Sophia Cova lived a quiet, normal life, shadowed in sadness after the loss of her parents in a tragic airline accident. With her older brother being her only living relative and her anchor, Sophia is sure she’s destined for a brighter future. But that was until she was taken. Stolen from her mundane, orderly life, she was drugged, and woke to every woman’s worst nightmare.With only four grimy … nightmare.
With only four grimy basement walls and a rancid mattress, she loses her sense of time, and preserves what’s left of her dignity by hurtling herself into the safety of her mind. The men, the beatings, they come and go with no reaction, until she hears one word that sends an arctic chill through her body. Sold.
On the eve of Sophia’s bidding, at one of the largest sexual slavery rings in the world, all hell breaks loose in the mansion of horrors. Gunfire and screams erupt all around her, as panic rises.
Snatched by one monster only to be taken by another, Sophia slowly starts to learn that not everything is as it seems. When secrets unravel, and the twisted game of cat and mouse ensues, The Puppeteer pulls his favorite strings and chaos brews.
Lives are lost while the clock ticks, and only time will tell who will be killed next…
WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious content, strong language, and graphic violence. May contain triggers for abuse victims.
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This book started off with one hell of a bang. There was no lead up, no false sense of calm. We were dumped into the hell that Sophia was experiencing and it was glorious! However, once she was rescued, I realized that I haven’t loved and hated a story this much in a long time!
Sophia’s torture seemed never-ending and it was everything I look for when I pick up a book in this genre. The men who held her were brutal, unkind and inconsiderate, just like they were supposed to be. I lived for every time she got punched, kicked, starved, whipped, etc. It was described with perfection. With those scenes, this author garnered a fan in me. But then she was saved and it got so boring.
The beginning of the book – su-freaking-perb!
The middle – oh my gosh, why is this chick boring me with her existence? She was pathetic and needy and kept putting herself in situations that were unnecessary and then she’d get upset when no one (especially Creed) reacted positively to her. She was such a child!
The end – okay, so we’re back in business. Finally!
I had a lot of problems with this book and here are the ones that really pushed at me:
Every day that was explained through Sophia’s eyes was like experiencing Ground Hog Day. She’d seek Creed out. She’d plead with him to interact with her. She’d beg him for attention and affection. She’d get mad when he didn’t respond, as if he owes her something. She sounded and acted like an obsessed lunatic. Then it was rinse and repeat.
She found out that she’s probably in Missouri with the guys. When she’s out to dinner with them, she meets her brother’s girl (Wendy) and says to herself:
There’s a twang to her words, some sort of accent that I can’t place. I’ve never been much good at accents, nor placing them, but if I’m not mistaken, I sense a bit of southern in her tone.”
Who hit this girl over the head with a stupid stick? If I’m not mistaken, her entire statement was dumb, which seems par for the course for this girl. At 61%, she was just as bimboliciously ridiculous as she was at the start of this book. At least in the beginning, I found some sympathy for her and her foolish choices while she was getting her azz beat. What would be her excuse this late in the game? It was bad enough when she proved herself insane at the start, doing the same things to her captors and expecting different results. She’s so absurd.
She asks herself, ‘is the traitor plotting against us?’ What ‘us’? Sophia, you are not part of the group. You are a guest. Sharing their space doesn’t entitle you to question them or learn their secrets and it definitely doesn’t make you one of them. It only gets worse though… What part of being an off-the-books government agency that kills people, that have been doing it a lot longer than you’ve known them, do you really not get? Asking about their missions… NO! Asking members not to go on missions… NO! Sophia was stupid and selfish. Someone please drag this drama queen off the dang stage!
I think my biggest problem with this story (so far) is that it’s told solely by Sophia. It was impossible to understand or connect to the male protagonist, Creed. He sounded delicious. He sounded as dark and dangerous as I hoped he would be. However, not getting inside his head… sorry buddy, just not feeling it. So when he says things like,
“So beautiful,” he whispers in a tortured voice. “Damnit, Sophia. You make me want things I shouldn’t. You make me crave things I shouldn’t.”
I can’t really believe it. Sophia isn’t a strong enough character to stand on her own. And her side of things doesn’t convince me of Creed and his feelings. I need his voice!
As there was enough in this story to get my blood pumping, for me to be invested in what happens next, I’m off to read the next book, Blood and Chaos!
Wow this book had me so far on the edge of my seat that I thought I would fall. It’s packed with so much emotion that I was all over the place crying, smiling, swooning. It’s a gritty and dark read but trust me once you get through those parts Creed our hero starts to show some sweetness buried deep under his exterior and shows us he cares for Sophia. Sophia was a strong character, she had some bad things happen but showed us she wasn’t a victim and you can overcome your obstacles. Creed could be a bit of a jerk at times but you can’t help but love him. I don’t want to reveal too much because trust me you want to take this journey spoiler free. So many twists and turns and it does end on a cliff hanger but the sneak peak into the next book kind of alleviates some of that shock and anxiety. This author has proven to me to be such an amazing one because how she draws us in to this story and makes us have all the feelings. Highly recommend.
Speechless. This book has left me speechless I went into this book expecting one thing only to find something even better. From the beginning, this had me hooked with no idea how the whole thing would play out I expect one thing with Sophia & Creed only to be given something way more exciting. Sophia & creeds story was a whole damn roller coaster one I definitely want to ride againand that cliffhanger I soo badly want to be mad at the author for leaving me hanging like that,but I just loved It. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!! my top read for 2018
“There’s a darkness growing inside me. It feeds off my pain and suffering, tarnishing my psyche, blackening my soul.”
S.M. Soto is a new-to-me author that hit my radar when I saw the promotion for the second book in this series. I was intrigued so I bought book one and dug in so I’d be caught up on the ‘chaos’. I’m a fan of dark suspense and this tale is definitely that, I devoured Deception and Chaos in one sitting. I’m addicted and ready for more.
Sophia is a sweet, good girl. After losing her parents, all she has is her best friend and her brother, but she’s content. She misses her brother, but he tries to visit when he can. They are close despite the separation. When she is suddenly abducted and put up for auction as a sex slave it’s thoughts of him that keeps her from giving up. How could she do that to him being the only family he has left? Though she tries as hard as she can to hang on, her body has been abused so severely that her life is in danger.
When she thought it was all over for her, right in the middle of the auction that would place her in the hands of her new owner, she’s abducted…again. Would this devil treat her any better than the last, would this hell be worse than what she’d only barely survived? The players are different, but the outcome might be the same when all the blood has been shed and the deception has been revealed.
~WRITING – PLOT – PACE~
Deception and Chaos is certainly an apt name for this book because it had both in spades. S.M. Soto is a new to me author, so I didn’t really know what to expect going into this one, and I can honestly say I was blown completely away by this book. I pretty much loved everything about it. The writing was fantastic. It was well paced. It was well plotted and so very engaging. There were twists and turns. It was heartbreaking at times. It was dark and twisted at times. It was sweet and romantic at times. Last, it ends on a whopper of a cliffhanger that made me wish I had book two in my hands right now. Really, the only thing thing I will say is that I wish we had gotten Creed’s POV. Other than that, this was an utterly perfect read.
~HERO~
DIAVOLO CREED SABELLA…Creed was a bit of a prickly pain in the ass enigma for the majority of this book. I honestly wasn’t sure if I liked him or wanted Sophia to kick him in the balls half the time. However, this author did a fantastic job of slowly peeling away Creed’s layers and exposing a more in-depth and caring man. Oh, he still isn’t what you would call a “good guy” but he was definitely the picture of perfection when it comes to an anti-hero.
~HEROINE~
SOPHIA (happens to also be my daughter’s name)…Sophia was a kickass heroine. I feel like I could gush forever over how much I loved her character. She is undeniably one of the best heroines I have read. She was SO strong after everything she went through. She was feisty. She was loving. She stood up to Creed. I loved the strength of bond her and Garrett had. I hope she hangs onto that inner strength because she is undoubtedly going to need it for what’s coming.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
There were a lot of intriguing side characters in this book for sure. I kind of hope that some of the guys get books of their own at some point (fingers crossed). I loved Garrett (Sophia’s brother). I also really liked Finley and Mera. I also want to know more about Jose (especially), Kam and Ricky.
~HEAT LEVEL~
LOW…This was a very slow burn type of book. It is almost 70ish% or more before we get any sex scenes. However, due to the way the plot unfolded slow burn was the perfect way to go. Once Sophia and Creed hit the sheets, they burn them up.
~ANGST LEVEL – SEXUAL HISTORIES~
LOW-MEDIUM…I didn’t find this book overly angsty. The first part was difficult to read. The level of violence aimed towards the heroine is high and could be triggering to some. If you want more details, feel free to message me. Neither were virgins. In fact, there is basically no mention of either characters sexual pasts. There is a smidge of OW drama and no OM drama.
~IN THE END~
Did I enjoy it? Completely!
Was it perfect? Pretty much. Like I mentioned above, I would have liked to have gotten Creed’s POV, but that was really a very minor issue.
Would I recommend it? 100% YES!
Who would enjoy this book? I think most readers would enjoy this story. Especially those who like a well crafted dark romance with intriguing characters and a well fleshed out plot
5 Chaotic Stars!
Review by Sue
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/Books Blog
I don’t know what it is about Deception and Chaos that intrigued me. It has a certain “Je ne sais quoi” that pulled me in and kept me enthralled.
Sophia Cova lived a normal life. She attended college and worked two part time jobs. She idolizes her brother, Garrett. Until one fateful day she was abducted. Now she is a broken and tortured soul.
Creed “Devil” Sabella is cold and callous. He lives for darkness.
When these two tortured souls meet, the attraction is instantaneous. Sophia craves the way he makes her feel alive and powerful while Creed basks in the innocence that Sophia thinks she has lost.
Creed is no angel and has blood on his hands. He rebukes Sophia’s attempts at friendship and has a dark past, if exposed, that may keep Sophia away from him for good
Will they be able to mend what is what is broken within each other?
I devoured this book, turning the pages like they were on fire! It is emotional, gritty, real, violent and addictive. There is not one part of this book that I did not like. It is also dark and twisted and just when you think the story may have a silver lining, chaos ensues! I was left with my mouth agape with that cliff-hanger of an ending. I’m am without a doubt waiting, impatiently, for the second book!
This is a fast paced read that will grip you right from the very beginning. The only thing left for me to say is: S.M. Soto, where have you been all my life?
This book is addictive. I’m a big fan of dark romances and this one is just perfect. Believe me – I felt every emotion together with the main character. The first chapters are filled with incredible pain and suffering. The situations are so well described that you feel like a witness to all events. And the push and pull between Sophia and Creed was simply magnetic.
I have to admit that after finishing this book I sat motionless and stared at the wall for whole 5 minutes. Deception and Chaos is one of those books that get under your skin and stay with you forever. Although the book contains a warning about potential triggers, you’re not able to prepare yourself mentally for this read. But in this case it is a plus, because you feel all the emotions together with the characters.
I highly recommend this book!
This book is gruesome. It’s dark and dirty, gritty and I don’t think normal people would be able to handle it. But it’s for these exact reasons, why I couldn’t stop reading. It’s addictive. Like watching a car crash right in front of you. It’s absolutely terrifying but nothing, in that moment, could make you tear your eyes from it.
This book reminds me why this trope will forever remain my favourite tropes. I loved that when I went into this, I went in blind. I’m glad I did because it made the experience all the better. My first read by this author and I have been stalking her ever since.
“Criminals don’t play by the rules, and sometimes, in order to beat them, you have to become them.”
Deception and Chaos is a dark tale of kidnapping, secrets, and betrayal. It was also my first read by S.M. Soto, and there’s no mistaking that this woman can write. The way she strung words together brought a beautiful quality to terrible situations. It flowed perfectly, and it was hands down my favorite part about this book.
The beginning did what any good beginning should. It grabbed me by the throat and dragged me into hell. It was brutal but so engaging. I couldn’t look away. The end left me feeling angry and scared. That cliffhanger was cruel. Good thing I like cruel. *wink wink*
The middle is were the plot kind of lost it’s steam for me. Nothing really happens for a good chunk of the book, and it was kind of disappointing to go from such high adrenaline to nothing. It was such a steep change in tone that it kind of threw me for a loop for a while and then that curiosity wore off and I was bored. Even the romance was a little meh until things kicked back into the fast lane. I’ve been told that books two and three are way more action packed and I totally believe it with the way this one ended so I’ll for sure be reading on at some point.
Overall rating: 3.5 but rounding up to 4 stars
Steaminess: 2 stars
5 stars for this amazing dark romance book!
If you are a fan of dark romances.. then this is the book for you!
This was my first book from S.M. Soto and I was HOOKED.
This book was amazing! I loved all the action in it.
Creed & Sophia have a very slow burn relationship at first.. but once they give into the temptation.. all bets are off. Their chemistry was everything.
And can we talk about that ending?! MAJOR cliffhanger!
All in all, I HIGHLY recommend checking this book out if you love dark romances.
Wow an explosive dark story that had me captivated from the first page.
This had me on the edge of my seat, i just couldn’t get enough, page after page i was enthralled in sophias hell.
A must read for anyone that loves a dark and twisted story.
Oh WOW! This book was ridiculous gripping and exciting. I’m in love with this dark and disturbed story. I don’t want to stop reading.
This book takes you of the rollercoaster of emotions and nagging fear from the first page. I don’t even know how many human aberrations were addressed in this book. Human trafficking, sadists, pedophiles, killers….
And middle in this abnormal and terrifying world an unusual forbidden love story
I love dark romances and this one is fantastically amazing
Would I recommend this book to everyone, probably not, but for all of you, that love the dark with shiver romances, holly shit, what are you waiting for?
I’m currently reading the second book in the series, so the review will be continued
Well shit! I’m kicking myself for bot reading this sooner!!! Everyone yelled at me to read it. Everyone said it was good. And everyone can kick my ass later.
Holy shit this is fantastic. I fucking am soo in love with Creed!!! Like I love him. He has been added to my harem!!
October ’18 Favorite
Since I’m writing this review after finishing the whole series, I feel the need to tell you to read these books ASAP!!
“Deception and Chaos” is the perfect introduction to the series. The first chapter is powerful and a little disturbing, a fact that tell us that the author won’t spare us the details; the book is going to be raw and real!
Sophia and Creed have a connection from the first time their eyes meet. She’s just been saved from a sex trafficking ring; she’s disoriented and doesn’t know who to trust. She’s mesmerized by Creed and the mysterious vibe he’s giving attracts her! Creed does everything to stay away from her, but she’s slowly managing to rapture his cold demeanor.
The book is full of suspense, secrets, lies and lustful vibes!! If you like a dark romance with a suspense twist, then this series is for you!!!
My first book my Soto. This is definitely a page turner. She has a knack of ensnaring you from the very beginning and you just cannot put it down! Warning, this does end in a cliffhanger so if you don’t like that, be prepared to binge read the series.
OMG…Deception and Chaos was a dark, intense, suspenseful novel that will grab you from the start and have you glued to the seat until the very end.
The story has triggers and will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride as you take this journey with Sophia from the moment she was kidnapped to present day. What starts off dark soon changes as Sophia is rescued and the mystery and suspense take over the story along with the budding romance.
This novel was fast-paced and well crafted. The characters were complex and layered. The feelings were intense and the steamy scenes were off the charts hott. However it was the cliff-hanger ending that will blow your mind and leave you wanting more.
Deception and Chaos was a phenomenal read and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of dark romance. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.
This is the first book I have read by SM Soto and I am officially a fan. From the first few pages, this story had all of my attention. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is dark, has some disturbing scenes which will make you cringe and hurt; but this author writes these scenarios in a way that you can’t help but FEEL what is happening on these pages…what could happen…and what does happen in the world today. It will break you apart, but you will become obsessed with these characters and addicted to their story.
Sophia Cova is living her worst possible nightmare. It is brutal. It is heart-wrenching. But she is a survivor, and the fight that this girl has had me in awe of her. My heart broke for her over and over, and cheered for her when her fight was over and she was “safe.” Her connection to her hero, Creed, is apparent from the moment they touch. It was magnetic even in the worst of circumstances. Although Creed is a killer – he is dark, short and almost cruel, there is a possessive/protective side to him that Sophia sees. She pushes Creed and herself to a place where neither one of them believed their relationship was possible. Their love for each other evolved organically and slowly over time as they divulged more and more to one another. I loved the gentler and more compassionate side of Creed when it came to Sophia, but also his darker, edgier alpha side.
You will fall in love with not only Sophia & Creed, but the secondary characters as well – especially Sophia’s protective and loving brother, Garrett. This book is only Book 1 in the trilogy. It is dark, gritty, edgy, suspenseful and steamy. Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger – but it is so worth it. You will be biting your nails and sitting on the edge of your seat throughout this book, and I couldn’t wait to start up Book 2 right where this one left off. Well done SM Soto!!!
This is a first for me by this author and I can say wihthout a doubt I am a huge fan now. I am completely amazed by this story and all the turns it took kept me on edge. I was intrigued by the blurb alone and needed to read this one. Poor Sophia has been through a lot and I love the fact that she hasnt completely given up and keeps on fighting adter everything shes been through. She is insanely attracted to Creed one of the people who rescued her. Creed is so loyal and very fiercely protective of her. This book just has it all from suspense, love, all the twists and turns it took with secrets and lies and everything else I can think of. I was definitely an emotional mess with this one and will definitely read the reast of this series!!!! Highly recommend.
This is my first book my SM Soto and it won’t be the last. This story was everything!! I’m currently trying to figure out how to worm my way into the authors life and get all the words!! Cliffy of all cliffies!
Sophia, poor Sophia, I just want to find her and hug her and never let go! What she suffers and survives. Not many people do. She breaks, but only for a moment, her body is the one that gives out. But her heart? She thinks they broke her completely but they didn’t. Her heart is of a fighter. She never gave in to them. She is a survivor. I’m just in complete awe of this character.
Creed. Even his name gives me goosebumps. He is an enigma that one can’t escape. As a reader we are completely drawn to him. It’s the best thing, to love a bad guy who isn’t really a bad guy. Yes he’s done unthinkable things. Circumstances. But that heart of his, it’s loyal and protective. Him being Sophie’s protector is what my hopeless romantic heart swooned of. He was beyond swoonalicious. You may find him in my book boyfriend dungeon.
Can I get more of Garrett too please??? The overprotective absent brother. Gahh he was so delicious to read about. I want more of him too please.
Now the ending. Jesus. I need anxiety meds hard! What. The. Heck. Was. That?????? I’m a naturally paranoid person, but this took the cake. I just can’t even process this. And apparently I was not so speechless but can ya blame me????
Read at your own risk. Sanity in danger. But damn what a hell of a ride it is. Don’t head my warnings, although maybe a good stiff drink would help?? That should definitely be added to the blurb
I’M POSITIVELY SHOOK
This book had me from the blurb. It was beyond amazing. It left me speechless but obviously I have to leave a review to make sure people read this book.
It was Dark. It was Raw. It was intriguing. It had me at the edge of my seat. I did not want to put it down. The writing was beautiful. The dark emotion it invokes grips you and make you feel for the characters. It makes you want to fight for them. This is all in the first couple chapters of the book, before we even meet the Hero (Creed). Creed is such a mystery. He is so dark and brooding yet you can’t help but want someone like him. He is a character that you fall in love with. He thinks he has no redeeming qualities but that makes him all the more worthy. The Heroine (Sophia) goes through such a terrible ordeal that you just want to go in the book and break every bone in the kidnappers bodies.
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My Heart hurt for Sophia. She had been through a terrible ordeal yet she still laughs. She still smiles. She still has her heart open for love. She is so strong that you can’t help but admire her will and determination.
The push and pull between Creed and Sophia was not at all frustrating. It made the romance slow burn which I love. He was so cold and distant to her which made him seem like a complete asshole but the smoldering looks he gave her was panty melting.
Lucky we do’t have to wait very long for the next book. The little snippet was not enough after that cliffhanger. I will try and be patient for the Blood and Chaos.