Dangerous Deceptions [Hardcover]

YOU ARE SUMMONED.....three words that would be forever imprinted on the mind of Jarrett, Lord Dering. Disowned years ago by his father, Jarrett lived a life that most of the ton described as near dissolute. He lived by his wits and gambling, courting the very elusive Lady Luck. With this mysterious summons he would be compelled to enter into a game more dangerous than anything he'd ever encountered before along with a female associate that was immune to his undeniable charms.

Kate Falshaw, was also summoned, to play a part in the machinations of a secret band of fellows that was dedicated to righting the wrongs of privileged nobles in the highest circles of Regency society. As both Jarrett and Kate work together to infiltrate and bring down the dark underbelly that operated in Paradise, Kate's distrust and antagonism towards the reputed rake began to lessen as she discovered the hidden man beneath the façade, treasuring whatever memories she could to take away with her when the job was done --- before he ever discovered the dark secrets she harbored from her past.

This was an amazing story and first installment on a wonderful new trilogy by the award-wining author Lynn Kerstan. The two very unusual protagonist's were remarkably well matched with individually complex backgrounds that sent them both on journey's of self discovery as they came to understand and help one another unravel and come to terms with their past lifes mistakes and embrace the passion that simmered beneath. Along with a plethora of well defined secondary characters and an intricate plot line, this book will keep the reader flipping pages far into the night and waiting in anticipation for the next installments in this new and promising action packed trilogy. BOTTOM LINE - This exquisitely suspenseful, action packed, and exciting tale should not be missed by fans of this mistress of exotic romance. --- Marilyn Rondeau, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---

"You are summoned, for your failures, your guilt, and your debts, to undertake a mission that will test your every claim to character and courage." So begins Lord Dering's association with the secretive Black Phoenix organization that seeks to right wrongs in Regency England. Taking up the challenge, Lord Dering visits Paradise, a remote resort that caters to dissolute men and promises to fulfill their every desire...for a price. Once there, Lord Dering is assisted by a beautiful actress with her own secret past as they work together to uncover the dark secrets behind Paradise. Lynn Kerstan takes the conventional tropes of Regency England and combines them in new and unexpected ways using fascinating characters to create a story that is by turns exciting, sexy, suspenseful, and even humorous. This wonderful read is the first of a trilogy that promises to be a keeper. Don't miss it!

Yet another time I did things backwards! Instead of reading this series in order, I read "Dangerous Passions" first, and felt a little at sea at times, then read "Dangerous Deception" many, many months later. And while it is not strictly necessary to read the books in order, I'd recommend it anyway because certain plot points like who the Black Phoenix are and what their agenda is, is explained a lot more clearly and succinctly in "Dangerous Deceptions." (And this really would have made "Dangerous Passions" a much more relaxing read). On the other hand, I have to own to finding "Dangerous Deceptions" to be the better book -- somehow the plot, intrigue and danger all gelled a lot more in this book than in the subsequent one.

Jarrett, Lord Derring, has lived on his wits (gambling) and on the fringes of London society ever since he became estranged from his family. Jaded and cynical, the last thing he ever expected was to become involved in a selfless quest that could cost him his life. But when a secret organisation "invites" him to help them in a mission, he suddenly finds himself in the middle of an adventure -- to enter the dark, secret and exclusive grounds of Paradise (an exclusive concern that caters to the depraved and jaded tastes of the ton) and to discover who is behind a series of murders and put a stop to it. Surrounded by danger, his only ally being the beautiful but secretive actress, Kate, Jarrett has only a week to accomplish his mission. Will he be able to do it? Or will his unexpected protective feelings for Kate jeopardise all?

In spite of the fact that "Dangerous Deceptions" was a very compelling read that had me glued to the pages, I did think that not enough time was spent on showing us how Jarrett and Kate came to fall in love with each other. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of keeping the mission subplot intriguing and tense; and I rather liked how she "fleshed" out Jarrett's character -- allowing him to develop before our eyes from a gambling care-for-naught to a man of intelligence, sensitivity and determination. The only thing that detracted was that one never really bought the notion that Kate and Jarrett had fallen in love with each other. That they admired each other and felt an empathy for each other, came across -- but not the love. Which of course make rating this novel a bit difficult. It's head and shoulders above the second installment, "Dangerous Passions" which I gave 3 1/2 stars to, and it is a good read. So that, in spite of the fact that the romance angle is slightly lacking, I'd still give it a 4 star rating for having provided me with a good afternoon's read.