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Pure Sin #1.2
Deceptive Innocence: Part 2
This book is no longer sold separately but included in Deceptive Innocence.
Part 2 of Deceptive Innocence—the first book in the sensual, thrilling Pure Sin trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Kyra Davis (Just One Night). A beautiful young woman is out for revenge—only to find the man she’s targeting has secrets as dangerous as her own, and a passion she cannot resist.
Ever since her mother died while serving time for a murder she didn’t commit, Bell has been focused on one thing: revenge. She knows her mother was set up by the head of the powerful Gable family, international bankers who will crush anyone for profit, or amusement. Now she’s determined to take the Gables down—from the inside.
Seducing her way into the life—and bed—of the family's rebellious youngest son, Lander, she figures it should be easy to uncover the secrets she needs to destroy the Gables. But Lander turns out to be much more complicated than Bell ever could have imagined. He’s enticing, intelligent, mysterious—and their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Lander is still the target, but when he touches her, he starts seeming much less like an enemy…
Which is why her anger is so necessary: memories of her mother must help fuel her quest for justice to the very end.
Part 2 of Deceptive Innocence—the first book in the sensual, thrilling Pure Sin trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Kyra Davis (Just One Night). A beautiful young woman is out for revenge—only to find the man she’s targeting has secrets as dangerous as her own, and a passion she cannot resist.
Ever since her mother died while serving time for a murder she didn’t commit, Bell has been focused on one thing: revenge. She knows her mother was set up by the head of the powerful Gable family, international bankers who will crush anyone for profit, or amusement. Now she’s determined to take the Gables down—from the inside.
Seducing her way into the life—and bed—of the family's rebellious youngest son, Lander, she figures it should be easy to uncover the secrets she needs to destroy the Gables. But Lander turns out to be much more complicated than Bell ever could have imagined. He’s enticing, intelligent, mysterious—and their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Lander is still the target, but when he touches her, he starts seeming much less like an enemy…
Which is why her anger is so necessary: memories of her mother must help fuel her quest for justice to the very end.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2014
6 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Kyra Davis
29 books1,525 followersNew York Times bestselling author of JUST ONE NIGHT, DECEPTIVE INNOCENCE, the Sophie Katz mysteries, SO MUCH FOR MY HAPPY ENDING and the upcoming DANGEROUS ALLIANCE, JUST ONCE MORE and JUST ONE LIE (July 28th, 2015).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 23, 2016
Initial reaction: Yet another interesting installation in this series. Bell has more on her plate than a little bit in this second installment. I enjoyed seeing more of Bell moving the chess pieces around in terms of seeing how she could dig deeper into the flawed lives of the Gable family, but at the same time, she makes many missteps that cost her greatly. This installation also ends on a cliffhanger, but it's well worth the tie-in to the previous installment and leads into the final part of this story nicely.
Full review:
Quick review for a quick read. I enjoyed this second part in the "Deceptive Innocence" serial novel. When the story last left off, it was on the note of a very tense encounter between Lander and Bell, and while I thought that might've been the encounter that was purported from where the story left off, it definitely kept me guessing up to a point. I was probably as relieved as Bell was when she realized it wasn't what she thought - though not for the same reasons (I was just glad the story wasn't over from that point!). Much of this part of the serial focused on Bell trying to determine how she could use information against the Gable family and find any openings for weakness that were possible. There were definitely sensual scenes between Lander and Bell that spiced up the narrative, but I was glad also to read of Bell's growing internal conflicts and more character revelations that added to the overarching story's conflict. The ending of this part of the novel was not a turn I expected it to take, and made me eagerly want to pick up the next installment of the novel - which I have as a galley and will review soon. Definitely looking forward to seeing where this goes.
Overall score: 4/5 stars.
Full review:
Quick review for a quick read. I enjoyed this second part in the "Deceptive Innocence" serial novel. When the story last left off, it was on the note of a very tense encounter between Lander and Bell, and while I thought that might've been the encounter that was purported from where the story left off, it definitely kept me guessing up to a point. I was probably as relieved as Bell was when she realized it wasn't what she thought - though not for the same reasons (I was just glad the story wasn't over from that point!). Much of this part of the serial focused on Bell trying to determine how she could use information against the Gable family and find any openings for weakness that were possible. There were definitely sensual scenes between Lander and Bell that spiced up the narrative, but I was glad also to read of Bell's growing internal conflicts and more character revelations that added to the overarching story's conflict. The ending of this part of the novel was not a turn I expected it to take, and made me eagerly want to pick up the next installment of the novel - which I have as a galley and will review soon. Definitely looking forward to seeing where this goes.
Overall score: 4/5 stars.
December 17, 2014
Being with him like this shouldn't feel this powerful. I've forgotten who I am. Maybe that was inevitable. But I shouldn't forget who he is.
Full review posted HERE!
January 19, 2014
Totally loving this series - review coming on release day :-)
February 20, 2014
After the cliffhanger that was Part 1, I just had to know what would happen next!
In Part 2, we rejoin Bell and her quest for revenge against the Gable family. Bell has it all planned out, but as is life, there are a few surprises along the way. For example, her feelings for Lander. Bell sure didn’t expect how she would feel in Lander’s arms… good, safe… if only for a while… and she finds she can’t stop thinking about lander.
… as impossible as it is, it feels like we fit, like… like he’s the piece of the puzzle I need to reconnect with the world. While the rest of the time I feel like nothing more than a shard of broken glass. A fragment.
I’m absolutely in love with this series. It’s short, and believe me if I could bring myself to complain, that would be it, the length. But Kyra Davis packs so much in those hundred or so pages… so much passion, so much intrigue… it’s impossible to complain.
We don’t get big discoveries in this one, but we do get to connect more with the characters. We find out more about Bell, who she was before she became ‘the warrior’… plus the why and how she started planning her revenge.
But then there’s Lander. Still such an enigma to me. How does he fit in to the conspiracy his family created? And my biggest question of all, will Bell go ahead with her revenge? She seems to be softening up in my opinion. Not just for Lander but for Jessica also. I say ‘in my opinion’ because she continues to struggle with herself and her feelings.
I have no idea how this will end! I just know that I’m hoping Lander is a good guy… I’m a sucker for HEAs afterall :)
We’re left with another cliffhanger. New characters have been introduced and they seem more dangerous than even the Gable family. How do they fit in with Bell’s revenge? We’ll have to wait and find out.
4.5 stars!
For more reviews go to Jessy's Book Club or follow us on Facebook
In Part 2, we rejoin Bell and her quest for revenge against the Gable family. Bell has it all planned out, but as is life, there are a few surprises along the way. For example, her feelings for Lander. Bell sure didn’t expect how she would feel in Lander’s arms… good, safe… if only for a while… and she finds she can’t stop thinking about lander.
… as impossible as it is, it feels like we fit, like… like he’s the piece of the puzzle I need to reconnect with the world. While the rest of the time I feel like nothing more than a shard of broken glass. A fragment.
I’m absolutely in love with this series. It’s short, and believe me if I could bring myself to complain, that would be it, the length. But Kyra Davis packs so much in those hundred or so pages… so much passion, so much intrigue… it’s impossible to complain.
We don’t get big discoveries in this one, but we do get to connect more with the characters. We find out more about Bell, who she was before she became ‘the warrior’… plus the why and how she started planning her revenge.
But then there’s Lander. Still such an enigma to me. How does he fit in to the conspiracy his family created? And my biggest question of all, will Bell go ahead with her revenge? She seems to be softening up in my opinion. Not just for Lander but for Jessica also. I say ‘in my opinion’ because she continues to struggle with herself and her feelings.
I have no idea how this will end! I just know that I’m hoping Lander is a good guy… I’m a sucker for HEAs afterall :)
We’re left with another cliffhanger. New characters have been introduced and they seem more dangerous than even the Gable family. How do they fit in with Bell’s revenge? We’ll have to wait and find out.
4.5 stars!
For more reviews go to Jessy's Book Club or follow us on Facebook
March 26, 2014
In this second installment, Bell begins the next stages of her plan of revenge against the Gable family. She's now working for Travis Gable and is walking the thin tightrope between him and her relationship with his brother, Lander. We also learn more about Bell and her relationship with a member of the Russian Mafia and how he factors into her plans.
I vacillated between being completely repulsed by Bell to feeling empathy for her. She's an extremely complex character who doesn't wallow in her obviously personality and makes no excuses for herself. Her relationship with Landers is very confusing, as it should be because it's throwing Bell off balance too.
The ending had me so excited I immediately jumped into the last book of the series. This was extremely interesting and I have no clue who the good guys are, though some of the bad guys are clearly emerging. These two installments are very well written and I can't wait to finish the third.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
I vacillated between being completely repulsed by Bell to feeling empathy for her. She's an extremely complex character who doesn't wallow in her obviously personality and makes no excuses for herself. Her relationship with Landers is very confusing, as it should be because it's throwing Bell off balance too.
The ending had me so excited I immediately jumped into the last book of the series. This was extremely interesting and I have no clue who the good guys are, though some of the bad guys are clearly emerging. These two installments are very well written and I can't wait to finish the third.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
February 15, 2014
Check out my complete review for both Part 1 & 2 on Bookish Temptations.
http://bookishtemptations.com/2014/02...
Bellona Dante’, at least that is the name she goes by right now, is a young woman determined to seek revenge on the Gable family. If you like the TV shows, Revenge or Red Widow, then you will love this series. Bell uses her intelligence, beauty, and sex appeal to get “in” with the family that singled out her mother and framed her for murder. The series is told from her point of view, so we get to see/feel Bell fall for Lander Gable, maybe even before she does. When you are looking for answers that are hidden and you are playing a part to get them, the doubts and overanalyzing of what your opponents are thinking can be overwhelming. I found myself thinking about this story, even when I wasn’t reading it.
Bell thinks she knows who Lander is, but she becomes surprised by him at every turn. Lander is not the typical rich man living in Manhattan. I was very intrigued by him. Not just because he was gorgeous and rich, but how his mind worked.
In battles of passion there are so many tactics that can be used to overpower your opponent: displays of strength, aggression, and dominance, and then there are the equally effective acts of gentleness, attentiveness, romance, devotion. It seems Lander has mastered them all.
First Bell gets into Lander’s bed, and it’s really hawt. Then she gets herself hired by Travis Gable, Lander’s brother, to be the personal assistant for his wife and himself. Earning Travis’ trust isn’t so easy, but Jessica is a woman who is troubled. Bell sees the opportunity to befriend Jessica.
For the first time I notice the dark clouds that can be seen gathering outside the penthouse’s massive windows. It’s almost as if Travis summoned them up himself.
“Nothing is yours.” Travis’ voice is surprisingly calm, almost casual. “Not this home, not the limo, not the clothes or the jewels or even your friends, who only want to hang out with you because you married my family. It’s my wealth that pays for everything. It’s my name that elevated you. I’ve given you nothing, Jessica. Without me, you are nothing. Everything in your life is on lease. The girl is hired. That matter is settled.”
Jessica’s hand drops from my arm. And for a brief moment I’m too shocked to move. In my neighborhood it’s not uncommon to come across men who occasionally throw drunken punches at their wives and girlfriends, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen a man stab a woman with words
Travis Gable, definitely my least favorite character in the series. He pushes Bell to do some pretty bad things, for a number of reasons that even I’m not sure about. Bell uses Travis’ mistrust of his own brother to her advantage.
Micah Romenov is another secondary character that held my attention, and he is only in two scenes in the second book. Definitely a leader in the Russian mafia, he feels the need to protect Bell, because of her mother’s influence on his niece’s life when both women were both behind bars. While Bell could use his power to take down the Gables, she chooses to keep her distance. But by the end of the second book, she may have waited too long to use his protection.
The first book is about Bell positioning herself to get where she needs to be. The second book gives us more about the whys. What her relationship was like when her mother was arrested and put in jail. Bell feels like, because she doubted her mother’s innocence, that she is just as corrupted as the Gables. We also get a glimpse into Bell’s life in the foster system that made her become the ruthless woman she is now.
At the end of the first book, Lander might not be as gullible as Bell has thought, so she is compelled to push Lander away, even as she feels her emotional and physical attachment to him grow stronger. Kyra’s ability to toy with her readers and her characters’ psyche is an unusual talent I think. I also really love her love/sex scenes. It has a voyeuristic feel to it. Her characters have sex outside a lot and there are scenes where they are being watched or caught in the act by someone else, while being fully aware.
How can people not see the brutal romance that beats through this city? How can they not see the raw strength and the bitter carnage? How can they not see the cruel history and the passionate victories? The lust, the desire, the anger? How can they not see us?
But it doesn’t matter. In this moment, in the illuminating darkness I see him. And he sees me.
He pushes even deeper inside and I call out, knowing that the city will absorb my cries, adding it to its own rhythmic melody. And I feel Lander fill me, feel him explode. I feel…everything.
In a moment I will have to lie to Lander. I will answer to my made-up name. I’ll hide my intentions and my ambitions.
But right now? Right now he’s holding me. Not some pseudonym. Me.
And I’m holding him. In the city of the blind, we see.
This man who saw me wanted me to go home with him, but I refused.
Joseph Morgan is my Lander Gable
So if you haven’t noticed yet how the book covers “interlock” with each other, take another look at them. How cool is that?!?! After finishing the second book, I am so glad that I don’t have to wait long for the third book in the series. I seriously have to know what is Bellona Dante‘s real name.
I give this series 4 sexy and dangerous stars, and put both books on my “middle-shelf-interesting-reads” shelf.
***I was given ARCs for the first two books from Netgalley for an honest review. The excerpts used are from those copies.***
http://bookishtemptations.com/2014/02...
Bellona Dante’, at least that is the name she goes by right now, is a young woman determined to seek revenge on the Gable family. If you like the TV shows, Revenge or Red Widow, then you will love this series. Bell uses her intelligence, beauty, and sex appeal to get “in” with the family that singled out her mother and framed her for murder. The series is told from her point of view, so we get to see/feel Bell fall for Lander Gable, maybe even before she does. When you are looking for answers that are hidden and you are playing a part to get them, the doubts and overanalyzing of what your opponents are thinking can be overwhelming. I found myself thinking about this story, even when I wasn’t reading it.
Bell thinks she knows who Lander is, but she becomes surprised by him at every turn. Lander is not the typical rich man living in Manhattan. I was very intrigued by him. Not just because he was gorgeous and rich, but how his mind worked.
In battles of passion there are so many tactics that can be used to overpower your opponent: displays of strength, aggression, and dominance, and then there are the equally effective acts of gentleness, attentiveness, romance, devotion. It seems Lander has mastered them all.
First Bell gets into Lander’s bed, and it’s really hawt. Then she gets herself hired by Travis Gable, Lander’s brother, to be the personal assistant for his wife and himself. Earning Travis’ trust isn’t so easy, but Jessica is a woman who is troubled. Bell sees the opportunity to befriend Jessica.
For the first time I notice the dark clouds that can be seen gathering outside the penthouse’s massive windows. It’s almost as if Travis summoned them up himself.
“Nothing is yours.” Travis’ voice is surprisingly calm, almost casual. “Not this home, not the limo, not the clothes or the jewels or even your friends, who only want to hang out with you because you married my family. It’s my wealth that pays for everything. It’s my name that elevated you. I’ve given you nothing, Jessica. Without me, you are nothing. Everything in your life is on lease. The girl is hired. That matter is settled.”
Jessica’s hand drops from my arm. And for a brief moment I’m too shocked to move. In my neighborhood it’s not uncommon to come across men who occasionally throw drunken punches at their wives and girlfriends, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen a man stab a woman with words
Travis Gable, definitely my least favorite character in the series. He pushes Bell to do some pretty bad things, for a number of reasons that even I’m not sure about. Bell uses Travis’ mistrust of his own brother to her advantage.
Micah Romenov is another secondary character that held my attention, and he is only in two scenes in the second book. Definitely a leader in the Russian mafia, he feels the need to protect Bell, because of her mother’s influence on his niece’s life when both women were both behind bars. While Bell could use his power to take down the Gables, she chooses to keep her distance. But by the end of the second book, she may have waited too long to use his protection.
The first book is about Bell positioning herself to get where she needs to be. The second book gives us more about the whys. What her relationship was like when her mother was arrested and put in jail. Bell feels like, because she doubted her mother’s innocence, that she is just as corrupted as the Gables. We also get a glimpse into Bell’s life in the foster system that made her become the ruthless woman she is now.
At the end of the first book, Lander might not be as gullible as Bell has thought, so she is compelled to push Lander away, even as she feels her emotional and physical attachment to him grow stronger. Kyra’s ability to toy with her readers and her characters’ psyche is an unusual talent I think. I also really love her love/sex scenes. It has a voyeuristic feel to it. Her characters have sex outside a lot and there are scenes where they are being watched or caught in the act by someone else, while being fully aware.
How can people not see the brutal romance that beats through this city? How can they not see the raw strength and the bitter carnage? How can they not see the cruel history and the passionate victories? The lust, the desire, the anger? How can they not see us?
But it doesn’t matter. In this moment, in the illuminating darkness I see him. And he sees me.
He pushes even deeper inside and I call out, knowing that the city will absorb my cries, adding it to its own rhythmic melody. And I feel Lander fill me, feel him explode. I feel…everything.
In a moment I will have to lie to Lander. I will answer to my made-up name. I’ll hide my intentions and my ambitions.
But right now? Right now he’s holding me. Not some pseudonym. Me.
And I’m holding him. In the city of the blind, we see.
This man who saw me wanted me to go home with him, but I refused.
Joseph Morgan is my Lander Gable
So if you haven’t noticed yet how the book covers “interlock” with each other, take another look at them. How cool is that?!?! After finishing the second book, I am so glad that I don’t have to wait long for the third book in the series. I seriously have to know what is Bellona Dante‘s real name.
I give this series 4 sexy and dangerous stars, and put both books on my “middle-shelf-interesting-reads” shelf.
***I was given ARCs for the first two books from Netgalley for an honest review. The excerpts used are from those copies.***
August 3, 2017
OK. La histria decae, esperaba lo contrario. No es mala, pero no me dan ganas de empezar la tercera parte tan rápido como si me pasó de la primera a esta.
Los protas demuestran ser más tontos de lo que esperaba.
Esperemos que en la tercera repunte con fuerza!
Los protas demuestran ser más tontos de lo que esperaba.
Esperemos que en la tercera repunte con fuerza!
December 31, 2017
A few writing flaws like part 1
Plot seems to have gotten a little lost
Plot seems to have gotten a little lost
September 23, 2018
Continua la historia.... esta segunda parte no aporta gran cantidad de info.... sigo con la tercera para ver a donde nos lleva....
November 19, 2023
3.5 Stars
February 16, 2014
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance.
When we last saw the woman we know as Bellona, she had just discovered that Lander Gable, the man she had targeted as the instrument of her revenge against him and his entire family for the wrong done to her late mother, knew that she was not the woman she had portrayed herself to be. Assuming the worst, Bellona steels herself for the unmasking she has always feared, only to find herself even more tightly connected to this man who could be either her savior or the undoing of all she has worked for. As she is drawn more deeply into Landon’s world and the seedy underbelly of his family’s activities, Bellona starts to question everything that has brought her to this moment in time, even as her feelings for Landon grow stronger and more threatening to her well-being. And when the debts accrued from her recent past collide with her current precarious position, it’s not just Landon that she’s in danger of losing for good.
One of the things I enjoy the most about Kyra Davis’s writing is how she is able to ratchet up the suspense without letting it overwhelm the romance. I was worried for Bellona in every moment, but was always aware that Landon was the key to her happiness, even as her need for revenge sent her down a path that could only end in tragedy for them both. Both here and in her previous serial Just One Night, Kyra Davis has shown that one’s identity is more than just the name we choose, or the way we interact with others, and that a facade is no real protection for one’s heart. Bellona fears Landon because he knows her body so well even as he has no idea who she really is. Yet Landon is just as much of an enigma to her, and he’s made it clear that although he knows their relationship is a pretense on both sides, it’s worth it to him to continue the charade for as long as it will last. The real risk to them both beyond the physical danger is what will happen when the masks are stripped away.
This second part of Deceptive Innocence is full of twists and turns, leaving us with yet another a cliffhanger where it seems all is lost for Bellona. Only the third and final part will show how this can possibly end well, and I love not having any clue what that might be.
Favorite Quote:
I wish we were the man and woman we pretend to be. I wish I didn’t have to destroy him.
When we last saw the woman we know as Bellona, she had just discovered that Lander Gable, the man she had targeted as the instrument of her revenge against him and his entire family for the wrong done to her late mother, knew that she was not the woman she had portrayed herself to be. Assuming the worst, Bellona steels herself for the unmasking she has always feared, only to find herself even more tightly connected to this man who could be either her savior or the undoing of all she has worked for. As she is drawn more deeply into Landon’s world and the seedy underbelly of his family’s activities, Bellona starts to question everything that has brought her to this moment in time, even as her feelings for Landon grow stronger and more threatening to her well-being. And when the debts accrued from her recent past collide with her current precarious position, it’s not just Landon that she’s in danger of losing for good.
One of the things I enjoy the most about Kyra Davis’s writing is how she is able to ratchet up the suspense without letting it overwhelm the romance. I was worried for Bellona in every moment, but was always aware that Landon was the key to her happiness, even as her need for revenge sent her down a path that could only end in tragedy for them both. Both here and in her previous serial Just One Night, Kyra Davis has shown that one’s identity is more than just the name we choose, or the way we interact with others, and that a facade is no real protection for one’s heart. Bellona fears Landon because he knows her body so well even as he has no idea who she really is. Yet Landon is just as much of an enigma to her, and he’s made it clear that although he knows their relationship is a pretense on both sides, it’s worth it to him to continue the charade for as long as it will last. The real risk to them both beyond the physical danger is what will happen when the masks are stripped away.
This second part of Deceptive Innocence is full of twists and turns, leaving us with yet another a cliffhanger where it seems all is lost for Bellona. Only the third and final part will show how this can possibly end well, and I love not having any clue what that might be.
Favorite Quote:
I wish we were the man and woman we pretend to be. I wish I didn’t have to destroy him.
March 29, 2014
I like to read serialized novels back to back. I don't particularly like cliffhangers and I don't particularly like waiting just because I tend to forget what happened. So I wanted until all the parts of this novel came out to binge read. And it's for me anyway, it's definitely worth it.
Part One ended on a cliffhanger - not as major as I thought - but enough to get the wheels turning. How much does Lander know? We ended Part One with "I KNOW HER IDENTITY'. All sort of questions started forming. Just who is playing who? And for how long?
Part Two picks off right where Part One ended. And we learn the answer to "I KNOW HER IDENTITY". In this one, loyalties are tested and the lines are even blurred a lot more. Bell realizes that Lander may not be as guilty as the rest of his family, but having the Gable name has destroyed him.
As the middle piece of the trilogy it has to bridge together the wham bam beginning to the wham bam ending. Not a whole lot happens in the second part - Bell questions her motives and whether she's in it for the long haul or whether she should just quit. Little things happen that justify her original motives. She learns more about the family and their allegiances. We're also introduced to someone from her past and a mobster associate of Travis. Dun dun dun.
At some point secrets have to come out and one wonders just how is Bell and Lander going to achieve their HEA. I think the fact that this is a CR and we know we will have a HEA, you know Lander isn't as bad she Bell originally thought, so I think that's a little spoiler that sort of lessens the surprise.
I read on Kyra Davis website that originally "Deceptive Sin" was meant to be a standalone novella. But her publisher asked her to serialize it into 3 parts and also write a full length novel to complete Bell and Lander's story. So I'm anticipating a big cliffhanger in Part Three and dreading the wait for the full-length novel. She mentioned it'll be called "Dangerous Alliance", but what's this "Delicate Vengeance" all about? Is this really a trilogy?!?! Anyone who has followed my reviews will know I like to wait for a trilogy to conclude before reading them all. With a year wait in between I forget things or might lose interest in picking the followup - there's just so many good things to read out there.
Onto the third part!
Part One ended on a cliffhanger - not as major as I thought - but enough to get the wheels turning. How much does Lander know? We ended Part One with "I KNOW HER IDENTITY'. All sort of questions started forming. Just who is playing who? And for how long?
Part Two picks off right where Part One ended. And we learn the answer to "I KNOW HER IDENTITY". In this one, loyalties are tested and the lines are even blurred a lot more. Bell realizes that Lander may not be as guilty as the rest of his family, but having the Gable name has destroyed him.
As the middle piece of the trilogy it has to bridge together the wham bam beginning to the wham bam ending. Not a whole lot happens in the second part - Bell questions her motives and whether she's in it for the long haul or whether she should just quit. Little things happen that justify her original motives. She learns more about the family and their allegiances. We're also introduced to someone from her past and a mobster associate of Travis. Dun dun dun.
At some point secrets have to come out and one wonders just how is Bell and Lander going to achieve their HEA. I think the fact that this is a CR and we know we will have a HEA, you know Lander isn't as bad she Bell originally thought, so I think that's a little spoiler that sort of lessens the surprise.
I read on Kyra Davis website that originally "Deceptive Sin" was meant to be a standalone novella. But her publisher asked her to serialize it into 3 parts and also write a full length novel to complete Bell and Lander's story. So I'm anticipating a big cliffhanger in Part Three and dreading the wait for the full-length novel. She mentioned it'll be called "Dangerous Alliance", but what's this "Delicate Vengeance" all about? Is this really a trilogy?!?! Anyone who has followed my reviews will know I like to wait for a trilogy to conclude before reading them all. With a year wait in between I forget things or might lose interest in picking the followup - there's just so many good things to read out there.
Onto the third part!
March 20, 2014
**BETH'S REVIEW**
*3.5 Stars*
Deceptive Innocence part 2 picks up right where part one left us, leaving us with the cliff hanger ending of Bell figuring out the anagram on the picture that Landers drew of her, K.I.N.D. W.I.T.T.Y. H.E.R.O.I.N.E. Lander knows that she isn’t who she says she is, but does he know the truth about her. But she very quickly comes up with a new plausible story that Lander seems to accept and believe, buying her more time to allow her to continue with her hunt for revenge against Lander and his family.
As Bell continues to spin her web of lies with Lander as well as his brother Travis and his wife and earning their trust, even though she doesn’t allow herself to realize it, she is slowing falling for Lander. The scenes between these two are hot and sexy, the chemistry between them undeniable. She is supposed to be using him to seek her revenge but is he using her at the same time, or does he truly care for her, is just chemistry or does he have growing feelings to. These two are very carefully playing their cards, not wanting the other to see them all.
We also get to see a bit more of Bell and who she was when someone from her past shows up bringing the memories with them. There are still so many things happening going on and so many unknown, so many pieces to the puzzle that we just don’t know how they will all fit and what the end picture will be, it truly is a very suspenseful and mysterious story these two characters have.
I do love the storyline and did enjoy this second part, but found it fell flat in spots for me, I didn’t love it like I did the first part. I also feel these are way too short, after the first part ending with a cliffhanger that left us just hanging, I find myself annoyed to only just get back into their story, for it to stop abruptly, yet again with another cliffhanger, I. These books didn’t need to be a series, because they are so short they could be so much better enjoyed if they had been combined into one full story rather than all this stopping and starting, chopping the story up into parts, it really takes away the enjoyment of reading it for me.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*3.5 Stars*
Deceptive Innocence part 2 picks up right where part one left us, leaving us with the cliff hanger ending of Bell figuring out the anagram on the picture that Landers drew of her, K.I.N.D. W.I.T.T.Y. H.E.R.O.I.N.E. Lander knows that she isn’t who she says she is, but does he know the truth about her. But she very quickly comes up with a new plausible story that Lander seems to accept and believe, buying her more time to allow her to continue with her hunt for revenge against Lander and his family.
As Bell continues to spin her web of lies with Lander as well as his brother Travis and his wife and earning their trust, even though she doesn’t allow herself to realize it, she is slowing falling for Lander. The scenes between these two are hot and sexy, the chemistry between them undeniable. She is supposed to be using him to seek her revenge but is he using her at the same time, or does he truly care for her, is just chemistry or does he have growing feelings to. These two are very carefully playing their cards, not wanting the other to see them all.
We also get to see a bit more of Bell and who she was when someone from her past shows up bringing the memories with them. There are still so many things happening going on and so many unknown, so many pieces to the puzzle that we just don’t know how they will all fit and what the end picture will be, it truly is a very suspenseful and mysterious story these two characters have.
I do love the storyline and did enjoy this second part, but found it fell flat in spots for me, I didn’t love it like I did the first part. I also feel these are way too short, after the first part ending with a cliffhanger that left us just hanging, I find myself annoyed to only just get back into their story, for it to stop abruptly, yet again with another cliffhanger, I. These books didn’t need to be a series, because they are so short they could be so much better enjoyed if they had been combined into one full story rather than all this stopping and starting, chopping the story up into parts, it really takes away the enjoyment of reading it for me.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2014
At the end of part one Bell thinks Lander may know who she truly is or at the very least has started piecing the puzzle together, but of course he hasn’t. Or at least if he has he’s much smarter than Bell and is hiding his true thoughts. So Bell goes ahead and starts working for his slimy older brother as a personal assistant which is only her cover so she can snoop on his private dealings and insert herself into his life. She has brief glimpses of guilt of her deceit and then she hardens once more.
I have no idea what it is about this series that keeps me coming back for more. Bell is such an incredibly unlikable character who schemes and uses her looks and smarts in order to exact revenge from the Gables for the framing and death of her mother. To make it worse Bell has no idea what really happened that day her mothers lover was murdered. I try so hard to find something redeemable in Bell and each time I think she may become a character I can like she does something else that makes me shake my head.
While I do believe something happened the day her mothers lover was killed, I’m not entirely convinced that everything is as she suspects. Landers brother seems to fear the patriarch of their family and no one trusts each other so obviously there is something going on, but what I can’t put my finger on.
Kyra Davis has a very distinctive writing style that just flows really well and draws the reader in. It’s like book crack. I hate the heroine and yet I hope at some point she redeems herself in my eyes and realizes that she’s worth more than the revenge she’s trying to carry out. Her inner monologue screams manic depressive but I hope that whatever she’s feeling for Lander grows to the point that she’s honest with him. I highly doubt at this point that he was involved in whatever went down…at least I hope not because I really like him lol.
I give Deceptive Innocence (part two) by Kyra Davis 4 stars!
I have no idea what it is about this series that keeps me coming back for more. Bell is such an incredibly unlikable character who schemes and uses her looks and smarts in order to exact revenge from the Gables for the framing and death of her mother. To make it worse Bell has no idea what really happened that day her mothers lover was murdered. I try so hard to find something redeemable in Bell and each time I think she may become a character I can like she does something else that makes me shake my head.
While I do believe something happened the day her mothers lover was killed, I’m not entirely convinced that everything is as she suspects. Landers brother seems to fear the patriarch of their family and no one trusts each other so obviously there is something going on, but what I can’t put my finger on.
Kyra Davis has a very distinctive writing style that just flows really well and draws the reader in. It’s like book crack. I hate the heroine and yet I hope at some point she redeems herself in my eyes and realizes that she’s worth more than the revenge she’s trying to carry out. Her inner monologue screams manic depressive but I hope that whatever she’s feeling for Lander grows to the point that she’s honest with him. I highly doubt at this point that he was involved in whatever went down…at least I hope not because I really like him lol.
I give Deceptive Innocence (part two) by Kyra Davis 4 stars!
March 8, 2014
Originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on Feb 25th 2014:
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: Upper East/West Side world of the rich and screwed up returns, with a dash of shady business and some serious kickass action.
Characters: I loved Bell’s evolution from Part 1. As her relationship with Lander evolves, I feel we get to see a few more glimpses of the real woman. Plus we get to meet new characters that reveal more about her character, but too much, lol. She’s shrouded in mystery, which is – I’ll admit openly – a large part of the appeal for me.
I’m loving Lander all the more, as you might have expected. He’s totally alpha, beautifully broken yet functional in that ruthless way that makes me swoon. I’m dying to see how their relationship goes in the third part, because these guys are like surreal hotness together – and that’s putting it mildly.
Plot: While the story moves forward on the romance tangent, the mystery surrounding Bell’s mom and the people involved in the story way back when (and also now) only thickens. And this part ends on a cliffy, of course, because that’s part of the fun with serials.
Writing: First person narrative from Bell’s POV, as before. Still taken with her voice, and totally into the whole vein of mystery.
Curb Appeal: Great cover, hooking blurb – and stellar author name equal compulsive buy material, for the win.
All in all, I felt this part developed the plot & characters nicely, and left me hanging there at the end, lol – but that’s okay, it’s part of the fun. If you haven’t picked this up to read yet, I say do so. Maybe wait until the third part is out, so you won’t feel frustrated while you wait lol. But still, definitely read this baby.
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: Upper East/West Side world of the rich and screwed up returns, with a dash of shady business and some serious kickass action.
Characters: I loved Bell’s evolution from Part 1. As her relationship with Lander evolves, I feel we get to see a few more glimpses of the real woman. Plus we get to meet new characters that reveal more about her character, but too much, lol. She’s shrouded in mystery, which is – I’ll admit openly – a large part of the appeal for me.
I’m loving Lander all the more, as you might have expected. He’s totally alpha, beautifully broken yet functional in that ruthless way that makes me swoon. I’m dying to see how their relationship goes in the third part, because these guys are like surreal hotness together – and that’s putting it mildly.
Plot: While the story moves forward on the romance tangent, the mystery surrounding Bell’s mom and the people involved in the story way back when (and also now) only thickens. And this part ends on a cliffy, of course, because that’s part of the fun with serials.
Writing: First person narrative from Bell’s POV, as before. Still taken with her voice, and totally into the whole vein of mystery.
Curb Appeal: Great cover, hooking blurb – and stellar author name equal compulsive buy material, for the win.
All in all, I felt this part developed the plot & characters nicely, and left me hanging there at the end, lol – but that’s okay, it’s part of the fun. If you haven’t picked this up to read yet, I say do so. Maybe wait until the third part is out, so you won’t feel frustrated while you wait lol. But still, definitely read this baby.
February 4, 2015
AAhhhh... I finished It.... So soon.. hehe...
Damn the story is taking such an amazing turn, Now even I am confuse what the hell is going to happen.. and I am sure that's the key point.. Micah has kidnapped her, what does he wants. he is also so interrogating character, if Bell doesn't say again and again that he is good, not so good but not his enemy either so i would have pull him in my list of murders of Bell's mother.. but what a peek ending.. they have kidnapped her but for what I don't know..
Travis is also a Character which is giving me itch but in not good way, but not in bad either. I don't know what to think about him, no doubt he is an asshole, but how could he just trust Bell, cos she just brought the package to him directly, don't they do background checking or some sort of things? damn they are rich as hell, still no background checking. no doubt Bell say he is a Moron..
And Lander..Don't have words to describe, if I think about him he is Bad but what she thinks about him is pure Love... LUST, Love this two emotions are very strong no doubt, and when you are in between them the hell breaks.. I just wish in the end Lander doesn't comes out to be the Culprit.. I don't know, may be it is just the Hitch...
IN ALL IT IS AN AMAZING BOOK TO READ...
Damn the story is taking such an amazing turn, Now even I am confuse what the hell is going to happen.. and I am sure that's the key point.. Micah has kidnapped her, what does he wants. he is also so interrogating character, if Bell doesn't say again and again that he is good, not so good but not his enemy either so i would have pull him in my list of murders of Bell's mother.. but what a peek ending.. they have kidnapped her but for what I don't know..
Travis is also a Character which is giving me itch but in not good way, but not in bad either. I don't know what to think about him, no doubt he is an asshole, but how could he just trust Bell, cos she just brought the package to him directly, don't they do background checking or some sort of things? damn they are rich as hell, still no background checking. no doubt Bell say he is a Moron..
And Lander..Don't have words to describe, if I think about him he is Bad but what she thinks about him is pure Love... LUST, Love this two emotions are very strong no doubt, and when you are in between them the hell breaks.. I just wish in the end Lander doesn't comes out to be the Culprit.. I don't know, may be it is just the Hitch...
IN ALL IT IS AN AMAZING BOOK TO READ...
February 2, 2014
Deceptive Innocence, Part One in the Pure Sin series by Kyra Davis. What happens when the man you're targeting for revenge is attractive and shares a passion you cannot resist? Bell's mother died while serving time for a murder she didn't commit; Bell is focused on seeking revenge on the ones responsible: the powerful Gables family.
She seduces her way into the bed of the family's youngest son, Lander. Then she lands a job as assistant to the older son, determined to take down the family from the inside. But the sexual chemistry between her and Lander is blurring the lines of vigilante justice and desire.
At just under 200 pages, Deceptive Innocence, Part One is a quick read. The fast introduction to characters made me read even quicker. I was eager to find out how it would play out. If Bell would give in to desire. If Lander would catch Bell's true intention. If the book would end on a cliffhanger, and oh yes it did! Thank goodness I have part two on deck! The Pure Sin trilogy is author Kyra Davis' latest romance/erotica series. So far, so sexy!
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
She seduces her way into the bed of the family's youngest son, Lander. Then she lands a job as assistant to the older son, determined to take down the family from the inside. But the sexual chemistry between her and Lander is blurring the lines of vigilante justice and desire.
At just under 200 pages, Deceptive Innocence, Part One is a quick read. The fast introduction to characters made me read even quicker. I was eager to find out how it would play out. If Bell would give in to desire. If Lander would catch Bell's true intention. If the book would end on a cliffhanger, and oh yes it did! Thank goodness I have part two on deck! The Pure Sin trilogy is author Kyra Davis' latest romance/erotica series. So far, so sexy!
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
January 10, 2015
**You MUST read Part One first before reading Deceptive Innocence Part Two**
I love a good tease! And Deceptive Innocence does this perfectly! I was sucked into this story back in part one and Deceptive Innocence Part Two continues to add to this great series. Things aren't always cut and dry and I really never quite know Kyra Davis is going to go in the plot (I love that!). Part Two definitely sets us up for a fantastic finale and the wait is going to be hard (but worth it in the end).
Kyra Davis writes a fast paced, mysterious and very sexy story and continues to deliver the same intensity in part two. I can honestly say I am not sure what is going to happen and unfold next and I can't wait! This story grabbed me right away and I could not put this down! Even though this is a novella length story, you get a LOT of bang for your buck here, the story feels like a full length novel and the writing is addicting!
If you love a good revenge, mystery, sexy and HOT story and don't mind a good tease then THIS is a series you need in your TBR piles!
I can't wait to see this all ends!!!
February 12, 2014
Let me start this review out by saying that this book is not part two of a series, it is part two of a serial so it is necessary to read the part one first. Well I guess that you could read this part as a stand alone but you would have so many unanswered questions that I don't recommend it.
While I did enjoy this part of the serial, I found that the plot wore a bit thin in places. I did enjoy getting to know more about Bell though her choices and the excuses that she tells herself. I don't really want to say much more as I don't want to give away any of the plot itself.
If you enjoyed Deceptive Innocence: Part 1 then this book is a must read especially after that cliffhanger ending. If you haven't read the first part then I recommend doing that first and just click on the title to read that review. I do want to give a warning that there is a rather hot sex scene in this book so not probably not appropriate for the younger crowd.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
While I did enjoy this part of the serial, I found that the plot wore a bit thin in places. I did enjoy getting to know more about Bell though her choices and the excuses that she tells herself. I don't really want to say much more as I don't want to give away any of the plot itself.
If you enjoyed Deceptive Innocence: Part 1 then this book is a must read especially after that cliffhanger ending. If you haven't read the first part then I recommend doing that first and just click on the title to read that review. I do want to give a warning that there is a rather hot sex scene in this book so not probably not appropriate for the younger crowd.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2014
**RECEIVED BY NETGALLEY FOR HONEST REVIEW**
I'm really loving this series. I read the first book and now the second but I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one!! Bell, drives me batty but I love her mind too. One minute shes falling for Lander and the next shes imagining how she's gonna kill him. Lander is such a sexy man but I just don't quite understand him just yet. I do love their connection and their heat when they are together. Travis, is just an ass honestly and I don't like him at all but his wife Jessica, is worse because she is such an idiot. I really dislike where Travis's mind goes when Bell is around though because he seems really creepy. Micah sounds like your run of the mill mobster and I picture him to look like Uncle Pussy from The Sopranos so that helped me to relate to him a little easier. I dont want to say too much other than I am so looking forward to the next book. Awesome job Kyra Davis!!
I'm really loving this series. I read the first book and now the second but I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one!! Bell, drives me batty but I love her mind too. One minute shes falling for Lander and the next shes imagining how she's gonna kill him. Lander is such a sexy man but I just don't quite understand him just yet. I do love their connection and their heat when they are together. Travis, is just an ass honestly and I don't like him at all but his wife Jessica, is worse because she is such an idiot. I really dislike where Travis's mind goes when Bell is around though because he seems really creepy. Micah sounds like your run of the mill mobster and I picture him to look like Uncle Pussy from The Sopranos so that helped me to relate to him a little easier. I dont want to say too much other than I am so looking forward to the next book. Awesome job Kyra Davis!!
January 24, 2015
Deceptive Innocence: Part 2 (Pure Sin, #1.2)
by Kyra Davis
A dark look into revenge, this is the second in a series of books detailing an elaborate revenge scenario . Young Bell, as she is presented to us in the first part is desperately wanting to pay back the family that destroyed and eventually caused her mothers death. She was left orphaned long before her mother committed suicide in jail. After finding out that her mother was set up Bell, has trained and learned all she can on the outside, she has now entered the world of the wealthy elite that destroyed her mother. She has found a weak link and exploited the younger child of the man who set up her mother. but she finds her attraction a distraction at best, she is self motivated, and does not want to owe any favors even though she has criminal links that could possibly be more ruthless than herself, can she follow through with her plan or will the younger son change her mind?
by Kyra Davis
A dark look into revenge, this is the second in a series of books detailing an elaborate revenge scenario . Young Bell, as she is presented to us in the first part is desperately wanting to pay back the family that destroyed and eventually caused her mothers death. She was left orphaned long before her mother committed suicide in jail. After finding out that her mother was set up Bell, has trained and learned all she can on the outside, she has now entered the world of the wealthy elite that destroyed her mother. She has found a weak link and exploited the younger child of the man who set up her mother. but she finds her attraction a distraction at best, she is self motivated, and does not want to owe any favors even though she has criminal links that could possibly be more ruthless than herself, can she follow through with her plan or will the younger son change her mind?
February 19, 2014
So this picks right up where part 1 ends and oh my, how things spiral out of control. I am beginning to really connect with Lander and surprisingly, Travis. But strangely enough, I am starting not to like Bell. I understand her reasons and her plan and was really rooting for her, but for some reason, I wasn't loving her in this segment. It's almost like I am not sure who the real Bell is. Is she this Mata-Hari type person or is she avenging the death of her mother. Now perhaps that is the genius of the author who is now confusing us readers so that we're completely thrown off kilter. I wouldn't be surprised. I read her other series and struggled at times with the heroine. But I am all in. That ending!! Oh my gosh, how will this end? Darn, gotta wait until March.
February 10, 2014
Two stars only because I think that this is all middle-of-the-story stuff and hardly worth putting in its own book. Otherwise, probably three, but that would have to include the story buildup in book 1, so it would be misleading to give this one three stars.
I get that it's a series, but individual books in trilogies have to have a narrative arc of their own for me to get any satisfaction from them, and I didn't get that from this. Maybe it just needs to be loudly proclaimed as a serial novella rather than "Part two in a trilogy" and my expectations would be different. But then, if you're going to have a serial that's only three novellas long, why not just put them all in one book? I know, marketing and sales stuff, but still. Frustrating.
I get that it's a series, but individual books in trilogies have to have a narrative arc of their own for me to get any satisfaction from them, and I didn't get that from this. Maybe it just needs to be loudly proclaimed as a serial novella rather than "Part two in a trilogy" and my expectations would be different. But then, if you're going to have a serial that's only three novellas long, why not just put them all in one book? I know, marketing and sales stuff, but still. Frustrating.
January 25, 2015
Well I just finished this book and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Maybe Jessica will open up, and maybe Lander was just doing what his father told him to do, that would explain why he doesn't seem to trust his brother or his father. I need the third book now, so that I can find out the truth. Just maybe, Bell will be able to get on with her life without all of the hatred and vengeance, hopefully with Lander. What is up with Micah and Javier, are they going to hurt or help Bell? I really enjoy your books, Kyra. If you have read One Night With a Stranger, then you really should read this series.
August 30, 2016
Even though book one didn't wow me like I had hoped, I knew I wanted to read this one to see what happened next.
As the drama continued, Bell and Lander had this twisted relationship that made me curious as to what they were up to next. She was having memories of everything that happened to her mother and the circumstances surrounding her death and I was so glad to get more details from her past. She was definitely calculating in her moves and planned everything almost perfect. Yes, almost!!
I love the heat in the book and at times I didn't know if she hated him or loved him and I am looking forward to getting the end of their story.
As the drama continued, Bell and Lander had this twisted relationship that made me curious as to what they were up to next. She was having memories of everything that happened to her mother and the circumstances surrounding her death and I was so glad to get more details from her past. She was definitely calculating in her moves and planned everything almost perfect. Yes, almost!!
I love the heat in the book and at times I didn't know if she hated him or loved him and I am looking forward to getting the end of their story.
March 1, 2014
I was a little worried with how things were left off in the last one. I really thought Bell was busted and her whole revenge gig was up. Turns out not so much. Yes Lander does know somethings, but more the tone of some of the things she is doing, not the exact things. I have to hand it to Bell, she has so many balls up in the air with her plan, you would think that she would get confused, but she doesn't, she is a master manipulator pulling everyone's strings. Or at least it looks that way, with the ending in this one, one of her strings might get snipped and bring them all down. Guess we'll have to wait to find out.
June 17, 2014
I have to say Kyra surprised me with the twists and turns in this installment of the series. I was blind-sided by the introduction of a new character and his connection to everything but I also enjoyed getting to know more of the girl Bell was when she was younger as well as the unfolding of the mystery as the story further developed. I also enjoyed the glimpses into the vulnerabilities of the "villains" of the story. You still hate them but adding that type of dimension is interesting because it gives life to the the whole idea of there always being two sides to every story. I cannot wait to finish the next one and prepare for what lies in store for Lander and Bell!
November 6, 2014
The suspense in the end just.....grrrr!!! Now that's out, the second part give me a more insight about Bell's past. I had to admit as I read this, I kind of confused of Bell's character as much as she was confused herself. She did mention she had used so much identity that she didn't know who actually was the real her any longer. In other words, I get her confusion as I am also at lost of trying to figure out Bell. Then again, that's isn't the important part of all now that the mystery had added Micah and Javier in the picture which raised more question of what will happen next, I can't wait to find out more where this will lead and how everything will unravel in book three.
August 11, 2016
What a disappointment! Either Landon knows how to keep secrets very well or he can only guess what is happening and has no idea. My feelings when I read the book were the same as the ones in Precious Lace. A big fluke in other words.
Bell is getting on my bad side. I cannot say that I liked the book and the only thing that is going to make me read the next book is what Landon is hiding and the little bomb in the end.
Bell is getting on my bad side. I cannot say that I liked the book and the only thing that is going to make me read the next book is what Landon is hiding and the little bomb in the end.
March 6, 2017
OMG! What a cliffhanger...so now we need to wait for a month to read the third part. I feel like being stuck in the middle of nowhere...wonder what dream Lander had and wonder if he is in love with Bell. Not sure how Bell feels... she acts as a whore sometimes... and I wonder what connection Micah has with Javier and Javier with Travis...lets see where this chain would end.
Kyra, you should write bigger novels...they are too short, finish within hours...or at least publish the entire story all together...it is NOT fair to the readers :)
Kyra, you should write bigger novels...they are too short, finish within hours...or at least publish the entire story all together...it is NOT fair to the readers :)
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