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Bay Ridge Royals #3
Deceptive Truce
Life has been a series of exquisite disasters…
Do you ever lie to yourself? I do. Making friends has been the cruelest choice I ever inflicted upon myself. I like to say I don’t regret it, and for the most part that’s true.
I resent it.
I despise him because he left me behind, following another battle in this war we’ve been waging. I thought we were partners, best friends, allies, and that he would always have my back as I’ve fought to have his.
I hate her because she’s perfection and everything he’s ever wanted, untouchable, brilliant, and capable. Yet, I want her too. Need her. Still, she gave herself to someone else.
Telling myself one taste would have to be enough even when I knew it never could be is just another deception I sold myself on this trail of disaster.
No matter what I do, I’m not enough for them, for my family, for this world we inhabit. Now—alliances are shifting, and our enemies are closing in.
I know the difference and I know I need to leave them to face it all on their own. That’s the choice I should make. That’s the choice I have to make.
Or at least, that’s the newest lie I tell myself.
DECEPTIVE TRUCE is a full-length mature dark, new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. Please be aware some situations may be uncomfortable for readers. Trigger warnings can be found in the foreword should you require them. This is book three in a six book series that is a why choose with multiple new adults exploring and coming to terms with their evolving sexuality, identities, and relationships.
Do you ever lie to yourself? I do. Making friends has been the cruelest choice I ever inflicted upon myself. I like to say I don’t regret it, and for the most part that’s true.
I resent it.
I despise him because he left me behind, following another battle in this war we’ve been waging. I thought we were partners, best friends, allies, and that he would always have my back as I’ve fought to have his.
I hate her because she’s perfection and everything he’s ever wanted, untouchable, brilliant, and capable. Yet, I want her too. Need her. Still, she gave herself to someone else.
Telling myself one taste would have to be enough even when I knew it never could be is just another deception I sold myself on this trail of disaster.
No matter what I do, I’m not enough for them, for my family, for this world we inhabit. Now—alliances are shifting, and our enemies are closing in.
I know the difference and I know I need to leave them to face it all on their own. That’s the choice I should make. That’s the choice I have to make.
Or at least, that’s the newest lie I tell myself.
DECEPTIVE TRUCE is a full-length mature dark, new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. Please be aware some situations may be uncomfortable for readers. Trigger warnings can be found in the foreword should you require them. This is book three in a six book series that is a why choose with multiple new adults exploring and coming to terms with their evolving sexuality, identities, and relationships.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2024
127 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Heather Long
261 books2,286 followersI love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 12, 2024
I debated for some time what to rate this book, and I may change my mind later on. But right now, this was what I had to give it.
Savage vandal is one of my favourite series, and one of the only why choose romances I can stand to read. And despite the rating I gave this book, I LOVE the overall story, and I will read every single book in this series as well.
Let’s start with the negative so we can end it on a positive note.
There was a lot that seemed, shall we say, unimportant. A lot of talks where they discussed the people they had been in a meeting with, and I have to be real. I was bored. Maybe I am stupid and it is clearly linked to the plot somehow, but when I read it, it felt completely unrelated to what was going on, and I skipped over some parts here and there.
Why is everyone threatening Lainey? I get it, they are all powerful people who can make peasants like you and me disappear, but Lainey is the god damn sole heiress to a 30 billion dollar company or something. And her Grandfather seems like a man people don’t want to piss off. In fact I believe someone straight out said he wasn’t a man King wanted to anger or something.
But people are threatening her left, right and centre. Well it was two people. But two powerful people nonetheless. It doesn’t make any sense to me.
I get that Emerson’s story is sort of finished, and wrapped up in the Savage Vandal series, but Milo Hardigan is her brother, and Julius King is her father. And even though she is mentioned several times, it doesn’t make sense to me that she isn’t a participant in the actual plot at all.
In Emerson’s books, Lainey was at times heavily involved, as was Adam and Ezra. Even Bodhi.
And with how it seems like King isn’t happy about not having a relationship with Emerson, I would like to see him try, and I want to know why it is so important to him since he wanted to leave her behind when she was a baby. And I very much want her to be a part of the discussion.
I love Lainey’s grandfather. Which is why it is so disappointing that he can’t be loving and caring when it comes to Andrea who is just a child, just because she is part Reed.
As far as I can tell, Andrea doesn’t have a good relationship with her parents which is one of the reasons why both Lainey and Adam are such loving siblings to her.
But Lainey’s grandfather doesn’t really want Andrea over at his house, or in his company at all.
It isn’t right.
He looks dishonourable, I guess is the word, maybe?
I really need this part of the story to change. She is still very young, and he still has a chance to be the grandfather she deserves, before she truly notices that he wants nothing to do with her.
Now over to the things I loved.
The relationships. They are all so different, and she is at completely different stages with all of them, and yet it all just fits together. And I love the small bonding moments or moments of respect the guys will have for each other. And then I love how they loathe each other. At least in the Vandal series, they were all closer than brothers.
Ezra’s confession took me a little off guard, and I squealed when he kissed Adam. The scene was just perfectly written, and I felt like some pieces of his character just fell into place, even though I didn’t know they weren’t fitting. Does that make sense? I just love this addition to the love story.
When Ezra was in his car and was calling Milo, and said to the phone “Call Sewer Rat” I was also taken off guard and laughed, because he just said it so normally. And it was such an Ezra thing to do. I don’t know.
I feel like despite Bodhi being so unhinged, I would just feel so safe with him around, because he seems to have so much control over a situation, and the room. I feel like he sees all the players in the game for who they are, and because he is so unhinged, he doesn’t take things so seriously that he walks around worrying about all the players and pieces, and who might try to hold what over his head.
Now the revelation at the end of the book was not acceptable, so I need to go pick up the next book to see how the author will get Ezra out of this clusterfuck.
Savage vandal is one of my favourite series, and one of the only why choose romances I can stand to read. And despite the rating I gave this book, I LOVE the overall story, and I will read every single book in this series as well.
Let’s start with the negative so we can end it on a positive note.
There was a lot that seemed, shall we say, unimportant. A lot of talks where they discussed the people they had been in a meeting with, and I have to be real. I was bored. Maybe I am stupid and it is clearly linked to the plot somehow, but when I read it, it felt completely unrelated to what was going on, and I skipped over some parts here and there.
Why is everyone threatening Lainey? I get it, they are all powerful people who can make peasants like you and me disappear, but Lainey is the god damn sole heiress to a 30 billion dollar company or something. And her Grandfather seems like a man people don’t want to piss off. In fact I believe someone straight out said he wasn’t a man King wanted to anger or something.
But people are threatening her left, right and centre. Well it was two people. But two powerful people nonetheless. It doesn’t make any sense to me.
I get that Emerson’s story is sort of finished, and wrapped up in the Savage Vandal series, but Milo Hardigan is her brother, and Julius King is her father. And even though she is mentioned several times, it doesn’t make sense to me that she isn’t a participant in the actual plot at all.
In Emerson’s books, Lainey was at times heavily involved, as was Adam and Ezra. Even Bodhi.
And with how it seems like King isn’t happy about not having a relationship with Emerson, I would like to see him try, and I want to know why it is so important to him since he wanted to leave her behind when she was a baby. And I very much want her to be a part of the discussion.
I love Lainey’s grandfather. Which is why it is so disappointing that he can’t be loving and caring when it comes to Andrea who is just a child, just because she is part Reed.
As far as I can tell, Andrea doesn’t have a good relationship with her parents which is one of the reasons why both Lainey and Adam are such loving siblings to her.
But Lainey’s grandfather doesn’t really want Andrea over at his house, or in his company at all.
It isn’t right.
He looks dishonourable, I guess is the word, maybe?
I really need this part of the story to change. She is still very young, and he still has a chance to be the grandfather she deserves, before she truly notices that he wants nothing to do with her.
Now over to the things I loved.
The relationships. They are all so different, and she is at completely different stages with all of them, and yet it all just fits together. And I love the small bonding moments or moments of respect the guys will have for each other. And then I love how they loathe each other. At least in the Vandal series, they were all closer than brothers.
Ezra’s confession took me a little off guard, and I squealed when he kissed Adam. The scene was just perfectly written, and I felt like some pieces of his character just fell into place, even though I didn’t know they weren’t fitting. Does that make sense? I just love this addition to the love story.
When Ezra was in his car and was calling Milo, and said to the phone “Call Sewer Rat” I was also taken off guard and laughed, because he just said it so normally. And it was such an Ezra thing to do. I don’t know.
I feel like despite Bodhi being so unhinged, I would just feel so safe with him around, because he seems to have so much control over a situation, and the room. I feel like he sees all the players in the game for who they are, and because he is so unhinged, he doesn’t take things so seriously that he walks around worrying about all the players and pieces, and who might try to hold what over his head.
Now the revelation at the end of the book was not acceptable, so I need to go pick up the next book to see how the author will get Ezra out of this clusterfuck.
January 23, 2024
I've loved Heather Long and all of her series for a while now but this one is something special. This author has an amazing mind, so many turns and secrets are in this series, sometimes it's hard to keep track! I imagine Heather in a room with a cork board covered in pins and diagrams just to keep track of her characters and their families. As usual, this book has it all and I loved reading it.
June 7, 2024
I'm in the minority here, judging by the high ratings of this book, but omg, this book took forever to get through. I just couldn't get into it. I struggle with Lainey for some reason - I just don't really connect with her, and I'm honestly not really a fan of Adam or Ezra. I love Milo and Bodhi though. I'm going to stick it out with this series because I'm invested and I'm holding out hope that I connect with Lainey on some level at some point, and because I love two of her four guys.
January 17, 2024
*Reverse Harem
*Contemporary
*Multi-POV
*best-friends brother
*gangs
*elite society
*ex-criminal
*rags vs riches
*building harem (4)
*fast burn
*3/6
All the emotions!
Well there’s certainly a lot of emotions going on in this third instalment….and mainly from the boys 😳 Adam is struggling to let go of his controlling and possessive tendencies yet is attempting to balance them out with a tender side 😍 Ezra has bottled everything up until he becomes even more of a *bleepity bleep* but there’s a lot of love under there that he just doesn’t know how to process 🥰 and then there’s Pretty Boy, forced away from Mayhem his rage is building to new heights, especially with actions King is being tied to, and absence is certainly making his heart grow fonder🥹 I really enjoyed the interactions between these three as well, makes you wonder whether they can all bring it together! And then there’s Bodhi ☺️liked that there’s more insight into him and his potential inclusion in this one!
Mayhem is trying to dig up more information on the King to remove her men from underneath him but is she potentially just putting a bigger target on her back?! And can some of her men get their heads out their &-£@ long enough to accept the help of others? Looking forward to the next one after that dramatic ending 😮
*Contemporary
*Multi-POV
*best-friends brother
*gangs
*elite society
*ex-criminal
*rags vs riches
*building harem (4)
*fast burn
*3/6
All the emotions!
Well there’s certainly a lot of emotions going on in this third instalment….and mainly from the boys 😳 Adam is struggling to let go of his controlling and possessive tendencies yet is attempting to balance them out with a tender side 😍 Ezra has bottled everything up until he becomes even more of a *bleepity bleep* but there’s a lot of love under there that he just doesn’t know how to process 🥰 and then there’s Pretty Boy, forced away from Mayhem his rage is building to new heights, especially with actions King is being tied to, and absence is certainly making his heart grow fonder🥹 I really enjoyed the interactions between these three as well, makes you wonder whether they can all bring it together! And then there’s Bodhi ☺️liked that there’s more insight into him and his potential inclusion in this one!
Mayhem is trying to dig up more information on the King to remove her men from underneath him but is she potentially just putting a bigger target on her back?! And can some of her men get their heads out their &-£@ long enough to accept the help of others? Looking forward to the next one after that dramatic ending 😮
January 27, 2024
Oh my heart!
The last book broke it with the cliffhanger but this one kind of repaired it.
Lainey is at the center and I love her tenacity and vulnerability. She has three - well four - incredibly hot men who are all different being super protective of her and I’m all for it.
Ezra earned a place in my heart in this book though he may need to grovel a little more. We see what transpired for the most part on the island but know there’s more to it I think. But really made me love him, is what transpired during the talk with Lainey. My heart burst for him. Will say 50% in, is loyal readers will get what some had hoped. No spoilers here.
Adam was a bit an ass here but was more a prop. Not really but you’ll see.
Milo , Milo, Milo - I couldn’t love him more if I tried. He gets some time with Lainey and I cheered when those three words were exchanged. And it’s about time they were.
Bodhi is the enigma of the group but we do get a bigger insight into him and his life. Him and Lainey will be fun to watch. She needs someone like him for the humor but don’t mistaken that for being too soft. There’s some hints dropped that will have you going hmm.
Super steamy and of course the cliffy that dropped a bomb.
The last book broke it with the cliffhanger but this one kind of repaired it.
Lainey is at the center and I love her tenacity and vulnerability. She has three - well four - incredibly hot men who are all different being super protective of her and I’m all for it.
Ezra earned a place in my heart in this book though he may need to grovel a little more. We see what transpired for the most part on the island but know there’s more to it I think. But really made me love him, is what transpired during the talk with Lainey. My heart burst for him. Will say 50% in, is loyal readers will get what some had hoped. No spoilers here.
Adam was a bit an ass here but was more a prop. Not really but you’ll see.
Milo , Milo, Milo - I couldn’t love him more if I tried. He gets some time with Lainey and I cheered when those three words were exchanged. And it’s about time they were.
Bodhi is the enigma of the group but we do get a bigger insight into him and his life. Him and Lainey will be fun to watch. She needs someone like him for the humor but don’t mistaken that for being too soft. There’s some hints dropped that will have you going hmm.
Super steamy and of course the cliffy that dropped a bomb.
January 19, 2024
I’ve said it before and I will say it again- Heather is an absolute QUEEN for always giving a recap of what happened in the previous book before the start of the new book. I’ve always struggled reading incomplete series because I forget details and what’s going on and the fact that I know she will always remind me of where I left off is absolutely incredible. This might be the best book yet in this series and it had me captivated from the first page. There is so much character development and relationship growth that I found myself falling in love with these characters all over again. Ezra and Adam finally got their heads out of their butts enough to be redeemed (in my eyes) and I absolutely adore the way Milo is all in for Mayhem. Bodhi…. Ohhhhh Bodhi. I fell for him in the 82nd street Vandals series and always hoped to see more of him! I love learning more about him and watching him open up. That ending was a brutal cliff hanger (although yes…. It COULD have been worse) and now I already need the next book in this series!
January 26, 2024
Here I am with the third volume of this series and oh my God I can say without any doubt that every book by this writer is a crescendo of emotions, of discoveries of constantly wanting to be in the book. In a book I usually always have a favorite and I always say... Up until the second it was Milo, obviously Milo... But with this one I have serious difficulty choosing because Bodhi and Adam get inside you and don't let you go... And who wants to be left...Finally I can say that in this book too I loved every single word of the book. There is so much action, introspective thoughts, scenes that brought me to tears that I have to read the previous series while waiting for the new one to come out... But one thing I absolutely love about this book is Lainey, her character is so complex so much so that I I also love how she behaves with the men around her... What are you waiting for, get this series and enter this fantastic world too... Anyway, am I the only one who's lost for Ezra and Adam??? Rating 5....10....100 ⭐
January 23, 2024
Deceptive Truce is book 3 in the Bay Ridge Royals series by Heather Long. This book picks up right where book 2 left us hanging. It’s filled with relationship development/growth and lots of twists. Several of the twists, including the ending, left me speechless. I will be counting down for book 4 while I try to figure out all of the guys’ plans. I know they all have a plan but some of those plans aren’t clear.
I love Lainey! She is definitely a powerful ally to have and I can’t wait to see what she does as more of the guys’ plans are revealed. I still love Milo and Bodhi. Ezra and Adam are complicated but they did grow on me throughout this book.
This is such a great series so far filled with complicated family dynamics, power shifts, and so much more. I’m excited for more in this series!!!
I love Lainey! She is definitely a powerful ally to have and I can’t wait to see what she does as more of the guys’ plans are revealed. I still love Milo and Bodhi. Ezra and Adam are complicated but they did grow on me throughout this book.
This is such a great series so far filled with complicated family dynamics, power shifts, and so much more. I’m excited for more in this series!!!
February 8, 2024
Ooh I'm loving Laniey and her boys. Adam and Ezra are still being stubborn and impossible but Bohdi and Milo are amazing. Lots of steam in this book and some new players on the board. The ending was shocking and I'm ready for the next book to see what happens next.
January 23, 2024
Ok, so in the scheme of things, like action and plot nothing big happened (I'm discounting that ending, I'm miffed but as Cliffies go i can live with it). This one was a lot of relationship building and some more insight into the characters and some back story...you know what happened on that island.
This book is Ezra heavy, as you can probably tell by the cover. Something happened in this one I've been dying to see but now that's on a cliffie grrr Heather!
Could have used a touch more Bodhi for me, cos I'm obsessed and I can't wait to see what he's up to. I can't wait to see how the whole story comes together with King too.
I just need more!
This book is Ezra heavy, as you can probably tell by the cover. Something happened in this one I've been dying to see but now that's on a cliffie grrr Heather!
Could have used a touch more Bodhi for me, cos I'm obsessed and I can't wait to see what he's up to. I can't wait to see how the whole story comes together with King too.
I just need more!
July 22, 2025
Full review to come at end of series
January 22, 2024
f you haven't read the previous books in this series, STOP! Go back and read them, this book begins where the last one ended.
In the prologue of this book, we get a look at a memory of a time with Ezra and Lainey on his family's private island. It's quite a beginning.
If you recall in the last book, Milo leaves his birthday dinner with Lainey to go with his father to protect both Lainey and her sister Andrea. This book opens four days later, and Lainey is still feeling the loss of Milo's presence.
Lainey reflects on Julius King and how he alone has caused radical changes in her life. First Adam with Ezra following his lead and now with Milo, all to protect her and Andrea. She wasn't going to mope any longer, she had things to sort out. First some self-care and then on to the more important things, like finding a way to get Milo out of King's clutches.
Adam has an assignment from Waldemar, befriend Milo Hardigan. While not happy about it, it should be somewhat easy since Milo lives with Lainey, or so he thought. His anger at Lainey's tears is quashed when she tells him the reason why, Milo left to protect Andrea, their sister. He also discovers Ezra has told her about the deal made to keep her safe long ago.
King is taking Milo to his meetings and then getting his take on the participants. After one such meeting Milo is determined to get some alone time and tells King he's walking back on the pretense of learning the city. He really wants to check the message app to see if Lainey has responded to his one-word message. Before he can, he runs into Adam.
Bodhi shows up when Lainey goes into the office to do the accounting report review for her grandfather. The interaction with Bodhi and her bodyguard Karagiani is amusing at the very least. He recognizes that she might be in danger and offers to take care of it so she can ditch the bodyguard. Very endearing of him. She asks him what he knows of Julius King.
We see Ezra drinking and playing baccarat at the casino. He's just rejected a woman when King shows up, annoyed he hasn't answered his phone. King isn't alone, Milo is with him and that confuses Ezra for a moment. King has decided that Ezra needs a new partner and informs him is to take Milo under his wing and ensure he knows the ins and outs of everything including contracts and negotiations.
Bodhi again shows up, this time at Lainey's apartment. This time he has plans for some trouble and wants to include her.
Oh, the uproar when it's discovered Lainey is gone, without Karagiani. For us it gives us some insight into Bodhi for the others, well it scares the living daylights out of them.
Ezra, Adam and Milo meet up but there is too much animosity between Ezra and Adam for a successful meeting. This seems to be a growing theme with them.
There is a lot that happens in this book, each bit more intriguing than the next. We get to see some family interaction with Bodhi and Ezra, interesting indeed.
I couldn't put this book down, there is always something happening and let me just say, it's another OMG ending.
I truly can't wait to read the next book!
In the prologue of this book, we get a look at a memory of a time with Ezra and Lainey on his family's private island. It's quite a beginning.
If you recall in the last book, Milo leaves his birthday dinner with Lainey to go with his father to protect both Lainey and her sister Andrea. This book opens four days later, and Lainey is still feeling the loss of Milo's presence.
Lainey reflects on Julius King and how he alone has caused radical changes in her life. First Adam with Ezra following his lead and now with Milo, all to protect her and Andrea. She wasn't going to mope any longer, she had things to sort out. First some self-care and then on to the more important things, like finding a way to get Milo out of King's clutches.
Adam has an assignment from Waldemar, befriend Milo Hardigan. While not happy about it, it should be somewhat easy since Milo lives with Lainey, or so he thought. His anger at Lainey's tears is quashed when she tells him the reason why, Milo left to protect Andrea, their sister. He also discovers Ezra has told her about the deal made to keep her safe long ago.
King is taking Milo to his meetings and then getting his take on the participants. After one such meeting Milo is determined to get some alone time and tells King he's walking back on the pretense of learning the city. He really wants to check the message app to see if Lainey has responded to his one-word message. Before he can, he runs into Adam.
Bodhi shows up when Lainey goes into the office to do the accounting report review for her grandfather. The interaction with Bodhi and her bodyguard Karagiani is amusing at the very least. He recognizes that she might be in danger and offers to take care of it so she can ditch the bodyguard. Very endearing of him. She asks him what he knows of Julius King.
We see Ezra drinking and playing baccarat at the casino. He's just rejected a woman when King shows up, annoyed he hasn't answered his phone. King isn't alone, Milo is with him and that confuses Ezra for a moment. King has decided that Ezra needs a new partner and informs him is to take Milo under his wing and ensure he knows the ins and outs of everything including contracts and negotiations.
Bodhi again shows up, this time at Lainey's apartment. This time he has plans for some trouble and wants to include her.
Oh, the uproar when it's discovered Lainey is gone, without Karagiani. For us it gives us some insight into Bodhi for the others, well it scares the living daylights out of them.
Ezra, Adam and Milo meet up but there is too much animosity between Ezra and Adam for a successful meeting. This seems to be a growing theme with them.
There is a lot that happens in this book, each bit more intriguing than the next. We get to see some family interaction with Bodhi and Ezra, interesting indeed.
I couldn't put this book down, there is always something happening and let me just say, it's another OMG ending.
I truly can't wait to read the next book!
January 24, 2024
I need to start here because just when I think I can’t possibly love Ezra anymore.. Deceptive Truce is released and blows everything out the water. Oh Ezra my sweet angel face, to think of my first intro to him way back in 82 Street Vandals (which if you haven’t read, please do whilst you’re waiting on the edge here for Wicked Surrender) compared to now!? No words. I love him so much. The vulnerability we got here which led to the truth and understanding of well, why he’s been the way he is in the past, I got all up in my feels about and I absolutely adore the way Lainey supported and held her man together.
Lainey, aka Miss I-will-take-over-the-world-with-a-smile — can we be besties already? Every single miner action with Milo, Ezra, Adam and Bodhi is so tuned in to each of their needs, I absolutely love how she’s so honest with them all and yet protects and respects their secrets and privacy to one another at the same time. This I feel is so important and refreshing when you have a group of guys who aren’t all besties to work with being with their same girl.
I’m also an absolute sucker for an over protective man so to have FOUR that will burn the world down for her!?
I am spoiled Heather, spoiled. I particularly love how we saw more of Bodhi here and the one on one time with Lainey. I never know what Bodhi is up to and just sit back and go along for the ride!
The cross overs made my nostalgic heart so happy, from the news little mentions of KC and Archie, to the phone calls from Jasper and Liam, to the queue me squealing cameo from Eddie and Frankie to of course mentions of Fletcher. Heather is so clever at entwining these Untouchable worlds yet it not being absolutely necessary to read them first (although you absolutely should)
Now, that ending.. I am not ok, I will never be ok until I get my grabby hands on Wicked Surrender and even then, I’m sure I won’t be OK straight away at all! EZRA MAN. Sigh. Here comes the 100 “stupid boy” comments in the next book I’m sure!
P.S someone take Heather’s coffee maker away from her corner, so she can stop scheming so beautifully and just drink her readers tears instead, I know she’s got plenty from us!
Lainey, aka Miss I-will-take-over-the-world-with-a-smile — can we be besties already? Every single miner action with Milo, Ezra, Adam and Bodhi is so tuned in to each of their needs, I absolutely love how she’s so honest with them all and yet protects and respects their secrets and privacy to one another at the same time. This I feel is so important and refreshing when you have a group of guys who aren’t all besties to work with being with their same girl.
I’m also an absolute sucker for an over protective man so to have FOUR that will burn the world down for her!?
I am spoiled Heather, spoiled. I particularly love how we saw more of Bodhi here and the one on one time with Lainey. I never know what Bodhi is up to and just sit back and go along for the ride!
The cross overs made my nostalgic heart so happy, from the news little mentions of KC and Archie, to the phone calls from Jasper and Liam, to the queue me squealing cameo from Eddie and Frankie to of course mentions of Fletcher. Heather is so clever at entwining these Untouchable worlds yet it not being absolutely necessary to read them first (although you absolutely should)
Now, that ending.. I am not ok, I will never be ok until I get my grabby hands on Wicked Surrender and even then, I’m sure I won’t be OK straight away at all! EZRA MAN. Sigh. Here comes the 100 “stupid boy” comments in the next book I’m sure!
P.S someone take Heather’s coffee maker away from her corner, so she can stop scheming so beautifully and just drink her readers tears instead, I know she’s got plenty from us!
January 16, 2024
A Riveting Tale of Deception and Desire in Deceptive Truce
Hold on tight because Heather Long's Deceptive Truce is book 3 in a series full of disasters that'll leave you questioning everything!
Life's a mess, friendships are a double-edged sword, and our protagonist is knee-deep in regret, resentment, and a whole lot of desire. But hey, who doesn't lie to themselves every now and then, right?
Meet the crew: there's the one who left, the one who's perfection personified, and our conflicted hero caught in between. Spoiler alert: it's a hot mess of emotions, and you're going to love every bit of it.
In a world where alliances shift like quicksand and enemies lurk in the shadows, our hero faces choices that'll make or break them. But who said choosing was easy when deception is the name of the game?
Deceptive Truce dives headfirst into enemies-to-lovers territory with enough love-hate vibes to make your heart race. And heads up, some situations might make you squirm, but that's the price of admission to this wild ride.
This isn’t your grandma's romance novel. It's a full-on, mature, dark, new adult adventure with twists, turns, and a sprinkle of that oh-so-delicious forbidden fruit.
Release date? January 23rd, 2024, and you're going to want a front-row seat for this one. Get ready for a book that's guaranteed to mess with your emotions, leave you wanting more, and have you questioning your own alliances. Deceptive Truce is the chaotic, steamy rollercoaster you never knew you needed! 🌪️🖤✨
#DeceptiveTruce #HeatherLong #BookReview #DarkRomance #NewAdult #EnemiesToLovers #LoveHateThemes #WildRide #BookAdventure #ARCReview #BookTeaser #RomanceReads #BookRecommendation #BookBuzz #MustRead #ARCReader #SteamyRomance #PageTurner #BookObsessed #BookExcitement #BookLovers #BookJunkie #BookAnticipation #EmotionalRide #ForbiddenFruit #BookTease #ReadingAddict #RollercoasterRomance #BookMagic #BookTeaserFun #MustRead
Hold on tight because Heather Long's Deceptive Truce is book 3 in a series full of disasters that'll leave you questioning everything!
Life's a mess, friendships are a double-edged sword, and our protagonist is knee-deep in regret, resentment, and a whole lot of desire. But hey, who doesn't lie to themselves every now and then, right?
Meet the crew: there's the one who left, the one who's perfection personified, and our conflicted hero caught in between. Spoiler alert: it's a hot mess of emotions, and you're going to love every bit of it.
In a world where alliances shift like quicksand and enemies lurk in the shadows, our hero faces choices that'll make or break them. But who said choosing was easy when deception is the name of the game?
Deceptive Truce dives headfirst into enemies-to-lovers territory with enough love-hate vibes to make your heart race. And heads up, some situations might make you squirm, but that's the price of admission to this wild ride.
This isn’t your grandma's romance novel. It's a full-on, mature, dark, new adult adventure with twists, turns, and a sprinkle of that oh-so-delicious forbidden fruit.
Release date? January 23rd, 2024, and you're going to want a front-row seat for this one. Get ready for a book that's guaranteed to mess with your emotions, leave you wanting more, and have you questioning your own alliances. Deceptive Truce is the chaotic, steamy rollercoaster you never knew you needed! 🌪️🖤✨
#DeceptiveTruce #HeatherLong #BookReview #DarkRomance #NewAdult #EnemiesToLovers #LoveHateThemes #WildRide #BookAdventure #ARCReview #BookTeaser #RomanceReads #BookRecommendation #BookBuzz #MustRead #ARCReader #SteamyRomance #PageTurner #BookObsessed #BookExcitement #BookLovers #BookJunkie #BookAnticipation #EmotionalRide #ForbiddenFruit #BookTease #ReadingAddict #RollercoasterRomance #BookMagic #BookTeaserFun #MustRead
January 21, 2024
The game has gotten more complicated. These rich families all have secrets and are somehow all tied together. There is a large web of lies, alliances, enemies, and secrets that the main characters continue to try and unravel.
Lainey, Milo, Adam, Ezra, and Bodhi are all playing a version of the same game with their families and Julius King seems to have a large amount of control over their lives and the people they care about.
Lainey has ended up in the center of everything. Originally, it was because Adam and Ezra were doing everything to keep her safe and away from the Royals. Now, she is determined to protect them and Milo, making her a more noticeable player. She is done being protected. If the guys won't cooperate with her, she will do her own research to attempt to take down King.
Adam, Ezra, and Milo are still each working mostly alone. Their relationships are complicated and not always friendly. However, they all have the same goal: get rid of King and keep Lainy safe. Since Lainy has made it clear she will not sit safe on the sidelines, they have to find a balance between working with her and keeping her away from the worst of the fallout.
Bodhi is still a mystery. He makes it clear that he is always available to Lainey while continuing to pursue his own agenda. He and Lainey have developed a trusting relationship. They will not betray each other's secrets. Bodhi's actions look chaotic, but he also seems to be sticking to a larger plan. One that involves finding out more about his mother's death.
The cliffhanger was not as horrible as it could be, though it was shocking. I am already anticipating the next book. I can't wait to see what happens to these characters next.
Lainey, Milo, Adam, Ezra, and Bodhi are all playing a version of the same game with their families and Julius King seems to have a large amount of control over their lives and the people they care about.
Lainey has ended up in the center of everything. Originally, it was because Adam and Ezra were doing everything to keep her safe and away from the Royals. Now, she is determined to protect them and Milo, making her a more noticeable player. She is done being protected. If the guys won't cooperate with her, she will do her own research to attempt to take down King.
Adam, Ezra, and Milo are still each working mostly alone. Their relationships are complicated and not always friendly. However, they all have the same goal: get rid of King and keep Lainy safe. Since Lainy has made it clear she will not sit safe on the sidelines, they have to find a balance between working with her and keeping her away from the worst of the fallout.
Bodhi is still a mystery. He makes it clear that he is always available to Lainey while continuing to pursue his own agenda. He and Lainey have developed a trusting relationship. They will not betray each other's secrets. Bodhi's actions look chaotic, but he also seems to be sticking to a larger plan. One that involves finding out more about his mother's death.
The cliffhanger was not as horrible as it could be, though it was shocking. I am already anticipating the next book. I can't wait to see what happens to these characters next.
January 30, 2024
Oh my can Heather Long not only keep me on the edge of my seat but also viciously tug on my heart strings! What a powerhouse third installment of the tintilating Bay Ridge Royals series.
Heather is always a maestro of pacing cadences, balancing action with suspense and tension in varying proportions of the course of this story. Deceptive Truce dials back a bit on the action to really focus on building and weaving together SO many intricate pieces, immersing us completely in all the mistruths, the machinations, the twists, and the emotional progression of Lainey in her men. A brilliant entry- one that effortlessly weaves together so many plot elements that I'm excited to see how Heather brings it all together in the next book. It seems like only know Lainey and the crew really even know what they're up against- let's just say that have a lot to tackle.
What I love most is how we see Lainey and her guys' relationships deepen and evovle, each in their own way of course since each relationship has it's own pace. And I loved getting more into their heads. Milo is still my dreamboat obsession, Bodhi still has a bit of mystery to him but we're starting to crack into his heart and mind, and oh poor Ezra. And Adam is coming along. Each relationship is really in a very different place, which I appreciate since it allows Heather to explores so many facets and dynamics, keeping each one fresh. Not to mention, it helps us see different parts of Lainey. Not to mention, the guys all are figuring out their group dynamic, or starting to at least.
Of course Heather totally Heather Longs us with a big ole bomb of an ending. WHAT THE WHAT. I'm gonna need some explanations, and some very very good groveling for all this shocks and twists!
Heather is always a maestro of pacing cadences, balancing action with suspense and tension in varying proportions of the course of this story. Deceptive Truce dials back a bit on the action to really focus on building and weaving together SO many intricate pieces, immersing us completely in all the mistruths, the machinations, the twists, and the emotional progression of Lainey in her men. A brilliant entry- one that effortlessly weaves together so many plot elements that I'm excited to see how Heather brings it all together in the next book. It seems like only know Lainey and the crew really even know what they're up against- let's just say that have a lot to tackle.
What I love most is how we see Lainey and her guys' relationships deepen and evovle, each in their own way of course since each relationship has it's own pace. And I loved getting more into their heads. Milo is still my dreamboat obsession, Bodhi still has a bit of mystery to him but we're starting to crack into his heart and mind, and oh poor Ezra. And Adam is coming along. Each relationship is really in a very different place, which I appreciate since it allows Heather to explores so many facets and dynamics, keeping each one fresh. Not to mention, it helps us see different parts of Lainey. Not to mention, the guys all are figuring out their group dynamic, or starting to at least.
Of course Heather totally Heather Longs us with a big ole bomb of an ending. WHAT THE WHAT. I'm gonna need some explanations, and some very very good groveling for all this shocks and twists!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
Deceptive Truce brings us up to book 3 of the Bay Ridge Royals series with Lainey's story continuing to intrigue me and keep me guessing. I was thrilled that this book focussed on character development and world building as I am a sucker for both.
We are treated to a side of all of Lainey's men we haven't really seen before. Milo has always been a ticking time bomb, but more so right now. Adam appears as though he is trying to humanize himself and struggling a little. Ezra is all over the shop emotionally but I really think he is trying and then there is Bodhi, swoon, who is on a mission of his own and decides to bring Lainey along for the ride. Giving us the gift of more questions. YAY!!! I think that while Milo has always been my favourite since he and Lainey met in The Vandals, Bodhi is creeping up there and planting himself securely in second place. There is just something about Bodhi. I don't know what it is but I'm liking it!!!
King is being his usual self and getting on my last nerve. If my theory is correct about who his lady friend is, I am not going to be surprised but totally mad and then sad. It would appear he has his sticky fingers in everything. But to what end??? I am still really intrigued with Waldemar, I am watching her very closely. I still think she is one of the good guys, and I say that loosely, but unsure of her motives. Who is she and what does she want with Milo?
Like I said in the beginning, this series is keeping me guessing and on my toes and I have all these questions that I am still asking days later. I can't wait for Wicked Surrender!!!
We are treated to a side of all of Lainey's men we haven't really seen before. Milo has always been a ticking time bomb, but more so right now. Adam appears as though he is trying to humanize himself and struggling a little. Ezra is all over the shop emotionally but I really think he is trying and then there is Bodhi, swoon, who is on a mission of his own and decides to bring Lainey along for the ride. Giving us the gift of more questions. YAY!!! I think that while Milo has always been my favourite since he and Lainey met in The Vandals, Bodhi is creeping up there and planting himself securely in second place. There is just something about Bodhi. I don't know what it is but I'm liking it!!!
King is being his usual self and getting on my last nerve. If my theory is correct about who his lady friend is, I am not going to be surprised but totally mad and then sad. It would appear he has his sticky fingers in everything. But to what end??? I am still really intrigued with Waldemar, I am watching her very closely. I still think she is one of the good guys, and I say that loosely, but unsure of her motives. Who is she and what does she want with Milo?
Like I said in the beginning, this series is keeping me guessing and on my toes and I have all these questions that I am still asking days later. I can't wait for Wicked Surrender!!!
January 29, 2024
Pretty Boy has been taken away by the King, Protecting Lainey and her sister. Ezra runs away each time he gets close, hiding his truth. Adam is a mystery but insists she belongs to him. And Phillip, correction Bodhi keeps popping up like his nickname trouble. Lainey has never been so confused and at times, lonely. At the center of it all is the King. Somehow, he’s calling the shots and Lainey knows she must find out more about him. Find a way to end him if she wants everyone she cares for to stay safe.
This is a complex, well-written story full of manipulations, schemes, and secrets. The layers of duplicity are mind-boggling. I am completely enthralled with the high society affairs. I love that I have no idea where the story is going. At each turn I am surprised. There are so many angles being played I can't figure out which are important and which are only distractions. For me, the gameplay works much better than the romantic entanglements and estrangements. I still do not love all of the characters. I adore Lainey and Milo. I enjoy Bodhi. Adam and Ezra still have not won me over, however, I did like the new development between them. I also love how unique Lainey’s relationship is with each one. This is no cookie-cutter RH. My biggest issue with the story is the lack of character proximity. I intensely dislike forced separations during a story. As much as I dislike the situation, I appreciate that Milo is at least getting time with Ezra and Adam. It will pay off. I still hope that the separation doesn't continue much longer and that the breach between Lainey and her lovers doesn’t widen with that ending. One book is plenty.
This is a complex, well-written story full of manipulations, schemes, and secrets. The layers of duplicity are mind-boggling. I am completely enthralled with the high society affairs. I love that I have no idea where the story is going. At each turn I am surprised. There are so many angles being played I can't figure out which are important and which are only distractions. For me, the gameplay works much better than the romantic entanglements and estrangements. I still do not love all of the characters. I adore Lainey and Milo. I enjoy Bodhi. Adam and Ezra still have not won me over, however, I did like the new development between them. I also love how unique Lainey’s relationship is with each one. This is no cookie-cutter RH. My biggest issue with the story is the lack of character proximity. I intensely dislike forced separations during a story. As much as I dislike the situation, I appreciate that Milo is at least getting time with Ezra and Adam. It will pay off. I still hope that the separation doesn't continue much longer and that the breach between Lainey and her lovers doesn’t widen with that ending. One book is plenty.
January 25, 2024
Ezra has officially won me over after learning more of his back story and seeing him open up to Lainey on the island and in the present. Ezra’s development really showed another side to him and I am thrilled that he is finally being honest with his feelings after being crushed under the pressure and expectations of others for so long.
I am not a fan of the main characters being split off from each other for long and Milo is pretty absent in this after the events of book two. However Milo’s storyline means he is still crossing paths with other characters so he does feel present even if he is apart from Lainey. The separation between Milo and Lainey was truly heartfelt - I love their connection so much.
Bodhi is still a mystery - and I enjoyed his side mission with Lainey. I also love how Lainey got an upgrade but PPG is still PPG!
Adam is still my favourite (although he needs an attitude adjustment) and I’m really looking forward to his book next. All the characters seem to be orbiting each other at the moment and I am so ready for them to get onboard together to take King down!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely and I have added all the authors works to my TBR
I am not a fan of the main characters being split off from each other for long and Milo is pretty absent in this after the events of book two. However Milo’s storyline means he is still crossing paths with other characters so he does feel present even if he is apart from Lainey. The separation between Milo and Lainey was truly heartfelt - I love their connection so much.
Bodhi is still a mystery - and I enjoyed his side mission with Lainey. I also love how Lainey got an upgrade but PPG is still PPG!
Adam is still my favourite (although he needs an attitude adjustment) and I’m really looking forward to his book next. All the characters seem to be orbiting each other at the moment and I am so ready for them to get onboard together to take King down!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely and I have added all the authors works to my TBR
February 5, 2024
This is book three of the Bay Ridge Royals series. The story picks up after Milo makes an important decision that affects his and Lainey's life. We jump into the aftermath of that decision. While Lainey understands Milo's situation, it doesn't alleviate her feeling of missing him and the loneliness she feels.
So many interactions with her love interest in the book. I really enjoyed the time spent with Bodhi. He really seems to have her best interest at heart without pushing too much. There is also a lot of mystery surrounding Bodhi and his family. I can't wait to see how this is all connected to Lainey.
You have to feel for Lainey during this book. She is doing everything she can to help her family and friends. Only to continue to get hurt by each of the guys in her life. We learn more of her backstory with Ezra and Adam. There is so much history and secrets between these guys. Every time they are in the room with each other, there seems to be an explosion of feelings. It will be interesting once they all come together again and resolve these issues.
Although some questions have been answered, we end with more questions than before. Heather left us with a whopper of a cliffhanger, I can't wait to see where this is headed.
So many interactions with her love interest in the book. I really enjoyed the time spent with Bodhi. He really seems to have her best interest at heart without pushing too much. There is also a lot of mystery surrounding Bodhi and his family. I can't wait to see how this is all connected to Lainey.
You have to feel for Lainey during this book. She is doing everything she can to help her family and friends. Only to continue to get hurt by each of the guys in her life. We learn more of her backstory with Ezra and Adam. There is so much history and secrets between these guys. Every time they are in the room with each other, there seems to be an explosion of feelings. It will be interesting once they all come together again and resolve these issues.
Although some questions have been answered, we end with more questions than before. Heather left us with a whopper of a cliffhanger, I can't wait to see where this is headed.
July 16, 2025
MMC’s in order + current status:
Milo - 🍆 & ❤️
Bodhi - nothing yet
Ezra - 🍆 & he ❤️
Adam - 💋
“All I’ve ever done is care. For you. For her. I’d f*cking die for both of you—how do you never see it? How do you never see me?” Ezra glared at Adam. The air was wild with the violence surrounding them. Instead of hitting him, Ezra jerked Adam toward him and slammed his mouth against Adam’s. I froze.
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP 😭😭😭
What do you meaaaan he’s in love with Adam?!? And why does it make so much sense when you really think about it. I was not prepared for mm in this series but now I’m so excited for it!! Two macho guys that grew up as best friends that are in love with the same girl 🥹
Also Milo in this book was just as good as Milo in book 1&2.
Also Bodhi? I LOVE BODHI 😭
Book 3 plot/enemies:
• Adam is still working with Waldemar
• Milo is under his father “the kings” thumb
• we found out Bodhi is trying to uncover something in regard to his mother & is hunting down medical professionals to do so
• we found out Ezra was arranged to be married to Oksana
• all of the families are making secret moves against each other to try and fill the power the sharpes left behind
• Ezra has feelings for Adam
I can’t wait for book 4!
Milo - 🍆 & ❤️
Bodhi - nothing yet
Ezra - 🍆 & he ❤️
Adam - 💋
“All I’ve ever done is care. For you. For her. I’d f*cking die for both of you—how do you never see it? How do you never see me?” Ezra glared at Adam. The air was wild with the violence surrounding them. Instead of hitting him, Ezra jerked Adam toward him and slammed his mouth against Adam’s. I froze.
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP 😭😭😭
What do you meaaaan he’s in love with Adam?!? And why does it make so much sense when you really think about it. I was not prepared for mm in this series but now I’m so excited for it!! Two macho guys that grew up as best friends that are in love with the same girl 🥹
Also Milo in this book was just as good as Milo in book 1&2.
Also Bodhi? I LOVE BODHI 😭
Book 3 plot/enemies:
• Adam is still working with Waldemar
• Milo is under his father “the kings” thumb
• we found out Bodhi is trying to uncover something in regard to his mother & is hunting down medical professionals to do so
• we found out Ezra was arranged to be married to Oksana
• all of the families are making secret moves against each other to try and fill the power the sharpes left behind
• Ezra has feelings for Adam
I can’t wait for book 4!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2024
This is the 3rd in this series Bay Ridge Royals and is a enemies to lovers, reverse harem, love to hate, with spicy and dark romance that you will love. You must read books one and two first to be able to follow all these guys. I love that this book picks up right where the last
This world that this author has created is rocking and once start with these guys you will be hooked. All the guys are going through something and we see how each of these guys are with each other when they are together. They all go through so much and this author m makes you feel it all.
I absolutely the twists the secrets and all the shockers in this series and this book is just as great. This whole plot will have your emotions all over and the character development is fabulous and there are moments that the reader will not see coming at all. I absolutely love when a book grabs you by the collar and grips you until the very end. This is one ride you all need to be on. This is a must read romance that ends in a massive cliffhanger so get ready to be desperate for the next book in the series.
Check trigger warnings before you begin too.
This world that this author has created is rocking and once start with these guys you will be hooked. All the guys are going through something and we see how each of these guys are with each other when they are together. They all go through so much and this author m makes you feel it all.
I absolutely the twists the secrets and all the shockers in this series and this book is just as great. This whole plot will have your emotions all over and the character development is fabulous and there are moments that the reader will not see coming at all. I absolutely love when a book grabs you by the collar and grips you until the very end. This is one ride you all need to be on. This is a must read romance that ends in a massive cliffhanger so get ready to be desperate for the next book in the series.
Check trigger warnings before you begin too.
January 26, 2024
Their secrets have secrets...
These characters have grown with me since I read 82nd Street Vandals, Cardinal sins, Untouchable and Blue Ivy Prep. I am profoundly invested in their stories. But Book 3 is filled with secrets, schemes and manipulation, oh and let's not forget not communicating. Urgh! Lol!
Lainey is separated from Milo because of The King's mechanisation, has her missing him and tirelessly trying to find an out. However with Ezra and Adam hot and cold abrasive, possessive and domineering toxic attitudes they keeping her busy. Bodhi is charmed by and has fallen under her spell as much as she's under his. A friendship is blossoming into something.
Shocking development leaves you reeling in this mild cliffhanger but so many unanswered questions, so many schemes, it's a zoo of don't trust anyone, watch your back and assets, even the secrets has secrets. I look forward to book 4 Wicked Surrender. Hopefully some secrets will be revealed.
Tropes:
Touch-her-you-☠️. Why choose. Childhood friends. Secret society. Power play. Slow burn. Slow grow of harem. Obsession. Possessive. MM. Forced Proximity.
Qoute:
“Kotyonok…you have always been fierce and strong. Protecting you has never been a choice. It’s a calling.”
“But a beautiful vision swam out into the water and stole my soul with a kiss. I can’t let you escape now "
These characters have grown with me since I read 82nd Street Vandals, Cardinal sins, Untouchable and Blue Ivy Prep. I am profoundly invested in their stories. But Book 3 is filled with secrets, schemes and manipulation, oh and let's not forget not communicating. Urgh! Lol!
Lainey is separated from Milo because of The King's mechanisation, has her missing him and tirelessly trying to find an out. However with Ezra and Adam hot and cold abrasive, possessive and domineering toxic attitudes they keeping her busy. Bodhi is charmed by and has fallen under her spell as much as she's under his. A friendship is blossoming into something.
Shocking development leaves you reeling in this mild cliffhanger but so many unanswered questions, so many schemes, it's a zoo of don't trust anyone, watch your back and assets, even the secrets has secrets. I look forward to book 4 Wicked Surrender. Hopefully some secrets will be revealed.
Tropes:
Touch-her-you-☠️. Why choose. Childhood friends. Secret society. Power play. Slow burn. Slow grow of harem. Obsession. Possessive. MM. Forced Proximity.
Qoute:
“Kotyonok…you have always been fierce and strong. Protecting you has never been a choice. It’s a calling.”
“But a beautiful vision swam out into the water and stole my soul with a kiss. I can’t let you escape now "
January 30, 2024
Deceptive Truce is the third book in the Bay Ridge Royals series. This is probably my favorite book of the series yet! There’s honestly so much going on within the story. Manipulation, scheming, and all the plot twists you can imagine. Lainey and her men are still trying to find all the players on the board, and figuring out how to wade through everything stacked up against them.
I’m really enjoying seeing all of Lainey’s relationships progress. Milo has always been her constant, even in these uncertain times. I’m still so pumped that we get to see more of Bodhi. His chapters are some of my favorite since we still don’t know too much about him. I love being in his mind and knowing what’s going on. My poor sweet Ezra. I am so glad we got so much from him in this book. I’m so happy that we are finally seeing some progress with Adam as well. It’s about time he’s found some sense. 😉
Let’s talk about that ending though. UGH. Someone has a LOT of explaining to do, and I am so ready for the groveling that will happen now. I can’t wait to see what the fallout from some of these twists is gonna be and how it’s all going to play out. Bring on Wicked Surrender!
I’m really enjoying seeing all of Lainey’s relationships progress. Milo has always been her constant, even in these uncertain times. I’m still so pumped that we get to see more of Bodhi. His chapters are some of my favorite since we still don’t know too much about him. I love being in his mind and knowing what’s going on. My poor sweet Ezra. I am so glad we got so much from him in this book. I’m so happy that we are finally seeing some progress with Adam as well. It’s about time he’s found some sense. 😉
Let’s talk about that ending though. UGH. Someone has a LOT of explaining to do, and I am so ready for the groveling that will happen now. I can’t wait to see what the fallout from some of these twists is gonna be and how it’s all going to play out. Bring on Wicked Surrender!
March 17, 2024
5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
Lort have mercy, these men. I am absolutely, one hundred percent obsessed with these men. And Lainey, she's so strong and poised and amazing herself. But these men, hot diggity dang.
Ezra I just want to bundle up and smother him in live currently. He's just a tad broken and so insecure about his love and he has my whole heart. Milo I've loved since he had Lainey holed up in his room in Em's series. Adam I can't wait to see him finally give in and give Lainey what he desires, he's gonna be absolutely fireeee. And Bodhi, he's currently just a friend with chemistry, but I'm so excited to see how he fits in with the other three.
The cliffhanger has me frazzled. I'm actually currently happy I didn't get an advanced copy of this one so I can dive right into Wicked Surrender. Not only did we get the obvious surprise (which I was wondering if it was coming earlier in the book, but totally spaced and came back shocked) but I also have some theories about Tally's secrets and I can't wait to discover if I'm right.
3/5 🌶️
Lort have mercy, these men. I am absolutely, one hundred percent obsessed with these men. And Lainey, she's so strong and poised and amazing herself. But these men, hot diggity dang.
Ezra I just want to bundle up and smother him in live currently. He's just a tad broken and so insecure about his love and he has my whole heart. Milo I've loved since he had Lainey holed up in his room in Em's series. Adam I can't wait to see him finally give in and give Lainey what he desires, he's gonna be absolutely fireeee. And Bodhi, he's currently just a friend with chemistry, but I'm so excited to see how he fits in with the other three.
The cliffhanger has me frazzled. I'm actually currently happy I didn't get an advanced copy of this one so I can dive right into Wicked Surrender. Not only did we get the obvious surprise (which I was wondering if it was coming earlier in the book, but totally spaced and came back shocked) but I also have some theories about Tally's secrets and I can't wait to discover if I'm right.
May 21, 2025
I am starting to loathe Lainey. My heart aches for Milo. I don't understand how she can have Milo's pure, devoted heart and choose to have sex with Ezra. She gave Ezra the power to hurt Milo. It breaks my heart. I love to loathe this series.
Lainey is having sex with Ezra without any conversation about a condom or STD exposure. Then she exposes Milo to unknown risks. She is incredibly selfish. Milo has sacrificed his autonomy to keep her safe, and she can't even say no to sex to a man who hates Milo. Milo is the man in her life who loves her, who is honest and consistent. But her selfishness is so great that she would have a moment of pleasure with a man who has walked away from her repeatedly. Milo gives everything, and she doesn't hold him sacred. She doesn't protect him.
Then to learn that Ezra's parents had betrothed him and he was engaged the entire time he pursued him. I dislike Lainey's character.
I like the idea of Lainey connecting with Bohdi. Probably because both Milo and Bohdi are directly honest. There is also mutual respect between Milo and Bohdi.
Lainey is having sex with Ezra without any conversation about a condom or STD exposure. Then she exposes Milo to unknown risks. She is incredibly selfish. Milo has sacrificed his autonomy to keep her safe, and she can't even say no to sex to a man who hates Milo. Milo is the man in her life who loves her, who is honest and consistent. But her selfishness is so great that she would have a moment of pleasure with a man who has walked away from her repeatedly. Milo gives everything, and she doesn't hold him sacred. She doesn't protect him.
Then to learn that Ezra's parents had betrothed him and he was engaged the entire time he pursued him. I dislike Lainey's character.
I like the idea of Lainey connecting with Bohdi. Probably because both Milo and Bohdi are directly honest. There is also mutual respect between Milo and Bohdi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
I’ve been loving this series so far and while this one was way more heavy on the build up over action, I know to trust the process with Heather. There are so many balls in the air by the end of this book and it’s so impressive how her mind works.
I love how Lainey interacts with all of the guys even though she has wildly different relationships with all of them. I’m really looking forward to seeing things develop more with Bodhi especially. We also see some big changes in the relationships between the guys in this book. I always enjoy seeing things play out when a harem doesn’t have an established friend/family group and how they come together for the FMC and this is definitely going to be crazy when they all get together!
Like I said, this book story was huge as far as progressing the story and it definitely left me wanting more! It was a tame cliffy as far as Heather goes but it still packed a punch. I’m super excited for the rest of the series!
I love how Lainey interacts with all of the guys even though she has wildly different relationships with all of them. I’m really looking forward to seeing things develop more with Bodhi especially. We also see some big changes in the relationships between the guys in this book. I always enjoy seeing things play out when a harem doesn’t have an established friend/family group and how they come together for the FMC and this is definitely going to be crazy when they all get together!
Like I said, this book story was huge as far as progressing the story and it definitely left me wanting more! It was a tame cliffy as far as Heather goes but it still packed a punch. I’m super excited for the rest of the series!
February 3, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨
Deceptive Truce is the third installment in a six-book series. It is recommended to read the first two installments before Deceptive Truce.
Just WOW. I loved the recap we received before starting Decetive Truce.
Lainey is the main focus, and I admire her determination and vulnerability. She’s surrounded by three - well, four - attractive men, each unique and fiercely protective, and I’m all in for that. This time, we see a different side of Lainey compared to previous books. Ezra’s storyline keeps us intrigued chapter by chapter. I’m eager to unravel Bodhi’s story, especially with Lainey. Milo remains a constant support in her life. Understanding Adam throughout the book makes me like him more.
The plot is filled with unexpected twists, schemes, and manipulation, leaving me unsure whether to love or hate the characters I’m discovering along the way.
🏷️TROPES:
Reverse Harem / Contemporary / Multi-POV / Best-Friends Brother / Gangs / Elite Society / Ex-criminal / Rags vs Riches / Building harem (4) / Fast Burn
✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨
Deceptive Truce is the third installment in a six-book series. It is recommended to read the first two installments before Deceptive Truce.
Just WOW. I loved the recap we received before starting Decetive Truce.
Lainey is the main focus, and I admire her determination and vulnerability. She’s surrounded by three - well, four - attractive men, each unique and fiercely protective, and I’m all in for that. This time, we see a different side of Lainey compared to previous books. Ezra’s storyline keeps us intrigued chapter by chapter. I’m eager to unravel Bodhi’s story, especially with Lainey. Milo remains a constant support in her life. Understanding Adam throughout the book makes me like him more.
The plot is filled with unexpected twists, schemes, and manipulation, leaving me unsure whether to love or hate the characters I’m discovering along the way.
🏷️TROPES:
Reverse Harem / Contemporary / Multi-POV / Best-Friends Brother / Gangs / Elite Society / Ex-criminal / Rags vs Riches / Building harem (4) / Fast Burn
March 1, 2024
The way this book has lived rent-free in my brain, y’all 👀
I have loved these characters since they arrived in the Vandals series. Well… a couple of them have straddled that love/hate line for a bit. But I have been ✨invested✨ in these characters since before this series began. And I have had theories and hopes and expectations for some of them… this book blew all of these out of the water.
Plots twists abound in this book. Character developments and revelations had me screaming into the void, and my favorite MMC dropped unexpectedly down to second place as a new favorite rose up the ranks. The suspense and mystery is brilliantly done as we get more and more bread crumbs to follow as the story progresses. The spice is 🥵🥵🥵 and makes sense with the story and characters.
This does end in a bit of a shocking cliffie but the author is sitting in timeout in her corner, hard at work with the next book, which is up for pre-order now.
I have loved these characters since they arrived in the Vandals series. Well… a couple of them have straddled that love/hate line for a bit. But I have been ✨invested✨ in these characters since before this series began. And I have had theories and hopes and expectations for some of them… this book blew all of these out of the water.
Plots twists abound in this book. Character developments and revelations had me screaming into the void, and my favorite MMC dropped unexpectedly down to second place as a new favorite rose up the ranks. The suspense and mystery is brilliantly done as we get more and more bread crumbs to follow as the story progresses. The spice is 🥵🥵🥵 and makes sense with the story and characters.
This does end in a bit of a shocking cliffie but the author is sitting in timeout in her corner, hard at work with the next book, which is up for pre-order now.
January 20, 2024
TITLE: Deceptive Truce
GENRE: Dark Romance
AUTHOR: Heather Long
TROPE: Enemies-to-Lovers, Why Choose
TYPE: Series (Bay Ridge Royals Book 3)
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
Oh, the slow-burn angst that is Deceptive Truce! The tension builds as we follow Lainey and her rollercoaster relationships with Milo (Pretty Boy), Adam, Ezra & Bodhi. While this may be a slow-burn storyline, there is definitely spice. I have many questions about what may be on the horizon next in the series for Lainey and her likeable yet frustrating men. LOL. That cliffhanger ending will have me waiting on bated breath to see the fallout when Wicked Surrender is released later in the year. I found Deceptive Truce an enjoyable read, keeping my interest enough to continue with the series; for those reasons, I am giving it a rating of 4 / 5 stars.
GENRE: Dark Romance
AUTHOR: Heather Long
TROPE: Enemies-to-Lovers, Why Choose
TYPE: Series (Bay Ridge Royals Book 3)
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
Oh, the slow-burn angst that is Deceptive Truce! The tension builds as we follow Lainey and her rollercoaster relationships with Milo (Pretty Boy), Adam, Ezra & Bodhi. While this may be a slow-burn storyline, there is definitely spice. I have many questions about what may be on the horizon next in the series for Lainey and her likeable yet frustrating men. LOL. That cliffhanger ending will have me waiting on bated breath to see the fallout when Wicked Surrender is released later in the year. I found Deceptive Truce an enjoyable read, keeping my interest enough to continue with the series; for those reasons, I am giving it a rating of 4 / 5 stars.
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