A Devious Secret

Gentlemen of London #6

by Laura Beers

Love can come in the least expected place, in the least expected ways.

Mr. Stephen Wycomb is utterly miserable as the unrelenting grief of his past failures in the Royal Navy continue to haunt him. After a failed attempt at a courtship, the only thing keeping him in London is to ensure his sister is happily settled with her new husband- a man he has an uneasy alliance with. He has sworn off marriage, but his determination sways when he is introduced to a strikingly beautiful young woman.

That beautiful young woman, Gemma, the Countess of Hawkinge, has been invited to spend the Season with her family in London now that she is finally out of mourning for her late husband. She jumps at the opportunity, hoping this trip will give her the reprieve she so desperately needs.

As Stephen and Gemma develop an easy friendship, she begins to wonder if there might be more happiness to life than she had previously thought. Yet nothing is as it seems. When the couple find themselves caught in a web of greed and deceit, they must determine whether they are willing to risk everything for a chance at true love.


As the sixth novel in an exciting series by author Laura Beers, A Devious Secret concludes the Gentlemen of London series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.

The series

Book 1- A Treacherous Engagement
Book 2- An Unlikely Plan
Book 3- A Perilous Circumstance
Book 4- A Precarious Gamble
Book 5- A Deadly Entanglement
Book 6- A Devious Secret

Other books by Laura Beers include The Beckett Files, Regency A Promise of Love, Proper Regency Matchmakers, Regency Spies & Secrets and Lords & Ladies of London.

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

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2023

About the author

Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing end to a wonderful series!! I loved seeing how Stephen and Gemma fit together and filled in what each was missing.

Stephen was a Captain in the Royal Navy and still feels guilty about the men who died when his ship was ambushed. He's visited the family of every man who died and feel somewhat relieved to find that one of his crew presumed dead is alive and well. Little does he know the dangers he'll find while tracking this man down. Stephen has sworn off love, but when he meets Gemma, a young widow who's visiting London for the season he might just change his mind on that matter.

Gemma, the Countess of Hawkinge, is finally out of official mourning for her husband and will spend the Season with her aunt and cousins in London. Her late husband's brother is none too pleased about it but Gemma is glad to be away from him. She doesn't think she'll love anyone other than her late husband but starts to question that when she begins to develop feelings for Stephen.

Both Gemma and Stephen learned they don't have to deal with their grief and problems by themselves. Stephen had friends to help him and Gemma had a loving family to help her. I loved Gemma and Evie's interactions as Evie is one of my favorite characters. In fact, I loved seeing all the characters from the previous books, it one of my favorite ways to end a series.

This is a Regency romance but there's also some intrigue, spies, a kidnapping, a chase and more. Each book can be a standalone but the thread of intrigue running through the series is enjoyed better when the books are read in order.

[Emily Cronk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay friends. We're back with another round of, "why in the world did it take me so long to find and read this book?!" Because let me tell y'all - A Devious Secret is so good!! So good, friends.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in this series, and A Devious Secret was no different. I'm fairly certain it has everything you could want in a book - a determined leading lady, a dashing hero, great character growth, good guys you can't help but cheer for, villains that deserve a facer or two or fifty, mystery, suspense, plot twists you didn't see coming, the sweetest romance.....seriously, what is there not to love here??

While I'm a little sad I'm finished with this series now, this book was the perfect ending. If y'all haven't read it yet, that needs to change. Pronto. Trust me friends, it is worth it. I have spoken.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely Regency tale, Stephen and Gemma slide together as friends before becoming romantic partners.

Read full review in the 2023 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Ashlyn Brownell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura knocked it out of the park! I loved Gemma and Stephen’s story and it was so fun to see previous characters come back into play. This one kept me turning the pages and eagerly waiting to see what would happen next. If you like regency with a mix of intrigue this is the book for you!

[Alicia Rivoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful tale by Laura Beers. She has a unique way of pulling you in from page one and doesn’t release you until the last word. (Sometimes even after that😉). Every time I pick up a Laura Beers novel, I know I’m in for a treat. I loved Stephen’s character. He is charming, kind, and brave. His demons haunt him, but with Gemma’s help, is able to find the light in the darkness. Gemma was brave, but held demons of her own and struggled to break free of the chains that held her captive. Both she and Stephen complimented one another in a way that made me smile and fall in love with them both. I’m sad this is the last book of the series, but I’m grateful I was able to read each of the books and look forward to any of Beers’ future works! Very well done.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Ending to a Wonderful Series. Each book in this series could be read as a stand alone story but the characters continue from book to book as well as some of the story plots. It is best if the stories are read in order to get the most out of the series. I loved that so many of the characters from previous books were in this last story.

Mr. Stephen Wycomb was introduced in the last story and he lost Miss Evie Ashmore, the woman he was coming to love, to another man. His sister, Marielle, is married to Lord Hugh Calvert, the one man he had gone to school with, that he couldn't stand. So he remained in London to ensure her happiness. As a former Royal Navy Captain, he cannot get over his grief and the feeling that he had failed his crew, as they were ambushed and killed by the French. He has made visits to the family of each crew member that he lost. When he finds out one of those presumed dead is actually still alive, he decides to track him down. He had no idea the danger this would involve and the help he would require by Lord Hawthorne and Lord Haddington.

After Stephen is rejected by Evie, he doesn't plan to marry but then while visiting his sister, he is introduced to the cousin of Lord Hawthorne and Lord Hugh, Gemma, the Countess of Hawkinge. She is a beautiful young woman who is a widow still getting over the death of her husband. Her aunt invited her to come to London for the season. Stephen can see the pain in her eyes and he begins to have feelings of protection for her. He even starts to dream of a future with her.

Gemma never planned on loving anyone but her departed husband, Baldwin. She is surprised by the new feelings she is having towards Stephen. Members of her family are determined that she has nothing to do with the wealthy business man, they deem far below her social status. Gemma will need to fight for the future she wants.

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

[Theresa Wachal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma and Stephan feel grief due to deathly secrets and mysteries. Her cousin and his sister give them opportunities for happiness among the members of Aunt Edith’s family. Both of them worry about their problems until they realize they are not alone in finding solutions. They are surrounded by couples who know wedded bliss and give them hope for the future. Most of the gentlemen seem to be part of some group covertly working for the Crown. Even the woman Stephan had courted before going into the Royal Family has married into this family who now helps him. Gemma and Stephan begin to open their hearts. Despite justified fear, they find the courage to overcome threats. The exciting plot includes murder, suicide, abduction, betrayal, and blackmail. In this story, the characters from the first five books come together. All of them are beguiling, admirable, intelligent, brave, honest, empathetic, and loving. I will truly miss this unique family !

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

"'There is no certainty in life, or in love,' Nathaniel advised. 'It takes but a moment to fall in love, but it takes years to truly understand what love is.'"
This was such a wonderful conclusion to a series that I have truly enjoyed! The author did an amazing job of each installment building on the other one, and allowing us the opportunity to see the characters and their stories build on each other's as well! Stephen and Gemma have both been hurt in the past by loss, and it was so beautiful to see how they leaned on each other to find a safe place in each other. The author has these gems of truth woven throughout the book that put into words the way that we feel and process life's difficulties and joys.
This group of friends were such a delight to get to know, and I would highly recommend each book in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It had everything going for it. Several sinister characters, a wonderful young widow, and a man sworn to never love again. I love this series. Each book has been so fun, and interesting to read. Reading as all the sworn bachelors , have lost their hearts to a woman worthy of them, and have made their lives much better. I gave it a 5. I encourage anyone who love a clean romance novel, from the regency era, that has really great characters, and each book a new story line, to read these in order. The books really set up such a great layered story, and best of all the characters from each novel have some part to play in the next book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma is a widow with an overprotective brother in law. When she leaves for a season in London, he is not happy. She meets Stephen, a wealthy gentleman who feels guilty over the loss of his crew. They become friendly but both are prisoners of their past. Gemma tries to help Stephen overcome his guilt while falling in love with him. When his feelings for Gemma become love there is a struggle due to their classes and a brother in law and her father who want to control her, they will have to now overcome those in opposition to them.

[Kerstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this conclusion to the series. It wasn't my favorite of the series, but there were several parts I liked. I loved seeing the returning characters. I highly recommend this series. Romance with suspense, but the suspense doesn't get graphic.

Clean!
Language/profanity: none
Sex/innuendo: only sweet kisses
Gore/Violence: Some fight scenes, but mild graphic in description
Dark/Creepy: none

[Christiane Robillard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

This was an enjoyable story, however, there were many shortcomings.

There were no nuances or subtlety in either the characters nor dialogue. Everyone was one-dimensional. All good or bad. People are not so linear. It made the story very artificial and stilted. The dialogue was unpolished, almost juvenile. And there were too many « Americanisms » to count! You could almost forget it was a « Regency » romance!

I enjoyed the storyline itself. It was imaginative and had the book been well written, it would have been extremely enjoyable, as the plot was intriguing and suspenseful. I expected more from this writer as I have read other books by Laura Beers and enjoyed them thoroughly.

[Shaylin Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this whole series! Each book was so well written. I am a little sad to see this series come to an end, but the ending was very satisfying.
I have read all the books but I think you could read this as a stand-alone although you will miss a few things.
This author does a great job having romance and and intrigue. I couldn’t predict how things would turn out. It was a very enjoyable read.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing book full of twists, turns and romance.
This book is really hard to put down. Once you start reading, you’re so drawn in you just want to keep reading a paragraph more, a page more, 10 more minutes, etc. It has twists and turns you simply don’t see coming, while a fun romance continues to play out. Gemma, Countess of Hawkinge, has been widowed a few years after her marriage. She now relies solely on the support of her brother-in-law, Henry, who makes her feel very uncomfortable with his comments and veiled suggestions. When she receives an invitation to visit her aunt in London, she jumps at the chance angering Henry who follows her to London. While in London she meets Stephen who owns a very profitable shipyard. Although neither Gemma nor Stephen are interested in a relationship, they soon find themselves drawn together. Both carry scars and pain from the past that need to be dealt with. And there are secrets they hold as well as secrets others do not want revealed that stand in their way. This is an intriguing book you are sure to enjoy. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way to end the series. All books can stand alone but better if read in order. This is Stephen's story. Stephen is battling guilt from losing so many of his crew members after a raid on his ship by the French. Gemma is battling grief from a beloved husband's passing. They just might be what the other needs to mend their hearts.
This book is full of interesting twists and turns. I loved each one. I would definitely recommend this series and this book.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential. The plot itself was fine, but the development was lacking. I don't like it when conflicts are introduced on one page and then resolved within a page or two without any real development. This book had a lot of that. Also, except for the storyline with the lieutenant, the characters really never did anything to resolve their own problems; instead, a problem would be mentioned and then later, someone would "confess" and that was that. It was really disappointing. If there is going to be a mystery element to a book, the characters should have to put forth some effort to solve the mystery, not just have the villain confess, in my opinion.

Another problem with this book was the dialogue. It was very choppy, yet repetitive. A character would say one thing and then when another character would offer another point of view, the first character would essentially say, "You think so? Oh, okay." It felt like the main characters, especially, could not think for themselves. But don't worry, if you missed what was said on one page, the character would repeat it all again at least two more times to other characters. Ugh.

For a love story, the main characters' relationship was way underdeveloped. It was a lot of "I wish he would confide in me" and "I really loved my deceased husband" and "I can't share my past," but none of the characters' feelings ever felt very developed or resolved. They just sort of stopped feeling that way I guess. Did Stephen and Gemma actually really get to know each other? I don't think so. There was no chemistry between them as far as I could tell.

I don't know, the whole book felt like I was reading a rough draft. Not sure why editors didn't ask for more development of characters, conflicts, resolutions - everything. Anyway, just my take on this one. I didn't read the other books in the series because this one sounded the most interesting and now I know not to read the others. So sorry for the unfavorable review. I have read other books by this author that I enjoyed much more.

[Sasha Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Gemma came to the realization that home wasn’t a place, but rather, a feeling. And when she was around Stephen, she felt at home.”

I greatly enjoyed Gemma and Stephen’s story. I loved that we got to see everyone return from the other books in the series. The banter between all the gentlemen at Whites was always a treat. I enjoyed seeing the family dynamics between Dinah, Evie, Marielle and Gemma. Seeing Stephen come to terms with his past and realize that some things were not his fault and beyond his control and allow himself to love was such a journey to read about. This series has definitely been a fun read.

*Though it took me a while to read it I was given an arc of this story, all opinions are my own*

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th and final book in The Gentlemen of London series and it might be my favorite in the series. Both Gemma and Stephen were facing loss, betrayal and unforgiveness but they found their way to each other even though others tore them apart. It does end on a happy note as they fought out of the battles they faced.

Two of my favorite quotes:

“My past does not define me or defeat me. It has only strengthened me,” Gemma responded. “Or at least that is what I keep telling myself. Perhaps one day it will ring true for me.”

“Forgiveness is a tricky thing,” he replied. “You can forgive someone without accepting their behavior or even trusting them. But you can forgive them for you so you can let go and move on with your life.”

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story in The Gentlemen of London series. Author, Laura Beers definitely knows how to write a gripping, adventurous, and swoony romance. There are many twists, and turns that I didn’t see it coming, holding my attention till the very end. I liked that Gemma wanted to fight for what she wanted and was willing to stand up for herself. How many of us have self doubt, yet find ways to over come it, as Stephen did. I loved the familiar characters from previous books are. This can be read as a standalone, but knowing the background of some of the side characters makes it all the better. I have loved this whole series and recommend reading all of the books.

[Terressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure this is my favorite book in the entire series! Two characters facing grief and an unknown future help each other to see a positive and happy life. The trials and friendship that bring them together are tender and sweet. I absolutely loved this one! Laura Beers is a genius when it comes to mixing spy, adventure and romance in one story.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book, with some mystery and intrigue, an unassuming hero, a widow who needs to get away, and just lots of caring family and friends. The interactions were entertaining with banter and humor in some places and heartwarming and poignant at other times. Family neglect and improper advances also part of the story. Really a well told story and it definitely held my attention. Worth reading for sure! A stand alone story but it would be a good thing to read the other 5 books in the series.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A widow and a Naval captain who was now a man of trade. Stephen had served the crown admirably but when his ship was attacked and sunk by the French it left scars not only on his body but on his soul for the crew he lost.
Gemma had been deeply in love with her husband Baldwin but he died suddenly about a year ago. She had been living off the charity of her brother-in-law Henry. He was not unkind but he was a little too touchy. She decided to go to London to visit her cousins, one of which was newly married.

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sea captain and a widow

Gemma is grieving the loss of her dear husband. Her father has never shown her any live.

Gemma is invited to live with her aunt during the Season. Gemma sees that her aunt and her cousins care for her very much.

Stephen is grieving the loss of all of his ship. He is determined to visit all the families to express his deepest sympathy.

Both Gemma and Stephen find solace I'm their friendship. The path to romance is filled with struggles and danger.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just perfection as a series conclusion!

After meeting the MC Stephen in some of the previous novels, I always held a strangely curious interest in him as he was always alluring, but kind of gruff and stand-offish. But to finally see his story laid out and his adoration for Gemma was heartwarming. These were two characters perfectly paired together with a story that was not only romantic, but the air of mystery involved was engaging as well.

Cannot wait for Laura's next release!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by this author. While they all have similar storylines (man who doesn’t want to marry meets a woman who has just been through a rough situation meet and fall in love. Just as they are about to get engaged,the woman is kidnapped by a triangle lover to be rescued by her lover and friends), I do enjoy the character build up and the storyline of how it all happens. Thank you for another good story.

[Caroline Pressley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I have truly loved reading this series! I am sad that it is over now, but this definitely won’t be my last read of a Laura Beer’s book. I thought this book with a perfect ending to this series.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. I loved Stephen and Gemma’s story! My heart broke for Gemma and Stephen’s separate storylines. But I loved there coming together and learning to trust/love again.

[Karen D. Heberling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last book in the series

I am duly impressed with Laura Beers creation. Her characters are complex, and her plots imaginative and well planned out. I enjoyed the dialogue in this series; There were many chuckles. Clean enough for tweens as long as they aren’t squeamish about violence and people being shot and killed.

[Tammy L. Bethune · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm…not as good as the rest…

The ending of the Gentlemen of London series - sadly it seemed rather rushed & redundant. The story of sea captain Stephen & a beautiful widow. Stephen can’t seem to move beyond his past and the widow Gemma wonders if she’s allowed to move on. Some intrigue & twists but dialogue rather stiff. Clean read with predictable happy ending.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited that Stephen got a story! I enjoyed this sweet regency romance with a side of mystery and intrigue!

*note -this book can be read as a stand alone but will make more sense when read in order

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new good story from this series and from a great author!
I love Stephen and and Gemma and the premise for this book is just so good!

I've been loving every book in this series and this one doesnt disappoint!