85 books
—
6 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “When a Lady Deceives (Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service #1)” as Want to Read:
When a Lady Deceives
(Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service #1)
by
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 ...more
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 ...more
ebook, 314 pages
Published
August 22nd 2016
by Entangled Publishing, LLC (Select Historical)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
When a Lady Deceives,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about When a Lady Deceives
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of When a Lady Deceives (Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service #1)

In Victorian London, Jennie Quinn, a reporter is working undercover at an Inn as part of her determination to discover who murdered her informer..
Former Police Inspector Matthew Colton, now a member of a notorious criminal gang crosses her path. But what is the connection between the gang, the death of her informer and the further deaths of other females..
I enjoyed the story a lot and liked the portrayal of the characters. I also liked the style of the writing and I am hoping there will be more ...more
Former Police Inspector Matthew Colton, now a member of a notorious criminal gang crosses her path. But what is the connection between the gang, the death of her informer and the further deaths of other females..
I enjoyed the story a lot and liked the portrayal of the characters. I also liked the style of the writing and I am hoping there will be more ...more

4.5 Stars
This novel is full of murder, mayhem, intrigue, and of course romance. I enjoyed reading it because the story is very good. Colton is my favourite character in this book. He is a man with many secrets, some not good. Jennie knows that she should stay away from him but he might lead her to the answers she is seeking. They are world's apart from each other but in this moment they're together. Colton is determined to find all of Jennie's secrets while she is looking for some answers hersel ...more
This novel is full of murder, mayhem, intrigue, and of course romance. I enjoyed reading it because the story is very good. Colton is my favourite character in this book. He is a man with many secrets, some not good. Jennie knows that she should stay away from him but he might lead her to the answers she is seeking. They are world's apart from each other but in this moment they're together. Colton is determined to find all of Jennie's secrets while she is looking for some answers hersel ...more

Intriguing elements and dark mysterious hero but only given a promise of that never delivered. Story plods along with not much happening but repeated scenes and romance drags out only to be given a few bedroom scenes without much relationship depth.
Tempted to read the next in series though because of promise of author.
Tempted to read the next in series though because of promise of author.

When a Lady Deceives (Her Majesty's Most Secret Service, Book 1) by Tara Kingston is an intriguing Victorian Romance set in 1890 England. WOW! What an intriguing introduction to a new and what promises to be an impressive series.
Jennie Quinn, a tenacious, undercover journalist/reporter, who employs deception to seek justice for an informant who was murdered for the information she carried. She is drawn into a seductive game of cat and mouse, with known, and powerful criminals. She disguises hers ...more
Jennie Quinn, a tenacious, undercover journalist/reporter, who employs deception to seek justice for an informant who was murdered for the information she carried. She is drawn into a seductive game of cat and mouse, with known, and powerful criminals. She disguises hers ...more

2.5 stars. I would have rated it higher if it didn't take half the page count for something (anything) to happen!
My Better worded review:
Tara Kingston’s newest release When a Lady Deceives features a clever, intelligent woman matched with a man whose true heart and motives are masked by darkness. Sounds like a real page turner to me and yet I found myself putting the book down more often than not. With little to no major character or plot development for practically half of the book I was bored ...more
My Better worded review:
Tara Kingston’s newest release When a Lady Deceives features a clever, intelligent woman matched with a man whose true heart and motives are masked by darkness. Sounds like a real page turner to me and yet I found myself putting the book down more often than not. With little to no major character or plot development for practically half of the book I was bored ...more

This is my first read by Tara Kingston and it was very interesting. The book has suspense, mystery, romance and nice characters. Jennie is a reporter who is working undercover trying to find out who killed her informant. Matthew is the bastard son of Lord Winthrop and before being recognized by him ,she used to live in the slums. Before becoming the head enforcer for Claude Harwick, he worked for Scotland Yard.
Both characters are complex and I liked that she is different from the other reads of ...more
Both characters are complex and I liked that she is different from the other reads of ...more

I like a good, snappy intrigue and this book has it, plus some steamy chemistry. Jennie Quinn is the kind of woman I like to see in novels - independent and goal oriented. As an undercover reporter, she is not perfect, which gets her into more than a few dangerous situations, but Matthew Colton, a former Yard Man, now working for a criminal isn't all he's supposed to be. When the two end up together, time after time, sparks fly! I wasn't expecting the ending. I received an Advanced copy from Net
...more

What an incredible way to start a series. You have mystery, murders, threats, dark alleyways, secrets, underlying passion, protective instincts on steroids, vindication, and love. Ms. Kingston has wrapped all of this up in a story of revenge and doing the right thing.
Virginia Jeanette “Jennie” Quinn is a reporter looking for the killer of her informant and a way to bring the killer to justice. She is clever, quick minded, pretty, cultured and has many secrets she wants to keep to herself. She st ...more
Virginia Jeanette “Jennie” Quinn is a reporter looking for the killer of her informant and a way to bring the killer to justice. She is clever, quick minded, pretty, cultured and has many secrets she wants to keep to herself. She st ...more

I received an ARC for a honest review
London, 1890. In Victorian London, reporter Jennie Quinn employs deception as a weapon. Going undercover to seek justice for a murdered informant. The books start with Jenny finding Mary McDaniel, her informant, with her throat cut in an alley. Jenny was to be given the diary Mary had kept whilst mistress to a powerful criminal. Enigmatic former lawman Matthew Colton is as dangerous as he is clever, but the passion in his kiss is too tempting to resist. Jenni ...more
London, 1890. In Victorian London, reporter Jennie Quinn employs deception as a weapon. Going undercover to seek justice for a murdered informant. The books start with Jenny finding Mary McDaniel, her informant, with her throat cut in an alley. Jenny was to be given the diary Mary had kept whilst mistress to a powerful criminal. Enigmatic former lawman Matthew Colton is as dangerous as he is clever, but the passion in his kiss is too tempting to resist. Jenni ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

Jennie is a reporter undercover to try and figure out who murdered her informant. Not much is said of Jennie's family other than they are adventurous and supportive. Matthew, the bastard son of Lord Winthrop, formerly an Inspector from Scotland Yard, is the head enforcer for Claude Harwick. Matthew spent some of his formative years in the slums, before his father acknowledged him and he came to live with him.
This was good. Both characters were interesting and had layers. I liked that Jennie had ...more
This was good. Both characters were interesting and had layers. I liked that Jennie had ...more

Apr 02, 2020
Nenia ✨️ Socially Awkward Trash Panda ✨️ Campbell
marked it as kindle-stash
·
review of another edition
This is free today! Spy falls for target.



First book in a promising new series!

Cover - Really beautiful! Catching colors with a sensual couple very fitting for a Victorian book.
Plot- This was a good plot. Full of mystery and suspense, this book kept me guessing and wanting more until the end. The author written style was very cohesive without any weak points.
Characters- Colton is a mouth-watering hero. A bit dark and dangerous, he was really protective and bossy. On the other hand, Jennie was the perfect mat ...more

Description
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 ma ...more
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 ma ...more

A female investigator trolling the underworld to uncover criminal activity would be dangerous today, but in Victorian times it was almost suicidal. Jennie Quinn is investigating an underworld boss when her informant is murdered. She is determined to bring the villain to justice, even if it means putting her own life in danger.
Matthew Colton is the main muscle to a very dangerous man. ( Or is he?) He has to discipline many who get out of line. There us something about the new barmaid that is ruf ...more
Matthew Colton is the main muscle to a very dangerous man. ( Or is he?) He has to discipline many who get out of line. There us something about the new barmaid that is ruf ...more

WHEN A LADY DECEIVES, Tara Kingston’s first book in HER MAJESTY’S MOST SECRET SERVICE series, is a keeper!
Reporter Jennie Quinn is thrown into the murder investigation of an informant, who worked at a tavern run by a villainous criminal she suspects had her source killed. Jennie goes undercover and meets Colton, a former detective hunk. Danger abounds as she unravels clues, confronts perilous predicaments, and runs headlong into risky situations. But, she faces the biggest risk with Colton, who ...more
Reporter Jennie Quinn is thrown into the murder investigation of an informant, who worked at a tavern run by a villainous criminal she suspects had her source killed. Jennie goes undercover and meets Colton, a former detective hunk. Danger abounds as she unravels clues, confronts perilous predicaments, and runs headlong into risky situations. But, she faces the biggest risk with Colton, who ...more

London in 1890 where the book “When a Lady Deceives” is dark and intriguing story of reporter Jennie Quinn going undercover and using deception as a weapon to solve a murder of an informant who was murdered for the information she carried. Disgraced Scotland Yard detective, Matthew Colton is as dangerous as he is clever now works for one of the hardened criminal minds of London’s underworld. He has infiltrated the criminal world he’s vowed to destroy. Matthew tempts Jennie with is sizzling kisse
...more

I could not resist this one because it promised mystery back in the day with characters that called to you. Jennie because of what she does and how gets you rooted to the spot right away because she is the type of female I hoped I would of been in that time. She does though go after answers that not also is deceiving but has danger attached to it too. Matthew was in employment by a organization that is always caught my eye and intrigued me so read and watched alot of it thanks to Sherlock, that
...more

Not your typical HR
I really liked that this was not your typical duke/debutante romance. It has intrigue, suspense, crime, and good character tension.
I liked Colton's character a lot-author did a good job demonstrating his struggle.
I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to more by this author!!! ...more
I really liked that this was not your typical duke/debutante romance. It has intrigue, suspense, crime, and good character tension.
I liked Colton's character a lot-author did a good job demonstrating his struggle.
I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to more by this author!!! ...more

Loved the book! Tara Kingston is a wonderful author. Jennie is a undercover reporter trying to take down a very dangerous man. She just found her informant dead in an alleyway with her throat slashed. Matthew Colton is Hawkins first LT. and disgraced Scotland Yards Inspector. Matthew is trying to get info on his cousin the ruthless Claude Hawkins and destroy him from within. With a killer on the loose slashing throats and Jennie working at an Inn/Pub and her life in danger. Matthew must work ove
...more

ROMANTIC and DARING!!
As the first book in a new series, When a Lady Deceives is an action-packed blockbuster of a romance novel with enough thrills and chills to last a lifetime. There is a "Ripper" like murder killing off actresses, barmaids and young women indiscriminately. The heroine Jennie, herself masquerading as barmaid, is in actuality a gentlewoman working as a reporter. She meets, and subsequently falls for our hero Matthew who has secrets of his own. It is a race to see who will save ...more
As the first book in a new series, When a Lady Deceives is an action-packed blockbuster of a romance novel with enough thrills and chills to last a lifetime. There is a "Ripper" like murder killing off actresses, barmaids and young women indiscriminately. The heroine Jennie, herself masquerading as barmaid, is in actuality a gentlewoman working as a reporter. She meets, and subsequently falls for our hero Matthew who has secrets of his own. It is a race to see who will save ...more

Deliciously seductive
In so many ways. A woman reporter Innovative courageous and resourceful ferreting out the truths meets with a strong seductive secretive man who is a conundrum as they are propelled into a dark and sinister world forced to fight for their lives and for each other’s lives. Can these two independent strong beings ever be a long lasting match in the world of the late 1800s
In so many ways. A woman reporter Innovative courageous and resourceful ferreting out the truths meets with a strong seductive secretive man who is a conundrum as they are propelled into a dark and sinister world forced to fight for their lives and for each other’s lives. Can these two independent strong beings ever be a long lasting match in the world of the late 1800s

This was a very well-written story with interesting characters. The story was full of intrigue and suspense which I enjoyed. I only gave it 4 stars because there was not enough romance in the story, in my opinion. It felt more like a mystery/suspense novel to me than romance, although there were some nice sex scenes but I craved more romance in the story. Still, I like this author and will read more from her.

This is book 1 in her Majesty’s secret service book 1. I had wanted to read this first because I had gotten a later book from Netgalley and I wanted to read the series in order. However, this was such a hard read for me. I just couldn’t get into this story. I am hoping book 2 gets better because right now this was doing it for me. It was slow and wasn’t in love with the characters. I guess we shall have to see.

Okay
I don't know if it's just because I had such a connection to a previously read book, or if I just am not in the mood for a novel such as this one- but I did not feel the pull to this novel that I normally do when I am reading a new novel. I will definitely have to try again later. ...more
I don't know if it's just because I had such a connection to a previously read book, or if I just am not in the mood for a novel such as this one- but I did not feel the pull to this novel that I normally do when I am reading a new novel. I will definitely have to try again later. ...more

Intrigue and Sexuality
Definitely a page turner. Jenny is an adamant journalist. In her time it was unusual to have parents to support her in her career choice. Jenny and Matthew both made dangerous choices to right the wrongs of a very mean man. Thankfully things work out for them. Very well written 👍.
Definitely a page turner. Jenny is an adamant journalist. In her time it was unusual to have parents to support her in her career choice. Jenny and Matthew both made dangerous choices to right the wrongs of a very mean man. Thankfully things work out for them. Very well written 👍.
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish | 1 | 1 | May 08, 2017 06:40AM |
Award-winning author Tara Kingston writes historical romance laced with intrigue, danger, and adventures of the heart. A Southern-belle-out-of-water in a quaint Pennsylvania town, she lives her own love story with her real-life hero and a pair of deceptively innocent-looking kitties in a cozy Victorian. The mother of two sons, Tara’s a former librarian whose love of books is evident in her popping
...more
Other books in the series
Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service
(4 books)
Related Articles
Mateo Askaripour is a Brooklyn-based writer whose debut novel, Black Buck—which Colson Whitehead calls a “mesmerizing novel, executing a high...
68 likes · 7 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »