An Artful Deceit

The Art of Love #1

by Holly Newman

What happens when a Duke is mistaken for a Viscount—on purpose?

Add that to two Michelangelo sketches, hidden passages, vanishing and reappearing art, threatening messages, conniving art collectors, arrogant academicians, a Bow Street agent, a lovelorn couple, and an elderly prankster.

It’s enough to give a Duke a headache.

Miles Wingate, the Duke of Ellinbourne, was not supposed to be at the Dowager Duchess of Malmsby’s house party. He was supposed to be in London preparing for the spring opening of the Royal Academy of Art, yet here he was, a stand-in guest for his injured cousin, Viscount Redinger.

This was taking family loyalty too far. The only rational person at the house party was Miss Ann Hallowell, the Duchess’s granddaughter, and as his luck would have it, his cousin’s intended!

Thrown together when he’s mistaken for his cousin, Miles and Ann join to unravel the house party mysteries. But every time they pull one mystery thread free, another appears, for seemingly everyone has a hidden agenda—including the Duchess!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Regency, Ebooks

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2022

Reviews

[Zoë · Rating 1 out of 5]

I lost brain cells, i fear

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Artful Deceit is the first book in The Art of Love series, and it’s a fun story with intrigue, humor, and romance. Ann and Miles are well-developed protagonists who form an instant connection upon meeting. I liked Miles and Anne, and I thought both were unique and unconventional characters. They both face social and familial pressures while still staying true to themselves, and it’s clear from the start that they are a well-matched pair.

I liked the romance between Anne and Miles, but I wish there were a bit more of it because, at times, the mystery overshadowed the love story, and I’m all about the love story. Plus, Miles and Anne’s time together is romantic and filled with great conversation and banter, and I just wanted to see more of it.

I always enjoy historical romances that take place at a house party, so I was delighted when Ann and Miles became embroiled in an intriguing mystery while at the same house party. Subterfuge, pranks, and enigmatic house guests with unclear agendas add to the intrigue, and the twists and turns and characters who enjoy shenanigans make solving a mystery even more complicated.

Overall, I enjoyed this read. It’s a quick and sweet romance with likable characters, an interesting mystery, and some great conversations about art. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a Duke is mistaken for a Viscount? Add that to two Michelangelo sketches, hidden passages, vanishing and reappearing art, threatening messages, conniving art collectors, arrogant academicians, a Bow Street agent, a lovelorn couple, and an elderly prankster. Miles Wingate, the new Duke of Ellinbourne, was not supposed to be at the Dowager Duchess of Malmsby’s house party. He was supposed to be in London preparing for the spring opening of the Royal Academy of Art, yet here he was, a stand-in guest for his injured cousin, Viscount Redinger. The only rational person at the house party was Miss Ann Hallowell, the Duchess’s granddaughter, and as his luck would have it, his cousin’s intended! Thrown together when he’s mistaken for his cousin, Miles and Ann join to unravel the house party mysteries.
A new author to me & a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed it & loved the mix of romance & mystery. I loved Miles the vicar’s son & artist now finding his way as a Duke, I also loved Ann. I loved how Miles & Ann's relationship grew & changed & enjoyed their road to a HEA but I did feel the romance took second place to the mystery. There were plenty of characters & it took me a little while to feel as how I had everyone ‘sorted’. A well written entertaining read & I look forward to more from the author

[Jill booksandescape · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.

An Artful Deceit by Holly Newman is the first book in the Art of Love series. Miles Wingate, Duke of Ellinbourne, was not supposed to be at the Dowager Duchess of Malmsby’s house party. He was supposed to be in London to prepare for the Royal Academy of Art. He came to the party to stand in for his injured cousin, Viscount Redinger. He finds himself mistaken for his cousin. He is thrown together with his cousin’s intended, Miss Ann Hallowell. The pair begins to unravel the house party’s many mysteries.

This is a good mystery-heavy book. I went into this book expecting more romance, though, so I feel I would have enjoyed it much more if there was more romance.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crazy mystery.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

The Duchess of Malmsby is having a house party for family and associates to showcase her home and art collection. She is also arranging to settle the marriage between her granddaughter Ann Hallowell, and the Viscount Redinger. Ann had agreed to a marriage of convenience with the Viscount because she thinks she would not be able to have a love match because of her injuries from a horse riding accident, including a facial scar.

Before the house party occurs, Redinger gets into a drunken tussle with the Watch and suffers quite a few injuries himself. To make his excuses for not attending the house party, he sends his cousin, Miles, the new Duke of Ellinbourne. Ellinbourne presents himself to Ann and her stepmother to relay the excuses of his cousin, and is wrangled into joining the house party in his cousin's stead. As he himself is an artist, he agrees, because the Duchess is known to have a great art collection including two possible Micheangelo prints.

While at the house party, there is a situation of identity swaps where Ellinbourne is presented as his cousin, but as Miles is new to the role, and was raised as a clergyman's son, and artist, rather than as an aristocrat, he doesn't get upset and goes along with the perceived prank. In the meantime, he and Ann share an enjoyment of art, and get to know each other, and have a deepening attraction. Miles envies his cousin in that Ann is promised to Redinger, despite the planned betrothal being an arrangement of convenience.

During the house party, things go awry when a guest is attacked and later murdered, and suspicion falls upon members of the party, especially when it was found out that the Duchess has been threatened recently to force her hand to sell her Micheangelo prints.

I thought this was a sweet story of Miles and Ann, but it was also convoluted by too many other other story lines. Ann and Viscount Redinger are nearly betrothed, but the Viscount apparently loves another. Ann and Miles are attracted to each to each other, but Ann also lacks confidence because of her age and disabilities, but feels pressure to marry because of her step mother. Her stepmother is attracted to someone and cares for him, but feels obligated to not marry again, until Ann is settled. Miles chaffs against being a Duke and the social limitations in that Dukes are not artists, and disloyalty to his cousin by being attracted to Miles. Then there is the murder mystery, which is entangled with a spy/conspiracy story, which apparently is linked to other books by Newman. Complete with hidden identities and secret passageways. It just felt like too much to carry in a relatively short book.

3.25 stars out of 5.

[Mettesknit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but a bit all over the place.

[Lisa Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, it was ok

So, not a bad story but not great either. Characters needed more depth and the story seemed stilted at times. I don't think I'll continue the series.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A delightful clean story. The Duke has ingerited but he was previously just a commoner with a skill in Art. He wants to continue making his painting. Hiis posh but snobbish uncle thinks it's time for him to wed. He's been invited to a house party but only goes when his reckless, feckless viscount cousin has obviously let down his would be finance. He goes and meets Ann who he finds delightful. They spend time together avoiding her naughty godmother and solving a mystery about some Michelangelo sketches, hidden passages and fierce spies.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written so well that it is hard to stop reading once you stop. The action is subtle and constant throughout the story. The characters range from quirky and full of shenanigans to staid. There is mystery, romance and murder all over getting their hands on a Michelangelo drawing held by the Duchess. Everyone wants it for different reasons and figuring out who is good and bad takes you until the end. A very good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance with a little mystery thrown in. Miles is a Duke and an artist. Ann is a young lady who loves to paint and has a physical disability. The story is delightful as the characters get together for a house party where a lot of things begin to go wrong. In the middle of that Miles and Ann form a close bond and fall madly in love.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable, fun read! Has everything you could want, an adventurous and interesting storyline, likeable, fleshed out characters, and fun and humor in all the right places.
Hard to put down, clean read with lighthearted romance. Thoroughly enjoyable!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Artful Deceit by Holly Newman (#1 the Art of Love series). What a great unique, sweet and quick read. Well written. Unconventional characters make the unique and mystery come to life. Intrigue, art, enigmatic characters, twists and turns with a bit of comedy will have the reader turning pages. Miles and Ann will win your heart.
A must read for fans of mystery, intrigue, comedy and the disappance of art. Great historical romance.

Received from Booksprout and the publisher for my honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#AnArtfulDeceit,
#HollyNewman#The Art of Love, #Booksprout

Reviewer: AprilR 
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️Clever Plot including plenty of twists & unbeatable witty banter!⭐️

*An Artful Deceit* by Holly Newman is a delightful and enchanting Regency romance that captivated me from the first page to the last. Newman masterfully blends romance, intrigue, and wit, creating a story that feels fresh while staying true to the beloved hallmarks of the genre.

The protagonist, Lady Lydia Howick, is a sharp and intelligent heroine, navigating both the glittering world of London society and a dangerous mystery that threatens everything she holds dear. Her chemistry with the dashing and enigmatic Earl of Granville is electric, making their banter as engaging as their deepening romance. Newman's characters are richly developed, and their interactions are both charming and authentic.

What sets this book apart from other Regency romances is the cleverly plotted mystery woven into the story. The intrigue keeps the reader guessing, with plenty of twists and turns that make the novel impossible to put down. Newman’s attention to period detail enhances the experience, immersing the reader in the world of Regency England with its manners, fashion, and social mores.

Overall, *An Artful Deceit* is a perfect blend of romance, humor, and suspense. Fans of historical romance will fall in love with this book and its characters. Holly Newman has crafted a thoroughly enjoyable read that is both heartwarming and thrilling. Highly recommended!

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from the author/publisher via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄
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🦄

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles never envied his cousin Randolph his title, and was far from happy when he unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. But when he first meets the woman Randolph's family has planned for Randolph to marry, he does regret that Ann is not free for him to court. Then an accident puts Randolph in bed just before a house party at which he was to meet Ann - and he arranges for Miles to take his place. At the art-themed house party, Miles and Ann are thrown together as being almost the only 'normal' people there, and they work together to try to unravel the minor (and major) mysteries that keep cropping up. Will they ever work out what is going on? And when the way opens for them to pursue the attraction between them, will the girl who planned to marry for convenience open her heart to marry for love?

As I've found before with this author, an editor is needed to fix errors/typos and tighten things up a bit - doing so would make it a five-star book, but I still found it an enjoyable four-star read. It was interesting watching Miles come to terms with his new position, and I enjoyed watching the relationship between Miles and Ann grow. The 'mysterious occurrences' gave them something to investigate, and in some cases they were interesting in themselves, but overall that side of things interested me less - and it felt like a bit of an information dump at the end when they talk through it all. Also, while the book was clean overall, there were a few uses of language I could have done without, and one 'bawdy' poem that I would have preferred to avoid. Nevertheless, a good read, as long as you're not too fussy about editing (it's not terrible, but I think it should be better).

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was great, this is my first book by Holly and will not be my last.
Am already waiting for the next book in this series. I read a lot of Regency Romance, and this book is in a class by its self.
We have a Duke who doesn't really want to be one, raised by a parson and already an acclaimed artist.
Many of the ton, don't feel its right to be a Duke and artist too. Dukes buy art they don't do art.
This story has a ton of characters each with their own history. We have the Dukes cousin who is beaten up so can't go to house party to propose to the Lady his mother wants him too. The Lady who is expected to want to marry and doesn't see why she should marry someone she has never met. Then we have the very bawdy poem sent by her to be husband which will have you laughing out loud.
The Dowager Lady and her grandmother, who lives to pull pranks on people. Many both bad and good guest there to see Dowagers art collection which she has keep hidden. Most in question is some Michelangelo sketches many want to buy even when the Grandmother has said they aren't for sell.
There is mystery, Intrigue, Deceit, Hidden passages, secrets, spy's and thru it all the growing feeling and passion between two people who deserve a happy ever after. If they can make it thru the party.
I did wish our couple would have had more time just the two of them, the ending seems rushed.
An epilogue would have been great to see how they were doing.
I received and ARC and wish to thank the author. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description teases us with "two Michelangelo sketches, hidden passages, vanishing and reappearing art, threatening messages, conniving art collectors, arrogant academicians, a Bow Street agent, a lovelorn couple, and an elderly prankster." Sounds intriguing, but it didn't live up to the hype. It could have been an exciting plot in different hands, but the story plods along slowly, with much boring detail and not much action. And more importantly, not much romance. Even after a match between his cousin, Viscount Redinger, and Miss Hallowell is deemed to be a mismatch, Miles does little to indicate his interest in Ann. He finds her interesting, but does nothing to show it to her. She just assumes he couldn't possibly be interested in her, so she limits her interactions with him to shared humor and attempts to discern exactly what is going on at her grandmother's estate.

There are quite a few visiting characters introduced, most of whom have little dialogue and disappear into the background for the most part. Several of the privileged men in the book, who had to have gone to Eton or Harrow, Cambridge or Oxford, speak like lower class boys, with incorrect grammar and incomplete sentences. The main character doesn't speak like this, nor do the women. Servants speak with a stereotypical Black American dialect from Gone With The Wind. Very odd.

With editing to tighten the narrative and to correct the multitude of errors, this could be fun to read.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miles Wingate, Duke of Ellinbourne goes to a house party in the place of his cousin the Marquess and subsequently ends up falling for Ann, his cousin's betrothed. But the house party is full of mystery and intrigue and only Miles and Ann can solve it.
This was a very predictable love story, you know by the second chapter that Miles is going to fall for Ann. It is a sweet and clean romance but disappointingly, the entire story focuses on the mystery at the house party, not so much on the main characters. Yes, we learn they have common interests and are compatible in working together but that's about it. I really enjoyed the spying and mystery element which held the reader until the end. The dowager is really a great character and her antics gave the story a bit of charm. The ending did stop a bit abruptly, an epilogue would have been nice just to wrap up.
I didn't mind reading this book but it was a bit flat for me and not a lot of romance. As my stars rating go- it was okay, not thrilling, I liked it a little but didn't love it. Holly Newman is a new author for me and based on this book I don't think I'd read anymore from her but it might be someone else's new find.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I wish the author much success in her new series.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not had the opportunity to read anything by this author before and I was excited to try this book out. I was not disappointed! This is the first installment of The Art of Love series and what a delightful start! Romance mixed with mystery and adventure made for a very entertaining read. The story was well-written and caught my attention from the very start. Miles, Duke of Ellinbourne, is an artist at heart. He is asked by his cousin to attend a house party in his place and give his regrets to the hostess and to his intended, Ann. Ann is self-conscious because of the physical challenges she faces, but is a delightful and intelligent young woman. Upon meeting her, Miles is thoroughly enchanted. The house party is full of mysteries which Ann and Miles get entangled in and work together to solve. I found this to be a very entertaining and enjoyable read and the story captured my attention from the start. The characters were lovely and very nicely developed and there was no question as to how strong their chemistry was. A very well-written story and great start to what looks to be a very entertaining series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Lori Sinsel Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Art of Love series and I think the series is off to a good solid start.
Everything you could want or come to expect is in this fun frolicking caper! You have lords (who wish they weren't) and ladies (one wishes the same), viscounts, duchesses and dukes, a house party gone awry with a little murder and mayhem thrown in as icing on top of the many layered cake.
When Miles Wingate, Duke of Ellinbourne steps in for his cousin Viscount Redinger he is thought to be the Viscount and finds himself entangled with his cousin's intended Ann Hallowell. When the two meet sparks begin to fly and they both begin to question whether the marriage between the viscount and Ann should occur or is the wrong cousin the intended groom?. To make matters even worse, a guest is knocked out in a room he is not supposed to be in only to turn up dead later on.
This was a lively house party and the characters are quirky and humorous. I enjoyed this fast-paced regency romp and look forward to book 2.
Thank you to Oliver Heber Books and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Holly Newman. It’s the first I’ve read from this author and found it to be a lively, very clean and sweet romance.

The story line was more of a mystery adventure than a romance with lots of twists and turns which kept me guessing. Miles the Duke of Elinbourne, a painter turned Duke when he first met Miss Ann Hallowell granddaughter to a Duchess, he instantly liked her and you could tell throughout the book that they were meant to be together but there was little in the way of romance.

All the characters within the storyline were perfect and I must admit that I do enjoy a mystery now and again, so although I was disappointed with the romance side, the storyline itself was really enjoyable and kept me reading until the end which is why I have given it a 5*

I would definitely recommend you read this book if you love clean, sweet romance stories with a great mystery, you won’t be disappointed. I look forward to reading more of Holly’s books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Series

A sweet story that is light on the romance, but heavy on the mystery. Ann is going to her Grandmother house party to view her art collection that will be displayed and to meet her possible fiancé. She has a few issues about herself due to a accident she had 5 years ago but tries to overlook her scar and limp with her warm personality.
Her supposedly future to be fiancé sends a note/poem that due to a mishap he will not be attending. This was delivered in person by his cousin, Miles Wingate 6th Duke of Ellinbourne. Miles was convinced to attend in his cousin’s place, one must have even numbers at a party. Miles finds he enjoys Ann’s company but when a guest is found bashed in the head and unconscious the focus turns to solving the mystery.
The banter between Ann and Miles was fun to read, the grandmother loves a good prank and of course let’s throw in ex-spies and a BowStreet Runner. Enjoyable who dunnit. Thank you #Goodread and the author for giving me a copy of #AnArtfulDeceit. All opinions are my own.

[Joan Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a story about arranged marriage, finding love, espionage, and fine art. The bawdy poem was really funny that the young viscount wrote (originally for an opera singer) and sent to his arranged betrothed. He’s laid up in bed from injuries sustained after a night of drinking, so he asks his cousin the artist, Miles (the Duke), to give his regrets personally to Ann Hallowell that he won’t be going to Ann’s grandmother’s (dowager duchess) house party to view her huge art collection.

Miles soon finds that Ann is amusing, intelligent, and painfully aware of how he’s attracted to her. Ann feels she’s flawed because of her slight limp and scar on her chin. They all get tangled up with her grandmother’s pranks, lying art patrons/guests, and espionage. The action was well-written along with the romance of several characters and humor of the quirky grandmother and aunt.

I received an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed An Artful Deceit by Holly Newman. As this was the first book by this author that I have read, I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were colorful and the story moved at a quick pace. It is the story of Miss Ann Hallowell who is to become engaged to Viscount Redinger at a house party where everyone meets to view an art collection. When Redinger is hurt in an accident, he asks his cousin to stand in for him. There are many mysterious happenings at the house party, the least of which is Redinger's cousin, Miles Wingate, Duke of Ellinbourne, is identified to the other guests as Viscount Redinger. The mysterious happenings in the book will definitely keep you reading. Can't wait to read more from this author!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles Wingate (Duke of Ellinbourne) was happy as the son of a parson and an artist. He maintains his interest in art even though the Ton frowns upon it. When an accident causes his cousin to miss the house party at which he is meet his betrothed, Miles goes in his place. There he meets Miss Ann Hallowell, another artist at heart. Although they are attracted to each other, it may be for naught, or maybe not. Ann’s grandmother is an art connoisseur and plans to display some of her treasures at the house party. When some of the art goes missing, the guests, including Miles and Ann, along with Bow Street, go on the hunt. I really liked Miles and Ann. The Dowager Duchess was a pip. This is an entertaining story filled with mystery, humor, a bit of danger, some odd and interesting characters, and romance. Fate may have a hand in the search for the art and for love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truth or Dare Regency Style

An Artful Deceit is an entertaining and relaxing read with interesting and even amusing characters. I really liked the hero (Miles) and the heroine (Ann), but all of the characters were upstaged by the Dowager Duchess, who is a renown prankster. How much fun is that? The plot seems simple enough, that is until a villain begins to misbehave, as villains tend do. Which leads to a mystery, and eventually to a happy ending.

All in all, this book is well written by Holly Newman, and is worth a read.

Content 411: This book is a clean read (no sex or vulgarities) that is suitable for any age romance-loving reader.

Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well nonstop adventures! Mikes Aka a Viscount but actually a Duke. Came to the house party as favor to his cousin to make do with just anyone since he was injured and making foolish choices since the Viscount lost his Juliet.
Ann was willing to accept a marriage of convenience due to her bum knee and scar!
There is suspense, secret passages, attempts at theft of art and murder.
If you want heat and steam this is not that. But if you want action and detective work!? Then this is it. An old arrogant spy master put in his place for over reaching well it has that too.
Miles came from humble beginnings and is very serious and level headed. He is also a gifted artist and draws talent out of Ann! Bravo

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful historical novel is about Miss Ann Hallowell, granddaughter of a Duchess, who has a limp and facial scar from a horse riding accident a few years ago. Her family has an arrangement with Viscount Redinger's family who is supposed to be her betrothed. Due to circumstances, his cousin, the Duke of Ellinbourne, Miles Wingate visits Ann and there is an instant attraction between these two art lovers.

At a country house party at Ann's grandmother's house, they become better acquainted. But there is a mystery afoot with a death and several house guests's fixation on two Michelangelo paintings.

This was a lovely clean read with mystery, romance and intrigue. Both main characters were charming and likeable. An enjoyable book.

[Carlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Regency romance/mystery. Ann Hallowell is a spunky woman, the granddaughter of a dowager Duchess who is holding a house party in her mansion connected to the ruins of an abbey, pillaged by Cromwell's cronies. Those invited included many with a desire to own some Michaelangelo sketches in the Duchess's art collection. With a complex plot and many intriguing chapters, the story piled down to the love story between Ann and Miles, who had recently inherited the title of Duke. Miles was an artist of considerable talent and Ann an amateur painter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would have given it a 5* rating except for several editing mistakes, but I would definitely read more by this author.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an original story that I absolutely adored. The mystery was well written and I really couldn’t figure out who until it was revealed. ( I am normally good at figuring it out). I loved how the heroine learns to release some of her angst over her accident AND how she refused to be forced into a marriage to a man she never met. The Hero is a man who gains a totally unexpected title and refuses to be forced into a mold he didn’t want. All in all, a very clean, sweet and entertaining book. Look out for the Dowager Duchess….she is my kind of troublesome female!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.