Review: Wonderful historical romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 17, 2014
A delightful new historical filled with intrigue and interesting characters.  I am looking forward to continuing the series about the Libertine Scholars and the mystery that surrounds them.Christian Trent, the Earl of Markham endured two years on the battlefield of France; he came home a war hero but he is a broken man with scars both inside and out.  He has kept to himself recently and is surprised to discover he is being accused of defiling an innocent young woman, the daughter of a duke.  He may have been drunk but he knows that someone is setting him up; unfortunately he has no time to clear himself as he is shanghaied to Canada.  It takes him awhile but with the help of a stranger, who becomes a good friend and business partner, he gains back his wealth, unfortunately his friend dies with his wife and leaves Lily, a twelve year old daughter to be cared for.He is now ready to travel back to England to clear his name, but he needs to hire a governess for Lily.  Sarah is on the run and will do anything to leave her past behind, even pretending to be a governess; she remembers Christian from before the war when she was Lady Serena Castleton, but must not let him know who she is just yet.  She escaped from Virginia with the help of slaves and the Underground Railroad, her dead husband’s overseer Sean is after her for the murder.  She has lived a horrific life since her marriage to Dennett and although it was self defense, she knows she will be accused of murder.A Kiss of Lies is a very enjoyable book that introduces us to The Libertine Scholars, a group of men who at one time knew no boundaries; they are all good friends and have each other’s back during any trouble.  Sarah and Christian are instantly attracted to one another; of course Sarah has known him for years and always had a secret crush.  I can truly feel for Christian, as many have turn their face from him and not looked into his eyes since he became scarred, and he is humbled and amazed when Sarah not only looks at him without flinching but seems to be interested and attracted to him.  Their chemistry feels real and they are good for each other, however Christian must learn to trust even when secrets are revealed.I really enjoy the camaraderie between the Libertines, they get along like brothers and if one of them is in trouble they rally and help.  And we saw this right away because we know that ever since Christian had been forcibly removed from England, Grayson had been working toward proving someone was lying, what they did not know is that the story will go deeper than anyone thought.The plot is fast paced and keeps your interest until the end and I am intrigued to see Sebastian’s story as he is next, and we find that one of the Libertine is missing.  Although not a true cliffhanger because Sarah and Christian’s HEA is apparent, the Libertine Scholars mystery is still to be solved.Copy from publisher for an honest review