Title: Dark Deception

Author: Sarah Piper

Pub. Date: September 30, 2020

Pages: 442

Pub: Two Gnomes Media

Genre: Fantasy Paranormal Romance

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Goodreads

---

A ruthless vampire king. An alluring crime family heiress. A dark desire that won’t be tamed…

Charlotte…

Charlotte D’Amico never met a safe she couldn’t crack, a penthouse she couldn’t case, or a stuck-up rich guy she couldn’t deceive. So when the crime boss who runs her life orders her to spy on yet another reclusive billionaire, Charley’s not worried.

Smile pretty, keep the boss happy, keep her sister safe. That’s how it works.
But Dorian Redthorne is no ordinary mark.

He’s charming, funny, and sinfully hot, with a whiskey-smooth British accent that leaves her aching for more.
He’s also dark, dangerous, and definitely hiding secrets…
Secrets that might just get her killed.

Dorian…

Vampire king Dorian Redthorne has more responsibilities than he can count.
Keep New York’s supernaturals in line. Protect what’s left of his family. And above all, bury his dead father’s secrets… before their enemies discover the royal family’s greatest weakness.

Charlotte D’Amico is a complication he doesn’t need.
But the scent of her blood is intoxicating, her heartbeat a siren call he can’t resist.
One stolen kiss, and Dorian knows how this ends: He claims her, or he bleeds her dry.
Unfortunately, his pretty little con woman is as treacherous as his enemies.

The question is…
Which will destroy him first?

---

This will be a spoiler free review. I listened to the audiobook via Audible. I was in the mood for vampires and holy hell did this deliver.

I was getting a little bored with Greek Mythology and supernatural beings with wings. Everything I was reading – all the academy series feature beings with wings. Like, it’s a prerequisite that there has to be a flying scene or multiple in your book. As for the Greek Mythology, after the Covenant Series, the Titan series and a few other Greek Mythology retellings/adaptations I was just feeling a little burned out. I needed a change of pantheon or something.

Then the craving for vampires hit. I wanted darkness and seduction without there being some plot to save the world, or woo multiple men. I just wanted the deliciously dark atmosphere you get when you have vampires.

I asked around for some recs, and while they all sounded good – I was a bit limited in what was currently on audio. Then I remembered this book – it’s been on my TBR for awhile now, and Audible happened to remind me. So I downloaded it after taking a quick peek at the synopsis.

Y’all…this book was so good.

I didn’t really have any expectations going into it except for wanting vampires and a bit of spice.

It definitely delivered on both accounts.]

Think, Lucifer (the show) vibe wise – and that’s this book.

It’s dark, delicious and it never stops delivering.

From the moment Dorian and Charlotte (Charley) meet its instant chemistry. It’s easy. They’re wonderful together – not perfect, but wholly enjoyable to read. They complement each other so well. Each has their own set of demons (figurative, not literal – I only specify since demons exist in this world) they have to confront and carry with them. Charley has her own dark past, her own regrets and memories that have shaped her into someone who is strong and capable but craves stability and comfort. Dorian has been handed a mantle he doesn’t really want and with it comes a million and one problems.

They work so well together – and their chemistry – it leads to some hot spicier moments. Dorian knows how to dominate, and Charley is always ready for Option Two. Read the book.

Another highlight in terms of characters and my second favorite relationship in this book is Dorian’s best friend Aiden. The banter and camaraderie between those two – Aiden’s more positive outlook on life, and Dorian’s grumpy feeling towards it, leads to a really wonderful dynamic. Every time they were on the page together, I was loving life. You can tell how much they care for each other and it’s wonderful.

I also really, really enjoyed the plot. For all the moments that Charley and Dorian are getting it on, there is so much more happening. I mean, so much more. The supernatural beings of New York are starting to stir, there’s a power vacuum, despite Dorian’s appointment to King. Theres the mystery of Charley’s father, and her current circumstances with her sleezy, asshole Uncle. Secrets are kept, secrets are revealed, and we’re left on a cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more. I cannot wait to dive into book 2 and find out what happens next.

This was exactly what I wanted to read. It didn’t disappoint. I was completely sucked in and enraptured. I didn’t want to stop listening to the book and hated when coworkers kept trying to have conversations with me. I legit couldn’t have asked for a better book to satisfy my vampire needs. It is a little out there, a little ridiculous, but overall, it’s a pretty solid story. It has good characters, tension, drama and spice, and tons of room to expand on it all in the next two books. I’m not too upset that the animosity between Dorian and his 3 brothers isn’t explained. I have a feeling a there will be a deeper dive into their relationship in the next two books. Especially as one of the big reveals from the end of the book is expanded upon.

And speaking of the ending – it made me want to yell. I don’t know if I was surprised it ended that way, or if I knew it would. But I definitely said “what the fuck, no” under my breath while at work. Like I said, it leaves you wanting more.