Book Review for: Innocent Deception

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Book Review for: "Innocent Deception"
Written by: Tami Dee
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61252-085-8
Avail as ebook only
5 Stars

Dee pens a suspenseful tale fraught with lies, greed, betrayals, and love with "Innocent Deception." Since the night Ceana and Sorsha were born, lies have dictated the path their lives have taken. When Scotland's Silent Scourge must take a wife, will something finally good come out of a lifetime of deception?

The story opens in Scotland, 1030 AD. It's a tough time with Viking raiders attacking the coast, and surviving depends more on a man's fists than kindness. The night Ceana and Sorsha are born, the twins are separated from their mother. Sorsha is raised as the laird's legitimate daughter while Ceana is forced to serve as her maid. Several miles away, at the MacLean Castle, the laird does not find favor with his legitimate first born son, favoring his illegitimate son. After a night of heavy drinking, the laird beats his wife within an inch of her life. Secretly, she sneaks away to her father's estates to keep herself, and her sons, safe.

Royal Ethan MacLean finds safety with his mother's family. He grows into a strong, strapping lad, earning the reputation of the Silent Scourge of Scotland for his fierce fighting skills and his silence. Ethan, however, is quiet for a reason. He suffers from a stuttering problem.

Ethan is forced into taking a wife when Sorsha's family kidnaps his brother, Sionn, holding him hostage until the wedding. Reluctantly, Ethan agrees.

Sorsha and her maid, Ceana, are escorted to Ethan's home, by Diarmard, Ethan's cousin. During the escort, Diarmard discovers Sorsha's temperament is despicable and her behavior toward Ceana is abusive. When Sorsha has an accident and "dies," Diarmard concocts a plan to save Ceana's life. Will Ceana's innocent deception save hers and Sionn's life or result in bloodshed?

Dee weaves a tight, fast-paced plot which will surprise the reader and keep them guessing. The dialogue brings a nice authenticity to the story. The descriptions allow the reader to picture Ceana's world without lingering.

Both Ceana and Ethan have obstacles to overcome. Ceana has to learn how to deal with her shyness due to Sorsha's abuse. Her inner strength is something to be admired. Ethan discovers that at times kindness is a better way to handle a problem than with his fists. His perseverance and loyalty are qualities that bring out the heroism in him. The supporting cast is interesting as each learns to deal with deception in their own way.

The love scenes are sensual, hinting at an emotional intimacy deeper than the physical. "Innocent Deception" will have the reader on the edge of their seat wanting to learn about Ceana's ultimate fate. The story promises to linger long after the reader puts it down.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

Book Review for "Priceless Deception"

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Book Review for: "Priceless Deception"
Written by: Jennifer Ann Coffeen
Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 978-1-60154-947-1
Avail as: print & ebook
5 Stars

Coffeen crafts a suspense-filled regency romance with "Priceless Deception." When Lady Madeline Sinclair's father dies, he asks one last thing of her - to acquire the rare French Blue diamond and destroy it. Madeline's task takes her to Colin Montgomery's house - the Duke of Douglas. Will Colin's charming disposition distract Madeline from accomplishing her mission?

Set in regency England with Prinny establishing the standard for English fashion and the ton in full swing, Lady Madeline Sinclair joins her Aunt Celia and her cousin, Helena, for a season. Madeline, however, has a mission - acquire the French Blue diamond and destroy it. Madeline's father buried the diamond in the cellar of the previous house he lived in, which is now owned by Colin Montgomery, the Duke of Douglas. Madeline's father has convinced her the diamond is cursed. On a cold call, Madeline goes to the Duke's house and encounters the man in a state of inebriation.

Colin is nursing a sore heart after being jilted by his former fianc?e, Julianna. When he meets Madeline, a spark passes between them and he realizes there's an attraction shared between them - it's primal, raw, fierce, and Colin quickly turns himself around to discover what the secretive Lady Sinclair is up to.

Colin attends a social event with the ton in all its glory and formally meets Madeline. A wonderfully delicious ying/yang relationship develops between Colin and Madeline. Will their attraction get in the way of her objective to find the diamond and destroy it?

Coffeen's writing style is crisp and witty, effortlessly evoking a feel of the times. The plot moves at a quick pace, keeping the reader turning the page to discover what's next. Coffeen takes the reader on a great adventure with Colin and Madeline. Just when you think something will happen one way, there's a twist that takes the reader down a different path.

Colin and Madeline draw the reader into their world with their rich personalities. Colin is wounded, yet embodies nobility, integrity, and honor. Madeline is spunky and full of determination. The little things Coffeen inserts really helps to round out the supporting cast and gives the story an authentic feel - from the gossip, to turbans, to Madeline's disturbing dreams.

The love scenes are intense and highly charged, capturing the explosive attraction between Colin and Madeline. "Priceless Deception" will take you on a suspenseful journey and leave you believing that you can find love in just a look.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.