Review: When a Lady Deceives by Tara Kingston

Print Length: 314 pages

Publisher: Entangled Publishing LLC (August 22, 2016)

From Goodreads.com:  A woman with a secret and a dangerous man forge an undeniable passion.

In Victorian London, reporter Jennie Quinn employs deception as a weapon. Going undercover to seek justice for a murdered informant, she’s drawn into a powerful criminal’s seductive game of cat and mouse. Enigmatic former lawman Matthew Colton is as dangerous as he is clever, but the passion in his kiss is too tempting to resist. She aches to trust him, but she will not abandon her quest for the truth. 

Colton is a man with secrets of his own. Thirsting for vengeance, the disgraced Scotland Yard detective has infiltrated the criminal world he’s vowed to destroy. Jennie intrigues him, even as she breaks down the barriers around his heart. He yearns to uncover her secrets—in and out of his bed. Driven to shield her, he’ll risk everything to protect the woman whose love heals his soul.

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This story has solid writing and good characters, but it seemed like there was entirely way too much repetition. I enjoyed the banter (and the romance) between Matthew and Jennie - and the conclusion was something I did not expect - however it was the getting there that lost points with me. 

Yes these are both head-strong characters, I did not need to read about him "ordering" her to do something (or ordering her NOT to do something as the case so often was) and her defying him every few pages. I get it. He worries for her. He is protective of her. And she feels as though she can take care of herself. Honestly, it got boring after awhile. Don't get me wrong, the author did a wonderful job of putting everything together and weaving a complex and intriguing story, and I do think there is potential here for the author to do a "backstory" of sorts focusing on Jennie and some of her other exploits. As well as for them to take the "new endeavor" they mentioned and expand upon that as well. 

Overall, I am certain that this book will appeal to those who enjoy a historical romance with a dash of mystery, and I would read more from this author. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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 When a Lady Deceives is available from Amazon.com