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Dangerous Deceits
First published 1982 · 224 pages
A sparkling, old-school Regency romance where drawing-room deceptions test the irresistible pull of a notorious rake.
What it feels like
Reading this classic 1980s Regency feels like stepping into a bustling, gossip-filled London ballroom where every glance holds a secret. The narrative moves at a brisk, entertaining clip, driven by sharp dialogue and the delicious tension of romantic misunderstandings. It captures that specific, cozy magic of traditional historical romance: the thrill of a notorious rake whose honorable intentions are constantly undermined by scheming rivals and societal expectations. The prose is crisp and unpretentious, focusing entirely on the emotional push-and-pull between the guarded heroine and her charming suitor. It is a perfect, comforting afternoon read for anyone who loves the sparkling drawing-room drama of Georgette Heyer or Marion Chesney, delivering a deeply satisfying, swoon-worthy resolution.
- Mood
- sparkling
- cozy
- mildly angsty
- gossipy
- Tone
- wry
- romantic
- earnest
- playful
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- reformed rakes · romantic misunderstandings · deceptive appearances · high society maneuvering
- The writing
- Crisp and dialogue-driven, capturing the polite but sharp-edged banter of the Regency ton.
- The arc
- Moves from guarded curiosity and painful misunderstandings to a deeply satisfying, romantic vindication.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave the comforting, old-school charm of traditional Regency romances filled with scheming rivals and swoon-worthy dukes.
Content notes
- mild emotional manipulation
- period-typical sexism
About the book
THE VERY FIRST THING DIANA HEARD ABOUT THE DUKE OF CLARE WAS THAT HE WAS A RAKE AND A WOMANIZER.
Which is why she tried not to be attracted to him, even though he declared that his intentions were honorable.
But when she saw him with the beautiful and treacherous Lady Ponsonby, Diana decided he was just playing a game with her -- a fact that Lady Ponsonby later confirmed. Lady Ponsonby told Diana that she herself was the duke's intended.
But for Diana, even though she didn't know it -- her future was just beginning.
Description from Open Library.
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