Samantha Martin’s carefully reconstructed life is teetering on the edge of disaster. After surviving an abusive childhood, Sam is only months away from completing her hard-won college degree when she gets devastating news about her brother. Donnie, her protector and best friend, lies in a coma in a Charleston hospital. Sam struggles with the question of who shot her beloved brother as well as the monumental expenses of his ongoing care, and in desperation seeks ready cash by agreeing to act as the “entertainment” for a local man’s bachelor party – where to her everlasting mortification, she encounters the one man who’d ever meant enough to her to break her heart. Forensic artist Josh Harding recognizes the butterfly tattoo on the curvaceous hip of the wig-bedecked stripper. After all, he’d spent hours sketching her lovely figure while a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Now here she is, eight years later, and it becomes clear that Sam is in trouble. Seemingly unrelated threads weave into a pattern surrounding her and her brother. Exposing criminal enterprise among the upper echelon of local society and the shocking truth behind the city’s most famous murder, the unexpected connections that neither Josh nor Sam saw coming draw them both into a tangled web of love and Deception.
One fine day in the not-too-distant past, Lisa Clark O’Neill left Wittenberg University with a BA in English, which she promptly neglected. After working as an interior designer, decorative artist, and Montessori art teacher (there may have been a BA in art as well,) she finally settled into the role of mother to two very fine children. However, two years of doing the stay-at-home-mom brain cell melt drove her to pull out a pen and one of her old college notebooks. That turned into six manuscripts. Lisa spent subsequent years avoiding housework by burying her nose in just about every romance novel she could get her hands on, after completely falling in love with the genre. Her own work falls into the romantic suspense sub-genre, with strong comedic undertones. Two of Lisa's recent novels, Circumstantial Evidence and Malice, were chosen as Best Reads of 2015.
Quick summary Charleston police detective and forensic artist Josh Harding is recuperating from his injuries incurred during the last case. While attending his friend's bachelor's party, he recognizes the hired stripper who he fell in love with eight years ago. Samantha (Sam) Martin can't believe her first assignment as a stripper lands her in front of the only man she's ever loved.
A bit of background Sam's brother, Donnie, lies in a coma after having been shot and hit by a bus several months ago. She's sat vigil by his side, believing that he's in there and will recover, despite his doctors prognosis to the otherwise. Josh and Sam knew each other when he was an art student in Savannah and she was a class model.
What I loved about this story Josh is so wonderful and the only person who doesn't know immediately that he's still crazy about Sam...is Sam. That's because he knows her history and bends too far over backwards not to show up like the men in her past. Sam is just lovely, gifted with a killer body that tends to eclipse her other attributes. She and Josh have a great friendship that was an ideal foundation for the romance that followed.
The suspense stems from Donnie's mysterious attack. There's also a serial rapist and someone who appears to be stalking Sam. While we get the henchman's point of view, which was chilling, we don't know who's calling the shots. It was really interesting trying to connect the dots and scary as I worried for some of the characters who were clearly targets.
The bottom line This series is three for three in finding perfect balance between suspense and romance. I loved Josh and Sam's romance and the stunning disclosure as to what kept them apart...never saw it coming. The suspense was chilling, causing me to imagine the bogeyman around every corner. The mystery wasn't hard to unravel but it still had some surprises in the end. Loving this series. 4.5 stars
Blurb: Samantha Martin’s carefully reconstructed life is teetering on the edge of disaster. After surviving an abusive childhood, Sam is only months away from completing her hard-won college degree when she gets devastating news about her brother. Donnie, her protector and best friend, lies in a coma in a Charleston hospital. Sam struggles with the question of who shot her beloved brother as well as the monumental expenses of his ongoing care, and in desperation seeks ready cash by agreeing to act as the “entertainment” for a local man’s bachelor party – where to her everlasting mortification, she encounters the one man who’d ever meant enough to her to break her heart. Forensic artist Josh Harding recognizes the butterfly tattoo on the curvaceous hip of the wig-bedecked stripper. After all, he’d spent hours sketching her lovely figure while a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Now here she is, eight years later, and it becomes clear that Sam is in trouble. Seemingly unrelated threads weave into a pattern surrounding her and her brother. Exposing criminal enterprise among the upper echelon of local society and the shocking truth behind the city’s most famous murder, the unexpected connections that neither Josh nor Sam saw coming draw them both into a tangled web of love and Deception.
When Josh Harding attended a bachelor party for one of his friends, the last person he expected to see was the girl who got away 8 years ago. The girl who also happens to be the stripper at this party.
Samantha Martin has a lot on her plate. Her brother is in a coma from being shot, she's working hard to come up with the money so he doesn't have to go into an institution. What Sam doesn't know though is she's being watched and people are coming after her to find what her brother took from dangerous people. When her place gets ransacked, Josh offers her a place to stay with him so he can keep an eye on her and not let her slip away again.
Sam had an abusive past so Josh is doing everything he could to get her to open up to him again but not so much to push her too far too fast. Josh is a beta hero. He's the ultimate nice guy, but he's no pushover. He has his protective side when the woman he loves is threatened but he's also sensitive to her emotions. He's not afraid to admit to his own feelings either, which was a refresher.
It seems like trouble came looking for Sam and the situations she was put in were nailbiters. She's one of the most courageous heroine I've read about. As Josh work with his fellow detectives to figure out who was responsible for the rapes going around the city and the murder of a mayor's daughter, he discovered there may be some overlap with Sam and her brother's situation.
This one had me scratching my head trying to connect the dots and I never would have guess the events that lead up to all this. I have enjoyed every book in this series up to this point and looking forward to more!
I enjoyed my re-read of this one but am decreasing the rating to 2.5/5; 3 stars because the romance angle was too contrived and somewhat annoying. I really hate it when characters go years and years, suffering under a misapprehension of facts because they can’t be bothered to have a simple conversation about it. Urgh.
October 2016: 3.5/5; 4 stars/ B+
While not quite as a strong as the first two in the series, I still found this to be a compelling and entertaining read.
This is book three of the Southern Comfort series. But it isn't the same people continuing a story but other secondary characters who were in the past books telling their story to continue in time.
There is a bit more romance and it leans on NA rather than YA. The crime was harder to take, too. Still, overall, I liked the story.
If you like crime and suspense stories this series is for you. I have to admit that since I read before sleep, this wasn't for me. No, I couldn't just back away and go to sleep. The fears came with me. I couldn't seem to find a stopping place where I thought the characters would be safe without me.
The writer was excellent in how she kept the reader in the book. Even so, I doubt I will read the rest of the series. Let me know if you do and how you like them.
In exchange for a gifted copy of Deception (Southern Comfort book 3), I agreed to give an honest review.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last. I enjoyed Deception!
The story had great main characters! Samantha Martin (heroine) had spunk, loved her heroic brother enough to almost die for him, and her ability to function under pressure truly added to the story’s adventures. Josh Harding was a sweetheart and the perfect hero. A boy scout until he realized his beloved Samantha was being stalked– then he became the perfect alpha male (loved him).
Though the story had a ton of characters (some I assume are from previous books and books to come), the author did a good job in not just throwing them into the story, but making sure their roles were very clear. I was thrown a couple of times by a character but mainly because of some names starting with the same letter, for example there was a Kim, Karen, and Kathleen. Despite that issue, the story had some wonderful twists and turns that readers will love!
Expect the unexpected. Just when you think you have everything figured out – it changes. It was clear the author either did some serious researching of police (CSI) work/roles or she’s had some personal experience. It’s nice to read books that are not only entertaining, but also ones that educate as well – which Deception did.
With all of that said though, I did struggle through a chunk of the book due to an extensive amount of description, that, in my opinion, bogged down some of the story. After the first few chapters (which were entertaining), there was a lull and a great deal of description that almost made me stop reading, BUT I’m so glad I didn’t! I would have truly missed out! Ms. O’Neill TOTALLY saved the story (in my opinion) about midway through and I couldn’t put the book down until it was finished.
If you enjoy stories that have a nice mix of suspense and humor, along with info. on forensics, science, CSI, romantic suspense, and a great deal of description (in every area), you’re going to enjoy this story.
I definitely recommend this book!
Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars Book Cover = 4 Stars Book Blurb = 4 Stars Writer’s Voice /Style = 5 Stars Character Development = 5 Stars Story Appreciation = 4.5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the series. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time. What a wild & exciting ride! The plot was so intense, emotional and complex. I kept finding myself wondering how in the world was everything going to come together. Whenever I tried to predict what would happen next, I was wrong. That's a good thing. Way too many books are way too predictable.
This book made me laugh, gasp, scream & hold my breath. There was one scene that had me howling with laughter. I was reading in bed and woke my husband up at about 1:30am. Yes, I lost sleep over this book and did not win appreciation from my hubby.
I loved Josh's job. I found t fascinating. I loved the intelligence & how this book had me really thinking, trying to think things out. I loved that characters made appearances from the last book(s) in the series. Great details to add that was like gatting visits from past friends & family.
I loved the mystery so much. The good guys were so fascinating. Really. I loved them. They were complex, interesting, witty and deep. They felt real to me. I seriously HATED the bad guys. I'm talking pure evil... sick-in-the-head evil bad guys. Man, did I want them to die a thousand deaths!
I did think that Josh might have become a bit too much of an angry Neanderthal. I mean, I totally understood his protectiveness, desperation & feelings of helplessness. But it didn't seem to totally jive with who I thought that I knew about his character. Of course, desperation & love can change a person.
I highly recommend this book and especially this series! Keep the books coming, Lisa Clark O'Neill! I love them!!!
This was the third book in the series and it did not disappoint. The characters were nicely developed and the storyline moved on in a smooth fashion. Although this was the third book in the series, you do not need to be familiar with the first two books to follow along. The main characters in this book were not as prominent in the prior books which is apparently a theme for this author.
This book centers around police sketch artist Joshua “Josh” Harding and his long lost love Samantha “Sam” Martin. Sam’s older brother, Donnie ends up in a coma. His coma sets off a series of events that brings her and Josh back together after 8 years. In their attempts to figure out what happen to him, they uncover multiple criminal activities that revolve around several unsolved rape and murder cases not to mention a connection to the mob.
Without giving away details to spoil the suspense, I will just say that I read this book at a record pace. It kept me intrigued and excited to see what happened next. In addition, it offered up enough of a romantic sizzle to satisfy those that love the hot and steamy while still allowing for a thrilling level of suspense and mystery. I would highly recommend this book.
"Deception" is the third novel in the "Southern Comfort" series; and like the first, "Serendipity," and second, "Forbidden," I loved it. I'm not going to provide an in-depth review as everything I've mentioned that I like about the first two novels applies to this one as well. I will say that the reason behind Sam taking off on Josh years ago; and who the "stalker" turned out to be is really ingenious. Talk about a surprise. This is definitely a terrific series that should be read by those who love a story full of suspense, mystery, romance, and at times, humour.
I'm happy to note that there's a fourth novel in the series, "Nemesis." I just hope we don't have to wait too long. This time the story is about Declan who just happens to be one SOB. I can't wait to read his story.
I am loving this series. The humor in it is how the hero and heroine express their inner thoughts. I was actually surprised when it was revealed why Sam and run away from Josh lo those many year ago and liked the surprise very much.
I give it 3.5 stars. I didn't enjoy it as much as Forbidden & Serendipity. I thought the mystery between the H & h was drawn out to long. It was well written and good suspense. Will read this author again.
I've read 3 of the books in this series so far and thought they were great! I was very disappointed the 4th book isn't part of kindle unlimited!! So I skipped to the next one that is, I've really enjoyed all the books so far. The sex scenes are a bit graphic for my taste, however the police procedure and details seem very much on point and I do like the suspense lead up, also very good job on wrapping up the ending. I will continue to read this Mrs O'Neills books!! I definitely recommend this series.
Josh and Samantha fall into each other’s lives again when she gets hired to strip for his friends bachelor party. When she starts having trouble, detective Josh is the first one to come to her rescue. This series just keeps getting better! Great characters and winding storylines that keep you guessing til the end. Awesome read! Enjoy!!!
Such a good book. So glad to see Josh again, really liked him in Clay and Tate's story. Sam is such a sweetheart and so is perfect for Josh. Loved the intrigue and suspense.
Although I enjoyed several of the author's other works, I must admit I had a hard time getting into this one - almost stopped reading several times but kept going hoping it would get better. On the plus side the story is well told and the author's writing style (which is impressive) remains true to form. On the not-so-plus side... I struggled to like Josh as a hero. What didn't help was his over the top obsession with designer clothes and his tendency for irrational violence as an outlet for his jealousy. The overtones of relationship with Chris (ok with feelings mostly from Chris) made me think maybe this book should have been written in a different genre...Samantha on the other hand was a really great character. The imbalance of the H/h characters just didn't give the romance a good feel. The mystery started off well enough but too many open ends at the end. However, if you are not so fussy with your RS selection and looking for something mild, this should be ok.
Lisa Clark O'Neill is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This one had me spinning in my seat trying to figure out all the twists and turns. I liked Josh from the second book in the series where he plays a small role. Things didn't go his way in that one and I really rooted for him to find his own happiness and I am thrilled that he now gets his own story. Sam is a complicated but strong character and I was endlessly amused at the way she becomes reacquainted with Josh. I loved seeing the development of the relationship and all the mixed signals and how they work themselves out. The action and suspense was edge of your seat fantastic. My favorite thing of all was Josh. Metrosexual caveman! I laughed like a loon and I loved this book!
It was fun to see Josh loose his perfect cool. When his long lost best friend ( and love of his life) shows up as a stripper at his friend's bachelor party, he can't believe it. She tries to take off before he can reach her, but doesn't make it. The confrontation is awkward because she is embarrassed and doesn't want to make excuses by explaining her desperate situation. Though both of them desire to be together, they each believe there are obstacles too large to overcome between them. Ultimately, it takes the attentions of a stalker to throw the two together...closer than either is ready to handle. I was amused by portions of the story and loved the way the characters changed and grew. I also enjoyed more of the Murphy siblings and their stories.
Another excellent read from O'Neill. Characters were interesting and relatable, and the plot was intriguing from the beginning. The suspense factor was spot on, as was the romance. O'Neill has quickly become my favorite author in this genre.
I enjoyed this one but at the end it did get into a pattern where it seemed like the author put her characters through every single thing imaginable and then some. It left me with the feeling that she didn't know how to end it so she just kept throwing one thing after another at her characters.
This one was much better than number one but not as good as number two. Apparently there is a number four. I am curious to see if it is better or worse.
Что-то как-то я совсем не прониклась. Когда начала читать, неделя выдалась загруженной - не было времени что-нить ещё себе на читалку скинуть, а в общественном транспорте без книги скучно. Когда время появилось - уже почти 70 %, жалко бросать. Но блииин, сколько же я её домучивала. Как-то слишком эта книга отдает мыльной оперой.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous two books. It was enjoyable, but I had some problems with it too. I will continue with series, I do like the characters.