Cindy Anstey

In 1800s London, a young heiress and her lawyer are caught up in a kidnapping plot to steal her fortune, but as their investigation delves deeper and their affections for each other grow, Lydia starts to wonder what she truly wants.

Duels & Deception

Meg K

This story was absolutely divine, the kind of book that you finish with a sigh of contentment and sit there staring off wistfully into the distance for a few minutes after! I fell in love with these characters. The language, the mannerisms, the customs, it’s all so well done! This is my favorite book by Anstey that I’ve read so far.

Kaylee Z

Uh, I’m sorry, who gave this book the right to be so absolutely fun and adorable?!

Months after initially reading it (catching up on reviews slowly but surely) and I am still thinking about it. There was just something so pure and fun about this story; the characters, the series of events, how it all cumulated and ended… Honestly, I was so close to giving this one 5-stars.

Lydia is such a great character. She’s pragmatic but open-minded and only wants to run the family estate while marriage is simply a means to an end that she isn’t particularly opposed to. Comfort is being offered to her and, in return, she gets to keep the family home as is. That is, until Robert comes and turns everything upside down in a slow burn swoony sort of way that was * chefs kiss *. 

Then we have Robert who is smart and resourceful and just a great pairing for Lydia. He wants to follow the proper protocol and respect the decisions being made but you can tell how much he wants to say something (and it’s great when he does!). I loved his background and dynamics with other characters and felt that there would definitely be something missing if not for him. Also, I’m always a sucker for good banter and this definitely had it. 

The actual kidnapping referenced in the synopsis took up less page time than I felt I was lead to believe but it was certainly a catalyst for a slew of story. There were many layers to the plot and you could really tell how much fun the author had in writing it. I do love the dual POV and the story lent itself to being more well-rounded with it. There is also an adorable touch added under the chapter numbers with a one-liner explaining what to expect within the upcoming chapter which I found very unique.

“Chapter 1: In which a sensible young lady must choose between the peril of a careening carriage and mud… deep mud.”

It’s so tongue-in-cheek and was a perfect addition.

I am definitely going to have to find Anstey’s other works because if Duels & Deception is any indication, I will most certainly be on my way to finding another favourite author.

Duels & Deception

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