MAYFAIR MUSES BOOK 2: TO DECEIVE A DUKE
Amanda McCabe
ISBN: 978-0373295937
May 1, 2010
Harlequin Historicals
Historical Romance/Regency
Mass Market Paperback

After a very distraught season in London when Clio Chase had disappointed her eldest sister who discovered Clio’s  mischief  she was hoping for a quiet time in Sicily with the rest of her archaeological minded family.  It was here Clio hoped to forget all about the enigmatic, infuriating and mysterious Duke of Averton, Edward Radcliff whose presence had such a disturbing effect on her peace of mind.  Unfortunately, that peace of mind didn’t last long when who should arrive to shatter her tranquil days but the Duke.   What was it about him that agitated her so much?  Clio only knew that when in his presence she couldn’t decide if she wanted to hit him or kiss him!

***  Now this is what I expect from this author; a good plot, motivation, high sensual anxiety, lovely romance, great pacing – and I got it!   Admittedly I was a bit disappointed with book one of the Mayfair Muses TO CATCH A ROGUE, but Ms. McCabe came back strong and totally focused in TO DECEIVE A DUKE. 

In this book (which I will say can stand alone) the author gives you a much more defined heroine in Clio. She defined her extremely well not only her hopes and  dreams but her fears as well.   Clio’s main fear was her disturbing physical attraction to a man she has despised for many a year.  Extremely intelligent and educated far beyond what most men of that era were, Clio felt that as an archaeologist and bluestocking she would remain a spinster and generally felt comfortable with that idea.  However, that being so – why was she so attracted to a man who was, in her mind, a criminal?  Why did he continue to show up in her orbit and disrupt her peace of mind?

With the Duke of Averton – the author did the same thing – she fleshed him out every bit as well as Clio and the reader was able to see how his horrendous and debauched past had formed his future.  He, the Duke – did not feel worthy of Clio – and I will not spoil this review with telling you why, because it is worth reading and finding out for  yourself.  All I will tell you is his secret was perfectly presented with little hints here and there for a very nice reveal.

The mystery of who was behind the thefts of antiquities; how they were involved; and numerous secondary characters who added substance to the story without taking away from the plot in setting the stage for the next book was flawlessly done.   I’ll be anxious to read the final book in this series.

Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipandkritiques.com

Reviewed By:

I started reviewing books many years ago - but my love of reading began as soon as I could read and that’s a long time! From my very first library card, I would spend my summers at the local library rather than outside playing. My tastes ran from every horse book I could find, to dog books, then gothic romances, and now historical romances with the Regency period having a very close spot in my heart. [Many of my friends, who really know me, say I was born in the wrong era - they’re probably right.] Now that I am retired, and busier than ever, I read almost all genres with the exception of hard core erotica, horror and anything involving more than one sex partner! I am loyal to my tried and true favorite auto-buy authors but love discovering the newer authors as well. I was once a very impatient person, but now retired, and with a book, an audio, or my Kindle by my side - I am the epitome of infinite patience to sit and wait for whatever comes next be it for the light to change, a doctor’s appointment, or a commercial break on the television!

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