AN HONORABLE DECEPTION by Roseanna M. White
SERIES: The Imposters #3
GENRE: Historical Edwardian Romance (Christian)
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2024
PAGES: 400
In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.
As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.
Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they’re willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they’re the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia’s own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life–her friendship with Yates–lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.
Tormented by a past she doesn’t dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn’t always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor.
Other Books In This Series
Y’all!!!!!!!!! YATES’ STORY IS HERE!!!!! I have been dyyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiing for Yates’ story ever since he charmed his way into my heart in the first book with his humor, kindness, brains and, yes, brawn. Speaking of the latter… I also confess to drooling over him more than a little bit as he practices his gymnast skills throughout the whole series but especially in An Honorable Deception. Whew! Keep a fan handy, dear readers. Or just read his training scenes from the comfort of your freezer. In defense of my blatant shallowness, he’s part ‘incorrigible flirt’ (like Becky Wade’s Ty Porter or Carla Laureano’s James MacDonald), part ‘tortured showman with untapped depths’ (like Joanne Bischof’s Charlie Lionheart), and part The Scarlet Pimpernel… so can you blame me for being besotted? Roseanna M. White has been building our infatuation for Yates since book one, and she’s done a marvelous job of creating the kind of hero with whom we all fall helplessly in love.
Okay, on to more noble discussions (if we must). An Honorable Deception is more than just a swoony romance with intrigue. The Imposters’ latest investigation also shines a spotlight on an evil that is unfortunately both timeless and timely, and the author does so with sensitivity and grace – and multidimensional characters who touched my heart. Never mind that this story is set in Edwardian England; the vile behavior of society’s upper crust men toward marginalized women on these pages is as current as tomorrow morning’s headlines, abhorrently so. Enter The Imposters who are not only brilliant investigators but bighearted rescuers too. While there are moments in this book that will break your heart, to be sure, there are many more that will have you standing and applauding and cheering for light to triumph over darkness.
You will also discover that, while An Honorable Deception deals with some sobering topics, it is not a heavy read. On the contrary, I frequently chuckled over the delightful banter between Yates and Lavinia (whose character just blossomed in this book – and I loved it) or grinned like a smitten fool over some delicious kissing scenes (maybe between Yates & Alethia, maybe between Yates & Lavinia, you’ll have to read to find out for sure). I also clapped giddily at the appearance of characters from one of White’s previous series and the nod to another one, my fangirl heart turning all warm and glowy at the unexpected visit with those dear fictional friends. Needless to say, even as we wrestle with the fallout of grievous sin and its victims, the joys in this story hold fast.
Bottom Line: An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M. White treats readers to warmly-layered characters whose stories evoke a wide range of emotions. Intrigue, suspense, humor, faith, and a handful of hard-fought happily-ever-afters blend together seamlessly to keep your attention riveted and your engagement high… and I appreciated every minute of the roller coaster White took me on during this novel. Having Yates as the hero was well worth the wait (whew. still fanning. have mercy), and seeing him deeply loved at last – for all that he is – made me immensely happy. This might be my favorite series of White’s to date, though a full and thorough re-read of the others is needed to be sure (oh the sacrifices I make for accuracy), but I need no further research to say this: Put The Imposters – and An Honorable Deception – on your must-read list without delay!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
My Rating: 4.5 stars / loved it!
KissingBook Level: 3+ / will forget to breathe on occasion
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Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. Connect with Roseanna at her website.
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