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Scandalous Secrets #1
Dance With Deception
Dance with Deception - Scandalous Secrets, Book 1
Haunted by his father's sins, Sebastian Montgomery, ninth Duke of Davenport vows never to fall in love or marry until he encounters Gwendolyn MacAlistair and she consumes his thoughts. Sebastian wants her, and as he learned from his father, what a duke wants, a duke takes.
Gwen's father has arranged for her to marry a man she despises, the very man who shattered her fragile family. As she struggles with a desperate choice - honor her dying father's final request or alienate him by choosing her true love - Sebastian is forced to make his own desperate decision: trick Gwen Into marriage or lose her forever.
Sebastian and Gwen must confront the consequences of their actions and secrets so scandalous that they threaten to destroy all they hold dear.
In this dangerous dance with deception, who will die for love?
Haunted by his father's sins, Sebastian Montgomery, ninth Duke of Davenport vows never to fall in love or marry until he encounters Gwendolyn MacAlistair and she consumes his thoughts. Sebastian wants her, and as he learned from his father, what a duke wants, a duke takes.
Gwen's father has arranged for her to marry a man she despises, the very man who shattered her fragile family. As she struggles with a desperate choice - honor her dying father's final request or alienate him by choosing her true love - Sebastian is forced to make his own desperate decision: trick Gwen Into marriage or lose her forever.
Sebastian and Gwen must confront the consequences of their actions and secrets so scandalous that they threaten to destroy all they hold dear.
In this dangerous dance with deception, who will die for love?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
478 people are currently reading
1368 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Goodwin
15 books602 followersTracy Goodwin is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy hockey romances and captivating romantic comedies. In addition, she pens sweeping historical romances, uplifting MomComs, and vivid urban fantasies. Though the genres may be different, each story delivers her unique blend of passion, poignant emotion, humor, and unforgettable characters that steal readers’ hearts.
A New Yorker who now calls Houston home, Tracy is the mom of two, a wife, and the wrangler of two dogs, two cats, and lots of chaos. She also loves music and sings carpool karaoke (even when alone).
To receive the latest news and information about upcoming releases please go to her website www.tracygoodwin.com where you can sign up for her newsletter or follow her on Bookbub and/or social media by clicking the icons.
A New Yorker who now calls Houston home, Tracy is the mom of two, a wife, and the wrangler of two dogs, two cats, and lots of chaos. She also loves music and sings carpool karaoke (even when alone).
To receive the latest news and information about upcoming releases please go to her website www.tracygoodwin.com where you can sign up for her newsletter or follow her on Bookbub and/or social media by clicking the icons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
June 22, 2015
How can a historical romance that contains so much manufactured drama be so banal? How many different ways can a heroine find to be an idiot? How hard is it to find a competent proofreader to fix your punctuation?
The Kindle freebie curse strikes again.
The Kindle freebie curse strikes again.
January 27, 2015
Disappointing, I barely made it through this book. It felt both rushed and underdeveloped, full of cliches and the characters who weren't particularly likable in many aspects.
July 2, 2015
Haunted by his father's sins, Sebastian Montgomery, ninth Duke of Davenport vows never to fall in love or marry until he encounters Gwendolyn MacAlistair and she consumes his thoughts. Sebastian wants her, and as he learned from his father, what a duke wants, a duke takes.
Gwen's father has arranged for her to marry a man she despises, the very man who shattered her fragile family. As she struggles with a desperate choice - honor her dying father's final request or alienate him by choosing her true love - Sebastian is forced to make his own desperate decision: trick Gwen Into marriage or lose her forever.
Sebastian and Gwen must confront the consequences of their actions and secrets so scandalous that they threaten to destroy all they hold dear.
In this dangerous dance with deception, who will die for love?
~ "Dance with Deception expertly blends romance, danger and lush sensuality in one brilliant novel." - FIVE STAR REVIEW, SINGLE TITLES
~ "Tracy Goodwin is a promising new voice in historical romance - BARBARA DAWSON SMITH, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
~ "Dance with Deception is a riveting story from beginning to end ... the depth of emotions expressed will touch the heart and have readers cheering this couple on. This was a highly satisfying read and it is a definite page-turner!!!" -FALLEN ANGEL REVIEWS
~ "Dance with Deception is a lush and endearing romance - as touchingly romantic as anything I have read recently." - 5 CUPS, COFFEE TIME ROMANCE
~ "Tracy Goodwin is a fresh new voice in historical romance. In Dance with Deception, Ms. Goodwin has penned an engaging tale of true love overcoming lies and duplicity. Sebastian and Gwen must work through numerous obstacles to reach their well-deserved happy ending. The reader will find herself cheering them along on their journey." - GAYLE WILSON, TWO-TIME RITA AWARD WINNER
Awards for the original Dance with Deception:
-2nd place winner of the Anne Bonney Readers Choice Award for Favorite Hero
-3rd Place Winner for the Anne Bonney Readers Choice Award for the Most Emotional category
-2nd place winner of the Judge a Book By Its Cover Contest
-Finalist in the LASR Best Long Print Romance
Gwen's father has arranged for her to marry a man she despises, the very man who shattered her fragile family. As she struggles with a desperate choice - honor her dying father's final request or alienate him by choosing her true love - Sebastian is forced to make his own desperate decision: trick Gwen Into marriage or lose her forever.
Sebastian and Gwen must confront the consequences of their actions and secrets so scandalous that they threaten to destroy all they hold dear.
In this dangerous dance with deception, who will die for love?
~ "Dance with Deception expertly blends romance, danger and lush sensuality in one brilliant novel." - FIVE STAR REVIEW, SINGLE TITLES
~ "Tracy Goodwin is a promising new voice in historical romance - BARBARA DAWSON SMITH, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
~ "Dance with Deception is a riveting story from beginning to end ... the depth of emotions expressed will touch the heart and have readers cheering this couple on. This was a highly satisfying read and it is a definite page-turner!!!" -FALLEN ANGEL REVIEWS
~ "Dance with Deception is a lush and endearing romance - as touchingly romantic as anything I have read recently." - 5 CUPS, COFFEE TIME ROMANCE
~ "Tracy Goodwin is a fresh new voice in historical romance. In Dance with Deception, Ms. Goodwin has penned an engaging tale of true love overcoming lies and duplicity. Sebastian and Gwen must work through numerous obstacles to reach their well-deserved happy ending. The reader will find herself cheering them along on their journey." - GAYLE WILSON, TWO-TIME RITA AWARD WINNER
Awards for the original Dance with Deception:
-2nd place winner of the Anne Bonney Readers Choice Award for Favorite Hero
-3rd Place Winner for the Anne Bonney Readers Choice Award for the Most Emotional category
-2nd place winner of the Judge a Book By Its Cover Contest
-Finalist in the LASR Best Long Print Romance
July 5, 2015
Welp - I think I'll chicken out on this one. After finishing and trying to decide what to write, I went back to read some of the less excited reviews, and I'll just say I agree more with them than with the 5-stars. The book started out at breakfast, but suddenly they're at a ball. Is it a breakfast ball? What happened to breakfast? Oh wait, now we're back at breakfast, but then walking outside at night at the ball. A breakfast ball, at night? And then there was the misuse of verbs and overuse of pet words. "Choosing to do this, he chose to do that." In the same sentence. And orbs and tides. And a heroine who overthinks to distraction. To. Distraction. If I was the DNF type, this would have raised it's hand to jump into that pile, but I always think that eventually the story will redeem itself... (not this time). Lots of author intrusion, lots of hammering a point home (I got it the first time), not enough show and too much tell.
May 12, 2008
Great book. Lovely characters and settings and the author has a wonderful voice. Very romantic.
June 23, 2008
Delicious read!!
January 19, 2008
This is a FABULOUS book filled with strong characters and conflicts.
January 10, 2015
Ouch
I rarely give a rating below 3 stars, but reading this book was painfully dull. The heroine was an idiot and the reasons for her anger against the hero made no sense.
I rarely give a rating below 3 stars, but reading this book was painfully dull. The heroine was an idiot and the reasons for her anger against the hero made no sense.
September 22, 2008
I loved Dance With Deception! From the first page, to the last, it was an engaging tale of love, deception and, ultimately, hope and forgiveness.
Gwendolyn MacAlistair longs for love yet her callous father is forcing her into a marriage to a man she detests. Enter Sebastian Montgomery, a man of nobility, whose own father possessed a rather ruthless nature. Gwen and Sebastian fall in love, but with that comes Gwen’s dilemma: how can she follow her heart when it means defying her ailing father’s dying wish? Meanwhile, Sebastian must decide just how far he is willing to go to make his love his wife.
Dance With Deception expertly blends the history of the early Victorian era with the pure emotion of the characters involved. Imagine a time when women had no rights, when women were beholden to their guardians, where ‘duty’ governed decisions. It is touching and quite poignant to read how Gwen wrestles with her choice, weighing the consequences and willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her duty to her father. It is equally as touching to see Sebastian do what he feels is necessary, all the while aware that it could destroy his relationship with Gwen.
Reading the story of Gwen and her dashing Duke reminded me of some of my favorite historical romances by Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood. Also, as another reviewer stated, it is very much like the classics many of us know and love (the writings of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters). Like the classics, Dance With Deception weaves lush descriptions, romance, and raw emotion with well defined characters that the reader falls in love with.
A friend recommended this novel to me. She loved it, she raved about it, and she couldn’t stop talking about it. I bought it and couldn’t be happier that I did. This book delivers and the reader will laugh, cry and cheer these characters along their journey. The end of the novel is the most satisfying I’ve read in ages. Like my friend, I can’t wait for Tracy Goodwin’s next novel and I’m officially a fan for life.
If you love historical romances and classics by Austen and the Bronte sisters, read Dance With Deception. It is beautiful, heartwarming, and thoroughly romantic – a classic love story and I can’t recommend it enough.
Gwendolyn MacAlistair longs for love yet her callous father is forcing her into a marriage to a man she detests. Enter Sebastian Montgomery, a man of nobility, whose own father possessed a rather ruthless nature. Gwen and Sebastian fall in love, but with that comes Gwen’s dilemma: how can she follow her heart when it means defying her ailing father’s dying wish? Meanwhile, Sebastian must decide just how far he is willing to go to make his love his wife.
Dance With Deception expertly blends the history of the early Victorian era with the pure emotion of the characters involved. Imagine a time when women had no rights, when women were beholden to their guardians, where ‘duty’ governed decisions. It is touching and quite poignant to read how Gwen wrestles with her choice, weighing the consequences and willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her duty to her father. It is equally as touching to see Sebastian do what he feels is necessary, all the while aware that it could destroy his relationship with Gwen.
Reading the story of Gwen and her dashing Duke reminded me of some of my favorite historical romances by Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood. Also, as another reviewer stated, it is very much like the classics many of us know and love (the writings of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters). Like the classics, Dance With Deception weaves lush descriptions, romance, and raw emotion with well defined characters that the reader falls in love with.
A friend recommended this novel to me. She loved it, she raved about it, and she couldn’t stop talking about it. I bought it and couldn’t be happier that I did. This book delivers and the reader will laugh, cry and cheer these characters along their journey. The end of the novel is the most satisfying I’ve read in ages. Like my friend, I can’t wait for Tracy Goodwin’s next novel and I’m officially a fan for life.
If you love historical romances and classics by Austen and the Bronte sisters, read Dance With Deception. It is beautiful, heartwarming, and thoroughly romantic – a classic love story and I can’t recommend it enough.
March 26, 2016
Decent story, had some flaws but not bad. Great narration by Susan Duerden (audible whispersync review)
I enjoyed this story. I particularly liked the heroine quite a bit, but more so in the beginning of the story. She seemed to get a bit wishy washy and melancholy after the wedding! Which was a bit annoying. I was surprised with her attitude on how Sebastian convinced her father to allow them to marry. I thought it was brilliant. LOL she did not, instead of thanking him and being grateful she acted like he was the biggest liar on earth. I was glad when she finally started getting back to her normal spunky self.
Sebastian was a good hero when he wasn't beating himself up over the lie he told. He was handsome, smart and rich.
They had some great chemistry together and a couple of very well written sex scenes.
The story line and plot was good. The secrets were good secrets not stupid misunderstandings so there is that. There was a lot of great dialogue through out the entire book.
As for the narration, I enjoy Susan Duerden she does a fantastic job on the men's voices, everyone gets their own distinct voice and she reads with emotion. She is a favorite of mine. (I do wish she would ease up on the sing song drawn out words, but she is still great).
I got the kindle version free with my KU subscription and the whispersync audible for 1.99, great deal for sure.
I enjoyed this story. I particularly liked the heroine quite a bit, but more so in the beginning of the story. She seemed to get a bit wishy washy and melancholy after the wedding! Which was a bit annoying. I was surprised with her attitude on how Sebastian convinced her father to allow them to marry. I thought it was brilliant. LOL she did not, instead of thanking him and being grateful she acted like he was the biggest liar on earth. I was glad when she finally started getting back to her normal spunky self.
Sebastian was a good hero when he wasn't beating himself up over the lie he told. He was handsome, smart and rich.
They had some great chemistry together and a couple of very well written sex scenes.
The story line and plot was good. The secrets were good secrets not stupid misunderstandings so there is that. There was a lot of great dialogue through out the entire book.
As for the narration, I enjoy Susan Duerden she does a fantastic job on the men's voices, everyone gets their own distinct voice and she reads with emotion. She is a favorite of mine. (I do wish she would ease up on the sing song drawn out words, but she is still great).
I got the kindle version free with my KU subscription and the whispersync audible for 1.99, great deal for sure.
October 26, 2008
Outstanding historical romance. Very gripping and became very connected to the characters emotionally. A 5 star plus read!
May 8, 2018
gwens father is trying to force her into a marriage with a guy she hates and treats his family without any love or care.sebastian and gwen are attracted to each other and want to get married since it is what gwens father wants who claims he is ill and wants to see gwen married before he dies.after her marriage to sebastian,her father tries to ruin their marriage with his hatred and lies.a story on love,faith,and honesty
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2014
I love to find new writers who remind me of my favorites - classic writers like McNaught, Howell, and Gabaldon who make you laugh, cry and feel all aspects of the romance (good and bad). Surprisingly, this book met that criteria for me. It is romantic, sensual and emotional. It made me laugh and cry and want more. Glad there are more books in the series.
December 1, 2008
Dance With Deception captivated me from the first chapter. A lush and sensual "old fashioned" romance, I found it to be highly emotional and engaging. If you like historicals from Judith McNaught and even the classics from Jane Austen, you should love this as much as I did.
February 23, 2011
Pleasantly surprised by this book. Very powerful emotional relationship between the characters and with secondary characters. Most importantly, one of the most believable (emotionally) stories I've read. The drama isn't made up just for the sake of drama. Will read more from this author
June 23, 2015
Excellent book ___you will. Love it.
First time l have read any of Tracy Goodwin books, Now l am looking for move of her books. You will love the story and will not be able to put the book down. It's a must read.
First time l have read any of Tracy Goodwin books, Now l am looking for move of her books. You will love the story and will not be able to put the book down. It's a must read.
Read
July 29, 2023DNF
This is the silliest book I have read this month...
This is the silliest book I have read this month...
Want to read
April 23, 2020 🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/23/2020)! 🎁
July 6, 2015
Gwen and Sebastian are both strong characters but both with a family past that will rear its head to thwart their budding love and fated marriage. Gwen a woman with her own mind but bound to be a dutiful daughter is distraught when her controlling father announces that his health is failing and has arranged a loveless marriage to a man that she detests. As fate steps in and Sebastian comes back into her life her heart is torn. She and Sebastian grew up playing together as kids and meet by chance in a crowded ballroom and renew their lifelong friendship. But love sometimes comes with a price. Is this price too much to pay? Can they get past the deceit that comes alive with an overbearing powerful father?
Sebastian sees Gwen across a crowded room and is instantly smitten with her. What he doesn’t realize is that this is the same little Gwen that used to follow him and her older brother around when they were kids. She has grown into a beautiful, sensuous woman and he has to have her. They renew their friendship and Sebastian is determined to make her his, the only problem is, her father has arranged a marriage between her and a Scot but that is not going to stop Sebastian, he will make her his at any cost. And he does! But it comes with a huge cost, one that may destroy their young love in its tracks.
This story was a breath of fresh air for me as I’ve been on Paranormal now for the last six books or so, this was a good read. I loved the characters of Gwen and Sebastian although I got a little perturbed with Gwen being so hell bent on being the dutiful daughter and falling for her father’s deceptions. But when you consider the time period, women were like that in those days.
The book flows freely and will keep you on your seat edge. There is deception and love in the story and the author brings it all together to make it all work. I especially liked Gwen’s brother Tristan, his character is well rounded and he is very protective over his twin sister. I would like to read Tristan’s story just to see where fate takes him and with whom. I have my ideas but I could be wrong.
The editing was fairly good, there were some punctuation issues in the book but that was about it. It didn’t deter my reading or take from the story line, but as the case of an eBook freebie, it happens, but I’ve definitely seen worse.
The author has a good knack at listening to her characters unfold their story, this one has a lot of deception from Gwen’s father but this author uses the deception in a way that will lead you through the story wondering just what the hell is going on here. I would recommend this book to any Regency fan.
I’m giving it a big five star rating from RT and I really liked the cover on this book. Featuring Jimmy Thomas as Sebastian, he makes the perfect hero for this story. RT gives the cover a happy five hearts. Good job to the graphics artist and my thumbs up to the author. All in all it’s a good book.
Sebastian sees Gwen across a crowded room and is instantly smitten with her. What he doesn’t realize is that this is the same little Gwen that used to follow him and her older brother around when they were kids. She has grown into a beautiful, sensuous woman and he has to have her. They renew their friendship and Sebastian is determined to make her his, the only problem is, her father has arranged a marriage between her and a Scot but that is not going to stop Sebastian, he will make her his at any cost. And he does! But it comes with a huge cost, one that may destroy their young love in its tracks.
This story was a breath of fresh air for me as I’ve been on Paranormal now for the last six books or so, this was a good read. I loved the characters of Gwen and Sebastian although I got a little perturbed with Gwen being so hell bent on being the dutiful daughter and falling for her father’s deceptions. But when you consider the time period, women were like that in those days.
The book flows freely and will keep you on your seat edge. There is deception and love in the story and the author brings it all together to make it all work. I especially liked Gwen’s brother Tristan, his character is well rounded and he is very protective over his twin sister. I would like to read Tristan’s story just to see where fate takes him and with whom. I have my ideas but I could be wrong.
The editing was fairly good, there were some punctuation issues in the book but that was about it. It didn’t deter my reading or take from the story line, but as the case of an eBook freebie, it happens, but I’ve definitely seen worse.
The author has a good knack at listening to her characters unfold their story, this one has a lot of deception from Gwen’s father but this author uses the deception in a way that will lead you through the story wondering just what the hell is going on here. I would recommend this book to any Regency fan.
I’m giving it a big five star rating from RT and I really liked the cover on this book. Featuring Jimmy Thomas as Sebastian, he makes the perfect hero for this story. RT gives the cover a happy five hearts. Good job to the graphics artist and my thumbs up to the author. All in all it’s a good book.
February 22, 2017
This was an audio book, a gift
Sebastian Montgomery, ninth Duke of Davenport has made a promise to never fall in love or marry, ha, I think its what most men say, but then again there is always a lovely lass that messes that up for the Bachelor.
Gwendolyn MacAlistair and what is a girl to do when she runs into Sebastian, but her Father has other plans for her and those are not plans that she agrees upon, but she will honor her Fathers wishes.
Her father has arranged for her to marry a man she despises, the very man who shattered her fragile family. As she struggles with a desperate choice her feelings for Sebastian her one true love or to honor her Father's wishes.
Sebastian is forced to make his own decision: trick Gwen Into marriage or lose her forever.
Their adventure is wrought with secrets and lies, will their love survive this mess that Gwen and Sebastian find themselves in, read or listen to the book it's a wonderful story.
Sebastian Montgomery, ninth Duke of Davenport has made a promise to never fall in love or marry, ha, I think its what most men say, but then again there is always a lovely lass that messes that up for the Bachelor.
Gwendolyn MacAlistair and what is a girl to do when she runs into Sebastian, but her Father has other plans for her and those are not plans that she agrees upon, but she will honor her Fathers wishes.
Her father has arranged for her to marry a man she despises, the very man who shattered her fragile family. As she struggles with a desperate choice her feelings for Sebastian her one true love or to honor her Father's wishes.
Sebastian is forced to make his own decision: trick Gwen Into marriage or lose her forever.
Their adventure is wrought with secrets and lies, will their love survive this mess that Gwen and Sebastian find themselves in, read or listen to the book it's a wonderful story.
April 2, 2016
98% awful.. DNF..
So, Sebastian and Gwen tell each other, in the chapel, that they love each other and then she tells him he wouldn’t be happy with just her, that he would go back to having other women, and he’s hurt and shocked that she didn’t think he’d be faithful. He’s dumbfounded and she runs off. She goes on to think of the “vicious” things she said to him and he’s thinking of going to find other women like she said he would. This is all the same night. Really?
OK, so I’m done with this stupid book. I can’t read that many pages of Gwen’s craziness. I can handle a little bit of crazy angst but this is too much. I guess she’d have rather married Keir than to have a lie told, so she could marry the man she loved.
The ONLY thing this book had going for it was the wonderful sexual attraction/tension between Sebastian and Gwen.
It should have been cut to about 300 pages and it would have been worth reading. I read some of the other 1 and 2 star reviews, AFTER I bought the book and audio, and I agree with a lot of them.
As to the narrator: I could listen to Susan Duerden in all my books. She reads with such emotion. But even she couldn't make this book good.
Even with it being free with KU and the audible only $1.99 it wasn't worth it.
So, Sebastian and Gwen tell each other, in the chapel, that they love each other and then she tells him he wouldn’t be happy with just her, that he would go back to having other women, and he’s hurt and shocked that she didn’t think he’d be faithful. He’s dumbfounded and she runs off. She goes on to think of the “vicious” things she said to him and he’s thinking of going to find other women like she said he would. This is all the same night. Really?
OK, so I’m done with this stupid book. I can’t read that many pages of Gwen’s craziness. I can handle a little bit of crazy angst but this is too much. I guess she’d have rather married Keir than to have a lie told, so she could marry the man she loved.
The ONLY thing this book had going for it was the wonderful sexual attraction/tension between Sebastian and Gwen.
It should have been cut to about 300 pages and it would have been worth reading. I read some of the other 1 and 2 star reviews, AFTER I bought the book and audio, and I agree with a lot of them.
As to the narrator: I could listen to Susan Duerden in all my books. She reads with such emotion. But even she couldn't make this book good.
Even with it being free with KU and the audible only $1.99 it wasn't worth it.
January 5, 2015
Dance with Deception was an exceptional read. I enjoyed the main characters Sebastian and Gwen and the passion that they shared between each other. The story begins with Gwen being lied to by her father. He tells her that he is dying and his last wish is of her to be married before he dies. Gwen wants desperately to marry for love and does not love the man her father has chosen for her. Her knight in shining armor, Sebastian, has entered her life conveniences her father to allow him to marry Gwen. However, Gwen is unaware of the way he went about getting her father’s approval. Once Gwen discovers the truth of her husband’s deception it sends her entire world into turmoil. She feels that her whole life has been one lie after another, especially after the things her father reveals to her about her deceased mother. Fortunately, Gwen has her twin brother there to be her protector and gives her a shoulder to lean on. Through all the events that go on in this young couple’s new start in married life they find their way to back each other and their relationship is stronger than ever before. Dance with Deception is a wonderful read and I look forward to the next book. 5 Stars!!!
July 13, 2016
3.5 Stars
There are many times to enjoy in this love story. I loved the emotionally-charged writing style of Ms. Goodwin, and this book did have my full attention. The pacing is good and the characters are complex with many facets to their personality.
What I had some difficulty with, was the many plot holes and at times very modern sense. I never had a strong sense of when this story was supposed to be set. Sometimes it felt Regency and at other times Victorian, and then contemporary.
Some of the scenes such as leaving for the trip late in the afternoon when traveling after dark in a carriage was too dangerous made no sense. Then the characters attend quite a few balls, but yet they were at estates, not in London. These are just a couple of problems for me. They always pull me out of the story.
I listened to the audio version performed by Susan Duerden, and while she does a good job distinguishing the many characters, her voice came out a bit sing-song during the narrative parts of the book.
Overall, I did enjoy Dance with Deception and if you love a story with fantastic chemistry between the hero and heroine with plenty of emotion, you will enjoy this book. Happy reading!
There are many times to enjoy in this love story. I loved the emotionally-charged writing style of Ms. Goodwin, and this book did have my full attention. The pacing is good and the characters are complex with many facets to their personality.
What I had some difficulty with, was the many plot holes and at times very modern sense. I never had a strong sense of when this story was supposed to be set. Sometimes it felt Regency and at other times Victorian, and then contemporary.
Some of the scenes such as leaving for the trip late in the afternoon when traveling after dark in a carriage was too dangerous made no sense. Then the characters attend quite a few balls, but yet they were at estates, not in London. These are just a couple of problems for me. They always pull me out of the story.
I listened to the audio version performed by Susan Duerden, and while she does a good job distinguishing the many characters, her voice came out a bit sing-song during the narrative parts of the book.
Overall, I did enjoy Dance with Deception and if you love a story with fantastic chemistry between the hero and heroine with plenty of emotion, you will enjoy this book. Happy reading!
September 19, 2014
A friend recommended this book to me (she had read the original version and was excited to see an exclusive version being released). She sold me on it and I devoured the new version of Dance with Deception in two sittings. This is an engrossing tale from beginning to end, an emotional journey along the lines of classic romances that I fell in love with by Judith McNaught and Jude Deveraux. The hero is to die for, the heroine is well written and falls in line with the time period (1800s women did have duties and restrictions placed upon them) yet she is intelligent and suspects her father is deceiving her. The secondary characters jump off the page. It is well written, made me laugh and cry which (as I said in my Whitney My Love review) makes me a fan for life. I loved this book so much that I'm going to reread it. I cant wait for the second and third books in the Scandalous Secrets series.
October 17, 2014
When I heard Dance with Deception was being released as an "exclusive edition" and part of a trilogy, I was excited because I first fell in love with the story years ago. The author writes a sensual and witty romance brimming with emotion, drama and suspense. It is one of my favorite books and this version was better than the first. I had wondered about the proof reading in the original version but ignored it because the story was so strong. No need to here because this version needs no excuses. It is a beautiful, well written love story and I couldn't be happier with the additions made to it. From the first page, it is a stronger story and I am thrilled that this series is back. Kudos to the author who is donating all proceeds to her child's autism care.
November 6, 2014
This is a great historical romance that flows really smooth.
Gwen is a headstrong young lady who has a lot of ideas in a time where that is not encouraged. Her father, whom she is extremely loyal to, has professed to her that he is dying and his last wish is to see his daughter married.
Unfortunately the man he wants her to marry is his longtime acquaintance, Kier who Gwen cannot stand.
Then Sebastian comes on the scene. He was friends with Gwen and her brother when they were younger. Instant attraction for them both but Gwen cannot go against her father's wishes.
Sebastian will pull out all the stops to get the woman he wants, even if he has to manipulate things.
When dark family secrets come out,will anyone come out unscathed?
Fantastic read!
Gwen is a headstrong young lady who has a lot of ideas in a time where that is not encouraged. Her father, whom she is extremely loyal to, has professed to her that he is dying and his last wish is to see his daughter married.
Unfortunately the man he wants her to marry is his longtime acquaintance, Kier who Gwen cannot stand.
Then Sebastian comes on the scene. He was friends with Gwen and her brother when they were younger. Instant attraction for them both but Gwen cannot go against her father's wishes.
Sebastian will pull out all the stops to get the woman he wants, even if he has to manipulate things.
When dark family secrets come out,will anyone come out unscathed?
Fantastic read!
Read
September 11, 2016DNF. Cliched depiction of characters. I couldn't get any depth at all. No thought process apart from used to death phrases. It was just meh. I'd read it if there is nothing else at hand to help pass the time. Keir, the supposed fiance has no descriptions of his character, background or appearance whatsoever, and yet, he is Gwen's neighbor. There is no explanation why she detests him. The hero has azure eyes the colour of stormy sea *rolls eyes* It was bugging and irritating me, and as soon as I caught myself picking the book apart I stopped. It deserves a reader more forgiving and gentle than me, hence no rating.
February 25, 2015
Well written, passionate romance with well developed characters and plot. I was immediately drawn into the characters' plights. Hero and heroine have off the charts chemistry from chapter one but there are obstacles and this is a powerful story true to time period. Heroine is at her father's mercy (an unloving vindictive man) and goes through an emotional journey. Through it all is a to die for hero who goes through his own well crafted emotional journey. Yes, he has his flaws but his devotion to heroine is powerful as is their romance. This book touched me and I was rewarded with a romantic and satisfying end. Can't wait for next book.
July 18, 2015
Scandal, romance and a Happy ending
I enjoyed this book. It's a story of a mean,deceitful father who makes his daughter believe he's dying. He wants her to marry a man of his choice, but his father is hiding a secret about this man. Gwen meets Sebastian and falls in love with him , but still her father won't relent. Sebastian convicts a scheme so devious that Gwen's father has no choicest to relent. Her fatherhood not attend the wedding but came to see Veena few days later and revealed several secrets to her as he handed her her another's journals. Her live is turned upside down and questions everything, including her husband's love. A very good book.
I enjoyed this book. It's a story of a mean,deceitful father who makes his daughter believe he's dying. He wants her to marry a man of his choice, but his father is hiding a secret about this man. Gwen meets Sebastian and falls in love with him , but still her father won't relent. Sebastian convicts a scheme so devious that Gwen's father has no choicest to relent. Her fatherhood not attend the wedding but came to see Veena few days later and revealed several secrets to her as he handed her her another's journals. Her live is turned upside down and questions everything, including her husband's love. A very good book.
June 25, 2015
You T.G. Have my greatest wish for success.
This author took a great story that others who have read her work before would have paid happily to read it. But for me and believe me when I tell you reading is my hobby in this era and I have read more books then you would believe by many writers. And the reason for this free book was she knew once read that reader would be hook. I am and I will enjoy buying your books and I know I will enjoy them. May God continue to bless you work. You my lady have made me a fan. Please READ and see if you don't agree. Ms. D from New York City.
This author took a great story that others who have read her work before would have paid happily to read it. But for me and believe me when I tell you reading is my hobby in this era and I have read more books then you would believe by many writers. And the reason for this free book was she knew once read that reader would be hook. I am and I will enjoy buying your books and I know I will enjoy them. May God continue to bless you work. You my lady have made me a fan. Please READ and see if you don't agree. Ms. D from New York City.
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