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Seraph
Duplicity
I prayed for a miracle for my daughter, but God sent me the devil in a three-piece suit instead. His price? My body, my soul, and ultimately my heart.
My little girl has a life-threatening heart condition, and I'd like to think I'd do anything to save her.
Anything at all.
But it's not until the most lucrative, shameful opportunity falls into my lap that I learn just how far I'll go to protect her.
The opportunity? A "full-service" executive assistant role through the discreet agency Seraph, putting my body and my soul at the mercy of a ruthless billionaire who has a reputation for eating women like me for
Brendan Sullivan.
He's disarmingly handsome, disgustingly wealthy, and disturbingly depraved. The things he has me do are beyond sinful, and I'm way out of my depth.
He can never know that I'm just a desperate, duplicitous single mother and not the professional sexpot he thinks he's hired.
He can never know just how terrified I am every time he and his debauched friends lay their hands on me.
And he can definitely never know that, the more he corrupts me, the more he affects me.
I'm falling hard. Against all odds, this role seems less like a means to an end and more like a glimpse of the Happy Ever After I know he and I can never have.
Duplicity is a super spicy billionaire romance featuring the following Single mom, inexperienced FMC, reformed playboy and workplace romance. There is some group fun before Marlowe and Brendan find their monogamous HEA.
My little girl has a life-threatening heart condition, and I'd like to think I'd do anything to save her.
Anything at all.
But it's not until the most lucrative, shameful opportunity falls into my lap that I learn just how far I'll go to protect her.
The opportunity? A "full-service" executive assistant role through the discreet agency Seraph, putting my body and my soul at the mercy of a ruthless billionaire who has a reputation for eating women like me for
Brendan Sullivan.
He's disarmingly handsome, disgustingly wealthy, and disturbingly depraved. The things he has me do are beyond sinful, and I'm way out of my depth.
He can never know that I'm just a desperate, duplicitous single mother and not the professional sexpot he thinks he's hired.
He can never know just how terrified I am every time he and his debauched friends lay their hands on me.
And he can definitely never know that, the more he corrupts me, the more he affects me.
I'm falling hard. Against all odds, this role seems less like a means to an end and more like a glimpse of the Happy Ever After I know he and I can never have.
Duplicity is a super spicy billionaire romance featuring the following Single mom, inexperienced FMC, reformed playboy and workplace romance. There is some group fun before Marlowe and Brendan find their monogamous HEA.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
3496 people are currently reading
3800 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 603 reviews
June 16, 2025
Gahhhhh. So boring. Also, her daughter is DYING. She needs surgery like yesterday and you’re too proud to take the money your friend is offering you? Take it and pay her back. You’re putting your kids life at risk. Take your head outta your ass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
The story is really interesting but the mmc is so immature which makes the book awful…
Unfortunately.
Unfortunately.
June 8, 2025
Too Much Of This Book Was The Shitty Ass Smut. Can't Stand Books Like This, Who Make Dependents, Just To Create A Conflict. I Don't Care About The Sex, If She's Going To Nuance Him
The way she humanises this toxic starver of children.
And yes Neoliberals and Neoconservatives, pearl clutching that Socialists consider you Genociders, look on the streets, I can't stand how Liberals exploit migrants while Conservatives other them.
Get used to feeling this.
Anyway, this man and the systems he facilitates, starves kids to death and to lifelong trauma.
Why am I caring about him still benefitting from the system, and doing nothing to change it, but then just cares about this ill child because the pussy was perfectly malleable.
So sad that I did get a sequel where she stands up for Disabled kids and Poors kids that he makes disabled, nah, she just turns into the typucal Brit and nuances it all.
All this bullshit charity when buying and giving towns common land again, would be the brave thing to do as a rich person.
But no, she falls in love with a man creating disabled kids with his lifestyle and we are supposed to care that her disabled kid got saved but to do that, he had to Hocus Pocus life energy from the children of the slave classes he relies on.
Like holy shit, most of the book forgets the child exists, its all about how sucking another mans cock, as he watches, makes her feel empowered.
Which is classist again because her situation is desperate, and so this is when she stops behaving like an actual poor, desperate woman and starts responding like a Girl Boss, wanting depowered.
So inconsistent.
But then, she's not real.
She exists for the Unseen, Unloved and utterly Unfucked, to fantasise and romanticise how they would rush to escape their dependents and get enthralled with a Social Murderer.
A Toxic, Ableist, Classist and Misogynistic Tome, And I Hope Being Perceived Aa A Toxic, Ableist, Classist, Misogynist, Hurts, But Typical Trauma Tourists Gotta Feed On Him Prostituting Her By Choice
Your standards are ash.
Where was the child when all the thrills were happening? Oh thats rught, the child couldn't be further from her mind.
Childs dying, she's getting aroused.
She's so ableist.
But then, your pussies never clenched, has it? Merely gasped and spluttered on emptiness.
There was meant to be a child with a hole in her heart that we were meant to give a fuck about but damn you really wouldn't know it because the child doesn't matter.
She literally is forcing herself through this bullshit for a sick child and the abusive neglectful mother starts to enjoy it, which means, evidently the child is a figment of her imagination.
I do love torturing self sacrificing single mothers with the knowledge they are the happiest group of women, feeding off the performance they live for their kids.
Its cute that he only has to show for the Crises, how perfect for this dehumaniser of people.
I am at the stage in life when I loath trauma tourists, as a disabled woman.
So bored of the seld victimisers needing to create a disabled child to neglect in their story.
And they both neglect that child.
This mother is not emotionally available for her child is shes emotionally available for her fuck toy.
But its fine, like I said, Disabled People aren't characters, especially disabled kids, we are plot points, burdens and excuses for the Neurotypicals to create a forced proximity situation and hope the Disabled people let them, quietly.
Fuck you.
Fuck him.
Pretending he respects her organising skills when she's there to get dipped and not complain, like a good like Daddy Dick Me Drone.
So fucking boring.
Imagine she had a personality that wasn't, "I hope daddy perceives me as a good mother as I gag on my knees on his dick."
Snore.
You bore me.
He made her feel like a sex worker and a toy.
I mean SHE made herself feel like a sex worker and a toy.
Genuinely believe she deserved to lose her daughter for the amount she centered herself in her sex work.
Don't bullshit that its for them or the child when shes enjoying it.
She fucked for her child, a child that still should have been disabled by the end of this, but we exist for the trauma tourists to feed and escape their vaccuous lives.
Reading this boom would make someone a SWERF if they didn't understand the systems of sex workers.
I used to he into the Prince Charmings but when you realise they create poor people so they have a constant picking of poor people to pick from, his behaviour is even mire nefarious.
He's like Jeffrey Epstein, this toxic fuck.
And you can pretend she consented but socioeconomic rape is socioeconomic rape.
These men wouldn't need it done all seedily if it wasnxt socioeconomic rape.
All I got by the end of this boon is that he's a Personal Exceptionalist.
But thats all you want, someone who wants your down to your DNA, and not who you could be, but how well you can be controlled.
But thats ok, being enthralled that the manchild who needs poor desperate women to fuck him and his friends, in secret, is a you thing.
I mean, she's all about him.
Her child is dying and she's comparing cocks and which cock makes her "feel desire" in this entirely transactional event.
I love how women think longing is love.
Mate, thats why you are addicted to crumbs, fed by crackers, while he rubs his face in the feast, playing with his food.
He needed a whole book of feeling the consequences of how he and his friends rely on poor, desperate women, to have fun.
Just swept under the cover because he licked clit good for her.
BookTok cannot be this ignorant and obtuse.
They can't still think the people in Epstein Island are fine because they've done a bit of charity, to balance out the evil?
To you, its a harmless story.
To a disabled person its another appropriation of the type of medical stresses disabled people go through, normalising it behind "ignorance" when Brendan demonstrated a lot of awareness that he used money to manipulate people, when we understand our situations are what they are for humanising the dehumanising system he facilitates and enjoys, before meeting her.
The way she humanises this toxic starver of children.
And yes Neoliberals and Neoconservatives, pearl clutching that Socialists consider you Genociders, look on the streets, I can't stand how Liberals exploit migrants while Conservatives other them.
Get used to feeling this.
Anyway, this man and the systems he facilitates, starves kids to death and to lifelong trauma.
Why am I caring about him still benefitting from the system, and doing nothing to change it, but then just cares about this ill child because the pussy was perfectly malleable.
So sad that I did get a sequel where she stands up for Disabled kids and Poors kids that he makes disabled, nah, she just turns into the typucal Brit and nuances it all.
All this bullshit charity when buying and giving towns common land again, would be the brave thing to do as a rich person.
But no, she falls in love with a man creating disabled kids with his lifestyle and we are supposed to care that her disabled kid got saved but to do that, he had to Hocus Pocus life energy from the children of the slave classes he relies on.
Like holy shit, most of the book forgets the child exists, its all about how sucking another mans cock, as he watches, makes her feel empowered.
Which is classist again because her situation is desperate, and so this is when she stops behaving like an actual poor, desperate woman and starts responding like a Girl Boss, wanting depowered.
So inconsistent.
But then, she's not real.
She exists for the Unseen, Unloved and utterly Unfucked, to fantasise and romanticise how they would rush to escape their dependents and get enthralled with a Social Murderer.
A Toxic, Ableist, Classist and Misogynistic Tome, And I Hope Being Perceived Aa A Toxic, Ableist, Classist, Misogynist, Hurts, But Typical Trauma Tourists Gotta Feed On Him Prostituting Her By Choice
Your standards are ash.
Where was the child when all the thrills were happening? Oh thats rught, the child couldn't be further from her mind.
Childs dying, she's getting aroused.
She's so ableist.
But then, your pussies never clenched, has it? Merely gasped and spluttered on emptiness.
There was meant to be a child with a hole in her heart that we were meant to give a fuck about but damn you really wouldn't know it because the child doesn't matter.
She literally is forcing herself through this bullshit for a sick child and the abusive neglectful mother starts to enjoy it, which means, evidently the child is a figment of her imagination.
I do love torturing self sacrificing single mothers with the knowledge they are the happiest group of women, feeding off the performance they live for their kids.
Its cute that he only has to show for the Crises, how perfect for this dehumaniser of people.
I am at the stage in life when I loath trauma tourists, as a disabled woman.
So bored of the seld victimisers needing to create a disabled child to neglect in their story.
And they both neglect that child.
This mother is not emotionally available for her child is shes emotionally available for her fuck toy.
But its fine, like I said, Disabled People aren't characters, especially disabled kids, we are plot points, burdens and excuses for the Neurotypicals to create a forced proximity situation and hope the Disabled people let them, quietly.
Fuck you.
Fuck him.
Pretending he respects her organising skills when she's there to get dipped and not complain, like a good like Daddy Dick Me Drone.
So fucking boring.
Imagine she had a personality that wasn't, "I hope daddy perceives me as a good mother as I gag on my knees on his dick."
Snore.
You bore me.
He made her feel like a sex worker and a toy.
I mean SHE made herself feel like a sex worker and a toy.
Genuinely believe she deserved to lose her daughter for the amount she centered herself in her sex work.
Don't bullshit that its for them or the child when shes enjoying it.
She fucked for her child, a child that still should have been disabled by the end of this, but we exist for the trauma tourists to feed and escape their vaccuous lives.
Reading this boom would make someone a SWERF if they didn't understand the systems of sex workers.
I used to he into the Prince Charmings but when you realise they create poor people so they have a constant picking of poor people to pick from, his behaviour is even mire nefarious.
He's like Jeffrey Epstein, this toxic fuck.
And you can pretend she consented but socioeconomic rape is socioeconomic rape.
These men wouldn't need it done all seedily if it wasnxt socioeconomic rape.
All I got by the end of this boon is that he's a Personal Exceptionalist.
But thats all you want, someone who wants your down to your DNA, and not who you could be, but how well you can be controlled.
But thats ok, being enthralled that the manchild who needs poor desperate women to fuck him and his friends, in secret, is a you thing.
I mean, she's all about him.
Her child is dying and she's comparing cocks and which cock makes her "feel desire" in this entirely transactional event.
I love how women think longing is love.
Mate, thats why you are addicted to crumbs, fed by crackers, while he rubs his face in the feast, playing with his food.
He needed a whole book of feeling the consequences of how he and his friends rely on poor, desperate women, to have fun.
Just swept under the cover because he licked clit good for her.
BookTok cannot be this ignorant and obtuse.
They can't still think the people in Epstein Island are fine because they've done a bit of charity, to balance out the evil?
To you, its a harmless story.
To a disabled person its another appropriation of the type of medical stresses disabled people go through, normalising it behind "ignorance" when Brendan demonstrated a lot of awareness that he used money to manipulate people, when we understand our situations are what they are for humanising the dehumanising system he facilitates and enjoys, before meeting her.
August 25, 2025
Duplicity takes a very different look at sex work than Audacity did.
One that was sympathetic, and felt very raw and real. While Athena was all about the life of being an EA with benefits. She enjoyed how power, money, and sex went hand in hand. She was fierce and well-equipped for this life. Things are very different for Marlowe.
There is a panic and desperation in everything she does. With her child's life on the line, she thinks her only choice is to sell her body. This wasn't anything she would have CHOSE to do, which made me feel icky quite often. I guess that is the Duplicitous part of the story.
I did end up feeling very moved by this story though, and the author does a great job pulling me through the roller-coaster of emotions. I really disliked Brendan for a good portion of this book, but his turn-about was sudden and strong. We got to see what made him tick and see his change of heart. As he realizes he can rise to the occasion.
Narrated in Duet Style by Shane East & Zara Hampton-Brown, as always, they are a perfect pairing for me. I'd listen to pretty much anything narrated by them.
4 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: sick child, degradation in BDSM setting, financial insecurity, sex work
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
One that was sympathetic, and felt very raw and real. While Athena was all about the life of being an EA with benefits. She enjoyed how power, money, and sex went hand in hand. She was fierce and well-equipped for this life. Things are very different for Marlowe.
There is a panic and desperation in everything she does. With her child's life on the line, she thinks her only choice is to sell her body. This wasn't anything she would have CHOSE to do, which made me feel icky quite often. I guess that is the Duplicitous part of the story.
I did end up feeling very moved by this story though, and the author does a great job pulling me through the roller-coaster of emotions. I really disliked Brendan for a good portion of this book, but his turn-about was sudden and strong. We got to see what made him tick and see his change of heart. As he realizes he can rise to the occasion.
Narrated in Duet Style by Shane East & Zara Hampton-Brown, as always, they are a perfect pairing for me. I'd listen to pretty much anything narrated by them.
4 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: sick child, degradation in BDSM setting, financial insecurity, sex work
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
May 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
I was absolutely surprised when I got the e-mail confirming that I was going to receive this ARC. I have loved everything written by Elodie Hart, and the Seraph world fascinates me, I squealed so much!!
Since meeting Marlowe, I have always rooted for her having a well-deserved HEA. She has gone through so much on her own that seeing her being loved and cared for was something that I was very interested in.
The fact that Brendan has ADHD and how he deals with it was also very interesting to me, since I love representation in books, and neurodiversity is something that I have always been drawn to. I understand hyperfocus very well and I think the book depicts ADHD in a very realistic manner.
The way MMCs always do stupid and careless things when they start having feelings never ceases to amaze me. But the grovelling in this book is top-notch and no less than the FMC deserves. She needs someone to be strong for her for once, and the way Brendan showed up to care for her had me in tears. I broke down in the shower scene as well. No-one should have to brave such a difficult thing alone.
All the things Brendan does for both his girls made me cry my eyes out. The way he bonds with Tabby during the hospital stay and later on is wonderful, he was born to be her dad. He really matures through the book and it is a pleasure to read such well-written character growth. And the epilogue. OMG. Amazing. Perfect ending.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next Seraph. 100% recommended.
Thank you for this gem.
Happy reading! 🥰
I was absolutely surprised when I got the e-mail confirming that I was going to receive this ARC. I have loved everything written by Elodie Hart, and the Seraph world fascinates me, I squealed so much!!
Since meeting Marlowe, I have always rooted for her having a well-deserved HEA. She has gone through so much on her own that seeing her being loved and cared for was something that I was very interested in.
The fact that Brendan has ADHD and how he deals with it was also very interesting to me, since I love representation in books, and neurodiversity is something that I have always been drawn to. I understand hyperfocus very well and I think the book depicts ADHD in a very realistic manner.
The way MMCs always do stupid and careless things when they start having feelings never ceases to amaze me. But the grovelling in this book is top-notch and no less than the FMC deserves. She needs someone to be strong for her for once, and the way Brendan showed up to care for her had me in tears. I broke down in the shower scene as well. No-one should have to brave such a difficult thing alone.
All the things Brendan does for both his girls made me cry my eyes out. The way he bonds with Tabby during the hospital stay and later on is wonderful, he was born to be her dad. He really matures through the book and it is a pleasure to read such well-written character growth. And the epilogue. OMG. Amazing. Perfect ending.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next Seraph. 100% recommended.
Thank you for this gem.
Happy reading! 🥰
June 6, 2025
Couldn’t get in to it
The entire concept was so flawed it was hard to enjoy the story. She lives in London, so there’s no need for her to do something ridiculous to pay her medical bills, it’s covered by the NHS. If her daughter’s surgery was life or death like she says, it would get done for free and the doctor even says if her daughter gets worse they’ll do the surgery. Also she refused money from her friend for this supposed ‘life or death’ surgery, which no mother worried about their child’s life would ever do.
The entire concept was so flawed it was hard to enjoy the story. She lives in London, so there’s no need for her to do something ridiculous to pay her medical bills, it’s covered by the NHS. If her daughter’s surgery was life or death like she says, it would get done for free and the doctor even says if her daughter gets worse they’ll do the surgery. Also she refused money from her friend for this supposed ‘life or death’ surgery, which no mother worried about their child’s life would ever do.
July 2, 2025
Eek! No. H was absolutely garbage, and there was very little about him that was likable. (Possible spoilers ahead)
This author made her H so unlikable, even when he was doing good deeds, I was still like NO
His POVs were gross. Yes, there were moments he was sweet, but then he’d open his mouth or have a thought and it all went bye-bye. Somebody throw this H into the wood chipper.
Simple plot- h is basically entering into a prostitution agreement with H (her daughter needed heart surgery)
She’s his work PA but she’s also his smex partner- any way he wants it during work hours. (Well, except backdoor) He even “shares” her with his friend by making her give the friend oral while H has smex with her. Over the relationship, H starts to catch feelings for her, but instead of confronting those feelings, he decides to humiliate her in front of all his guy friends. Yuck 🤬🤬🤬 He some angry man child because she needs to take a couple of weeks off work.
Even that same week, he decides fk h. I’ll go to the smex club and finally find somebody who will let me in the “backdoor” except his poor inflated penis couldn’t get it up. BUT HE STILL TRIED. WTF?
He finally finds out she has a child who is sick. His WHOLE personality does a complete 180. Like, wut????????? No way. It was so jarring and just not believable. All of a sudden, he’s step-daddy of the year?
No way do I believe he was celibate for 1 month while he had to grovel.
Complete horse 💩
This book made me rage
This author made her H so unlikable, even when he was doing good deeds, I was still like NO
His POVs were gross. Yes, there were moments he was sweet, but then he’d open his mouth or have a thought and it all went bye-bye. Somebody throw this H into the wood chipper.
Simple plot- h is basically entering into a prostitution agreement with H (her daughter needed heart surgery)
She’s his work PA but she’s also his smex partner- any way he wants it during work hours. (Well, except backdoor) He even “shares” her with his friend by making her give the friend oral while H has smex with her. Over the relationship, H starts to catch feelings for her, but instead of confronting those feelings, he decides to humiliate her in front of all his guy friends. Yuck 🤬🤬🤬 He some angry man child because she needs to take a couple of weeks off work.
Even that same week, he decides fk h. I’ll go to the smex club and finally find somebody who will let me in the “backdoor” except his poor inflated penis couldn’t get it up. BUT HE STILL TRIED. WTF?
He finally finds out she has a child who is sick. His WHOLE personality does a complete 180. Like, wut????????? No way. It was so jarring and just not believable. All of a sudden, he’s step-daddy of the year?
No way do I believe he was celibate for 1 month while he had to grovel.
Complete horse 💩
This book made me rage
May 17, 2025
Another knockout in the Seraph world! Elodie Hart is why women love romance novels! Ahhhh Chapter 39 brought me to literal tears! Add to your TBR, but read Audacity first! 5 enthusiastic stars! Blurb below:
𝗜 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿. 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀.
To pay for my daughter Tabby's heart surgery, I would do anything.
Even become the "executive assistant with benefits" to London's most eligible CEO, Brendan Sullivan.
He thinks he's hired an experienced, sophisticated woman to fulfill his every professional demand and carnal desire.
He has no idea I'm a struggling single mother who hasn't been touched in nearly a decade.
He has no idea that each sinful act he introduces me to is my first.
He has no idea that behind my calculated submission lies desperate deception.
But as days of professional competence and nights of breathtaking pleasure blur together, our arrangement grows complicated. His possessiveness feels less like ownership and more like protection. His demands feel less like orders and more like desires.
And the lies between us feel increasingly dangerous—not because they might be discovered, but because the truth might destroy the unexpected connection growing between us.
In Brendan's world of wealth and indulgence, I've discovered parts of myself I never knew existed. But when my duplicity is revealed, will the cost of my deception be my daughter's future—or my own chance at love?
𝘋𝘜𝘗𝘓𝘐𝘊𝘐𝘛𝘠 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦, 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. Monogamous HEA.
𝗜 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿. 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀.
To pay for my daughter Tabby's heart surgery, I would do anything.
Even become the "executive assistant with benefits" to London's most eligible CEO, Brendan Sullivan.
He thinks he's hired an experienced, sophisticated woman to fulfill his every professional demand and carnal desire.
He has no idea I'm a struggling single mother who hasn't been touched in nearly a decade.
He has no idea that each sinful act he introduces me to is my first.
He has no idea that behind my calculated submission lies desperate deception.
But as days of professional competence and nights of breathtaking pleasure blur together, our arrangement grows complicated. His possessiveness feels less like ownership and more like protection. His demands feel less like orders and more like desires.
And the lies between us feel increasingly dangerous—not because they might be discovered, but because the truth might destroy the unexpected connection growing between us.
In Brendan's world of wealth and indulgence, I've discovered parts of myself I never knew existed. But when my duplicity is revealed, will the cost of my deception be my daughter's future—or my own chance at love?
𝘋𝘜𝘗𝘓𝘐𝘊𝘐𝘛𝘠 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦, 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. Monogamous HEA.
May 23, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Once again, Elodie Hart, managed to blow my mind with a beautiful story filled with connection, chemistry and the scorching hot spice she’s known for.
Brendan and Marlowe’s story might’ve started unconventionally but it grew to into such beautiful and deep love. What started with undeniable chemistry ended with such a deep connection and love. Marlowe was such a deep and complex character that showed so much strength. As a single mom to a very ill child, she was a true reminder to never underestimate a mother’s love and the lengths she will go through for her child. Pushing her ego aside, she enters into an contract with Brendan while hiding big parts of her life and trying to juggle everything.
Brendan’s character arc and redemption was one of my favourite part of this story. He surprised me in best way possible after he learned Marlowe’s secret. Under his tough guy persona hid a sweet teddy bear with a huge heart. His struggles with ADHD were also approached with honesty, accuracy and respect.
Their story also brought on plenty of spice and scorching hot scenes. If you like your book spicy, this one serves it on a silver platter.
I absolutely recommend Duplicity!
I would like to thank Elodie Hart for the opportunity to read and review Duplicity.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Once again, Elodie Hart, managed to blow my mind with a beautiful story filled with connection, chemistry and the scorching hot spice she’s known for.
Brendan and Marlowe’s story might’ve started unconventionally but it grew to into such beautiful and deep love. What started with undeniable chemistry ended with such a deep connection and love. Marlowe was such a deep and complex character that showed so much strength. As a single mom to a very ill child, she was a true reminder to never underestimate a mother’s love and the lengths she will go through for her child. Pushing her ego aside, she enters into an contract with Brendan while hiding big parts of her life and trying to juggle everything.
Brendan’s character arc and redemption was one of my favourite part of this story. He surprised me in best way possible after he learned Marlowe’s secret. Under his tough guy persona hid a sweet teddy bear with a huge heart. His struggles with ADHD were also approached with honesty, accuracy and respect.
Their story also brought on plenty of spice and scorching hot scenes. If you like your book spicy, this one serves it on a silver platter.
I absolutely recommend Duplicity!
I would like to thank Elodie Hart for the opportunity to read and review Duplicity.
July 1, 2025
Did I hate the MMC? Yes. Will I read the next book? Also yes.
May 15, 2025
Elodie Hart does not disappoint! Reading romances with billionaires and sex clubs and private jets all around requires a true suspension of disbelief for me. However, Duplicity gives the reader such truthful character development that the unbelievable world of high-end, full-service, executive assistants becomes not only believable, but relatable. When Marlowe, a single mother to a very ill 8-year-old daughter, has to choose her daughter’s life over her own personal standards, the struggle is real. Marlowe’s struggles— from deceiving her family to feeling guilty about physically enjoying her work— are completely spot-on. Marlowe’s character alone makes Duplicity stand out as a tender love story, not only between Marlowe and Brendan, but also between mother and child. Any mother can relate to Marlowe’s sacrifices, which are deftly plumbed without being overwrought. And for the win all around, Duplicity of course serves up Hart’s signature spice-with-vulnerability and an HEA.
June 23, 2025
The Curse Of The Uns': Unrealistic, Unlikable, Uncomfortable.
☆Athena is a shit friend. If you're such a bad friend that your friend hesitates to take money to save their daughter's life, and would rather do s*x work that's violent and humiliating rather than work out a payment plan with you, you're a bad person.
☆Marlowe's pride almost kills her own daughter twice.
☆This isn't how the NHS works.
☆ Date 🍇 The Novel--they dont have a single, consensual sex scene in the book that doesn't have a cloak of money hanging over it. Every single scene is a monetized version of affection that was only agreed to under duress.
☆the MMC is an a-hole on page 315 of 408 and then I'm suppose to believe he's going to give a sh!t in the late 300s.
☆It harps on the concept of "virginity" for a lot of the book, a virginity she doesn't even have because she's a single mom, she knows how s*x works.
-Overall 1 out of 5; barely finished.
☆Athena is a shit friend. If you're such a bad friend that your friend hesitates to take money to save their daughter's life, and would rather do s*x work that's violent and humiliating rather than work out a payment plan with you, you're a bad person.
☆Marlowe's pride almost kills her own daughter twice.
☆This isn't how the NHS works.
☆ Date 🍇 The Novel--they dont have a single, consensual sex scene in the book that doesn't have a cloak of money hanging over it. Every single scene is a monetized version of affection that was only agreed to under duress.
☆the MMC is an a-hole on page 315 of 408 and then I'm suppose to believe he's going to give a sh!t in the late 300s.
☆It harps on the concept of "virginity" for a lot of the book, a virginity she doesn't even have because she's a single mom, she knows how s*x works.
-Overall 1 out of 5; barely finished.
August 3, 2025
I can't believe I read all of this. I nearly quit at least twice. This had 50 shades vibes, but worse. Most everyone in the reviews have complained about the H, so I won't really go into that, but no one is talking about what an insufferably self-righteous bitch the h is. First of all, it's a life or death situation, which was unrealistic in the first place because of the NHS, but leaving that aside...her 'pride' wouldn't let her BEST FRIEND, who is also her child's godmother pay for her life or death surgery? Instead she was going to "earn it" by fucking a guy and having HIM pay for it instead? ....I have no problem with sex work, but how is fucking a dude for money somehow more "honorable" than borrowing from a close friend? That set the WHOLE thing up on a very shaky foundation to begin with because I couldn't feel any kind of sympathy for her or her "desperate" situation. At EVERY TURN she had a crazy amount of opportunities most don't that she just turned down because of her pride. She had *both* parents there to support her and she's all "well they need their space and I need mine, so I'll keep my daughter in a terrible unsafe environment even though I don't have to" yet meanwhile, she has no problem relying on them to fully take care of her daughter for her. Not to mention the best friend who's loaded and connected who couldn't find her a better job or housing? So yeah all that started off with me really dubious. Then I was really kinda pissed at the way she seemed to look down her nose at sex work even though SHE was the one forcing herself into this situation. She's an insufferable prude who is constantly clutching her pearls while these two seasoned professionals are telling her that sex work isn't for her and she's all "I'm doing it for my daughter" and then being shocked every bit of the way, lying to get herself the position. Her friend even pulls strings to lobs her a softball client and she still can barely handle it. It reminded me of a toddler who's like "I wanna do this myself!" and the parents orchestrate the circumstances perfectly so the child can do it themselves and then they complain about how hard it is and get mad they're being "forced" to do it. GIRL, if you didn't want to do the work, JUST SAY THAT. Don't get mad when YOU ASKED to do this, TELL everyone you can do this and then when it comes time to actually do it, you get mad and storm out. Yes, he did treat her like crap in that situation and was immature, but she acted like he had all the facts about her situation, when he couldn't possibly because she fucking LIED at every turn with her friends full on encouraging her to do so 🙄 I couldn't help roll my eyes that they kept trying to play off this whole "She's an abandoned single mother, she's so brave!" thing when she KNOWINGLY engaged in a long standing affair with a married man! She knew he was married from the beginning! What did she expect!? I'm not saying that he isn't every bit as bad and worse than her for what he did, but she wasn't an unwitting victim. You play stupid games, you get stupid prizes. Not that I say we hold that against her for the rest of her life or anything or that he isn't a giant douche, but to try to set her up as some tragic victim of circumstances when she was ABSOLUTELY responsible for those circumstances is maddening!
So beyond how much I despised the heroines attitude, the writing itself was a little bit cringey. I legitimately was almost done when she said something about her "inner goddess" which triggered my "50 shades" PTSD (IYKYK), none of the characters were very likeable, not even (or especially) the best friend Athena, and the book was WAY too long. at least 150 pages of repetitive inner monologuing could have been cut out easily. I feel exhausted after reading that. Overall, I don't know if I'd try another of this author's books or not, maybe if I really liked the trope, we'll see.
So beyond how much I despised the heroines attitude, the writing itself was a little bit cringey. I legitimately was almost done when she said something about her "inner goddess" which triggered my "50 shades" PTSD (IYKYK), none of the characters were very likeable, not even (or especially) the best friend Athena, and the book was WAY too long. at least 150 pages of repetitive inner monologuing could have been cut out easily. I feel exhausted after reading that. Overall, I don't know if I'd try another of this author's books or not, maybe if I really liked the trope, we'll see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
5 Stars✨
4 Spices 🌶️
To what extent can we save our child? Will you put everything on the line, even if it means using your body to make ends meet?
The second book in Elodie Hart's Seraph Series, Duplicity, examines themes of introspection, sacrifice, and profound maternal love. It revolves around Brendan Sullivan, an esteemed CEO with an alpha-hole and playboy character, and Marlowe Winters, a single mother struggling financially to fund her daughter's heart surgery.
PLOT
The emotional beats in Elodie's novels are consistently delivered with a deft balance between passion and heartbreak.
Although some might perceive this book to be a romance, the plot of Duplicity is excellent in presenting a mother's challenging journey to save her child's life and Brendan's self-exploration and redemption through his monumental act of grovelling. I think the book was written exceptionally well because it exceeded all of my expectations, because I love the grovelling trope.
CHARACTERS
A great mother is often the driving force behind any successful individual, and in this book, Marlowe has made numerous sacrifices and provided unwavering support. Her character embodies the extraordinary fortitude and tenacity that come with being a mother. In addition to the fact that her trials have impacted me as a mother, I felt moved by her eventual liberation from it.
However, Brendan's self-absorbed, man-child demeanour could be a bit (well, perhaps most of the time) obnoxious. But his ADHD is the cause of his unrelenting, blatant need for validation. Nevertheless, after his awakening, his heart is pure and made of gold. His grovelling was tremendous, and I must say that he gained my favour and atoned for his carelessness over these chapters.
I've been charmed by both Brendan and Marlowe's characters, who never fail to remind me of the sufferings that all people, regardless of wealth, must undergo.
CHEMISTRY
We saw an ember being ignited since Marlowe and Brendan first met in Audacity, and it has continued to spread and transform into sexual fireworks throughout this novel. You want more intimate moments with these two because of their chemistry, which radiates and sizzles off the pages. I know I did.
In conclusion, and along with my 5-star rating, Duplicity is really more than just a book about romance, healing, and embracing one's sexual self-confidence. It's also a thought-provoking and reflective tale which highlights the fortitude, perseverance, and unwavering devotion that mothers embody.
Thank you to Elodie/Sara and her Team for allowing me to be part of her ARC team and for trusting me to read Duplicity in advance.
4 Spices 🌶️
"I can’t bear to think about how it would have been without him. And through it all, he’s asked for nothing. Nothing. Everything he’s given us, he’s given it freely. No agenda. And definitely no recompense. - Marlowe Winters
To what extent can we save our child? Will you put everything on the line, even if it means using your body to make ends meet?
The second book in Elodie Hart's Seraph Series, Duplicity, examines themes of introspection, sacrifice, and profound maternal love. It revolves around Brendan Sullivan, an esteemed CEO with an alpha-hole and playboy character, and Marlowe Winters, a single mother struggling financially to fund her daughter's heart surgery.
She lets her eyes drift shut, and I take her in like never before. I really see her. I see the stresses and the sacrifices; I see the vulnerability and the bravery. I marvel at her, at the hidden depths I didn’t even know to plumb. - Brendan Sullivan
PLOT
The emotional beats in Elodie's novels are consistently delivered with a deft balance between passion and heartbreak.
Although some might perceive this book to be a romance, the plot of Duplicity is excellent in presenting a mother's challenging journey to save her child's life and Brendan's self-exploration and redemption through his monumental act of grovelling. I think the book was written exceptionally well because it exceeded all of my expectations, because I love the grovelling trope.
CHARACTERS
A great mother is often the driving force behind any successful individual, and in this book, Marlowe has made numerous sacrifices and provided unwavering support. Her character embodies the extraordinary fortitude and tenacity that come with being a mother. In addition to the fact that her trials have impacted me as a mother, I felt moved by her eventual liberation from it.
However, Brendan's self-absorbed, man-child demeanour could be a bit (well, perhaps most of the time) obnoxious. But his ADHD is the cause of his unrelenting, blatant need for validation. Nevertheless, after his awakening, his heart is pure and made of gold. His grovelling was tremendous, and I must say that he gained my favour and atoned for his carelessness over these chapters.
I've been charmed by both Brendan and Marlowe's characters, who never fail to remind me of the sufferings that all people, regardless of wealth, must undergo.
CHEMISTRY
We saw an ember being ignited since Marlowe and Brendan first met in Audacity, and it has continued to spread and transform into sexual fireworks throughout this novel. You want more intimate moments with these two because of their chemistry, which radiates and sizzles off the pages. I know I did.
In conclusion, and along with my 5-star rating, Duplicity is really more than just a book about romance, healing, and embracing one's sexual self-confidence. It's also a thought-provoking and reflective tale which highlights the fortitude, perseverance, and unwavering devotion that mothers embody.
Thank you to Elodie/Sara and her Team for allowing me to be part of her ARC team and for trusting me to read Duplicity in advance.
May 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tell me why this might just be my new fave series?? I was obsessed—like, up at 1am after my baby’s feed still flipping pages because I was so locked in 😅
“I'm a big swinging d!ck in my big swinging d!ck office, and she is not my acquaintance's stupidly hot friend but instead a candidate for the most big-swing-ing-d!ck hire I've ever made.”
Brendan is hilarious!
He’s giving golden retriever energy but with boss vibes. The growth?? The banter?? The spice?? 10/10.
He knows when to joke, when to command, and when to say he’s fked up and the groveeellinnng—chef’s kiss 😙👌🏽
“Put your hands back where they are, madam, if you want the full sales pitch!”
“That's my good girl. Now, let me show you the killer part of my pitch!”
*I die* 🫣
And Marlowe?? She’s that girl.
Wholesome, a little awkward, a little unsure of herself—but then she steps up and kills it. She’s basically all of us pretending we know what we’re doing but then secretly crushing it 👏🏽
Their chemistry? Off the charts. And when they finally get it together (after Brendan puts in WORK, as he should), it’s just so satisfying.
“Because I am stupid levels of in love with you. Stupid levels!”
Same, Brendan. SAME. I’m stupid levels in love with this series.
I’ve been in my Elodie era for a while now and not coming out anytime soon.
Tell me why this might just be my new fave series?? I was obsessed—like, up at 1am after my baby’s feed still flipping pages because I was so locked in 😅
“I'm a big swinging d!ck in my big swinging d!ck office, and she is not my acquaintance's stupidly hot friend but instead a candidate for the most big-swing-ing-d!ck hire I've ever made.”
Brendan is hilarious!
He’s giving golden retriever energy but with boss vibes. The growth?? The banter?? The spice?? 10/10.
He knows when to joke, when to command, and when to say he’s fked up and the groveeellinnng—chef’s kiss 😙👌🏽
“Put your hands back where they are, madam, if you want the full sales pitch!”
“That's my good girl. Now, let me show you the killer part of my pitch!”
*I die* 🫣
And Marlowe?? She’s that girl.
Wholesome, a little awkward, a little unsure of herself—but then she steps up and kills it. She’s basically all of us pretending we know what we’re doing but then secretly crushing it 👏🏽
Their chemistry? Off the charts. And when they finally get it together (after Brendan puts in WORK, as he should), it’s just so satisfying.
“Because I am stupid levels of in love with you. Stupid levels!”
Same, Brendan. SAME. I’m stupid levels in love with this series.
I’ve been in my Elodie era for a while now and not coming out anytime soon.
May 14, 2025
Marlowe, a single mom with a chronically ill child, signs up with an exclusive full-service executive assistant agency. She’ll be selling her body in return for the financial security her daughter desperately needs, and her client Brendan happens to be someone who has had his eye on her for a while.
While the sexual fireworks go off right from the start, both characters have a lot to learn about the nature of trust, love, and sacrifice. It would be easy for a book like this to be all about the spicy scenes but Elodie Hart does a wonderful job making us care for each of them through a dual POV.
While the sexual fireworks go off right from the start, both characters have a lot to learn about the nature of trust, love, and sacrifice. It would be easy for a book like this to be all about the spicy scenes but Elodie Hart does a wonderful job making us care for each of them through a dual POV.
June 22, 2025
Why is there sm fucking internal monologue? The characters just keep going on and on and on and on about the same thing over and over again. It’s so exhausting, especially in between dialogues cuz i have to go back and read what the other person said cuz all this internal yapping had me lost. It feels like the author just tries to hit a word limit or something. Completely unnecessary to have SO MUCH FUCKING USELESS INFORMATION. It slows down the pace and flow and pissed me off sm. first and last time im reading this author’s work
July 6, 2025
one of the worst mmcs i've ever read in my entire life. play manchild by sabrina carpenter because this man is truly an entitled arrogant prick.... imo he changed his perspective way too quick to suddenly become that devoted gentle partner like ain't no way that's happening irl or in fiction books
May 19, 2025
A Bold, Beautiful Story of Redemption, Sacrifice, and Second Chances
Elodie Hart has done it again—Duplicity, the second installment in her Seraph series, is a gut-punching, soul-stirring, slow-burn of a romance that had me glued to every word. Steamy? Absolutely. Spicy? Yes, though not as molten-hot as Audacity—but make no mistake, Duplicity delivers its heat where it counts most: in the emotional unraveling, the raw vulnerability, and the breathtaking redemption arc.
This is Marlowe’s story, a fiercely brave, young single mother clawing her way through impossible circumstances to save her daughter’s life. Desperation drives her to Seraph, a firm that employs full-service executive assistants for an eye-popping seven-figure salary. It’s not just a job. It’s a lifeline. What she didn’t expect was Brendan.
Enter Brendan, the brilliant, beautiful, maddeningly infuriating billionaire boss with charm, power, and a serious case of ADHD (handled with care, nuance, and authenticity by Hart). He’s seductive and sweet when he wants to be… and a ruthless, emotionally constipated man-child when he starts catching feelings. And boy, does he catch them. Hard. His journey from cold detachment to soul-deep devotion is nothing short of magnificent.
Let’s be clear, Brendan messes up. Bad. He bulldozes Marlowe’s trust in ways that had me fuming. But what follows is some of the best, most sincere groveling I’ve ever read in a romance. Brendan doesn’t just apologize, he shows up, over and over, for Marlowe and for her daughter, the radiant and wise-beyond-her-years Tabby. He earns his second chance with every ounce of humility and love he pours out. And when he says, “I’m good for absolutely nothing in this life but making you happy. Nothing. So let me do that for you. Because I’m yours,” you feel it. You believe it. You forgive him.
At its core, Duplicity is a story about the sacrifices a mother will make, the walls we build to protect ourselves, and the people who fight like hell to tear those walls down. It’s about trust, and how fragile it is. About redemption, and how powerful it can be. And about love, not just romantic love, but the fierce, protective, healing love between a mother and child.
Though Duplicity works as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Audacity first. Marlowe’s best friend, the fabulous Athena, the unfiltered heroine of Audacity, makes a few appearances that add much context and flavor to this world.
Elodie Hart is an absolute genius at weaving steam with substance. Her writing is poetic without being pretentious and sensual without being vulgar. She makes you feel every touch, every heartbreak, every triumph.
My favorite quote from this book? “Showing up for someone doesn’t get more powerful than that.” And Brendan showed up. In every way that mattered.
Bravo, Elodie. You’ve written a love story that’s not only sexy and addictive, but unforgettable.
Elodie Hart has done it again—Duplicity, the second installment in her Seraph series, is a gut-punching, soul-stirring, slow-burn of a romance that had me glued to every word. Steamy? Absolutely. Spicy? Yes, though not as molten-hot as Audacity—but make no mistake, Duplicity delivers its heat where it counts most: in the emotional unraveling, the raw vulnerability, and the breathtaking redemption arc.
This is Marlowe’s story, a fiercely brave, young single mother clawing her way through impossible circumstances to save her daughter’s life. Desperation drives her to Seraph, a firm that employs full-service executive assistants for an eye-popping seven-figure salary. It’s not just a job. It’s a lifeline. What she didn’t expect was Brendan.
Enter Brendan, the brilliant, beautiful, maddeningly infuriating billionaire boss with charm, power, and a serious case of ADHD (handled with care, nuance, and authenticity by Hart). He’s seductive and sweet when he wants to be… and a ruthless, emotionally constipated man-child when he starts catching feelings. And boy, does he catch them. Hard. His journey from cold detachment to soul-deep devotion is nothing short of magnificent.
Let’s be clear, Brendan messes up. Bad. He bulldozes Marlowe’s trust in ways that had me fuming. But what follows is some of the best, most sincere groveling I’ve ever read in a romance. Brendan doesn’t just apologize, he shows up, over and over, for Marlowe and for her daughter, the radiant and wise-beyond-her-years Tabby. He earns his second chance with every ounce of humility and love he pours out. And when he says, “I’m good for absolutely nothing in this life but making you happy. Nothing. So let me do that for you. Because I’m yours,” you feel it. You believe it. You forgive him.
At its core, Duplicity is a story about the sacrifices a mother will make, the walls we build to protect ourselves, and the people who fight like hell to tear those walls down. It’s about trust, and how fragile it is. About redemption, and how powerful it can be. And about love, not just romantic love, but the fierce, protective, healing love between a mother and child.
Though Duplicity works as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Audacity first. Marlowe’s best friend, the fabulous Athena, the unfiltered heroine of Audacity, makes a few appearances that add much context and flavor to this world.
Elodie Hart is an absolute genius at weaving steam with substance. Her writing is poetic without being pretentious and sensual without being vulgar. She makes you feel every touch, every heartbreak, every triumph.
My favorite quote from this book? “Showing up for someone doesn’t get more powerful than that.” And Brendan showed up. In every way that mattered.
Bravo, Elodie. You’ve written a love story that’s not only sexy and addictive, but unforgettable.
June 2, 2025
Wrecked: ADHD Rep + Smut!
Good. LORD. Not even sure where to start with this one. If you’re not wanting to read my rambling, this was a 4.7✨ rounded up to 5, and a 7/10🌶️ on the spice scale for me.
This book was SO EMOTIONAL. On the one hand, you have a mother archetype the likes of Fantine from Les Mis, which is enough to bring anyone to tears. On the other, you have a deeply flawed, deeply traumatized MMC whose raging ADHD was SO. RELATABLE. IT. HURT. TO. READ! The main characters were written so well that the smut might as well have been icing on the cake.
Aside from that, the storyline was utterly unique in the way only an Elodie Hart book can be. A perfect blend of spice and angst, Hart took us on a journey of self actualization and redemption for both her characters.
For our FMC, Marlowe, it was a journey of finding one’s sexual confidence after her trust had been so utterly broken, and having the courage to let herself love her entire life again, not just the roles she’s poured most of her energy into (aka mother, daughter, and friend).
For our MMC, Brendan, it was a journey of intense emotional growth and finding purpose in the people he loves, no matter how terrifying nor difficult it is to make himself that vulnerable. He was also a truly excellent source of representation for anyone who struggles with neurodivergence—specifically ADHD. The paralysis, the boredom, the impulsivity, the feeling of being stuck in the roles we’ve found ourselves in, the struggle with tardiness or routines, and the need to (sometimes) over communicate because being misunderstood at a young age caused so much trauma? Talk about a gut punch.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the way Marlowe’s sweet child struggled with her health so badly that when she was finally well, I still felt wrecked. Specifically because (since Bren had childhood trauma and recognized it immediately) Bren was so quick to introduce insane amounts of joy into her life. It was the most wholesome version of the adult-who-struggled-making-sure-this-child-never-would-again trope I’ve read in ages.
ANYWAY, the spice was definitely at the level we’ve come to expect from our dear author, and without giving too much away, if it’s been awhile since you’ve read a good threesome, look no further. Okay I’m gonna shut up now and wait (im)patiently for the next Seraph book.
Disclaimer: this honest review was freely given after reading an advanced reader copy.
Good. LORD. Not even sure where to start with this one. If you’re not wanting to read my rambling, this was a 4.7✨ rounded up to 5, and a 7/10🌶️ on the spice scale for me.
This book was SO EMOTIONAL. On the one hand, you have a mother archetype the likes of Fantine from Les Mis, which is enough to bring anyone to tears. On the other, you have a deeply flawed, deeply traumatized MMC whose raging ADHD was SO. RELATABLE. IT. HURT. TO. READ! The main characters were written so well that the smut might as well have been icing on the cake.
Aside from that, the storyline was utterly unique in the way only an Elodie Hart book can be. A perfect blend of spice and angst, Hart took us on a journey of self actualization and redemption for both her characters.
For our FMC, Marlowe, it was a journey of finding one’s sexual confidence after her trust had been so utterly broken, and having the courage to let herself love her entire life again, not just the roles she’s poured most of her energy into (aka mother, daughter, and friend).
For our MMC, Brendan, it was a journey of intense emotional growth and finding purpose in the people he loves, no matter how terrifying nor difficult it is to make himself that vulnerable. He was also a truly excellent source of representation for anyone who struggles with neurodivergence—specifically ADHD. The paralysis, the boredom, the impulsivity, the feeling of being stuck in the roles we’ve found ourselves in, the struggle with tardiness or routines, and the need to (sometimes) over communicate because being misunderstood at a young age caused so much trauma? Talk about a gut punch.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the way Marlowe’s sweet child struggled with her health so badly that when she was finally well, I still felt wrecked. Specifically because (since Bren had childhood trauma and recognized it immediately) Bren was so quick to introduce insane amounts of joy into her life. It was the most wholesome version of the adult-who-struggled-making-sure-this-child-never-would-again trope I’ve read in ages.
ANYWAY, the spice was definitely at the level we’ve come to expect from our dear author, and without giving too much away, if it’s been awhile since you’ve read a good threesome, look no further. Okay I’m gonna shut up now and wait (im)patiently for the next Seraph book.
Disclaimer: this honest review was freely given after reading an advanced reader copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
Wow wow wow!! 5 stars from me 🌟 I’m so grateful to be apart of the ARC team, thank you so much Elodie!! 🫶🏻
Duplicity is the second book in the Seraph series and I really loved Audacity (1st book) but this takes top spot for me!
It follows the story of Marlowe, a single mum to a little girl who has a congenital heart problem who signs up for Seraph (an EA position with benefits, the sexy kind of benefits) to earn money for her daughters heart surgery. She’s inexperienced and basically a born again virgin but needs this position desperately so asks Athena (her bestie and Audacity’s FMC) to get her signed up.
She’s paired with Brendan - a billionaire play boy, who’s used to getting exactly what he wants and acts out massively if he doesn’t. The catch is that Brendan doesn’t know about Marlowe’s unwell daughter, Tabby and when the truths comes out it changes everything!
The spice is this book is some of the best spice I’ve ever read and I’m a big fan of spicy books 🌶️ It’s gets you hot and bothered that’s for sureeee
I loved the ending so much I was in tears, it’s a 10/10 book and such a great read. The plot was great and the spice was intense 💞
Tropes include;
🌶️ Boss x Employee
🌶️ Single mum
🌶️ Rich playboy MMC
🌶️ Spice/kinks
🌶️ MFM scene
🌶️ Inexperienced FMC
Duplicity is the second book in the Seraph series and I really loved Audacity (1st book) but this takes top spot for me!
It follows the story of Marlowe, a single mum to a little girl who has a congenital heart problem who signs up for Seraph (an EA position with benefits, the sexy kind of benefits) to earn money for her daughters heart surgery. She’s inexperienced and basically a born again virgin but needs this position desperately so asks Athena (her bestie and Audacity’s FMC) to get her signed up.
She’s paired with Brendan - a billionaire play boy, who’s used to getting exactly what he wants and acts out massively if he doesn’t. The catch is that Brendan doesn’t know about Marlowe’s unwell daughter, Tabby and when the truths comes out it changes everything!
The spice is this book is some of the best spice I’ve ever read and I’m a big fan of spicy books 🌶️ It’s gets you hot and bothered that’s for sureeee
I loved the ending so much I was in tears, it’s a 10/10 book and such a great read. The plot was great and the spice was intense 💞
Tropes include;
🌶️ Boss x Employee
🌶️ Single mum
🌶️ Rich playboy MMC
🌶️ Spice/kinks
🌶️ MFM scene
🌶️ Inexperienced FMC
May 20, 2025
Another 5 ⭐️ read for me by one of my favorite authors. Duplicity is the second book in the steamy Seraph series.
Marlowe and Brendan’s book is a spicy tale of intense chemistry, sacrifice, and redemption.
Marlowe is the quintessential mama bear. The young single mother is both fierce and brave as she is caring and providing for her daughter Tabitha while striving to find a way to raise the funds needed for Tabitha’s life saving heart surgery. Unwilling to accept money from her friend and desperate for a solution, she decides to join Seraph, an Executive Assistance Program that offers full service assistants in exchange for a life changing salary that will allow her to schedule her daughter’s much needed procedure.
Enter Brenden the sexy, arrogant, and powerful playboy billionaire. He struggles with ADHD which can lead him to be impatient and impulsive among other things. He is instantly attracted to Marlowe and agrees to hire her though he is kept in the dark about what is truly transpiring in her life. Together they are fire. But that fire soon burns out of control and the reality of Marlowe’s life turns both their worlds upside down.
This story had me all in my feels. The attraction and the lust. The desperation and the struggle. The lies and the mistakes. The grace and forgiveness. The love and devotion. All of it made me love their story that much more. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys spicy reading with some depth.
Elodie Hart has a unique way of giving her reader an experience reading that is thoroughly entertaining and intensely satisfying. Her work is heavy on the spice, but still has such an engaging story with emotionally intelligent characters. Truly one of my faves. ❤️
Marlowe and Brendan’s book is a spicy tale of intense chemistry, sacrifice, and redemption.
Marlowe is the quintessential mama bear. The young single mother is both fierce and brave as she is caring and providing for her daughter Tabitha while striving to find a way to raise the funds needed for Tabitha’s life saving heart surgery. Unwilling to accept money from her friend and desperate for a solution, she decides to join Seraph, an Executive Assistance Program that offers full service assistants in exchange for a life changing salary that will allow her to schedule her daughter’s much needed procedure.
Enter Brenden the sexy, arrogant, and powerful playboy billionaire. He struggles with ADHD which can lead him to be impatient and impulsive among other things. He is instantly attracted to Marlowe and agrees to hire her though he is kept in the dark about what is truly transpiring in her life. Together they are fire. But that fire soon burns out of control and the reality of Marlowe’s life turns both their worlds upside down.
This story had me all in my feels. The attraction and the lust. The desperation and the struggle. The lies and the mistakes. The grace and forgiveness. The love and devotion. All of it made me love their story that much more. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys spicy reading with some depth.
Elodie Hart has a unique way of giving her reader an experience reading that is thoroughly entertaining and intensely satisfying. Her work is heavy on the spice, but still has such an engaging story with emotionally intelligent characters. Truly one of my faves. ❤️
June 9, 2025
***UPDATE***
In order to get my mind off of ugly things for a while, I went back to this book. The second half was much better. Good enough, overall, to get 4 stars.
****************
DNF 40% — I just can’t seem to get into any book lately. And I really don’t love this series, so I’m done with it.
In order to get my mind off of ugly things for a while, I went back to this book. The second half was much better. Good enough, overall, to get 4 stars.
****************
DNF 40% — I just can’t seem to get into any book lately. And I really don’t love this series, so I’m done with it.
August 13, 2025
Ya know, for a Tiktok rec, I'm not mad at it.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- boss x employee
- single mom
- sex work
- playboy billionaire mmc
- inexperienced fmc
- sharing is caring
- hiiighhh heat
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- boss x employee
- single mom
- sex work
- playboy billionaire mmc
- inexperienced fmc
- sharing is caring
- hiiighhh heat
July 8, 2025
Mehhh
I seriously need to stop being influenced by bookstagram
The MMC gave off such immature and spoilt rich brat vibes throughout that when he had a change of heart, i just couldn’t believe him at all. The MFC was okay, i mean she was struggling and a very good mother but idk how they moved on so quickly from MMC embarrassing her infront of his friends. Yeah he was there for her afterwards, but seriously she should have asked for more.
I seriously need to stop being influenced by bookstagram
The MMC gave off such immature and spoilt rich brat vibes throughout that when he had a change of heart, i just couldn’t believe him at all. The MFC was okay, i mean she was struggling and a very good mother but idk how they moved on so quickly from MMC embarrassing her infront of his friends. Yeah he was there for her afterwards, but seriously she should have asked for more.
June 16, 2025
The plot was good along with the drama. Brendan betrayl was terrible though.
May 25, 2025
Elodie Hart has proven time and time again - if she writes it, I will read it...and love it.
I loved its predecessor Audacity so I knew I was likely going to like Duplicity if it stayed true to the Alchemy multiverse; beautiful backdrops with fascinating and complex characters, with exquisitely articulate writing and a heaping spoonful of spice. Did it live up to those expectations? Absolutely. Did it in fact surpass Audacity in my opinion? Quite possibly!
I was already hooked by the premise, Gabe Sullivan's playboy man child Brendan, and innocent mother and best friend of Athena getting together Seraph style? Sign me up. I was definitely intrigued by how the characters were introduced at the end of book 1, but I was curious as to how they were going to take the inexperienced and shy Marlowe and turn her into the sexy EA with benefits of Brendan's (in order to save her daughter's life), and not make it too hooker-ish or creepy along the lines of consent...but fortunately I was pleasantly surprised at how this was handled.
I know you are meant to hate Brendan at first, but is it bad that even as a man child I still loved him? I mean sure, he's definitely a privileged fuckboy that's crazy ADHD and arrogant AF, but he does it in an endearing way that makes me believe that could never make me hate him (at FIRST). But the Sullivan family bond is strong, so you know he's inherently a good man deep down, with good (albeit questionable) morals. I also enjoyed Marlowe's character more than I had originally expected. She could have easily been written to be this naive waif, but she having been a single mom since she was 19 years old gives her the edge she needs to not take any of Brendan's shit, and I loved that.
Brendan and Marlowe's chemistry is off the charts right away, and I especially loved how Brendan had been taken with her from day 1 when they first met. It humanized him, and made it seem more realistic that they could work asa couple. I was nervous that there were going to be some cringy "oh no I haven't done this before" awkward encounters, but fortunately for all of us, their spice scenes are incredibly hot right off the bat. Elodie never misses in the spice department!
Brendan definitely makes some poor decisions though, and oooh boy do we hate him for a bit! But boy oh boy does that man know how to grovel and beg for forgiveness in the BEST way. My only slight hangup about this story was when Brendan starts to turn his life around, he just seemed to go 180 a bit to hard and fast. I know this is fiction, but it seemed too good to be true that this guy went from manwhore to family man in a matter of days. BUT this is a man written by a woman, so of course it sounds like a dream come true! That aside, I went along for the ride and loved every minute of it.
Overall this book had heart, humor and horniness - the 3 H's I love in a good book. Dare I say, I might like Marlowe and Brendan more than Athena and Gabe?! Athena set the standard, and Marlowe raised the bar. I cannot wait to hear this come to life on audiobook someday, but I am so glad I got an ARC read of this fabulous book in the Seraph series! Can't wait for Sophie and Ethan's story...
I loved its predecessor Audacity so I knew I was likely going to like Duplicity if it stayed true to the Alchemy multiverse; beautiful backdrops with fascinating and complex characters, with exquisitely articulate writing and a heaping spoonful of spice. Did it live up to those expectations? Absolutely. Did it in fact surpass Audacity in my opinion? Quite possibly!
I was already hooked by the premise, Gabe Sullivan's playboy man child Brendan, and innocent mother and best friend of Athena getting together Seraph style? Sign me up. I was definitely intrigued by how the characters were introduced at the end of book 1, but I was curious as to how they were going to take the inexperienced and shy Marlowe and turn her into the sexy EA with benefits of Brendan's (in order to save her daughter's life), and not make it too hooker-ish or creepy along the lines of consent...but fortunately I was pleasantly surprised at how this was handled.
I know you are meant to hate Brendan at first, but is it bad that even as a man child I still loved him? I mean sure, he's definitely a privileged fuckboy that's crazy ADHD and arrogant AF, but he does it in an endearing way that makes me believe that could never make me hate him (at FIRST). But the Sullivan family bond is strong, so you know he's inherently a good man deep down, with good (albeit questionable) morals. I also enjoyed Marlowe's character more than I had originally expected. She could have easily been written to be this naive waif, but she having been a single mom since she was 19 years old gives her the edge she needs to not take any of Brendan's shit, and I loved that.
Brendan and Marlowe's chemistry is off the charts right away, and I especially loved how Brendan had been taken with her from day 1 when they first met. It humanized him, and made it seem more realistic that they could work asa couple. I was nervous that there were going to be some cringy "oh no I haven't done this before" awkward encounters, but fortunately for all of us, their spice scenes are incredibly hot right off the bat. Elodie never misses in the spice department!
Brendan definitely makes some poor decisions though, and oooh boy do we hate him for a bit! But boy oh boy does that man know how to grovel and beg for forgiveness in the BEST way. My only slight hangup about this story was when Brendan starts to turn his life around, he just seemed to go 180 a bit to hard and fast. I know this is fiction, but it seemed too good to be true that this guy went from manwhore to family man in a matter of days. BUT this is a man written by a woman, so of course it sounds like a dream come true! That aside, I went along for the ride and loved every minute of it.
Overall this book had heart, humor and horniness - the 3 H's I love in a good book. Dare I say, I might like Marlowe and Brendan more than Athena and Gabe?! Athena set the standard, and Marlowe raised the bar. I cannot wait to hear this come to life on audiobook someday, but I am so glad I got an ARC read of this fabulous book in the Seraph series! Can't wait for Sophie and Ethan's story...
May 17, 2025
Duplicity, the Second book in the Seraph series, by Elodie Hart. It follows single mother Marlowe as she delves into a line of work that is totally out of her comfort zone in order to fund a life saving surgery for her daughter Tabby. Marlowe’s best friend, Athena, who we know from the first book in the series, Audacity, previously worked for Seraph and is able to reluctantly help Marlowe fast track into an interview with Brendan Sullivan (brother to Gabe).
The Audition. I won’t spoil it for you, but 🔥! With this being only the opening scene of Marlowe and Brendan, I realized it was time to buckle up because this ride is going to be a wild one. Elodie Hart truly does it again with Duplicity. The spicy scenes are off the charts, but there is a fantastic emotional story to back it up. Think Pretty Woman, if Vivienne were a single mom, with even more love and electricity.
Marlowe’s character is my favorite of the series so far. She is so relatable and real. A mother who will do anything for her child, but also a woman who is discovering a whole second side to herself. I really enjoyed watching her personality unfold and come into herself, but still hold strong to who she is.
After finishing this novel, my heart is full. I felt full immersed in this story and per usual with one of Elodie’s books grew attached and fell in love with the MC’s. She truly has a way with words, and her character development is beyond my ability to describe. I am already excited to see where she takes the next book in this series, though it will be hard to top Marlow and Brendan for me!
The Audition. I won’t spoil it for you, but 🔥! With this being only the opening scene of Marlowe and Brendan, I realized it was time to buckle up because this ride is going to be a wild one. Elodie Hart truly does it again with Duplicity. The spicy scenes are off the charts, but there is a fantastic emotional story to back it up. Think Pretty Woman, if Vivienne were a single mom, with even more love and electricity.
Marlowe’s character is my favorite of the series so far. She is so relatable and real. A mother who will do anything for her child, but also a woman who is discovering a whole second side to herself. I really enjoyed watching her personality unfold and come into herself, but still hold strong to who she is.
After finishing this novel, my heart is full. I felt full immersed in this story and per usual with one of Elodie’s books grew attached and fell in love with the MC’s. She truly has a way with words, and her character development is beyond my ability to describe. I am already excited to see where she takes the next book in this series, though it will be hard to top Marlow and Brendan for me!
May 21, 2025
Marlowe Winters is the single mother to a precious eight year old. Her dream is that one day her daughter, Tabby, will be able to live life with the energy and optimism that oozes from the very marrow of her soul. Unfortunately, dreams and fairy godmothers don’t exist for someone like her. Tabby needs a life-saving surgery, but Marlowe just got sacked for having to leave her job to meet the ambulance transporting her sweet princess to the hospital.
Across London, Brendon Sullivan is collecting exorbitantly expensive toys and living up to his playboy reputation. After all, why try to change how others perceive you when those who matter most consider you to be an irresponsible screwup?
If Marlowe signs up with Seraph to work for Brendan as his latest, and shiniest toy, will she be able to keep her personal life secret? Can she make enough money fast enough to ensure Tabby gets the life-saving surgery she must have to survive? What will happen if Brendan learns of her duplicity? Will it cost her the only means she has to ensure Tabby lives? And on top of that, what will she do if she starts catching feelings for London’s most eligible bachelor?
Join Marlowe and Brendan (and the adorable Tabby) as they figure out what’s worth fighting for and when to let go.
Once again, Elodie Hart wrote a strong story of vulnerability, forgiveness, acceptance, growth, and love. Pick this book up. You won’t regret it! This is the second book in the Seraph series. To learn more about some of the characters and witness the first time Brendan meets Marlowe, read book one: Audacity.
Across London, Brendon Sullivan is collecting exorbitantly expensive toys and living up to his playboy reputation. After all, why try to change how others perceive you when those who matter most consider you to be an irresponsible screwup?
If Marlowe signs up with Seraph to work for Brendan as his latest, and shiniest toy, will she be able to keep her personal life secret? Can she make enough money fast enough to ensure Tabby gets the life-saving surgery she must have to survive? What will happen if Brendan learns of her duplicity? Will it cost her the only means she has to ensure Tabby lives? And on top of that, what will she do if she starts catching feelings for London’s most eligible bachelor?
Join Marlowe and Brendan (and the adorable Tabby) as they figure out what’s worth fighting for and when to let go.
Once again, Elodie Hart wrote a strong story of vulnerability, forgiveness, acceptance, growth, and love. Pick this book up. You won’t regret it! This is the second book in the Seraph series. To learn more about some of the characters and witness the first time Brendan meets Marlowe, read book one: Audacity.
May 17, 2025
❤️ ARC REVIEW ❤️
I was beyond excited to be asked to join the ARC reader community, and could not contain my excitement at receiving the email with the Second book in this series. It felt like winning the Dirty book lottery.
Work for me got in the way of devouring this book as fast as I would have liked.
Getting to know Marlowe & Brendan slightly in book 1 was helpful but it’s not essential. You could read them as stand alone books, but for me you would be missing out.
Marlowe is just gorgeous. A beautiful, intelligent smart woman with a heart so big. The love she has for her little lady is beyond words, and as a mum, you literally would do anything for your children.
Brendan sounds hot, and him being neurodivergent makes him even more endearing. His fidget toy in his pocket being his safety blanket. Whilst his tantrums were to me amusing, he was the spoilt brat that you can imagine but gets grounded by a beautiful female.
The level of filth in the book is believable, and I can totally imagine those things happening in offices all over the world!
Little Tabs, Mark the dog and even Daniel the Spaniel all sound like great characters too.
This book was fabulous, a great story, with a twisty ending. The final chapter however had me sobbing in the garden. Not only him asking Marlowe but Tabs as well. Just gorgeous.
Thank you Elodie, and her team for a great book. I cannot wait for number 3.
Enjoy folks.
I was beyond excited to be asked to join the ARC reader community, and could not contain my excitement at receiving the email with the Second book in this series. It felt like winning the Dirty book lottery.
Work for me got in the way of devouring this book as fast as I would have liked.
Getting to know Marlowe & Brendan slightly in book 1 was helpful but it’s not essential. You could read them as stand alone books, but for me you would be missing out.
Marlowe is just gorgeous. A beautiful, intelligent smart woman with a heart so big. The love she has for her little lady is beyond words, and as a mum, you literally would do anything for your children.
Brendan sounds hot, and him being neurodivergent makes him even more endearing. His fidget toy in his pocket being his safety blanket. Whilst his tantrums were to me amusing, he was the spoilt brat that you can imagine but gets grounded by a beautiful female.
The level of filth in the book is believable, and I can totally imagine those things happening in offices all over the world!
Little Tabs, Mark the dog and even Daniel the Spaniel all sound like great characters too.
This book was fabulous, a great story, with a twisty ending. The final chapter however had me sobbing in the garden. Not only him asking Marlowe but Tabs as well. Just gorgeous.
Thank you Elodie, and her team for a great book. I cannot wait for number 3.
Enjoy folks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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