Another absolutely delightful story by fantastic author Laura Trentham, full of action, danger, humor, good and evil, sweetness, spice . . . . I could probably have written part of this review before even starting to read the book, because every book this author writes is so consistently outstanding with the same warm, sweet, sexy, wonderful feel. But while A Daring Deception has all the sweet and sexy elements we’ve come to expect in a romance by author Trentham, this time she also supplies a fair measure of darkness – spousal abuse, child abuse, greed, and intent to murder. There’s a lot of suspense in this story, a lot to make you frightened for and worried about Jessica.

Jessica and Simon have met before – when she was a child and he saved her from harm at the hands of her stepfather Goforth. She’s never forgotten Simon; he is in her dreams. Goforth has never forgotten Simon, either. He married Jessica’s mother after her husband died and moved the family to England when he learned Jessica’s brother Blake would inherit an earldom. He is an evil bully craving money and power and no one, including Simon, will get in his way.

Simon, the once wild Duke of Bellingham but now a respected member of Parliament trying to avoid his sister’s matchmaking efforts remembers Jessica as well. But when they see each other again – and the attraction between them is strong - he mistakes her for her own maid, not recognizing her as the Jessica Tremaine he saved all those years ago and never connecting her with the plain, frumpy, boring Jessica she has become to society. Of course she’s intentionally made herself unattractive and of course the secret will come out. And that’s where the story becomes impossible to put down. Jessica knows a relationship with Simon is hopeless and Simon knows a relationship with a maid is hopeless, but ooh, the heat, the passion, the desire to grab what they can while they can. Goforth will stop at nothing to get what he wants, so even when the secret is out and Simon feels betrayed and heartbroken and wants nothing to do with Jessica, it’s then she needs his help more than ever. But will he help? Can he forgive? Is theirs the bond of soulmates?

Historical novels are fun. The characters in them battle many of the same challenges we face today while having to fight through the rules and restraints of their time. Author Laura Trentham brings an extra special layer to her historical novels, in fact, to all her romances: excellent writing, strong characters, true love, adventure, grand passion, and some heart-warming and steamy scenes that will have you smiling while fanning your face. Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of A Daring Deception for my reading pleasure and honest review. The pleasure was immense. I loved this book and recommend it, and anything else written by Laura Trentham, without hesitation. All opinions are my own. ( )