Deceived by Desire

Force’s second Gilded historical (after Duchess by Deception), set in the early 20th century, is full of flashy wealth and drama. Wanted for murder after killing her abusive husband in self-defense, Maeve Brown flees Ireland for Newport, R.I. Her new employer, Mrs. Nelson, is known to be beastly to her staff, but Maeve would rather work for an ogre than face the hangman’s noose. When Aubrey Nelson arrives at his family’s summer home, he is immediately taken by the new Irish housekeeper. After he learns of his mother’s dreadful behavior, he vows the new staff will answer only to him, and he pitches in to get the disheveled estate up to par before a visit from an English duke and duchess. He offers to protect Maeve from her legal troubles by marrying her; she agrees, not least because she’s smitten with him. But Mrs. Nelson is appalled that Aubrey isn’t marrying someone wealthy and titled, and she sets out to destroy Maeve. Aubrey and Maeve have great chemistry, the friendships are strong, and the romance is passionate and well developed. Regency romance fans looking for a change of scenery will enjoy this American adventure. (Sept.)