The Deception

Rating:
Summary: Terrible! Unconvincing, badly researched and boring
Review: Does Catherine Coulter know anything at all about the English Regency period? From reading this book and the other one of hers I've read, I doubt it very much. Her characters all talk and to a large extent act like contemporary Americans. That in itself is very offputting. The characters are too informal with each other, using first names where it would be completely inappropriate, which makes the book less credible to begin with.

That aside, what of the story? Well, Evangeline is under orders from someone nasty to spy for Napoleon by getting herself accepted into the household of a cousin-by-marriage, the Duke of Portsmouth - who, very conveniently, just happens to be engaged in counter-espionage himself. And this is the first incredible element of the book. Portsmouth, and his friend Pettigrew, are *secretly* working for the government against Napoleon. Note the *secretly*. So, of course, it makes perfect sense that Pettigrew tells Evangeline, a woman he's only just met, in front of other people, that he and Portsmouth are British spies, doesn't it? Not! That was ludicrous.

And just as incredible was Pettigrew telling Evangeline that he intended to marry Felicia, admitting that no-one else knew it yet. Why would he tell a perfect stranger personal details like that?

All these inaccuracies and unbelievable elements aside, though, I simply didn't like either Portsmouth or Evangeline. Portsmouth, in his crude way of talking to her, ogling her and making personal comments about her figure and what he'd like to do to her, was no more than an ill-bred lout. And, in the parlance of the time, Evangeline was no better than she should be. Portsmouth was so openly and loudly obsessed with her breasts that I almost expected Evangeline to suggest he draw his sword and cut them off so that he could have them in his possession permanently! He wasn't lover-like; he was a sleaze.

Someone else has already mentioned the appalling proof-reading: the grammatical and punctuation errors, the tense switches and so on. Perhaps Coulter could benefit from brushing up on her grammar too.

All in all, I think I'll stick with the better Regency-period authors from now on.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Type of Heroine
Review: I like the new look of this book. Truth be told it's an awesome page turner. There are full surprises and plots. If you start reading it you will be glued to continue to the last page without single need to put it down.

Rating:
Summary: Evangeline was one of Coulter's best heroines.
Review: I would never criticize someone elses opinion but I truly believe that this book was not the most original of Catherine Coulter's previous books. The plot did not thicken at all until the end and the characters were not fun or creative at all. I have read quite a few of her novels and have found this one to be my least favorite. She could've put this book together a little better than she had.

Rating:
Summary: lot of suspens, and surprises
Review: Once I started I couldn't stop. This book gives a great lot more intrigue than the usual historical romance would give. Evangeline will, make you laugh, make you mad, and make you sad; in just this one book. And the duke is just so different from the usual aristocrat, so expressive, that you'll want to keep on reading hours after hours. This is one of the best of Coulter's books I have read to this day.

Rating:
Summary: DECEPTION FOR PROTECTION
Review: THE DECEPTION is my first Catherine Coulter novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I's the story of Evangeline aka Eve, who was kidnapped along with her father and forced to spy on her deceased cousin's widower - for the life of her father. She was given a plausible ruse as a recent widow with no funds, but she hadn't counted on her cousin's widower, Richard Clarenden, his handsomeness, his wit, his generosity or his well-known sexual prowess. As their feelings for one another deepen, it becomes clear that Eve's false portrayal is failing and that those she cares most about are in grave peril. This book also delves into the lengths of criminal activity and treason those in high levels of power will go to achieve their end. THE DECEPTION is well written and intense.

Rating:
Summary: DECEPTION FOR PROTECTION
Review: THE DECEPTION is my first Catherine Coulter novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I's the story of Evangeline aka Eve, who was kidnapped along with her father and forced to spy on her deceased cousin's widower - for the life of her father. She was given a plausible ruse as a recent widow with no funds, but she hadn't counted on her cousin's widower, Richard Clarenden, his handsomeness, his wit, his generosity or his well-known sexual prowess. As their feelings for one another deepen, it becomes clear that Eve's false portrayal is failing and that those she cares most about are in grave peril. This book also delves into the lengths of criminal activity and treason those in high levels of power will go to achieve their end. THE DECEPTION is well written and intense.

Rating:
Summary: LOVE IT !!!!!
Review: This is the greatest book I've read this week. It is funny and really romantic. People in this book really care about each other. Please take your time and read this book. You'll love the language this book gives you.
I've read all of Catherine's books and I loved all of them.

Rating:
Summary: LOVE IT !!!!!
Review: This is the greatest book I've read this week. It is funny and really romantic. People in this book really care about each other. Please take your time and read this book. You'll love the language this book gives you.
I've read all of Catherine's books and I loved all of them.