchief behind her Nicholas, known as The Earl of Deception, picks it up and promptly returns it to Jennifer. It Is attraction at first sight. Check! This is the beginning of the suspenseful part. Nicholas is the subject of tall tales gossip which Jenny plans to peel the layers off one by one. First they decide to pretend to be engaged and attend a masquerade ball. Alas another deception,one completed together. Check! Then there is the proverbial misunderstandings. Check! Will they or won’t they be together in the end? You will just have to read for yourself. Great rainy weekend read. Yes,yes,yes! I would recommend to everyone who enjoys a fun romance. Thanks to #NetGalley,#WOLFPublishing, #JenniferMonroe, and #EarlOf Deception for the opportunity to review early.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can the Earl of Deception put aside his mask for the one woman that can set his world to right?
I have really enjoyed the series. You don't need to read the previous books in order to enjoy this one. (Although I recommend it, the rest are really good too.) The Sisterhood of Secrets every young lady has her secret including the head Mistress. As these tales unfold its is wonderful to see the girls grow and find their love and how it comes to be. There is intrigue and a little bit of action and of course a clean love story. As this young lady discovered there has to be honesty in order for love to bloom. I think that was my favorite part of the book. How and why she discovers this truth.

I recieved a free copy so that I can tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an interesting story. Jenny met in Marquess of Magic and she made a promise which she is to keep in this book. Lord Dowding has promised his father before he died that he would find his half sister. She is dead and it was a very bad life that brought her to this end. He has ruined the men ho had a hand in it. A Mystery Man who won't make his face known but has helped him in every other way.
Jenny is to help him by acting as his fake fiancee. In the process she comes to care for him and he for her. He is trying to keep himself as he has to complete the promise to his father before he can marry.
Jenny is able to believe the rumors about him. He has to convince her they are not true.

[Ghazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The Earl of Deception by Jennifer Monroe from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is the first book I have read by this author.  I can't wait to read the previous books in this series as well as the upcoming books.
Nicholas, Earl of Dowding, dubbed Earl of Deception, is a jaded man who neither believes in love anymore nor in the truthfulness of people. He is out for revenge against the men who were involved in the death of his sister. Jenny Clifton is naive and young, but had an abundance of common sense. Both Nicholas and Jenny have an immediate attraction to each other because of their beauty, but soon come to learn the beauty that is beheld in their personalities.  A nice book to read!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl's Plan for Revenge . . .

This story shows the power of love and how it can change everything. Nicholas, Lord Dowding, known as the Earl of Deception, is on a mission of revenge. He had promised his father he would locate his half-sister but he was too late by the time he found out her fate. Now he must make those responsible pay for her death.

To carry out his plan, he requires a fiancée. Infatuated by the Earl, Jenny Clifton had promised a favor, to assist him when he requests help, and he now collects on that debt. Will the two of them get justice for Nicholas’ sister? Or will their time together draw them closer until they discover they have fallen in love with each other? Will they seek their own HEA? Or simply go their separate ways?

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave Jenny

On the mission he undertook five years ago, Nicholas, Lord Downding did not count on the possibility of finding Miss Jennifer Clifton.

Jenny is young and naive but at the same time she is decisive, determined and goes in search of what she wants. And what she wants is his heart.

He seeks to avenge his family and is at the last goal of his plan but he didn't expect to find someone she would show smart, creative, courageous and willing to make sacrifices to help those she loves.

Another student with unique characteristics inspired by the teachings of Mrs. Ruthley who again secretly contributes to the good of all.

Great series!

4.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Monroe is back with her fourth installment in the Sisterhood of Secrets series. This novel follows Jenny, a naïve, but wising up, young woman who has decided to stop her silly ways. To make the point, she tosses her handkerchief over her shoulder to say "I am done with this silliness." However, unbeknownst to her, Lord Nicholas Dowding, is behind her. He has quite the reputation in town, known as the Earl of Deception, the rumors that swirl are not flattering. He hands the handkerchief back to Jenny and there is a spark.

As time passes and the two become friends, secrets and fears come out and can the two find their way to a happily ever after?