Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed A Necessary Deception (Daughters of Bainbridge House, Bk 1) on + 180 more book reviews
The last time I read a Regency novel, I was less than thrilled. The lifestyle and culture of that time was so slow and methodical--far different from our current society. There was hidden meaning in almost every action, and one had to be so careful to be seen or not to be seen with just the right people. So, I won't lie...I was a little nervous about picking up another Regency. I was so afraid I would be disappointed.
Thankfully, Laurie Eakes exceeded my expectations with A Necessary Deception. There was mystery and intrigue mixed with a plentiful dose of romance. Oh, the romance... I tell ya, I couldn't get enough of it. I could picture Christien as one of the most handsome heroes I've read in a long time, and his love, Lydia, a lovely and beautiful member of London Society. Together, they were thrust into danger more than once, and each time, I couldn't help but hold my breath until I knew they were safe.
However, the mystery portions of the book left me unsatisfied. I don't know a lot about the history of England and France in the 19th century, so I didn't fully understand the disdain that the English felt toward the French. I thought that the final reveal would revolve more around uncovering someone up to no good within one of the governments. Instead, the ending was anticlimactic and left me unfulfilled.
All in all, I think Laurie Eakes has greatly improved since her last full-length novel. This was only my second opportunity to read one of her books, and overall, I'm glad that I gave her books another chance. She clearly conveyed the atmosphere of the Regency Era in a believable manner, and I'm anxious to return for another visit.
Thankfully, Laurie Eakes exceeded my expectations with A Necessary Deception. There was mystery and intrigue mixed with a plentiful dose of romance. Oh, the romance... I tell ya, I couldn't get enough of it. I could picture Christien as one of the most handsome heroes I've read in a long time, and his love, Lydia, a lovely and beautiful member of London Society. Together, they were thrust into danger more than once, and each time, I couldn't help but hold my breath until I knew they were safe.
However, the mystery portions of the book left me unsatisfied. I don't know a lot about the history of England and France in the 19th century, so I didn't fully understand the disdain that the English felt toward the French. I thought that the final reveal would revolve more around uncovering someone up to no good within one of the governments. Instead, the ending was anticlimactic and left me unfulfilled.
All in all, I think Laurie Eakes has greatly improved since her last full-length novel. This was only my second opportunity to read one of her books, and overall, I'm glad that I gave her books another chance. She clearly conveyed the atmosphere of the Regency Era in a believable manner, and I'm anxious to return for another visit.
Ramona W. -
I enjoyed most of this first book in the "Daughters of Bainbridge House" series. The London society and the depth which each wealthy family goes threw to get the daughters married were interesting. I enjoyed the romance of the book but the spying was a little hard to follow.
I would enjoy reading about the other 2 sisters in the next books but hope spying is not involved.
I would enjoy reading about the other 2 sisters in the next books but hope spying is not involved.
Renee C. (steelergirl83) reviewed A Necessary Deception (Daughters of Bainbridge House, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Like a lot of people I'm a fan of all things Jane Austen after having read Pride and Prejudice in high school I became infatuated with all things Regency--Regency romance, fashion and manners. There's just something about that time period that is so intriguing. There was so much turmoil yet wealthy families tried so hard to maintain appearances and find stability for their families in the form of wealthy (or at least titled) husbands or wives for their children.
In her newest series, The Daughters of Bainbridge House, Laurie Alice Eakes explores not only those husband hunting families and their daughters but the mysterious world of French spies and double agents. Even though it's told mainly through Lydia's viewpoint the hero of this book and his occupation (for lack of a better word) and the action I think make it something a guy would like to read too. A Necessary Deception is not simply a romance but a novel of war and spies! That said if you're looking for a sweet romance of parlors, ices and beautiful gowns this book doesn't really fit into that category.
Some of the characters are from France and the use of French in the book is a bit distracting if you're as clueless about the language as I am. Christien wasn't very likable, at least to me, until the latter half of the story. Granted he was a spy and he did save Lydia's life but he seemed more of a secondary character rather than a hero. Lydia was an excellent lead and perfectly represented the picture in my head of a regency widow--not quite a debutante but someone who found purpose in watching out for her younger sisters and their loves.
A Necessary Deception is a solid start to the series and I'm really looking forward to reading more about the Bainbridge girls. Both Honore and Cassandra's, Lydia's sisters definitely had some loose ends that need tied up so hopefully we'll see more of them as this series continues.
In her newest series, The Daughters of Bainbridge House, Laurie Alice Eakes explores not only those husband hunting families and their daughters but the mysterious world of French spies and double agents. Even though it's told mainly through Lydia's viewpoint the hero of this book and his occupation (for lack of a better word) and the action I think make it something a guy would like to read too. A Necessary Deception is not simply a romance but a novel of war and spies! That said if you're looking for a sweet romance of parlors, ices and beautiful gowns this book doesn't really fit into that category.
Some of the characters are from France and the use of French in the book is a bit distracting if you're as clueless about the language as I am. Christien wasn't very likable, at least to me, until the latter half of the story. Granted he was a spy and he did save Lydia's life but he seemed more of a secondary character rather than a hero. Lydia was an excellent lead and perfectly represented the picture in my head of a regency widow--not quite a debutante but someone who found purpose in watching out for her younger sisters and their loves.
A Necessary Deception is a solid start to the series and I'm really looking forward to reading more about the Bainbridge girls. Both Honore and Cassandra's, Lydia's sisters definitely had some loose ends that need tied up so hopefully we'll see more of them as this series continues.
Mary N. (maggysue) reviewed A Necessary Deception (Daughters of Bainbridge House, Bk 1) on + 811 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book and look forward the rest of the books in the series. I liked the main character, Lydia, and her romance with the Christien, the handsome French spy. I would recommend this book!
