Renee Bernard has earned a well deserved place on my “keeper” shelves. Madame’s Deception is a jewel in this author’s crown.

Believing that her European education was paid for by her mother’s couture business, Jocelyn Tolliver has those illusions shattered when she runs away from school to tend to her dying mother. Learning she is to become the new proprietress of the famed Crimson Belle bordello, Jocelyn discovers her mother was the Madame of said establishment. So at the tender age of fifteen Jocelyn becomes Madame DeBourcier, transforming into a temptress despite the fact she is a virginal bluestocking. With the responsibility of taking care of the bordello’s ladies, Jocelyn will not fail in her attempts to keep the business flourishing.

Alex Randall, Lord Colwick has had eyes on Jocelyn since they first met. He is determined to have her for his mistress over the summer. When a serial killer is targeting prostitutes, Jocelyn will strike a bargain with the alluring Colwick; in exchange for his protection she will spend the summer making love with him in every way possible. Neither could predict that the aristocrat and the courtesan’s daughter would fall passionately in love or that danger would strike so close to home.

A fast paced and sensual story, Madame’s Deception is an “un-put-down-able” book from an up and coming talent. Author, Renee Bernard has a gift for description, be it in character or time and place, she pulls the reader right into the story from the early stages. The suspenseful addition of a serial killer keeps the reader pondering who might be the killer and adds that extra “something” that makes her books fly off the shelves. Alex and Jocelyn are personable characters; quick witted, independent, passionate and dedicated to what they believe is true. Warm and caring, romantic and sensual, Madame’s Deception is an emotional love story of two very worthy characters from opposite sides of the tracks; a “must buy” book for anyone who loves a great love story.

Reviewed by: Scarlet