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Harlequin's Deception
The Shift occurred ten years ago, and shredded the barrier between the mortal and paranormal worlds. Harley discovered she had powers that fateful night and created a magical agency that has the respect of the local police force. While her professional life soars, her love life is DOA. Harley is drawn into a heinous investigation where four young lives were lost. Before she knows it, she is spending time with three beautiful men. Cowboy – wants to possess her body and soul. Nic – a vamp of unknown origins has his own agenda for her Aiden – the Jester is a hit man for Nic is also stirring the pot How’s a girl suppose to navigate the danger to find love?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2017
31 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Candi Fox
40 books148 followersCandi Fox, co-host of the wildly popular radio show Candi and Company with over a million listeners began her venture in the paranormal at the tender age of two, when she witnessed her first apparition. From that moment on the paranormal seemed to follow her. No matter where she moved, the house she lived in the house next door, or the house down the street always seemed to be haunted.
Candi lives with her husband and furry children in Tulsa. She is passionate about the occult, saving and rehabilitating horses, horseback riding, magic, all things mystical and has her Reiki Mastery.
Candi lives with her husband and furry children in Tulsa. She is passionate about the occult, saving and rehabilitating horses, horseback riding, magic, all things mystical and has her Reiki Mastery.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 5, 2017
0 Stars to 3 Stars to 0 Stars
Confusing I know right.
I am always impressed when new authors release a book. I have the highest hope for those who have given birth to dreams and ideas and articulated it into a novel that you want to share with the world. I even expect them to have stumbles, every new author does.
In today's market of self publishing though, I'm a little surprised at how quickly they are throwing there books out there with no amount of good literary advice or even well written story lines. A good idea does not a good book become. That is just it, they are ideas that must be developed. It like teaching a baby to walk. You fall a thousand times before you really take your first step.
So with that being said let me move to my review....
Harlequin's Deception????
Why this title? I could not find the mention of Harlequin anywhere in the book. I read it! Cover to cover, no harlequin!!! (three times looking for a harlequin)
I actually couldn't put the book down, because it was so funny and one dimensional. I swear there are 23 words that were used as if they were pulled directly from the urban dictionary.
Examples: Pansexual, polyamorous
Clitoris I think began my pet peeve of many chapters. Since I have had sex in my life a time or two, it occurred NEVER to me in the throws of passion to ever think to myself, "please suck on my Clitoris now!!!"
I think it's great that this author is a fan of Laurell K. Hamilton, but you can't take her stories you so obviously love and try to make them yours, in your own mind. I should know because before I read your book, I had just finished Crimson Death. And I thought to myself I bet this author has a Jean Claude and Richard Poster taped to the back of her bedroom door.
Example: Cowboy has the same hangups as Richard. "You took a vampires blood," "Your mine and only mine to dominate." Hows that for whinny parallels.
If you have no formal writing history nor have been educated in the proper way to write such as talking a writing course or have some formal undergraduate skills. You should read the Oxford Guide to Effective Writing and Speaking: How to Communicate Clearly Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation. It states that, Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling are key in written communications. The reader will form an opinion of you, the author, based on both the content and presentation, and errors are likely to lead them to form a negative impression.
Now that I've got my zero stars out of the way, let me tell you why I gave it three itty-bitty stars. I see potential, if this author can turn her one-dimensional writing into a three+ dimensional flow. Make the characters come to life, don't just tell a story, make us live the story. When reading a story you should be able to fall into the characters as if you are living the story too. I should have felt the same panic Harley felt when she is hiding behind the truck watching that creature devouring a car bumper. When she talks about her husband David and his cruelty, the reader should feel the twinge in their heart as well. I should have been able to cry real tears, when Mike is laying on the ground bleeding out under Harley's hands. Instead I thought well Mike is as dimensionless as a Kleenex.
I see lots of potential but no writing skills. But I believe everyone deserves a second chance and I hope to see this in the next book.
The cover of the book was beautiful, but it didn't really match the characters. After all Harley may be a witch but she is a bubbly, happy witch with blood red hair. Always full of smiles after all that is the very thing that attracted the Jester, Aiden. The cover witch is so serious. If this book had a serious rewrite with proper grammar and mechanics of language it could really be up there with the likes Hamilton. Please I want so much for you as an author to succeed. I look forward to the next installment.
Confusing I know right.
I am always impressed when new authors release a book. I have the highest hope for those who have given birth to dreams and ideas and articulated it into a novel that you want to share with the world. I even expect them to have stumbles, every new author does.
In today's market of self publishing though, I'm a little surprised at how quickly they are throwing there books out there with no amount of good literary advice or even well written story lines. A good idea does not a good book become. That is just it, they are ideas that must be developed. It like teaching a baby to walk. You fall a thousand times before you really take your first step.
So with that being said let me move to my review....
Harlequin's Deception????
Why this title? I could not find the mention of Harlequin anywhere in the book. I read it! Cover to cover, no harlequin!!! (three times looking for a harlequin)
I actually couldn't put the book down, because it was so funny and one dimensional. I swear there are 23 words that were used as if they were pulled directly from the urban dictionary.
Examples: Pansexual, polyamorous
Clitoris I think began my pet peeve of many chapters. Since I have had sex in my life a time or two, it occurred NEVER to me in the throws of passion to ever think to myself, "please suck on my Clitoris now!!!"
I think it's great that this author is a fan of Laurell K. Hamilton, but you can't take her stories you so obviously love and try to make them yours, in your own mind. I should know because before I read your book, I had just finished Crimson Death. And I thought to myself I bet this author has a Jean Claude and Richard Poster taped to the back of her bedroom door.
Example: Cowboy has the same hangups as Richard. "You took a vampires blood," "Your mine and only mine to dominate." Hows that for whinny parallels.
If you have no formal writing history nor have been educated in the proper way to write such as talking a writing course or have some formal undergraduate skills. You should read the Oxford Guide to Effective Writing and Speaking: How to Communicate Clearly Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation. It states that, Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling are key in written communications. The reader will form an opinion of you, the author, based on both the content and presentation, and errors are likely to lead them to form a negative impression.
Now that I've got my zero stars out of the way, let me tell you why I gave it three itty-bitty stars. I see potential, if this author can turn her one-dimensional writing into a three+ dimensional flow. Make the characters come to life, don't just tell a story, make us live the story. When reading a story you should be able to fall into the characters as if you are living the story too. I should have felt the same panic Harley felt when she is hiding behind the truck watching that creature devouring a car bumper. When she talks about her husband David and his cruelty, the reader should feel the twinge in their heart as well. I should have been able to cry real tears, when Mike is laying on the ground bleeding out under Harley's hands. Instead I thought well Mike is as dimensionless as a Kleenex.
I see lots of potential but no writing skills. But I believe everyone deserves a second chance and I hope to see this in the next book.
The cover of the book was beautiful, but it didn't really match the characters. After all Harley may be a witch but she is a bubbly, happy witch with blood red hair. Always full of smiles after all that is the very thing that attracted the Jester, Aiden. The cover witch is so serious. If this book had a serious rewrite with proper grammar and mechanics of language it could really be up there with the likes Hamilton. Please I want so much for you as an author to succeed. I look forward to the next installment.
January 24, 2021
♥️🌼Harlequin’s Deception🌼♥️
Harlequin’s Deception is the first book I’ve read by author, Candi Fox, and I always enjoy finding a new author...but I’ll be honest, I don’t really read paranormal... just not my “thing”...but I have read a few, and I’ve enjoyed them...I just don’t usually gravitate in that direction....So this book was a pleasant surprise...I’m not gonna give away spoilers...but the book takes place in a world where paranormals are “out,” everywhere....they are learning to adapt to living in a life with normals...and vice versa...and Harley is a bada*s character....It’s a good book...and it’s made me want to go to book 2...That’s a win...♥️🌼
Harlequin’s Deception is the first book I’ve read by author, Candi Fox, and I always enjoy finding a new author...but I’ll be honest, I don’t really read paranormal... just not my “thing”...but I have read a few, and I’ve enjoyed them...I just don’t usually gravitate in that direction....So this book was a pleasant surprise...I’m not gonna give away spoilers...but the book takes place in a world where paranormals are “out,” everywhere....they are learning to adapt to living in a life with normals...and vice versa...and Harley is a bada*s character....It’s a good book...and it’s made me want to go to book 2...That’s a win...♥️🌼
February 19, 2021
This book has a lot of potential. The storyline is a good one. Supernatural beings living alongside humans. Mysteries to solve. Romance in between. I Love stories like this. I only gave it 4 stars because while the story has potential it is convoluted and filled with grammatical errors. I was often rereading paragraphs due to incorrect punctuation and quick topic switches confused me. I believe with more work on editing and consistency in the story (i.e. random poly discussion that felt like it came out of nowhere), it could be a much better read. I will read the next book and hope it gets better.
May 22, 2020
If you like witches ....
Harley is my favorite, bad to the bone, witch. She is also a strong woman that knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. I love the twists and turns. This book is definitely a page turner. I've already bought the next book. I have to know what happens next.
Harley is my favorite, bad to the bone, witch. She is also a strong woman that knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. I love the twists and turns. This book is definitely a page turner. I've already bought the next book. I have to know what happens next.
April 2, 2020
Great story!
Not your average paranormal romance, this story has enough twists and turns to keep you turning every page. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Not your average paranormal romance, this story has enough twists and turns to keep you turning every page. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
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December 30, 2025
The story line was ok. What got me was the writing itself. It was very hard to read at times because things were repeated 2 or 3 times in a sentence or 2.
March 1, 2021
Interesting World Building
I’d probably give this book 3.5 ⭐️ if I could.
Harley is a powerful generational witch (one who inherits their powers), who gained strength when the shift happened 10 years ago and magic surged into the world. Paranormals finally got rights in the US 2 years ago. Harley has a successful paranormal consulting business and often consults with the police.
She is called in to consult on the report of a gargoyle attack and heads out, where she finds that all is not what it seems. She gets sucked into the sphere of Niccolo an ancient and powerful vampire who has plans for the powerful witch that don’t all include the bedroom. Niccolo introduces her to Aiden, a jester who is someone who's laughter can incapacitate, who is his hitman, but Harley is strangely drawn to the young man.
As well as dealing with these two new men in her life, she also has her Cowboy, her friends with benefits, who likes to dominate her. Cowboy is a werewolf and is not happy about the vampire showing such an interest in someone he wants as his.
There was a lot to like in this book. The world-building was interesting if a little fuzzy around the edges. The characters were strong, if lacking a little depth and the plot was intriguing. However, the style of writing was a little choppy. Things didn’t seamlessly lead into each other and they changed direction quite abruptly which sometime meant you had to think a little harder about what was going on.
This is the first book in the series and I think some of the gaps in character building and the world structure may be filled in with future books, but I can’t say that for certain.
There is a cliffhanger, because this is an ongoing series of events and the original ‘case’ is not solved. The next book in the series is already out, so at least I won’t have to wait to find out what happens next.
I’d probably give this book 3.5 ⭐️ if I could.
Harley is a powerful generational witch (one who inherits their powers), who gained strength when the shift happened 10 years ago and magic surged into the world. Paranormals finally got rights in the US 2 years ago. Harley has a successful paranormal consulting business and often consults with the police.
She is called in to consult on the report of a gargoyle attack and heads out, where she finds that all is not what it seems. She gets sucked into the sphere of Niccolo an ancient and powerful vampire who has plans for the powerful witch that don’t all include the bedroom. Niccolo introduces her to Aiden, a jester who is someone who's laughter can incapacitate, who is his hitman, but Harley is strangely drawn to the young man.
As well as dealing with these two new men in her life, she also has her Cowboy, her friends with benefits, who likes to dominate her. Cowboy is a werewolf and is not happy about the vampire showing such an interest in someone he wants as his.
There was a lot to like in this book. The world-building was interesting if a little fuzzy around the edges. The characters were strong, if lacking a little depth and the plot was intriguing. However, the style of writing was a little choppy. Things didn’t seamlessly lead into each other and they changed direction quite abruptly which sometime meant you had to think a little harder about what was going on.
This is the first book in the series and I think some of the gaps in character building and the world structure may be filled in with future books, but I can’t say that for certain.
There is a cliffhanger, because this is an ongoing series of events and the original ‘case’ is not solved. The next book in the series is already out, so at least I won’t have to wait to find out what happens next.
May 16, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author and I was so pleased at the content & flow of the story! I love a steamy paranormal romance and this is full of both --- there are witches, shifters, vamps, ghouls, and even gargoyles. Everyone is "out" and the police department even has a supernatural division to handle crimes that are committed by paranormal entities.
The heroine of the book is a kick-butt & take names later type of witch, who does seem to have some control issues - but that doesn't keep her from enjoying the dominance of her shifter "friend with benefits" .... until her life is saved by a new vampire friend. This book is full to the brim with action and intrigue (who's doing what and why?)
This is a definite page-turner with steamy scenes to keep you twisting in your seat. Author Candi Fox is most assuredly on my "to read" radar!
I was given a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review - and I will definitely be buying the rest of her books!
The heroine of the book is a kick-butt & take names later type of witch, who does seem to have some control issues - but that doesn't keep her from enjoying the dominance of her shifter "friend with benefits" .... until her life is saved by a new vampire friend. This book is full to the brim with action and intrigue (who's doing what and why?)
This is a definite page-turner with steamy scenes to keep you twisting in your seat. Author Candi Fox is most assuredly on my "to read" radar!
I was given a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review - and I will definitely be buying the rest of her books!
May 17, 2017
Rock Solid 4.5 Stars for this sexy paranormal crime thriller!
This latest story by Candi Fox is a total blast to read! It is a fast-paced paranormal crime thriller that will keep on the edge of your seat and right in front of the fan. Why the fan? This naughty little drama is also sexy and HOT!
HARLEQUIN’S DECEPTION features a sexy and fun witchy heroine who will really appeal to readers who love a strong, sexy, yet approachable female lead. This paranormal investigators has three, yes I said three, very sexy males vying for her "attention". First there's a sexy but mysterious and controlling vampire master who obviously has plenty of secrets, a paranormal hit-man minion who is sexy as sin and definitely more than he first appears to be, and finally, the very sexy shifter Dom who is Harley’s kinda-kinky friend with benefits. But this Alpha Dom wants the witch to willingly surrender to him – in a bad way.
Oh my, where's that fan?
This latest story by Candi Fox is a total blast to read! It is a fast-paced paranormal crime thriller that will keep on the edge of your seat and right in front of the fan. Why the fan? This naughty little drama is also sexy and HOT!
HARLEQUIN’S DECEPTION features a sexy and fun witchy heroine who will really appeal to readers who love a strong, sexy, yet approachable female lead. This paranormal investigators has three, yes I said three, very sexy males vying for her "attention". First there's a sexy but mysterious and controlling vampire master who obviously has plenty of secrets, a paranormal hit-man minion who is sexy as sin and definitely more than he first appears to be, and finally, the very sexy shifter Dom who is Harley’s kinda-kinky friend with benefits. But this Alpha Dom wants the witch to willingly surrender to him – in a bad way.
Oh my, where's that fan?
May 16, 2017
***I received a free copy of Harlequin's Deception***
This is the first book I've read by Candi Fox and I look forward to reading a lot more.
Harley is a hard working witch who consults for the local police force. In the course of her job she becomes embroiled with a mysterious vampire, Lucien, and his household. The results are sometimes arousing, oftentimes dangerous.
Candi Fox has created a uniquely plausible reason for magic and supernaturals to be walking the streets of middle America. The world she has built is entirely credible and interesting to boot. I'm excited about the next few in this series.
While well constructed the writing lacks the polish which inevitably comes with time and practice and for this reason I am adding Candi to my followed authors and am looking forward to reading more from her and this series.
This is the first book I've read by Candi Fox and I look forward to reading a lot more.
Harley is a hard working witch who consults for the local police force. In the course of her job she becomes embroiled with a mysterious vampire, Lucien, and his household. The results are sometimes arousing, oftentimes dangerous.
Candi Fox has created a uniquely plausible reason for magic and supernaturals to be walking the streets of middle America. The world she has built is entirely credible and interesting to boot. I'm excited about the next few in this series.
While well constructed the writing lacks the polish which inevitably comes with time and practice and for this reason I am adding Candi to my followed authors and am looking forward to reading more from her and this series.
May 14, 2017
Wow. This book had me at the edge of me seat. I loved the characters and the view into the paranormal world this author portrayed. The heroine was strong and likable, and the story unique. Worth a read for sure. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
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June 16, 2017
Another great book from Candi Fox! I was instantly drawn into the story from the first couple pages and couldnt stop reading until i finished. I hope this is going to be a series, theres so many things left unanswered but i loved the supernatural elements mixed with the sexy scenes. Cant wait to see whats next from Candi, her books are a delight to read
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews