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Carnal Deceptions
Tess Starling is willing to risk everything -- and offer anything -- to avenge her father's death.
Upon leaving her father's gravesite, Tess spies creditors confiscating the finery of her first London Season. But her gowns will do little to satisfy her father's debts. Fleet Prison awaits her. Tess dons a homely disguise, cloaking herself in mourning weeds. She is determined to evade the authorities until she brings to justice the swindler who ruined her father.
Resolute in her quest, she will transform anew, reinventing herself as a temptress to seduce the villain. She only wants for hands-on training, but the man who volunteers proves too much of a distraction. Everything about Tallon Hawkes, the Earl of Marcliffe, fascinates, including the battle scars marking his body. A motivated pupil, Tess yields eagerly to his sexual demands.
Long before he discovers the sensuous female beneath the layers of black crepe...long before he discovers the brilliant copper-colored tresses hidden by the ratty wig...long before he tastes the sweetness of her skin, Tallon Hawkes' heart has been hooked. Tallon plays along with Tess's scheme, but he is distrustful and jealous of her obsession with their shared enemy. Tallon is determined to bring her dangerous game to an end. But will his arrogant maneuver lose him any chance with Tess?
This book was previously published, but has been substantially revised and re-edited for Samhain Publishing.
Warning, this title contains the graphic language, explicit sex, light spanking, anal sex.
Upon leaving her father's gravesite, Tess spies creditors confiscating the finery of her first London Season. But her gowns will do little to satisfy her father's debts. Fleet Prison awaits her. Tess dons a homely disguise, cloaking herself in mourning weeds. She is determined to evade the authorities until she brings to justice the swindler who ruined her father.
Resolute in her quest, she will transform anew, reinventing herself as a temptress to seduce the villain. She only wants for hands-on training, but the man who volunteers proves too much of a distraction. Everything about Tallon Hawkes, the Earl of Marcliffe, fascinates, including the battle scars marking his body. A motivated pupil, Tess yields eagerly to his sexual demands.
Long before he discovers the sensuous female beneath the layers of black crepe...long before he discovers the brilliant copper-colored tresses hidden by the ratty wig...long before he tastes the sweetness of her skin, Tallon Hawkes' heart has been hooked. Tallon plays along with Tess's scheme, but he is distrustful and jealous of her obsession with their shared enemy. Tallon is determined to bring her dangerous game to an end. But will his arrogant maneuver lose him any chance with Tess?
This book was previously published, but has been substantially revised and re-edited for Samhain Publishing.
Warning, this title contains the graphic language, explicit sex, light spanking, anal sex.
225 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 4, 2017
Love Heroines in Disguise
Very good story. Loved the H's name Tallon and he sounds really hot. Lol. The h was cute and I really like stories of revenge. I loved the Aunt the most and her kindness to the H and h. Tallon's devotion to his Aunt was so amazing. Love seeing a compassionate hero. And I liked that once he met the h, even in Disguise, he had eyes for no other. Sigh.
Very good story. Loved the H's name Tallon and he sounds really hot. Lol. The h was cute and I really like stories of revenge. I loved the Aunt the most and her kindness to the H and h. Tallon's devotion to his Aunt was so amazing. Love seeing a compassionate hero. And I liked that once he met the h, even in Disguise, he had eyes for no other. Sigh.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 5, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
I actually wanted to read this book before The Viscount's Addiction because of the beautiful cover. But, an opium addict hero proved more alluring. I wasn’t happy with that book and sadly, not with this one as well. This book was uneven too, but what grated my nerves were both H/h and the stupid plot to bring the villain to justice. I’ll try to point them out as I go.
Tess’s father committed suicide because of a huge debt. Although he was a viscount, he was more of a viscount farmer (if there was anything like that), who loved to farm. He wanted to see Tess settled well so, probably, got himself trapped into the schemes of a man named Sloan and found himself destitute. Then he took the coward’s way out, leaving Tess all alone in the world. His man of business, Beadle, had an eye on beautiful, red haired Tess but she never returned the creepy man’s attentions. The story starts when they were out of the cemetery, burying Tess’s dad and Beadle, again, proposing her, though subtly. Tess wouldn’t agree to that so Beadle gives her wigs, fake eyebrows and make ups to hide her beauty, mainly to hide from the debtors. He asks her never to smile because her smile is that beautiful! He also tells her he’s got a place for her as a companion to a Lady Stadwell, whose husband was also victim of Sloan’s schemes but has since passed on. He assures her that he’ll sell of the townhouse and with the money pay the debtors. She has to wait ‘til then. Seeing no other way, Tess agrees. A few months pass by and Tess now lives with Lady Stadwell, an elderly woman living in an impoverish state after what happened to her husband. She knows nothing about Tess’s plight or who she is. With the pale make up and the ugly wig and eyebrow, Tess is almost unrecognizable. I have no idea how she managed to stay like that but it was indicated that there weren’t a lot of servants; also that Lady Stadwell is near sighted. Anyway, one day, doing one of the things she likes best, gardening, Tess meets Tallon, Lady Stadwell’s nephew. He came in for a visit. He has a black reputation though I am not sure why. Throughout the book, I really didn’t see anything for his so-called reputation was never proven. Tess is glad for her makeup because the only season she had before her father’s suicide, she’d been the toast of the season and very well-known for her looks and her vivid hair. I found it hard to believe that she could hide her such unmatched beauty with a little wig and pale makeup. Even the worldly Tallon never knew!
Tallon has been into the war with French and was injured. He walks with a slight limp but it only adds to his appeal. He’s good looking and charming. Many things were implied to make Tallon look/sound a broody, dark hero but I wasn’t convinced. He came off a bit too indecisive for my choice. Like, on various occasions, he’d want/think of things but would not really act on those. He has a beautiful mistress, waiting to do his every bidding and yet when he meets his aunt’s ‘plain/homely’ companion, he can’t go back to her. Yah right! He likes Hortensia (Tess’s fake name) immensely, likes to talk to her, help her gardening or annoy her while she’s baking pastries. He cherishes the fact that he can unsettle her with his closeness and ruffle her perfect demeanor. I wasn’t really sure what to think because I couldn’t see Tallon falling for Tess, the way she looked with her makeup. Tess got to learn about what Sloan did to Lord Stadwell when Tallon and Lady Stadwell discuss about it. The old woman came up with a plan- the stupidest plans ever, which starts with Tallon’s mistress. Yah, you’re right. The woman kept going on and on and on about his mistress for a long time in the book, which made me wanna tear my hair out! No, I don’t like to know about the hero’s mistress or whatever. Then, Tallon was never embarrassed that his mistress was being discussed for a stupid reason. So, what was the reason? It seems like, Sloan and Tallon studied together in Oxford (or Cambridge, don’t remember). Sloan has this weird obsession for everything that Tallon might tag as his own. The whys of it was never revealed. So he approached Tallon’s mistress and made her offers. The woman was loyal to Tallon and refused Sloan (though it didn’t deter Tallon to kick her out once he saw Tess without makeup!). Now, Lady Stadwell wants to use this mistress to seduce Sloan and bring out his secrets aka information about all those schemes that left many destitute and bring him to justice (duh!). This woman is so focused on revenge that she doesn’t care whatever happens along the way. Tallon objects.
Now, when Tess hears of it, she wants to be ‘that’ woman who would do the deed and would bring Sloan down. She was more than focused on it and wouldn’t care what happens to her in the process. I mean, doesn’t this sound moronic? TSTL? And she proves throughout the story that she really is TSTL. Anyway, at first, to just to assuage his aunt’s interest a bit, Tallon invites a few prostitutes and interview them. Tess, knowing that, barges in the middle of it and humiliates herself in the process. Remember, she’s still in her ugly makeup and Tallon delicately tries to tell her that Sloan is shallow enough to fall only for a beautiful face and body. Then, when those women leave, Tallon tells him this was just a ruse and that he doesn’t care for this scheme because he knows how dangerous Sloan can be. But he can’t, strongly, say anything to his hell-bent-for-revenge aunt or Tess for that matter. In the meantime, Beadle makes an appearance, to tell Tess that he lost her money from the selling of the townhouse to gambling and discreetly offers her to become his mistress. Tallon hears it and throws the man out of the house. My thought was: the man just swindled her money and Tallon did nothing? Tess didn’t scream and shout and kick the man? They just kicked him out and he was never seen again! *blinks* Tess is confused at the moment what she’ll do because soon enough, Tallon finds out her ruse. Now he wants her for himself. Note: he still didn’t break up with his mistress and the woman was still being discussed between them! Then, when Lady Stadwell sees Tess, she offers to be the ‘pawn’ for this scheme. I hated it, how blank her mind went when she’d talk about revenge on Sloan, doing things Tallon exclusively asked her not to do! It pissed me off bigtime.
Back to the story... With Tallon objecting, the crazy old woman brings in the onetime mistress of her deceased husband (no, it wasn’t explained but I got it from clues), a courtesan, to teach the ‘innocent lamb’ of all things naughty. Oh, the courtesan and Lady Stadwell are very good friends and quite fond of each-other. At this point, I was vigorously rolling my eyes! The whole ‘teaching’ part was boring and pointless, because ultimately Tess never had the chance to utilize her so-called skills, not even when she was doing it with Tallon. Sure, in between, there were fondling and oral stuff going on with Tallon, in no uncertain terms telling her he wants her and won’t let her go with it while Tess just discarding his admonitions. She wants Tallon too, keeps daydreaming away about him and ultimately fell in love with him (how, why, I have no idea) but she still wants to whore herself for revenge. Moreover, she was never bothered by all the talks of Tallon’s mistress, never jealous, which disturbed me to no end! So she does what she does best, to act stupid and tries to snare Sloan in her clutches. It went on in a few balls (Tess made appearances, with Lady Stadwell as her benefactress or something like this) and then in the Pleasure Gardens. She tries gaining Sloan’s favors by saying negative things about Tallon, though she hated doing it. And the author wants me to believe she loves him? Great! Sloan ends up proposing to her, which Tess tentatively gives her consent to. All these hurts and angers Tallon. She does bring a few information for Tallon though, which tells us that Sloan is planning an opium transport in China. Also, when Sloan sends flowers for Tess (making Tallon angry, again!), Tallon takes the note from the seller and replaces it with his own coins. The pound note proved to be a fake. For his investigations against Sloan, Tallon was also taking help of a few of his comrades in the war who fought under his command. One was a big man called Cyrus, whom Tallon exclusively appointed to watch over Tess and his aunt.
Anyway, there were more stupid things going on in between (one being Tallon keeping Tess to himself one week, sending his aunt and the servants away, for reasons I’m yet to understand) but I was too bored and the plot was too uneven for me to stick to it. And there were no steamy, hot sex scenes. When those happened finally, I didn’t find them anything special so I don’t know why this book is called an Erotic Historical Romance! As Tallon understood Tess would be forever TSTL, he deceived her into marrying him, telling her they’re going to Scotland to find out the man who makes fake notes for Sloan. He also tells her it’s all fake; the anvil priest, the certificate, the whole ceremony... everything! Tess had some suspicions (I was amazed that she had the ability!) but still went with it. At night, Tallon tells her they’re truly married and he wants his wedding night. Tess refuses and Tallon goes out the door, stomping in anger. After that, don’t ask me anymore because by that time I was willing this book to finish... There’s a kidnapping by Sloan and very easy resolve of all of their problems (stupid spy servant blurted out as Tallon threatened her... *rolls eyes*). Tess did let Tallon make love to her, the last one having been in the cottage where Sloan kept her. The cottage was furnished for this exact endeavor, as Tess was originally supposed to marry Sloan (remember the betrothal?) and live here until they could sail to China. The thought (and what entailed it all), again, makes Tallon angry... yes, he’s been angry all over the book but didn’t really act on it, until by marrying Tess. Whatever! Have to talk about the last love scene, the ‘backdoor loving’ thing. Oh, SB had to slap it on my face to tell me: this IS an Erotic Historical Romance, you b*tch! because the whole book as I mentioned before, was simply tepid.
There was a scene at the very end, where Tess brings out the topic of Tallon’s mistress, again. Tallon jokes, what if he wants to keep her (jerk!) and Tess is jealous... Finally! Whatever!! But Tallon answers her that ‘it’s been over for a longtime now’. Hmm, always getting distracted by the new and shiny, men are! Also, there was this stupid thing about Tallon never kissing his mistress. Initially, it came out when Tess was receiving her lessons from the courtesan, as the woman informed her how Tallon’s mistress bragged on about his ‘accomplishment’ as a lover, things Tess memorized well enough (no description so I have no juicy bits to give you). The mistress also bemoaned that he never kisses, a fact Tess memorizes as well and brought up many times while they were making love or fondling each-other. Tallon never explained, Tess was never jealous and I was heaving exasperated sighs all over it. So, in that last scene, Tallon finally explains that his arrangement with his mistress was ‘a professional liaison’ so he never, in truth, kissed her while with Tess, it’s passionate. How utterly charming! I’m positively swooning over this little information!
NOT!
But, I had to blabber on about these because they really really bothered me.
3 stars, just because I liked the beginning and SB’s writing style seemed improved in this one.
Warning: might not be for you if you aren’t fond of ‘backdoor loving’!
I actually wanted to read this book before The Viscount's Addiction because of the beautiful cover. But, an opium addict hero proved more alluring. I wasn’t happy with that book and sadly, not with this one as well. This book was uneven too, but what grated my nerves were both H/h and the stupid plot to bring the villain to justice. I’ll try to point them out as I go.
Tess’s father committed suicide because of a huge debt. Although he was a viscount, he was more of a viscount farmer (if there was anything like that), who loved to farm. He wanted to see Tess settled well so, probably, got himself trapped into the schemes of a man named Sloan and found himself destitute. Then he took the coward’s way out, leaving Tess all alone in the world. His man of business, Beadle, had an eye on beautiful, red haired Tess but she never returned the creepy man’s attentions. The story starts when they were out of the cemetery, burying Tess’s dad and Beadle, again, proposing her, though subtly. Tess wouldn’t agree to that so Beadle gives her wigs, fake eyebrows and make ups to hide her beauty, mainly to hide from the debtors. He asks her never to smile because her smile is that beautiful! He also tells her he’s got a place for her as a companion to a Lady Stadwell, whose husband was also victim of Sloan’s schemes but has since passed on. He assures her that he’ll sell of the townhouse and with the money pay the debtors. She has to wait ‘til then. Seeing no other way, Tess agrees. A few months pass by and Tess now lives with Lady Stadwell, an elderly woman living in an impoverish state after what happened to her husband. She knows nothing about Tess’s plight or who she is. With the pale make up and the ugly wig and eyebrow, Tess is almost unrecognizable. I have no idea how she managed to stay like that but it was indicated that there weren’t a lot of servants; also that Lady Stadwell is near sighted. Anyway, one day, doing one of the things she likes best, gardening, Tess meets Tallon, Lady Stadwell’s nephew. He came in for a visit. He has a black reputation though I am not sure why. Throughout the book, I really didn’t see anything for his so-called reputation was never proven. Tess is glad for her makeup because the only season she had before her father’s suicide, she’d been the toast of the season and very well-known for her looks and her vivid hair. I found it hard to believe that she could hide her such unmatched beauty with a little wig and pale makeup. Even the worldly Tallon never knew!
Tallon has been into the war with French and was injured. He walks with a slight limp but it only adds to his appeal. He’s good looking and charming. Many things were implied to make Tallon look/sound a broody, dark hero but I wasn’t convinced. He came off a bit too indecisive for my choice. Like, on various occasions, he’d want/think of things but would not really act on those. He has a beautiful mistress, waiting to do his every bidding and yet when he meets his aunt’s ‘plain/homely’ companion, he can’t go back to her. Yah right! He likes Hortensia (Tess’s fake name) immensely, likes to talk to her, help her gardening or annoy her while she’s baking pastries. He cherishes the fact that he can unsettle her with his closeness and ruffle her perfect demeanor. I wasn’t really sure what to think because I couldn’t see Tallon falling for Tess, the way she looked with her makeup. Tess got to learn about what Sloan did to Lord Stadwell when Tallon and Lady Stadwell discuss about it. The old woman came up with a plan- the stupidest plans ever, which starts with Tallon’s mistress. Yah, you’re right. The woman kept going on and on and on about his mistress for a long time in the book, which made me wanna tear my hair out! No, I don’t like to know about the hero’s mistress or whatever. Then, Tallon was never embarrassed that his mistress was being discussed for a stupid reason. So, what was the reason? It seems like, Sloan and Tallon studied together in Oxford (or Cambridge, don’t remember). Sloan has this weird obsession for everything that Tallon might tag as his own. The whys of it was never revealed. So he approached Tallon’s mistress and made her offers. The woman was loyal to Tallon and refused Sloan (though it didn’t deter Tallon to kick her out once he saw Tess without makeup!). Now, Lady Stadwell wants to use this mistress to seduce Sloan and bring out his secrets aka information about all those schemes that left many destitute and bring him to justice (duh!). This woman is so focused on revenge that she doesn’t care whatever happens along the way. Tallon objects.
Now, when Tess hears of it, she wants to be ‘that’ woman who would do the deed and would bring Sloan down. She was more than focused on it and wouldn’t care what happens to her in the process. I mean, doesn’t this sound moronic? TSTL? And she proves throughout the story that she really is TSTL. Anyway, at first, to just to assuage his aunt’s interest a bit, Tallon invites a few prostitutes and interview them. Tess, knowing that, barges in the middle of it and humiliates herself in the process. Remember, she’s still in her ugly makeup and Tallon delicately tries to tell her that Sloan is shallow enough to fall only for a beautiful face and body. Then, when those women leave, Tallon tells him this was just a ruse and that he doesn’t care for this scheme because he knows how dangerous Sloan can be. But he can’t, strongly, say anything to his hell-bent-for-revenge aunt or Tess for that matter. In the meantime, Beadle makes an appearance, to tell Tess that he lost her money from the selling of the townhouse to gambling and discreetly offers her to become his mistress. Tallon hears it and throws the man out of the house. My thought was: the man just swindled her money and Tallon did nothing? Tess didn’t scream and shout and kick the man? They just kicked him out and he was never seen again! *blinks* Tess is confused at the moment what she’ll do because soon enough, Tallon finds out her ruse. Now he wants her for himself. Note: he still didn’t break up with his mistress and the woman was still being discussed between them! Then, when Lady Stadwell sees Tess, she offers to be the ‘pawn’ for this scheme. I hated it, how blank her mind went when she’d talk about revenge on Sloan, doing things Tallon exclusively asked her not to do! It pissed me off bigtime.
Back to the story... With Tallon objecting, the crazy old woman brings in the onetime mistress of her deceased husband (no, it wasn’t explained but I got it from clues), a courtesan, to teach the ‘innocent lamb’ of all things naughty. Oh, the courtesan and Lady Stadwell are very good friends and quite fond of each-other. At this point, I was vigorously rolling my eyes! The whole ‘teaching’ part was boring and pointless, because ultimately Tess never had the chance to utilize her so-called skills, not even when she was doing it with Tallon. Sure, in between, there were fondling and oral stuff going on with Tallon, in no uncertain terms telling her he wants her and won’t let her go with it while Tess just discarding his admonitions. She wants Tallon too, keeps daydreaming away about him and ultimately fell in love with him (how, why, I have no idea) but she still wants to whore herself for revenge. Moreover, she was never bothered by all the talks of Tallon’s mistress, never jealous, which disturbed me to no end! So she does what she does best, to act stupid and tries to snare Sloan in her clutches. It went on in a few balls (Tess made appearances, with Lady Stadwell as her benefactress or something like this) and then in the Pleasure Gardens. She tries gaining Sloan’s favors by saying negative things about Tallon, though she hated doing it. And the author wants me to believe she loves him? Great! Sloan ends up proposing to her, which Tess tentatively gives her consent to. All these hurts and angers Tallon. She does bring a few information for Tallon though, which tells us that Sloan is planning an opium transport in China. Also, when Sloan sends flowers for Tess (making Tallon angry, again!), Tallon takes the note from the seller and replaces it with his own coins. The pound note proved to be a fake. For his investigations against Sloan, Tallon was also taking help of a few of his comrades in the war who fought under his command. One was a big man called Cyrus, whom Tallon exclusively appointed to watch over Tess and his aunt.
Anyway, there were more stupid things going on in between (one being Tallon keeping Tess to himself one week, sending his aunt and the servants away, for reasons I’m yet to understand) but I was too bored and the plot was too uneven for me to stick to it. And there were no steamy, hot sex scenes. When those happened finally, I didn’t find them anything special so I don’t know why this book is called an Erotic Historical Romance! As Tallon understood Tess would be forever TSTL, he deceived her into marrying him, telling her they’re going to Scotland to find out the man who makes fake notes for Sloan. He also tells her it’s all fake; the anvil priest, the certificate, the whole ceremony... everything! Tess had some suspicions (I was amazed that she had the ability!) but still went with it. At night, Tallon tells her they’re truly married and he wants his wedding night. Tess refuses and Tallon goes out the door, stomping in anger. After that, don’t ask me anymore because by that time I was willing this book to finish... There’s a kidnapping by Sloan and very easy resolve of all of their problems (stupid spy servant blurted out as Tallon threatened her... *rolls eyes*). Tess did let Tallon make love to her, the last one having been in the cottage where Sloan kept her. The cottage was furnished for this exact endeavor, as Tess was originally supposed to marry Sloan (remember the betrothal?) and live here until they could sail to China. The thought (and what entailed it all), again, makes Tallon angry... yes, he’s been angry all over the book but didn’t really act on it, until by marrying Tess. Whatever! Have to talk about the last love scene, the ‘backdoor loving’ thing. Oh, SB had to slap it on my face to tell me: this IS an Erotic Historical Romance, you b*tch! because the whole book as I mentioned before, was simply tepid.
There was a scene at the very end, where Tess brings out the topic of Tallon’s mistress, again. Tallon jokes, what if he wants to keep her (jerk!) and Tess is jealous... Finally! Whatever!! But Tallon answers her that ‘it’s been over for a longtime now’. Hmm, always getting distracted by the new and shiny, men are! Also, there was this stupid thing about Tallon never kissing his mistress. Initially, it came out when Tess was receiving her lessons from the courtesan, as the woman informed her how Tallon’s mistress bragged on about his ‘accomplishment’ as a lover, things Tess memorized well enough (no description so I have no juicy bits to give you). The mistress also bemoaned that he never kisses, a fact Tess memorizes as well and brought up many times while they were making love or fondling each-other. Tallon never explained, Tess was never jealous and I was heaving exasperated sighs all over it. So, in that last scene, Tallon finally explains that his arrangement with his mistress was ‘a professional liaison’ so he never, in truth, kissed her while with Tess, it’s passionate. How utterly charming! I’m positively swooning over this little information!
NOT!
But, I had to blabber on about these because they really really bothered me.
3 stars, just because I liked the beginning and SB’s writing style seemed improved in this one.
Warning: might not be for you if you aren’t fond of ‘backdoor loving’!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2014
A short, hot read. Actually only about 169 pages (last few pages contain an excerpt of another book). It could have used a little more filler to let us readers know more back story but it was fairly easy to follow anyway. The ending was a little short too but still worth reading.
January 11, 2015
I am such a huge fan of Historical romances so I was thrilled to get a chance to read a book by someone I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing yet. I'm going to be honest judging by the title of this book I really didn't have high expectations for it, my little judgemental brain had visions of a shy young meek virgin being debauched by a brute of a man who had no scruples about him and I was partly right, except the shy young virgin wasn't so meek and seemed to really really enjoy those deliciously explicit things a brute of a man might enjoy and that man would not only have scruples but have a hidden hero complex as well.
The template and plot of the story has been done time and again, (I won't go in to details) but somehow I never get tired of it. In Carnal Deceptions we have a down on her luck maiden who needs rescuing by no one but herself, a possessive Earl who needs taming but only in matters of the heart and a plotting and lovable aunt to guide them in their endeavours.
The writing is not flowery or over-peppered with descriptions, it flows along seamlessly taking you on the adventure of schemes of vengeance and obsessions with the wronged characters. It was thoroughly enjoyable to read this type of story and have a heroine who was capable of actually shouldering the title and who was quite willing to explore her sexuality without simpering or needing the smelling salts every time she felt an erection from the hero. Ah, the hero. Tallon, even his name is sensual and amazing. There is nothing as sublime as a possessive growling, dirty talking man of High born status who is without a filter and says whatever he damn well pleases. Oh and rides a horse, with Tallon we get all of the above and then some.
So there you have it; an intelligent and willing female protagonist, a protective and sometimes aggravating male protagonist, a villain with nefarious plans, a rather modern-thinking aunt and a kinky courtesan teacher and you're left with a brilliant afternoon's reading. It isn't a Bronte novel or even Georgette Heyer but if you enjoy a simple raunchy and entertaining read then this is the book for you and oh my Heavens is it raunchy.
The template and plot of the story has been done time and again, (I won't go in to details) but somehow I never get tired of it. In Carnal Deceptions we have a down on her luck maiden who needs rescuing by no one but herself, a possessive Earl who needs taming but only in matters of the heart and a plotting and lovable aunt to guide them in their endeavours.
The writing is not flowery or over-peppered with descriptions, it flows along seamlessly taking you on the adventure of schemes of vengeance and obsessions with the wronged characters. It was thoroughly enjoyable to read this type of story and have a heroine who was capable of actually shouldering the title and who was quite willing to explore her sexuality without simpering or needing the smelling salts every time she felt an erection from the hero. Ah, the hero. Tallon, even his name is sensual and amazing. There is nothing as sublime as a possessive growling, dirty talking man of High born status who is without a filter and says whatever he damn well pleases. Oh and rides a horse, with Tallon we get all of the above and then some.
So there you have it; an intelligent and willing female protagonist, a protective and sometimes aggravating male protagonist, a villain with nefarious plans, a rather modern-thinking aunt and a kinky courtesan teacher and you're left with a brilliant afternoon's reading. It isn't a Bronte novel or even Georgette Heyer but if you enjoy a simple raunchy and entertaining read then this is the book for you and oh my Heavens is it raunchy.
January 10, 2015
I love historical romances and this book had me glued to it until I finished. Tess has lost everything when her father suddenly passes away. She is sent away into hiding because of the debts that her father owe and was afraid she would have to go to prison. Because of the beauty that she is, she has to even change her looks so no one notices her. She finds employment as a lady's helper and little does she know this lady has a dashing nephew who comes in a turns Tess into a nervous mess. It isn't long that Tess's secret is found out. Will the nephew Tallon forgive Tess of her secrets. Will she be homeless? Will Tess finally get her revenge on the guy responsible for causing her father's death? This steamy historical romance will keep you entertained.
July 13, 2020
This is closer to an erotica.
December 22, 2017
Sepertinya ini akan jadi buku terakhir yg gw baca tahun ini, abis ini gw mo sibuk dalam kehidupan nyata (hallah) mksdnya mau libur dan di rumah gak akan bisa buka kindle ahahaha
3 bintang, gw gak gitu enjoy bacanya dong.. bahasanya jg berasa aneh deh, beda sama buku2 sebelumnya yg gw baca. Ero? jelas bukan sih.. meski ada spank2 nya tp gak ero, gitu doang.. #eh kwkwkwkw
Ceritanya tu
**akhirnya kelar jg reviewnya ahahahaha
3 bintang, gw gak gitu enjoy bacanya dong.. bahasanya jg berasa aneh deh, beda sama buku2 sebelumnya yg gw baca. Ero? jelas bukan sih.. meski ada spank2 nya tp gak ero, gitu doang.. #eh kwkwkwkw
Ceritanya tu
**akhirnya kelar jg reviewnya ahahahaha
January 17, 2015
*** ARC provided by the Author in return for an honest review***
This quick read asks the question how far will a person go for revenge? The main character Tess believes she must do whatever it takes to destroy Sloan, the person that ruined her life. Sadly, Tess and her family are not his only victims. He has also wrecked the lives of others including the brooding Tallon and his aunt. With the help of Tallon's aunt, Tess forms a plan to get vengeance. She has no fears about her plans but knows she need the help of Tallon to be successful. Soon they cannot deny their chemistry and things quickly heat up between them. Tallon comes to discover that though he would like to see justice for his aunt, he is not willing to sacrifice or lose Tess in order to have it. He wants to protect her from Sloan while also earning her love.
I really liked how possessive he becomes of Tess even stating at one point "I want full possession of you and nothing less with do." He is protective of her and is wiling to go to extreme lengths to protect her from Sloan and even herself. Tess is as equally infatuated with Tallon. Along with making her feel passion, He makes her happy again which was a feeling she had forgotten after the darkness spread in her life. Soon revenge isn't at the forefront of her mind but rather it's her love for Tallon that becomes her motivation. She knows Tallon is everything she wants and is willing do whatever is necessary to protect him when he is threatened.
The only thing I did not like was although their feelings ran deep for one another, neither are vocal enough about it. I'm glad they didn't admit their feelings right off the bat to each other. It just seemed to a little too long time for them to finally admit their feelings out loud and I just wish it would have happened a little sooner. Because despite the fact that they share such an intense chemistry and their actions clearly show they love each other, they each start to fall victim to numerous doubts and insecurities which towards the end started to bother me.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. I am a huge Tess Oliver fan, who wrote this book under her pen name Scottie Barrett. While the style of this book is different from what I've come to expect from her, I am looking forward to reading book 2 in this series when it comes out.
This quick read asks the question how far will a person go for revenge? The main character Tess believes she must do whatever it takes to destroy Sloan, the person that ruined her life. Sadly, Tess and her family are not his only victims. He has also wrecked the lives of others including the brooding Tallon and his aunt. With the help of Tallon's aunt, Tess forms a plan to get vengeance. She has no fears about her plans but knows she need the help of Tallon to be successful. Soon they cannot deny their chemistry and things quickly heat up between them. Tallon comes to discover that though he would like to see justice for his aunt, he is not willing to sacrifice or lose Tess in order to have it. He wants to protect her from Sloan while also earning her love.
I really liked how possessive he becomes of Tess even stating at one point "I want full possession of you and nothing less with do." He is protective of her and is wiling to go to extreme lengths to protect her from Sloan and even herself. Tess is as equally infatuated with Tallon. Along with making her feel passion, He makes her happy again which was a feeling she had forgotten after the darkness spread in her life. Soon revenge isn't at the forefront of her mind but rather it's her love for Tallon that becomes her motivation. She knows Tallon is everything she wants and is willing do whatever is necessary to protect him when he is threatened.
The only thing I did not like was although their feelings ran deep for one another, neither are vocal enough about it. I'm glad they didn't admit their feelings right off the bat to each other. It just seemed to a little too long time for them to finally admit their feelings out loud and I just wish it would have happened a little sooner. Because despite the fact that they share such an intense chemistry and their actions clearly show they love each other, they each start to fall victim to numerous doubts and insecurities which towards the end started to bother me.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. I am a huge Tess Oliver fan, who wrote this book under her pen name Scottie Barrett. While the style of this book is different from what I've come to expect from her, I am looking forward to reading book 2 in this series when it comes out.
September 10, 2010
"Carnal Deceptions" by Scottie Barrett turned out to be a sweet and mildy erotic love story. Tess (h) was out for revenge against the man who swindeld her father out of his money and let to his suiside. To avoid Debter's Prison she goes into hiding /in disguise and works as a compaion to an elderly woman. Tallon (H) is the nephew of the elderly aunt. The Aunt had been swendled by the same bad guy and wants revenge as well, however they are unware of who Tess really is.Tallon and his aunt come up with a plan to hire a woman to be the baddies mistress and hopfully get to know all of his secrets. Of course Tess finds out about the plan and wants to play the part of mistress.
This story if very mild on the erotisim,imo. Mostly it's just the language that's used however there is a nice anal scene at the end of the book.
If you can get passed the disquise (wig, fake bushy eyebrows and over sized clothes), the fake name of Hortensia that the h goes by and the fact that our Hero, Tallon, is intriqued by her because when she smiles it just about knocks people right off their feet ***eyes rolling****,then you will probably enjoy the story.
This story if very mild on the erotisim,imo. Mostly it's just the language that's used however there is a nice anal scene at the end of the book.
If you can get passed the disquise (wig, fake bushy eyebrows and over sized clothes), the fake name of Hortensia that the h goes by and the fact that our Hero, Tallon, is intriqued by her because when she smiles it just about knocks people right off their feet ***eyes rolling****,then you will probably enjoy the story.
January 13, 2015
I was given an updated version for an honest review. Having read other novels by this author, under a different pen name, I knew it would be good. The genre is not one I usually read but found it no different from any other romance. The sexy elements exist and it carries a fun and suspenseful storyline as well. A woman, from a political/royal family, is in financial trouble. Having to work leads her to meet a rather rogue and devilishly handsome Lord Marcliffe. His gentleman ways turn rather barbaric in the most passionate way possible. Tess is much desired by many men but she may be in danger. This story will captivate your attention quickly with details of the scenery and costumes. Writing in this genre must be challenging, using terms meant for a different time took much research and was very successful is transporting me to an old version of London.
March 25, 2011
This author kept coming up when I tried to search Lynne Connolly's books (an ERTG friend) so I decided to check her out. Deception is the operative term here. The heroine is a bit of an idiot, the hero a brooding wannabe Darcy in terms of giving mixed messages which the heroine constantly misreads, the plot is at times confusing, certain characters (the aunt) inconsistent (is she good? bad? a drunk?) as though the author hadn't quite decided where she wanted to go with her... I had greater expectations.
January 16, 2015
This historical erotic romance was way hot!!! Tallon and Tess was off the charts steamy when around each other... Tallon was unlike other alpha males I've read about.... He was broody of course but he also didn't go all alpha on Tess until it was absolutely necessary then he took over.... I loved this sexy hot book and look forward to reading more from Scottie Barrett
November 10, 2010
This was supposed to be historical erotica but it fell way off that mark. The story itself started off well enough and then disintegrated. I regret buying it.
July 17, 2015
It was a pretty good book with a very disappointingly abrupt ending. I was literally in shock when I turned the page and it was done. Several important issues were left unresolved. I hated it.
December 22, 2020
I really liked this book, but he never said "I love you" once to her! The book ended with her finally confessing that to him, what??! I mean it was obvious he had some feelings for her, but it's not clear if it was love. I mean, I hope so. Probably. But still.
I was afraid they weren't going to get their revenge at the end, but luckily, there was a small climax at the end.
I would have given this book 5 stars if it had been a little longer & not for that at the very very end.
The beginning of the book was a little funny and had me laughing out loud. Cool that Tess had a whole disguise that made her appear quite homely, but glad that Lord Macerliffe, Tallon, was very attracted to her bc of personality mostly.
Also, he seemed to give no thought to her virginity? She experienced no mild discomfort? Also, she had her first time in a carriage? But there was only a smear of blood later.
Also, I guess this book is almost an erotic romance, but maybe not enough for me? There was enough plot to balance it out. Jeez, I don't even know when to consider something erotica unless the whole time they're having sex. In fact, the middle sex scenes I would have liked to be a bit longer, they were so short that Tallon seemed to come too fast tbh.
I was afraid they weren't going to get their revenge at the end, but luckily, there was a small climax at the end.
I would have given this book 5 stars if it had been a little longer & not for that at the very very end.
The beginning of the book was a little funny and had me laughing out loud. Cool that Tess had a whole disguise that made her appear quite homely, but glad that Lord Macerliffe, Tallon, was very attracted to her bc of personality mostly.
Also, he seemed to give no thought to her virginity? She experienced no mild discomfort? Also, she had her first time in a carriage? But there was only a smear of blood later.
Also, I guess this book is almost an erotic romance, but maybe not enough for me? There was enough plot to balance it out. Jeez, I don't even know when to consider something erotica unless the whole time they're having sex. In fact, the middle sex scenes I would have liked to be a bit longer, they were so short that Tallon seemed to come too fast tbh.
July 10, 2018
Sweet, albeit slightly silly, novella.
I liked Tallon, Tess, and Lady Stadwell quite a bit. Tallon was a bit caddish, but really a decent chap overall. Tess seemed terribly sheltered and naive about her chances (but then, so did Cat Ballou -- see movie for reference).
Have some issues with Tallon emptying a household so fast and so quietly. From what I've read/seen about large estates, that would've involved the modern equivalent of a freight company.
The plot was simple, but it could've been fleshed out a lot better. Tess' almost suicidal willingness to put herself entirely in Sloan's power pretty much justified Tallon's high-handed behavior in circumventing her actions. But there could've been a lot more to it, or further motivations could've been introduced.
That said, it had enjoyable sexy times in it, and was sweet, even despite the issues. Quick read.
I liked Tallon, Tess, and Lady Stadwell quite a bit. Tallon was a bit caddish, but really a decent chap overall. Tess seemed terribly sheltered and naive about her chances (but then, so did Cat Ballou -- see movie for reference).
Have some issues with Tallon emptying a household so fast and so quietly. From what I've read/seen about large estates, that would've involved the modern equivalent of a freight company.
The plot was simple, but it could've been fleshed out a lot better. Tess' almost suicidal willingness to put herself entirely in Sloan's power pretty much justified Tallon's high-handed behavior in circumventing her actions. But there could've been a lot more to it, or further motivations could've been introduced.
That said, it had enjoyable sexy times in it, and was sweet, even despite the issues. Quick read.
July 30, 2019
Incredible read
What a talented writer! Usually you get one or the other in a book in terms of great plot & interesting, wonderful characters OR extremely steamy intimate scenes. But, Scottie Barrett has accomplished the incredible by combining both in this wonderful book, I read it in a couple of days; hours actually. I'm off to read ALL of her books! Tess was so well written in her disguise as Hortensia. Tallon's reaction to Hortensia was so endearing! I also liked how the H & h were loving & faithful to each other. The book ended with a lovely HEA, although I wish there had been an epilogue. Loved this book.
What a talented writer! Usually you get one or the other in a book in terms of great plot & interesting, wonderful characters OR extremely steamy intimate scenes. But, Scottie Barrett has accomplished the incredible by combining both in this wonderful book, I read it in a couple of days; hours actually. I'm off to read ALL of her books! Tess was so well written in her disguise as Hortensia. Tallon's reaction to Hortensia was so endearing! I also liked how the H & h were loving & faithful to each other. The book ended with a lovely HEA, although I wish there had been an epilogue. Loved this book.
November 20, 2017
Although I enjoyed a lot of the story, I had a problem with Tess thinking she could out-con and out-maneuver a sleazy, cruel and abusive man like Sloan. Good thing Tallon didn't mind rescuing Tess over and over again. But the real problem were the really down, dirty, and raw sex scenes. There's a thin line between erotica and disgusting.
December 16, 2020
Interesting
Her books end so abruptly. They are filled with passion and so much angst and then at the very last page they declare their love and poof.. that’s the end.. no epilogue
Her books end so abruptly. They are filled with passion and so much angst and then at the very last page they declare their love and poof.. that’s the end.. no epilogue
Read
April 2, 2024Dnf 23%
November 29, 2014
Originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/revie...
After a swindler takes her father’s fortune and leaves Tess Starling an orphan, all that is left for the young woman are her father’s creditors banging at the door and a marriage proposal from an exceedingly seedy man. To avoid debtor’s prison, Tess disguises her beauty and becomes Hortensia, a homely-looking companion to Lady Stadwell. When fate drops the opportunity for revenge against the swindler who destroyed her life falls into her lap, Tess is determined to take it. She rids herself of her drab disguise and transforms herself into the perfect seductress. There’s just one problem…
Tallon, the Earl of Marcliffe, has been searching for the opportunity to bring down the man who stole his aunt’s fortune. When he meets his aunt’s new companion, Tallon is wary, but cannot help but be drawn to “Hortensia.” Then Tess throws off her disguise, and Tallon is determined to see the temptress land in no man’s bed but his own.
I must admit, I sometimes arbitrarily pick up books because I love the covers. Carnal Deceptions is one of those cases, but I am happy to report that this is one book that can be judged by its cover – both are wonderful. Carnal Deceptions is a meltingly sexy romp with a swoon-worthy hero and a focused, intelligent heroine. I felt connected to the characters and understood Tess’s hunger for revenge at any cost to herself. Even so, I cheered on Tallon as he tried to both protect and seduce her. Carnal Deceptions is not without its lighthearted moments either. Even days after reading it, I find myself still smiling over Tess’s troublesome disguise, and I leave it to readers to find out for themselves the complications of wearing fake eyebrows. Loosen your stays and break out your fans because Scottie Barrett delivers.
After a swindler takes her father’s fortune and leaves Tess Starling an orphan, all that is left for the young woman are her father’s creditors banging at the door and a marriage proposal from an exceedingly seedy man. To avoid debtor’s prison, Tess disguises her beauty and becomes Hortensia, a homely-looking companion to Lady Stadwell. When fate drops the opportunity for revenge against the swindler who destroyed her life falls into her lap, Tess is determined to take it. She rids herself of her drab disguise and transforms herself into the perfect seductress. There’s just one problem…
Tallon, the Earl of Marcliffe, has been searching for the opportunity to bring down the man who stole his aunt’s fortune. When he meets his aunt’s new companion, Tallon is wary, but cannot help but be drawn to “Hortensia.” Then Tess throws off her disguise, and Tallon is determined to see the temptress land in no man’s bed but his own.
I must admit, I sometimes arbitrarily pick up books because I love the covers. Carnal Deceptions is one of those cases, but I am happy to report that this is one book that can be judged by its cover – both are wonderful. Carnal Deceptions is a meltingly sexy romp with a swoon-worthy hero and a focused, intelligent heroine. I felt connected to the characters and understood Tess’s hunger for revenge at any cost to herself. Even so, I cheered on Tallon as he tried to both protect and seduce her. Carnal Deceptions is not without its lighthearted moments either. Even days after reading it, I find myself still smiling over Tess’s troublesome disguise, and I leave it to readers to find out for themselves the complications of wearing fake eyebrows. Loosen your stays and break out your fans because Scottie Barrett delivers.
January 18, 2015
I had the opportunity to read an ARC for this books new re-release. This books storyline was very unique and it was refreshing to have that. This books shows the struggles of women when their fathers and husbands are swindled by a crook and then become deceased leaving the widows and daughters fighting just to stay proper and alive. This book is about Tess whose father unfortunately got swindled and then supposedly took his own life leaving Tess in the hands of his debt collectors or worse prison, but Mr. Beadle comes up with a plan to hide her beauty from the debtors who will no doubt come after her for her fathers debt. Tess has a unique coloring and beauty that has many men wanting to make her theirs, so Mr. Beadles comes up with a disguise and a ruse for her to go work for a widow Lady Stadwell whose husband also passed away and got swindled too. They form a friendship and even though Tess hates lying, hiding under all the clothes, wig, and hideous eyebrows and tries to hide her glorious smile from the world so she can be safe, she is grateful to be with the widow, but the Lady Stadwell wants to devise a plan to take down the man who did this to her poor deceased husband and does not care what the cost is, Tess wants the same thing. But then enters Lady Stadwell's nephew Lord Marcliffe who dotes on his aunt, when he enters the picture it has Tess's heart beating faster because is a magnificent man, she tries to quiet the thoughts in her head about him but cannot seem to stop thinking about him. Although she believes he would never notice her under the hideous disguise she finds that he pays her more attention that she is comfortable with and it seems as though he can see right through her deception. This is a great story, it does have some pretty graphic language and explicit sex so I would recommend this for adults only.
January 22, 2017
Left destitute after her father's death and intent on avoiding prison, Tess Starling reluctantly agrees to go into hiding as a companion to an elderly lady and dawns a disguise to conceal her identity. Tallon Hawkes (yes, ridiculous name even for a romance novel), Earl of Marcliffe, is drawn to his aunt's dowdy companion but when he finds she is not whom she appears to be exposes her for the liar she is. Once Tess confesses to her employer, the two realize they have a common enemy and devise a plan to destroy him, using Tess extraordinary beauty to entice the man that destroyed her father and capture him at his own game of deceit. Tallon is not at all happy about their plan does his best to protect Tess while trying to thwart her scheme for revenge. I really wanted to like this book and it started out with a very promising premise, but unfortunately the story soon falls into a convoluted mess where one moment Tess and Tallon cannot keep their hands off each other to the next when one or the other says something really hurtful destroying any sort of closeness they might have shared. Also the love scenes, while much more explicit because this novel is classified as erotica, left quite a bit to be desired. Tallon, out of the bedroom is your typical brooding hero and likeable, but in he's a cruel brute, blech! It also bothered me that Ms. Barrett chose to use language that is more modern during love scenes, destroying any sense that this is a Historic romance not a contemporary. Very disappointed and will not be reading anything else from this author!
April 9, 2011
3.5 stars
This was quite tame for an erotic historical romance novel, compared with the others I read before. This is the first work I've read from Scottie Barrett and it wouldn't be the last. This one didn't work for me as expected.
Though it has a promising start, the story kept its pace but I found the erotica lacking in frequency. I was disappointed that the hero and heroine haven't kissed halfway through the book, and I wasn't really partial to too much oral sex in favor of the hero. Their love scenes were brief and they didn't engage me. I felt that they could have been better.
The story was just okay. It never dragged, it was straightforward, Tess wanted revenge and wanted to make Sloan pay, while she's attracted to Tallon, she couldn't afford to put her heart first because she knows he's only lusting after her. There wasn't anything romantic here for my taste and there's too much tension between them that I found annoying. They certainly lacked communication and whenever they do so, they miscommunicate.
The only thing I appreciated about this is the author's writing style, when I started reading this again I wasn't able to stop.
This was quite tame for an erotic historical romance novel, compared with the others I read before. This is the first work I've read from Scottie Barrett and it wouldn't be the last. This one didn't work for me as expected.
Though it has a promising start, the story kept its pace but I found the erotica lacking in frequency. I was disappointed that the hero and heroine haven't kissed halfway through the book, and I wasn't really partial to too much oral sex in favor of the hero. Their love scenes were brief and they didn't engage me. I felt that they could have been better.
The story was just okay. It never dragged, it was straightforward, Tess wanted revenge and wanted to make Sloan pay, while she's attracted to Tallon, she couldn't afford to put her heart first because she knows he's only lusting after her. There wasn't anything romantic here for my taste and there's too much tension between them that I found annoying. They certainly lacked communication and whenever they do so, they miscommunicate.
The only thing I appreciated about this is the author's writing style, when I started reading this again I wasn't able to stop.
August 28, 2011
While there was nothing wrong with Barrett's style, I set this novel down upon finishing it, feeling that something was slacking. Yes, the erotic scenes, or what few there were, were well-written,and the plot line was interesting enough. And yet, I feel like there something missing from her work, just as I felt with The Viscount's Addiction. I cannot quite place my finger on it, yet it leaves me unfulfilled.
January 16, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review. I loved the story, good girl in desperate situation ends up at the right place to get revenge on the man that drove he father to suicide. It wasn't your normal historical romance where the only thing you read about is the clothes and the endless parties. Tess is living a life far what what she ever expected but she's willing to do anything to get revenge on the man that ruined her father.
February 17, 2010
Tess is a girl without means after the death of her father. Convinced to don a disguise and go into hiding, she loses her heart unexpectantly. Great story, with plenty of longing and a plot of revenge. The pinning is dragged out a bit, and the final tying of ends seems a little abrupt, but a thoughroughly good read with plenty of wit, trickery and heart on parts of both the hero and heroine.
November 29, 2015
Hot, Funny, and yet sad. Poor Tessa is in quit the muddle. I loved the characters.. There is enough steam to fuel a sauna and yet the story line actually (gasp) developed before it all starts.. THANK YOU for catching my eye and giving new hope for the genre.
October 19, 2010
uhmm. OK. :))
March 8, 2011
The end was way too rushed and a little rediculous...typical romance novel...I enjoyed it though.
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