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Love, Lies, and Deception
What do you do when the one person you thought you knew turns out to be the one you knew the least?
Twenty-three year old Marissa Chase, and soon to be college graduate, has everything going for her: wonderful friends, a lucrative degree, and a chance to explore the world. What made it even better – or so she thought – was when her path crossed with the alluring Alec Holden. Unable to stay away from him, Marissa experiences a love like no other, and falls into his world of passion and intrigue. However, things begin to shift when this path takes a deadly turn.
Her trust is put to the test when hidden dangers unfold before her, revealing secrets that have been buried for years. Secrets that were meant to stay hidden. Murder, lies, and betrayal … will Marissa figure it all out in time and escape with her life intact, or will she be too late and fall into the trap of deception?
Twenty-three year old Marissa Chase, and soon to be college graduate, has everything going for her: wonderful friends, a lucrative degree, and a chance to explore the world. What made it even better – or so she thought – was when her path crossed with the alluring Alec Holden. Unable to stay away from him, Marissa experiences a love like no other, and falls into his world of passion and intrigue. However, things begin to shift when this path takes a deadly turn.
Her trust is put to the test when hidden dangers unfold before her, revealing secrets that have been buried for years. Secrets that were meant to stay hidden. Murder, lies, and betrayal … will Marissa figure it all out in time and escape with her life intact, or will she be too late and fall into the trap of deception?
278 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2013
71 people are currently reading
1926 people want to read
About the author
L.P. Dover
112 books3,398 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play golf, go on mountain hikes and white-water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, but her favorite to write is romantic suspense. However, she has found a new passion in romantic comedy, especially involving sexy golfers. Who knew the sport could be so dirty and fun to write about.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play golf, go on mountain hikes and white-water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, but her favorite to write is romantic suspense. However, she has found a new passion in romantic comedy, especially involving sexy golfers. Who knew the sport could be so dirty and fun to write about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
October 1, 2013
3 ~ 3 1/2 Stars
This story is very well paced and not too long of a read. The story line leaves you anticipating L.P. Dover's attempt to wow you with her reveals and/or twists.
Marissa the main character is a college student who is pretty likable. I found something lacking in her relationships with the other characters in the story, especially with her love interest.
Some characters in the story harbor secrets and quickly our main character finds out that her life is in danger.
"Here we go again, Ms. Chase, Detective Michaels said, taking a seat across from me."
I've read a few reviews for this book all of which were shocked by the ending. I found myself a bit confused since there is only three other characters Melissa interacts with who could be "the bad guy". Regardless of my lack of surprise by the ending, probably because the pool of suspects is so tiny. My mind was running through all sorts of scenarios and one just happened to be ending, the story was exciting for the most part and did hold my interest.
I have to give props to L.P. Dover because she sure can write a good sex scene.
This book appears to be a stand alone story. Unfortunately, there wasn't an epilogue to be found.
Overall, it's short and exciting read that may or may not surprise you.
This story is very well paced and not too long of a read. The story line leaves you anticipating L.P. Dover's attempt to wow you with her reveals and/or twists.
Marissa the main character is a college student who is pretty likable. I found something lacking in her relationships with the other characters in the story, especially with her love interest.
Some characters in the story harbor secrets and quickly our main character finds out that her life is in danger.
"Here we go again, Ms. Chase, Detective Michaels said, taking a seat across from me."
I've read a few reviews for this book all of which were shocked by the ending. I found myself a bit confused since there is only three other characters Melissa interacts with who could be "the bad guy". Regardless of my lack of surprise by the ending, probably because the pool of suspects is so tiny. My mind was running through all sorts of scenarios and one just happened to be ending, the story was exciting for the most part and did hold my interest.
I have to give props to L.P. Dover because she sure can write a good sex scene.
This book appears to be a stand alone story. Unfortunately, there wasn't an epilogue to be found.
Overall, it's short and exciting read that may or may not surprise you.
July 10, 2013
Okay so I have probably said this before and no doubt Ill say it again but OMG!!! This book was absolutely AMAZING!!! I think LP Dover had really out done herself on this one, it was out of her original genre of Fantasy but oh so GOOD!!! I think Love, Lies & Deception has become my fave out of all the books she has written. There was so much drama, suspense, and so much more. After reading this I felt like I just got done watching a CSI or Criminal Minds show unravel. It was that awesome plus all that hot and spicy romance as well. I loved the characters and the big twist at the end which I wont go in to detail on because I'm not going to give away any spoilers but I will tell you who ever you suspect you are most likely wrong because the people I suspected were not the murderer. I loved Alec from the get go he just seemed so juicy and HAWT!! My heart went out to Kristian at time but then there was others that yelled creepster. I enjoyed the personal touches that the author put into this story. This is one you must have on your shelves to be able to read over and over again. LP Dover is one author I can definitely see making the best sellers list.
October 1, 2013
3--I Knew Who Done It--Stars!
So I saw all of the high ratings for this book....scanned some of the reviews and the vibe I got was
Everyone seemed to be so shocked by the ending. So I'm thinking sweet, this one is going to be a romance with some suspense mixed in....some twists and turns to keep me guessing right??
Problem #1--when there are only a total of 5 main characters, one of which is being targeted, process of elimination will pretty much tell you "who done it".
Problem #2--there were really only 2 possible culprits and the author really led us in one direction. So when I got to the end and discovered who actually done it--well let's just say
So....Marissa is our heroine. She's a soon to be college graduate. She's got great friends--her BFF and roomie Emily, Emily's boyfriend Justin and their other friend Kristian (hate the spelling btw). NOTE: There's 4 of the 5 main characters. The story begins with the gang heading out for a Spring Break trip to Fiji.
While leaving the apartment, Marissa literally runs in to her hot neighbor Alec (meet character #5). They've lived in the same apartment complex for the last several years. I kind of find it hard to believe that they hadn't run in to each other before that....but whatevs. Once Marissa returns from Spring Break, she and Alec start dating.
Alec's keeping some pretty big secrets, and before long "hidden dangers unfold". Alec's past comes back and Marissa is now a target. Alec and Marissa go in to "hiding". I really thought Marissa acted really dumb with the whole thing. I mean HHHHEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOOO of course it was a set-up.
I mean I get it....they had to get somehow right?!?! But then for her to immediately ?????
IDK....bottomline I was hoping for
And instead I found it a bit predictable. I didn't really love any of the characters and never really connected to them or the story. This one was just okay for me....it was a standalone. Seemed more of a HFN ending. No epilogue. But not cliffhanger.
So I saw all of the high ratings for this book....scanned some of the reviews and the vibe I got was
Everyone seemed to be so shocked by the ending. So I'm thinking sweet, this one is going to be a romance with some suspense mixed in....some twists and turns to keep me guessing right??
Problem #1--when there are only a total of 5 main characters, one of which is being targeted, process of elimination will pretty much tell you "who done it".
Problem #2--there were really only 2 possible culprits and the author really led us in one direction. So when I got to the end and discovered who actually done it--well let's just say
So....Marissa is our heroine. She's a soon to be college graduate. She's got great friends--her BFF and roomie Emily, Emily's boyfriend Justin and their other friend Kristian (hate the spelling btw). NOTE: There's 4 of the 5 main characters. The story begins with the gang heading out for a Spring Break trip to Fiji.
While leaving the apartment, Marissa literally runs in to her hot neighbor Alec (meet character #5). They've lived in the same apartment complex for the last several years. I kind of find it hard to believe that they hadn't run in to each other before that....but whatevs. Once Marissa returns from Spring Break, she and Alec start dating.
Alec's keeping some pretty big secrets, and before long "hidden dangers unfold". Alec's past comes back and Marissa is now a target. Alec and Marissa go in to "hiding". I really thought Marissa acted really dumb with the whole thing. I mean HHHHEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOOO of course it was a set-up.
I mean I get it....they had to get somehow right?!?! But then for her to immediately ?????
IDK....bottomline I was hoping for
And instead I found it a bit predictable. I didn't really love any of the characters and never really connected to them or the story. This one was just okay for me....it was a standalone. Seemed more of a HFN ending. No epilogue. But not cliffhanger.
November 26, 2014
~Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review~
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
I tried, I really did, but reading this book was a true struggle from page 1. I sensed after a few first chapters that this story won't be something I'll enjoy and unfortunately, in the end, my predictions came true.
~ The Plot
This is a contemporary romance mixed with some mystery/crime and I think the idea of the plot had potential, but it was poorly developed. The story seemed monotonous, especially the romance part. It was rushed and lacked sparks and there were too many repetitive sex scenes which didn't leave enough place for the anticlimactic mystery which developed and concluded too quickly in my opinion. The writing was also too plain for my liking. It didn't evoke any emotions in me and I would say it is need of a good editor.
~ The characters
The characters had too many immature, naive and annoying outbreaks and I just couldn't connect or care for them at all.
~ Love Triangle
Oh, the curse and the melodrama of the (in)famous love triangles! I usually avoid stories with love triangles, mostly because I can't handle (read: stand) the melodrama they result in, but I may occasionally cave in if the book is written by one of my favorite authors or if I'm really intrigued by the synopsis.
The love triangle of this story is yet again something that was in my opinion poorly done. I felt that Marissa's relationships with both male characters lacked sparks and true connection. One was based on sex and the other one on friendship and for me both felt forced. The girl claims that she is in love with one guy and the next day she is sleeping with the other one. Yes- it must be true love! *eye-roll* And I don't think that any guy, at least any REAL man would forgive so easily or at all the things she's done while in a relationship. I know I would have dumped her long time ago!
~ The Ending
I meant to rate it with 2 stars, but the rushed, poorly developed and incredulous ending decided it for me. That's all I'm going to say.
All in all, in spite of my effort, this book just wasn't for me. I think that it's more suitable for readers beginners or in general readers who don't read as much as I do. Considering all the books I read so far I don't mean to be offensive, but I don't feel it deserves more stars. Read it and decide for yourself!
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
I tried, I really did, but reading this book was a true struggle from page 1. I sensed after a few first chapters that this story won't be something I'll enjoy and unfortunately, in the end, my predictions came true.
Reasons for my rating:
~ The Plot
This is a contemporary romance mixed with some mystery/crime and I think the idea of the plot had potential, but it was poorly developed. The story seemed monotonous, especially the romance part. It was rushed and lacked sparks and there were too many repetitive sex scenes which didn't leave enough place for the anticlimactic mystery which developed and concluded too quickly in my opinion. The writing was also too plain for my liking. It didn't evoke any emotions in me and I would say it is need of a good editor.
~ The characters
The characters had too many immature, naive and annoying outbreaks and I just couldn't connect or care for them at all.
~ Love Triangle
Oh, the curse and the melodrama of the (in)famous love triangles! I usually avoid stories with love triangles, mostly because I can't handle (read: stand) the melodrama they result in, but I may occasionally cave in if the book is written by one of my favorite authors or if I'm really intrigued by the synopsis.
The love triangle of this story is yet again something that was in my opinion poorly done. I felt that Marissa's relationships with both male characters lacked sparks and true connection. One was based on sex and the other one on friendship and for me both felt forced. The girl claims that she is in love with one guy and the next day she is sleeping with the other one. Yes- it must be true love! *eye-roll* And I don't think that any guy, at least any REAL man would forgive so easily or at all the things she's done while in a relationship. I know I would have dumped her long time ago!
~ The Ending
I meant to rate it with 2 stars, but the rushed, poorly developed and incredulous ending decided it for me. That's all I'm going to say.
All in all, in spite of my effort, this book just wasn't for me. I think that it's more suitable for readers beginners or in general readers who don't read as much as I do. Considering all the books I read so far I don't mean to be offensive, but I don't feel it deserves more stars. Read it and decide for yourself!
September 3, 2013
I love it when a story draws you in and makes you think of nothing else. You fall in love with the characters, the story well written and well thought out, and you just want to keep reading to see how it is going to play out. The only problem is...just when you think you have it all figured out – BAM – the author throws in a twist you could not possibly have seen coming. This could work in two ways for the author: 1) The twist is too unbelievable to even really consider and you just to roll your eyes and take solace in the fact that the first part of the story was good; or 2) The twist turns what was a great story into an exceptional story. The latter is what happened with Love, Lies, and Deception. I was just reading away, thinking I had it all figured out, completely oblivious to the fact that my whole was about to change. Okay, maybe I am being a bit dramatic – my whole world didn't change, it just seems like it should have.
What do you do when the one person you thought you knew turns out to be the one you knew the least?
Love, Lies, and Deception is the story of Marissa, a college student looking forward to graduation and the next stage of her life. Marissa is pretty much your typical 23-year-old woman – she studies hard, she likes to party, she has great friends and a good life. There is really nothing to make her stand out from the next girl, so when she is the victim of an attempted attack not once, but twice, in a relatively short time period, questions are raised. When the truth comes out, no one is more surprised than Marissa (except maybe me!).
I really can't go into any of the plot without giving things away, but I can tell you that that this story is definitely worth reading. Let me just say that the characters were all great and well written. The author gave us enough to get a feel for them and their individual personalities. The plot was extremely complicated but organized, and I didn't feel at the end that there were any major questions left uncovered.
Thank you to L.P. Dover for providing me a copy of your book.
What do you do when the one person you thought you knew turns out to be the one you knew the least?
Love, Lies, and Deception is the story of Marissa, a college student looking forward to graduation and the next stage of her life. Marissa is pretty much your typical 23-year-old woman – she studies hard, she likes to party, she has great friends and a good life. There is really nothing to make her stand out from the next girl, so when she is the victim of an attempted attack not once, but twice, in a relatively short time period, questions are raised. When the truth comes out, no one is more surprised than Marissa (except maybe me!).
I really can't go into any of the plot without giving things away, but I can tell you that that this story is definitely worth reading. Let me just say that the characters were all great and well written. The author gave us enough to get a feel for them and their individual personalities. The plot was extremely complicated but organized, and I didn't feel at the end that there were any major questions left uncovered.
Thank you to L.P. Dover for providing me a copy of your book.
August 20, 2013
Before I begin, I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“The man in front of me wasn’t the same man I thought I knew. The once warm eyes that stared back at me many times before were now cold and detached…empty, no remorse for what he’d done. How could I have not seen it before?”
So when I heard L.P. Dover had a new book coming out and that it was WAY different from Love’s Second Chance, well, I just HAD to read it!! What a delicious snack-read! This fast-paced romantic suspense novel reached out and grabbed my attention from page 1 and really gave me a whole new perspective on the ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’ mantra.
“I wanted the love and passion, to feel the butterflies in my stomach, and the clenching of need in my core. I wanted to feel alive, and to feel desired.”
Marissa Chase is a twenty-three year old biology major who is incredibly passionate about everything: her studies, her friends, and her expectations about her love life. She has suffered from the loss of losing both of her parents, and still has a hard time getting by. When she first meets Alec Holden, there is an instant attraction between them. Alec sees her, her lost expression, and feels a connection to her.
“It’s hard to say, but all I know is that I don’t want to lose what we have here. It’s the first real relationship I’ve had. I never thought I’d be able to experience it, and now that I have I don’t want to let you go. You’re the light to my endless world of dark.”
To me, Alec seemed to be wearing this cloak of mystery and was always just shrouded in his secrets, and when he finally opens up about his dark past I could really see then how different a person he is now. He is so devoted to Marissa and when danger closes in on her, he never hesitates to step in and protect her. There really wasn’t any time in the book I thought Alec stepped out of line or did something to hurt Marissa, so in essence, he was perfection.
The suspense aspect of the novel was jammed with action and tension. I constantly felt like I knew who the person was, but couldn’t put my finger down on it. The ending, especially the last chapter, really sucker-punched me, and I found myself flipping the pages like a madwoman, trying to piece all the clues together.
“Was I that blind, and so oblivious to the danger that was hidden inside of him? Obviously I was, but now it was too late.”
I loved the plot, loved the characters, loved the writing style, and I would definitely recommend this book! I hope L.P. makes this book into a series because I really, really, really want to read Kristian’s book!!!!
4.5 STARS!!!
“The man in front of me wasn’t the same man I thought I knew. The once warm eyes that stared back at me many times before were now cold and detached…empty, no remorse for what he’d done. How could I have not seen it before?”
So when I heard L.P. Dover had a new book coming out and that it was WAY different from Love’s Second Chance, well, I just HAD to read it!! What a delicious snack-read! This fast-paced romantic suspense novel reached out and grabbed my attention from page 1 and really gave me a whole new perspective on the ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’ mantra.
“I wanted the love and passion, to feel the butterflies in my stomach, and the clenching of need in my core. I wanted to feel alive, and to feel desired.”
Marissa Chase is a twenty-three year old biology major who is incredibly passionate about everything: her studies, her friends, and her expectations about her love life. She has suffered from the loss of losing both of her parents, and still has a hard time getting by. When she first meets Alec Holden, there is an instant attraction between them. Alec sees her, her lost expression, and feels a connection to her.
“It’s hard to say, but all I know is that I don’t want to lose what we have here. It’s the first real relationship I’ve had. I never thought I’d be able to experience it, and now that I have I don’t want to let you go. You’re the light to my endless world of dark.”
To me, Alec seemed to be wearing this cloak of mystery and was always just shrouded in his secrets, and when he finally opens up about his dark past I could really see then how different a person he is now. He is so devoted to Marissa and when danger closes in on her, he never hesitates to step in and protect her. There really wasn’t any time in the book I thought Alec stepped out of line or did something to hurt Marissa, so in essence, he was perfection.
The suspense aspect of the novel was jammed with action and tension. I constantly felt like I knew who the person was, but couldn’t put my finger down on it. The ending, especially the last chapter, really sucker-punched me, and I found myself flipping the pages like a madwoman, trying to piece all the clues together.
“Was I that blind, and so oblivious to the danger that was hidden inside of him? Obviously I was, but now it was too late.”
I loved the plot, loved the characters, loved the writing style, and I would definitely recommend this book! I hope L.P. makes this book into a series because I really, really, really want to read Kristian’s book!!!!
4.5 STARS!!!
May 28, 2013
Stand alone novel
Main characters:
Marissa Chase
Alec Holden
Kristian Mabe
Justin Risha
Emily Jacobs
Main characters:
Marissa Chase
Alec Holden
Kristian Mabe
Justin Risha
Emily Jacobs
March 4, 2015
*ARR (Advance Reader Review) - copy provided as a gift in exchange for an honest review...
Yes - I gave it 5 stars (and that is rare for me)
The Cover: I can not tell exactly what it is but it did captivate me and it is different.
The Characters: I love the characters. Marissa is so sweet and a typical girl and her friends make me want to get inside the book and live with them. The guy downstairs is so hot and his past entriguing. I even got to despising one of them too lol
The Story Line: Same ole dark past story line but it was different at the same time. The past was not what I expected and I like the twist that was put on it.
The Ending: WTH - lol - I can not say anymore without a spoiler *smh*!
...omg this book has me. I started writing this review before I had finished the book because I had so much emotion I had to get it out lol.
I started off liking him but damn i hate him. He creeps me out and I want to choke the sh*t out of him - seriously I am almost yelling into the book. It's like a horror movie you watch on tv, you know he/it's coming yet you can't stop looking. Argh - who you ask? Read it and find out!
I am now finished the book and it is something else. Happy, warm, fuzzy, screaming inside, fear, wanting to smack someone (seriously), anger, hate, love, lust and yes, one part even had me teary eyed - I think I felt almost all emotions in this one book.
Heck I was so sucked in I even took this book to the potty with me *blush*.
I couldn't get through it fast enough yet at the same time didn't want to get to the end.
You get so entranced with the story that you know something is coming and want to get there fast but yet you take those baby steps so you don't miss a thing and at the same time you force yourself to turn the page. Then, THEN you smack yourself in the head.....
I know everyone has different tastes in books but this one did it for me - it captivated me and made me feel so many things. I really enjoyed this story - L.P, thank you so much for writing/sharing it!
I would recommend this book to anyone over 17 - although I desperately want my 16 year old to read it cause it was so good LOL
Yes - I gave it 5 stars (and that is rare for me)
The Cover: I can not tell exactly what it is but it did captivate me and it is different.
The Characters: I love the characters. Marissa is so sweet and a typical girl and her friends make me want to get inside the book and live with them. The guy downstairs is so hot and his past entriguing. I even got to despising one of them too lol
The Story Line: Same ole dark past story line but it was different at the same time. The past was not what I expected and I like the twist that was put on it.
The Ending: WTH - lol - I can not say anymore without a spoiler *smh*!
...omg this book has me. I started writing this review before I had finished the book because I had so much emotion I had to get it out lol.
I started off liking him but damn i hate him. He creeps me out and I want to choke the sh*t out of him - seriously I am almost yelling into the book. It's like a horror movie you watch on tv, you know he/it's coming yet you can't stop looking. Argh - who you ask? Read it and find out!
I am now finished the book and it is something else. Happy, warm, fuzzy, screaming inside, fear, wanting to smack someone (seriously), anger, hate, love, lust and yes, one part even had me teary eyed - I think I felt almost all emotions in this one book.
Heck I was so sucked in I even took this book to the potty with me *blush*.
I couldn't get through it fast enough yet at the same time didn't want to get to the end.
You get so entranced with the story that you know something is coming and want to get there fast but yet you take those baby steps so you don't miss a thing and at the same time you force yourself to turn the page. Then, THEN you smack yourself in the head.....
I know everyone has different tastes in books but this one did it for me - it captivated me and made me feel so many things. I really enjoyed this story - L.P, thank you so much for writing/sharing it!
I would recommend this book to anyone over 17 - although I desperately want my 16 year old to read it cause it was so good LOL
January 7, 2018
Conosci davvero le persone che ami?
Indovinate cosa mi ha spinto verso questo romanzo? Yep, la meravigliosa cover realizzata da Regina Wamba ♥ Così, non appena vidi che era free su Amazon, fui intrigata dalla trama e lo scaricai immediatamente. Si è rivelata una lettura molto, ma molto carina! Fin da subito sono rimasta affascinata dal sexy vicino di Marissa, il misterioso e tenebroso Alec ← HOT NEIGHBOUR ALERT! Avevo una teoria tutta mia riguardo il lato suspense della storia, ma a un certo punto mi sono demoralizzata perché avevo mezzo intuito che il colpo di scena sarebbe stato quello scontato, e non quello che speravo con tutto il cuore... Nope, nessuno dei due! L'autrice mi ha depistata fino all'ultimo xD Gli avvenimenti che si susseguono a ritmo serrato nelle arringhe finali mi hanno tenuta col fiato sospeso! E posso dirlo? Lo dico? Lo dico: io sono #TeamKristian ♥
Love, Lies, and Deception di L.P. Dover è una lettura piccante e fluida, con un finale avvincente che vi terrà incollate alle pagine!
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August 23, 2013
4.5 stars for what the hell factor! Seriously, I am all twisted over the last couple chapters right now. The book title is perfect- Loves, Lies, and Deception because OMG, it is all over the place. I thought I had it all sorted and then I was like WHAT IN THE WORLD?!?! Serious kudos to L.P. Dover for throwing me off and making me go OH MY GOD..
I don't want to give too much of the book away but the story revolves around Marissa and her friends Emily, Justin, and Kristian. Marissa finds herself with swoonworthy neighbor Alec who she finds herself drawn too even though she wants to not get into any more relationships since she broke it off with her boyfriend right before spring break. Marissa just can't help being drawn to Alec even though she knows he has secrets. But we all have secrets.... and they can destroy you.
The author set the pace for this book and I was instantly in awe. Alec and Marissa's relationship had so much steam I think it melted my paint off my walls. Absolutely great writing and plot twists. I am still twisted up over certain aspects and I seriously hope that this is only book 1, because I need more!!
I don't want to give too much of the book away but the story revolves around Marissa and her friends Emily, Justin, and Kristian. Marissa finds herself with swoonworthy neighbor Alec who she finds herself drawn too even though she wants to not get into any more relationships since she broke it off with her boyfriend right before spring break. Marissa just can't help being drawn to Alec even though she knows he has secrets. But we all have secrets.... and they can destroy you.
The author set the pace for this book and I was instantly in awe. Alec and Marissa's relationship had so much steam I think it melted my paint off my walls. Absolutely great writing and plot twists. I am still twisted up over certain aspects and I seriously hope that this is only book 1, because I need more!!
October 11, 2013
3.5 Stars.
Ooooh well I didn’t see that coming, what a great book. Lots of twists and turns and really well written, the plot twists leave you anxious to read more. This is a standalone so no cliffie, but I would have like an epilogue to just tidy things up.
Not overly long, the story flows well and the characters are well rounded. I did work out what was going on prior to the “Big Reveal” so to speak, but nonetheless I really enjoyed it.
I post spoiler free reviews so won’t give the story away, but if you have a couple of hours free, this is definitely worth a go.
ARC provided by Netgalley.
Ooooh well I didn’t see that coming, what a great book. Lots of twists and turns and really well written, the plot twists leave you anxious to read more. This is a standalone so no cliffie, but I would have like an epilogue to just tidy things up.
Not overly long, the story flows well and the characters are well rounded. I did work out what was going on prior to the “Big Reveal” so to speak, but nonetheless I really enjoyed it.
I post spoiler free reviews so won’t give the story away, but if you have a couple of hours free, this is definitely worth a go.
ARC provided by Netgalley.
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September 3, 2013
I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest review..
WOW! WOW! WOW! I honestly, didn't see that coming in the book. I had my own views for the ending and i am actually glad that i am wrong.
This book had a lot of twist and turns and will have you guessing until the very end. I never thought this book would be a little bit of a mystery but it was!!!
This book is about a girl named Marissa. She was in her senior year of college and getting ready to move to the beach to continue her education in marine biology. She was a book nerd, and always had time to study instead of worrying about boys. She lived with her best friend Emily who was also going to move down with her when they graduated. Emily had a boyfriend of over 2 years named Justin. He was a very close friend to Marissa and helped her thru a tough time. The other main character in this book is Kristen. He was Marissa's other best friend. They were inseparable. They had the same major and were in the same class.
Marissa's parents died while she was in college and if it wasn't for her 3 friends she would never had gotten thru it. Kristen had a girlfriend waiting for him, so the thought of him and Marissa never crossed each others mind. They flirted a little bit, but never anything else. The four the them decided that for their last spring break they were going away and having some fun. They all thought Marissa needed to loosen up and find a man.
Alec was Emily's and Marissa neighbor. He was always running in the morning and no one ever saw him at the college. Marissa was a huge fan of him due to the fact that she watched him thru her window in the morning. Alec saved her one day of falling down the stairs and it started the perfect conversation. that is when everything started. See, to me this is when everything got tricky and had me thinking...
Alec asked Marissa out on a date to his house. Of course she said yes. Emily helped Alec by telling him what her favorite food was. Here, Kristen wasn't to happy that Marissa was found of this guy. That night Emily and Marissa's wall by their door got all holed up by someone hitting it. No one ever found out who did it, and Marissa and Emily never called the cops... Then things started to get closer with Marissa and Alec. Alec had a lot of past issues that he was hiding. he told Marissa that one day he will tell her and of course she would leave once she found out. NEVER, NEVER tell a girl that because that makes them want to stay around just to see what you have to hide!!
Alec finally opens up to Marissa only because she gave him the i am not going to stay unless you tell me speech. Well, Alec was a famous surfer who had a habit with drugs and drinking. Not only that, a girl died in a pool. they both should have been dead, but Alec was saved. that night everyone went to the bar to hang out. Marissa got drugged and Alec's true anger showed. now the police where trying to figure out who drugged Marissa. the last person with her was Alec. next, after that a dead girl was found in the woods. after that Marissa get threatened in a letter and now everything changes.
Alec and Marissa are in hiding for their lives, someone is trying to set up Alec, and everyone is trying to figure out who it is... the only thing left is some love, lies, and deception!!!!
WOW! WOW! WOW! I honestly, didn't see that coming in the book. I had my own views for the ending and i am actually glad that i am wrong.
This book had a lot of twist and turns and will have you guessing until the very end. I never thought this book would be a little bit of a mystery but it was!!!
This book is about a girl named Marissa. She was in her senior year of college and getting ready to move to the beach to continue her education in marine biology. She was a book nerd, and always had time to study instead of worrying about boys. She lived with her best friend Emily who was also going to move down with her when they graduated. Emily had a boyfriend of over 2 years named Justin. He was a very close friend to Marissa and helped her thru a tough time. The other main character in this book is Kristen. He was Marissa's other best friend. They were inseparable. They had the same major and were in the same class.
Marissa's parents died while she was in college and if it wasn't for her 3 friends she would never had gotten thru it. Kristen had a girlfriend waiting for him, so the thought of him and Marissa never crossed each others mind. They flirted a little bit, but never anything else. The four the them decided that for their last spring break they were going away and having some fun. They all thought Marissa needed to loosen up and find a man.
Alec was Emily's and Marissa neighbor. He was always running in the morning and no one ever saw him at the college. Marissa was a huge fan of him due to the fact that she watched him thru her window in the morning. Alec saved her one day of falling down the stairs and it started the perfect conversation. that is when everything started. See, to me this is when everything got tricky and had me thinking...
Alec asked Marissa out on a date to his house. Of course she said yes. Emily helped Alec by telling him what her favorite food was. Here, Kristen wasn't to happy that Marissa was found of this guy. That night Emily and Marissa's wall by their door got all holed up by someone hitting it. No one ever found out who did it, and Marissa and Emily never called the cops... Then things started to get closer with Marissa and Alec. Alec had a lot of past issues that he was hiding. he told Marissa that one day he will tell her and of course she would leave once she found out. NEVER, NEVER tell a girl that because that makes them want to stay around just to see what you have to hide!!
Alec finally opens up to Marissa only because she gave him the i am not going to stay unless you tell me speech. Well, Alec was a famous surfer who had a habit with drugs and drinking. Not only that, a girl died in a pool. they both should have been dead, but Alec was saved. that night everyone went to the bar to hang out. Marissa got drugged and Alec's true anger showed. now the police where trying to figure out who drugged Marissa. the last person with her was Alec. next, after that a dead girl was found in the woods. after that Marissa get threatened in a letter and now everything changes.
Alec and Marissa are in hiding for their lives, someone is trying to set up Alec, and everyone is trying to figure out who it is... the only thing left is some love, lies, and deception!!!!
August 15, 2013
I just completely adore L.P. Dover so when I see a Blog Tour for her next release I always hope that I get on it! I was so happy when I got told that I was on the Blog Tour for this book as I had been desperate to read it! Love, Lies, and Deception was so different to L.P. Dover's other books, but it was still as amazing! It shows me that she can dabble a little in any genre and still write an amazing book! It is definitely my favourite book by her so far! After reading the synopsis of this book I really wanted to read it and it definitely lived up to my expectations! The plot of this book kept me on my toes! It was mysterious and it went at the perfect pace to make me desperate to read on! There were also loads of steamy scenes! I wasn't really expecting quite that many, but I can't fault them! The plot was also written brilliantly and flowed perfectly with the pace of the book! The bad guy in this book wasn't who I was expecting it to be! I had a little niggle in the back of my mind that it could be this person, but I did suspect someone else at the same time! I was half right though lol! The characters were also amazing! Marissa was the main character and she was just an average person who was pulled into something deadly! I loved this book being told from her point of view as I watched her life go from normal to her running for her life! I think she was amazing throughout it all though and she stayed strong! I would personally have been freaking out lol! I adored Marissa's relationship development with Alec as well! They made such a hot couple! Alec was the love interest of Marissa and he was so hot! I loved how protective he was of her and how much he would risk his life to keep her safe! There was a bit of a love triangle in this book and it was between Marissa, Alec and Kristian! I was Team Alec without a doubt! There was something about Kristian that I just didn't like and also I don't really think that Marissa saw the two of them as more than friends! I loved that the love triangle didn't last the full book as well and that is was resolved I completely understand why this book is a standalone as it's fully resolved, but I am going to miss Marissa and Alec! They were amazing characters and I would honestly love to read another book or even an novella on them! The cover is stunning! It's hot and I love how well it suits the book! Big thank you to L.P. Dover for an ARC of Love, Lies, and Deception and to Kim and Jaime for having me on the Blog Tour!
August 1, 2013
ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW!!!!
I really liked this book. I found it to be a fast paced book that was full of mystery, a bit of danger, romance, and lets not forget the sex. HOT, HOT, HOT!!! I couldn't put this book down. It drew me in from the prologue all the way to the end.
Marissa Chase and her friends are about to graduate from ASU and are headed to Fiji for Spring Break before finals and then graduation. After graduation she's headed off to the University of Wilmington to major in marine biology. What she wasn't counting on was tripping down the stairs with her suitcase and tumbling down them and right into the arms of Alec Holden the handsome guy who lives in the apartment below her.
Alec Holden has secrets and a past. He never planned on staying or making any attachments. The she comes tumbling down the stairs to land safely in his arms. She isn't like any girl he's ever known before. He can't help but feel drawn to her. He wants her but he wasn't expecting to fall in love with her. First though he has to tell her who he is and about his past. Hopefully she doesn't leave him.
Kristian is one Rissa's (Marissa) best friends. He's secretly in love with her, but she doesn't know. Alec does and he don't like it. He doesn't like Alec and blames him for the danger Rissa is in. He wants to be the guy who holds her, loves her, and protects her.
Rissa knows his past and is willing to accept it. She never planned on falling in love with Alec but she has. Is the love gonna be enough when someone from Alec's past comes looking for some revenge. What could be so bad in his past that someone wants to hurt Marissa? Will the police find him before he kills them. Will this end up being to much for Marissa to deal with and cause her to choose Kristian?
To find out you will need to pick up a copy of this book. I promise you won't be disappointed. I'm a huge fan of L.P. Dover and her Forever Fae Series and now I can add this book to my list of favorite books by L.P. Dover. Thank you L.P. Dover for another great read!!!!
I really liked this book. I found it to be a fast paced book that was full of mystery, a bit of danger, romance, and lets not forget the sex. HOT, HOT, HOT!!! I couldn't put this book down. It drew me in from the prologue all the way to the end.
Marissa Chase and her friends are about to graduate from ASU and are headed to Fiji for Spring Break before finals and then graduation. After graduation she's headed off to the University of Wilmington to major in marine biology. What she wasn't counting on was tripping down the stairs with her suitcase and tumbling down them and right into the arms of Alec Holden the handsome guy who lives in the apartment below her.
Alec Holden has secrets and a past. He never planned on staying or making any attachments. The she comes tumbling down the stairs to land safely in his arms. She isn't like any girl he's ever known before. He can't help but feel drawn to her. He wants her but he wasn't expecting to fall in love with her. First though he has to tell her who he is and about his past. Hopefully she doesn't leave him.
Kristian is one Rissa's (Marissa) best friends. He's secretly in love with her, but she doesn't know. Alec does and he don't like it. He doesn't like Alec and blames him for the danger Rissa is in. He wants to be the guy who holds her, loves her, and protects her.
Rissa knows his past and is willing to accept it. She never planned on falling in love with Alec but she has. Is the love gonna be enough when someone from Alec's past comes looking for some revenge. What could be so bad in his past that someone wants to hurt Marissa? Will the police find him before he kills them. Will this end up being to much for Marissa to deal with and cause her to choose Kristian?
To find out you will need to pick up a copy of this book. I promise you won't be disappointed. I'm a huge fan of L.P. Dover and her Forever Fae Series and now I can add this book to my list of favorite books by L.P. Dover. Thank you L.P. Dover for another great read!!!!
July 23, 2013
Although there is no cliffhanger I do feel as though Alec and Marissa's story isn't really finished. Marissa that girl beats to her own drum, "honestly, I couldn't give a rat's a** about looking good. I just wanted to relax and enjoy the beaches when I got there." Alec he's a yummy type of person, "Alec's body screamed sex appeal, and he smelled amazing, even if he was sweaty from running." Marissa I don't think she's ever really liked to anyone she's like an honest person, "honestly, when I first saw you and noticed the way you carried yourself I figured you'd be arrogant, self-centered, and quite frankly a douche." No need to hold anything back Marissa just give it to him straight! Alec he's pretty honest to, well on how he feels for Marissa other things not so much, "you have no idea how many times I've wished I could do this to you. When I first saw you I knew I had to have you, to feel you pressed against me, and opening yourself up to me. There's something about you that I had to have, and now I have you." Alec he's well...he entertains me, "are you done surveying my room?" It's like the boy knows her as much as he knows the back of his hand. There was another boy who did catch my attention in the book and liked until he pi**ed me off, but he seems to be a good friend to Marissa, Kristian you can tell the boy wants her, "well, it's kind of hard not to when you have a good-looking girl gyrating your di**. If I didn't value your friendship, I would've already tried to eff you." Isn't that just sweet, (not really). This book was full of surprise and what surprised me the most was the who and what did the deceiving.
September 5, 2013
I read this book with no expectations or even knowing what I was in for since I decided to read the book before looking at the synopsis. I have to say though, that I really did enjoy reading this story. It was suspenseful, fun, and passionate.
Marissa has just broken up with her boyfriend who she has been dating for years and has decided that she is going to have fun with her best friends before graduating college and moving to Wilmington, NC. Things change for her though when she finally meets her neighbor, the sexy and mysterious Alec. She decided to take things slow and just enjoy the time she can spend with him. Marissa learns secrets about Alec that she would have never though possible, but his secrets lead her to lies and deception as well as danger.
We get to see how the love between the two grows but as well as seeing what having no trust can do to a relationship. This is a story that will make you want to not stop reading until you discover ever lie, and secret that there is.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others. I look forward to reading more books by L.P. Dover in the future and hope that everyone enjoys this book as much as I did.
4 great stars!!
Marissa has just broken up with her boyfriend who she has been dating for years and has decided that she is going to have fun with her best friends before graduating college and moving to Wilmington, NC. Things change for her though when she finally meets her neighbor, the sexy and mysterious Alec. She decided to take things slow and just enjoy the time she can spend with him. Marissa learns secrets about Alec that she would have never though possible, but his secrets lead her to lies and deception as well as danger.
We get to see how the love between the two grows but as well as seeing what having no trust can do to a relationship. This is a story that will make you want to not stop reading until you discover ever lie, and secret that there is.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others. I look forward to reading more books by L.P. Dover in the future and hope that everyone enjoys this book as much as I did.
4 great stars!!
August 1, 2013
Love, Lies and Deception was a good read. Marissa is going on a trip with her best friend Kristian, Emily and Emily’s boyfriend Justin. Marissa has just broken up with her boyfriend Jason and she’s happy to be free. She never expected to literally fall into the arms of Alec. She’s always wondered what his body would feel like and when opportunity presents itself, there is no refusing. Alec has a past he is running from and secrets he’s willing to share to keep Marissa close but once those secrets are revealed will Marissa be able to look at him the same way. Trouble seems to follow Marissa; just because she ended a relationship doesn’t mean it’s over. Someone is seeking revenge and Marissa is a liability. Love, Lies and Deception has a twist no one will see coming. If you are looking for a book with great steamy sex scenes, full of suspense and revenge then this is definitely the book for you.
August 15, 2013
First let me say that LP Dover has done it again with another awesome story, Once I started this book I could not put it down I had to know what happen next. Twenty-Three Year Old Marissa Chase well be in college graduate, she has everything her wonderful friends,an awesome degree and to explore the world. Then her life gets even better she meets the new neighbor and soon she can't stop thinking about him and can't stay away from him. Soon Marissa falls in Alec's world and experience passion and love like no other, she finds out more about his past and doesn't know wither to stay with him or leave. I can really go on about this awesome book, but I do not won't to ruin it for you all!! If you haven't read this book you need to you won't be able to put it down. If u haven't check out her other awesome books!!. I hope there will be a book 2!!
August 5, 2013
complete mindf***. I mean seriously?!?!?!?!?!?! wtf?!?!? if any book in this world can cause you to have a book hangover it is this one!! Seriously her best work yet and everyone knows I love her Forever Fae series.. Well Love, Lies and Deception blows them out of the water. I cussed at my laptop, Laughed, and Wanted to scream!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!! AND even though it's a stand alone I am fully prepared to beg, harass and bribe L.P Dover for another book!!!!
August 19, 2013
I wanted to read this book since the moment i found out Leslie was writing it, as i not only love Leslie's writing but romantic suspense novels, so this book was a win/win for me! It not only helped me write my current book but it was a great piece of fiction and i highly recommend it to fans of the genre!
September 29, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this books and it's characters. Alec Holden is one of my new Favorite book boys. I needed this book...something a little different. I loved the story line and the suspense. Excellent!!!!
September 16, 2017
Great read! I was totally wrong on how this would end. It was the first book by L.P. Dover. Won't be my last!
November 3, 2014
This book would be a great movie! LP Dover did it again. All her books are intriguing and take you on a ride, especially Love Lies and Deception.
We begin with Marissa breaking up with her boyfriend, which her three closet friends couldn’t be happier about and the four to them packing up the car to head to the airport for a Spring Break trip to Fiji. While Marissa is bringing her bags down from her apartment she slips on a step and literally lands in the arms of her mysterious neighbor Alec. Marissa finds hers body reacting to him and she keeps getting lost in his beautiful blue eyes and constantly catches herself staring at his luscious lips as they are introducing themselves.
After she comes back from her trip she runs into Alec again and he invites her over for dinner (yes ladies Alec cooks). From then on the story tells of them getting to know each other and their relationship becoming intense and passionate, something Marissa never experienced with her sex. Along the way, Alec reveals his dark past to Marissa hoping she will stay because that is not who he is any longer. Meanwhile, Marissa is trying to keep ahold of her friendship with her best friend Kristian, and not believing what Alec sees, that Kristian maybe in love with her. During the story things take a turn for the worse and Marissa’s life is in danger and all Alec wants to do is protect her, but is he enough against the evil that is following them. Marissa soon realizes that the people you think you know you don’t know at all. How easy it is for someone to weasel their way into your life without you realizing their ulterior motive.
Love, Lies, and Deception kept me intrigued the whole entire book from the steamy sex scenes to the t testosterone stand offs between Alec and Kristian, the love and friendship between Kristian, Emily, Marissa, and Justin, to the ultimate danger the two main characters began to face. Not a dull moment in this book whatsoever.
Marissa was the girl that had goals and dreams and set a very strict course for herself in order to achieve her goals in life. She was the college student that excelled exceptionally well in school and was always on top of her books. She had fun, but it was just a bit of fun, never overboard where it interfered with her classes. She once had a wild side, but that all but went away when she was dating her douche bag of a boyfriend Jason.
Alec was the mysterious neighbor that Marissa was always aware of, but never talked to until the day she was leaving for Spring Break. She would make it a point to spy on him through her apartment window whenever he was coming back from his morning run. Always wondering what was his story. Alec had a troubled past that he didn’t want to reveal to Marissa right away because he didn’t want her to run for the hills. His past consist of some poor decisions and consequences that resulted from his bad decision-making. However, moving away from that life was his way of starting over and keeping out of trouble. At first I really didn’t trust Alec because every time Marissa would try to get to know something about his past he would tell her he would tell her in due time. Plus he got pretty jealous quickly after they had only shared one night together and that in my mind put some red flags up.
Kristian is the best guy friend any female would want their life. He is pretty much perfect. Protective, thoughtful, a great listener, gave great advice, strong, brave, good looking, easy going, selfless, and always there for you no matter what. I envied Marissa for having that type of relationship with Kristian. Those types of relationships are few and far between.
The sex scenes let me just say read them slow and savior them because they are extremely hot!
I would really love to see this book as a movie one day! I think it would be great if the right actors and actresses were cast in the roles and it was done right without skipping parts in the book. Nothing in this book should be skipped over.
I would really like to see a sequel to this wonderful book. I may have to read it a couple times and wish each time that a sequel will follow.
We begin with Marissa breaking up with her boyfriend, which her three closet friends couldn’t be happier about and the four to them packing up the car to head to the airport for a Spring Break trip to Fiji. While Marissa is bringing her bags down from her apartment she slips on a step and literally lands in the arms of her mysterious neighbor Alec. Marissa finds hers body reacting to him and she keeps getting lost in his beautiful blue eyes and constantly catches herself staring at his luscious lips as they are introducing themselves.
After she comes back from her trip she runs into Alec again and he invites her over for dinner (yes ladies Alec cooks). From then on the story tells of them getting to know each other and their relationship becoming intense and passionate, something Marissa never experienced with her sex. Along the way, Alec reveals his dark past to Marissa hoping she will stay because that is not who he is any longer. Meanwhile, Marissa is trying to keep ahold of her friendship with her best friend Kristian, and not believing what Alec sees, that Kristian maybe in love with her. During the story things take a turn for the worse and Marissa’s life is in danger and all Alec wants to do is protect her, but is he enough against the evil that is following them. Marissa soon realizes that the people you think you know you don’t know at all. How easy it is for someone to weasel their way into your life without you realizing their ulterior motive.
Love, Lies, and Deception kept me intrigued the whole entire book from the steamy sex scenes to the t testosterone stand offs between Alec and Kristian, the love and friendship between Kristian, Emily, Marissa, and Justin, to the ultimate danger the two main characters began to face. Not a dull moment in this book whatsoever.
Marissa was the girl that had goals and dreams and set a very strict course for herself in order to achieve her goals in life. She was the college student that excelled exceptionally well in school and was always on top of her books. She had fun, but it was just a bit of fun, never overboard where it interfered with her classes. She once had a wild side, but that all but went away when she was dating her douche bag of a boyfriend Jason.
Alec was the mysterious neighbor that Marissa was always aware of, but never talked to until the day she was leaving for Spring Break. She would make it a point to spy on him through her apartment window whenever he was coming back from his morning run. Always wondering what was his story. Alec had a troubled past that he didn’t want to reveal to Marissa right away because he didn’t want her to run for the hills. His past consist of some poor decisions and consequences that resulted from his bad decision-making. However, moving away from that life was his way of starting over and keeping out of trouble. At first I really didn’t trust Alec because every time Marissa would try to get to know something about his past he would tell her he would tell her in due time. Plus he got pretty jealous quickly after they had only shared one night together and that in my mind put some red flags up.
Kristian is the best guy friend any female would want their life. He is pretty much perfect. Protective, thoughtful, a great listener, gave great advice, strong, brave, good looking, easy going, selfless, and always there for you no matter what. I envied Marissa for having that type of relationship with Kristian. Those types of relationships are few and far between.
The sex scenes let me just say read them slow and savior them because they are extremely hot!
I would really love to see this book as a movie one day! I think it would be great if the right actors and actresses were cast in the roles and it was done right without skipping parts in the book. Nothing in this book should be skipped over.
I would really like to see a sequel to this wonderful book. I may have to read it a couple times and wish each time that a sequel will follow.
August 25, 2013
Love, Lies, and Deception was a fast paced, enjoyable New Adult Romance with elements of suspense and mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were likeable immediately and the thrilling plot was unpredictable. A few of my fellow book bloggers rave about L.P. Dover and her novels and I’m glad I finally got the chance to read one because I enjoyed her writing a lot. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her novels in the future and I can see why she has great fans.
I loved Marissa right away and connected with her and her group of friends. She was a very relaxed girl, smart, able to have fun, but also completely motivated. I loved the dynamic between her group and how they all felt comfortable with each other. I immediately felt like Emily, Justin, and Kristian cared about her. I didn’t always understand the way that Kristian and Marissa flirted, but I think a lot of people can relate to having close guy friends, especially when they're not in a serious relationship.
When Marissa literally ran into her gorgeous neighbor, Alec, I knew things were about to get complicated for her. I loved their dynamic immediately. He was so different from her first impression and they both had some sort of attraction for each other long before the actual run in, which I thought was nice. He was such a down to earth character and I felt like Marissa was more herself when she was with him. I loved that he wasn’t cocky, arrogant, but he wasn’t the quirky and shy end of the spectrum, either. Even though their relationship bloomed pretty quickly, the author convinced me of their connection and made me like both of them together a lot.
Once the relationship between Alec and Marissa began, Marissa became a target of some cruel behavior for reasons she couldn’t understand. Alec had a lot of secrets and a wild past. Her friends started to act a little weird, too. I liked not really knowing who I could trust, whether the threat was from a complete stranger or a friend. It was a suspenseful ride. I liked the way the plot shifted a bit from being more like a New Adult Contemporary Romance to being similar to many Romantic Suspense novels I used to devour. I liked the mix and the added element of danger.
The only thing I can say that I didn’t always like about the novel was the way certain moments felt rushed. Many things happened quickly and I felt like some of those situations wouldn’t happen quite so fast in real life, so it felt a bit implausible. Part of it was that the actions themselves were rushed, but a lot of it was simply Marissa’s character, which is actually believable to a degree. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I wanted to smack her a few times for making decisions without finding out all the necessary information. She really let her gut and emotions lead her decision making and it didn’t always help her.
I definitely recommend Love, Lies, and Deception. It’s a fun and thrilling read with the right balance of suspense and steam. I thought it was well written and unpredictable, with characters I think people can really relate to. I will read more novels from L.P. Dover in the future, too.
review originally published at Love, Literature, Art, and Reason Book Review Blog
I loved Marissa right away and connected with her and her group of friends. She was a very relaxed girl, smart, able to have fun, but also completely motivated. I loved the dynamic between her group and how they all felt comfortable with each other. I immediately felt like Emily, Justin, and Kristian cared about her. I didn’t always understand the way that Kristian and Marissa flirted, but I think a lot of people can relate to having close guy friends, especially when they're not in a serious relationship.
When Marissa literally ran into her gorgeous neighbor, Alec, I knew things were about to get complicated for her. I loved their dynamic immediately. He was so different from her first impression and they both had some sort of attraction for each other long before the actual run in, which I thought was nice. He was such a down to earth character and I felt like Marissa was more herself when she was with him. I loved that he wasn’t cocky, arrogant, but he wasn’t the quirky and shy end of the spectrum, either. Even though their relationship bloomed pretty quickly, the author convinced me of their connection and made me like both of them together a lot.
Once the relationship between Alec and Marissa began, Marissa became a target of some cruel behavior for reasons she couldn’t understand. Alec had a lot of secrets and a wild past. Her friends started to act a little weird, too. I liked not really knowing who I could trust, whether the threat was from a complete stranger or a friend. It was a suspenseful ride. I liked the way the plot shifted a bit from being more like a New Adult Contemporary Romance to being similar to many Romantic Suspense novels I used to devour. I liked the mix and the added element of danger.
The only thing I can say that I didn’t always like about the novel was the way certain moments felt rushed. Many things happened quickly and I felt like some of those situations wouldn’t happen quite so fast in real life, so it felt a bit implausible. Part of it was that the actions themselves were rushed, but a lot of it was simply Marissa’s character, which is actually believable to a degree. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I wanted to smack her a few times for making decisions without finding out all the necessary information. She really let her gut and emotions lead her decision making and it didn’t always help her.
I definitely recommend Love, Lies, and Deception. It’s a fun and thrilling read with the right balance of suspense and steam. I thought it was well written and unpredictable, with characters I think people can really relate to. I will read more novels from L.P. Dover in the future, too.
review originally published at Love, Literature, Art, and Reason Book Review Blog
November 22, 2013
This is one of those stories that is really hard for me to rate and put into words totally what went wrong. I think it honestly was a series of mishaps through the book that tore me out of the stories, made me rant for a few moments, and then I dove back in because it was very similar to a Meth habit if I am being honest.
The story in itself, taking out character and social oopsies, has a really strong back bone. I LOVE stories like this. Where something happened in someones past and someone is desperate for retribution. It works, and if weaved well the story will just carry all on its own. I was thrust into the world and felt like I was traveling along with all these incredible dull characters. But I didn't care, because I wanted to know what the heck was going on.
That is a really great thing for a reader, and a terrible thing at the same time. On one hand I was keeping up to pace and enjoying each page turn. Yet, I could not for the life of me enjoy the lead female character Marissa. I had no empathy for her at all. She was such a terrible person, that I didn't care what was in her past or how she got to her future just that I felt that telling a story about such a horribly superficial female was a bad move in a story where her life was at risk because I spent the whole time more worried about Alec than anything else.
Marissa conforms to things I hate most in young adult/new adult fiction. An epidemic I call, slut shamming, and girl on girl hate. FYI ladies, just because you don't know a chick and she is skinnier, blonder, and is wearing less clothes than you DOES NOT MAKE HER A whore/slut/b**ch, or any other colorful word you can think up. Just because a chick approaches your boy friend she is not one of those things because unless the dude has a wedding ring on--how does anyone know. It drove me nuts every time she saw another female in a short skirt she was spew out one of these words. It made her seem insecure. I just don't act that way--I tell other women they look hot when, well they do.
Marissa is very fickle. Her trust issues are so enormous that one little thing sends her running away and doing the exact thing that she trashes on other women for doing. It made my brain ache with how simple minded she was. She had such huge potential to overcome all these character flaws, but she just takes a back seat and allows herself to be weak, forgettable, and too stupid to live.
I did enjoy the other characters, which was odd. Her best friend had flare and sort of lit up the pages she was featured in. Her boyfriend was cheeky and had some good lines. I think I like Kristain the best even if he was a little pathetic in the end, he came through for me as a character and a full circle evolution took place with him. He surpassed Alec for me as a character and I think he redeemed himself fully, and yet he got slighted a proper ending.
As a whole. This book was entertaining. I mean I couldn't put it down. The sex was hot, the story had a great ebb and flow--it is just a shame that the character that was supposed to take us on the journey didn't connect with me as a reader.
I would love to read more of L.P.'s works. She is a great story-teller!
*I received a copy of this book from Indie Inked/L.P. Dover Via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The story in itself, taking out character and social oopsies, has a really strong back bone. I LOVE stories like this. Where something happened in someones past and someone is desperate for retribution. It works, and if weaved well the story will just carry all on its own. I was thrust into the world and felt like I was traveling along with all these incredible dull characters. But I didn't care, because I wanted to know what the heck was going on.
That is a really great thing for a reader, and a terrible thing at the same time. On one hand I was keeping up to pace and enjoying each page turn. Yet, I could not for the life of me enjoy the lead female character Marissa. I had no empathy for her at all. She was such a terrible person, that I didn't care what was in her past or how she got to her future just that I felt that telling a story about such a horribly superficial female was a bad move in a story where her life was at risk because I spent the whole time more worried about Alec than anything else.
Marissa conforms to things I hate most in young adult/new adult fiction. An epidemic I call, slut shamming, and girl on girl hate. FYI ladies, just because you don't know a chick and she is skinnier, blonder, and is wearing less clothes than you DOES NOT MAKE HER A whore/slut/b**ch, or any other colorful word you can think up. Just because a chick approaches your boy friend she is not one of those things because unless the dude has a wedding ring on--how does anyone know. It drove me nuts every time she saw another female in a short skirt she was spew out one of these words. It made her seem insecure. I just don't act that way--I tell other women they look hot when, well they do.
Marissa is very fickle. Her trust issues are so enormous that one little thing sends her running away and doing the exact thing that she trashes on other women for doing. It made my brain ache with how simple minded she was. She had such huge potential to overcome all these character flaws, but she just takes a back seat and allows herself to be weak, forgettable, and too stupid to live.
I did enjoy the other characters, which was odd. Her best friend had flare and sort of lit up the pages she was featured in. Her boyfriend was cheeky and had some good lines. I think I like Kristain the best even if he was a little pathetic in the end, he came through for me as a character and a full circle evolution took place with him. He surpassed Alec for me as a character and I think he redeemed himself fully, and yet he got slighted a proper ending.
As a whole. This book was entertaining. I mean I couldn't put it down. The sex was hot, the story had a great ebb and flow--it is just a shame that the character that was supposed to take us on the journey didn't connect with me as a reader.
I would love to read more of L.P.'s works. She is a great story-teller!
*I received a copy of this book from Indie Inked/L.P. Dover Via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 10, 2016
Fan-freaking-tastic. Review to come.
Merged review:
Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Where do I begin? This story was so much more than I expected and it is quite aptly named. From the get-go, L.P. had me tangled in her clever web and never let loose. She captured me with lovable and intriguing characters. More than one immensely swoon-worthy male (can't go wrong there). An incredible setting. A crazy intense storyline. And probably one of the biggest twists I've ever read. I'm not kidding. I never guessed the ending. Oh, I had my suspicions and speculations. And I was SO wrong. The level of deceit was unimaginable and absurdly brilliant.
That's not all there was to LL&D. Not by a long shot. There were solid and enviable friendships. Passionate love affairs. Budding relationships... and many plans for the future. The day to day living amongst this close knit group of friends was fun and exciting. The banter playful and endearing. One couldn't ask for more reliable, giving, and loving companions. From afar it seems like a perfect life. And looks can be... you know the line.
The driving force of the story is the increased intensity and boldness of Marissa's perceived stalker. Things keep happening that can't be explained. Her friends fear for her safety and their livelihood. And her male counterparts are concerned over her growing attraction to Alec, the hunk downstairs. But when Marissa gives in to her attraction to Alec, sees his possessive and obsessive side, she can't help but wonder if her trust in him is misguided.
I can't give anything away, but I fell hard and fast for Alec. He's my new book boyfriend. It was easy to see why Marissa was so drawn to him. He was gorgeous, strong, charismatic. And a mean cook. But as their passion heightens, so does the danger. Tensions rise between best friends and lovers. The ties of loyalty, trust and faith are blurred. And Marissa finds herself in the middle of a very deadly game of cat and mouse.
Love Lies and Deception kept me enraptured and on the edge of my seat. I wanted nothing more than for Marissa and Alec's relationship to blossom, despite Marissa's apprehension. Her doubts and plans to move upon graduation plagued us both. I wanted Alec to be a good guy. I wanted her friends to accept and embrace him. And the threats to cease. Did my wishes come true?
Well, I didn't find out until the very end. Where upon I was shocked... dumbfounded and blown away. This whole story blew me away. I wasted no time messaging L.P.- professing my love and demanding... yes, I demanded she continue with these captivating characters. And in that, my friends, I may indeed get my wish. *Fingers firmly crossed*
I've said it a few times... I've read some HOT and AMAZING New Adult contemporaries this year, and I swear each one is better than the last. LL&D is just a short story but it's every bit as strong, compelling and entertaining and fulfilling as a full sized novel. L.P. packs a punch in under two hundred pages. My recommendation? Grab it up as soon as you can. It's a scorcher and an absolute must read.
Merged review:
Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Where do I begin? This story was so much more than I expected and it is quite aptly named. From the get-go, L.P. had me tangled in her clever web and never let loose. She captured me with lovable and intriguing characters. More than one immensely swoon-worthy male (can't go wrong there). An incredible setting. A crazy intense storyline. And probably one of the biggest twists I've ever read. I'm not kidding. I never guessed the ending. Oh, I had my suspicions and speculations. And I was SO wrong. The level of deceit was unimaginable and absurdly brilliant.
That's not all there was to LL&D. Not by a long shot. There were solid and enviable friendships. Passionate love affairs. Budding relationships... and many plans for the future. The day to day living amongst this close knit group of friends was fun and exciting. The banter playful and endearing. One couldn't ask for more reliable, giving, and loving companions. From afar it seems like a perfect life. And looks can be... you know the line.
The driving force of the story is the increased intensity and boldness of Marissa's perceived stalker. Things keep happening that can't be explained. Her friends fear for her safety and their livelihood. And her male counterparts are concerned over her growing attraction to Alec, the hunk downstairs. But when Marissa gives in to her attraction to Alec, sees his possessive and obsessive side, she can't help but wonder if her trust in him is misguided.
I can't give anything away, but I fell hard and fast for Alec. He's my new book boyfriend. It was easy to see why Marissa was so drawn to him. He was gorgeous, strong, charismatic. And a mean cook. But as their passion heightens, so does the danger. Tensions rise between best friends and lovers. The ties of loyalty, trust and faith are blurred. And Marissa finds herself in the middle of a very deadly game of cat and mouse.
Love Lies and Deception kept me enraptured and on the edge of my seat. I wanted nothing more than for Marissa and Alec's relationship to blossom, despite Marissa's apprehension. Her doubts and plans to move upon graduation plagued us both. I wanted Alec to be a good guy. I wanted her friends to accept and embrace him. And the threats to cease. Did my wishes come true?
Well, I didn't find out until the very end. Where upon I was shocked... dumbfounded and blown away. This whole story blew me away. I wasted no time messaging L.P.- professing my love and demanding... yes, I demanded she continue with these captivating characters. And in that, my friends, I may indeed get my wish. *Fingers firmly crossed*
I've said it a few times... I've read some HOT and AMAZING New Adult contemporaries this year, and I swear each one is better than the last. LL&D is just a short story but it's every bit as strong, compelling and entertaining and fulfilling as a full sized novel. L.P. packs a punch in under two hundred pages. My recommendation? Grab it up as soon as you can. It's a scorcher and an absolute must read.
August 14, 2013
When I stumbled upon L.P. Dover’s Forever Fae last year, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I have simply fallen in love with her books. Now, she has once again outdone herself and given us a new book, Love, Lies, and Deception. A romantic suspense. I try sometimes to pretend, I am Sherlock Holmes and I can figure out any mystery before a book is done, seems simple enough right? Wrong! I am the worst Sherlock ever this time because I did not for once get my guesses right on this whodunit.
So let’s start from the beginning. With have Marissa Chase. College girl, smart, intelligent, hot, and extremely clumsy (which right there makes me love her, I am clumsy too sometimes). She’s got a great personality, a bit of a tragic past, and that makes you want her to be happy and you instantly fall in love with her vivacious personality
She lives in an apartment with her best gal friend Emily. Emily is very outgoing! I enjoyed her quirky personality and she makes a great supporting character. She wants Marissa to be happy (especially since Marissa was in a long term relationship that ended and who doesn’t want their friend to be happy after having a crappy boyfriend?)
Then there is the best guy friend, Kristian. I gotta tell ya, Kris is hot, but he’s got it bad for Marissa, but she just doesn’t see it that way. But can guys always be “just friends?” No, I guarantee it that at some point a guy friend will wonder what’s it like to hop in your pants, and he’s one of them. But yet, you still like him a lot, because he does have a soft spot for Marissa and wants what’s best for her.
Then there is the new love of my life (sorry husband, stop reading here) Alec Holden. He is
Sexy
Smoldering
Intense
BUT, he’s got a past that he isn’t willing to share just yet. That’s okay with me, one look at him, and I still want to put him in my pocket and take him home.
The relationship between the two of them starts out with some flirting, and it grows from there. They are H-A-W-T (that’s my country accent coming out ) together and have chemistry that flows well between the two of them. How hot do they get? Go read it to find out, you will not be able to put the book down.
Then of course, you throw in the suspense, and I can’t tell you anything about that, because, it’s a suspense!
L.P. Dover has written a marvelous book that screams success. It is paced perfectly with the right amount of sizzling romance and the right of amount of twist and turns to keep you guessing.
Pick up a copy today! You will not be disappointed that you did!!
So let’s start from the beginning. With have Marissa Chase. College girl, smart, intelligent, hot, and extremely clumsy (which right there makes me love her, I am clumsy too sometimes). She’s got a great personality, a bit of a tragic past, and that makes you want her to be happy and you instantly fall in love with her vivacious personality
She lives in an apartment with her best gal friend Emily. Emily is very outgoing! I enjoyed her quirky personality and she makes a great supporting character. She wants Marissa to be happy (especially since Marissa was in a long term relationship that ended and who doesn’t want their friend to be happy after having a crappy boyfriend?)
Then there is the best guy friend, Kristian. I gotta tell ya, Kris is hot, but he’s got it bad for Marissa, but she just doesn’t see it that way. But can guys always be “just friends?” No, I guarantee it that at some point a guy friend will wonder what’s it like to hop in your pants, and he’s one of them. But yet, you still like him a lot, because he does have a soft spot for Marissa and wants what’s best for her.
Then there is the new love of my life (sorry husband, stop reading here) Alec Holden. He is
Sexy
Smoldering
Intense
BUT, he’s got a past that he isn’t willing to share just yet. That’s okay with me, one look at him, and I still want to put him in my pocket and take him home.
The relationship between the two of them starts out with some flirting, and it grows from there. They are H-A-W-T (that’s my country accent coming out ) together and have chemistry that flows well between the two of them. How hot do they get? Go read it to find out, you will not be able to put the book down.
Then of course, you throw in the suspense, and I can’t tell you anything about that, because, it’s a suspense!
L.P. Dover has written a marvelous book that screams success. It is paced perfectly with the right amount of sizzling romance and the right of amount of twist and turns to keep you guessing.
Pick up a copy today! You will not be disappointed that you did!!
August 20, 2013
Love, Lies, and Deception.L.P. Dover.
Arc supplied via Netgalley.
This book was so much more than I expected, a beautiful romance but it also had a terrific suspense angle to it. Marissa was a good character, student, likeable and hard working, had some close good friends but was still shaken from an attack when she started uni two years previously. Luckily she was rescued by another student before she was harmed but it shadowed her and made her careful in her actions.
Then she crosses paths with neighbour Alec, literally as she trips and he catches her. He asks her out and from there they develop into a hot romance, very erotic and sensual. That man knows his way around a woman’s body, and his passion and lovemaking make for some incredibly hot, erotic, spicy scenes. He's lovely, works for his aunt, and they quickly become besotted with each other. They go out often with her flatmate and her boyfriend and another close friend Kristian. Alec and Kristian don't hit it off though, Alec is convinced Kristian wants more than friendship, and is very jealous even though Marissa tells him he isn't like that, but just a good friend with a long distance girlfriend.
Then the action heats up, Marissa's drink gets spiked, luckily Alec is there when she collapses, but though tapes reveal the perpetrator no one can identify them. She's walking a tightrope of emotions, this bringing back her fears from the earlier attack. The dangers heat up, Alec reveals secrets about his past and Marissa gets a death threat. Still no one can work out who and where the danger comes from.
There's some tough times for Marissa, not knowing who she can trust, and what she can do. The police can only do so much, and she's very on edge. Then she sees something that made me almost cry for her. She was so so upset (and so was I), and still facing danger to her life – it was a very tense section, and I love that bit of edgey danger, and heartbreak. I know, I know – I must be mad, but to me the best romances have that edge, the danger, the heartbreak otherwise they're just one level dull, dull, dull. There's no way this book could be termed that. I didn't guess who was behind everything either – came as a total surprise who it was....
Great book,well written, kept me engrossed right to the end. I'm lucky to have time to read, and finished it on one go, lost in the world of danger with Marissa. Its priced at just 77pence! A real bargain for 280 pages/831kb – well worth getting. Its one I’d happily read again.
Stars: almost five, four and a half.
Arc supplied via Netgalley.
This book was so much more than I expected, a beautiful romance but it also had a terrific suspense angle to it. Marissa was a good character, student, likeable and hard working, had some close good friends but was still shaken from an attack when she started uni two years previously. Luckily she was rescued by another student before she was harmed but it shadowed her and made her careful in her actions.
Then she crosses paths with neighbour Alec, literally as she trips and he catches her. He asks her out and from there they develop into a hot romance, very erotic and sensual. That man knows his way around a woman’s body, and his passion and lovemaking make for some incredibly hot, erotic, spicy scenes. He's lovely, works for his aunt, and they quickly become besotted with each other. They go out often with her flatmate and her boyfriend and another close friend Kristian. Alec and Kristian don't hit it off though, Alec is convinced Kristian wants more than friendship, and is very jealous even though Marissa tells him he isn't like that, but just a good friend with a long distance girlfriend.
Then the action heats up, Marissa's drink gets spiked, luckily Alec is there when she collapses, but though tapes reveal the perpetrator no one can identify them. She's walking a tightrope of emotions, this bringing back her fears from the earlier attack. The dangers heat up, Alec reveals secrets about his past and Marissa gets a death threat. Still no one can work out who and where the danger comes from.
There's some tough times for Marissa, not knowing who she can trust, and what she can do. The police can only do so much, and she's very on edge. Then she sees something that made me almost cry for her. She was so so upset (and so was I), and still facing danger to her life – it was a very tense section, and I love that bit of edgey danger, and heartbreak. I know, I know – I must be mad, but to me the best romances have that edge, the danger, the heartbreak otherwise they're just one level dull, dull, dull. There's no way this book could be termed that. I didn't guess who was behind everything either – came as a total surprise who it was....
Great book,well written, kept me engrossed right to the end. I'm lucky to have time to read, and finished it on one go, lost in the world of danger with Marissa. Its priced at just 77pence! A real bargain for 280 pages/831kb – well worth getting. Its one I’d happily read again.
Stars: almost five, four and a half.
May 1, 2020
5⭐️ are few to rate this book, just like saying that I loved it is falling short. Before reaching the middle of the book, I thought I already had the answer for everything, but no, although I was not misguided. I would have not guessed the end. And that’s one of the things I liked the most about this book, the number of surprises and twists it has. YOU HAVE TO READ IT!!!! Magnificent!
Marissa is a 23-year-old biology student, she lives with her friend Emily and her group of friends is completed by Kristian( her best friend and savior, since the day she meets him he saves her from being assaulted by a man when she returns at night to home) and Justin (Emily´s boyfriend). Together they prepare to go to Fiji for spring break, and just as she is about to leave she bumps into her sexy hot neighbor Alec. Although they have been living in the same building for years, they have never spoken to each other, although she usually spies on him when he runs in the morning.
When she gets back, Alec invites her to dinner at his house and they end up hooking up, and just when things start to heat up, they hear noises upstairs in Marissa’s apartment. They go up to investigate but they see no one, but seems that someone has hit the wall with a baseball bat, so Alec de ides to spend the night with her so that she feels calmer.
Alec and Marissa have great sexual chemistry and they have sex soon. Marissa invites Alec to go to bars with her and her friends but Alec declines her offer, bc he and bars don’t get along. Marissa has questions but Alec tells her that one day he will tell her all about him, but first he wants more time with her. He ends up going to the bar and he finds Marissa dancing very close to Kristian, which he doesn’t like. Marissa assures him that they are only friends and that Kristian has a girlfriend, so Alec leaves the subject and goes to order some drinks. Alec and Marissa leave the bar together but Marissa does not go far as she loses consciousness. She wakes in the hospital and they inform her that someone spiked her drink, and the police consider Alec the prime suspect bc he was the one that ordered the drinks, but Marissa dismisses the idea.
But soon they realize that there is someone behind her willing to harm her and this person want to blame Alec in the process. It doesn’t help that Alec is so mysterious and cryptic every time Marissa asks him about his past.
When a girls appears dead on the path that Alec takes every morning running and later when Marissa sees a man stalking her in the window while she sleeps and leaving her death threats, the police recommend that she disappear. But is doesn’t matter where she runs bc he will find her.
“Surely, he wasn’t mad about me and Alec, was he? Kristian had never shown any romantic feelings for me before, so why would he have a problem with me and Alec? He was hiding something, and I could feel it. I just needed to find out what it was.”
“You have no idea how many times I’ve wished I could do this to you. When I first saw you I knew I had to have you, to feel you pressed against me, and opening yourself up to me. There’s something about you that I had to have, and now I have you. I used to not care, to be honest, but you’re also not the type of girl I’m used to being with.”“How do you know I’m not like the girls you used to be with?” I asked curiously. “You’re not like the other girls because when you look at me you actually see me, the person I really am. For the first time in a long while I feel normal. Last night made me feel normal.”
“What makes you think Kristian has a thing for me?”“I can see it in his eyes, Marissa. He may not have put the moves on you … yet, but he’s sure imagining it. It’s not possible for a guy and girl to be just friends, especially with someone like you.”
Kristian’s hands flexed on my hips, and I could feel his breath on my neck as he moved closer. He groaned in my ear, “Holy fuck, Mare, you’re gonna give me a hard on if you keep moving like that.”If I didn’t value your friendship, I would’ve already tried to fuck you.”“Alec thinks you have feelings for me. You don’t, do you? Because I told him you didn’t.”“Why does he care?” he asked dryly. “You’re not getting serious with him, are you?”“We’re not exclusive or anything, but he seems to think you want more.”“Look, Marissa, I’m not going to lie to you. As you can see I’m physically attracted to you, and yes I’ve thought about what it would’ve been like to be more than friends, but I would never overstep those boundaries unless you wanted me to. We’re friends, Marissa, and nothing’s going to change that. I’ll always be here for you no matter what.”
“I need you to know something, sunshine. When I see something I want, I get it. I don’t like to share if you know what I mean. After watching you tonight, I realized I can’t stand watching another man put his hands on you.”“What are you saying?”“I’m saying that I want you to be mine. Now that I’ve had you, I need … more.”“The only way you’re getting more of me is if I get more of you.” Alec’s eyes grew wide and he smiled. “Why, Ms. Chase, I think you just challenged me.” Rolling my eyes, I laughed and pushed him away gently. “So, are you up for it? All I need is honesty and the truth. It’s pretty simple.” His smile slightly faded and he sighed. “I’ll do what I have to do.”
“Please, Marissa. There’s a lot I want to tell you before things go further, things you know I haven’t wanted to tell you. I didn’t expect things to get this far between us.”“So you thought you could keep your secrets, is that it?” Honestly, I didn’t expect things to get that far between us either. I guess I couldn’t blame him. Alec looked away and sighed. “Yes, but things changed. I need you to know now, so please say you’ll stay and let me explain. You are amazing, Marissa. Promise me you’ll still stay with me once I tell you everything. It’s hard to say, but all I know is that I don’t want to lose what we have here. It’s the first real relationship I’ve had. I never thought I’d be able to experience it, and now that I have I don’t want to let you go. You’re the light to my endless world of dark.”
I was falling for the guy against my better judgment, but I desperately wanted to keep my heart at a distance. Especially, since I was moving away in a couple of months. “I’m not sad. I just don’t know how far to go with you. The more time we spend together the harder it is to keep my distance. I love the sex, and like I said before it’s amazing, but I was thinking the same as you. I didn’t think it would go as far as it has, and to be honest, I don’t know if I’m prepared for it.” Alec was taken aback. “After everything that’s happening between us do you still want to distance yourself?” I’d never felt the amount of passion and lust for someone like I did with Alec. Could it lead to love someday? I was sure it could. “I’m scared, Alec. What we have is intense and it’s something I’ve never experienced before, but I’m leaving in a couple of months. Falling for you is just going to make it harder for me to go.”“Well, then… I’m just going to make it harder on you. It’s too late, Marissa. No matter where you go or what you do it’s too late.”“Too late for what?”“It’s too late because I’ve already fallen for you, Marissa … hard. It’s too late to go back for me.” My mind said he was wrong, that it was never too late to turn back, but I had the sinking suspicion my heart was telling me a different story. It was also too late for me.
Marissa is a 23-year-old biology student, she lives with her friend Emily and her group of friends is completed by Kristian( her best friend and savior, since the day she meets him he saves her from being assaulted by a man when she returns at night to home) and Justin (Emily´s boyfriend). Together they prepare to go to Fiji for spring break, and just as she is about to leave she bumps into her sexy hot neighbor Alec. Although they have been living in the same building for years, they have never spoken to each other, although she usually spies on him when he runs in the morning.
When she gets back, Alec invites her to dinner at his house and they end up hooking up, and just when things start to heat up, they hear noises upstairs in Marissa’s apartment. They go up to investigate but they see no one, but seems that someone has hit the wall with a baseball bat, so Alec de ides to spend the night with her so that she feels calmer.
Alec and Marissa have great sexual chemistry and they have sex soon. Marissa invites Alec to go to bars with her and her friends but Alec declines her offer, bc he and bars don’t get along. Marissa has questions but Alec tells her that one day he will tell her all about him, but first he wants more time with her. He ends up going to the bar and he finds Marissa dancing very close to Kristian, which he doesn’t like. Marissa assures him that they are only friends and that Kristian has a girlfriend, so Alec leaves the subject and goes to order some drinks. Alec and Marissa leave the bar together but Marissa does not go far as she loses consciousness. She wakes in the hospital and they inform her that someone spiked her drink, and the police consider Alec the prime suspect bc he was the one that ordered the drinks, but Marissa dismisses the idea.
But soon they realize that there is someone behind her willing to harm her and this person want to blame Alec in the process. It doesn’t help that Alec is so mysterious and cryptic every time Marissa asks him about his past.
When a girls appears dead on the path that Alec takes every morning running and later when Marissa sees a man stalking her in the window while she sleeps and leaving her death threats, the police recommend that she disappear. But is doesn’t matter where she runs bc he will find her.
“Surely, he wasn’t mad about me and Alec, was he? Kristian had never shown any romantic feelings for me before, so why would he have a problem with me and Alec? He was hiding something, and I could feel it. I just needed to find out what it was.”
“You have no idea how many times I’ve wished I could do this to you. When I first saw you I knew I had to have you, to feel you pressed against me, and opening yourself up to me. There’s something about you that I had to have, and now I have you. I used to not care, to be honest, but you’re also not the type of girl I’m used to being with.”“How do you know I’m not like the girls you used to be with?” I asked curiously. “You’re not like the other girls because when you look at me you actually see me, the person I really am. For the first time in a long while I feel normal. Last night made me feel normal.”
“What makes you think Kristian has a thing for me?”“I can see it in his eyes, Marissa. He may not have put the moves on you … yet, but he’s sure imagining it. It’s not possible for a guy and girl to be just friends, especially with someone like you.”
Kristian’s hands flexed on my hips, and I could feel his breath on my neck as he moved closer. He groaned in my ear, “Holy fuck, Mare, you’re gonna give me a hard on if you keep moving like that.”If I didn’t value your friendship, I would’ve already tried to fuck you.”“Alec thinks you have feelings for me. You don’t, do you? Because I told him you didn’t.”“Why does he care?” he asked dryly. “You’re not getting serious with him, are you?”“We’re not exclusive or anything, but he seems to think you want more.”“Look, Marissa, I’m not going to lie to you. As you can see I’m physically attracted to you, and yes I’ve thought about what it would’ve been like to be more than friends, but I would never overstep those boundaries unless you wanted me to. We’re friends, Marissa, and nothing’s going to change that. I’ll always be here for you no matter what.”
“I need you to know something, sunshine. When I see something I want, I get it. I don’t like to share if you know what I mean. After watching you tonight, I realized I can’t stand watching another man put his hands on you.”“What are you saying?”“I’m saying that I want you to be mine. Now that I’ve had you, I need … more.”“The only way you’re getting more of me is if I get more of you.” Alec’s eyes grew wide and he smiled. “Why, Ms. Chase, I think you just challenged me.” Rolling my eyes, I laughed and pushed him away gently. “So, are you up for it? All I need is honesty and the truth. It’s pretty simple.” His smile slightly faded and he sighed. “I’ll do what I have to do.”
“Please, Marissa. There’s a lot I want to tell you before things go further, things you know I haven’t wanted to tell you. I didn’t expect things to get this far between us.”“So you thought you could keep your secrets, is that it?” Honestly, I didn’t expect things to get that far between us either. I guess I couldn’t blame him. Alec looked away and sighed. “Yes, but things changed. I need you to know now, so please say you’ll stay and let me explain. You are amazing, Marissa. Promise me you’ll still stay with me once I tell you everything. It’s hard to say, but all I know is that I don’t want to lose what we have here. It’s the first real relationship I’ve had. I never thought I’d be able to experience it, and now that I have I don’t want to let you go. You’re the light to my endless world of dark.”
I was falling for the guy against my better judgment, but I desperately wanted to keep my heart at a distance. Especially, since I was moving away in a couple of months. “I’m not sad. I just don’t know how far to go with you. The more time we spend together the harder it is to keep my distance. I love the sex, and like I said before it’s amazing, but I was thinking the same as you. I didn’t think it would go as far as it has, and to be honest, I don’t know if I’m prepared for it.” Alec was taken aback. “After everything that’s happening between us do you still want to distance yourself?” I’d never felt the amount of passion and lust for someone like I did with Alec. Could it lead to love someday? I was sure it could. “I’m scared, Alec. What we have is intense and it’s something I’ve never experienced before, but I’m leaving in a couple of months. Falling for you is just going to make it harder for me to go.”“Well, then… I’m just going to make it harder on you. It’s too late, Marissa. No matter where you go or what you do it’s too late.”“Too late for what?”“It’s too late because I’ve already fallen for you, Marissa … hard. It’s too late to go back for me.” My mind said he was wrong, that it was never too late to turn back, but I had the sinking suspicion my heart was telling me a different story. It was also too late for me.
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