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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A wonderful story I wish the next one.
Holy crap! This book took my breath away!!! I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started this read from a new to me author.
Read. This. Book! Yes, the first few chapters are gut wrenching and very hard to get through but as the read progresses, the story lightens a bit and the story truly shines.
Sophia, an innocent young woman just living her life is ripped from everything she knows and finds herself held captive by some of the world’s most ruthless sex trafficking criminals. She’s eventually rescued but finds herself in another suffocating prison when she moves into the house of the men who saved her. Enter Creed, a brooding, stone cold man that sets Sophia’s insides on fire!
The pull between the Sophia the heroine and Creed, a man who has no business getting close to her is incredible and you can’t help but want these two to end up together!
With every page turn, the worry of who you can trust and if the bad guys are coming back still looms. So many secrets and deception still brew when you start to feel the slightest bit safe in this book. And then the author hits you with a cliffhanger ending that leaves you gasping for air while tears roll down your cheeks! Book 2 cannot come quickly enough!
Thank you so much to the author and The Next Step PR for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !!!!! I’m screaming, this book was so good. It called to my dark romance loving soul.
I’ll start off by saying this book dives right in and it’s first scenes are straight out of your worst nightmare. So be prepared for that.
I could only pray as I read the first few chapters for Sophia to make it out ok. This story is gripping and raw and gritty and I was so engaged I didn’t come up for air.
The romance in this book and I’ll refrain from going into specifics but let me say that I loved it. This is a bit of a slow burn but man oh man with each moment the intensity just keep building and building. I’ve fallen in love and have just added and new book boyfriend to my list.
This is my first read form this author and I can tell you I’m going to be checking out what else I may have missed from her.
Love love love that is petty much what I have to say about this. I am beyond desperate for the next one. I’ll be instantly one clicking.
Deception and Chaos is just that, it is deception and full of chaos! And I loved every minute of it!!!! Sophia has been to hell and back, but is unknowingly saved by her brother and his band of brothers. One of those brothers is Creed, the Devil. It’s so easy to see what Sophia sees him. There is a definite trigger warning with the beginning of the book, but it is part of the story. Reader be ware this story does end on one hell of a cliffhanger!!! I am biting my nails waiting on the next one so I can find out what happens next!!!
I read one of S.M. Soto’s previous books and enjoyed her writing. Deception and Chaos was recommended for me by one of the Beta Readers who was a friend, so I couldn’t miss this book. I love dark romance and WOW! S.M. Soto writes outstanding dark and gritty romance as evidenced by this duet! In order to keep this review spoiler free, it is very short and deliberately vague. You’ll thank me for that because this really is the kind of book you want to read without spoilers. Be cautious of the reviews you read. If this book didn’t have such dark elements, I would tell you to skip reviews altogether and go straight to the book, but I have no triggers and had a hard time with a few scenes. Deception and Chaos is not going to be an easy read for anyone. As a matter of fact, I would caution some readers who have triggers to read the reviews or blurb first to determine if this book should be a go for you. That said, this story held my attention immediately and I read it start to finish. I wanted to scream like my three-year-old over the cliffhanger. And I am not going to lie, this book made me cry a few times. Not full-blown ugly tears, but the hero and heroine are face so much. Sophia’s capture and torture are gritty, and I BROKE right along with her. The pace of this book slowed down a little bit to me at one point but then suddenly there were plot twists and discoveries that I didn’t see coming. I loved it and I. CAN’T. WAIT. For the second book in the duet to release. SERIOUSLY…. CAN. NOT. WAIT!!!
BUY THIS BOOK! Read it know because Deception and Chaos by S.M. Soto is intense, dark and ohhhh soooo sexy! It was the perfect book to get lost in and even with a cliffhanger ending I can’t rate the book down and y’all know how much I hate Cliffhangers!!!
Holy sh*t… I have to say I knew, I knew this ended on a cliffy but da*nit, S.M made sure that I will be waiting and waiting for the next book to come out.
This story starts in a horrible place. Really in every woman’s nightmare to be honest. Sophia has no idea why she has been kidnapped and is now being auctioned off to horrible men. Just when she is ready to either die or finally go to a horrible man, her prayers are answered and she is saved.
Sophia now finds herself away from these horrible men and in the arms of her brother. She never knew her brother was in a secret service type team. Sophia soon finds out that this elite team is more then it seems, and that she may be in more danger than she ever thought.
* On a side note. I know some people might pass on this story due to the cliffhanger. BUT DON’T! This story is freaking awesome.
The tagline for the book says, “a twisted game of cat and mouse.”
I don’t have any other way to describe what I just read other than exactly just that.
This story… Oh, my god. It’s going to stay with me forever.
S.M. Soto takes you on a ride so unlike any of her other novels. Be ready for the deep and dark you’ll experience because it definitely won’t be easy. But, it is SO WORTH IT!
Lies, deceit, hopelessness, innocence stolen, pain, love, HATE… you are going to feel and experience EVERYTHING through Sophia’s eyes.
The amazing thing that this author has been able to do with all the books I’ve read from her is that she’s had the ability to transport us inside the mind of her main character and have us live in the moment, as well.
There are so many directions this book will take you in, so many ways your mind will try to steer you in, and because of it I can’t delve too much into the story.
Who can you trust?
I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to myself or ranted so much about a book as I did with Deception and Chaos. And the ending? I wanted to DIE! I literally screamed “WHAT THE HECK?!”
What an amazing introduction to the Chaos series. Congratulations on such a raw, powerful, beautifully yet heartbreaking poetic masterpiece, S.M. Soto.
I can’t wait to see where the next book is going to take us.
Excuse me while I go cry my anger out now. **inserts finger out into the world**
5 “Dark and Gritty” Stars
Where do I even start? To say I was hooked from the very first words would be a huge understatement. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. From the moment I read the synopsis of Deception and Chaos I knew I had to have it. I haven’t read many dark romances, so I was definitely out of my comfort zone with this one. But I wanted it all, I craved every bit of darkness this story had. I was a ravaged wolf, enraged and foaming at the mouth anticipating what twists and turns I was in for. I was obsessed with this story and not for one bit wanting it to end.
Mind. Blown. My mind is still in smithereens. I am not ok. I am not ok. I am not ok. Like, what the eff? No words. No words. No words. This book put me through the wringer. Nonstop my heart was beating at record speed not knowing where this story was going. I was biting my nails and pulling at my hair while screaming obscenities. Man did this book do a number on me, but I craved ever dark element this story had.
Obviously I’m not giving away the plot. Also, I do not in any way want to give anything away. This book deserves to be experienced without spoilers given. But, I will say that I so freaking loved Sophia! I loved how strong and badass she was, I rooted so hard for her. And Creed? OH MY EFFING GOSH, I basked in his darkness. I loved every devilish quality he had to him. I couldn’t for the life of me get enough and so desperately wanted and needed more.
Deception and Chaos was dark and gritty and oh so sinfully delicious. It took me on the most twisted ride that I wanted to ride again and again and again. S.M. brought her A game while creating this breathtakingly raw and beautifully heartbreaking story. A fantastic introduction to the Chaos series that has already become my obsession. I need time to hurry the eff up, because I neeeeeeeed to know what’s going to happen next. Because, WHAT THE EVER LIVING HELL WITH THAT ENDING?!?!?! Ain’t nobody got time for that, oh hell no!
I received an ARC of this books form the author and I voluntarily reviewed it. Thank you S.M Soto!
WOWOWOWOWOW! What a way to pop an author cherry! This book had it ALL. It literally ticked all my damn boxes. Angsty AF: check. Dark subject matter: check. Broken people: check. Plot twist that will make you question everything you ever knew: CHECKKKKK. (In Soto’s defense, the book is very adequately titled). Oh and cliffy that will leave you staring at your kindle screen wondering why the heck there are no more words to read? Yeah, haha, totally CHECK.
This book. Ouff. It was captivating, to say the least. I had trouble putting it down to go to class. It stayed in my thoughts while I was not reading it. The intrigue is insurmountable, and you will fall victim to this book. The characters are mysterious, delicious, and addictive. The action is written with such suspense and anticipation that you feel your heart squeeze as the heroine’s does.
Soto is a powerful writer. She grasps the reader’s attention so completely and quickly, that you won’t even know what hit you. It’s truly something else. The quality of the writing is there, as well as the planning of the plot. everything makes sense. Everything is perfectly weaved together, and you realize, she had left a breadcrumb trail for you to follow you never noticed. She keeps you pre-occupied with other aspects of the story while dropping you hints of what is to come. True suspense writing.
I will definitely be picking up more books by this author. After one of her books, she is already up at the top of my favourite author list. She is one to watch out for.
S.M. Soto is a new-to-me author, and I’m so glad that the author reached out to me to review Deception and Chaos. Anytime I delve into a dark romance, I always prepare myself for the unimaginable to occur, but I also hold onto the fact that despite the torture, the degradation, and the insufferable pain that the main character is forced to endure that there will come a point where light will creep into the darkness and provide a sense of reprieve even if it’s in the smallest of ways.
And this is exactly the story that Soto crafts for her readers, and while what Sophia Cova suffers at the hands of those bastards who took her is difficult to read, the scenes are necessary for several reasons – it allows us to understand what Sophia and those who will potentially save her are up against and it also makes us aware of the demons and nightmares that Sophia will have to work through once she’s no longer held captive, and why being somewhat safe still makes her afraid and on edge.
Readers will be in awe of Sophia’s resilience and strength, but it’s her feistiness and her sympathetic nature that reveal who she is at her core and it’s those characteristics that readers will need to hold onto as Soto amps up the suspense and mystery again, leading Sophia and the other characters down a twisted and tormented path – one that is left in one jacked up place when Deception and Chaos ends.
Creed is a bit of a wildcard for quite a bit of the story; at times, I wanted to understand, through his own perspective, the reasons behind his standoffish and closed off attitude and his harsh mistreatment of Sophia after he saves her. There’s a lot of layers to the man named after the Devil, and while readers learn his backstory when he finally opens up to Sophia, something tells me that there’s a lot more to this mercenary and with the situation he finds himself in at the end of book one, I’m more than prepared to see Diavolo Creed Sabella in all his darkened and deadly glory.
This dark romance is absolutely a slow burn, which is necessary given the 9 months of hell that Sophia endured as well as Creed’s perception of her and his need to protect her from the devil himself. The sexual tension between these two, though, is more than evident, and even though he’s an asshole to her, pushing her away and making sure she only sees him as the monster he believes himself to be, for some reason, Sophia isn’t afraid of Creed, partly because he saved her from her worst nightmare and partly because she sees the man beneath Creed’s harsh and deadly armor.
Sophia and Creed’s story is far from over, which means that what’s to come, given the circumstances readers are left with, is bound to get more chaotic, deceptive, and problematic.
4.5 Poison Apples
I literally just threw my phone across the room. Holy hell this book is so intense it’s not even funny. I read it straight through. I have no nails I wanted to pull out my hair I’ve been pacing just wow BLOWN AWAY. Sophia is one strong woman everything she has gone through will make you cringe and break your heart into pieces. But one man who is Sophias savior is named the devil. If you love edge at your seat and crying for the characters this is one book you must pick up and read. I love dark romance and this truly will have you gasping out loud. I can’t wait to read the next book! 5/5 stars Top dark read of 2018
WOW! This story does not waste any time by starting out dark and very raw. There is no easing us into the frightening world Sophia has found herself in. This is not a hearts and flowers story, but sometimes you just need to change things up with this crazy kind of romance. There are some very satisfying sexy moments in this well-played game of cat and mouse, but the mystery and intrigue behind it all leads the show.
The slow burn between Sophia and Creed is a delicious combination of heat and mystery. You know it’s going to be a fun ride when despite his dark nature, the author makes you fall in love with the bad boy. Creed is a man with a black heart, but Sophia might just be the one person that can crack that icy exterior. It’s clear the two of them have a connection neither can understand, but the tether pulling them to one another might be the very thing that puts them in danger.
There are so many questions that need to be answered, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The ending will leave you completely on the edge, SCREAMING, and instantly wanting more. We have no choice but to come up with crazy ideas about how this will all play out for Sophia and Creed!
The suspense is so real!!! OMG! Reading this book. Not knowing who to trust. I went been and forth numerous times on who I thought Sophia should not trust. The characters in this story pulled all the emotions out of me. And now that it’s over I find myself counting the days until the next book comes out. I need to know!!! Creed is so mysterious. I really think Sophia and Creek make a great team and I can’t wait to see what happens with them.
I am not sure I have recovered nor will I recover after reading this deliciously dark tale. Be forewarned there are definitely some dark trigger issues for some (not me haha) and if you can make it past those you are in for a ride. Once the dark is done this tale leads you along with some fantastic angst and so many deep emotions from laughs, tears and steam. The story development was well written and allowed the reader to really become captured into the story.
The title truly sums up the book — trust no one!
I am so jealous of anyone who is first reading this as the first reading is spell binding.
Ummmm I’m not even sure how I’m going to review this book. I will say that I almost stopped reading early on due to how emotional it made me. My heart was pounding and at times I was crying so hard I couldn’t read the words – some scenes were so raw and powerful that I literally felt sick at certain points.
After a pep talk from a fellow reader I pushed on. SOOO GLAD that I did. This book was EXTRAORDINARY! It’s my third read from this author and it’s so very different from her other two books. I have no idea where/how this story came but it’s definitely one that needs to be told – it’s not a pretty/happy read, it’s not for the faint of heart as it involves some very dark and difficult subject matter but it’s handled in a respectful way and for those that enjoy a dark read this one’s for you. I will write a more detailed review once the blurb etc is revealed but trust me when I say you want this on your TBR.
3.75 stars
I’ve been struggling for awhile on how I feel about this book. It started off very hard to read, as the first few chapters were extremely dark, and truly set the tone for the entire story. After that, it led into the present and was very slow moving in getting into the story. I almost stopped at one point, as I just wanted the story to move a little quicker and have more interactions with Sophia and Creed. I feel that if there had been more between them in this part of the story, things might have flowed better for me and kept me more engaged in the story. Now, when it gets to the end, the pace starts picking up and I wanted to keep reading. Had everything been like that, I wouldn’t have been able to put the story down. And then that cliffhanger……what a doozy!! I can’t believe we have to wait 2 more months to get the rest of this story.
Where to start with this review….. I have no idea because this book was so emotional for me. At times I laughed and at times I cried because of everything that was happening. I will say this it is a dark book and has some triggers for some. We get to meet Sophia who is a strong girl that takes what has been dealt to her and does not break down. She is absolutely amazing in my eyes. She is taken from her home and sold into a sex ring as a sex slave. She endures beatings and other unspeakable things at the hands of these filthy men.
Then on the evening of the auction where she is to be sold all hell breaks loose and there is major chaos in the place. People are running and screaming for their lives while there is shooting in the place. Poor Sophia has no idea what is going on but she is taken and she is scared because she does not know what is going to happen to her.
This is where the story really took off running in all directions because we get to meet Creed and lord have mercy he is he something else. Sophia will soon see that lies are going to be uncovered and true love is found in the darkest of places.
The ending man oh man the ending had me on pins and needles and then oh sh#$ no the author didn’t but yes she did ladies and gentlemen she leaves us with a HUGE cliff hanger that has me wanting no needing book two right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy crap!! I have no words to describe this masterpiece.
I was hooked, soo hooked that I finished in one night and the I regretted it so bad, because all I did was think about it all day! This book is truly a game of cat and mouse just like the author described it. I had no idea what to think, who did it, who is involved, what the hell just happened.
Ok, WARNING!! This book has triggers.
Now with that being said, wow! This book starts off dark, it makes you gasp and think that you just can’t take it. The way S.M delivers the first chapters is intense. Sophia is kidnap and goes thru a big ordeal, she gets rescued and then the biggest mastery begins. Why her? Why did she get rescued by her brother? Why does she need to hide? So many questions. Can she live like this, what can make it better?
That is where Creed comes in. A big, intense, few words type of man. The devil as he calls himself. Sophia just can’t get him out of her mind and Creed knows better, but their attraction is bigger and the pull stronger. Creed domes an helps her with all the trauma and protects her. But is the danger really over? Can Creed protect her and himself from what is to come?
Truly an amazing, intense read. You will just be disappointed. You will finish this book and pick your jaw off the floor. If i was able to give this book more than 5 stars I would. It’s that amazing! S.M Soto has nailed this one and she leaves you wanting more. Read it, savor it, enjoy it and the rant about it!! I assure you, that you will!
5 Stars read!!!!
Deception and Chaos is a beautifully written story of survival, hope and love in a world surrounded by utter chaos and darkness. Sophie who has lived quite the sheltered life has experienced something that no one should ever experience; being held captive for nine months in the most horrible conditions imaginable. Although this is not the primary focus of the story it does play a big role in how the story plays out.
After being saved from being sold to the higest bidder, Sophie must regain some sense of normalcy while trying to let go of the horrid memories that plaque her mind; she does so with the help of Creed. In Sophie’s eyes Creed is an Enigma he is on the outside a hard man who shows little to no emotion but once he lays eyes on Sophie all bets are off.
This book takes you on quite a journey you will experience all the feels some good, bad, and down right ugly but if you are able to see past the difficult parts there is a light that shines and that is the relationship between the two main characters and how wonderfully they fit together. The chemistry between these two is amazing! They are exactly what eachother needs. Creed provides Sophie with the courage and confidence to go after what she wants; while Sophie gives Creed the ability to be vulnerable when all he knows is to be on his guard.
S. M. Soto writes in such a way that we the reader can really put themselves in the story and relate to what is happening so you find yourself not wanting the story to end! There are so many twists and turns that this book takes that you will want to continue reading into the wee hours of the morning. I promise you won’t be sorry it’s just that good!
I highly recommend this book without hesitation! S.M Soto what a great start to the Chaos series. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for book 2!
5 Seriously Twisted Stars!
S. M. Soto is a new author to me, so I went into this not knowing what to expect, and I just have to say that I was completely blown away. I loved everything about it. It was well paced. The plot and the writing were fantastic. The story is raw, gritty and intense. It is not for the faint of heart. This book will take you out of your comfort zone and will shock the hell out of you. Some of the story may make you feel uncomfortable, but you won’t be able to look away. It consumed me from page one and had me devouring each and every word. I loved the action and the suspense that kept me on my toes. I loved that the author kept me guessing right until the very end.
Deception and Chaos is dark and gritty. It’s shocking and intriguing. It’s captivating and sexy. I was so riveted and hooked that I just could not put this book down. There are twists and turns that you will not see coming. Do not try to figure out what’s going on or where the story is going. Just sit back and enjoy this crazy and twisted ride. I know that I sure did. Overall, this was a fabulous read and an epic beginning to the new Chaos series.