Corrupted Deception

by Kiana Hettinger

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2023

Reviews

[Megan Hubble-Roney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be sure to read everything before this one.

I didn't hate my time spent with Charlotte and Cielo. I didn't adore it, but I didn't hate it. They fell for me... Flat? I don't know if it's because I didn't connect with Cielo previously so I wasn't desperate for his story or if the story just wasn't what I expected.
Don't get me wrong, it was good. I hardly skimmed, and I'm notorious for that (thank you adhd). I just felt disconnected.

There are so many intertwined characters here that your havento keep track of who fits where and I think that's where I get bored and feel kinda meh.

Sex scenes are good. I didn't have a burning need for them and I feel like Cielo wasn't truly himself here until the bonus chapter. Charlotte was awesome though. I loved the Kiana have her a real issue, something that isn't talked about because it's taboo. I love that Kiana gave charloothe tools to help herself, leaving her mom, finding her dad who gave a damn. And therapy.
So I guess in the end 4 stars is great. I have a ton of secondary characters I would love to see books for.

[Tina Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrupted Deception is book 8 in the series. It saddens to think this is the last book. I want more! I love Cielo and Charlotte. Their banter back and forth was fun to read. Charlotte’s sarcasm made me laugh. These two characters share a past relationship from when they were teenagers and in the present have an electricity that seems to pull them back together. Just like the other books in the series there is a lot of action in this book. I love seeing characters from previous books come full circle. This book pulls you in from the first page. I read it all in one day. As with the other books in this series I will definitely add it to the list of books I reread.

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

[Tracey Gigliotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past

I loved this book! All the excitement and passion in this book are remarkable . I love this series! The love and loyalty this family has for each other is something to strive for.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was magnificently written. A steamy spicy romantic happily ever after with loads of action, intrigue, suspense and some thrills, with fantastic characters this is a real page turner that will keep you hooked.
The story is about two friends that fell out of contact after the woman left but they found each other again after ten years apart. Throughout their time together the love the two had for each other comes back stronger than before.
The woman left ten years ago due to her mother’s drug addiction so she went and found her father who she stayed with. Come to find out that she has FASD, not many people knew about it though only family and friends although one other knew it.
The man is part of the mafia, his family is one of the mafia families in New York. The man could have any woman but he never really wanted any of the women so he would have one night stands but that was before the woman came back into his life. At the time the only thing that mattered to him was family.
The friends met up again when he walked in on her trying to get information about the whereabouts of her father from a gut the man did business with, when she left he had her followed. Soon after they were both trying to find the information together.
After the cartel boss’s son came up missing, the cartel came after her, luring the mafia man away from her. The warehouse that she lived at the time was made to keep the people in it safe so when the cartel men came after her she electrocuted them. After that she got sick but the man came to helping her. Soon they were having sex. Afterwards he had to go, she was to stay there for him but she went to see a friend but during the meeting she figured out something so she left to do some investigating.
The mafia man and his family decided to go after the cartel that was in New York getting them all in one night. The mafia man was to kill the cartel boss. As the mafia man was going to the cartel boss’s estate he noticed the car of the woman, soon after he found her. The two talked and she had a plan, the two teamed up and the mafia man killed the cartel boss.
Before they got very far they two stopped and had sex under the trees. She took him to another place she had where a guy she knew
was watching her dog. When they walked into the house and he saw the guy, he knew him. The guy had footage for her to watch. Soon after all three of them were talking. After the guy left the two had sex and they talked about what happened and why she left ten years ago. Come to find out that they both loved each other back then and that they both love each other now. They had sex.
The next morning the mafia man gets a call while the two are about to have sex, the call is from his brother about being there shortly so the two get dressed. Several people show up at her place as they talk about what they're going to do. The mafia man’s phone rings; it's the lady that they both know, she’s in trouble and the phone call goes dead. They decide to fly to find out what happened but before they leave the mafia man goes to the woman hugging her while he hugs her he puts a gun in her waistband. They all leave.
After a while the guy comes back and there’s a guy with him then the lady shows up who the others went to save. Come to find out the last was behind everything. The lady even had someone kill the woman’s friend’s family. Even though the woman and the lady were friends the lady still went after her. The lady tried using the guy to get information but it didn’t work. Soon the others came back except for one who went to look for her father. The guy who the lady had his family killed shot the lady in the head for her dirty deeds.
The two went looking for her father and found him in a cave. They went to the guy who lost his family place and the father went to deal with the cartel men and the one who was trying to have him killed. The two went skinny dipping and had sex.
The mafia family friends had their wedding and the mafia man and the woman went. The woman watched a couple but the couple split, he mid was trying to talk her into doing something she did want and the mafia man’s face came to her mind so she went looking for him. The mafia man asked her to marry him and after some talking she said yes. But before they get married they went into the tropical forest to have sex.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Cielo and Charlotte
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance
Heat- ☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️ Naked and visceral and teeth and skin and ALL of the C words. Made me question my life choices because, wow.
Series? Y
Safety? Y (no s. violence or cheating)
Triggers- Violence, Torture, Language in two languages, explicit erotic content.
Tropes- Neurodivergent Heroine, First Love, Second Chance, Badsass Heroine (some review sites have a liberal interpretation as to what constitutes profanity), Alpha Male. Really, this one is more creative than tropey.

Mewsings
Holy cats, this book! Merry Christmas to me! From page one this book was a speeding bullet and all I could do was hang on to the story by my fingernails and enjoy the ride.
Take some friendly advice and 1) clear your calendar, 2) put your phone on silent (or else you might end up throwing it against the wall when it inevitably interrupts your reading. Luckily, I have a military-grade phone case for this reason), and 3) Go. Read this book.
The book had action, adventure, zexytime, Ebil Bad Guys, Kicksass Good Guy Antihero/ines, Heat, Love, betrayal, redemption, forgiveness, conviction, and all at a rate that let me take a breath somewhere around the epilogue. I absolutely loved this book. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
I’m a sucker for a first love, second chance story, and this author paid homage to that trope with the occasional short memory while keeping the story firmly in the present. The author’s skill is such that the reader learns about the characters on the fly but gets a very clear picture without pausing the story or indulging in obvious exposition.
I love the other books in the series, too, but this one- this one gets everything in my Will. The only thing that I didn’t like is that I can only read it for the first time once. However, I’m already looking forward to reading it again in the future.

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

[Sherri Leisure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and loved all of the books in the Mafia Kings: Corrupted Series by Kiana Hettinger. Every single book is original and each story is an extension of the other. Yes, the books can be read as standalones, but I feel reading the books in order provides for a much better reading experience. The great thing about series like this one is the fact that all the players are part of one another's stories. Kiana makes it impossible not to love Cielo and Charlotte with the wicked dynamic they share between them. Talk about chemistry...these two have it in spades. Their intimate scenes are especially spicy and very intriguing. Kiana knows how to grab her audiences attention and keep it from beginning to end. If you have read the previous books in this series I promise you will not be disappointed with Corrupted Deception. If this happens to be the first book you are reading in this particular series Kiana is going to take you on one crazy ride...you won't regret picking this book up.

Cielo Luciano and Charlotte Santoro were very well acquainted once upon a time. They were friends in high school and each had feelings for one another that were unspoken. Then one day Charlotte disappeared without a word, no warning, no goodbye and Cielo is still reeling from this fact. Now out of nowhere they come face to face in the most unexpected place. The chemistry between these two is still intense and begging to be indulged in. The problem is whether they can figure out how to work together because whether they realize it or not Cielo and Charlotte run in the same circle. They are stronger together working as a team and it will take both of them to win in the end. Can Cielo learn to let go of the past he shared with Charlotte so they can create a new future? What is the reason for Charlottes disappearance years ago and will history repeat itself once again?

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Mafia Kings Corrupted series each can be read as standalone with a sexy dangerous mafia man and the one who captures his attention so so make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Their paths crossed during high school, and they liked each other at the time so much so that when she left, he left part of her heart with him but never said a word. Charlotte’s life wasn’t easy living with a mother like she had what brings her back is looking for her father, but it brings her face to face with the one man she never forgot from school and now he is much more impressive as adult sexy man. Cielo sexy as all get out dangerous every day, lethal in most cases ruthless when pushed and when the women who took his heart walks in looking for her father, he isn’t allowing her to walkway this time but he will help her find her father doing everything in his powered to make sure she doesn’t run away from him again, the action will keep you turning the pages but will it lead where they want, will she stay with the one man that makes her feel safe, do they find her father, where is her crazy mother, and can they find happiness some where along the way?

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great book in the Mafia Kings series. This is Cielo and Char's story. Those two characters are very interesting, especially the FMC. I think I liked her the most of all of the characters in this series. She was strong and fierce and she definitely didn’t need a Prince Charming. She could take care of herself. She was a fighter which made the first sex scene one of the most interesting I've read. I loved that she had FASD- a disorder that I knew nothing about. I like flawed characters. I would have loved to see more about how her disorder plays out through the events in the story.

This was a fast read but no beach reading. The story was well-written, with an interesting plot. It was well-researched, as is always the case in this series. A lot of problems were presented along the way that tied in well with the big reveal at the end. It was somewhat of a mystery. There was action throughout the book which isn't always the case in romantic suspense. Anyway, I enjoyed reading this and I hope the series will continue.

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

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang! This is high octane rocket fuel from beginning to end! Char and Cielo couldn’t be a better couple: she brings out his best and he instinctively knows she’s special. They knew each other in high school for a short time: she disappeared without telling him and he’s a little stung even now. Their chemistry is off the charts, they’re both very physically passionate, and they’re both highly skilled and intelligent.

Kiana is absolutely one of my favorite authors and this series continues to captivate me! Char’s emotional impulsiveness is a constant battle for her and the techniques she utilizes are interesting and add so much to her background and current behavior. Cielo’s patience, caring, and ability to communicate effectively is such a positive for their relationship. The danger, double cross, intrigue, and anxiety keeps this story at a constant high. I loved seeing previous characters interacting and demonstrating that less than 6 degrees of separation is alive and well.

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

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

OMG! Wow, I was absolutely astounded reading this book it had me hooked from the very first page, unfortunately it's sade about this being the final book with no cliffhanger. This fantastic ending was about Charlotte "Char" Santoro and Cielo Luciano, they had history he was asleep when she sneaked out on him and disappeared for about ten years and he has never forgotten her. Charlotte was trying to get information out of someone trying to find her father, a big burly man sneaked in they were both shocked he called her name and she ran in barely anything, Cielo didn’t want to loose her so he had her followed, things were dark now and it only got darker. With her loosing contact with her father now she needs to find himand Cielo helped her worry in Charlotte's voice will they find her father and if they do will he be alive or dead?.

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

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟ONE SCRUMPTIOUS DELIGHT🌟🌟
Raging roosters Ralph! Kiana hits the ground running with this action-packed, fast-paced, hard-hitting, heart-pounding, pulse-racing, adrenaline-pumping, page-flipping, tilt-our-world tempest. Trapped in a nightmare chocked-full of riveting drama, unyielding intrigue, hair-raising suspense and unnerving situations as the perilous twists and shocking turns mount. Deception and betrayal run rampant as futures are forged and battle lines are drawn, exposing the turbulent ups and gripping downs, launching this baby to life flawlessly. The sizzling attraction, combustible chemistry and high-octane passion collides with such perfection, drawing you deeper, kicking this baby into a frenzy with a life-changing climax. The scenarios are abundantly descriptive with graphic details that blend and flow, painting a impressive backdrop that's so lush and alluring it makes the storyline explode. Awesome job Kiana, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte is searching for her father when she crosses paths with Cielo, the boy she fell for in high school before her mother's treachery sent her running. Cielo has never forgotten Charlotte, as she took a part of his heart when she ran. Now that he has found her again, he does everything in his power to make sure she doesn't run again.

I enjoyed reading this latest installment of the Mafia Kings. It's a fast paced story of intrigue, power, and deception. There are long held loyalties, as well as heart wrenching betrayal. There is love of family and of the friends they consider family. And there is a romance that has matured into a lasting love.

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

[Chris06 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couldn’t put this book down. Cielo runs into Charlotte … after 10 years he sees her unexpectedly …

She is the one that got away … she disappeared and he has always wondered about her.

Control vs chaos
Love vs lust
Inner strength
Dominance … who wins??
Vengeance

The butterfly effect … so many decisions and people interconnected that bring them to the culmination

And a dog that’s a beast. 🥹

Everyone in past books you find pulled together in this one … and you find a love that has lasted a decade to be embraced even more ..

You won’t regret reading this ..

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

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate that this is the final book in this series. Cielo Luciano is the most dangerous man and lethal for Charlotte's soul. She's always had a crush on him in high school until one day she disappeared. She's trying to find her father, she can take care of herself, what she doesn't need Cielo in her business. This an action-packed story it starts out fast and never gives up. Its a captivating story filled with secrets, lies and betrayal. Can Cielo and Charlotte work out their difference and fall in love before it's too late? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in this incredible series, and this is Cielo and Charlotte’s story.
Char had a massive crush on Cielo in high school, until one day she disappeared, Now Cielo is a dangerous man, and Char is back, feisty and determined, seeking the truth about her father.
This is a well written story which is a fast paced, action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, angst, drama, truths, danger, suspense, forced proximity, betrayal, deceit, tension, secrets, lies, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, twisted, and steamy mafia romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrupted Deception is book 8 in the Mafia Kings: Corrupted series and is
Charlotte Santoro and Cielo Luciano's story. Their journey is intense, a very long time coming and extremely consuming. They met years earlier in high school and to say much has changed for them would definitely be an understatement. They're no longer teenagers and all that they feel is certainly not young adult like. This is a fantastic, fast paced story that completely captures your attention from page one and holds you hostage until the final page.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the hottest stories I’ve ever read! Seriously!!! I need new batteries!
Sucked in from the very beginning, twist and turns, action, adventure and so much heat, this book was unstoppable.
I love the characters, the plot, the connection between the all. The continuation of characters from the other stories in the series.
Char and Ceilo could power the world with the connection and heat between them. They are explosive and perfect!.

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

[rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all. We have Cielo that sees a woman (Charlotte) from his past. She is out to get info to find her father and he just happens to be there. This two go back and forth, he knows he loves her but she has issues and it will take her a lot longer. I hate this is the last book in the series I am going to miss all of these characters. One word you will get some answers from past books because there is quite a few in this one. Great job Kiana!!!.

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

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been ten years since Charlotte "Char" disappeared from Cielo's life. Now they just so happened to be at the same place and time going after the same person for information. Charlotte is looking for her father while Cielo is looking into a threat to his family. The attraction between the two is good and the plot is intriguing. Great series so far.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cielo and Charlotte haven't seen each other in years and now they find themselves in the same room looking for the same person for different reasons. Neither is the same person they remember but the sparks going off say something else. This action-packed drama kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

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

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome read! This is the eighth book in the Mafia Kings: Corrupted series. This is Charlotte Santoro and Cielo Luciano's story. They met in high school but Charlotte disappeared and 10 years later has reappeared into Cielo’s life and he is determined not to lose her again. This is a fast paced, action packed story that will completely capture your attention and won’t let go.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story, you are glued to your book from the start. This book contains action, danger, violence, attraction, drama and chemistry and lots of hot and steamy moments. It's a little bit dark but I like that. Cielo and Charlotte were great together. This is highly recommended to read, and you will hardly be able to put your book down, I thought their story was so good.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about Char and Cielo was fantástica!!! I started it this morning and couldn’t stop reading until the last page of the bonus scene. Char is strong woman and has very special skills. Cielo we know him from the early books. After 10 years they meet again and the attraction is still strong. Cielo is perfect for Char. I enjoyed seeing cameo appearances from characters from earlier Corruption series.

[Amber Keehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this book okay- it was not great but it definitely wasn't a bad read either. In reading other reviews, this one comes best read after the other standalones in the series. The couple just fell flat for me and I had a hard time keeping engaged through the whole book, which was a bit too long in my opinion. I have enjoyed what I have read of this author so far just not this one as much.

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

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book! It was dark, a little twisted, full of passion, betrayal, deceit, and so much more. This has a storyline that hooks you and keeps you reading even if you should be doing something else like working. I look forward to what this author has to offer next, I strongly recommend this book.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this addition to the Mafia Kings: Corrupted series. I especially liked Charlotte. She’s a feisty character. The plot is full of action, suspense and intrigue. It’s intense and fast faced. I loved Cielo’s and Charlotte’s angsty interactions, passion and chemistry. The story held me captive till the end. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cielo Luciano

This is another good addition to this series but not as good as the others. I felt it kind of dragged on in areas and didn’t flow as well as the other 7 books. Now I’m not saying it’s not worth reading, I just couldn’t give it a 5 star review as I did the other books. Enjoy

[Amy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!!
Loved reading Corrupted Deception. Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. Charlotte and Cielo’s story was action packed until the very end and the chemistry between them was steamy HOT too. Awesome Book!!

[Meluvbooks2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast pace and very intense. Met in high school. He fell in love but she disappeared. Their journey is hot and beautifully written. The same circle of friends is hilarious. Great book.

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

[Sam Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking

A fast paced adult steamy romance - I loved Charlotte - she is a feisty heroine who doesn't need a night in shining armour but gets one anyway. A great read.

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