Necessary Deception, A: A Novel

The Daughters of Bainbridge House #1

by Laurie Alice Eakes

When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages. While she should be focused on helping her headstrong younger sister prepare for her entré into London society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting her family in danger?

Readers will enjoy being drawn into this world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades. Author Laurie Alice Eakes whisks readers through the drawing rooms of London amid the sound of rustling gowns on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past and let love guide the future.

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

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

Laurie Alice Eakes used to lie in bed as a child telling herself stories so she didn’t wake anyone else up. Sometimes she shared her stories withothers; thus, when she decided to be a writer, she surprised no one. Family Guardian, her first book, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007. In the past three years, she has sold six books to Baker/Revell, five of which are set during the Regency time period, four books to Barbour Publishing, as well as two novellas to Barbour Publishing and one to Baker/Revell. Seven of her books have been picked up by Thorndike Press for large print publication, and Lady in the Mist, her first book with Revell, was chosen for hardcover publication with Crossings Bookclub. She also teaches on-line writing courses and enjoys a speaking ministry that has taken her from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast.
Laurie Alice lives in Texas with her husband, two dogs and two cats, and is learning how to make tamales.

You can learn more about her and her work at http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUMMARY: When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages. While she should be focused on helping her headstrong younger sister prepare for her entrance at her debutante ball.

Readers will enjoy being drawn into this world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades. Author Laurie Alice Eakes whisks readers through the drawing rooms of London amid the sound of rustling gowns on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past and let love guide the future.

REVIEW: This was a new-to-me author, and I guarantee it won't be the last book I read by Laurie Alice Eakes. Her historical fiction is packed with detail, intrigue, mystery, romance and surprises. Definitely a fast-paced read for regency fiction.

The two main characters were so strong yet very realistic. Both Lydia and Christien were fighting the same battles of spirit - letting go and letting God rather than controlling people and situations themselves. I did at times get frustrated with Lydia in that she kept repeating the same mistakes over and over. But, in the end, she did learn from them. Lydia's sisters added a delightful counterpoint with their actions and problems. Overall a well developed plot from start to finish.

I can't wait to read Book 2 which will again focus on the three sisters.

FAVORITE QUOTES:
"Novels are called fiction for a reason child.....Life isn't like that at all."

"He (God) forgave human shortcomings, so one should forgive oneself for them too."

"Sometimes we have to put the good of many over--over the good of one person or a few."

"Their (children) futures are in God's hands and the hands of God's caretakers on earth -- your parents."

"..God loves you whether or not you are what others think is a good wife or daughter or sister,"

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

I’ve read several of the books Laurie Eakes has published over the past few years, and all were very good and beautifully written. When I first heard about this new series that begins with A Necessary Deception, I was eager to find out what new adventure Laurie would think up next! To my delight, this book did not disappoint my expectations in the slightest—in fact, I thought it was the best one she’s written yet!

Lady Lydia Gale made a wonderful heroine. I love the mystery in everything: from Lydia’s previous marriage to Christien current lifestyle! Both of Lydia’s sisters (Cassandra and Honore) added a great mix into this cast of delightful characters—and ensured that Lydia was forever trying to undo some damage either Cassandra or Honore had done!

The Regency era isn’t my usual reading genre, but I do enjoy diving into that oh-so intriguing time period. I am convinced I could never live in that day and age—what with all the high society do’s and don’t’s, I would scandalize myself on the first day without even knowing it! But it is really interesting to read. Secrets and scandal seem to abound, and gossipers were in there element among those of high society. Taken into consideration that Laurie wrote a part intrigue, part mystery novel with A Necessary Deception, she couldn’t have picked a more perfect time period!

I admit I was surprised when this book turned out to be just as much a suspense/mystery novel as a Regency romance. What a wonderful combination! From almost the first chapter, Laurie draws her readers in with the puzzling question of who the person is who is blackmailing Lydia. And from that point on, the suspense and romance (oh yeah!) continue to build.

The dangers that Lydia and Christien continually face as they try to find the blackmailer and the traitor in their midst make for several heart-pounding moments. Since everything in their society is oh-so proper, that first kiss between them is long awaited. But when it does come, boy was that a scene!! A Necessary Deception has a wonderful mixture woven into a strong plot—suspense, intrigue, romance, action, mystery…everything this bookworm loves!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This and many other reviews can be found on my blog at www.brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com

A Necessary Deception was a great ride back into the past. The author did a wonderful job of describing life in the ton and life in general back in the regency time period in England. This first book in the series follows widow Lydia Bainbridge as she tries to determine truth from lies and protect her family, while also staying true to England.

Lydia finds herself in quite a predicament when she is blackmailed by spies and forced to help them gain entrance to society. She is further dismayed to realize that she is having trouble determining who is truly working for England and who is looking to undermine it. She finds herself drawn to a French man, Christien, but is unsure of whether he is able to be trusted.

There is much to love about this book. The descriptions of the time period, the frustrations that Lydia faces in dealing with her sisters’ activities and bad choices, the guilt that Lydia bears over what she deems her failure as a wife, and the danger that follows Lydia and those she cares about all add up to a most appealing novel.

I am rating this book at 4 stars because it took me a while to really get into the book and truly understand all of the players. I was a bit confused at first. But, I am so happy that I persevered. The second half of the book just flew for me and I definitely plan to read the next two books in the series. I want to see what happens with Lydia’s two sisters and see them get their happy endings. I believe that lovers of Regency novels will truly enjoy this book.

http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually a pretty good book, and I was impressed by it because I saw so many bad reviews just before I got it.

The characters were well-developed, and I found myself emotionally attached to most of them. The plot was a little fast-paced at times, but it seemed pretty even to me most of the way through. I enjoyed the author's writing style. I didn't find it confusing and I thought it made perfect sense. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I honestly don't know what everyone is talking about.

Read my full review here.

~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two thirds of this book were so well written I had a hard time putting it down, the last third was confusing. I kept feeling like I had missed paragraphs and going back to read but finding I still felt their was information missing. The resolution to the story felt so rushed I couldn't full enjoy it.

I would be happy to try another book by Eakes, but I do hope that the ending is better in the next book.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating. Most of the catalyst for Lydia's actions throughout the book simply didn't make sense --namely, why was she the target for the blackmail? In fact, why did she, or anyone, even need to be blackmailed in order for Lang to get his people into society? Surely they could have come up with some clever cover story that would give Lydia ample reason to give an introduction for them and simultaneously avoid causing her to become suspicious--don't spies want to be unnoticed?. And why did Lydia even succumb to the blackmail? She wasn't guilty, so doesn't make much sense. Plus isn't blackmail usually for things one has actually done? So this would just be a false accusation--and she was the daughter of a peer, so she would have had clout behind her to stand against said accusations, if she had been accused. Then on top of that, why force Lydia to give introductions for both Christien and Barnaby and Frobisher? And when she'd just gotten parole for Christien, and then he'd escaped so she thinks he's working for France, and will therefore suspect him...but why? It doesn't matter whether she suspects him--she's nobody, as far as the spy ring goes. She's irrelevant, apart from her ability to get him parole, and to introduce people to society. But she's the main character, and so has to suspect him. Or something. I try to think of the reasons, and there just aren't any good ones. Arrrghgh. It's so contrived.

Also, why would Lang kill his agents after he was done with them? Seems counterproductive. Not to mention, wouldn't others in the Home Office know, and why would they agree? And wouldn't word filter through, eventually, to the spies themselves: "Hey, has anyone noticed how everyone we've met from the Home Office spy ring ends up dead?" or "Lang uses me to kill his no-longer-useful operatives...wonder what he'll do when he doesn't need me?" And as far as getting rid of Christien, it would have been so much easier to bribe a guard or fellow prisoner to kill him in prison, or attack him on the road when he got parole and make it look like thieves (hey, he had that expensive bracelet from Lydia, didn't he? That would have given a legit excuse), than to hatch these elaborate-and-involving-too-many-people schemes that just manage to not quite work while putting the guard up of the intended victim.

A better title would have been An Unnecessary Deception.

[Kristyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I literally had to force myself to skim to the end of this book. I only kept reading because I liked the French male lead character and wanted to see him get a happy ending.

The first day I read it, I thought it was just hard to read because I was tired, but even after a good night's rest, it never got better.

The writing was choppy. Dialogue was purposely cut off in places where it needed to finish because you needed to know what they were talking about. Every scene, every play, every ball, they were there like 5 minutes and then gone! I didn't like any of the female characters and don't see what anyone saw in them at all. Even the mystery didn't end well. The change of heart to and from the father in the end made NO sense at all. And what was up with all of the upper lip curling? Are they a bunch of Elvis impersonators? Seriously, it was in there like 8 times!

There are many similar books that are much more interesting and better written. Read Friends and Foes by Sarah M. Eden if you want a good spy book. I should have quit reading this one sooner. Sorry fans and author, but I will not be reading any sequels.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
I have such a weakness for a good spy story. This hit all the right spots in that respect and kept me guessing. In several aspects it reminded me of Ruth Axtell's "Midnight Masquerade," another story I really enjoyed.

The ending was a perfect combination of joy and closure that left me feeling properly satisfied. :)

[Bess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute read and my first by Ms. Laurie Alice Eakes. Some nice twists and turns. A bit of mystery and a lot of mischiefs!

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm…this was interesting. I admit I was lost a couple of times while reading this like what on earth is happening right now. But I did guess who the bad guy was. I did really enjoy the faith content of this book! Lydia was a good character and my heart went out to her. Christien, well, I didn’t know if I could trust him at first. But eventually, he grew on me especially when he spoke in French. Cassandra…I didn’t really like her at all nor her fiancé and what was going on between them. It was completely unnecessary. I’m not sure if I’m going to like the next one because it’s about her. Honore wasn’t my favorite either, but she has some time to mature. Overall, it was a good read. If you like spies, mystery, intrigue, and romance, this just might be the book for you.

[English · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Necessary Deception was, overall, a decent Regency Romance with an interesting subplot involving espionage, a smattering of political intrigue, and some incorporation of historical events and issues current at the time period when it was written, such as the Luddite insurrection and the assassination of Prime Minister Spencer Percival. At times, however, the plot twists and turns were perhaps a little too ambitious, seeming to mae the story disjointed, lurching, and hard to follow in places.
There also seemed a little too much reliance to dramatic chapter-endings and cliff hangers to maintain interest.
Don’t get me wrong- drama can be compelling, but sometimes it’s possible to have too much of it, perhaps at the expense of other literary devices like character development or depth of plot.

I also found I had some of the same issues with the story as others by this author (and many others)foremost the use of various Americanisms by the ostensibly British characters, which appeared totally out of place for the time period.
These included ‘someplace’ instead of ‘somewhere’ as is more commonly used in Britain, or a location being several ‘blocks’ away.
Or said British characters using the terms England and Britain interchangeably (sometimes in the same sentence) as if they were synonyms for the same country- which they are not. Such would be expected from American characters, but not from British ones who ought to have known the difference.

I suppose such oversights or minor inaccuracies are to be expected, given the Christian Regency genre is dominated by American authors, and aimed at the US market. However, I suppose I would like a little more realism in terms of elementary details such as speech, language and dialect, especially in a novel that seemed to be generally well-researched in other ways.
I did also question the plausibility of Lydia’s notion that a person could be thrown into the Tower for sedition at the slightest hint of any criticism of the royal family. How could this have been so when there were satirical cartoons about the Prince Regent?

As for the characters- they were developed and well-rounded for the most part, but no always easy to identify or sympathise with. Lydia’s desire to protect her family was admirable, but her initial attitude towards men was very annoying. Basically, she believed that any man who wouldn’t let a woman do what she wanted, or pursue her own interests was an evil, repressive, autocratic, tyrant – but there was nothing remotely autocratic or controlling about her demanding men give up their careers to stay at home.
An opinion resembling too much the extremes of militant feminism for my liking- never mind being arrogant, immature and nauseating.
Admittedly, she seemed to realize this attitude was unfair and unrealistic towards the end, but a little too jarringly modern for my liking.

Finally, the villain, when he was finally unmasked, seemed to be largely lacking in any real motivation- apart from being the person least expected, and the Christian themes did appear a little forced or contrived at times.
I would consider reading the next two books in the series, to find out the story about Lydia’s sisters, and recommend this, but, like the Midwives Trilogy and A Lady’s Honor by the same author, it’s not a favourite.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Necessary Deception is so much more than the cover would imply. It is a Regency novel full of lush characters and suspense. A read that I thoroughly enjoyed, down to the very last page. I will admit that I was a bit lost in the first chapter, but after I got my bearings all was well. Laurie Alice Eakes brings the world and society of centuries past, to life in a beautifully entertaining and page turning manner. Having read other books by the same author I expected no less :)


The whole time I was reading this book, I could see the characters and the scenes in my head clearly as if on a television screen. I was swept into the plot and the characters, very easily, I really didn't want to put this one down :)


Regency is one of my favorite genres due to my love for Jane Austen books and the general enchantment of the era, probably because I watch so many BBC classics... And yet, another reason why I enjoyed this book.


The historical details were woven into the story, in a way that assumed you knew what the author was talking about, yet at the same the historical facts were not being flung at you.


Laurie Alice Eakes is a gifted writer and I eagerly await her next novel, whatever it may be about. Overall, A Necessary Deception was all around, my type of book. Rich in romance, mystery, the Regency era, spies, etc. A very engaging novel, that I would not hesitate to highly recommend!


Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5




ISBN: 978-0-8007-3466-4

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the blurb for this book I thought, looks interesting I'll check it out. Much much better then I thought it was going to be. The story sucked me in from the start, and then as it moved along it just kept on getting better making me more and more interested.

We have blackmail, mystery, murder, spies, a wedding and a coming out ball to plan, what's not to like about this book.

So why not a full 5 stars then?

Well as it got near to the end, somewhere in the 80 to 90% range things started to drag slightly and I just wanted to get back to the action of it all.

This was my second book by Laurie Alice Eakes, and for me I thought this story was the better of the two.

Will I read more from her?

Yes, I'm looking forward to reading book two.

Over all I would give this 4.5 Stars.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Laurie Alice Eakes and it was a good (but not great) read. I didn't care for some parts of the writing style - how scenes would abruptly end and then not continue on in the next paragraph/chapter - and that affected my enjoyment of the story. The characters were nice (Christian being my favorite) and I liked the mystery aspect to A Necessary Deception. Overall, even though it wasn't a favorite, I would still recommend it.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only my second L. A. Eakes book and I am hooked! In spite of a few lulls in the action, this book captured my attention with its mysterious encounters and entertaining Bainbridge sisters. A perfect set-up for two more books!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has it all -- wonderful characters, romance, intrigue and authentic details of Regency life, all woven together with elegant prose. I highly recommend it.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Necessary Deception quickly drew me in and kept me guessing. I enjoyed trying to uncover who was behind the mysterious occurrences, and enjoyed the unveiling of a tender love story.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just okay for me.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to atone for her mistakes as a wife, Lady Lydia Gale helps Christian de Meuse, a French prisoner and friend of her late husband, obtain parole. Having done her good deed, she expects never to see him again. With one sister debuting in London society and one sister close to marriage, Lydia's days are full with preparations for the events. However, when a mysterious stranger blackmails her and Christian reappears, Lydia struggles to keep her sanity. Will her preoccupation with Christian ruin her family? Or might he be able to help her connect the clues about the blackmailer?

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes is the first of the Daughters of Bainbridge House series. I definitely see potential for future stories that focus on Lydia's younger sisters. I loved all the plot twists in this story. The suspense kept the plot moving and I was unsure of the blackmailer's identity until almost the end. The one character that seemed out of place was Barbara. Although she accompanied Lydia occasionally for the sake of Lydia's reputation, Barbara seemed flat and unnecessary as there were plenty of times that Lydia went out alone or unaccompanied while spending time with Christian. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will probably read it again in a few years. I recommend A Necessary Deception to fans of historical Christian romances.

Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last time I read a Regency novel, I was less than thrilled. The lifestyle and culture of that time was so slow and methodical--far different from our current society. There was hidden meaning in almost every action, and one had to be so careful to be seen or not to be seen with just the right people. So, I won't lie...I was a little nervous about picking up another Regency. I was so afraid I would be disappointed.

Thankfully, Laurie Eakes exceeded my expectations with A Necessary Deception. There was mystery and intrigue mixed with a plentiful dose of romance. Oh, the romance... I tell ya, I couldn't get enough of it. I could picture Christien as one of the most handsome heroes I've read in a long time, and his love, Lydia, a lovely and beautiful member of London Society. Together, they were thrust into danger more than once, and each time, I couldn't help but hold my breath until I knew they were safe.

However, the mystery portions of the book left me unsatisfied. I don't know a lot about the history of England and France in the 19th century, so I didn't fully understand the disdain that the English felt toward the French. I thought that the final reveal would revolve more around uncovering someone up to no good within one of the governments. Instead, the ending was anticlimactic and left me unfulfilled.

All in all, I think Laurie Eakes has greatly improved since her last full-length novel. This was only my second opportunity to read one of her books, and overall, I'm glad that I gave her books another chance. She clearly conveyed the atmosphere of the Regency Era in a believable manner, and I'm anxious to return for another visit.

[Angelc · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is a nice regency spy/double agent type of mystery. The romance and lead characters could have been developed a little more but all in all, it was a fun, relaxing read. The book was almost fluffy, nothing too heavy here, which makes for a nice, cozy read.

In my opinion, Lydia's two sisters outshone her. I was much more interested in Cassandra's and Honore's lives and romances than in Lydia's. They both seemed to have more spunk and backbone than Lydia and they weren't quite so goody-goody.

Cassandra and Honore were much more real to me than Lydia was. i couldn't wait to see what would happen next with Cassandra and Wittaker. Their relationship was so tumultuous! Perhaps they will get an entire book in the series too. Also, Honore's starry-eyed love for a forbidden gentleman was so unexpected and I didn't know what would happen next.

Christien did have some heart-stoppingly romantic moments. Who wouldn't like sweet nothings whispered in her ear in French?

The Christian message of the story was very relaxed, which I did like. I think it would appeal to those who don't normally read the genre but who like a cozy Regency mystery.

A cute Regency era spy mystery with fun supporting characters.

“Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review

reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

[Roseanna White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Alice Eakes has done it again. With A Necessary Deception she has penned a novel that combines heart-stopping romance with heart-pounding suspense, crafting characters at once strong but consistent with their times, blind in some ways and brilliant in others. These true-to-life characters of Lydia and Christien--not to mention the wonderfully made secondary characters, especially Lydia's younger sisters--will pull you in from the start and keep you flipping the pages as surely as the espionage and intrigue.

Needless to say, I love this book. I love the cover, so very Regency and elegant. I love the characters, so very real and true. I love the plot, with its questions of who you can trust, whether a man's place of birth determines his loyalties. And I love the romance, its depth and charm, its scope and breadth. As we watch Christien and Lydia dare to open their hearts, it makes us ask ourselves what we would do if drawn to a man who may just be our nation's enemy . . . what we would do if we fell for someone whose life may be endangered by our attention. How far we would go to protect our families.

Beautifully written, masterfully crafted, A Necessary Deception is a book for any lover of historical novels, especially those that combine suspense with romance. This is one you don't want to miss!

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

While my introduction to the creative writing of new-to-me author Laurie Alice Eakes was in the first Midwives novel Lady in the Mist. I knew that I would be excited to read more from her in the future. While I’m uber eager to read the next Midwives novel, Heart's Safe Passage: A Novel, it was a treat to have an interlude with another new series, this one a regency.

Her characters are strong and the romance and intrigue are in perfect tandem. Regency novels are one of the time periods that truly grow on me, and this was well done and obviously researched. Laurie knows here stuff. Lydia is an interested character, but it was truly Christien that pulls me in and kept my hand turning the pages for more.

*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review*

“Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.”



Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Regency I adored. I'll have to stop saying I don't like books set in the Regency period! Too many good authors are reviving the genre with a twist that catches -- and more importantly -- keeps my attention. Eakes' writing style is sublime. She manages to capture the nuances of the time period in both dialogue and description. In fact A Necessary Deception is filled with wonderful phrases that hit me right between the eyes in an explosion of imagery. Nothing like free-falling through a couple of centuries!!! She definitely engaged all my senses and transported me into a different world.

The intrigue is what sets this Regency romance apart from others. Love the way Eakes built it up, slowly at first and then increased the pace until the end was an adrenaline page-turning sprint! But amidst all the drama and action lies the heart of a really good romance. Lydia's 'mysterious Frenchman' is a swoonworthy hero (my highest rating) even if she doesn't figure that out right away!

Eakes has also set up a cast of memorable characters and I'm on tenterhooks wondering who is going to star in the next book in the Daughters of Bainbridge House series.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: NECESSARY DECEPTION
Author: Laurie Alice Eakes
Publisher: Revell
October 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3466-4
Genre: Historical romance

When young widow Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreams she will see him again. But just as the London Season gets under way, the man presents himself in her parlor. While she should be focused on getting her headstrong younger sister prepared for her entrée into Society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting herself and her family in danger?

A NECESSARY DECEPTION by Laurie Alice Eakes is the first book in The Daughters of Bainbridge House. It is a Regency Romance/Mystery which makes for an interesting story line. A NECESSARY DECEPTION has elements of espionage, intrigue, and romance.

I found it difficult to care about or keep track of the characters. I also found the language a bit stilted. However, I’m not a regency fan so it may be just me. The story is well-researched and the relationships are believable. Fans of both historical mystery and historical romance novels should enjoy this novel. $14.99. 352 pages.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!!
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it! In general (With the exception of the classics, Jane Austen, etcetera!) Books set in the Regency era aren't really my cup of tea. But I really liked the sense of mystery and danger in this one, usually books set in this time are a little slow paced for my taste, but this one definitely had a much faster pace which I loved! The characters were cool, I found myself relating to Lydia quite a lot! I had no clue who was blackmailing Lydia and so I was absolutely shocked when the culprit's identity was revealed, love it when that happens! It did take me a while to get into this book but I'm so glad I persevered, this book was definitely worth reading! I haven't decided whether or not I will read the next two books in this series, but I probably will read them at some point in the future! 
I highly recommend A Necessary Deception! 

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I needed a book for a weekend away and grabbed it in a Christian bookstore w/o much time to browse.

It's a clean romance novel and nice story. Only I have higher expectations from editors to sufficiently present more coherent transitions and introductions. In the first couple of pages I wasn't sure if "Chef de Batallon Christophe Arnaud"--his whole name--was the prisoner, the person in charge of the prison or if he was the prison chef, you know, the cook. I had to reread this page 5 times before I continued reading in hopes of figuring it out later in the chapter. This was only a sampling of where I might have suggested the author make the story simpler to understand.

Once you look past the flaws, the story performed "A Necessary" mental escape.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this and am looking forward to the second book in the series. I gave it 3 1/2 stars. This book had lots of romance and intrigue. It was a fast paced read. My only complaint is that the motive of the blackmailer seemed unexplained and pretty weak. It didn't make much sense. I also felt like it jumped from scene to scene without a good transition. All in all though, I would recommend it.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

A Necessary Deception was the first book I've read by Laurie Alice Eakes. While overall it was an enjoyable story, it was also kind of boring at times.

The ending seemed to be all over the place to me and I just didn't like that part at all. Not sure if I'll be reading the next book in this series.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I actually enjoyed this one for the most part. I found myself confused at times....the author jumped around a bit..and changed point of views quickly at times. I also got frustrated with several of the characters and their stupidity...but all in all I liked it well enough that I want to read the next one.