Sweet Deception

by Angel Nicholas

Ally Thompson’s life is perfect. Calm, quiet, some might even say boring. The sole survivor of a tragic accident, she’s not the adventurous type—something she’s decided to change.

One roller-coaster ride…

A murder and a detective in disguise shatter Ally’s first attempt at “fun.” Detective Greg Marsing is everything Ally knows better than to want. The gun-totting, tattooed scumbags trying to kill her are almost a welcome distraction from her pointless attraction.

Blows her world wide open…

A contract on Ally has every lowlife for miles gunning for her. Sparks fly while she and her unlikely hero scramble to unravel clues. As the deadly game escalates, Greg has to decide if self-preservation rates higher than a love worth dying for.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2014

About the author

Angel Nicholas spent her childhood writing angst-ridden poetry and hiding behind romance novels. Now the mother of four children and one beautiful grandchild, fiction is still her refuge. Excessive caffeine fuels her typing. The splendors of Idaho inspire her muse. When she's not torturing her characters, Angel can be found in the nearest coffee shop or shoe store.

Reviews

[Eve Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG – the pace of this romantic suspense is electrifying. From the very first page I was IN the story. Fab original opening, and from that great setup the pace Does. Not. Let. Up! I loved that the danger and suspense was really well written and the snarky banter between Ally and Greg spiced up the adrenalin level nicely, so that their developing relationship followed naturally instead of being secondary to the plot. Ally’s and Greg’s back-stories fed into the main themes nicely and the villain had the right amount of “sicko-nastiness” that I like without tipping over into completely unbelievable bwahahaha! Oh, and can I just add, that I would really love it if a certain male secondary character got his own story too. Pretty please!:)

[Jim Cangany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine being going for a ride in an IndyCar or Formula 1 race car. The driver floors it from the get-go and takes you on a 200 mph ride, only letting off the gas for an pit stop to refuel before ripping into the fast lane again. That's the trip Angel Nicholas takes you on in "Sweet Deception." Looking for a fun change of pace from her mundane life, Ally Thompson takes a trip to an amusement park, where she is witness to a murder. Before she knows it, Ally is on the run for her life, her only protection the handsome but unpredictable detective Greg Marsing. Ally has no idea why she's being hunted. Is it simply because she witnessed the murder, or is there something more sinister going on? And will she even live long enough to find out?

Nicholas gives us a vivid picture into Ally and Greg's world, both the good--Greg's gorgeous lake house and Ally's unexpected friendship with Greg's sister Celia, and the bad--a gut wrenching sequence of Ally's capture and imprisonment in a whore house. In addition to the suspense of whether or not Ally will survive, Nicholas gives Ally and Greg time for romance that heats up quickly and never lets go. This story has a little bit of everything for the romantic suspense fan--good cops, bad cops, contract killers, drug dealers, unexpected allies, and much more.

If you're looking for an adrenaline-fueled race for survival with enough heat between hero and heroine to singe the pages, give "Sweet Deception" a try. This is Nicholas' first novel and it doesn't disappoint. I look forward to her next offering.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of "Sweet Deception" in exchange for an honest review.

[Gina Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping read, the action is intense and the romance is hot. I was holding onto my ereader tightly as I immersed myself into this story. Ally Thompson is a character women can really relate to and has a great sense of humor. The hero in the book Greg Marsing is tough and sexy,and makes for a great book boyfriend.

There were so many moments, where I was cringing and worried for the Ally...I don't give away spoilers in my reviews, but let's just say this reader was more than satisfied.

If you are looking for a hot, suspenseful, twist-turning plot you will enjoy this book. Angel Nicholas is definitely an author to keep on your reading radar.

[John W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholas introduces Amy Thompson, her female protagonist, to readers giving them her back story. Amy works as a claims processor for a local insurance company. She does little or no socializing and prefers staying home in the evening watching TV or reading for her entertainment. Her daily routine stays the same except for those days she shops before going home to watch TV. Nicholas helps readers understand it is Amy’s perception that she is not attractive and she is boring. Nicholas explains Amy just isn’t giving herself a chance.

Greg Marsing, is the male protagonist in SWEET DECPTION. Readers learn Marsing’s history by giving them
insight to events in his past, he is a handsome single, homicide detective who also happens to be wealthy. Even with his wealth and good looks his fellow officers consider him a good homicide detective with commitment issues.

Readers experience Nicholas’ skillful writing as she speeds up the action of her plot. Nicholas’s main protagonists as well as important support characters are brought into events as the need for them unfolds.
SWEET DECEPTION begins surprising readers at a speed comparable to how fast a roller coaster takes the hairpin curves. It is Amy’s first roller coaster ride and by chance Greg is sitting between Amy and his sister in the front car of the roller coaster. Readers see events through Amy’s eyes as a rider falls to his death and they see Greg transitioning from passenger on the roller coaster to police detective protecting his sister and Amy. Even after readers learn of the death of the passenger Nicholas guides readers through any danger. Greg Marsing is escorting Amy from the roller coaster when someone starts shooting at Greg and Amy. A bullet grazes Amy causing a flesh wound.

Marsing in his police detective role, insists on providing protection for Amy by sending an escort with Amy to her home. The author shocks her readers when Amy arrives home and her police escort searches her condo to insure Amy is safe. Amy follows the officer to her kitchen and begins making tea. As she is talking to the officer the boiling water is ready for tea. She prepares to pour and sees an image in the shine of her frying pan of someone about to attack her. Amy’s quick reflexes using boiling water and heavy frying pan to protect herself and stops the police officer’s attack.

The plot’s momentum continues to build and increases the pace at each turn of the page. Marsing finally convinces Amy her life is in real danger. Danger is going to continue to build with potential hoodlums or other corrupt law enforcement all trying to kill Amy.

Readers never truly get a feeling of who or why the author’s main antagonist trying to kill or arrange for Amy’s disappearance. As the plot moves forward, she experiences several life threatening events. Amy and Greg don’t know who or what the motive is behind the threats.

Nicholas brings her characters Greg Marsing and Amy Thompson to life on the page using words to create a vivid picture of their activities. The SWEET DECEPTION story line keeps readers wondering how Angel Nicholas is going to tie up all the loose ends.

Her riveting story of good over evil tests how fate and Amy’s faith will effect the ultimate outcome. Readers experience Amy’s issues and chaos from her past and see her establish a new direction. Nicholas shares how events have renewed Amy’s life and commitment to find a way to help others. Who Amy partners with will add to the many surprises at the conclusion of SWEET DECEPTION.

SWEET DECEPTION is a great mystery, thriller and human interest story. Angel Nicholas takes her readers on a journey of difficult choices offering a common sense heart stopping ending. SWEET DECEPTION by Angel Nicholas is a must read and earns a 5 star ranking.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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'Sweet Deception' is a dichotomy. The first half of the story is full of action, suspense and romantic heat. The suspense in the early chapters is well written and powerful. It makes you hold your breath and peer through your fingers.

The sparks that fly between the hot shot detective Greg and the gutsy heroine Ally result in great chemistry and lots of snarky humour mitigating the real danger Ally finds herself in. Ally is a likeable heroine and I was cheering her on as she strives to conquer her fears and lack of self-belief. The fast paced plot and vivid characters make this story an entertaining read for the most part.

Half way through the story's mood changes; there are heartbreaking scenes of sexual assault and sex trafficking. The scenes are disturbing and for me didn't fit with the rest of the story. Ally's reactions after her gut wrenching encounter with the world of vice didn't ring true, she recovered too quickly. After these harrowing scenes the story's mood returns to the action packed thriller with a strong thread of passionate attraction of the early chapters.

This is a sophisticated thriller with realistic characters and nice touches of humour to tone down the suspense and danger that the heroine, Ally attracts. The vice scenes in the middle of the story are also sensitively written but they jar with the tone of the rest of the story. This maybe the intention but for me, it took the edge off a great romantic suspense.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.





Angel Nicholas

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Deception is a gritty realistic romantic suspense and Angel Nicholas' entertaining and witty linguistic style is reminiscent of Raymond Chandler.
Ally Thompson leads an ordinary, boring life as an insurance claims clerk and tries to challenge herself out of her humdrum existence. But the choice of a fearful roller coaster ride does more than turn her world upside down; she finds herself not only thrust into the arms of hot detective Greg Marsing, but also into the clutches of a low life hit-man who is all out to kill her. For reasons to be discovered, Ally gets dragged into an underworld of crime and prostitution, surviving on her wits and sheer determinism. Greg, her knight in shining armour, seems to be fully encased in a hard protective shell that keeps his emotions in check. The sex they have together is wonderful but Ally wants more than he is prepared to give. Lots of suspense keeps you gripping on, right to the end of the ride.

[Mellie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Deception is a wonderful story! Deciding to go out and do something for once in her life, Ally visits the amusement park, where she finds herself seated next to a gorgeous hunk. While trying to keep her mind away from how he feels next to her, they witness a man being shoved out of a car ahead of them.

And then it all begins. Someone is trying to have Ally killed. And the hunk? He's her police force hero, trying to protect her, find whoever killed the guy on the roller coaster, and discover who has a contract out on Ally.

A wonderfully woven intrigue with plenty of steamy romance. Thank you Angel Nicholas!

[Dixie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Deception is one heck of a ride! As romantic suspense goes, this one doesn't give you time to breathe between heart-stopping action scenes. Greg and Ally are about as opposite as they can be in the beginning but manage to find their HEA in the end, and I was rooting for them all the way. This book is HOT and action-packed, so don't plan on stopping once you start! In addition, the author has a real talent with humor and made me laugh out loud all the way through. I highly recommend SWEET DECEPTION!

[Margaret Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Deception is a fast-paced, fun, steamy read with unexpected twists. I found the hero and heroine to be likably flawed, and enjoyed their banter. A few times I struggled with choices the hero or heroine made, and the big twist in the middle packed, for me, a bit too much of an emotional punch, but the book is very well-written and engaging - you definitely want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I admit, I have a bit of a crush on Surfer Dude. I'll be reading Ms. Nicholas' future books, for sure.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally outside my usual reading genres - but a friend made me promise to read it and I quite honestly couldn't put it down. GREAT stuff. Loved both leads - every guy wishes for a girl like Ally - at least I do.

A fun read, great plot, delightful characters - fast-paced, intriguing and all in all - even if I had to admit my friend was right - a great read. Given it is the author's first book I am honestly looking forward to more.

[Roxanne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is HAWT and action-packed! Kept me reading through the late hours of the night. Love the heroine. She's vulnerable, but smart and capable. And sarcastic, which I can appreciate and relate to. Loved this book.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Ally Thompson decides to add some spice to her boring life and ride a roller coaster after work, she doesn't expect to witness the murder of one of her coworkers when he is thrown off the bench seat by another rider. From that moment on, Ally is subjected to many jarring events which require the protection of the police. The man who sat next to Ally on the roller coaster that she labeled Surfer Dude due to his looks, turns out to be police detective, Greg Marsing, and he becomes her protector. Ally can't figure out what she has done to warrant such attention from so many criminals or how she can survive her growing attraction to Greg.

After spending months looking for a copy of Sweet Deception, I expected more than cheesy dialogue and silly, over-the-top situations from this novel that came so highly recommended. The plot reminded me of a poorly made 1970s romantic action film with weak acting and a bad script. Ally gets herself into ridiculous situations due to the many awful choices she makes. Greg is so very stereotypical that it makes it difficult to see him as the hero, and the villains are one dimensional cardboard cutouts. However, the story does have a couple of redeeming qualities. The action is nonstop throughout the book, making it a very quick read and positive attention is drawn to the plight of women in the modern world of human trafficking. Overall, though, I'm sorry that Sweet Deception was recommended to me.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. There’s lots of action and hot sex. Oh, and there’s quite a bit of humour in it too.

[Tbabe001 · Rating 1 out of 5]

The H/h are locking lips less ten 5min after meeting...no conversation...zero intro ...it was not hot....it was more like yikes that’s creepy

[Auria Jourdain · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I do not reveal spoilers:

How can you say no to a romantic suspense that starts with an intense roller coaster ride? Looking for a little more adventure in her otherwise dull and boring life, insurance claims specialist Ally drags attempts to break out of her mold by taking an adventure ride...only to be caught in the middle of a murder. Enter Detective Greg Marsing...A.K.A. Surfer Dude, the arrogant--and oh-so-sexy-- alpha male who just happens to be sitting next to her on the ride. After the man saves Ally from a killer's snare, she wants nothing more than to return to her boring life--sans the sexy detective. Unfortunately, she finds herself the target of a serial killer's mad rampage...and she has no idea why. Greg insists on protecting her at all costs, and their adventure turns into a toe-curling and sexy adventure that moves at light-speed.

Ms. Nicholas had me from page one! I loved that Ally isn't your typical heroine...a plus-size gal, she's skeptical of Greg's attentions, and it's refreshing to see the handsome rogue magnetically drawn to Ally's curves AND her vivacious personality. The intense sexual chemistry between these two is palpable as soon as Greg sits next to her on the roller coaster ride. And, both Greg and Ally have backstories that give readers an instant reason to root for their HEA. Her writing style is fast-paced, and I guarantee you won't want to put it down.

Sweet Deception is a heart-stopping, action-filled romance with lots of spice that blasts off from the get-go, and I couldn't put it down!

[Jacqualine Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Beginning this book with a roller coaster scene was perfect because I felt like I was on a nonstop roller coaster ride from the first page until the last page. This story had twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop.

Greg and Ally are both lovable. I loved seeing Ally become more self-assured as the book progressed. Greg didn't stand a chance when it came to falling for Ally. The sexual chemistry between these two is HOT!

The "bad guys" ranged from crooked cops to scumbags involved in sex trafficking. I'm seriously amazed at the plot twists involving these guys. I found myself thinking "how does she come up with this stuff" and "are you kidding me" several times throughout the book.

The plot, character, details, etc were simply wonderful. I highly recommend Sweet Deception if you are looking for a fast-paced romantic thriller. Make sure you have plenty of free time because you won't want to stop reading once you start!

[Debbie Kolins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a prize I won. This was a fun book to read. We have Ally Thompson and Detective Greg Marsing [who ally nick named Surfer Dude]. Ally Thompson's life is boring. Go to work in insurance claims, come home, have dinner, pour a glass of wine and read a book in bed. Then you have Greg who has a past he hasn't dealt with and he has commitment issues. This book has drug running, human trafficking, sex trafficking, dirty cops in the book. Ally decides to do something adventurous, by riding a roller coaster is a Ally is put in special seat at the rear of the coaster and she finds herself seated next to (of all people) tall blond and sexy detective Greg Marsing ["Surfer Dude"]. Then one of the riders is murdered and thrown from the car, Greg [Surfer Dude] ends up saving her life and there begins a much more serious story. There is some sexual tension between Ally and Greg and they do have some hot sex scenes. Thank you Angel Nicholas, I truly loved this book!!

[Debbie Kolins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a prize I won. This was a fun book to read. We have Ally Thompson and Detective Greg Marsing [who ally nick named Surfer Dude]. Ally Thompson's life is boring. Go to work in insurance claims, come home, have dinner, pour a glass of wine and read a book in bed. Then you have Greg who has a past he hasn't dealt with and he has commitment issues. This book has drug running, human trafficking, sex trafficking, dirty cops in the book. Ally decides to do something adventurous, by riding a roller coaster is a Ally is put in special seat at the rear of the coaster and she finds herself seated next to (of all people) tall blond and sexy detective Greg Marsing ["Surfer Dude"]. Then one of the riders is murdered and thrown from the car, Greg [Surfer Dude] ends up saving her life and there begins a much more serious story. There is some sexual tension between Ally and Greg and they do have some hot sex scenes. Thank you Angel Nicholas, I truly loved this book!!

[Zarith dol · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC given by netgalley for an honest review

I want to like the book but just can't. The thing is I loved both the main characters and to mention the secondary characters are just to die for but something missing. The story is very good up until 70% of the story and just went downhill from there. The villain(s) main and shadow idea of characters are good just need better build up, same goes to the main H/h especially the hero. For a start up with a boring heroine, she blossom in the story (I love it). She is the one that save herself first before the hero enter and save the day (really?). Not just one scene, but most of the scenes with a villain.
This book exude a fast paced trilling plot that I love but romantic chemistry just burn out in the middle of the story. Not my cup of tea but can be better. 2 stars

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started good but then got tired of the blowing hot and cold from the hero

[Pat Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read

This is a really, really good book. Lots of action and lots of love. It shows how even the hardest heart can learn to love. I want more from this author.