Conning For Keeps

Agents of TRAIT #2

by Seleste deLaney

Lovers undercover…Secret Agent Marissa Jones has a gift. A con artist to the core, after deep hypnosis she can turn into someone else entirely. Marisa’s gift has gotten her into hot water over the years, but now more so than ever. With her smoking hot partner by her side, she needs to convince him that not only is she her true self, but also that she can be trusted—even in spite of her past.

…or traitors to the cause?Trevor Harris has his own issues with the mission, he’s got revenge to seek, a cursed painting to secure, and Marissa’s sugary-sweet alter-ego to ignore. But when he releases Marisa from her mental cage and things get a little too hot, he ends up finding out what falling for a con artist really means—bigger trouble than ever before.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Adult

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2014

About the author

Author of speculative romance (aka Julie Particka).

My quirky spy series, Agents of TRAIT, is published by Entangled: GAMING FOR KEEPS, CONNING FOR KEEPS, FIGHTING FOR KEEPS, and DYING FOR KEEPS

My steampunk romance series is from Carina Press: BADLANDS and CLOCKWORK MAFIA.

The Blood Kissed novels (KISS OF DEATH, KISS OF LIFE, and TALES OF THE BLOOD KISSED) are available from Seleste deLaney Books. The short stories that begin the Blood Kissed series (OF COURSE I TRY and THE GHOST OF VAMPIRE PRESENT) are currently out of print. They are included in the TALES anthology)

My short stories YES,ALANA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS; MAKING THE NAUGHTY LIST; and A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS were formerly part of Evernight Publishing's holiday anthologies. In addition, Evernight was the home of the Cupid's Conquests multi-author, shared world series. (GUNSHY--book 1, and LOVE & OTHER INDOOR SPORTS--book 4). All my Evernight titles, however, are currently out of print.

Reviews

[Melissa Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy little agent read. We go on a mission with Marissa and Trevor now. Their histories have a heavy hand in why they've acted as such, but this mission will change things for them.

Lovely.

****FULL REVIEW****
Marissa is teamed with Trevor, one she's partnered with for years now, on this mission to get a famous painting away from the deadly gangster like father. The kicker in the irony, she has deep feelings and desire for Trevor and this mission...to pose as engaged and a group wedding at the end of the week. Maybe their pasts will get in the way of the mission, or their desire for each other.

This is the second story in the Agents of TRAIT series. We pick up with Marissa and Trevor, which we meet in Gaming for Keeps with Cal. Marissa and Trevor are partners that worked with Cal at the convention. Cal is mentioned as he's off at a convention with his girlfriend. Marissa and Trevor are the couple we focus on here.

Marissa and Trevor have been flirting for years, but when she decided (after clues from him) to make the move he scowled at her and keeps their "relationship" that way - scowling. We learn of both Marissa's and Trevor's histories. Both are a little jaded and affect them now. Something they both hold on to hoping to escape it. Marissa, a thief with her family. Trevor, gangs and the murder of his best friend. Trevor, and Marissa quietly, worry that Marissa will slip back to the life of thievery as she's wanted this particular painting since before her and her parents were caught.

Seleste is talented in creating unique circumstances in her stories. In this book she's created a group wedding with a mobster like father coming his son's wedding and handing down a priceless piece of art. This was a neat setting, but what caught my eye was the hypnotizing. Marissa is hypnotized and transformed into a character to play. She's not aware of it, but there are fall safes for things getting out of control in order to bring her out. This little twist reminded me a tad of Dollhouse. I liked that, but then I worried as Trevor does have feelings for Marissa and he doesn't want to take advantage of her when she's not herself.

This is definitely an adult read. Smexy all the way. A great little escape for you with a mission and love.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review**

With this second installment in her Agents of TRAIT suspense romance series, Ms. deLaney has confirmed that she has a true mastery of the art of the novella. Novellas, by their very nature, are often unsatisfying and under-developed – but not with this series. Each character is fully realized and the conflict is intense, yet brought to us in a delightfully smaller package that allows for enjoyment on any schedule.

The series premise is perfectly suited for this format, in that each installment (so far) is a high-stakes standalone mission that gets the reader’s heart racing, right along with the steamy romance. As with book one, there are lots of twists and turns, but Ms. deLaney still developed the romance perfectly. That is no small feat, indeed. I often find that suspense romances can’t bring the goods with both sides of that coin, but this series balances that dichotomy expertly.

You could certainly read this book on its own, but Gaming for Keeps was one of my favorite books of 2013 and I highly recommend you one-click that one, too. I’m thrilled to hear that there will be at least one more book in this series. I wish there were dozens more, and a TV show! And if Ms. deLaney or Entangled are reading this review – please write a novella about Josh, he seems complex and definitely hero-worthy.

[Sadie Anjum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying reading the Agents of TRAIT series. It was very well written. I really couldn't stop reading until I had finished it. Seleste's sex scenes are very masterfully written, she's awesome! I love the main characters, how they had a colourful past that clashes with their lives as covert agents. Makes doing their jobs interesting. Marissa is sassy, kick ass chick who doesn't take any nonsense from anybody. Definitely my favourite character in the book. Her partner, who she falls for is the handsome and mysterious, Trevor. I couldn't enough of the sexy scenes between the main characters. This book includes elements of romance, as well as action and suspense... a bit of everything for everybody. I would highly recommend it to anybody who enjoys a great story. I really hope Seleste writes more books in this series.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC received through Netgalley***

In this second book of the series, the author focused on Marissa and Trevor. They are partners in a mission where they have to rescue a painting from the hands of the bad guys. They both have an history linked to this: she's an ex con artist and has always been fascinated by this particular painting and its myth. And he wants to revenge his friend's death. That brings suspense and mystery.

But the most interesting part (for me at least) is that they're both attracted to each other, badly. When she tries to hit on him, he just scowls at her and makes her understand that there won't have any changes in their relationship. When they have to pose as an engaged couple, things get complicated, and hot. And now, you have romance and steamy scenes, a good combination ! A few funny moments are also at the program.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Conning For Keeps - An Agent Of TRAIT Novella
Author: Seleste deLaney
Publisher: Entangle Publishing LLC/Entangled Flaunt
Published: 2-3-2014
ISBN: 978-1-62266-471-9
E-Book ASIN: B00HTJ1EG4
Pages: 111
Genre: Romance
Tags: Contemporary Fiction, Novella, Mystery, Suspense, Interracial Romance
Sensual Level: Explicit
Overall Rating: Very Good


Marissa Joens, an agent of TRAIT, has a very special and unique talent. Using hypnosis she is able to become anyone and fool everyone. The brash young woman with the tenancy toward sticky fingers can become the demure shy girl of Trevor Harris' dreams. The reason she can fool everyone is she herself believes it is true. She remembers the planted memories as her own. Just as the love, her memories of the life she shares with Trevor and their upcoming participation in the group wedding being hosted by Franco Canalis and his fiancé Evangeline Sheppard are real. There in lies the problem with their current assignment to find and retrieve the painting Certain Laughter. The very same painting said to have a curse on it that states if a person's blood touches the painting, that person will die. Maintaining their cover is imperative.


Unfortunately Trevor has been fighting an attraction to Marissa, not to mention he blew his chance to have anything come of it a year ago. He doesn't trust her and her criminal proclivities. He worked his way out of that life years ago and refuses to be tempted back into it. When "Mari" allows her planted memories to tempt Trevor a bit to much her uses her trigger phrase to bring her out of her hypnosis. Now they have to complete the mission with one less tactical advantage and Trevor has to deal with the sassy Marissa who draws him like no other woman ever has. With danger all around them can they survive and make it out alive or will the passion igniting between them flare into a forest fire and burn them first?


This novella might be short in pages, but it is long in suspense and drama. The characters jump off the pages with their bold personalities. Not to mention the emotions run the gauntlet of shy and timid to bold, sassy vixen and dangerous protector. You will find yourself trying to catch your breath with the speed of which the story goes. There are no dull or empty moments in this story and as you race to the end you find yourself wanting to slow down to savor it more Pick up a copy for yourself today and enjoy the ride.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first, anyone familiar with Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse" will see shades of that running rampant with the way that Marissa goes under deep cover. At first I had a lot of trouble with that. It did make for some mighty awkward scenes for poor Trevor though. The guy couldn't catch a break. His hot crush is coming onto him in the smallest nightie set in existence and he can't lay a finger on her skin because its not REALLY her.

That's what happens when you have scruples folks. They get in the way of getting laid. I'm mostly joking--I did feel really bad for him because the guy was unnerved as heck. She thought he was her loving fiancee, and much like knocking boots with her would be taking advantage of her, Trevor could not bring himself to hurt this "false" Marissa.

What I found aggravating about him was that every time he would get close to the real Marissa he'd fling himself so far back that it was a wonder that he didn't wind up in a different state. His reasoning, that she was a crook and would likely jump at the chance to become one again given half a second to herself, grated on my nerves. Not quite as much as Marissa constant self-flagellation, but it was pretty far up there. They treated her former life with her parents less as youthful misguidedness and more like a disease that at any moment would flair to life and take over. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but can conning/stealing be as thoroughly addicting as a drug? So much so that you lose ALL sense of self?

The story got lucky though because I wanted to see when Trevor got his head on straight. Marissa wises up about how to deal with her crush on him and from there it seemed the best move she could have made. I liked watching him squirm. A lot.

While I definitely enjoyed this second TRAIT novel, this is a much spicier read then GAMING FOR KEEPS was and was less on the humorous side. A bit more scifi too. Still I'm hoping there's more in store for this spy network because I'd love to know what's up with Josh...

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Marissa Joens works for TRAIT. This is the second in a series but I found that this book could be read as a stand-alone. If you like this book as much as I did, you may want to go back and read book one titled Gaming for Keeps. Then you will get to know more about what TRAIT is all about.

Trevor Harris and Marissa are going on a mission together. I found it interesting how Marissa gets prepared for going undercover. Makes you wonder if this is actually done in the “spy” business. I loved how Trevor chickened out – you will have to read that for yourself.

What’s great about Seleste’s book is that she has created characters that didn’t have the perfect childhood. But it goes to show that it doesn’t define who they are. It helps create who they are but doesn’t mean that they don’t attempt to try to do better.

You will find that this author does a great job of teasing her readers. Just like her characters, you get all hot and bothered and then she pulls the reader back down to earth. The suspense is continued from beginning to end. It’s a great way to keep the reader’s interest and have them looking forward to what’s coming next. Sorry to say that I couldn’t find anything on her web site so we will just have to be patient. I wouldn’t even mind if she had another adventure with this couple.

[Zarith dol · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Marissa is a con artist under TRAIT payroll (government agency, etc) who has the gift to be under hypnosis and turned into somebody else entirely. On a assignment to stole a re known painting Certain Laughter that has be said to be a curse. The plan is to infiltrate the mob boss's son wedding event as a couple, earn the said mob trust to be near the painting and stole it away. Her partner? Trevor an agent who she has a crush in like forever. Trevor deep trust issue against Marissa for being a former criminal and a loose agent does not escape him. Can he set aside a prejudice against Marissa to done his job or will it got them killed with the mob?
Mixed emotion about this book but in a good way. Trevor sense of honor really get them in hot water this time. Marissa hypnotise to become a ditsy southern girl Mari, his fiancée on seduction course with Trevor however since he has feeling with the real Marissa something does feel right. He broke the hypnosis early letting them continue with the con on the whim. The chemistry btw them, combustible, Trevor finally let down his guarded wall and Booyah, cannot help but cheer the couple on. I am though a bit confused with the plot but not that it is understandable, just a need tweaking with the words and story telling. The characters won me over so all well ends well.

ARC provided by netgalley for an honest review

[Julie-anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marissa is a former child con artist that has been recruited by the good guys, only problem is that not all her co-workers think she's fully reformed. Trevor has to work with Marissa on this mission but he thinks she's only in it for herself, and not trusting her means keeping a close eye on her. Unfortunately, that also means being close to the woman he's been wanting for years ..... and the feelings are mutual.

This is the second book in this series by deLaney and I really enjoyed this one. I liked Marissa's background, the whole former child con artist that her parents had basically brainwashed - she will take on personality given to her under hypnosis, making her the perfect person to have on a con. Trevor's back story wasn't as interesting but held a lot of stake in the mission so he had some problems to overcome himself.

The chemistry between Trevor and Marissa is amazing! deLaney has a talent for writing awesome sex scenes. But her stuff isn't all about the sex, she also writes amazing storylines and highly likeable characters.

Definitely a recommendation for your "To read" list/pile.

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 4 out of 5]

** This is an adult book**

This book is sizzling!

What happens when you take under cover agents, a con artist, a mock wedding, and hot sexual tension? A steamy read that will have you wanting to read more about Trevor and Marissa.

For years now Marissa and Trevor have been partners. Their sexual tension building, but never something they've given into. Given their past histories, it's easy to understand why neither crossed that line. When they're partnered up to get a famous painting back from a gangster, it should be easy for these two to work together. Except they get to pose as an engaged couple. If that wasn't hard enough, they're to get married as part of the group wedding they're posed to be apart of. When you're getting married, there's no way out of sharing a hotel room..... for a week.

* Read my FULL review here http://mundiemomsguiltypleasuresbookr...

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marissa is a con artist, who works for TRAIT as an agent. she is teamed up with Trevor to get a painting from a Mafia boss. but nothing is as it seems at the beginning, not only have both of them their own problems with this mission but also are they attracted to each other - and they have to pose as an engaged couple.

this was a fun read with some steamy scenes and Mrs. deLaney knows how to write them. Nevertheless I missed the emotional development, the developing trust. the story was not perfect either although there were some twist and turns in it, but I got the feeling that there should be more information on the plot

all in all a nice read for a rainy afternoon.

this is the second book in the TRAIT series, but my first. but I don't think it is necessary to read them in order

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Britt Marczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!

Reading anything that Seleste deLaney writes is just plain fun! While this is book two in her Agents of TRAIT series, it has a slightly different feel than book one, Gaming for Keeps, but still obviously in the same world, which really speaks to Seleste's strengths as a writer.

I loved reading about how Marissa and Trevor's relationship grew. Marissa has an awesome attitude and some really great lines. Trevor is, well, just too damn hot.



These books are like treats for me. :D

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Delaney's books, there is always an interesting twist and a thread of humor. Conning for Keeps is no exception. I love the hypnosis trick for Marissa, and Trevor's reaction to her being not quite herself. Gotta' love a man with the integrity to not sleep with a woman while under the influence - any influence - that keeps her from being able to make her own decisions.



Trevor and Marissa have such a lovely contrast to them - she's much more of a free spirit than he is. Or maybe just a little more rebellious. She pushes his buttons and limits while trying to complete their mission. Watching him trying to control her while relaxing (or perhaps losing) control of his desires is amusing and hot.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review**

Conning for Keeps is the second in the TRAIT series. I love these books. They're fun, suspenseful, and hot. Seleste deLaney is always a great story teller, and Conning For Keeps doesn't disappoint.

Marissa is a fun-loving character with a little bit of feisty, as well as some vulnerability. It makes her extremely likeable to read.

Trevor is stoic and a little brooding, which is just such a sexy trait in a character. I love how strong he was, while still being vulnerable—even if she couldn’t let Marissa know it.

This is just book two in this series, and personally, I’m hoping for a lot more.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of former child con artist turned legitimate secret agent. Seleste deLaney has given readers a well plotted, easily read action/suspense/romance. Her characters are engaging, the dialogue quite clever, and the love scenes are passionate. The pacing is fairly fast and there is a nice balance between action and romance. I enjoyed the friends to lovers aspect of the story. Though I did not read book one, I wasn't lost or confused. I liked this one enough to go back and read book one and look forward to more of the series.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sick book! I cant give away any spoilers, so I will say that I was almost stuttering. OK there is this part where the agents, obviously undercover sort of covert people, are actually hypnotized. What a twist! I guess if you speak to the subconscious mind you dont have to worry about an agent giving away details right? This is something so different. I was upset it was a novella, cause it was GREAT!


There ia a romance between the agent/con artist Marissa and her new partner for this job, Trevor Harris. If you want a great, different read then try this new Entangled release.

[Melissa Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in the agents of TRAIT series and really enjoyed it so when this one came up for review I jumped at the chance.

I would have to say this book is even better than the first. I loved Marissa and Trevor they're chemistry was smoking and I loved that Trevor loved Marissa more than Mari.

This was thoroughly enjoyable rad that i couldn't put down.

Overall i give it 4.5 out of 5

[Donna Was A Scandal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story, interesting characters, fast pace with plenty of steam! Not everyone can write a novella and tell the story fully without rushing it - deLaney does it here!

Click here for my complete Scandalicious Review:
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story it kept the suspense going all the way through the twist and turns at the end came as a suprise the romance was hot and steamy once i started reading it i couldn't put it down

i received a arc from netgallery in exchange for a honest review

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really fun read. It has really enjoyable characters and a story line that had me laughing out loud at several spots. Would recommend reading. I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Trixiter Marczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Seleste did it again! As I started this book I thought "ugh, I'm so not going to like this" But...Seleste brought me in to these characters lives and had me under her writing spell!

Such a good story but such a talented writer!

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Proceed With Caution:

This book contains violence, death, and blood.

The Basics:

Conning for Keeps is the second book in the series, but it stands alone. There’s only a brief mention of Cal and Pen from the previous book, but no spoilers. This is an interracial romance between Marissa and Trevor, coworkers at that super secret branch of the FBI.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed Conning for Keeps at the beginning! It’s a mash-up of all things that I adore: interracial romance, feisty ladies, fake engagement, and curses! Okay, so that last one was unexpected, weird, and not really developed, but I give the author props for trying. Marissa and Trevor are tasked with bringing in this long-lost painting that’s believed to have the ability to kill people, and is currently in the possession of a feared mafia don. The two go undercover as an engaged couple, as said mafia don is paying for his son and a bunch of other couples to get married. Yep, there is a lot going on here!

Conning for Keeps honestly did some things that I had never read before. First of all, this wasn’t just a straight forward fake engagement between two secret agents. Marissa is actually put under hypnosis so that she doesn’t slip out of character! What in the world?! I’m sure you can imagine what kind of drama that can cause for a budding romance. Being a novella, it doesn’t really “go there” but it was fun while it lasted.

There really isn’t much to say about Conning for Keeps without giving anything away. It’s a very short and quick read at just over a hundred pages. I loved how Marissa was a professional con artist and handled the mission using her unconventional skills. While there are a lot of unique elements here, I’m not sure that they worked all that well together. However, it did leave me wanting to read a novel about an actually cursed, killer painting…

Read more at .

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read more book reviews at Lit and Literary!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of the story is pretty simple. Marissa, our dynamite-damsel heroine, is an undercover agent with questionable morals, who was forced to do an assignment with Trevor, our serious and stoic love interest. They have to pretend as an engaged couple in a mission involving a mafia don and a notorious painting. The hi-jinks in the story happen during their mission as they are caught at a crossroads between their personal and professional interests.

There is much to be said about a heroine who isn't really a clean-cut goody two shoes. I really liked Marissa's sass and spunk, and the fact that she can bluff her way out to hell if it comes down to it. I was initially on the fence about Marissa. I was worried that she might ruin something good and stable in her life for the temporary high of a good heist. I think this was also part of the reason why I was drawn into the story. I was intrigued about Marissa and wanted to see what she'd do next.

It was really fun to read about the complicated situations that Marissa and Trevor get into. I mean, while I think Marissa is a really fun, feisty and layered character, Trevor doesn't lag too far behind, and it was fun to see them clash and be forced to work together. The chemistry between them was evident, much as they try to hide or downplay it.

My only complaint about this story is that it is much too short, and the romance between Marissa between Trevor seemed a little rushed. I mean I get that the setting of the story states that they've known each other and have worked with each other for a few years already, but it would have been better if they were given more time to really get to know each other during the mission.

All in all though, I really enjoyed this story, and highly recommend it for those looking for quick fun reads.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marissa is a reformed con-artist. She didn't exactly have a choice with her stellar parental units. But once Marron got her when she left juvie she has been on the straight and narrow. She still wants the shiny-shiny but can resist the lure as she wants Marron and the team to trust her more.

Trevor is the epitome of tall, dark and deadly. But he also has a razor-sharp mind and a talent for languages. But, like Marissa, he has his own demons to fight. Can he resist the lure of revenge AND Marissa's own very tempting package?

Trever has a lot of mistrust towards Marissa, not all of it justified. Some of it stems from his attraction to her. Add in some devious Mobsters, the mob bosses son who wants nothing to do with the family business and a painting that holds way too much meaning and there are enough twists and turns to keep you interested.

[Nicole (bookwyrm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fake-dating spy romance with fun characters who both have hearts of gold but just need to overcome their past. This isn't erotica, but it is steamy romance. It also has (entirely appropriate and in-character) swearing, and while that didn't bother me at all because it fit the characters, more sensitive readers should be aware.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series (Gaming for Keeps) so I don't know why it took me this long to read book two.

[Booknook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read

I did enjoy this book but I preferred the first one. I liked the insta-chemistry better between the two main characters in the first book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Conning for Keeps is the second novella in the Agents of TRAIT series by Seleste deLaney and features Marissa Joens and Trevor Harris, two secondary characters who were introduced and worked together in the first novella, Gaming for Keeps. Marissa and Trevor have done a lot of flirting in the past, and while their feelings appear to be deeper than either one anticipates or knows, there's an issue of trust that lingers, especially since Trevor doesn't trust himself whenever he's around her.

This novella had way more tension, both sexual and otherwise, making it an overall satisfying read. Marissa and Trevor were great together and you could tell that there was really something more than mere attraction or lust going on between them but that Trevor was holding off from pursuing anything further. Marissa was a strong female lead character and I liked that she didn't need saving, which is a nice change of pace. This was a great sequel and I'm giving Conning for Keeps four stars. ♥

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marissa and Trevor could not help giving into the attraction. But sent away together for business and they could not keep their hands to themselves. They knew they had to play a couple but giving into the desires for each other. They got more that art work on this mission. A quick fun read. Would recommend this book.

I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[RogueHireling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun little romantic novella! Loved all the books by this author. Hope to read many more!! <3