Sweet Deception by Heather Snow (Veiled Seduction #2)
Historical Romance
August 7, 2012
Berkley

Reviewed by May

“I may not agree with your assumptions, but it is clear you strongly believe the maid is in danger. If there is a chance you are correct, I would like to do what I can.”

A huff of exasperation escaped her lips, a gesture Derick took to mean she didn’t think too highly of him or his offer. He allowed a half-cynical smile to curve his lips. What did he care if Miss Emma Wallingford disapproved of one of his many alter egos? It wasn’t him, after all.

Besides, he doubted she’d like him any better if she knew his true purpose in Derbyshire.

To investigate her brother for treason.

Lord Frederick Aveline (Derick) is a double agent. While he may be French in blood, he was raised in England and has spied for the crown through the war, and now he has one final traitor, one last mission before he can leave England behind. When he arrives at his home, he discovers a search party for a missing maid, and finds himself drawn to Emma Wallingford. As children Emma followed him everywhere, earning her the nickname of Pygmy and though he’s blocked out most of those memories, they slowly begin to surface the longer he spends in Derbyshire.

Emma fell in love with Derick as children, and seeing him once again brings back all of those tender feelings. These two must work together to uncover a traitor, solve murders, and explore their feelings for one another as well.

Derick could have been a more interesting, complex character. While he does have his share of problems and angst I found him rather predictable and at times rather dull. He can’t be with our heroine because he has nothing to offer, he believes the truth of who his father is makes him unworthy of his title, and so on. That said, Emma was the perfect choice in heroine to counteract the dark and tortured spy.

Emma is very smart – she can recall most all conversations as well as things she has seen precisely. She is working as the magistrate in her brother’s place, does brilliant work, and she is quite the capable woman. She has her quirks – like being quite literal and mixing up common sayings, overall she is very likeable and a fun heroine to read. She is smart and independent, but she doesn’t come across foolish or over the top which I really appreciated. There are so many great scenes between these characters, and I felt the author really gave them space to explore their feelings, and show us why they are such a great couple. Here’s just one of the scenes that made me giggle:

“There are many improvements a steward could get started making money right away.”

Emma nodded. “Oh, I agree. In fact, I’ve long thought your land could benefit from some of the farming techniques we’ve been using at the manor. I’d love to spend a few days giving you a detailed tutorial on how I like my fields plowed.”

Derek felt his eyes go wide. He pressed his lips together tightly in an odd combination of lust and amusement.

“Or I could instruct your new man – if you’d rather,” she rushed, misunderstanding his expression he was sure.

His amusement fled. The idea of her showing any man how to plow her anything balled in his chest like a hot fits. If he didn’t know better, he’d think the tightness in his gullet was jealousy…

I was impressed by the twists and surprises in the mystery aspect of the plot, and I appreciated that neither Emma and Derick held onto secrets for too long or saved up dramatics for a big misunderstanding. The story kept me flipping pages and looking forward to the next surprise, funny moment, or new development that would happen.

I liked the balance between heat, humor, and mystery in this book – it was an enjoyable read.

Grade: B

Recent Reviews:
Book Lover’s Inc – 4.5/5
Under the Covers – 4.5/5
That’s What I’m Talking About – 4.5/5
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