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Deadly Deception
A killer new standalone from USA Today and International Bestselling Author, J.C. Valentine is coming soon!
A dissatisfied housewife. A gun for hire. He’s not looking to fall for his client…then again, he never had much choice.
Wife. Daughter. Murderer?
Faith
He was supposed to be my knight in shining armor. He was supposed to be my deliverance. But looks can be deceiving, and now he’s just in my way. After all of the lies, all of the deceptions, I need him gone, but despite my best efforts, he’s still here and I’m out of ideas. It’s time to call in a professional. I just wasn’t expecting it to be him.
Declan
I’ve been in the business of killing for as long as I can remember. And business is booming. But I’m ready to leave this life behind, get a fresh start. After one last job. It should be easy, quick, in and out. But nothing is ever that simple, and I wasn’t banking on her. One look in those doe-like eyes, and I know I have to save her from her own personal hell. But how am I supposed to pull this off when it means breaking my number one rule: never fall in love?
A dissatisfied housewife. A gun for hire. He’s not looking to fall for his client…then again, he never had much choice.
Wife. Daughter. Murderer?
Faith
He was supposed to be my knight in shining armor. He was supposed to be my deliverance. But looks can be deceiving, and now he’s just in my way. After all of the lies, all of the deceptions, I need him gone, but despite my best efforts, he’s still here and I’m out of ideas. It’s time to call in a professional. I just wasn’t expecting it to be him.
Declan
I’ve been in the business of killing for as long as I can remember. And business is booming. But I’m ready to leave this life behind, get a fresh start. After one last job. It should be easy, quick, in and out. But nothing is ever that simple, and I wasn’t banking on her. One look in those doe-like eyes, and I know I have to save her from her own personal hell. But how am I supposed to pull this off when it means breaking my number one rule: never fall in love?
First published July 18, 2019
About the author
J.C. Valentine
56 books2,011 followersUSA Today bestselling romance author J.C. Valentine lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their amazing children and fun-loving dogs. When she's not writing stories of love, laughter, and steamy scenes, you can find her editing for fellow authors or spending time with her family. J.C. has been penning stories since childhood, though thankfully her writing has improved since then. She loves bringing heart, humor, and happiness to readers through her vivid imagination and love of words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 17, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Wife. Daughter. Murderer? Faith: He was supposed to be my knight in shining armor. He was supposed to be my deliverance. But looks can be deceiving, and now he's just in my way. After all of the lies, all of the deceptions, I need him gone, but despite my best efforts, he's still here and I'm out of ideas. It's time to call in a professional. I just wasn't expecting it to be him.
Declan: I've been in the business of killing for as long as I can remember. And business is booming. But I'm ready to leave this life behind, get a fresh start. After one last job. It should be easy, quick, in and out. But nothing is ever that simple, and I wasn't banking on her. One look in those doe-like eyes, and I know I have to save her from her own personal hell. But how am I supposed to pull this off when it means breaking my number one rule: never fall in love?
Faith is married but to say that her relationshp is not what it should be is a understatement. Glenn is her husband and the man she believes is cheating on her. She wants him dead becasue if she just leaves him the she get nothing. She's tried to get rid of him but it isn't working and now the time has come to hire someone to take him out. This is where Deacon comes in. This is his one last job and after that he is going to retire. Who knows how this will turn out? Your going to have to read to find out. This is a book that will keep you guessing till the very end and I do not want to ruin a thing for anyone. This book was so good. I could not put it down. If you like books that keep you one the edge of your seat then you do not want to miss J.C. Valentine's Deadly Deception.
Wife. Daughter. Murderer? Faith: He was supposed to be my knight in shining armor. He was supposed to be my deliverance. But looks can be deceiving, and now he's just in my way. After all of the lies, all of the deceptions, I need him gone, but despite my best efforts, he's still here and I'm out of ideas. It's time to call in a professional. I just wasn't expecting it to be him.
Declan: I've been in the business of killing for as long as I can remember. And business is booming. But I'm ready to leave this life behind, get a fresh start. After one last job. It should be easy, quick, in and out. But nothing is ever that simple, and I wasn't banking on her. One look in those doe-like eyes, and I know I have to save her from her own personal hell. But how am I supposed to pull this off when it means breaking my number one rule: never fall in love?
Faith is married but to say that her relationshp is not what it should be is a understatement. Glenn is her husband and the man she believes is cheating on her. She wants him dead becasue if she just leaves him the she get nothing. She's tried to get rid of him but it isn't working and now the time has come to hire someone to take him out. This is where Deacon comes in. This is his one last job and after that he is going to retire. Who knows how this will turn out? Your going to have to read to find out. This is a book that will keep you guessing till the very end and I do not want to ruin a thing for anyone. This book was so good. I could not put it down. If you like books that keep you one the edge of your seat then you do not want to miss J.C. Valentine's Deadly Deception.
July 22, 2019
Deadly Deception by JC Valentine is the story of Declan and Faith.
Faith is a housewife who goes forward to hire a hit man (Declan) to take care of her husband. Things are what they seem which adds to the mystery. Declan usually stays emotionless to his 'customer's but there is something about Faith.
This was a page turner story wondering what was going to happen.
Faith is a housewife who goes forward to hire a hit man (Declan) to take care of her husband. Things are what they seem which adds to the mystery. Declan usually stays emotionless to his 'customer's but there is something about Faith.
This was a page turner story wondering what was going to happen.
July 12, 2019
Faith wants her husband dead and Declan is just the man to get it done. Faith tells Declan all the reasons on why her husband deserves to die. Once everything is laid out for him, he can see why he deserves to die. So Declan made plans on his final hit but he begins to feel things he never has. He feels sympathy and a strong attraction for her. Though the half hasn’t even been told. There is plenty of thrills, drama, and intrigue in this story to keep you guessing to the very end on who will live and who will die.
July 10, 2019
Faith is an unhappily married woman.
Glenn, her husband, she believes is cheating on her.
This story will keep you guessing until the very end.
I wish I could say more, but that would spoil it for you.
If you love a great mind boggling read, this is the book for you.
Glenn, her husband, she believes is cheating on her.
This story will keep you guessing until the very end.
I wish I could say more, but that would spoil it for you.
If you love a great mind boggling read, this is the book for you.
March 4, 2020
Interesting idea, weak ending.
The ending ruined it for me.
The ending ruined it for me.
July 19, 2019
Trying to decided where to start with this review. This is a book I really had to let sink in what I just read. A lot of times we as readers are able to figure out what direction the author is taking with the story and pretty much know how it ends. Well not with this story. Just when you think you have things figured out and all the twist of the story figured out the author throws you for another loop.
Faith was a house wife that really wanted out of her marriage. No matter what she done it seemed like she just could not end things. At the end of her desperation she hired a hit man. One sexy hit man.
Declan was dangerous and very sexy. He had rules that he followed to bad he did not follow them in this case. He never dreamed to fall for a client.
There is a lot of tension, suspense, and sexy danger in this story. The author truly keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Faith was a house wife that really wanted out of her marriage. No matter what she done it seemed like she just could not end things. At the end of her desperation she hired a hit man. One sexy hit man.
Declan was dangerous and very sexy. He had rules that he followed to bad he did not follow them in this case. He never dreamed to fall for a client.
There is a lot of tension, suspense, and sexy danger in this story. The author truly keeps you on the edge of your seat.
July 19, 2019
Wow, just wow! What a twisty, turning, edge of the seat story this is! I'm full of mixed emotions. I started off not feeling a connection with Faith and then as her story unfolds, my heart went out to her. Declan interested me from the start. This man with a dark job, dark secrets, but something pulled me to him. The story kept me flipping pages, kept me guessing and still was able to have me turning in circles. This book is different from others by this author and will leave you with your jaw on the floor. A must.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 18, 2019
A Thrilling and intriguing, dark romance.
I really liked this book. It took so many twists and turns to find out who the real villain was. It kept me riveted to the story with each turn of the page. A woman Faith, wants her cheating husband dead. So what does a scorned wife so, she hires a hit man. Declan answers her request on a website and what neither of them saw coming was their attraction to one another.
JC Valentine really knows how to keep her readers coming back for more. Excellent book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked this book. It took so many twists and turns to find out who the real villain was. It kept me riveted to the story with each turn of the page. A woman Faith, wants her cheating husband dead. So what does a scorned wife so, she hires a hit man. Declan answers her request on a website and what neither of them saw coming was their attraction to one another.
JC Valentine really knows how to keep her readers coming back for more. Excellent book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2019
Wow just Wow .. this book as so out of JC Valentines normal writing that .. just Wow ! The curiosity of the how and whys will have you turning the pages faster than you thought. I finished this book in 1 day !!
Declan’s BIGGEST rule is don’t lie to me. A man in his profession that hates lier’s I guess is smart only because he didn’t want to end up DEAD ..
When Faith answers an ad for a plumber she knew right from the beginning what she was doing .. OMG .. I DIDN’T !!
If I write any more I might spill the beans or push you over the edge !! Pun intended .. LOL
Go read this NOW !
Declan’s BIGGEST rule is don’t lie to me. A man in his profession that hates lier’s I guess is smart only because he didn’t want to end up DEAD ..
When Faith answers an ad for a plumber she knew right from the beginning what she was doing .. OMG .. I DIDN’T !!
If I write any more I might spill the beans or push you over the edge !! Pun intended .. LOL
Go read this NOW !
July 19, 2019
3.5 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2019
A dissatisfied housewife. A gun for hire. He’s not looking to fall for his client…then again, he never had much choice.
Wife. Daughter. Murderer?
Faith
He was supposed to be my knight in shining armor. He was supposed to be my deliverance. But looks can be deceiving, and now he’s just in my way. After all of the lies, all of the deceptions, I need him gone, but despite my best efforts, he’s still here and I’m out of ideas. It’s time to call in a professional. I just wasn’t expecting it to be him.
Declan
I’ve been in the business of killing for as long as I can remember. And business is booming. But I’m ready to leave this life behind, get a fresh start. After one last job. It should be easy, quick, in and out. But nothing is ever that simple, and I wasn’t banking on her. One look in those doe-like eyes, and I know I have to save her from her own personal hell. But how am I supposed to pull this off when it means breaking my number one rule: never fall in love?
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars-DEADLY DECEPTION by J. C. Valentine is a stand alone, thriller focusing on frustrated housewife Faith Overmeyer, her long suffering husband Glenn, and assassin for hire Declan.
Faith is tired of her husband’s late night excursions and the couple’s seemingly lacklustre married life at home. In an effort to end their marriage by ending her husband’s life, Faith hires a hit man. Enter Declan, assassin for hire, and the man Faith seduces after the job is done. Feeling sorry for his target’s wife, Declan sympathizes with Faith and breaks all of his rules in an effort for something more.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Faith and Declan) DEADLY DECEPTION is a story of secrets, lies, betrayal and revenge. A twisted tale of murder and greed where not one but two people will lose their lives.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2019
A dissatisfied housewife. A gun for hire. He’s not looking to fall for his client…then again, he never had much choice.
Wife. Daughter. Murderer?
Faith
He was supposed to be my knight in shining armor. He was supposed to be my deliverance. But looks can be deceiving, and now he’s just in my way. After all of the lies, all of the deceptions, I need him gone, but despite my best efforts, he’s still here and I’m out of ideas. It’s time to call in a professional. I just wasn’t expecting it to be him.
Declan
I’ve been in the business of killing for as long as I can remember. And business is booming. But I’m ready to leave this life behind, get a fresh start. After one last job. It should be easy, quick, in and out. But nothing is ever that simple, and I wasn’t banking on her. One look in those doe-like eyes, and I know I have to save her from her own personal hell. But how am I supposed to pull this off when it means breaking my number one rule: never fall in love?
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars-DEADLY DECEPTION by J. C. Valentine is a stand alone, thriller focusing on frustrated housewife Faith Overmeyer, her long suffering husband Glenn, and assassin for hire Declan.
Faith is tired of her husband’s late night excursions and the couple’s seemingly lacklustre married life at home. In an effort to end their marriage by ending her husband’s life, Faith hires a hit man. Enter Declan, assassin for hire, and the man Faith seduces after the job is done. Feeling sorry for his target’s wife, Declan sympathizes with Faith and breaks all of his rules in an effort for something more.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Faith and Declan) DEADLY DECEPTION is a story of secrets, lies, betrayal and revenge. A twisted tale of murder and greed where not one but two people will lose their lives.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 20, 2019
OH MY HELL! When I picked up this book, while I knew it was going to suspenseful, I NEVER saw what happened coming. The diabolically brilliant JC Valentine really did a number on me head. It's the story of Faith, a housewife who is sure her husband is cheating, and wants him dead. She's done her best to be the best wife she can be, and still, he's a terrible husband, so she's at her wits end. Faith tries to kill him herself several times, but none of those come to fruition, so she hires a hitman. Enter super sexy & dangerous Declan. He's a popular hitman who is just about to hang it up to go live somewhere peaceful, when he takes this last job. However, somehow with Faith, he starts to break all of his rules as they have some big chemistry, so they end up hooking up for a night. Lawd, this story had twists that were all turned out, with turns that were all twisted up, so all that was left was to drop loud f-bombs, especially when I got to the end which I NEVER saw coming. Anyway, this was a fantastic story with very few secondaries in the mix, and I LOVE it when I'm shocked. Everyone needs to be one clicking this suspenseful piece of goodness NOW, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 27, 2019
This is one of those stories that has you thinking you know what is going to happen next but let me tell you that you would be guessing wrong.
Faith/Brenda wants out of her loveless marriage but if she divorces her husband, she will get nothing, And not having a decent job, she will be without a lot. So she has been trying to knock him off but he just won't die. So she decides to hire someone to do it for her.
Declan/Cal is a killer. After serving in the military, it seemed like the right job for him and being part of a mob family it fit too. Declan has done his job well and after this one, he is going to retire to a little island where he can be left alone.
When Cal meets Brenda there is an attraction they both feel but Cal has never let a client get in the way of a job. And he has never crossed that line. As he tries to learn Her husband's schedule so he can get rid of him. And Brenda keeps crossing his mind at all the wrong times.
Will Declan/Cal break his number one rule? Will Faith/Brenda have the nerve to let Cal finish the job? Can Cal and Brenda escape together after everything is over? What happens when Declan learns the truth about Faith?
OMG, I was not expecting that but what a perfect way to end. This story is the perfect suspense with a little bit of lust thrown in. And if you love romantic suspense, then I recommend this book but do not think you know how it is going to end, because you will be wrong. So sit back and enjoy it as much as I did.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review**
Faith/Brenda wants out of her loveless marriage but if she divorces her husband, she will get nothing, And not having a decent job, she will be without a lot. So she has been trying to knock him off but he just won't die. So she decides to hire someone to do it for her.
Declan/Cal is a killer. After serving in the military, it seemed like the right job for him and being part of a mob family it fit too. Declan has done his job well and after this one, he is going to retire to a little island where he can be left alone.
When Cal meets Brenda there is an attraction they both feel but Cal has never let a client get in the way of a job. And he has never crossed that line. As he tries to learn Her husband's schedule so he can get rid of him. And Brenda keeps crossing his mind at all the wrong times.
Will Declan/Cal break his number one rule? Will Faith/Brenda have the nerve to let Cal finish the job? Can Cal and Brenda escape together after everything is over? What happens when Declan learns the truth about Faith?
OMG, I was not expecting that but what a perfect way to end. This story is the perfect suspense with a little bit of lust thrown in. And if you love romantic suspense, then I recommend this book but do not think you know how it is going to end, because you will be wrong. So sit back and enjoy it as much as I did.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review**
July 20, 2019
Faith is not happy with her marriage.
She believes that Glenn, her husband, has someone on the side.
She is willing to do anything to get rid of him.
Declan is a hitman, that is looking into a fresh start after one more job.
Will Declan take the job and what will happen if he does?
This story had me hooked until the very last page. I never saw many of the twists coming and can truly say WOW!!!
I really can't tell you much more than that because I don't want to give anything away.
She believes that Glenn, her husband, has someone on the side.
She is willing to do anything to get rid of him.
Declan is a hitman, that is looking into a fresh start after one more job.
Will Declan take the job and what will happen if he does?
This story had me hooked until the very last page. I never saw many of the twists coming and can truly say WOW!!!
I really can't tell you much more than that because I don't want to give anything away.
July 15, 2019
This is a crazy, unexpected, twisted and shocking journey. My struggle is how to review and not give anything away so that you can experience the incredible story I just devoured. Faith is unhappy in her life and believes she has the solution; she needs to get out of her loveless marriage and a hitman is just what she needs. Declan has honed his craft and is a master at killing while making everything seem like an accident. Such a strange and interesting man. He has come to a point where he feels retirement beckoning after one more job. Enter Faith and her request to eliminate her husband. There is an odd connection for these two that gives an element of romance to this tale. The real question, will Faith get what she wants, her husband gone? You have to dive in to find out how the strangely compelling story unfolds. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
July 18, 2019
This is truly a story of Deception, that you don't see coming.
Faith is one unhappy woman with her life and husband Glen, and her life choices. Declan is a hitman for hire.
Faith hires Declan to kill her cheating husband and leave that life behind. What she discovers is that she finds herself drawn to him and finds herself in a situation that she did not expected to be in. A husband that won't seem to die and a mother she despises, and a hitman.
Faith is one unhappy woman with her life and husband Glen, and her life choices. Declan is a hitman for hire.
Faith hires Declan to kill her cheating husband and leave that life behind. What she discovers is that she finds herself drawn to him and finds herself in a situation that she did not expected to be in. A husband that won't seem to die and a mother she despises, and a hitman.
July 19, 2019
Faith is a disgruntled housewife who has had enough. She hires Declan to kill her ungrateful husband. This book has an ending readers will never see coming. This was a quick read but the characters were not fully developed. The chemistry between Faith and Declan was missing...they both thought about each other but it was never fully developed to be believable. Overall, a decent quick read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
July 21, 2019
Faith is at the end of her tether with her cheating husband, and hires a sexy hit-man, Declan, to do a job for her. This is a well written story which is dark, twisted, gritty, thrilling and with secrets and suspense, which all lead to a compelling and poignant story. I was hooked and intrigued throughout this must read story, and recommend for all.
July 18, 2019
Omg this book so was good! Totally different and not what I expected at all but that’s what made it so great. I went in thinking it would go one way and then, hold on, wait, what? And it was off into another direction. This was a great departure from the norm and I highly recommend it to others!
July 21, 2019
This story is a page turner and I was hooked from the first page. The story had so many twists and turns in it kept my head spinning. Faith decides she needs out of her unhappy life and loveless marriage and she finally runs out of options and hires a hitman. Declan is the best at his job making every hit look like an accident. Faith finds herself drawn to Declan in unexpected ways. Will she get everything that she wants- rid of her cheating husband and Declan? I can’t wait to see what this author comes with next!!
July 19, 2019
I always get excited when I find out JC Valentine's got a new story coming out. She's one of those authors I enjoy reading, even when her stories aren't my normal kinds of reads. I loved the blurb for Deadly Deception, but I was still a little on the fence about it, wondering if I could really get into such a darker type romance. Darker, yes, but when it involves a hit-man, I wasn't quite sure. Now, I'm scratching my head, wondering why on earth I ever had doubts because Deadly Deception was pretty dang awesome! And now that I've finished it, I really and truly loved this side of JC's writing.
Faith, brilliant name for the lead heroine, really got inside my head from the first few pages. I felt for her, but damn, I'd sure hate to double-cross her. You couldn't help but to love her though, as she set out to take care of Glen, her cheating husband, in every way imaginable.
The story was filled with twists that I wasn't expecting, and the further along I got, I really started to feel Faith's aggression. JC carefully created this character and like I said earlier, I'd hate to do ever do her wrong.
Deadly Deception had a great story line and regardless if you like cheating stories or not, it's more about the revenge and the consequences that follow. So, if you're looking for a story that'll really blow your mind, then I highly recommend give this one a try. But I'm going to warn you, once you get into the first few chapters, you won't want to put it down. Five revenge-filled stars!!
Faith, brilliant name for the lead heroine, really got inside my head from the first few pages. I felt for her, but damn, I'd sure hate to double-cross her. You couldn't help but to love her though, as she set out to take care of Glen, her cheating husband, in every way imaginable.
The story was filled with twists that I wasn't expecting, and the further along I got, I really started to feel Faith's aggression. JC carefully created this character and like I said earlier, I'd hate to do ever do her wrong.
Deadly Deception had a great story line and regardless if you like cheating stories or not, it's more about the revenge and the consequences that follow. So, if you're looking for a story that'll really blow your mind, then I highly recommend give this one a try. But I'm going to warn you, once you get into the first few chapters, you won't want to put it down. Five revenge-filled stars!!
July 30, 2019
Deadly Deception by JC Valentine. I have read quite a few books by this author. So I was excited to read this story by her. This book was not what I expected. Faith is a beautiful young lady who is in a marriage she doesn't want to be in. She has gone so far as to try and get rid of him. When all her attempts are met with failure she decides to employ someone. She finds Declan. He is a well trained killer for hire. He loves his job but is at the point where is ready to get out of the business. So he decides one more job at least that is what he is trying to convince himself he wants to do. He ends up taking Faith as a client. As he investigates his mark he also starts to feel things for Faith. By the end what you thought was true wasn't what it seemed to be. The story did show that what we see can be twisted by our preconceived notions. Yes there were some good parts to this story however it did drag in some areas and somethings weren't necessary. I could see but I couldn't justify in my mind the end. In spite of my feelings on this book I will continue to read stories by this author. 3 stars for me.
October 30, 2019
Deadly Deception hooked me from page one! If you are looking for your next thrilling romance read, this is it! The plot has many twists and turns I never saw coming.
Faith wants out of her marriage. She’s the model housewife, keeps the house clean and dinner on the table for her husband when he gets home from work. She wants more out of life than her husband who she believes is cheating on her. If she leaves him, she gets nothing, she has resorted to murder.
Murderer for hire...Declan is the man for the job. He swears this will be his last job before he retires. His one rule: never mix business with with pleasure...that is, until Faith enters the picture.
I would love to tell you what happens when these two get together, but that will ruin it, you need to experience it for yourself.
If you love suspenseful romance, and ready for a wild ride, pick this book up today!
Faith wants out of her marriage. She’s the model housewife, keeps the house clean and dinner on the table for her husband when he gets home from work. She wants more out of life than her husband who she believes is cheating on her. If she leaves him, she gets nothing, she has resorted to murder.
Murderer for hire...Declan is the man for the job. He swears this will be his last job before he retires. His one rule: never mix business with with pleasure...that is, until Faith enters the picture.
I would love to tell you what happens when these two get together, but that will ruin it, you need to experience it for yourself.
If you love suspenseful romance, and ready for a wild ride, pick this book up today!
July 23, 2019
JC freakin’ Valentine, everybody.
Slow. Effing. Clap.
So, first of all, I wouldn’t necessarily call this a “romance.” I would call it a thriller with romantic elements. That’s just my opinion and I’m honestly splitting hairs, lol. So, don’t let that keep you from reading this book because trust me, it’s an incredibly well-written story.
Calling the two main characters “hero” and “heroine” is a pretty big stretch, to be honest, lol. They’re both flawed in the extreme and the situations they’re in are pretty f*cked, to say the least. I mean, he’s a hitman and she hired him to off her husband, so … if that doesn’t scream dysfunctional, I think we need a different description of the word.
Declan is this interesting mix of terrifying, sexy, and completely psychotic. The whole time I was reading, I was torn between being disturbed by his actions and thought processes and hoping he gets his own happily ever after. I wouldn’t say he’s all bad; he definitely has a heart, but it’s certainly corrupt. Still, you can’t help but be impressed by his confidence and unwavering attitude. I admired his personality, even if I was a bit afraid of him, lol
He definitely crosses over into stalker territory with Faith; watching her, following her, feeling drawn to her and not understanding why. While that last one isn’t necessarily a stalker quality, the way he acts after having those feelings is.
Faith is an interesting character. Obviously, considering the fact she’s hired a hitman, she’s not one to think super highly of, but there’s also a point where you’re being shown this woman who believes she’s in an impossible situation. When you see this woman who’s been manipulated, emotionally abused, and cheated on, it’s impossible not to feel empathetic toward her-- no matter how much you may disagree with her actions from that point on.
The angst she feels while waiting for the week to end--the deadline Declan chose to take her husband out--was nothing short of compelling and had my heart speeding while I read. This woman just wants to be free to start her life the way she sees fit and I found myself rooting for her in a morally messed up kind of way.
The sexual tension between Declan and Faith was a palpable thing. It was clear they wanted each other, no matter how wrong they both knew that it was. They’re drawn to each other in a way neither truly understands--but Faith knows that she wants him and she’s going to do just about anything to get him.
This was a brilliantly written novel with compelling characters and a story that kept me guessing up until the bitter end. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense and/or thrillers, do yourself a huge favor and read this book. I would also recommend this book for fans of You by Caroline Kepnes. There were some definite parallels between the stories--while still remaining totally different--and I loved it.
This was a different read from my norm, but I certainly wasn’t disappointed. JC Valentine is one of my favorite authors and I was ecstatic to read her first venture into dark romance. Get ready for some breathtaking twists and chemistry that is off the charts!
Happy reading!
Original review: Alated Bibliophile's review of Deadly Deception
Slow. Effing. Clap.
So, first of all, I wouldn’t necessarily call this a “romance.” I would call it a thriller with romantic elements. That’s just my opinion and I’m honestly splitting hairs, lol. So, don’t let that keep you from reading this book because trust me, it’s an incredibly well-written story.
Calling the two main characters “hero” and “heroine” is a pretty big stretch, to be honest, lol. They’re both flawed in the extreme and the situations they’re in are pretty f*cked, to say the least. I mean, he’s a hitman and she hired him to off her husband, so … if that doesn’t scream dysfunctional, I think we need a different description of the word.
Declan is this interesting mix of terrifying, sexy, and completely psychotic. The whole time I was reading, I was torn between being disturbed by his actions and thought processes and hoping he gets his own happily ever after. I wouldn’t say he’s all bad; he definitely has a heart, but it’s certainly corrupt. Still, you can’t help but be impressed by his confidence and unwavering attitude. I admired his personality, even if I was a bit afraid of him, lol
He definitely crosses over into stalker territory with Faith; watching her, following her, feeling drawn to her and not understanding why. While that last one isn’t necessarily a stalker quality, the way he acts after having those feelings is.
Faith is an interesting character. Obviously, considering the fact she’s hired a hitman, she’s not one to think super highly of, but there’s also a point where you’re being shown this woman who believes she’s in an impossible situation. When you see this woman who’s been manipulated, emotionally abused, and cheated on, it’s impossible not to feel empathetic toward her-- no matter how much you may disagree with her actions from that point on.
The angst she feels while waiting for the week to end--the deadline Declan chose to take her husband out--was nothing short of compelling and had my heart speeding while I read. This woman just wants to be free to start her life the way she sees fit and I found myself rooting for her in a morally messed up kind of way.
The sexual tension between Declan and Faith was a palpable thing. It was clear they wanted each other, no matter how wrong they both knew that it was. They’re drawn to each other in a way neither truly understands--but Faith knows that she wants him and she’s going to do just about anything to get him.
This was a brilliantly written novel with compelling characters and a story that kept me guessing up until the bitter end. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense and/or thrillers, do yourself a huge favor and read this book. I would also recommend this book for fans of You by Caroline Kepnes. There were some definite parallels between the stories--while still remaining totally different--and I loved it.
This was a different read from my norm, but I certainly wasn’t disappointed. JC Valentine is one of my favorite authors and I was ecstatic to read her first venture into dark romance. Get ready for some breathtaking twists and chemistry that is off the charts!
Happy reading!
Original review: Alated Bibliophile's review of Deadly Deception
August 8, 2019
Deadly Deception by JC Valentine. I have read quite a few books by this author. So I was excited to read this story by her. This book was not what I expected. Faith is a beautiful young lady who is in a marriage she doesn't want to be in. She has gone so far as to try and get rid of him. When all her attempts are met with failure she decides to employ someone. She finds Declan. He is a well trained killer for hire. He loves his job but is at the point where is ready to get out of the business. So he decides one more job at least that is what he is trying to convince himself he wants to do. He ends up taking Faith as a client. As he investigates his mark he also starts to feel things for Faith. By the end what you thought was true wasn't what it seemed to be. The story did show that what we see can be twisted by our preconceived notions. Yes there were some good parts to this story however it did drag in some areas and somethings weren't necessary. I could see but I couldn't justify in my mind the end. In spite of my feelings on this book I will continue to read stories by this author. 3 stars for me.
August 17, 2019
Declan may be a hitman, but he does have very strict rules he follows. Those have kept him alive throughout his life. Upon taking his last job before retiring, he breaks those rules for Faith and finds things are not what they seem. How will Declan complete his last job and maintain his own integrity? With a bit of romance, lots of suspense, some dark moments with twists & shocking reveals, it's a real page turner. **I received a copy of "Deadly Deception" and am voluntarily giving my honest review based on my reading** 4.5 Stars!
July 28, 2019
This is an edge of your seat story that’s filled with twists and turns wherever you look! I really enjoyed reading this book, my first book by this author and she has produced an awesome book. It’s a brilliant read, well worth the time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2019
Wow just Wow .. this book as so out of JC Valentines normal writing that .. just Wow ! The curiosity of the how and whys will have you turning the pages faster than you thought. I finished this book in 1 day !!
Declan’s BIGGEST rule is don’t lie to me. A man in his profession that hates lier’s I guess is smart only because he didn’t want to end up DEAD ..
When Faith answers an ad for a plumber she knew right from the beginning what she was doing .. OMG .. I DIDN’T !!
If I write any more I might spill the beans or push you over the edge !! Pun intended .. LOL
Go read this NOW !
Declan’s BIGGEST rule is don’t lie to me. A man in his profession that hates lier’s I guess is smart only because he didn’t want to end up DEAD ..
When Faith answers an ad for a plumber she knew right from the beginning what she was doing .. OMG .. I DIDN’T !!
If I write any more I might spill the beans or push you over the edge !! Pun intended .. LOL
Go read this NOW !
July 18, 2019
WOW!!
What an incredible journey...
..this book is packed with surprises
Love the suspense, twist and turns
..dark, intriguing, and intense...
A must read...
What an incredible journey...
..this book is packed with surprises
Love the suspense, twist and turns
..dark, intriguing, and intense...
A must read...
July 19, 2019
Wow! This book was intense and engrossing! I couldn't put it down. The book was brilliantly conceived and written! I loved it!
February 22, 2021
I actually met this author at a book convention and picked up the book on a whim. So glad I did.
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