**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**

Cindy Anstey has done it again! Love, Lies and Spies was one of my favorite books of 2016. And now Duels and Deception is one of my favorite reads of 2017! I just love Cindy's books. Duels and Deception is a companion novel, set in the same time period as Love Lies and Spies. So while you do not need to read Love Lies and Spies to understand Duels and Deception, both of these books are seriously so good that you need to read both. Trust me on that one!

Duels and Deception is a young adult historical romance by Cindy Anstey. Young Adult historical is a genre that I don't read too much of...not because I don't enjoy it. When it is is well done, I love it. But I am super picky when it comes to the writing and world building in my historical books. And Cindy Anstey has the historical writing IT FACTOR in spades. I felt like I was reading a young adult Oscar Wilde. Cindy is my favorite YA historical author. If you haven't read it already, you need to read this book. It is hands, down, one of the best young adult historical romances I have ever read.

I loved the Regency wit and charm. Flirting in their flowery way just seems so much more fun to me. Duels and Deception is the story of Lydia and Robert. Lydia is delightfully headstrong and independent. I loved how she carried herself and how she was not afraid to speak her mind. And Robert is a stand up guy. Fans of good guys will swoon all over Robert. I know I did. Plus, Duels and Deception centers around an estate. And you all know how nerdy I am about estate planning. I can't say enough positive things about this book. Stick with it for the first 6 chapters and I promise you will be sucked in. From that point on, nothing could tear me away from this story. I am having the hardest time picking my favorite of these two books. (I think it might have been Love , Lies and Spies...but only by a hair. )

Just like the first book, Duels and Deception was wonderfully witty, and awesomely romantic in the way only a fantastic historical romance can be. Everything makes it feel more romantic; the flowery over the top language, the setting, the wit and charm of the period- all of it works for me. Cindy Anstey has a fan in me.

Bottom line: If you are a lover of historical fiction, read Duels and Deception. If you are new to the genre or a reluctant reader, read Duels and Deception. It is that simple. Just read this book. I think it is one of the best books of 2017. (read Love Lies and Spies too!) Cindy Antsey is quickly climbing the ranks as a favorite author for me. I have absolutely loved both of her novels!

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs