Elizabethan glamour and intrigue abound in this heart-pounding follow-up to Maid of Secrets , which Kirkus Reviews called “lively and fast-paced” with “plenty of action and plot twists.” Beatrice Knowles is a Maid of Honor, one of Queen Elizabeth I’s secret protectors. Known for her uncanny ability to manipulate men’s hearts, Beatrice has proven herself to be a valuable asset in the Queen’s court—or so she thinks. It has been three weeks since the Maids thwarted a plot to overthrow the Queen, and Beatrice is preparing to wed her betrothed, Lord Cavanaugh. However, her plans come to a crashing halt as rumors of a brewing Scottish rebellion spread among the court. Beatrice’s new assignment is to infiltrate the visiting Scottish delegation using her subtle arts in persuasion. The mission seems simple enough, until the Queen pairs Beatrice with the worst of the lot—Alasdair MacLeod. Beatrice cannot help but think that the Queen is purposefully setting her up for failure. But Alasdair could be the key to unlocking the truth about the rebellion…and her heart. Caught in a web of ever-more-twisting lies, Beatrice must rise up among the Maids of Honor and prove what she’s known all along: in a court filled with deception and danger, love may be the deadliest weapon of all. "This lively and fast-paced debut has plenty of action and plot twists to keep readers fully engaged." ― Kirkus Reviews, on Maid of Secrets "Whether recounting her perilous missions or her moral dilemmas, Meg’s first-person narrative is consistently engaging. Meg’s adventure comes to a satisfying conclusion while leaving the door open for sequels." ― Booklist, on Maid of Secrets "This novel encompasses all the glory, excess, and intrigue of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign; the issues surrounding Catholicism versus the Church of England; and the poor relationship between Spain and England. Full of adventure and romance and starring a very likable, spunky protagonist, this is an enjoyable historical read." ― School Library Journal, on Maid of Secrets "This historical romance stays true to the politics and fickleness of the Elizabethan court. The language, thoroughly modern in places, can take readers out of the period. This, however, does not detract for the intrigue, drama, and heartache of the well-developed plot. This series will be a hit with teens and quite a few adults." ― School Library Journal “This quick-paced romance should thrill and engage readers with a penchant for history.” ― Kirkus Reviews "The well-paced narrative creates a drama of court intrigue laced with treacherous secrets, dangerous liaisons, and passionate embraces. Readers who enjoyed Maid of Secrets (2013) will delight in the return of all five maids and their queen." ― Booklist "The real intrigue of the story is in the blending of history and secrets." ― Voya Jennifer McGowan was born in Ohio, grew up in Montana, and studied in Paris. She fell in love with the Elizabethan era as a college student and is now an unrepentant scholar of the period, happily splitting her time between the past and present. An RWA Golden Heart Award winner and multiple finalist, Jenn is the author of the Maids of Honor series. She lives in Ohio. Visit her (and the Maids of Honor) at JenniferMcGowan.com. Maid of Deception CHAPTER ONE SEPTEMBER 1559 WINDSOR CASTLE, ENGLAND There would be no tears on my wedding day. I would not allow it. As the music from the Queen’s own orchestra filled Saint George’s Chapel, a perfect blend of viol and harpsichord to complement my perfect union with Lord Percival Andrew William Cavanaugh, I clasped the clammy hands of my fellow Maid of Honor Sophia Dee and smiled into her large, worried eyes. “Hush, Sophia. All is well,” I said, giving her fine-boned fingers a light squeeze. She shivered despite the stifling heat of the chamber. “If you keep crying, you’ll draw attention to yourself.” That caught the girl up short. The youngest of our group of royal spies, and the most uncertain, Sophia hated attention. Her eyes, if possible, got even bigger. “But, Beatrice—you should b-be happy—” “I am happy, Sophia,” I assured her. And, strangely enough, I was. For all my well-rehearsed sophistication, Lord Cavanaugh represented more than just my crowning achievement at court. Yes, of course, he was one of the richest men in the kingdom. And he was from a respected family whose reputation was not at daily risk from either a drunken father or a muddle-minded mother. And his ancestral home was not overrun by brawling foundling children. And, perhaps most important, he had no idea whatsoever how desperately I needed this marriage. But there was more to it than that. Lord Cavanaugh was gentle, fine, and soft-spoken, with a rich, drawling voice that I thrilled to hear. He was gracious and educated, in a court filled with rakes and curs more intent on the hunt than on conversation. He was devout, respectful at service and in court. He was polite t