Deception and Consequences

by Marcy Bialeschki

Deception and Consequences, the first spellbinding novel of the four-book series, intertwines crime, mystery, suspense, and romance. This breakout page-turner hooks the reader immediately with an extreme life-or-death circumstance of the endearing female protagonist, Aria Donaldson.

Early on, the reader discovers that Aria is immersed in a deadly family feud that has pulled her into Deuce Halprin's world of sex trafficking and prostitution. There, Aria meets the sexy but dangerous Simon Longoria whose infatuation presents extreme mental and physical challenges. Aria, however, is empowered and aided by Mac Brunner, the rugged and humble Sheriff's Deputy. Constantly battling the powerful and evil Deuce Halprin, Aria and Mac fall in love as they work to expose Aria's ominous family secrets. The reader walks away reassured that deception does, indeed, have consequences. However, the end of the book is not the end of their battle when future conflict is teased in a cryptic message. Naturally, this cliffhanger pulls the reader into more intrigue and drama in the second book, titled Seduction and Revenge, as Aria and Mac revisit old conflicts, discover new dangers, and test the depth of their love.

305 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2023

Reviews

[Jen L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially read this book because the author is a former teacher of mine and still lives in my teeny hometown. I really enjoyed the book and enjoyed picking up on some of the little "insider info" that many wouldn't notice if you didn't know the author or the area where the book took place. I prefer less romance in these types of books, hence the reason for four stars, but it was well-written and a good story. Looking forward to reading #2 in the series!

[Jerome W. Wagoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

Lots of twist and turns. Couldn't put this one down and can't wait for the next one. Awesome characters. Well done

[Kamri Le · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I was in between 3.5 4 stars. The book was good and a lot of stuff happened. I think it was pretty cool to read a book that was taken place in my hometown.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-pounding suspense meets emotional healing in Deception & Consequences by Marci Bialeschki. A brave heroine, a protective deputy, and a terrifying fight for survival—this story will stay with you. It follows Aria, who finds herself caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous human trafficking ring run by a guy named Deuce Halprin. Things get even messier because her dad, Will Donaldson, is an undercover FBI agent working to take them down.

While trying to cope with loss, Aria goes on a trip to St. Lucia and meets Simon Longoria—handsome, charming, and not all he's cracked up to be. What starts as hope quickly turns terrifying when he tries to kidnap her. She barely escapes and ends up being rescued by Deputy McDonald Brunner (Mac), who finds her out in the cold and immediately feels a need to protect her.

What I loved most about this book was the characters. Aria is strong and relatable, and the bond that slowly grows between her and Mac is sweet and well done. It feels natural and gives you something to root for. Their relationship adds a softer, hopeful layer to an otherwise dark and intense story.

Bialeschki does a great job handling a heavy topic like human trafficking. It’s clear she put a lot of care and thought into it, and the story raises awareness meaningfully. It’ll keep you hooked while also shining a light on an issue that matters.

[Lyndsay Casad · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've never given this low of a score to a book, but this is very poorly written...something I would expect from a high school student. The chapters seem all out of order. Several contradicting items. Thoughts of characters are put in quotation marks, which is very confusing to the reader. It's self-published for a reason...no reputable publishing company would touch this.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book is so good! Captures your attention very quickly. If you have things to get done I suggest doing them before you start reading because you won't be able to put this book down.

[Sarah Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I literally caught myself gasping several times! There’s lots of twists that keep you captivated and I was so thrilled not to read an ending that was predictable and cliche. So excited to start the next book!!

[Tina Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up from the author at a local craft fair. I found the book hard to put down. I like it mentioned local streets and towns. It had some great characters. Lots of twist and turns. Looking forward to picking up the next book in the Vengeance Series.

[Tracy Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it !

Awesome book ! Never a dull moment! Love it ! Couldn't put this book down ! Can't wait for the next book to come out !

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

I loved the way this book hooked me at the beginning, the detailed characters, mystery, suspense and a love story all in one! Can’t wait to read the next one!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marci Bialeschki’s gripping novel, Deception & Consequences, introduces us to Aria Donaldson, a woman targeted by a human trafficking ring led by Deuce Halprin. This criminal network also seeks to eliminate Aria's father, undercover FBI agent Will Donaldson, whose investigations threaten their operations. Aria's life takes an unexpected turn during a memorial vacation in St. Lucia, where she meets the charismatic but dangerous Simon Longoria. Their whirlwind romance blinds her to his true nature, though her brother Manny remains suspicious of Simon's intentions.

The story’s setting in Peoria, Illinois, where Aria struggles to move on after weeks of silence from Simon, is both relatable and engaging. Simon's sudden reappearance brings hope, but it quickly turns to terror as he attempts to kidnap her. Aria's narrow escape leads her to the care of Deputy McDonald Brunner, who discovers her unconscious in the freezing cold and feels compelled to seek justice on her behalf.

Bialeschki’s writing captivates readers, driving them through a narrative filled with well-developed characters and a compelling storyline. The connection between Aria and Deputy Mac grows naturally, offering a refreshing portrayal of their bond during her recovery. Their relationship is a standout element, providing a comforting sense of hope and resilience amidst the dark themes of the book. The author’s portrayal of a major human trafficking ring sheds light on an urgent and pervasive issue, encouraging readers to recognize warning signs and act against such crimes. Bialeschki deserves praise for tackling such a difficult subject with sensitivity and depth. The way she intertwines the personal struggles of her characters with broader social issues is both powerful and thought-provoking.

Deception & Consequences is a must-read, offering a layered narrative, rich character backstories, and thrilling action. The pacing is excellent, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Bialeschki’s work not only entertains but also raises awareness about human trafficking, urging readers to be vigilant and proactive in their communities. This book comes highly recommended for its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and its important message. Bialeschki has created a story that is as enlightening as it is captivating, making Deception & Consequences a standout novel that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.

[Laura Carls · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤯 This is such a good book but it ends on a cliffhanger! Anxiously awaiting Book 2 now...

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception & Consequences is a “ keep you on the edge of your seat” book. MarcyB grabs your attention and keeps it. Her characters are so real and brought to life that we are pulled into their lives. Deception & Consequences has many twists and turns with a shocking aftermath that you didn’t see coming. Sitting on pins and needles waiting for the second book!!!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared for some suspense and thrill. Once I picked it up it was hard to put it down. I can not wait for the rest of the series!! If you like Drama, Romance, and Suspense this is your book. Be sure to pick it up when you a have a lot of down time because you won’t want to put it down.

[Kim Nein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Very interesting and suspenseful. Couldn’t put this book down. Open

[Abby Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Loved it.

[Cindy Feadrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted to read the entire book at once. Lots of twists and turns.
Had a bit of trouble remembering all the characters.

[Carolyn Pistorius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! It was a great beach read. We are using it with our whole book club.

[Beth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns, I couldn't put it down! Can't wait for the next book!