This book has it all—turn the page suspense, a story of the bond between brothers, betrayals, secrets, and romance. BREATH of DECEIT is Selena Laurence at her finest. – Sandra Owens, author of the bestselling K2 Team and Aces & Eights series.The Departed gets a modern upgrade with the injection of cybercrime and four sexy Irish mob brothers fighting to stay alive amidst drug deals and FBI … and FBI probes.
Cian MacFarlane is the oldest son of Chicago’s reigning crime family. Now the defacto boss of the organization after his father’s retirement, Cian is feared by his enemies and revered by his brothers. But what if Cian isn’t all he seems to be? What if his end game isn’t to maintain his father’s empire but to topple it? As the MacFarlanes broker a deal with the owner of the world’s largest dark web site, Cian brokers a deal with the FBI. But when he meets Lila Rodriguez, a genius hacker working with the dark web, his feelings for her only make life more complex.
Determined to save his brothers, even if it means sacrificing himself, Cian lives moment to moment in a deadly underworld of cybercrime, drug deals, federal agents, and a vengeful parent who won’t hesitate to remind his oldest son what it means to be a MacFarlane. Through it all, Cian fights for his brothers to make it out of Chicagoland crime. But will the pieces fall into place before his breath of deceit is discovered?
*Note: Breath of Deceit is the first volume of The Dublin Devils Series and contains an HEA for certain characters, but readers are forewarned that the MacFarlane family story will continue in three additional novels.
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This isn’t your usual mafia romance, and I really enjoyed unexpected twists and premise. 🙂
I have read almost all of Selena Laurence’s books and really enjoyed every one but Breath of Deceit has taken my admiration of her writing to a whole new level. Breath of Deceit is a gritty, suspense, family drama with romantic aspects to the story but not the main focus. The main focus is the story of four Irish American brothers born into a Chicago crime family. The oldest son Cian is currently running the organization but unbeknownst to his father Robbie, he is working with the government to get himself and his brothers out of this crime ridden life that they had the misfortune to be born into. Cian loves his brothers so much that he is willing to sacrifice his life, freedom and happiness to see them have the lives that they deserve. There are multiple storylines going on from the youngest brother Connor’s relationship with the girl that he loves Jess, to the attractive hacker Lila that intrigues Cian when he really doesn’t have the time to be intrigued. Finn and Liam are the other MacFarlane brothers and we get a hint into their characters and hopes for the future and it’s written from multiple POV’s as well. Breath of Deceit is full of twists and turns and will keep you hooked to every page. The story doesn’t have so much an end but a HFN because I read that the author has four books planned for the series. If you like angsty, gritty, crime family drama, romantic suspense read Breath of Deceit because in my opinion, you will not be disappointed!
I love a good mafia read and what better than one that has four sexy as sin Irish brothers who run the Dublin Devils. This story is very much a cloak and dagger suspense filled with drama, danger, betrayal, and a complex romance. Going in I was unaware that this would not be a standalone, but hey I’m not going to complain if that means more of these Irish mobsters.
I am not going to speak on the guts of the story, you can read the book yourself. The synopsis gives you a pretty clear picture of what the book is about. What I am going to discuss in my review is the overall creation that this author has provided us. The powerful plot, the intense storyline, the perplexing characters, the polished delivery, the impeccable grammar and structure all combined into one product that resulted in an impassioned satisfying and eloquent read.
Laurence leaves the reader not with a shocking cliffhanger, but with a precarious premise that things are about to heat up and soon shit is going to hit a running fan and be launched in so many directions there will be no telling who will be hit and what the consequences may be.
Breath of Deceit is a first rate read and I am anxious to see as to what heights this story may achieve in the next installment of the Dublin Devils.
4.5* Deceitful Stars!
“Breath Of Deceit” was a good solid read; it was not quite what I was expecting but that was not altogether a bad thing.
Let me explain; I was expecting more of a traditional mafia romance and what I actually got was more the start of a mafia suspense with romantic elements throughout.
“Breath Of Deceit” seems to set a lot of the groundwork for the future series and what we get here is great stuff.
This is a suspenseful interesting start to what I imagine is going to be a very interesting new series.
I am really looking forward to seeing where this is ultimately heading.
With really inventive characters and fantastic storytelling its not difficult to fully immerse yourself in this colourful new world.
This was action packed and addictive reading right from the start.
Going into this and from the blurb, I was expecting for Cian and Lila to take centre stage.
Buts it’s actually the youngest brother Connor and his ex-girlfriend Jess who seem to be the more dominant couple here.
We do get some insight into Cian and Lila but I am expecting so much more from them in the next instalment in this series.
Here their story seems to be just getting started.
“Breath Of Deceit” Is told from multiple POV usually not my bag but here it did seem to work.
I also should mention if your looking for heat factor this is not that graphic.
This was more story based and though we do get a couple mildly sexy scenes “Breath Of Deceit” I actually found very tame to what I’m used to more of a slow burn.
Again not a bag thing just different.
Ultimately this was a good read; managing to hook and keep my attention throughout.
A great start to a new series that I am happy to recommend.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of “Breath of Deceit (Dublin Devils #1) ” of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
MY NEW IRISH MAFIA ADDICTION!
Talk about being at the edge of your seat! These Dublin Devils are no joke. I loved every single one of the MacFarlane brothers. Lila from Rogue was the perfect heroine for someone like Cain MacFarlane. Loved her from the beginning with all her computer hacking and kickass ways. Absolutely enjoyed this page turner from beginning to end! I can’t wait for the next one!!
Breath of Deceit is a great start to a new series, pulling me right in to the Chicago Irish Mob scene and now has me hooked to find out all there is about the MacFarlane family to see just how each of these brothers is going to get their HEA.
At the center of the MacFarlane family is Cian, who has inherited rule of the Dublin Devils from his father, who, let’s just say, is not a nice man, especially as he continues to try and influence the Dublin Devil organization, often at Cian’s expense. You know a character is well written when even though you see the bad things they do that go against everything you know to be right, you can’t help but fall for them, and Cian is one of these characters. His main goal is to try and save his brothers, even if it means sacrificing himself. He may be a criminal, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care deeply about his family and will do whatever he needs to save them. He’s accepted the fact that his happiness is not something that will ever factor into any equation when it comes to saving his brothers…but when he meets Lila for the first time he has a reason to want more for himself.
Lila is the perfect match for Cian. She also operates on the wrong side of the law, hacking her way around cyberspace and running illegal operations and storefronts on the dark web. She may be infatuated with Cian MacFarlane, but she knows exactly what he is and the danger he brings to her life, but she also sees the man behind the mob boss.
Although this book doesn’t take us through the finish of Cian and Lila’s story, it does set the stage for the MacFarlane family and builds the world of the Dublin Devils. I loved the brothers, each of them are so different, and I can’t wait to find out what is in store for each of them – especially when it comes to seeing who ends up changing their world. There were a lot of characters and moving parts in this one, but by the end everything comes together to set the stage for the rest of the series. There’s not a lot of romance or sexy times either, but there was plenty of other action to keep the story moving along.
I’m a big fan of Ms. Laurence and have enjoyed everything I have read from her, and Breath of Deceit is no exception. This book is a bit grittier and darker than the others I have read, but she does a great job immersing you in the dark underworld of the Dublin Devils while still giving her characters depth and emotion. This one does have a HEA, but not quite what you are expecting, so be warned that there is a good chance you will be sucked into the world that the author has created and totally invested in this series!
Now to wait patiently for the next book…
Wow! I love my mob books so it wasn’t hard for me to latch onto this story. Laurence is one of my favorite authors so that is a double WOW! Now, the Dublin Brothers!!! Let’s just say, I’m loving them….If you are looking for great writing and a great story, grab this baby up!
I am addicted and this is only book 1 of the Dublin Devils series. Honestly, this is one of the best mob based books I have ever read! You get a lot of the inner workings of this family’s business, even it’s not totally legit. I fell in love with these complex characters from the beginning and quickly began rooting for Cian and his complex story. Filled with intrigue, love, passion and excitement. As soon as I finished I wanted to start reading this story again!!!!! I cannot wait for the next book!
It’s full drama, action and suspense. It will suck you in from the beginning as it takes you through an emotional ride. It will keep on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns. A great storyline and the characters you will love and hate. A great start as the story unravels and looking forward to reading more!
Warning: the book does end in a cliffhanger but the ride to get there was amazing! I don’t think my heart could take anymore. I usually don’t want to wait to get to the next book but I think I really do need sometime to recover. Can’t wait for the next one!
WOW! Let me first say I am not a big fan of mobster romances BUT, this one is really, really, REALLY GOOD!! It is exciting, intense, full of twists and turns and a beautiful romance that adds a richness to the story. This story grabbed my attention from the first page and didn’t let go. I CANNOT WAIT for the next story!!
Blew me away. What do you do when the family you are born into is the mafia and you don’t agree with how the family does business but you are the new leader? What an incredible challenge. Cian is now head of the Dublin Devils and knows this isn’t what he wants for his life. The question is will he be able to save his brothers and himself from this life. He meets Lila along the way, a skilled hacker that opens up feelings in him he never expected. I love the strength that Cian shows as he navigates very tumultuous waters with so many forces bearing down on him and his family. The layers of complexity kept me guessing as a reader. I’m impressed with how Cian is handling everything but of course, there is a shock at the end and now I’m not sure what will happen in book 2 but I’m so excited to find out. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
~WRITING – PLOT – PACE~
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Thanks to my friend Kate I went into it with lower expectations regarding the romance aspect, and to be honest, there really wasn’t any romance in this one. Maybe a hint here and there, but overall this was more a mafia family type of book than a romance. That said, the writing was very good. The pace moved along at a good clip. The plot was engaging, but maybe a little confusing at times with so many characters and moving parts (the Irish mob, the Mexican mob, the Russian mob, the Feds). Not to mention a good portion of this book is dedicated to Cian’s brother Conner and Jess’s “romance”. There was A LOT going on and because of that Cian and Lila’s “romance” (if you want to call it that) really took a backseat. I imagine since this book ended on a cliffhanger we will see more development between them in upcoming books.
~MAIN CHARACTERS~
There were so many characters in this book. From the blurb, I assumed Cian and Lila would be the main ones, but honestly, Cian and his brothers are really the focus here with Jess (Connor’s ex) being the main female lead (IMO). That said, Lila was an intriguing character and I can’t wait to see where she and Cian are headed in the next book. I was intrigued by pretty much every single character in this book. Cian, Liam, Finn, and Connor were all great characters. All different personality wise. Even the secondary characters and baddies were intriguing and well written.
~HEAT LEVEL~
Basically zero. There is one super mild sex scene between Connor and Jess, and one super mild sex scene between Cian and Lila right at the end. Other than that this book was super tame. Like I mentioned above, I wouldn’t consider this book to be a romantic suspense, more suspense with a tiny bit of romance. Perhaps upcoming books will be spicier?
~ANGST LEVEL – SEXUAL HISTORIES~
Plot wise…medium. Relationship wise…medium (Connor and Jess) None…(Cian and Lila). Most of the angst in this one comes from all the mob dealings, murders, secrets etc. Connor cheated on Jess, so those two have some issues between them and that causes relationship angst for them. Cian and Lila really have no romantic relationship throughout the book, so no angst there. There really wasn’t any OW drama (other than the fact Connor cheated), and there wasn’t any OM drama either. None of the people having sex were virgins.
~IN THE END~
I enjoyed it a lot. Don’t go into this expecting some great romance story because you will be sorrily disappointed. That said, it was a fantastic start to a mafia family focused suspense story. It was well written and well paced. The characters were interesting and had depth. The plot was well executed (if maybe a little convoluted at times), but I wasn’t overly bothered by that as this was the first book in a new series and the author was laying the groundwork. Therefore yours truly is going to give this one two thumbs up and I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for book two that should be out in Septemeber.
Dublin Devils are just handsome devils that are part of a mob. The oldest brother is in charge or, so he thinks until dear old dad shows him he isn’t. This book introduces all the members of the cast. Though it centers mostly on Cian, his likes, dislikes, being boss, his world and the revenge he wants on one member of his family. Something happened long ago that has set him on a course to take down one man and save the rest of his family. Each brother has his own story to tell as the series goes on you will get to know each one better. For now, we deal mostly with Cian, Conner, his girlfriend and their father along with a few other people. What a thrilling ride as you are taken deep and deep into the crime world dealing with drugs, cybercrime and the FBI who wants to make a deal but the deal just got bigger leaving a crime family on the edge of trying to save their world or let it fall apart. Who will be left standing and who will end up dead, the world as they know it does a 360 spinning out of control.
What an exciting read with thrills, excitement and danger as a father and son fight it out. One’s health won’t let him run the business and the other doesn’t run it the way his old man does which lead to control issues. When Cian was eighteen something happen to turn his world upside down turning him against the man he calls his father. Nothing has ever been the same since. What it must be like to have all the money in the world you could want but never being able to walk outside without bodyguards, wondering if today will be your last day alive since other crime leads wants what is yours. You can’t just go for a nice dinner, shopping or even a trip. At first, I had mixed feelings for Cian but as the story really takes off he becomes my hero in so many ways.
The characters are fun, exciting, dangerous but at the same time fearful, not many wants to get into their crosshairs. Above all my heart went out to Connor and his girlfriend for waiting a life that is normal and knowing they can’t have it. The next would be Cian who wants to give his whole family their wants and desires at a great cost to his self. I did like how he tried to handle things in a calming manner keeping peace where his father wanted war. I liked how he tried to help others not only his family but those outside of it as well. He is a man of honor who said what he means, but he isn’t bad, just caught up in a world he was born into. Just when things are going his way someone steps in throwing a tailspin on his world leaving it spinning out of control. He fights to tilt it back but finds some things will never be the same.
I really loved and respected his mother she is a gem, his brothers won me off as well but his father should be taken out and shot for what he has done to his family. The women in the boys lives are sweet, kind and just dearly. The author gives you a well-thought-out plot that holds your attention with a read I could not put down. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching some take their last breaths. (Does that make me a bad person, sorry, but they deserve what happened to them) I found myself talking to them, smiling with them, and my heart just broke for a few. It is a very Intriguing read that sucks you in from the first page and leaving you holding your breath at the last page with an OH NO. The ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger which I hate but here I didn’t mind it at all because it semi completes itself which was a very good place to stop.
All in all I totally loved it and can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out. If you like crime mob stories with danger, excitement, love, drama and revenge this is the book for you. It is up for pre-order at a nice price pick it up before it is marked up.
Breath of Deceit is the first book in the Dublin Devils. All three are out and I devoured them. Such an amazing story. And Cian… sigh!
Breath of Deceit is filled with enemies and potential enemies. An Irish Mob family with all the problem: an overbearing evil father, the “boss” trying to save his family, and more snakes/rats/issues than they can catch.
Add in a quirky hacker that has the “boss” losing focus and it doesn’t get any less complicated. Oh and then theirs the rivals, the Feds, and did I mention the dad…
Breath of Deceit is full of complications.
Reviewed for Naughty Book Blog