4 out of 4 stars
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From 1811 to 1820, when King George the III was deemed unfit to rule, and his son governed in his place, the Regency era reigned. The Regency period can be described as a time of romanticism, etiquette, and elegance. Beethoven was composing, Byron was writing poetry, and Antione Jean Duclaux was painting. The Napoleonic wars raged on. Women wore low-scooped neckline dresses that were influenced by Greek and Roman sculptures, and men wore well-tailored but simple clothing such as trousers tucked into books and linen shirts with cravats.
The Deceptive Earl is a book from the Regency Romance Collection by author Isabella Thorne. It's a lighthearted and entertaining read, but the plot is lacking in depth. Lady Charity Abernathy is the only daughter of the Earl of Shalace. Her family is wealthy and highly esteemed in English society. Her mother is determined that as they spend the summer in Bath, a town in Southwest England, Charity will find a fiancé and secure her family's future, especially since her father has been ill. Most of Charity's friends are now married or engaged, and Charity is feeling the pressure to find a husband; however, she wants to marry for love, not for a fortune or a title. While Charity and her mother are attending a private concert, Neville Collington, Earl of Wentwell, draws her attention. Despite her attraction to the earl, she also is aware that he has a reputation as a scoundrel, and she is determined to avoid the man. She also knows that her mother and the earl's mother harbor animosity toward each other. Will Lady Abernathy be able to fight the magnetic pull she feels to Neville Collington and resist his charms? Will she find a man deserving of her love before the end of the summer's revelries?
This story is undeniably charming and romantic, and the characters are surprisingly well fleshed out. I feared that because the plot was rather one-dimensional and straightforward, the characters would be the same. However, Charity is an intelligent young woman who struggles to find her place amidst titles and wealth, even though she has been raised in that society. Her mother, while strict and hovering, constantly reminding Charity of the importance of finding a husband and prompting her to flirt and flounce properly, has a complicated past, and there is more to her than meets the eye. The two protagonists also mature throughout the book, and I feel that this adds some realism and relatability to their stories. The Earl of Wentwell, while rakish and disreputable, also has layers that are stripped away throughout the book. It is easy to get caught up in the world of balls and polite society and to be carried away with the romance.
What this story lacks for me is the same complexity in the plot as the complexity of the protagonists. It is a true romance through-and-through, and as I read, I was hoping for a little more. Perhaps a mystery for the main characters to solve or a figure bent on destroying the family's name – something to make it a bit more interesting! Despite this, I did think that Charity's father's illness and Neville's brother's difficulty with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the war added a little bit of a side story. Throughout the book, I did notice a few technical errors, including typos such as "begin" rather than "being." Small qualms aside, as a lighthearted romance, this narrative is satisfying. Furthermore, love and family relationships are complicated enough without throwing in mysteries or villains, and perhaps the author realizes this and does not feel the need to add all the extras. Even with the minor flaws, The Deceptive Earl is rated 4 out of 4 stars.
Those who enjoy romance, especially historical romance, will undoubtedly enjoy this charming story. The characters are witty and likable, and the lightheartedness of the plot makes it an easy and pleasant read. A strength worth mentioning is that while this is clearly a romance novel, there are no instances of intimacy other than kisses and small touches. If you like romance without explicitness, this book is for you. There is also no warning to give as far as vulgar language. The dialogue, mannerisms, and practices in the story are in alignment with the Regency era. The author manages to keep this story interesting without adding anything that could potentially be offensive to readers.
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The Deceptive Earl: Lady Charity Abernathy
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This seems like a charming story with a very sweet romance. 
Further, lack of a credible side-story will deter me from picking up this book. Thanks for the candid review!
