If You Deceive (MacCarrick Brothers, #3)

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If You Deceive (MacCarrick Brothers #3)

by Kresley Cole (Goodreads Author)

4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 · rating details · 4,869 ratings · 223 reviews

Burning vengeance...

Ethan MacCarrick was a heartbreakingly handsome rake until a powerful nobleman ordered him brutally beaten and his face scarred for a crime he didn't commit. Ethan's reprisal -- bankrupting the nobleman and forcing his exile -- does little to appease his wrath. Ten years later, a haughty, mysterious beauty enchants Ethan -- the daughter of his enemy. A

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Mass Market Paperback, 356 pages

Published May 22nd 2007 by Pocket

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Sep 26, 2012 Buggy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: hist-rom, freedom-in-kilts, scars-r-sexy, shelf-12, tortured-hero, top

Opening Line: “Ethan had long grown used to the sinking expressions people cast him when they realized it was he who darkened their doorsteps—but in the East End rookeries this tendency seemed even more pronounced.”

Does anyone else find it near impossible to write a review about a book you absolutely loved? You can't ever say quite the right thing or express adequately how much it affected you. How much you loved the characters, the heartache, the passion and the drama. It always ends up soundin...more Opening Line: “Ethan had long grown used to the sinking expressions people cast him when they realized it was he who darkened their doorsteps—but in the East End rookeries this tendency seemed even more pronounced.”

Does anyone else find it near impossible to write a review about a book you absolutely loved? You can't ever say quite the right thing or express adequately how much it affected you. How much you loved the characters, the heartache, the passion and the drama. It always ends up sounding like a big pile of cheese, and really how many different ways are there to say amazing?

I guess I should start by letting everyone know that they were right. This was fantastic (there’s one) placing as one of my top historical reads ever. I only wish now I hadn’t waited so long, because Ethan stole my heart. What a great hero. To watch someone as cold, damaged and emotionally shut off as Ethan fall and allow someone into his heart was just… sigh. His confusion, his denial and in the end his willingness to do anything to have her, to keep her, borders on obsession. And then there’s this big lie hanging over him and his guilt over how he’s inadvertently destroyed her life which he then tries to make up for which only succeeds in pushing her away just when he’s realized he can’t live without her. Gah, this is how romances are meant to be –not necessarily reviews though.

What a great love story, what a great couple because as much as I fell for Ethan I equally adored Maddie. These two are equals, Their banter, flirtation and verbal sparring is some of the best I’ve ever read and sexy, jeez that carriage ride after the masquerade ball and oh let’s not forget the shopping extravaganza homage to Pretty Woman in Paris. Yeah.

Not many books have the ability to give me actual emotions but Kresley Cole managed it here in spades; smiling, sighing, cheering, crying and at one point yelling at Ethan (you fool) to get away from those two floozies and go the hell home.

I should also mention that I read this as a standalone and other than Cole’s odd way of backtracking the story and then doing a whole lot of showing not telling (of events that happened in the previous 2 books yet took place during this one) I had no real issues.

Ethan MacCarrick has been out for revenge for the past 10 years, seeking to destroy the Von Rowen family who tortured and viciously scarred his face for a crime he didn’t commit. Once a handsome and successful philanderer, woman now shun him, turning away from his brutal scar with disgust. As a consequence he’s hardened his heart and sworn off women altogether. After bankrupting and exiling the Von Rowen’s Ethan still finds that his anger has not been appeased, so when their daughter comes of age he makes it his mission to seduce and ruin her then cast her aside as his final act.

However when he meets Madeline he’s also met his match, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever known and he’s confused by his feelings. This is where the story takes on a Beauty and the Beast quality because Maddie doesn’t care about his scar or his hostile demeanour. She’s only out out for herself, trying to ensnare a husband of means before she faces a life of squalor and ultimately prostitution. So who’s playing who here? And what are they to do when the heart has a mind of its own? Taking us from London through the slums of Paris and inside Scottish country manors. We witness gun fights, cholera epidemics and some of the sweetest, heart wrenching dialogue written. This is a story I won’t be forgetting. Cheers

“You canna do this—take my goddammed heart and then leave me! You think I will no follow”

“Somewhere along the way, he’s fallen in love with her—or as much as possible for a man like him, with the lies between them.”

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Aug 17, 2011 Dina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

I felt a bit uneasy at the beginning of the book, as the idea of having the hero almost having sex with the mother of the heroine wasn't something I thought I could easily overcome. Well... I should've known better than doubt Ethan! Way before I was halfway through the story, I was already in love in him. :) Obviously, that event would have to come back from the past to "bite him in the arse", and that was the only "fault" I found in him: he really should have come clean and told everything to M...more

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Apr 02, 2010 Zeek rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-all-time, hist-rom, romance, favorite-author

Brutally wounded and left for dead after being discovered with a conniving married shrew of woman, ruthless Ethan MacCarrick wants nothing but revenge and he will have it. Being a man of action, he proceeds to ruin the people behind the deeds of that devastating night, but it leaves him little consolation for the things he lost.

Years later he becomes helplessly drawn to the friend of his brother's woman only to find she's the daughter of his hated enemy. Deciding to use her to finish them off fo...more

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Dec 17, 2010 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlander-books

everyone who told me that this was fabulous can now say "I told you so!" lol
yes, all you who know who you are (Leah, Catherine, Ally, Monica, UM, and anyone else I forgot),
I loved Maddy and Ethan.
Jane had a 2 second cameo and still managed to piss me off-wonder if I'd have liked Hugh's book better if I could have liked Jane?

So it's no secret how much I love Kresley Cole's IAD, and I liked her Sutherland Brothers series a lot as well. So, since me being me (the Highland Hussy), I love KC, I love...more

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Apr 24, 2009 Mojca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, kresley-cole, series-trilogy-maccarrick-brothers, part-of-a-series, scottish-irish-celtic-hh-setting

Yes, this is the best book in the series. I don't care much about what happens to the previous two, but this one is staying with me for a bit, I'll definitely read it again.
Maybe Ms. Cole should've added a few more brothers to the MacCarrick brood, since it seems this series improves with time.

From the first book onward I was intrigued by Ethan, the oldest MacCarrick brother. The hints and innuendos sparkled throughout the two previous stories created almost a mythological quality around the man...more Yes, this is the best book in the series. I don't care much about what happens to the previous two, but this one is staying with me for a bit, I'll definitely read it again.
Maybe Ms. Cole should've added a few more brothers to the MacCarrick brood, since it seems this series improves with time.

From the first book onward I was intrigued by Ethan, the oldest MacCarrick brother. The hints and innuendos sparkled throughout the two previous stories created almost a mythological quality around the man...His scar, his cold demeanor, his deadened eyes, the mysterious death of his fiancée...All this made me literally itch to read his story.

And I admit I wasn't disappointed. Far from it.

The emotional roller coaster this books takes the reader on is extraordinary and extremely well-developped and plotted, holing unforseen depths I'm utterly glad I explored.

The prologue introduces us to an Ethan, completely different from the Ethan we came to know in his brothers' books. Ten years ago he was a drunken, whoring libertine...Whose destiny is completely changed by a chance encounter in a country inn. And it is the punishment for the act he didn't commit that sets the grounds for the true story that picks up ten years later.

I could easily say that Ethan MacCarrick was one of the best developped male characters I've ever read about. In the course of this book he goes through so many changes it could easily make your head spin, not being able to tell top from bottom, yet the author did a splendid job of keeping him and the reader (more or less) grounded, despite all the upheavals he and the story went through.
We first meet him as a good-for-nothing, handsome bastard intent on bedding yet another married woman, then everything comes tumbling down around him, transforming him into the surly bear we know, until he meets the one woman that "could break his family curse", yet the discovering of her true identity embitters him even more. It is only after learning the truth about her, and accepting his involvement in what happened to Maddy, that Ethan finally accepts the possibility of his feelings toward her and slowly starts to change.
But ten years of bitter anger and striving for revenge, deceit and lies cannot be buried, and instead of revealing the truth, hoping for forgiveness, he decides to lie and deceive further, almost bringing about his own downfall.
The only chink in my appreciation of Ethan was his "tender" feelings toward Maddy that (as even she noted), bordered on obsession. I know that he felt strongly for her, the woman who saw beyond his scar, and wanted to make some kind of amends for what she's been through, but this (almost) sudden reversal from cold and distant blackguard, to obsessed, besotted fool came off as a little unrealistic...Although it was a great excuse for his impromptu trip to cholera-infested Paris in the end.

Maddy quite paled in comparison with this larger-than-life Highlander. I liked her for her dogged determination and resilience, the environment in which she grew up shaped her into a strong woman who knew her worth and far from the replica of her mother (which was her worst fear). All of which made her rash decision toward the end so much more out of character. As he friend said, one should know when to run and when to stick around and wait for an explanation.
For the strong female character Ms. Cole created with Maddy, her flight from Ethan was odd...And stupid.

Instead of creating some suspenseful plot, Ms. Cole decided to stick on the simple dynamic between two completely opposite not-so-strangers, and explore the romance that evolved between then despite having to constantly struggle underneath deceit and lies, stubbornness, pride, and waning revenge.
The author made the right choice and this reader readily recommends this book to all lovers of historical romance, Scottish brogue (and superstition), nicely-timed humor, and a pinch of a little star-crossed love. A very satisfying read.(less)

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Sep 25, 2010 Jane Stewart rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-prior-to-wwll

Good historical romance novel. I enjoyed it. A nice escape.

STORY BRIEF:
Ethan was a handsome rake having affairs with married women. Although he never slept with her, Sylvie lied to her husband saying Ethan raped her. The husband had Ethan beaten and his face scarred (with Sylvie’s knowledge). Ethan was wealthy and got his revenge by bankrupting the husband who killed himself. Sylvie and her daughter were forced out of their home and went to live in the slums of Paris. Women are repulsed by Ethan...more Good historical romance novel. I enjoyed it. A nice escape.

STORY BRIEF:
Ethan was a handsome rake having affairs with married women. Although he never slept with her, Sylvie lied to her husband saying Ethan raped her. The husband had Ethan beaten and his face scarred (with Sylvie’s knowledge). Ethan was wealthy and got his revenge by bankrupting the husband who killed himself. Sylvie and her daughter were forced out of their home and went to live in the slums of Paris. Women are repulsed by Ethan’s scar. He is celibate for most of the next ten years. He sees Maddie and is unexpectedly attracted to her. She is drawn to him as well. They have an encounter and a misunderstanding. She is insulted and returns to Paris. Ethan then learns she is the daughter of Sylvie. He wants to continue his revenge, hurting Maddie and Sylvie, so he travels to Paris. Maddie has been living in the slums, an orphan since age 14. She survives by selling cigarettes, waitressing and stealing.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Characters and events were interesting. There were none of my pet peeves. I liked Maddie’s actions. When they were on a ship, he told her to entertain herself during the days and not be underfoot. She said right, be overfoot. Then she did what he asked. She made friends and was happily occupied during the days. But to Ethan’s surprise, he missed her. He got what he said he wanted, but he ended up not liking her being gone. I also liked Maddie’s reactions to Ethan’s scar. Aside from his scar, Ethan has a powerful body, a seductive smile, and gorgeous eyes. He is a brooding alpha male. This is the third book in the series. I did not read the first two books which are about Ethan’s two brothers. I found this fine as a stand alone book.

DATA:
Story length: 356 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 5. Total number of sex scene pages: 27. Setting: 1846 – 1865 England, France, and Scotland. Copyright: 2007. Genre: historical romance.(less)

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Mar 06, 2011 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: damaged-scarred_hero, hot_hero, big-hulking-beautiful-male

Ethan is my favorite of the 3 brothers. He has a large scar across his face that has turned him into a ruthless unemotional shell of a man. he has had his retribution against the people who were responsible for scarring him but does not realize that he has also destroyed the life of a young innocent girl/woman. When he sees Madeleine at a masquerade ball, he is instantly, obsessively, attracted to her, something he has not felt for 10 years. He has to have her. After he ruins her, he becomes com...more

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Jan 13, 2011 Lauraadriana rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was the last book in the McCarrick Brothers series and this was my favorite of the three...not because the other two were not good, but because I really liked both Ethan andMaddie. The first two I preferred either the hero or the heroine but not both.

Ethan is the oldest brother and the one that is the most scarred inside and out, he was disfigured unjustly by a scorned husband and later destroyed the family that did this to him

He meets Maddie at a masquerade ball, he is fooled into thinking...more

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Dec 01, 2009 Linds rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1800-s, brothers, england, romance, revenge, redemption, tough-guy, irish-or-scottish, historical-romance, highlander-romance

This is one of my favorite historical romances. It is also one of the few I can see being adapted into a good movie. I think the setting of the slums as well as Ethan's scarred face would make it visually arresting.

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Jan 18, 2013 Funmbi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-erotica

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Kresley Cole finishes her MacCarrick trilogy with the intensely compelling If You Deceive. And this book does not disappoint! Across three countries, we go on a journey filled with drama, secrecy, perseverance, forgiveness, and love. Along the way, there’s a bit of heartache, but the transformations that these characters experience make it all worthwhile. I give this story a very enthusiastic 4.5 stars.

We begin with a flashback to 23 year old Ethan, who is a notorious rake. He is set to have an...more

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Mar 30, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: those who love historical romance and those that need a fresh take on a regency era romance

Shelves: favorites

I truly enjoyed this book. I haven't read historical romance in awhile - my book shelf has been taken over by paranormal romance/urban fantasy.
The characters were colorful, real, and full of life. The story line was new to me. (There are so many regency era romances out there that I have given up on the sub-genre. Truth be told, I bought this book about 2 years ago and was just so regency romanced out that I couldn't even look at it, but I am very happy that I got over my historical overdose.)
E...more

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Feb 21, 2011 ♥The Kat's Meow♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, nook, highlanders, historical

As an all-around mercenary, assassin, killer, Ethan is your man. How does he register on the Richter scale of intensity and overall attitude? Pretty dang high. So, perhaps if the world needed a few good assassins, then the curse was a good thing after all. However, if a woman needs a good man – the curse doesn’t help at all.

Or does it?

Oh, come on! Of course, it Ethan hadn’t survived the trials life threw at him, do you really think the spunky, smart, and oh-so self-reliant Maddy would give hi...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Dangermousie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: aaangst, horrible-childhood-of-h-h, hurt-comfort, period-romance, romance, tough-heroines

10 years ago, young, drunk and stupid Ethan McCarrick almost had sex with an older married woman. He changed his mind but nonetheless got accused by her of rape (so her husband wouldn't realize she was into cheating) and horribly tortured and mutilated. He achieved his revenge by bankrupting the family (he bought all their debts and called them in early). Now he is an embittered, cold agent for the Crown who's locked away both his heart and his libido until he sees Madeline - he is completely co...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Ayu Wirdha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Van Rowen yang mendapati istrinya (Sylvie) di kamar bersama seorang pria yaitu Ethan MacCarrick menyuruh pegawainya untuk membunuh Ethan, apalagi Sylvie berkata bahwa Ethan-lah yang memaksa dan berusaha memperkosanya. Ketika Van Rowen sadar bahwa istrinya berbohong, Van Rowen bergegas ke istal untuk mencegah Ethan dibunuh. Tetapi ketika sampai di istal sebagian muka Ethan sudah dirusak & babak belur oleh pegawainya. Ethan yang dendam bersumpah akan menghancurkan Van Rowen dan keluargnya.

Sett...more Van Rowen yang mendapati istrinya (Sylvie) di kamar bersama seorang pria yaitu Ethan MacCarrick menyuruh pegawainya untuk membunuh Ethan, apalagi Sylvie berkata bahwa Ethan-lah yang memaksa dan berusaha memperkosanya. Ketika Van Rowen sadar bahwa istrinya berbohong, Van Rowen bergegas ke istal untuk mencegah Ethan dibunuh. Tetapi ketika sampai di istal sebagian muka Ethan sudah dirusak & babak belur oleh pegawainya. Ethan yang dendam bersumpah akan menghancurkan Van Rowen dan keluargnya.

Setting berpindah ke-sepuluh tahun kemudian.

Ethan diminta tolong oleh adiknya/Hugh untuk menemaninya untuk mengawasi 4 wanita yang akan menghadiri sebuah pesta topeng yang terkenal karena tidak bermoral. 4 wanita itu terdiri dari Jane (Jane ini adiknya Quin, Quin ini temennya Ethan dan Hugh), Belinda, Claudia dan Madeleine. Keempat wanita itu cumin pengen tau doang, nih pesta kayak apa sih. Sejak awal ketemu Ethan tertarik dengan Maddy begitupun sebaliknya walau mereka berdua memakai topeng. Ketika polisi merazia pesta tersebut, Maddy pun diselamatkan Ethan. Selama pesta Ethan itu dah ngerayu Maddy terus.

Maddy ini ternyata anak dari Van Rowen & Sylvie. Ethan yang dendam membuat Van Rowen meninggal dan bangkrut sehingga Sylvie & Maddy hidup miskin. Sylvie yang berdarah Perancis membawa Maddy tinggal di Paris. Ketika umur 14 tahun Sylvie meninggal dunia. Maddy yang sebatangkara bertahan hidup dengan mencuri, main judi dll kecuali menjual diri. Maddy hidup di daerah paling kumuh di Paris. Ketika Sylvie masih hidup dia mengatur pernikahan Maddy dan seseorang yang kaya serta lebih tua. Maddy yang tidak ingin menikah berusaha mencari pinjaman untuk bisa pergi ke London dan mencari suami kaya bahkan melamar Quin (kakak dari temannya) tetapi ditolak dengan halus.

Setelah pasrah bahwa tidak dapat mencari suami kaya, lalu datang Ethan yang terus merayu …Maddy pun menyerah dan ingin merasakan sesuatu dengan seseorang yang diinginkannya. Di kereta setelah razia itu, Ethan making love dengan Maddy dan mengetahui bahwa Maddy masih virgin dan langsung marah-marah. Maddy yang sakit hati, keesokannya harinya langsung pulang ke Paris. Ethan yang mencari ke rumah Quin baru sadar bahwa perempuan yang di kereta tersebut adalah Maddy Van Rowen.

Ethan pun menyusul ke Paris untuk meneruskan balas dendamnya ke Van Rowen dan berencana untuk melampiaskan ke Maddy, dengan menjadikannya mistress dan setelah puas akan mencampakkannya. Di luar dugaan Sylvie sudah meninggal dan kaget melihat hidup Maddy yang menderita selama 10 tahun ini dan akhirnya mengajukan lamaran ke Maddy. Maddy sebenernya sangsi apa motif Ethan menikahinya tetapi akhirnya menerimanya karena kejepit dengan para renternir juga Maddy terlanjur sayang ke Ethan. Maddy mengajukan syarat mereka tidak akan making love sebelum pernikahan terjadi.

Ketika sampai di Scotland, Ethan mengulur-ngulur pernikahannya, walaupun bilang ke orang-orang bahwa Maddy adalah istrinya. Ethan sering marah2 dan menjauhi Maddy karena merasa bersalah bercampur dengan dendam dan Maddy pun dengan sabar mentolerasi semua perilaku Ethan tetapi akhirnya Maddy tidak tahan dengan kata2 Ethan yang menyakitkan dan pergi meninggalkan Ethan. Tetapi Ethan cepet sadar dan berusaha mendapatkan Maddy kembali.

Tetapi Ethan tau, setelah menikah pun jika Maddy mengetahui siapa yang membuat keluarganya hancur berantakan dan Maddy hidup sengsara, apakah Maddy akan memaafkan atau meninggalkan Ethan?

I love Maddy & Ethan. Bagaimana kuatnya Maddy bertahan hidup tapi tidak menjadi orang yang sinis, lovable dan sabar terhadap Ethan walaupun tetap punya harga diri. Begitu pula dengan Ethan, walaupun kasar tetapi sebenarnya sayang banget ke Maddy. Proses dari dendam, rasa bersalah dan timbulnya cinta Ethan ke Maddy atau proses rasa sayang & cinta, terhianati dan memaafkan dari Maddy ke Ethan bikin saya emosi naik turun plus mata berkaca-kaca….
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Mar 09, 2012 Naiya Chininta rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: finish

Minta maap dulu sama Miss Kresley Cole, 3 seri ini saya habiskan dengan jurus membaca cepat--demi kencan dengan Chase Kelly Wolf dan Zsadist gyahahahaha.

Kalo Courtland mesti hampir mati dulu baru bisa ngedapetin Annalia--bahkan sampe di akhir-akhir cerita pun Court mesti berdarah-darah; sementara Hugh--lumayan gampil buat yang satu inih--harus mengakui perasaan terpendamnya sama Jane Weyland--and like this girl soo much!! She's a superb in archery!! dan harus tahan dibully sama Jane bertaun-taun...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Fanny Roswita Ria rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gagasmedia, historical, romance

Dari semua novelnya MacCarrick brother, ini yang paling aku suka. Ceritanya tidak membosankan, alurnya juga enak, tokohnya benar-benar menarik walau adegan-adegan "hot"nya parah bener. terlalu pendeskripsian juga membuat gw malu untuk membaca,,hahahahaha.

Ethan, saudara tertua dari MacCarrick brother, menemukan perempuan yang menarik perhatiannya di pesta topeng daerah "bordil" dikawasan rumah Jane Weyland. walau tidak tahu namanya tetapi interaksi Ethan dan perempuan bertopeng tersebut membekas...more Dari semua novelnya MacCarrick brother, ini yang paling aku suka. Ceritanya tidak membosankan, alurnya juga enak, tokohnya benar-benar menarik walau adegan-adegan "hot"nya parah bener. terlalu pendeskripsian juga membuat gw malu untuk membaca,,hahahahaha.

Ethan, saudara tertua dari MacCarrick brother, menemukan perempuan yang menarik perhatiannya di pesta topeng daerah "bordil" dikawasan rumah Jane Weyland. walau tidak tahu namanya tetapi interaksi Ethan dan perempuan bertopeng tersebut membekas dipikirannya bahkan mengacaukan konsentrasinya dalam memburu Grey yang menjadi buronan Network, organisasi pembunuh bayaran. Sampai akhirnya Ethan mengetahui nama perempuan tersebut dari Quinn Weyland yang membuat dirinya bertekad melanjutkan balas dendam atas tindakan yang terjadi dalam diri Ethan. cuman 1 misinya " menikahi perempuan bertopeng dan akan meninggalkannya seperti sampah"

Madeline Van Rowen, perempuan berdarah bangsawan yang jatuh miskin karena ayahnya yang bangkrut dan ibunya yang egois hanya memikirkan diri sendiri harus menghidupi dirinya sejak umur yang belia. Maddy tidak pernah menyerah dari kondisi keuangan yang miris walo kerap kali Maddy ingin menyerah begitu saja. Bertemu dengan Ethan yang mampu mengacaukan perasaannya sama sekali diluar dugaan, karena awalnya Maddy ingin merayu Quinn agar menikahi dirinya sehingga ia dapat keluar dari lingkungan kumuh tersebut. Yang dia inginkan hanyalah kemapanan dan kenyamanan dalam hidupnya yang terus luntang-lantung.

Insiden "pemerkosaan" yang tidak disengaja oleh Ethan, karena dari awal laki-laki tersebut berpikir bahwa wanita bertopeng tersebut sudah pernah melakukan, membekas di diri Maddy. Pertemuan kedua mereka sangat mengejutkan Maddy karena setelah insiden tersebut Ethan menghilang dan Maddy tidak berharap akan bertemu lagi. Tetapi interaksi Ethan yang membujuk Maddy untuk makan malam bersama, walau niatnya Ethan adalah mengajak Maddy nikah agar misi balas dendamnya terlaksana, sangatlah lucu karena Maddy bersikeras untuk menolak dan curiga atas sikap Ethan.

Selanjutnya makin seru deh, cuman wanti-wanti akan adegan-adegan "hot"nya yah..hihihihi

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Feb 12, 2012 Vina Raintree rated it 4 of 5 stars

Saudara nomer 1, paling jahat, paling dingin, paling sadis,,
Dijebak sma Sylvia Van Rowen, membuat Ethan MacCarrick mendapatkan luka ukiran dalam dimuka nya, dan tentu aja dendam slamanya,,

Dia gag nyangka, cwek pirang yg menarik matanya di pesta Courtesan dan berhasil diambil keperawanannya,, (sakit bgt,! By madelyn) adalah anak dari cwek yg dulu prnah menjebaknya, Madeline Van Rowen,

Maddy yg dlu kaya, jatuh miskin, dia ditinggal mati ibunya krna kolera dan menetap ke daerah pelacuran di Paris,...more

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Oct 16, 2011 lia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Definitely the best book out of the three MacCarrick trilogy!

Ethan and Maddy is perfect for each other. And I really love that Maddy, though very young, is faced with a very harsh live and not only survive but becomes stronger because of it.

As readers who already familiarize themselves with MacCarrick brothers, knows that Ethan is the eldest and presumably the worst of the three brothers.

The story begins with how Ethan got his scar, how Maddy's mother and father plays role in Ethan's ruinatio...more

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Feb 13, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: men-in-kilts, historical-romance, victorian, 1800s

As others have said, the BEST of the series. Ethan is the darkest and most scarred (literally) of the brothers and his romance with Madeline is intense right from the beginning. Not as much waiting for the action in this one. Ethan is ultra alpha, dominant and Madeline is sweet and flirtatious. He asks for what he wants, vocally! Madeline was a pleasure to read, unlike many of Cole's heroines: strong, independent, intelligent, WITHOUT being obnoxious. She's has some great one-liners. I did take...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Joy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, favorites, historical-romance, kresley-cole, scots-highlanders

Given what I've rated the first two books in this trilogy, I'm surprised at the turnaround of events. The books could be read as stand alone because of the overlapping events, but it's better to read them in order. This is undeniably my favorite in the series.

After such a long time, Ethan has finally found a woman who made his heart beat, and made him hard in all the right places. There's a good prologue before everything else, and it really helped that the two brothers convinced Ethan they were...more Given what I've rated the first two books in this trilogy, I'm surprised at the turnaround of events. The books could be read as stand alone because of the overlapping events, but it's better to read them in order. This is undeniably my favorite in the series.

After such a long time, Ethan has finally found a woman who made his heart beat, and made him hard in all the right places. There's a good prologue before everything else, and it really helped that the two brothers convinced Ethan they were misinterpreting their book of fates the wrong way. Though he's not 100% convinced, he can't deny his attraction for Madeleine Van Rowen. She's connected to the Weylands through Claudia, Jane's cousin.

It saddened me how she lost her virtue in a cab, and Ethan's cruel treatment of her. Because she's jaded he assumed she's worldly. Things got worse until he recovered from Grey's bullet. What's more intriguing is her true home in La Marais, which is a slum. It was where she grew up, learned how to face dirt, like poverty in its finest. I liked how it was described, I felt sorry for her and really admired her feat. At such a tender age, she stood on her own feet because her worthless mother abandoned her.

I'd like to just comment on how socially relevant this is. Even though she's not a prostitute, she's as good as one living in those conditions. Maddy is such a strong character and even though she's destitute, she has her dignity intact. She still strives to make it to the next day without broken arms, and when Ethan liberated her from that, of course I felt happy, but I'll also feel he has to rub it in her face where she came from. Though I know he's comparing the luxury she can have when she marries him, I still felt it was degrading.

Ethan's character is a total rehash. I liked how Ms Cole made it work between the two of them aside from being in lust with each other. I hurt for Maddy for all the times she was wronged, and I triumphed with her everytime she survives. Ethan's deception was the final straw, but with everything he did for her, I knew he just has to make a grand apology, and that he did.

In fairness to him, he's still suffering from guilt of his machinations. He was the one who put her in the slums in the first place. He was able to get his revenge on her parents and she suffered for it. I cried when Maddy was afflicted with the cholera, I know that she'll survive because Ms Cole is not known for her tragic endings, I really thought she's not gonna make it, but because of Ethan's stubbornness and love, she was able to recuperated in a safe environment.

I felt the emotions going through the characters, fear of losing a loved one. Finally wanting to live for that someone, and wanting to be a good person for that someone. Wow, the story isn't difficult to love. Aside from the hot love scenes, the happy ending, the wonderful MacCarrick families would live happily ever after.(less)

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Jan 08, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: maccarrick-brothers, historical-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. "If You Deceive" is the 3rd book in Kresley Cole's sexy Highlander series surrounding the MacCarrick Brothers. This installment focuses on the eldest brother, Ethan. Like his brothers, Court and Hugh, Ethan believes the family is cursed... the brothers never to marry or have children. If any were to open his heart, the object of his affections will suffer or die. Ethan feels like he is most intimately acquainted with the curse, as his old fiance killed herself years ago, shortly before their wed...more "If You Deceive" is the 3rd book in Kresley Cole's sexy Highlander series surrounding the MacCarrick Brothers. This installment focuses on the eldest brother, Ethan. Like his brothers, Court and Hugh, Ethan believes the family is cursed... the brothers never to marry or have children. If any were to open his heart, the object of his affections will suffer or die. Ethan feels like he is most intimately acquainted with the curse, as his old fiance killed herself years ago, shortly before their wedding.

10 years ago, Ethan was a handsome rake, who went home with a different woman every night. But one evening, he went home with the wrong woman. She was married, a little older, and thought to seduce him. Once in her bedroom, he changed his mind. The woman became enraged. And when her husband came home early, she said Ethan tried to rape her. The husband had him beaten and his face slashed. Ethan made it a point to ruin the man and his evil wife. He bought up their debts and called them in. The husband killed himself. The wife and her daughter, Maddy, were driven into abject poverty. Anyone want to take a guess who that daughter will become to our hero?

Ethan meets Maddy in the novel's present day, at a masquerade ball. They are inextricably drawn to each other. So much so, their passion escalates to sex in the carriage after the party. Ethan doesn't know young Maddy is still innocent and he is a little too forceful with her. She leaves with a healthy dose of fear about sex. And Ethan is disconcerted by his intense feelings for the woman.

They go their separate ways... Maddy back to her seedy French apartment and Ethan on an assassin's job. But after it's over, he realizes he must find her again. It's after he starts making inquiries that he figures out who she really is.

He pursues her anyway, thinking to find new ways to punish her mother. He asks Maddy to marry him. But he begins to truly fall for her. And he soon learns her mother is long dead -and he is to blame for the hard live Maddy has led.

Ethan and Maddy's feelings for each other are real and deep, but the secret between them creates a huge chasm. Ethan has so much baggage surrounding his scars, his curse and his past. He clearly doesn't know how to love, but with Maddy, it's inevitable. Their encounters are steamy. Their story is captivating. I couldn't put it down.

And I loved the Epilogue, that gives us a glimpse into the future of all three brothers.

5 stars.

(less)

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Aug 16, 2010 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: king-of-the-harem, by-george-thats-awesome, cherry-poppin, queen-of-the-harem, author-kresley-cole, 5-stars, damn-that-cover-is-smokin, come-here-baby-so-i-can-lick-you, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, historical-harem, thats-some-funny-shit, its-all-in-the-accent, big-girls-dont-cry, bad-boy-take-me-away

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It is decided: Ethan is officially my favorite MacCarrick brother! And If You Deceive is my favorite book of the trilogy.

Ethan is without a doubt the best ever, and I'm pretty confident that I wouldn't mind his scar. Ethan is the most understood of his brothers. He feels so deeply, and while I know Hugh loves Jane deeply and Court loves Anna deeply, Ethan has a certain intense passion about him that makes me think he loves deeper than his brothers ever could. I cried when he was shot and when he...more It is decided: Ethan is officially my favorite MacCarrick brother! And If You Deceive is my favorite book of the trilogy.

Ethan is without a doubt the best ever, and I'm pretty confident that I wouldn't mind his scar. Ethan is the most understood of his brothers. He feels so deeply, and while I know Hugh loves Jane deeply and Court loves Anna deeply, Ethan has a certain intense passion about him that makes me think he loves deeper than his brothers ever could. I cried when he was shot and when he found Maddy in that cholera ward, broke my heart. I love my strong, brave Scot... I hate, though, that he lied to Maddy but I'm glad that they were able to work it out and be together. And I love that he wanted to get Maddy pregnant once he found out that he could.

Maddy is my favorite female from the trilogy, too; I liked her even more than Jane, who I loved. I freaked out, majorly, when she had cholera and lost the baby. I was heartbroken when she left Ethan without even asking him about what happened, and I wanted to slap the little minx even time she insulted his scar, whether she accepted it or not. I loved her easy banter with Ethan in the beginning. It just about tore my heart out when Maddy was taking so damn long to make a decision about whether she was going to stay with Ethan or not.

I wanted to pummel Quin in the beginning at the way he talked to my Ethan, but I am glad he helped Ethan in saving Maddy.

I found a perverse sense of satisfaction, like Ethan, when he found out that Sylvie died a painful death.

I'm glad that Hugh came for Ethan after he was shot. I loved the fact that he named his son after Ethan and when he told Ethan that he was proud of him.

It was so cute how Court was freaking out while Anna was giving birth, and I love when he suddenly becomes enamored of baby Aleix.

I loved the ending with all three of the brothers there with their wives and their multitude of children. And I love that Ethan was a natural with them and they all adored him.

There was one part that was cringe-worthy for me, though: As much as I love a good carriage sex scene in historical romance, I have to say that Ethan and Maddy's first time even made me cringe. I hate that Ethan hurt her because he didn't know she was a virgin...She should have told him she was a virgin, damn it!(less)

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Jul 11, 2010 MaggieReadsRom rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-before-2009, historical

Ethan MacCarrick has only lived for his revenge on the family responsible for his scars, both physically and emotionally. Since that terrible night his life changed forever he has been cold and determined. This combined with his scarred face and the curse that hangs above him and his brothers, he believes he'll never want or need a woman, much less that a woman would ever want or need him. Until Madeleine van Rowen, the daughter of the two people who ruined his life but whose lives he ruined in...more

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Jun 26, 2011 Tai the Lioness rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: KC Fans, Romance Readers, love of scarred heroes

Shelves: summer-11, heroines-bad-past-suffering-abused, favorite-heros-my-husbands, favorites, historical-romance, mercenary-bounty-hunter, strong-best-heroines

Smashing Historical Romance.

Things I Adore about this book...
Unfortunately, A lot of romance writers completely get lost in the time period. As a historical author, it is your job to transport people back hundreds of years, whether they are a HisRom Noobie or a Seasoned Veteran, while not taking on the vibe of the dreaded High School History Text book. Kresley does a bang up job of letting me see the splendor and also the squalor of La Marais(Parisian Slum) while still keeping the spotlight on...more

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Mar 07, 2011 taita rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance

Out of all the books in this trilogy, this is my favorite. Ethan and Maddy's love story is intriguing from the beginning. It's appropriate that the brother who broods the most, has the strongest reactions against and then for love.

While the other two books had elaborate plots to fight against an "enemy", this book was more about Ethan and Maddy fighting themselves and the insecurities and circumstances that have made them so cynical.

Though Ethan irritated me at first, I grew to love him and hi...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Katharyn Taylor rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

The MacCarrick Brothers consist of (from youngest to oldest) Courtland, Hugh and Ethan. Their family has been cursed by bad fortune that seems to come from an old superstition or prophesy about the three brothers. Suffice to say, each are believed to never marry and to never have children. The line will die with them and should they choose to force it otherwise, bad, bad things will happen to all involved. It’s a take on the “don’t love me, I’m too toxic” type of bad-boy persona. But in this cas...more

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Apr 07, 2011 Natasha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Heartbreakingly brilliant!

"If You Deceive" is the third and final installment in the MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy by the amazing Kresley Cole. Kresley Cole is mostly known for her sexy Immortals After Dark Series, but she has other fantastic series, including this one. I was in the mood for a Historical romance series with strapping handsome men and strong willed woman and clearly choosing this novel was a perfect choice.

Ethan is the male character of my dreams. I have a softness for strong, ste...more Heartbreakingly brilliant!

"If You Deceive" is the third and final installment in the MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy by the amazing Kresley Cole. Kresley Cole is mostly known for her sexy Immortals After Dark Series, but she has other fantastic series, including this one. I was in the mood for a Historical romance series with strapping handsome men and strong willed woman and clearly choosing this novel was a perfect choice.

Ethan is the male character of my dreams. I have a softness for strong, stern men that are hurt under the surface and waiting for the right woman to make him feel again. Ethan character was certainly that. He's always been handsome, never needing to ask for a woman because there were always others waiting. Then he was terribly wronged and left horribly scared on one side of his face. He lives, but after one night so terribly that his life has turned into only hate and pain, nothing matters but revenge to those who wronged him, and nothing will get in his way in that revenge. Until he meets Madeleine. She's beautiful yes, but she's not even his type, but he can't seem to keep his eyes off her. She is the first woman he has ever pursued. Little does he know she's not so easy to pursue.

Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent and witty. She has great charisma and spunk, but shes living a lie. It's believed that she lives at the beautiful family house where she grew up, but do to a life shattering scandal when she was young, she is now poor. She's lived on her own since she young and she only just gets by from the work she does, and the occasional thievery. She deserves much more, but nobody but her two friends know of her heartbreaking life.

Ethan doesn't really know what he wants for some part of this story. Deep down I think he does, but his motives were mixed. He has had a plan for revenge for ten long years, no way would he change his thoughts now? It would be very hard to make a decision if you were in his shoes, although it's obvious which one I'd choose.

This novel was fantastic. Full off deceit, revenge, heartbreak, thrilling love and surprisingly a good deal of whit. I couldn't stop reading this, even for supper. I was hooked from page one and I'm super disappointed that it's ended. I want more, more, more! (less)

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Jan 24, 2011 Britainy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, historical, 2011, 4-floozies

Check out my blog for the full review!
What a great way to end a great series. The MacCarrick Brother's books are in direct order to my enjoyment of them. Court's book was enjoyable but not as much as Hugh's and Hugh's not as much as Ethan's.

LOVED Ethan!! When he appeared in the first two I had very strong dislike for him. I was doubting Ms. Cole's ability to work him into a lovable enough character. He's mean, scary, angry, rude, withdrawn, etc . . . How was he going to get involved in a relatio...more

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Dec 14, 2011 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is one of my all time favorites and I have it prominently displayed on my keeper shelf. Of all the McCarrick books in the series this one is a take no prisoners ride but one with a very sweet side to it. It reminds me of another favorite book be Lisa Kleypas called Scandal in Winter. Ethan McCarrick is a harsh brute who slept his way through the aristocracy never caring for who he might have hurt or whose husband might have been enraged. As a result he is badly disfigured and ow carrie...more

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Nov 22, 2011 Sabrina Sam rated it 4 of 5 stars

First off, I actually give this book a 4.5 out of 5.

I enjoyed the humor, romance and relationship between the hero & heroine. The only thing that kept this book from being a complete 5 was the sentence structure. At times, it was a bit sloppy. I had to reread a few lines over just to get the flow of the meaning. Odd thing is, this is actually a really good book, I just don't really remember much about it. Don't get me wrong, I know the plot and everything, I just can't remember any signific...more

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About Kresley Cole

Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series and the young adult Arcana Chronicles. She has also written five award-winning historical romances.

Since her first novel was released in 2003, Kresley has published nineteen books with Simon & Schuster and has seen her releases translated into more than eighteen foreign language...more

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Books by Kresley Cole

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, #2)

No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark, #3)

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark, #4)

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, #6)

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark, #5)

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Quotes from If You Deceive

“Aingeal, there is only one thing on my body that's ten inches long, and if you'll recall, the scar is no' it.” — 169 people liked it

“a man would know the women he was meant to be with because she made him weak. Till he claimed her and she made him strong.” — 65 people liked it

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If You Deceive (MacCarrick Brothers #3)

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