An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire (Ladies Most Scandalous, #2)
Manda Collins
Former lovers become reluctant allies in this delightfully witty historical rom-com from the bestselling author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem—for fans of Evie Dunmore, Enola Holmes, and Netflix's Bridgerton! England, 1867: As half of the writing duo behind England's most infamous crime column, Miss Caroline Hardcastle has quite the scandalous reputation. It may have cost her a fiancé, but she would much rather bring attention to crimes against those ignored by society than worry about what the ton thinks of her. After Caro's dear friend is kidnapped, however, she has no choice but to work with Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart. Worse, when her actions put her father's business at risk, a marriage of convenience may be her only solution . . . but can she trust Val to stand by her? Or will their past repeat itself? Val--the new Viscount Wrackham--is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet the only woman he's ever loved, Miss Caroline Hardcastle, is notorious for behaving improperly. And she's never forgiven him for his youthful transgressions, missteps made in the name of familial duty, but ones he still regrets to this day. As they grow closer to unmasking the culprit, Val sees an opportunity to show Caro he's a changed man. But can he convince her to give their love a second chance--before death does them part?
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03.5⭐
Thank you so much to Forever for providing an arc copy of this!! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
Another really fun, sweet, and humorous addition to this series! I adore Caro and Kate and loved being back with them to solve another mystery.
This series is so addictive and fun to read. I love how Manda Collins balances the mystery and romance elements - both feel like focal points and fully fleshed out. This book/series feels like a classic whodunit mystery with a modern update and I'm completely hooked.
My favorite aspect of this sequel was definitely Caro's character. I love how strong and self-assured she is in a time that didn't really allow women much agency. But Caro takes control of her life and situation in any way she can, I loved following her throughout this book.
And I loved the chemistry between her and Val. I like that Val isn't your typical historical romance hero, he's not a rake or cold and aloof, he's a sweet cinnamon roll who is completely head over heels for Caro (even though she can't always see it). Their dynamic and banter was fantastic and I was definitely rooting for them the whole way through.
My one complaint about this book is that things reconcile a little too easily or quickly at times. There are a lot of great themes brought up in here about class and wealth and I really appreciated those discussions. But there were definitely times that people saw their error of their actions or were forgive a little too quickly for me to fully buy into - for example Val's father admitting his mistake within the same chapter. I wish a little more groveling/reflection was added in.
This also applies to the romance itself. As much as I loved the characters together, things moved FAST. Like in book 1, this starts as an enemies to lovers situation, but the enemies portion is very quick. And while I love a good marriage of convenience, it definitely sped up the romance even further. I just wanted a little more time spent with the romance before the I do's.
But overall, I had such a good time reading this book. The series is a fun, witty, feminist romance full of characters and tropes I love. If you love equal parts romance and mystery, definitely add this series to your list! And I'm so excited we're getting another book in this world next fall! (Langham was such a great side character, I can't wait for his book!!)
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