100 Pages A Day...Stephanie's Book Reviews

Martha Hackett is still recovering from the trauma of being sold into prostitution. She was rescued by Agents of the Crown and now resides with her rescuers, acting as a lady's maid for Lady Eliza Landsdowne. Martha has not reconnected with her family or much of society since the trauma, especially men. After a particularly bad flu, she is just beginning to trust Dr. Emmett Maddix, the family doctor who stayed by her side throughout the illness. When Martha father shows up without warning, he brings unexpected news- an inherited title of Earl and a deal for Martha. If she spends one Season with him in London, Martha will be gifted a dowry and an estate. Martha has never had warm feelings towards her father, but at agrees at Eliza's urging and with promised protection. While in London, the group of Agents don't waste any time in investigating. They are set up to probe the town of Gravesend, where a gang called the Cursed Lot have taken over. However, the Cursed Lot's reach is further than anyone could imagine and involves more people than the Agents expect. 

A sweet and cautious romance paired with multiple intriguing spy plots marks the fifth book in The Beckett Files series, A Deceptive Bargain. I would definitely recommend reading the rest of this series beforehand in order to become familiar with the characters, especially Dr. Madddix and the prostitution ring that had captured Martha and was brought down by the Agents. Once again, Laura Beers has pulled me in with characters I care about and luring plots. All of her female characters, including Martha are strong and courageous in body and mind. Martha is very complex, still dealing with her years as a slave and trying to figure out how to live in a world that seems forever changed. Dr. Maddix is a Lord who would rather use his talents to treat the poor in order to atone for his past. When he hears of Martha's past, he is drawn to her strength. Their relationship is slow going, respectful and delightful to watch as it plays out. In addition to the romance, the spy plots in A Deceptive Bargain are complex pulling together demons from Emmett's past as well as new villains as the web of treachery deepened. I loved when all of the Agents go to put their skills to use against the Cursed Lot; the excitement of kidnapping, escapes, brawls, longbows, pistols and stabbings made for a heart-pounding ending. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.