In New York Times bestselling author Marie Force’s dazzling historical romance debut, the clock is ticking for a wealthy Duke who must marry by his thirtieth birthday—or lose his title…

Derek Eagan, the dashing Duke of Westwood, is well aware of his looming deadline. But weary of tiresome debutantes, he seeks a respite at his country home in Essex—and encounters a man digging on his property. Except he’s not a man. He’s a very lovely woman. Who suddenly faints at his feet.

Catherine McCabe’s disdain for the aristocracy has already led her to flee an arranged marriage with a boorish Viscount. The last thing she wants is to be waylaid in a Duke’s home. Yet, she is compelled to stay by the handsome, thoughtful man who introduces himself as the Duke’s estate manager.

Derek realizes two things immediately: he is captivated by her delicate beauty, and to figure out what she was up to, Catherine must not know he is the Duke. But as they fall passionately in love, Derek’s lie spins out of control. Will their bond survive his deception, not to mention the scorned Viscount’s pursuit? Most important, can Catherine fall in love all over again—this time with the Duke?

NICUnurse’s Review of Duchess by Deception by Marie Force

Yes, I’m reviewing another Marie Force book. What can I say? I’ve adored her writing since I first read Maid for Love several years ago. I’ve read about 80% of her books (and still working on catching up on one series!) and have loved them all. But before I dive into the review, I have to let you guys know that historical romance isn’t my favorite genre. OK, in all honesty, it’s at the very bottom of my list. But I know there are SO many of you that love historical romance, and well…Marie Force wrote this…so I jumped right on in. And I tried. I tried really, really hard to LOVE this book enough to give it 5 propellers. So, I’m totally prefacing this review with the warning that historical romance is NOT something I love. Therefore, I’m calling this a biased review instead of nonbiased. So Marie, if you read this…I’m sorry I didn’t love it! But it truly is me and not you! The writing, as always, was fabulous. She’s got a talent for storytelling as evidenced by the fact that this was something like her 70th book release. It was just really hard for me to get lost in the story. In true Marie fashion, her heroine is a strong-willed, free-thinker that is not going to let anyone own her or run her life. She’s smart, feisty, and adventurous.  And our hero is no ordinary duke. He’s looking for someone that’s going to be more his equal than a pretty thing on his arm. There’s intrigue, passion, a few fisticuffs, and even a mystery or two within these pages.

NICUnurse’s Rating: I’m giving the story 4.5 propellers because it’s a well-written story. I didn’t love it, but if YOU love historical romances, I have no doubt that you WILL love this story. So please don’t let my “eh” feelings about this book. I promise it has nothing to do with the storyline, the writing, the characters, or the author. Simply the genre…and me.