Deceiving Grier

The Men of Saltwater Cove #2

by Caleb Marks

In pursuing a defining story to launch my career after college graduation, I stumble upon an allegedly scandalous living situation at an upscale house in The Square. Little did I know that one case of mistaken identity would bring me face-to-face with Grier, a man I just can’t resist.

Despite hiding my investigative nature, I agree to rent a room at the house with Grier and his friend, Jett. If only to uncover the truth about their unusual living arrangement.

Grier and I butt heads as I begin to see the tremendous weight he carries on those strong shoulders. So, I do something they don’t teach you in my journalism program, I get intimately involved with my story.

My guilt gets the best of me with each enticing encounter. I can’t get enough of Grier Miller.

But when a fluke accident jeopardizes Grier’s athletic scholarship, my secret comes out, and a family incident pulls Grier closer to home, I’m left wondering if our connection is strong enough to weather the storm and rewrite our destinies.

Deceiving Grier is a small town, mistaken identity, opposites attract, college M/M romance that takes place during the fall semester. There are hot, intimate scenes with an unexpected HEA ending that you’ll love!

Genres: M M Romance

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2023

Reviews

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for an okay story.
Sawyer was a student investigative reporter following a story of the MacKenzie house. A foot through the door under false pretence had Sawyer looking at a room to rent.
A fast attraction between Sawyer and Grier although they dont act straight away.
Strange happenings being in the house for Sawyer 👻 lol or so they suspect.
Grier 23 pushes himself hard juggling studying, his job, training, and his father’s biddings with the family company.
The mystery of Grier and Jett’s house fire was still a mystery with arson from the first book.
The story has a far amount of narrative telling which after a while had me skimming pages. Like the first book it has the mystery which continues in this one. I have a thought the mystery isn't over yet as the police case finished up too fast.
The sexy scenes are written with very little to the scenes which was kinda of a let down.
A fast ending to the book for their HEA with both POVs included. Virgin and switching scenes.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grier and Sawyer ❤️

4 Stars ⭐️

This story was so unexpected. I'd like to say that this was my first read from this author and I am so happy I gave it a try. I'll be honest, I'd love to go back and read the first book because I felt like I was missing some pieces but it certainly didn't take away from my really enjoying this story. The relationship build between these two was great until secrets come out and trust is broken. I thought the rebuild was great as well, getting a deeper look into these two characters and how they let their hearts rebuild the fracture of what they were building was well written and swoon worthy.I would recommend this book, I adored the ending.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Men of Saltwater Cove series from Caleb following A Place For Alistair, with many of the same characters continuing on in book 2. This time, it is Grier as one of the main characters. He and friend Jett are living in a historic house off campus, and need a new roommate since Alistair has moved out. Sawyer shows up and is mistaken as someone who had been checking into the room situation, and because it fits with his original intent, Sawyer claims the room and moves in. Grier had some doubts about Sawyer, not really sure why, but a mutual attraction is there between the two, but unrecognized originally. When a drunken Grier shares a secret with Sawyer, the situation between them changes. When Sawyer’s original reason for moving in becomes known, trust is broken with Grier, and Sawyer is left to try to repair the blossoming relationship he and Grier had begun. As several different events come to a head, the two must make some choices for their futures if they want to be together after graduation.
To the reader, the old characters seem like old friends, and the addition of Sawyer just adds more layers. There is a mystery that carries over into book 2, and even though there might be a plausible theory in this book, I get the feeling it isn’t really solved yet. Only time, and a possible book 3 (Jett’s story?) may reveal an answer.
An enjoyable story that has enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and involved in the characters’ lives and eventual move towards a HEA, or at least a HFN. 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb marks
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest review.
Well I could not put this book down I was totally hooked. This is a second book in the meant of saltwater Cove and to get the best out of the story, please read the first book called a place for Alistair.
In this book, we learn more about Grier. We met Grier in the first Book in this book, we learned so much more about him. Sawyer is a journalist and he’s got his hope of getting a job with the city papers so he turns up at the house, hoping to get an interview with both Jett, and Grier but fate has a funny way of showing it because Jett gets carried away and presumes that this guy is here for the room. Sawyer is not going to turn down the chance of living in this house.
The attraction between Grier and Sawyer is instant but sadly there is a no relationship between roommates clause. But will they get together?? Does Sawyer tell them about the story he is going to write??
I could not put this book down the attraction between Sawyer and Grier was lush but there is some going on In the house. Jett is sure it’s a ghost. Is it?? Why else would they hear footsteps????
Absolutely brilliant I can’t wait for the next book in the series. It was great to see people from book one.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy for review purposes.

Sawyer is a journalism student who is chasing after a story. When he went to a home to interview Jett and Grier, two victims of a nearby fire, he is mistaken for someone coming to rent a room in the house. Sawyer sees this as a perfect opportunity to get an inside scoop. He does not, however, inform the two residents of the story he’s working on. As well, Grier is under heavy pressure from his father who suffers from leukemia, to take over the family business. After Sawyer and Grier have started dating, Grier finds out that Sawyer has been lying to him. They make up a while later but there are several problems that they must overcome on their way to a happy ending.

The plot develops logically and in a linear fashion. I found the beginning a bit confusing since I didn’t really know what story Sawyer was working on but eventually that was clarified. The two MCs are lovely people who get along quite well with each other and with the secondary characters. The latter are interesting and contribute to the development of the plot. I can happily recommend this book to all lovers of the genre.

[Amber Hoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deceiving Grier is the second book in The Men of Saltwater Cove series. It can be read as a stand alone, though there is character and some plot crossover making reading book 1 before Deceiving Grier preferential.

This is a sweet, psuedo-suspenseful MM Romance. It is apparent that Caleb Marks was attempting to right a steamy and suspenseful Gay Romance. The steaminess is definitely there, enough to feel like it is carrying the entire story at times. Unfortunately, I felt the suspenseful aspects fell flat and were left under developed. The sweet, unconventional love story and the spiciness were enough to continue to read the story all the way to the end.

What I did love was the main characters Grier and Sawyer. Grier's struggle to live up to his parents expectations of perfection, and with self doubt throughout the entire story tugged at my heartstrings. Sawyer was just the right amount of drive, sweetness, and self assurance.

Overall this was a good read with great spice. If you are looking for a lighter LGBTQIA+ Romance that is not a romcom, I think you would enjoy this.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed being back with this group of friends. We meet Grier in book 1 A Place for Alistair. I was so excited to find out more about Grier and see what more we could find out about the mysterious fire at their house. In this book, not only do we get more about the mystery, but Grier also finds love. It just happens to come in the form of an investigative journalist named Sawyer. The story he is writing leads him to becoming roommates with Grier and Jett, but he just happens to leave that part out. I enjoyed getting to see Sawyer and Grier become friends, which led to becoming so much more. They overcame so many things together, and I loved seeing them find their HEA. The support and strength that Grier gets from Sawyer is beautiful written. I feel that it makes them stronger together to face anything else that will come their way. I can't wait to see what the next book holds for us.

You should definitely grab A Place for Alistair. It will give you a better understanding of some events in this book.


I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer is trying for the story of his life. He is a journalism major at Bayside and he is convinced if he can expose a major event, he can write his own ticket to a big-time successful NY newspaper. Spoiler, that won't happen that easily. When Jett thinks he is the potential roommate, Sawyer goes with the flow. Grier is a little harder to convince.
Living together, Sawyer drops his earlier hypothesis and realizes neither Grier nor Jett has a devious bone in their body. Sawyer also acknowledges he is attracted to Grier, and that Grier carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Can Sawyer's belief in Grier allow his to put down that burden and live an honest life.
Can't wait for next book. So many unanswered questions. What is the mysterious letter from Oliver to his son? Is the mysterious intruder the one arrested or is he still out there? Is the mysterious intruder after the letter or Jett?

[Dinoh (Akari) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining story with a case of mistaken identity, an aspiring journalist who wants to achieve the story that catapults him to success, a university student who carries the weight of his family's expectations on his shoulders, and two souls who meet and manage to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

Funny, sweet and steamy, with minimal angst, it tells us how Sawyer meets Grier and ends up learning that not everything in life is chasing dreams of greatness, and from Grier, who learns that sometimes you have to live for yourself.

I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! I always wondered about Grier (having read A Place for Alistair) and this story did not disappoint. We get a really good insight into Grier’s character and why he is the way he is. He did frustrate me with the degree to which he was trying to please his family and I felt like he really needed to wake up to himself. Other than that, he was a sweet genuine guy. I didn’t like Sawyer at all at the beginning, but as the story progressed I felt he more than redeemed himself. The book shows a lot about the way our past shapes our view of the present. Now there’s still one guy from the house who needs a story…I totally hope we get to read Jett’s story soon.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! What a roller coaster! This is a great continuation to The Men of Saltwater cove series. I love this book as much as I do "A Place for Alistair", the first book of the series.

I am drained and bummed at the same time. The main characters experienced so many emotional and physical trials. But I'm bummed that the book ended. I could feel and see everything they did. The imagery is richly and vividly described. The read is flowing and STEAMY! REALLY STEAMY!

Please do yourself a favor and read this! (The story may make more sense if you read Book 1 first) Recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I appreciated that it didn’t have too much angst in the relationship but plenty of interest in the plot. I enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited learn more about the strange things which seem to happen around the Mackenzie house. Like the first book, the characters are quite well done. There’s a little bit of deception early on from Sawyer, but soon he and Grier begin a lovely friendship. They have a wonderful connection and I loved how supportive Sawyer is for Grier, especially in dealing with his family troubles. Great characters, I’m really enjoying this series so far.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series continuation. Sawyer, is trying to build his journalistic street creds. There is a case of mistaken identity which drives the story for a bit. Sawyer doesn't feel he can be open and honest which may be his first mistake. Grier, is trying to meet the expectations of so many and carries a steamer trunk of baggage. Grier and Jett are absolutely adorable characters and bring us, the reader in closer to the story. You want each of these men to exceed their expectations. This is a great series and the author delivers. It is best to have read A Place for Alistair first. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book so much!! This book had so many of my favorite elements...mm romance, mystery ghost??, Emotional connection, twists and surprises. There are a few unanswered questions, but doesn't take away from the plot of the story, my opinion just adds to the question...is there another book in this series?? If so, SIGN me up!! You won't be disappointed with this book and will be hooked as I was from the first chapter!!
I strongly encourage you to read Grier and Sawyer's journey...😉

I received this as an ARC and voluntarily leaving my review.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book! I instantly liked Grier. I found him completely endearing, especially after he spilled his guts to Sawyer. While I liked Sawyer, I wasn’t a fan of his initial deception. Sawyer’s lie and Grier’s family’s expectations were good, believable obstacles. The only thing I would have liked was a resolution to the intruder portion of the storyline. Maybe that will be resolved in Jett’s book. Can’t wait for that book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely fabulous book. I can't believe I got to read it for free just for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its characters. I love that it wasn't predictable and kept me on my toes! I truly hope the author continues this series with the characters in this book. I would love to learn how all their relationships change with time so that this isn't just a stand alone book but something that continues this wonderful story and all of its amazing characters. Thank you Caleb for allowing me to see inside this world, it truly was a pleasure.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Caleb Mark's story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Grier is that hard working guy who's a bit shy and saddled with a lot of obligations. Sawyer is an aspiring journalist and wanting to get a kick off on his upcoming career. Circumstances have them crossing paths and creating some sexy times. All in all, I enjoyed the story and want to go back to the first one to help provide a little more context to the mystery going on in the background. Also, looking forward to the next story and how this mystery may wrap up.

[Robbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A proper story with a good plot

Sawyer deceives everyone, but fooling Grier makes him feel a lot less worthy. They both have life goals, and it takes both of them together to realise being happy is more important than being successful, as they struggle to reach a HEA. A lot of questions go unanswered, the theft, fire, ghost/creeper, but at least Grier’s life looks like it’s finally heading in the right direction. Meeting the right person turns everything upside down.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Grier and Sawyer. The author brings an opposites attract MM romance with perfectly painted scenes and a smokin hot chemistry. He brings a ton of emotions along with an interesting storyline and delivers a terrific read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great mistaken identity college romance. While this is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand alone.
How to build a relationship that starts out with deceit? I absolutely love Grier and Sawyer together! They go on quite the journey together to find their well earned HEA. They have amazing chemistry together and such a wonderful connection.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took some turns I didn’t expect but was pleasantly surprised. The characters, both main and supporting, were strong and very good. The romance with it’s turns was also a very positive contribution. Alongside the love story was a mystery to be solved adding an entirely different dynamic to the book which was great. This is an engaging story with a sweet ending. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of these stories where on of the romantic partners is carrying around a huge secret that we as readers and they as a character know could be a deal breaker in the relationship. Here, Sawyer begins playing a role to get a blockbuster story then falls for Grier. We watch as he falls deeper and deeper into both love and guilt just waiting for the reveal and emotional explosion. This book delivers on all the promises of its set-up and adds in lots of surprises.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! So Good!!

Well written story and well developed characters! There's an arc that goes through all the books in this series. They can be read alone but should, and you will enjoy them better, if you read them in order. Sawyer is a journalism major in their college and hopes to write a story about the fire and them moving. He stumbles upon a new place to live and new roommates!

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you build a relationship on mistaken identities and lies? Sawyer is chasing a story, Grier is chasing his true self, but what will they find when everything crashes down around them and the truth is all that’s left? I love that this is a standalone book in the series but I’m excited to go back and read A Place for Alistair and I hope there are more books in the series to come!!

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

bought it instead

I finally got to read this book ,, I was supposed to read it for this author but I only got to chapter 2 and it wouldn’t load so after awhile I bought the book and I enjoyed it but I know we are not done because there is still Jett so I can’t wait for the next book

[Sarah Mitcham · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Begins with a Lie

MM, Mistaken Identity, Opposites Attract, Roommates, Small Town, Contemporary, College, Romance. Easy to read, can be read as a standalone but things are brought up that happened in previous book. with great characters, steam, light angst and a sense that there's a lot more going on... intriguing and suspenseful with a guaranteed HEA.

[Readingbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series! This is Grier and Sawyer's story and it a great one! Steamy, great story ad wonderful characters! I read an advanced copy of this story and I really liked it!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is about to bump into one man who will turn his life upside down. His life will all change when he agrees to rent a room. What is going to happen? How will it all go? Can it all work out for them both? See how it will all go

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and i enjoyed this low angst, opposites attract story, I liked Grier and Sawyer together and was glad to see them get their hea, looking forward to next book in series.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer is a journalism student. He sees an opportunity for a story on Grier and his housemates. What Sawyer wasn’t counting on was to fall for one too close to his investigation. I felt for Grier with all the pressure from his parents but he finally sets himself free. Totally enjoyable.