Backlist Two Minute Review: Born of Deception by Teri Brown

Title: Born of Deception
Author: Teri Brown
Genre: historical fiction
Series: Born of Illusion #2
Pages: 336
Published: June 2014
Source: publishers via edelweiss
Rating: 2/5

Budding illusionist Anna Van Housen is on top of the world: after scoring a spot on a prestigious European vaudeville tour, she has moved to London to chase her dream and to join an underground society for people like her with psychic abilities. Along with her handsome beau, Cole Archer, Anna is prepared to take the city by storm.

But when Anna arrives in London, she finds the group in turmoil. Sensitives are disappearing and, without a suspect, the group’s members are turning on one another. Could the kidnapper be someone within the society itself—or has the nefarious Dr. Boyle followed them to London?

As Cole and Anna begin to unravel the case and secrets about the society are revealed, they find themselves at odds, their plans for romance in London having vanished. Her life in danger and her relationship fizzling, can Anna find a way to track down the killer before he makes her his next victim—or will she have to pay the ultimate price for her powers?

Set in Jazz-Age London, this alluring sequel to Born of Illusion comes alive with sparkling romance, deadly intrigue, and daring magic.

Though Born of Deception is not a bad book, necessarily, it can't do anything but pale against its predecessor, Born of Illusion. The sequel feels tired, a limp attempt to extend the chemistry and action that was actually rather neatly wrapped up in book one.

I had a mild amount of fun while reading this sequel, but there's just nothing new happening here. In fact, all this does is wear away some of the good will that I had for the characters -- the romance becomes far less enjoyable and detracts from both character's development. A bit of fluff that is just not needed and serves to muddy the waters from the first, strong story.