Books like 'Maid of Deception'
Readers who enjoyed Maid of Deception by Jennifer McGowan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
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Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe thrilling, twenty-years-in-the-making, conclusion to the New York Times–bestselling Queen’s Thief series, by Megan Whalen Turner. This beloved and award-winning series began with the acclaimed novel The Thief...Categorized as:
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The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsBy scheming and theft, the Thief of Eddis has become King of Attolia. Eugenides wanted the queen, not the crown, but he finds himself trapped in a web of his own making.Then he drags a naive young guard into the center of the political maelstrom. Poor Costis knows he is the victim of the king's caprice, but his contempt for Eugenides slowly turns to grudging respect... -
Midlife Mojo by Victoria Danann
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA PARANORMAL WOMEN'S FICTION NOVELfrom Rita Hayworth I have a daughter who knows nothing about my life in Hallow Hill and she's coming for college holiday break. Her visit will dovetail the Solstice Court Meet. It will be close, but if all goes according to plan, I’ll be out of magistrate robes in time to meet the plane... -
Queens' Play by Dorothy Dunnett
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsSecond in the legendary Lymond Chronicles, Queens' Play follows Francis Crawford of Lymond who has been abruptly called into the service of Mary Queen of Scots. Though she is only a little girl, the Queen is already the object of malicious intrigues that extend from her native country to the court of France... -
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The Princess Game: A Reimagining of Sleeping Beauty by Melanie Cellier
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThey call her the Sleeping Princess, but Celeste is far from asleep… Celeste has been cursed since her sixteenth birthday--just not in the way the rest of the kingdom thinks. All they see is her breath-taking beauty, marred by her foolishness. Only she knows that she retains her brilliant mind. And it’s a secret she must keep at all costs...Categorized as:
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The Lord John Series by Diana Gabaldon
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDiana Gabaldon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Outlander series, delivers captivating tales of history, intrigue, and suspense that feature one of her most popular characters: Lord John Grey. This thrilling eBook collection—featuring three novels and one collection of novellas—follows Lord John as he defends his country, ferrets out spies, and unravels a haunting family mystery...Categorized as:
historical-fiction espionage political-intrigue romance fiction historical mystery lgbtq -
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage by Qian Shan Cha Ke, 千山茶客
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Di daughter of military lineage – pure, amiable, quiet and yielding – foolishly in love with Prince Ding, threw herself into the role of a wife.After assisting him for six years, she finally became the mother to the world (empress), and he the emperor.She accompanied him to fight for the country, to flourish the country’s territory, and even took risk to be a hostage in a foreign country... -
Diplomats and Fugitives by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsEven though Basilard is the official Mangdorian ambassador to the Turgonian Republic, he still isn’t fully trusted by his pacifist people. After he was enslaved and forced to entertain spectators in pit fights that left him scarred and mute, his kin turned their backs on him, condemning him for choosing violence... -
Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsAlianne is the teenage daughter of the famed Alanna, the first lady knight in Tortall. Young Aly follows in the quieter footsteps of her father, however, delighting in the art of spying...Categorized as:
espionage historical-fiction myths political-intrigue royalty action-adventure alpha-mc audiobook -
Make No Bones About It by Ann Charles, C.S. Kunkle
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMYSTERY, MAYHEM, AND MONKEYS, OH MY! Welcome to the jungle, a treacherous place teeming with terrible secrets better left buried. “This dig site isn’t cursed. It’s doomed!” Ancient History … A small civilization in the Maya jungle suffered a mysterious, bloody ending. Recent History … A world-renown Mesoamerican archaeologist dug too deep in the same place and wound up dead. Present Day … Dr... -
Claimed by Magic by Jasmine Walt
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFenris and Mia's story continues in the second book of this Baine Chronicles spinoff trilogy...Now that Fenris and Mina have finally admitted their feelings for each other, for the first time, they both face something they’d thought impossible—settling down with someone who accepts and loves them for who they are...Categorized as:
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The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 48 ratingsRevengeWhen Eugenides, the Thief of Eddis, stole Hamiathes's Gift, the Queen of Attolia lost more than a mythical relic. She lost face. Everyone knew that Eudenides had outwitted and escaped her. To restore her reputation and reassert her power, the Queen of Attolia will go to any length and accept any help that is offered... she will risk her country to execute the perfect revenge... -
The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 57 ratingsHeld captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape . . . and even less of being together.Desperate to save her life, Lia's erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komisar that she has a magical gift, and the Komisar's interest in Lia is greater than either Kaden or Lia foresaw...Categorized as:
historical-fiction myths political-intrigue royalty action-adventure alpha-mc assassins audiobook -
A Tale of Beauty and Beast: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Melanie Cellier
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsPrincess Sophia has helped her twin sister Lily save the duchy of Marin. But now Sophie faces an even greater threat when she sets out to free the cursed kingdom of Palinar from its beastly prince. Alone, and with danger on every side, Sophie must navigate a magical castle and its even more mysterious master to discover the secret to breaking the curse... -
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Esperance by Heather Frost
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwelve strangers. Six marriages. One year in Esperance.Amryn has many reasons to hate the empire. Her latest is her forced marriage to General Carver Vincetti, better known as the Butcher. If he learns even one of her secrets, he will kill her. And Amryn has many secrets...Categorized as:
espionage political-intrigue fantasy fiction mystery suspense paranormal young-adult -
Saved by Magic by Jasmine Walt
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFenris and Mina's story concludes in the final book of this Baine Chronicles spinoff trilogy!Alerted that Sunaya and Iannis's wedding may be the target of a Resistance plot, Mina and Fenris travel to Solantha despite the very real possibility that Fenris could be recognized and thrown into prison should any of his enemies spot him... -
Masque by W.R. Gingell
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBeauty met the Beast and there was . . . Bloody murder? It’s the Annual Ambassadorial Ball in Glause, and Lady Isabella Farrah, the daughter of New Civet’s Ambassador, is feeling pleasantly scintillated. In the library is Lord Pecus, a charming gentleman whose double mask hides a beastly face, and who has decided that Isabella is the very person to break the Pecus curse...Categorized as:
historical-fiction law-enforcement myths action-adventure alpha-mc book comedy crime -
The Heir and the Spare by Kate Stradling
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAn evil princess, a ruthless persecutor, a wretched match.Tormented at home and bullied during her studies abroad, second-born Iona of Wessett hides in the quiet corners of her father’s castle. Her art and music provide refuge, but her cruel sister Lisenn ever lurks like a monster stalking its prey.Such has been her life for twenty years...Categorized as:
historical-fiction myths political-intrigue royalty abuse action-adventure angst audiobook -
The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel): Volume 3 by Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsMaomao must help keep Consort Gyokuyou safe during her pregnancy. An imperial consort being with child is supposed to be a matter of the utmost secrecy, but this is the rear palace, where maneuvering and backstabbing are as commonplace as banter and tea parties. Threats seem to lurk around every corner—but it’s not just the rear palace keeping busy...Categorized as:
historical-fiction law-enforcement romance mystery historical fantasy fiction young-adult -
The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel): Volume 4 by Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThough her main duty is still looking after Consort Gyokuyou, Maomao finds time to help her friends and acquaintances in the rear palace, including Xiaolan, who will need a job after her term of service ends, and Consort Lishu, who’s convinced she’s seen a ghost! When complications arise with Gyokuyou’s pregnancy, however, Maomao knows she’s not skilled enough to handle a situation that could...Categorized as:
historical-fiction romance mystery historical fiction fantasy young-adult action-adventure -
Hand of Fire by Judith Starkston
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA legendary war, an invincible warrior, a woman forced to defend her family and realm--and her independent spirit. Will she become the captive or the captor?Briseis struggles to protect her city, an ally of Troy, from marauding Greeks and her husband's arrogant violence. She finds strength in visions of a handsome warrior god until he appears before her in flesh and blood... -
Suspects & Scales by Maz Maddox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDeputy Cody Moore is shattered. The murder of someone dear to him has pushed him to a breaking point and awakened the monster sleeping inside him. While the young man is no stranger to tragedy and death, having someone slaughtered under his watch has left him rattled with heartache...Categorized as:
law-enforcement historical-fiction political-intrigue romance fantasy mlm paranormal shapeshifters -
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsI lean forward, pushing my body out past the battlements. The wind plucks at my cloak, buffets against me, as if it would carry me off in flight, just like the birds or the knight's soul. Let go, it cries, I will take you far, far away. I want to laugh at the exhilarating feeling, I will catch you, it whistles seductively.The convent has returned Sybella to a life that nearly drove her mad... -
Refuge for Masterminds by Kathleen Baldwin
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt’s 1814. Napoleon has escaped his imprisonment on Elba. Britain is at war on four fronts. And at Stranje House, a School for Unusual Girls, five young ladies are secretly being trained for a world of spies, diplomacy, and war…Napoleon’s invasion of England is underway and someone at Stranje House is sneaking information to his spies. Lady Jane Moore is determined to find out who it is... -
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Exile for Dreamers by Kathleen Baldwin
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s 1814. Napoleon has escaped his imprisonment on Elba. Europe is in shambles. Britain is at war on four fronts. And at Stranje House, a School for Unusual Girls, five young ladies are secretly being trained for a world of spies, diplomacy, and war.Tess Aubreyson can’t run far enough or fast enough to escape the prophetic dreams that haunt her... -
Shadow Knights by Jennifer Anne Davis
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAs a member of the Knights of the Realm, Reid swore an oath to protect her king only to discover he harbors a traitorous agenda.Being a woman raised in a man’s world, Reid thought becoming a Knight would give her purpose and strength. So far, it has done nothing but give her trouble... -
Tiger's Promise by Colleen Houck
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBefore the curse, there was a promise. A prequel to the bestselling Tiger’s Curse series, this much anticipated novella recalls the beginning of Ren and Kishan’s story. Before Kelsey there was a girl, raised by a villain, whose love for a hero changed the course of history...Categorized as:
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The Headless Horseman by Thomas Mayne Reid
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsTexas in the 19th century. The War with Mexico is still a recent memory, marauding Comanches are a daily threat for new settlers of the Lone Star State. Louise Poindexter, a beautiful newcomer, is courted by two men - the arrogant and vindictive Cassius Calhoun and the dashing but poor mustanger Maurice Gerald...Categorized as:
historical-fiction law-enforcement action-adventure book children classics crime fiction -
The Captive Kingdom by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsJennifer A. Nielsen returns to the world of The False Prince in this fourth book of the Ascendance Series!In a peaceful Carthya, Jaron leads as the Ascendant King with Imogen beside him -- but the peace he fought so long for is not destined to last.On a routine sea voyage, Jaron's ship is brutally attacked, and he is taken hostage... -
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 48 ratingsA man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril, has returned to the noble household he once served as page, and is named, to his great surprise, as the secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule...Categorized as:
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The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsWhat happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character...Categorized as:
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The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsLegend states that there exists a mighty sword that makes its possessor invincible to his enemies. But there is a curse on anyone who lifts the sword for conquest. King Kareed of Archeld goes after this sword anyway, winning it from the King of Bellandra. When he returns home from battle, he brings his daughter, Princess Torina, two special gifts... -
His Improper Lady by Candace Camp
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSome family secrets were never meant to be disturbed. It’s been a year since Tom Quick became a partner at the detective agency Moreland & Quick, which he operates with his lifelong friend Constantine Moreland. When he catches an intruder breaking in to the agency, obviously looking for something, it’s clear that a new case is afoot... -
The Jade Bones by Lani Forbes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCast into the underworld after an act of shattering betrayal, Mayana and Ahkin must overcome unimaginable odds if they are to return home and reclaim the throne of the Chicome. A river of blood and demons disguised as children are only two of the challenges standing in their way. Fortunately, they are not unequipped...Categorized as:
historical-fiction myths action-adventure ancient-civilization book coming-of-age epic female-mc -
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Aleksey's Kingdom by John Wiltshire
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Royal Affair: Book Two Doctor Nikolai Hartmann escaped the Hesse-Davian dungeons. He fled civilized Europe to come to the vast wilderness of the New World, where he carved out a home in which he could love openly and without censure—Aleksey’s Kingdom. However, there is an irritating green-eyed, dark-haired flaw in his new paradise... -
Prisoner of Steel and Shadow by Meg Anne
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Kidnapped QueenA vengeful god has stolen everything from the queen of assassins. Her title. Her power. Her memories.Even her name.Now merely a ghost of her former self, Shadow must enter a deadly game and fight for her freedom or risk spending the rest of her life as a madman’s prisoner.But, in order to win, she may be forced to lose what’s left of her true self in the process...Categorized as:
royalty myths political-intrigue romance fantasy high-fantasy magic action-adventure -
Sword Dance by A.J. Demas
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFive years ago, Damiskos’s brilliant military career was cut short, leaving him with a permanent disability and scars that are not all physical. Adrift and still grieving, he tries to find meaning in an unsatisfying job. Work takes him to the remote seaside villa of an old friend, where, among an odd assortment of guests, he meets the eunuch sword-dancer Varazda... -
The Mummy by Max Allan Collins, Stephen Sommers
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBased on the Universal Studios major motion picture starring Brendan Fraser!Rick O'Connell, dashing American and legionnaire, is in Egypt looking for a good time. His discovery of the Lost City of the Dead is a fluke—but to British librarian Evelyn Carnahan it's the archaeological find of the century. The city contains all the treasures of Egypt and possibly the secrets of life and death... -
Traitor's Masque by Kenley Davidson, Esther Wane
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat would you be willing to betray in exchange for your freedom?Trystan was once the pampered daughter of a wealthy aristocrat, but since his death, she’s considered a social pariah. Trapped by her stepmother’s malicious web of lies, Trystan is willing to do just about anything to escape—even play a part in a devious plot to disinherit the kingdom’s incompetent heir, Prince Ramsey...Categorized as:
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For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts...Categorized as:
historical-fiction myths royalty action-adventure arranged-marriage audiobook book christian -
The Traitor's Kingdom by Erin Beaty
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsUnlikely alliances are forged and trust is shattered in the stunning conclusion to The Traitor’s Trilogy.A new queen under threat. An ambassador with a desperate scheme. Two kingdoms with everything to lose.Once a spy and counselor to the throne, Sage Fowler has secured victory for her kingdom at a terrible cost...Categorized as:
espionage historical-fiction political-intrigue royalty action-adventure assassins audiobook book -
Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe past never forgets...Before an ambush by enemy soldiers, Lord Cassia was an engineer's apprentice on a mission entrusted by the king. But when plague sweeps over the land, leaving countless dead and devastating the kingdom, even Cas’ title cannot save him from a rotting prison cell and a merciless sickness...Categorized as:
historical-fiction law-enforcement royalty action-adventure audiobook book epic epidemy -
Beauty and the Beast by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsOnce upon a time Elle made a mistake. A small miscalculation sends her through the roof of an enchanted chateau. Stranded until her broken leg mends, Elle is forced to rely on the good will of the sour chateau owner —the cursed Prince Severin...Categorized as:
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Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFOR PAULA, ACCOMPANYING her merchant father on a trading voyage to Istanbul is a dream come true. They have come to this city of trade on a special mission to purchase a most rare artifact—a gift from the ancient goddess, Cybele, to her followers. It’s the only remnant of a lost, pagan cult.But no sooner have they arrived when it becomes clear they may be playing at a dangerous game...Categorized as:
historical-fiction law-enforcement myths action-adventure alpha-mc audiobook book coming-of-age -
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The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThe adventure starts here...Imperial law enforcer Amaranthe Lokdon is good at her job: she can deter thieves and pacify thugs, if not with a blade, then by toppling an eight-foot pile of coffee canisters onto their heads. But when ravaged bodies show up on the waterfront, an arson covers up human sacrifices, and a powerful business coalition plots to kill the emperor, she feels a tad overwhelmed... -
Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsAnnith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent... -
Closer to the Heart by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsMags was a Herald of Valdemar. But he had once lived the brutal life of a child slave. When he was Chosen by his Companion Dallen, his young life was saved, and he slowly adjusted to being well fed, educated, and treasured as a trainee in the Herald's Collegium at Haven. Singled out by the King's Own Herald, Mags would thrive in his secret training as a spy... -
Closer to Home by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsMags was once an enslaved orphan living a harsh life in the mines, until the King's Own Herald discovered his talent and trained him as a spy. Now a Herald in his own right, at the newly established Heralds' Collegium, Mags has found a supportive family, including his Companion Dallen... -
Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsFrom the author of The Queen’s Rising comes a thrilling YA stand-alone fantasy about the unbreakable bond between sisters. Perfect for fans of Ember in the Ashes, Sky in the Deep, and Court of Fives.After eight long years, Evadne will finally be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been proudly serving in the queen’s army... -
The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMerrie Haskell’s middle-grade fantasy novel Princess Curse is an imaginative retelling of the fairy tales The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Beauty and the Beast. In the fifteenth-century kingdom of Sylvania, the prince offers a fabulous reward to anyone who cures the curse that forces the princesses to spend each night dancing to the point of exhaustion...
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