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Daughter of Deceit (Secret Lives #1)
Someone wants Alyce Hythe dead…
Shunned from London society for being the daughter of England’s most notorious spy, Alyce Hythe desires only to clear her father’s name. For years, she has been hidden away from all prying eyes, given a new identity and told to forget who she was. But strange things have been happening causing old rumors to once more be whispered. Long has L...more
Shunned from London society for being the daughter of England’s most notorious spy, Alyce Hythe desires only to clear her father’s name. For years, she has been hidden away from all prying eyes, given a new identity and told to forget who she was. But strange things have been happening causing old rumors to once more be whispered. Long has L...more
Kindle Edition
Published
(first published April 7th 2012)
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There were many editing problems throughout this book, BUT I couldn't put it down! I read it in one day! It was paced perfectly. I didn't get bored as the story line built up like so many books these days...I recommend this book to people who like romance, deceit, conspiracy and mystery.
Jan 09, 2013
Linda Hilton
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
absolutely no one
Disclaimer: I obtained the Kindle digital edition of this book -- as well as of its predecessor -- when it was offered free on Amazon. I do not know the author and I have not had any discussion with her regarding this review. I am an author of historical romances.
This is probably one of the most stubbornly and stupidly badly written books it's ever been my misfortune to encounter.
I can understand why an author would want to unpublish a book that had received a ton of negative reviews, as this bo...more
This is probably one of the most stubbornly and stupidly badly written books it's ever been my misfortune to encounter.
I can understand why an author would want to unpublish a book that had received a ton of negative reviews, as this bo...more
Alyce Hythe grew up sheltered and naive, protected from all difficulties by her father. When her father dies, his death is shrouded in mystery. No one tells Alyce how her father died or the reason she has been hidden away. Alyce is shocked when Charles, her one true friend, informs her of the reason- her father is England's most hated man who is thought to have died by a self-inflicted gun shot after being found to be a traitor to the Crown. Alyce wants only one thing-to prove her father's innoc...more
I'm very divided on this book. It's not a Regency-era book. It's late-Georgian. There's only one reference to the period at the very end.
This is not a happy, fluffy romance. It's not dark, but it is a mystery with conspiracies, political intrigue and a few deaths. That doesn't necessarily make it bad. There were some editing issues, but not many. I did not like the three, yes, three sex scenes. They really had plenty of time to get married. He had the special license in his pocket for a while, t...more
This is not a happy, fluffy romance. It's not dark, but it is a mystery with conspiracies, political intrigue and a few deaths. That doesn't necessarily make it bad. There were some editing issues, but not many. I did not like the three, yes, three sex scenes. They really had plenty of time to get married. He had the special license in his pocket for a while, t...more
It was a lovely story after half way through the story. The plot was so complex that I did not rate it any higher though.
The story begins on a journey for Alyce in a carriage with two idiots who are her caretakers. Apparently there has been a fire that has been an attempt on her life. And the bumbling idiots are taking Alyce to her true Guardian. They stop at an inn to change horses and Alyce is determined to stay for the night. So she proceeds to try and get them a room and the inn taker all bu...more
The story begins on a journey for Alyce in a carriage with two idiots who are her caretakers. Apparently there has been a fire that has been an attempt on her life. And the bumbling idiots are taking Alyce to her true Guardian. They stop at an inn to change horses and Alyce is determined to stay for the night. So she proceeds to try and get them a room and the inn taker all bu...more
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I actually found the story very interesting - but I really really wish someone else had written it. The writing was TERRIBLE. Possibly the worst-written book I've ever read. I would have put it back down after the first few chapters, but I wanted to know what happened. so, +4 for intriguing story, characters, and situation. -8 for writing.
Some choice examples:
"His lack of fortune hadn't waned their attraction toward each other." and "Dancing gracefully across the dance floor, the music ended."...more
Some choice examples:
"His lack of fortune hadn't waned their attraction toward each other." and "Dancing gracefully across the dance floor, the music ended."...more
I had trouble putting this story down. It is complex and the characters engaging. There were lots of twists and unexpected turns, but the relationships between characters were well-developed. I had some confusion to find out that Julian had actually been the Lieutenant, and difficultly reconciling the first couple of chapters with that notion. If he took her to his father for safe keeping, why wouldn't he inquire as to her whereabouts afterward. The author tries to reconcile the points but less...more
This lovely story has a complicated plot line. There are so many twists that it's hard to keep up on occasions, but it's worth sticking with as the building romance is wonderful. Julian and Alyce are perfect for each other.
I liked how the serious subject of war and post traumatic stress are brought up in just a sentence or two but obviously impact on the whole story.
The characters are distinctly drawn and the relationship between Charles and his secretary is beautifully written.
4* book because a...more
I liked how the serious subject of war and post traumatic stress are brought up in just a sentence or two but obviously impact on the whole story.
The characters are distinctly drawn and the relationship between Charles and his secretary is beautifully written.
4* book because a...more
Jan 08, 2013
Paula Legate
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance-suspence,
kindle-loanable
This is the first historical romance books that I have read. It was a beautiful story, with twist and turns. The author drew me right in with Alyce the main character. Her whole life was turned upside down when she was 12, when her father passed away. Years later, her home was burned, and someone tried to kill her in a hotel. She heard her aunt telling her uncle that she no longer wanted Alyce because evil surrounded her. The author paints a picture of a lady that your heart can’t help but love,...more
Aug 26, 2012
Jenna
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-i-own-from-kindle,
romance-thriller
A good story, and full of thrill and action.....spionage, murder, and a traitor to the crown of England.
Alyce Hythe life was in danger due to her father's past being the notorious spy of England. Strangers are attempting to kill her a few times upon her knowledge of witnessing the murder of her father. Her father died protecting England's secret, but was framed-up by the highest rank in the crown to get the blood money from the war of selling guns to Colonial America.
A page turner just read it...more
Alyce Hythe life was in danger due to her father's past being the notorious spy of England. Strangers are attempting to kill her a few times upon her knowledge of witnessing the murder of her father. Her father died protecting England's secret, but was framed-up by the highest rank in the crown to get the blood money from the war of selling guns to Colonial America.
A page turner just read it...more
This review was previously published on my blog http://wp.me/p1P7gt-a1
In this romance story, Alyce is trying to find evidence to prove that her father was murdered instead of committing suicide after killing a fellow officer. If (and it is a big IF) she is able to exonerate him from this, it will also prove that her father was not guilty of espionage and treason. Julian is the grandson of Alyce's guardian. Julian's brother is also the man that Alyce's father allegedly killed.
Of course, Alyce's i...more
In this romance story, Alyce is trying to find evidence to prove that her father was murdered instead of committing suicide after killing a fellow officer. If (and it is a big IF) she is able to exonerate him from this, it will also prove that her father was not guilty of espionage and treason. Julian is the grandson of Alyce's guardian. Julian's brother is also the man that Alyce's father allegedly killed.
Of course, Alyce's i...more
I downloaded this book as a free read drawn by the interesting cover art. Overall I think the plot and characterisation were excellent. It was an intriguing tale that had good pace and pathos. It reminded me of the novels Northanger Abbey and The Mysteries of Udolpho and I really like the setting and period the story was set in. Julian is a well conceived character and Alyce works very well off him. The cast of friends and foes around them drive the story forward and lead to a gripping read. Ms....more
I liked this book but I found myself yelling at the antics of the female lead. She has a kind heart but she is also too impulsive never thinking before she acts. However if I am that engaged with the character than the author has done her job. The reason I gave the book three stars is because it dragged in some parts. Just when the plot grew interesting than it the story would slow down and I had to fight the urge not skip forward.
You have to be a good writer to have a reader fall Unrealistically in love with a character...What I wouldn't give to meet a real Lord Julian Casvelyn. One of my favorite male characters.
This book had a lot of energy from beginning to end. Lot's of twists and turns between the sultry lovemaking. I loved both the hero and the heroine. Great Book!
This book had a lot of energy from beginning to end. Lot's of twists and turns between the sultry lovemaking. I loved both the hero and the heroine. Great Book!
The book started out well but it needs some major editing. There were some sentences I could not understand because the author added extra words. I'm not sure if it was to sound more formal or just typos. The story was good but became convoluted towards the end. A good copy editor could help this book get to 3 stars easily.
Mar 16, 2013
S.R. Roddy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance
Highly recommend this book. It kept me engaged throughout the entire story. It had been a while since I read a nice romantic mystery. I also enjoyed the small paranormal twist. A good read for those who like sweet historical romances that concentrates more on the story line than the sexual attraction of the characters.
Loved reading a historical romantic novel again. Alyce Hythe life taken many turns because of her father's past being the notorious spy of England. People are attempting to kill her a few times. She wants to find out if her father was murdered or if it was suicide. Twists and turns. Romance of Alyce and Julian was good.
A great read! Loved reading a historical romantic novel again. Lots of twists, turns, secrets uncovered, love & piece of mind with all the men/women in this book. Thanks to the author for such an enjoyable HEA book. This is the first I've read if this author, but it won't be the last!
It's no darcy Burke!! Iv read it, it's not the easiest of stories to follow, takes a long time to get anywhere and the end result is not all that amazing.
I found this book to be a bit mashed together, I know there were two authors involved in the writing, unfortunately you can really tell that
I found this book to be a bit mashed together, I know there were two authors involved in the writing, unfortunately you can really tell that
I got to 50 percent and could not move on. The H/H did not have enough time to get to know each other. At 50 percent mark,they had only two very short physical encounters. And the plot was not holding my interest.
Some may like and some may not. It's up to the reader.
Some may like and some may not. It's up to the reader.
I was really into the first half of the book. After that, the plot and the mystery became so complex, it slowed the pace of the story way down. I ended up doing a really quick skim of the last half and was still able to understand all that happened.
I got till 70% then ditched the book. So many inconsistencies and errors. The plot was hard to follow because of the bad writing not because it was complex or intelligent. I would not recommend it. Luckily I got it for free from Amazon.
This book was AMAZING!!! I loved it and I couldn't put it down. It was that good of a book. I almost died when Alyce almost died. I had to keep reading to make sure she lived and poor Julian didn't live without her.
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters, the mystery, the scandal, the seduction, the romance and everything else in between. The extra bonus is that I downloaded it for free! A must read!
hmm. . . somehow, despite being in serious need of good editing, this book held my attention. there are some schizoid parts (e.g., is this one of those regency spy novels or a gothic?), but overall, a good read to while the time
This historical romance was a nice break from the contemporary novels I normal read. I thought the story was very good, it had romance and intrigue. Really good read.
I dearly enjoyed this story...I loved Alyce's connection to Charles. I loved the twist of the twins. A very interesting story that I didn't stop until I finished.
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Great book! It was a fun read and I got it for free from amazon. I would definitely recommend this book! Yes I will read it again later lol.
Previously published as Daughter of Deceit by Carrie James Haynes.
I really enjoyed this book. Mystery, Ghosts, love. what more could you ask for.
Happy reading,
Frankie
I really enjoyed this book. Mystery, Ghosts, love. what more could you ask for.
Happy reading,
Frankie
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Also writes as Colleen Connally £ Jerri Hines.
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