From USA Today Bestseller Ava Harrison comes a new STANDALONE romance.I needed to get away.My ex was getting married.So, I left.The English countryside was a picture-perfect escape.The dashing stranger an even better one.And what started as a chance encounter quickly became more.He promised to show me how to live, how to feel alive and forget a past best forgotten.He made me believe things could … forgotten.
He made me believe things could be different.
That was until I found out who he was . . .
He was Oliver Blackthorn.
The 16th Earl of Lockhart. Thirty-third in line to the throne.
And a liar.
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First of all, how is this the first book I’ve read from Ava Harrison? Second of all, I was addicted to Deceit from the first page. Holy geez. Deceit took my on a roller coaster that seemed endless. Just when I thought it was going to coast into happy, it was full throttle ahead into heartache and longing all over again.
I just want to take a moment for Addy. She so smart and strong and vulnerable and sentimental too. It was her tender heart that sent her running from her past. But it was her hope, and Oliver, that had her acting on instinct and feeling instead of logic. Oh that Olly. Torn between desire and duty. He fell hard and fast for Addison. Even when everything in him was telling him to open up, be honest about who he was, and what he wanted, he kept quiet.
But secrets always have a way of coming to light. And when Oliver’s did, it wasn’t pretty. My heart broke right along with Addison and Ollie’s. Even when time and distance and life kept them apart, he couldn’t let her go. She was under his skin, in his heart and he wasn’t going down without a fight. Cue the angst! For every time he pushed. Addy pulled back even harder.
Everything was on the line and Olly made his final play. Drew his line in the sand where his heart was concerned. I could feel the anguish pouring off of him and I just wanted to wrap him up. Yes, he messed up majorly but he proved his love and devotion to Addison time and again. In all the things he did and didn’t do to win her back. Ava Harrison had my heart hanging by a thread, much like Oliver’s, to see how it would all pan out. Deceit was an emotional journey of betrayal and truth. Family and forgiveness. And of course, love. And that ending, while rocky, healed everything that was broken and then some.
A fairy tale willing to conquer you.
For stories like this is that I still believe in the fairy tales that Disney has been telling us since childhood, telling us that if we really love someone there comes a point where it doesn’t matter the circumstances in which that first meet had place because we understand that it’s the destiny that took us there.
The story about Oliver and Addison is full of secrets and misunderstandings that occur because they don’t say things clearly, but it’s such a beautiful story that makes your heart beat with toooon of emotions with each new twist it gives.
Even if you think you’ve read it all, this history surprises you.
On the one hand we have Oliver, who does everything possible to shake off his noble duties as he can, that is until he meets a curious American who captivated him since the first time he see her.
On the other is Addison, the American with a hurt heart who tries to put as much distance from her reality as is possible, without knowing that she has fallen into the arms of someone who could end up breaking her heart.
The chemistry between them is very good, not only because he is British, (something that I love) but because there is a connection that feels real.
The narrative of Harrison is incredible, fluid, but above all is full of charm that will make you fall in love not only with the characters, but with their style, leaving you wanting to read more about her.
I am in shock that my last four books have been five stars, its been bumped up to five books now! Deceit is a book you do not want to miss! Buy now, don’t wait or you’ll miss out!
Thank you Ava for blowing me out of the water and to Candi Kane Pr for putting me on the list for an ARC of this fabulous book. I will say it has been a while since I fell for a Brit, the last one I fell for was Jesse Lord of the manor. But Oliver *fans myself* is one that can easily be put on the same pedestal.
Let me start with Addison who is a independent and strong woman coming out on top in the world dominated by men. For her there is one man she just can’t forget, to avoid humiliation and break down over knowing that the one that got away was giving his life to another woman and getting married, she decides to leave the country and ends up in England.
Her meeting Oliver is pure coincidence, but she can’t deny the sparks that fly when they are together. Slowly her guard is let down, when Oliver starts showing her how to let go and live again, but is everything that she thinks is true real? How well to you know someone, whether you’ve known them for years or just days?
Oliver Blackthorn (Oliver is one of my fave male names). Gah, even his name is pretty sexy. But who is he beside the perfect British heartthrob? Oliver is very charming, so much charisma oozes from that mans pores. At first, you might think he is just another womanizing man out looking for a party, but when you look deeper, you’ll see a man who is loyal and do anything to protect and help his loved ones.
This man has so many good quotes. “Time may be free, but it’s also priceless. Don’t waste it on people who don’t make you want to freeze time and live in this moment forever.”
But everyone has skeletons in the closet. Some may be hidden for selfish reasons while others are for the good of others. You have to ask yourself this question: Can real love start with a lie?
I recommend this book for anyone who loves a fabulous story-line, lots of twists and turns, packed with steamy, angst-filled moments. The couples chemistry is so electrifying, so shocking and heart-pounding. Beautifully written and engaging. I WILL be reading Ava’s other books.
Sparking Stars
Audio Review from June 2019
Good Story Overall …but a little frustrating. Which I guess makes it better since it brings out thought and emotions.
The angst in this book was HIGH and that’s not my thing really. I like a smoother transition.
However she does find herself before she figures out where to go on her love life and I enjoyed that aspect a lot.
Narrators were great!
Shane East always nails his performances!!
This was my first by Lucy Rivers but she was wonderful!
Um, yeah! A sexy, scotch-drinking liar. The beautiful English country-side. A heroine who nurses her pain by getting drunk. A Must-Read! I have to admit the cover and the blurb sold me on this book. But the writing is terrific and I liked going on a journey with these two characters.
Audio Review:
Deceit unveils in a way that keeps your mind captivated. With a morsel of suspense seeping through the pages of the narrative. Addison Pierce & Oliver Blackthorn’s character’s are compelling with complex personalities. Chemistry between these two characters created through passion and love. Lies, and secrets intricately entwined into the narrative. With a perfect epilogue to wrap up this royal read.
Narators Shane East and Lucy Rivers are both new narators to my ears. I absolutely love british accents and Shane East created a ambrosial listen. Lucy Rivers performance was clear and concise, with smooth flowing tones.
Addison goes to England to get away and heal her broken heart. While there she meets Oliver who helps her live and not just exist. Addison and Oliver start to fall harder for each other but don’t want to admit. But Oliver has a secret that can tear them apart. Can they be together on a love built with lies? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Amazing book.
This can be read as a standalone, the start of a new series, or a continuation of the Lancaster/Montgomery series.
Well edited.
Addison Price is busy working with her brothers and trying to ignore the wedding of her ex, Spencer Lancaster (See Clandestine). She runs to view property in England and runs into Oliver Black. Oliver is hiding things – like his true name and connection to Addison’s property. Meanwhile, he finds he likes Addison and embarks on a whirlwind romance. Unfortunately, just as Oliver is trying to come clean, his mother dumps a bombshell in his lap. Oliver must get the property back at all costs – even his fledgling relationship with Addison. Addison is devastated and banishes Oliver from her life. She meets a new man and thinks settling for comfortable and stable is the way to go. Once again, all is not as it seems. And, Oliver finds not only can he not live without Addison, but he isn’t about to let her marry someone unworthy of her. Will he save Addison from a huge mistake? Will Addison ever see that Oliver truly loves her?
I felt so sad for both Addison and Oliver. Especially when Oliver’s mother put him in such a spot and then was so callous in destroying his relationship with Addison. Looking forward to Grayson and Jaxson finding their HEA. Enjoy!
Fantastic story! Ava Harrison delivers a suspenseful and angsty plot but at the same time so romantic with a lot to swoon for!
Oliver is just to die for! The way he takes Addison in is mind blowing!
I loved every interaction of them with each other, the lies and omissions making their story even more suspenseful, the surprises and the steamy dates!
AND Oliver is Royalty! Don’t forget that!
One of my favorite parts of the book was when Addison decides to really live her life… I got covered in goosebumps all over, just imagining what was to come!
Addison is heart broken when her ex is getting married and to avoid attending the wedding with her family. She escapes to London on business or so everyone assumes.
Oliver – The Earl and silent playboy has been summoned by his mother to discover a piece of property that was once in their ownership may now become available. Oliver must do anything and everything to get possession of the property for his mother to secure her secret.
Allison falls for the endless charmer that Oliver is but after discovering his deceit, she’s completely shattered. She feels so vulnerable realizing that what she had with Olly was all a rouse… Or was it?
Olly is beside himself and can’t for the life of him find a way back to Addison to talk and ask for forgiveness. He will continue fighting, she’s the one and he cannot let her escape.
This story is full with so many incredible moments, Oliver and Addison have with one another and in one day it’s just all gone. Now we go through the pieces of them finding themselves then finding each other again!
What a swoony, angsty, and emotional story of second chances! Oliver and Addison meet when Addison is trying to avoid her past. They have a fun night living in the moment, not revealing who they truly are. They enjoyed each other so much they extend it into a longer passionate, clandestine affair. But because they live on different continents they plan to never see each other again, separating feeling sorrowful. But Oliver is compelled to continue the ruse to help satisfy someone he loves. He didn’t count on falling head over heels for the smart, sexy and fun american. When Addison discovers his betrayal, she is completely heartbroken but determined to move on. Oliver will need more than his english charm to convince her that he is not that man and he will spend eternity proving it to her. This romance had me going back and forth between swooning, frustrated and angry to cheering for them both again! Harrison knows how to bring out your emotions and keep the story moving in directions you don’t expect. Narrators Shane East, and Lucy Rivers are amazing as Oliver and Addison. They portrayed all the complex emotions of each character so flawlessly and made me experience them completely as well. They did a great job bringing this story to life.
I got about halfway through. I asked myself, “Do I care to find out what happens to these people?” I answered, “Nope!”, so I decided not to finish. And now as I’m seeing the other books by this author, I realize that I haven’t cared for any of the books I’ve read of hers. This, it’s probably a me thing, which is why I’m giving it 3 stars even though I didn’t like it.
This is my favorite Ava Harrison book to date. I enjoyed the relationship between Addison and Oliver and was in no way put off by the “lies” they were telling each other. I could see both their point of view and reasons for it. I flew through the first half loving it all. Addison and Oliver are fire. The second half did drag just a little for me but I think the added drama and fall out lead to a more satisfying resolution.
I was able to listen to the audible as well and the narrators did an incredible job. I recommend if you have the chance or like audible books that you give this one a listen!
Wow! This book will carry you through so many emotions and the super big twist at the end will shock you to your core. A great book with amazing narration!
“This isn’t real. This is a means to an end with the added benefit of scratching an itch.”
This was my first book by Ava Harrison. I really enjoyed her writing style, the characters, life lessons, humor, loyalty and bond with family and friends.
“I gave my heart away once, and it was stomped on, so I won’t make that mistake again…The door slams. It closes on the lie. It closes on the deception. It closes on the deceit. It closes on us.”
When is it okay to lie? Is it ever? What if you feel you’re doing it out of loyalty? Should you be forgiven? Does it hurt less? Does it excuse you because YOU think it’s justified? Does the doubt that once a liar always a liar go away? Can you trust again?
“Time may be free, but it’s also priceless. Don’t waste it on people who don’t make you want to freeze time and live in this moment forever.”
Great Story & Audible Listen 4.5 Angsty Stars
Deceit
By: Ava Harrison
Narrated by: Shane East, Lucy Rivers
Wow, this not just an ordinary romance, it is so much more. Ava Harrison takes you an emotional rollercoaster ride, an angsty one and I enjoyed every minute of it. Oliver Blackthorn the Earl of Lockhart is quite the charmer and I liked him right away. Addison Price is a strong will and minded woman, she is successful in her career and regardless of her personal life she will not show any signs of weakness while at work. Not thrilled about her ex’s upcoming wedding she uses work as an excuse to get out of going and schedules a business trip in England to survey some property. This property happens to be along side The Earl of Lockhart’s land. There is a story behind the property and Oliver’s Mother wants him to find out what the Price’s have planned for it. Oliver goes on his mission, soon to find the woman Addison he het the day before is a Price. The two had clicked and he does not want it to end it so he does not tell her who he really is. I really liked these two together, he was good for her. Unfortunately the relationship was doomed, he doomed it with his deceit. It was pretty messed up how she found out, she had every right to be angry. She finally moves one with her life but Oliver is always on her mind, yet she still refuses to talk to him. I was rooting for Oliver and his persistence to try to get her to hear him out. There is never a dull moment in this book, lots of drama, twists, angst and an ending worth going thru it all. The Romeo and Juliet references were a nice touch too. Ava Harrison, thank you for this great story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Shane East and Lucy Rivers are wonderful narrators and voice performers. They bring these characters to life, giving each their own voice and personality. I loved Shane’s take on Oliver, he captured all of his emotions, awesome accent too. Also loved Lucy’s Addison, she grasped all her emotions, you could hear what she was feeling, her turmoil, her anger and her pain. They are talented storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen.
Deceit
By: Ava Harrison
Narrated by: Shane East, Lucy Rivers
Sometimes you start a book, and it’s the one that you will listen to all night til it’s over. I gave up sleep to finish this one! Ava Harrison has a way of weaving her stories so we are drawn in and invested in the characters’ outcome! This story is about Oliver and Addison. Addison flees home to avoid her ex-boyfriend’s wedding. Using work as an excuse, she finds a property owned by her father in England and begins to do research on development or resale of it. When she gets there, she meets Oliver. Oliver has an interest in the land, but does not divulge his intent or his real identity. But that does not stop their relationship. Their chemistry is off the charts. These two click like no others and it’s fate. But what will happen when Addison finds out the truth?Oh the wicked webs that are woven! And the pain, frustration and love that is incurred! These characters are amazing. Addison is a strong woman when it comes to business, but she is so guarded when it comes to love that there was more than one time I wanted to smack her and wake her up. Oliver is the hero we dream of, handsome, wealthy, smart but his deceit despite the reasons is something that is hard to get over. Trust is everything. And Harrison’s storytelling gives us all the feels as we unravel their lives, their decisions and their love. It’s a wonderful love story!
What a narration team for this book! Lucy Rivers is always amazing, and as Addison she is incredible. She nails all the emotions, makes us feel her frustration, pain and that wall around her heart like no other narrator I have heard. It’s all in the emphasis of her voice, and it’s perfect. Shane East too brings Oliver to the brink! He has the accent that is swoonworthy, but he also adds so much feeling to his portrayal. Oliver is a man that is full of feelings, and with East’s performance we get every one of those feelings. It’s a listen you do not want to miss!
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I really enjoyed the buildup of the romance between our Hero, Oliver and our heroine, Addison. In spite of what he kept trying to tell himself, he was falling fast for Addison, albeit for the wrong reasons in the beginning. I loved the carefree Addison that spent time getting to know Oliver, also for the wrong reasons in the beginning. But in this case, two wrongs definitely made a “right”, though both Olly and Addie tried to keep it in the “fling” category.
In the second half of the story, after, the conflict occurs, I grew a bit frustrated with Addison, and her decisions surrounding relationships. She seemed to be replicating the same issue which resulted in her meeting Oliver in the first place. The sequencing of events also seemed a bit off toward the end of the book, though, not enough to impact the story line too much. I really like Oliver, which is why I still rated this 4 stars.
I loved every word!
Smart, edgy and sharp, this twisted story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
Flawlessly written, not only did this author masterfully describe the scenery in which the characters were in so vividly, I felt I was there, the character development was on point!
Full of drama, and angst, these characters were not always likable. Their actions, their pain and coping was drama driven, but it fit the storyline!
To me that’s what made the story shine!
Why bother reading if you’re not going to someone else’s drama!
4.5 stars!
“Live or exist”.
The famous words by the very Oliver Blackthorn to live by. Deceit is the book that lives this quote.
This author did such an incredible job writing this story. Lies, deceit, betrayal, and most importantly, love. This book may contain betrayal of the worst, but its main theme is love. It is love personified.
I loved getting to know Addison. Her story was bittersweet, and it made my heart hurt, but I loved her courage and strength. She may be a proud woman, but she’s honest and human and relatable. Living her world through her eyes was incredible and a one-time honour.
As for my little earl, I hated him for a while, but his tenacity and the love for his woman changed my heart and my mind around. Before he met her, he merely existed and when she came into his life, he lived, and I believed that it was the same for her.
This book is full of pain, emotion, and angsty drama. It’s an Ava Harrison special with a cherry on top.
As for Jasmine… LOVED HER! Grayson and Jax… so brotherly and awesome.
What I loved about this book is that the characters weren’t perfect, and they weren’t hiding that fact either. They let their pride and their head win at first, but knew it wasn’t right.
This author has done such an incredible job on this book. It’s not my personal favourite of hers, but it’s way up high in the charts. A definite recommendation.