Reviews

An Artful Deceit by Holly Newman

morganleigh4's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

booksadoodle's review

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3.0

This was the first book in a series. Cute story with a little romance, intrigue, hijinks, and mystery. I loved the romance aspect and the interactions between Miles and Ann, and would have loved to see more develop on the romance side. This has a lot to offer the reader in terms of adventure, character cast, some comedy, and intrigue. It kept my attention and was well written. All in all, I would say this was 3.5 stars for me, as it was entertaining but didn't wow me. Thanks so much to Holly Newman, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this e-arc.

aldarakamey's review

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5.0

This book was read thanks to netgalley.


I LOVED THIS BOOK, there is a short list of authors that can manage two different genres (or maybe three) without leaning more for one side than other, so it was so refreshing that the author packed the romance and the mystery (and some comedy) soooooo well, the characters are so lovable that there isn't a moment when i wasn't rooting for them. PLEASE GIVE IT A CHANCE.

kimalah's review

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.0

An Artful Deceit is a fun, light, romantic Regency mystery involving false identities, priest holes and hidden passages, vaunted art work, spy networks, pining, and a couple of people who are both competent and smart. It’s not a weighty mystery but it is fun with an entertaining cast of characters and likable MCs. It is diverting and accomplishes what it sets out to do.

I received An Artful Deceit as a Goodreads giveaway. My opinion is my own.

bookitwithbecca's review

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3.0

I was happily surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The dialogue is occasionally stilted, and there are one or two (very, very) minor plot holes, but the characters are so much fun, and I love a good mystery-at-a-house-party story. I will gladly pick up another book by Newman when I want something light and satisfying.

My thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

jlee76's review

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medium-paced

3.5

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I loved this book as a mystery adventure.  The primary and many secondary characters were vivid.  A lot was happening in the plot, yet it didn’t confuse me.  All the mystery and subterfuge created an entertaining, page-turning book.  I felt this was much more an adventure than a romance.  The characters did not have much time alone together on page.  As I read for the romance, that was a little disappointing.  This was a sweet romance; I felt the connection was almost love at first sight.  The romantic relationship was not allowed to breathe and grow.  That being said, I loved the scenes featuring Miles and Ann.

I liked how Miles is an untraditional Duke.  He is an artist at heart and refuses to give up his passion.  Ann has been injured and deals with insecurities.  When Miles and Ann meet, it is obvious they are kindred spirits.  The mystery and adventure of the book kept me turning the page.  The plot was well thought out and flowed quickly and smoothly.

An Artful Deceit is the first book in The Art Of Love series.  This was an engaging, promising beginning for a new series.  Holly Newman caught my attention, and I look forward to the next book.  I do hope we get more of a chance for romance in this next one.  Overall, a brilliant, savvy adventure. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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