Practice to Deceive

This is a great read (as are all the Golden Chronicles), but I particularly found this installment to be exciting. The plot is fast-paced and complicated, and the characters strongly written. Some of the cloak-and-dagger and mistaken identity plot devices wouldn't work today, but in an era when both men and women wore elaborate wigs and face paints, it is believable. Loved the scene where the hero is confronted by his father. Incidentally, Patricia Veryan wrote a romance for Gordon Chandler (brother of the hero) as well.

There is a reason this book is so pricey, because it is WORTH it. One of these days I am going to break down and actually buy it. I realize as I post my review... if other readers decide to buy this book the price will only go up higher...but I decided this book is so good that it would be a disservice for me not to review it, so others can share the utter joy of reading this book. This book is set in Georgian England. It is not racy but the tension and love and laughter between the characters is such a pleasure. When I first read this book I checked it out of the library, since then I have checked it out several more times and each time I fall in love with the hero more and more. I guess what I really enjoyed about this story is the heroine's journey to realize how strong she really is despite her circumstances. There are disguises, action and heartache. It has everything. This book is what romance readers like myself are constantly searching for when they buy new books. If you love actual romance, you will adore this book.

In this Georgian romance, Penelope Delavale and Quentin Chandler must evade not only the Duke of Cumberlands vicious men, but her ruthless uncle who is after her brother's title and fortune. They must deliver a cipher to protect the defeated bonny Prince Charles' secret supporters. There's life and death adventure, but humor as well...and of course, romance. Patricia Verlan is a gifted writer and it is evident that she is a first-class researcher..both in history and swordplay. After you've read all six of the Golden Chronicles, please go on the Riddle series. You won't regret one minute.

In this Georgian romance, Penelope Delavale and Quentin Chandler must evade not only the Duke of Cumberlands vicious men, but her ruthless uncle who is after her brother's title and fortune. They must deliver a cipher to protect the defeated bonny Prince Charles' secret supporters. There's life and death adventure, but humor as well...and of course, romance. Patricia Veryan is a gifted writer and it is evident that she is a first-class researcher..both in history and swordplay. After you've read all six of the Golden Chronicles, please go on the Riddle series. You won't regret one minute.

This book is an exciting beginning to an excellent series (The Golden Chronicles). It has it all--mystery, suspense, humor, a sophisticated heroine, a noble hero, and of course, romance. This series takes place in Regency England and surrounding countries. This is a must-read for romance/suspense fans!