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Deceivious

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Deceivious is a dark, taboo, domestic suspense novel - please read Trigger Warnings.

When Carl Lockhart rekindles a friendship with Jessica, his high-school crush, he soon forms an easy-going relationship with her 15-year-old daughter, Rianna.

Until the moment she kisses him.

Taken aback, Carl rejects her advances, but despite his reluctance to admit it, Rianna’s right when she points out he has feelings for her that go far beyond friendship.

With a grudge against Carl and a taste for all things pure, Carl’s boss, Stephen, views Rianna as an irresistible opportunity. Delighted to shower her with the affection she craves, he systematically seduces her, tormenting Carl and cunningly driving a wedge between them.

Consumed by his fear of losing Rianna, Carl becomes increasingly possessive. When Rianna witnesses his aggression toward Stephen, she quickly concludes that spending time with Stephen is a great way to make Carl jealous.

However, Rianna's playing a dangerous game, pushing Carl and Stephen to the brink until they’re forced to expose their devastating dark secrets.

TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Predatory behaviour
Possessive behaviour
Explicit sex scenes
Sexual assault
Voyeurism
Degradation
Humiliation
Violence
Graphic language

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2024

14 people are currently reading
1718 people want to read

About the author

Darcy Daniel

9 books134 followers
I've loved reading from an early age and fell in love with many genres, but was drawn most of all to thrillers and romances - leaving me ecstatic when I won the Charter Oak Golden Acorn contest for Best Contemporary Series Romance.
​​
I'm lucky enough to live in a picturesque, historic small country town in Sydney, Australia with my two energetic dogs.

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5 stars
37 (34%)
4 stars
36 (33%)
3 stars
23 (21%)
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4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Suz.
1,562 reviews867 followers
January 17, 2025
This is a new genre for me, with many trigger warnings clearly labelled on the beginning pages. Darcy Daniel kindly sent me a copy of her book, and did automatically tell me about these topics. I was interested in supporting a local author (less than an hour away from me) so I said yes please! Thanks Darcy for my copy to read and leave an honest review.

The story was easy to follow, I believe this is a show not tell type of read - it's not meant to be hard going. The topics are tough, but told in an A-Z way without too much need for thought, and I guessed most of the twists as the story proceeded.

An older man younger girl relationship was unfolding, while a will I/won't I dalliance beginning in high school for this same man was alluded to for the entire storyline. I think this was confusing and didn't make too much sense to me.

Local scenes were mentioned from Richmond to Dural and Castle Hill - The Towers got a mention,
so local Sydney readers will get a kick out of this.

I'd rate this more of a 2.5 star read, readers of the genre will appreciate this more.
Profile Image for Diana.
330 reviews60 followers
September 2, 2024
Darcy Daniel's ‘Deceivious’ is a compelling dark romance~taboo story with a bit of suspense. 🛑 Please review the trigger warnings before reading!

The story revolves around Carl, who returns to his hometown and reconnects with his high school crush, Jessica. He also develops a presumably simple relationship with her 15-year-old daughter, Rianna.

The story digs into the complex emotions and forbidden impulses that grow as Carl’s friendship with Rianna strengthens, providing the groundwork for a compelling and dynamic experience. The author takes the reader on a dramatic psychological journey that keeps them on the edge of their seat.

I thought the author did an excellent job of navigating the delicate themes. The story's unexpected plot twists caught me off guard, especially at the end. I also enjoyed the various points of view.

Thank you @lovebookstours and
@darcydanielauthor for allowing me to be part of this tour!
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,241 reviews77 followers
September 4, 2024
This is a dark taboo age gap romance, with elements of predatory behaviour, dubcon and grooming.
It follows Rianna and the crush she has on her mother's friend Carl. He gives her the care and attention she needs with her absent mother, and her crush develops into obsession. When she tries to pursue him and he rejects her she's hurt and begins to question her feelings.
After a chance meeting with Carl's boss Stephen and seeing their rivalry she decides to start a dangerous game, little does she know Stephen has his own dark agenda as he starts to groom her.
The plot exposes some dark secrets, a bitter rivalry, and a coming of age romance and exploring a first forbidden love. It was a page turner and I loved the dark twists and suspense.

🖤"The moment I locked eyes with him, I felt a deep connection"
🖤"I don't like Rianna's name coming out of that man's mouth. Not. One. Little. Bit"
🖤"She's my everything and I refuse to let that slime ball touch her, corrupt her. I need to make sure he keeps his filthy hands off her"
🖤"I think I might just keep her forever"
🖤"I would have given you everything, sunshine. Everything"
Profile Image for Trista ~ journaling_bookworm.
46 reviews10 followers
April 15, 2024
This captivating story is a blend of dark romance and suspense, delving into forbidden territories. Through the eyes of a predator, his prey, and a supposed protector, the story keeps you on the edge, constantly questioning the truth. Would everything fall into place by the end?

How it all comes together was well written and there are many parts that certainly can make you really think about what the concept of "legal age" means, and its real-world implications. Despite some cringe-worthy moments, the dark nature of the story was to be anticipated.

The book was certainly a page-turner, that I ended up staying awake late into the night once I hit the halfway mark - I just couldn't put it down!

I received this book as an advanced reader copy for free and have provided my review absolutely voluntarily. I also recommend checking trigger warnings before reading.
Profile Image for ReneeReads.
1,473 reviews123 followers
April 17, 2024
This book is not for the faint of heart, I'll say that. If you are into dark, taboo, age gap romance and men with predatory behavior, then this book will be right up your alley. I, for one, love these kinds of books so I thought it was great but please check trigger warnings before reading. The writing was done very well and the pages kept turning. I will definitely be adding Darcy Daniel to my must read list.

If you have read "All the Ugly and Wonderful Things" by Brynn Greenwood, this book feels similar but a bit darker.
Profile Image for Becky.
332 reviews33 followers
April 11, 2024
This book was crazy. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending but the bonus epilogue really threw me for a loop. Good, disturbing coming of age story.
Profile Image for TiffanyPReads.
172 reviews
February 21, 2025
This is not a drill—- check those TWs!!! There are many very uncomfortable moments in this story. Red flags flying.

This book is insane. I was dry heaving, gagging, cringing and saying ew ew ew the whole time. But yet, I couldn’t stop listening.

So many twists and turns. Had me second guessing so many things.

Gave it 4 stars bc I had a great time listening and finished it in 2 days!! Jonathan Waters and Francesca Peregrine really fit the characters. Jonathan playing both Protector and Predator sounded very different. His villainous “voice” helped me feel like the villain is actually a villain. Every now and then, their American accents slipped but I didn’t find it very distracting.

ALC
1,165 reviews27 followers
September 5, 2024
This is a deliciously dark, ADULT romance, absolutely not for the faint of heart.
There are trigger warnings galore, including rape, underage sex, drink spiking, violence, sexual violence, age gap, animal cruelty, and grooming. Be sure that this is the book for you before beginning.
I was hooked from the start. The author immediately drew me into the story and the characters, and I could barely put it down.
Told from the perspectives of Carl, Stephen, and Rianna, I love the multi-POV strategy, which allows you a much better insight into characters.
I'd have liked a little further around Rianna and her mum, particularly the rebuilding of their relationship over the year that's skipped ahead.
If you like your dark romance spicy, taboo, and jam-packed, this is for you.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,759 reviews139 followers
September 9, 2024
Oh wow!!

Only a couple of weeks ago, I read These Hands, by this author and loved the unique storyline.
This was such a different read, that I only realised it was the same author as I came to write my review and spotted that I already followed them!

So now, my head is totally blown trying to consider the differences between the two books!But that isn't really what you want to hear here.

So this book comes with a fair few content warnings and I would really recommend that you give those a read before diving into this one.

I'm usually ok with most things but I definitely had to keep reminding myself that our main female character here was only 15 - so underage for almost everything - but some of the behaviour and "action" had me forgetting this fact briefly.

Given Rianna's age, this does get a little uncomfortable at times - but this does tackle some really important issues that had me thinking about this way after I'd finished reading.

I love to be made to feel something whilst reading a book and that doesn't really matter if it's good or bad, so the shock factor of this storyline had me hooked and having to read on to find out what happens in the end.

This was well written and definitely not like anything I've read before - which I love.
I can't wait to see more form this author!
Profile Image for Morgan  Krips.
73 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2024
I had to keep reminding myself the age of consent is 16 in Australia. However after getting past the age gap since I am use to 18 is the age of consent I really got comfortable with the book.

FMC Mothers long lost best friend stepping in as a father figure years later after a reconnection. Rianna the FMC defiantly gives off the I have not had a male figure in my life vibes, and is doing everything in her power to gain the attention of her Mothers friend Carl. MMC Carl does everything in his power to escape her advances even becoming brutal with his words.

Along comes MMC boss Stephen to attempt to save the day and the FMC feelings. But does he? Or does he make matters worse?

The story contains alot of grooming and it was interesting to see the perspective of the bad guy. As well as a in depth look into the young FMC thought processes as this was all going on.

If you can get past the age gap this was a good read, I was engaged and wondering what was going to happen next. The ending left me wondering if I was happy or concerned, however I think that is what a good book does for someone it makes you think.

I will be on the look out for more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nessa’s Book Reviews.
1,443 reviews67 followers
May 8, 2024
Title: Deceivious by Darcy Daniel

Release Date: March, 31st, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Deceivious is a dark, taboo, romantic/suspense - please read Trigger Warnings.

When Carl Lockhart reconnects with Jessica, his high-school crush, he develops a friendly rapport with her 15 year old daughter, Rianna. However, their relationship takes an unexpected turn when Rianna kisses him, complicating their dynamic.
Despite initially rejecting Rianna's advances, Carl is forced to confront his true feelings when she suggests that his emotions for her extend beyond mere friendship.
Carl's boss, Stephen, holds a grudge against Carl and sees Rianna as a vulnerable target. He takes advantage of her craving for affection by systematically seducing her, using her to torment Carl and create division between them.

As Carl's fear of losing Rianna grows, he becomes more possessive. When Rianna sees Carl's aggression towards Stephen, she decides to make him jealous by spending time with Stephen. This decision sets off a dangerous chain of events that forces Carl and Stephen to confront their deepest secrets.

Rianna's dangerous game pushes Carl and Stephen to their limits, leading them to reveal their darkest secrets.

"Deceivious" by Darcy Daniel is a gripping tale that ventures into dark, taboo themes of age gap romance and predatory behavior. The narrative is compelling, keeping readers on edge, I most certainly could not put this down.

While the ending left me uncertain, the book undeniably captivated me with its page-turning plot, rife with obsession and deceit from various characters. From its twisted inception to its spiraling conclusion, this book delivered an intense and enthralling experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of dark, taboo and suspenseful storytelling.


Thank you to The Publisher Naomi Lamont, The Author Darcy Daniel & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
1,397 reviews22 followers
July 5, 2025
4.75⭐️
I had the audiobook in duet narration read by Johnathon Waters and Francesca Peregrine in duet narration. If you’ve not had the pleasure of duet it’s brilliant, definitely the pinocle of audiobooks. The voice for Carl is quite sexy, I felt the voice for Stephen very fitting for his cringy character. Honestly the duet narration experience makes it totally worth going for this book. However if you have triggers but want to try a duet then try These Hands ( same author)a beautiful and moving story with romance.

This is a dark domestic suspense with a taboo relationship alongside a bunch of trigger warnings, so do check them out. Dark is right up my street!
Ok so we have one 15 year old girl Rianna and two men more than twice her age, with very different characters and expectations. Carl is her mom Jess’s old crush who has reconnected as friends, the other is Stephen who is Carl’s monied entitled boss.

The characters are not all likeable!
Rianna is exploring her power over the opposite sex herself trying to be manipulative. Jess is an uncaring mother which leaves Rianna craving love and attention.
Carl comes across as a good guy who is conflicted by his feelings, Stephen well you’ll soon see what he is like! When he calls Rianna sunshine it made my skin crawl!

The combination of the duet narration and the storyline makes this a winner for me, it has some good twists, good pacing throughout which kept me engrossed. It isn’t as dark as I anticipated just pitched right for me, but do check the triggers as it might not be for everyone.
Profile Image for Maddi Wood.
175 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2024
I'm so...shocked? No, more like...disturbed? Yeah that has it be it.

I really still am not quite sure what I just read to be honest, but what?!?! I saw the reviews, and yes, I knew this was a dark romance, but the ending shocked me, truly. I would like to say that I saw it coming, but I didn't. After reading the bonus epilogue, I'm even more disturbed. I think that's why I couldn't rate this any higher.

So, about the plot. Honestly, the plot was giving, I can't lie. The book seemed to drag at the beginning, but about halfway in- talk about juicy. The two MMCs are disgusting, and not in a good way. Steph is... think of the people that Zade Meadows kills. Carl is probably worse, though. Ugh, I have such mixed feelings about this, but I will say, the ending made me question everything I read in this book. Finally, Rhianna, girl, you have issues. I have no other words for her.

I think that I liked this book, but I still feel like I have no idea what just happened. I will probably be thinking about this book for a while because what kind of world do these people live in. Jess is the only normal one, which is a crazy statement.

Thank you NetGalley and Naomi Lamont for the copy!
63 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2024
Please be sure to read the triggers on this book and remember that this takes place in Australia where the age of consent is 16!

I truly enjoyed this book. I would agree that it's not a romance but is definitely a book of obsession and deception - by nearly everyone involved. There are so many underhanded deceptions weaved throughout the book that you really can't find them all until they are upon you, making this book quite the rollercoaster. It swept me along and blew me away. One thing I really like about this type of book is that it hits on a realistic note - again a reason to read the triggers… People are not all good and nothing is truly a fairy tale no matter how much you want your life to be and no matter how much you want to believe that everyone has good intentions.

I strongly recommend downloading the bonus epilogue you can get from the author's site. It really gives you more and answers a question you might have in your mind.

A big thank you to the author for providing an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily in the hope that people can understand not only what they are getting into but to realize that if they aren't always looking for a fairy tale but delve into the reality of life, then this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Courtney Mullings.
156 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2024
I could NOT stop reading! Even from the beginning of the book, it was kind of slow (I think most books are) but I needed more! The different views of the book had me on my toes the whole time. The ending was absolutely MIND BLOWING 🤯

I’m not sure if I loved the book or not, but I know I could not stop reading! I LOVE a book that makes me need to stay up late just to finish/figure out what happened.

Not only was the end of the book mind blowing, but then if you read the bonus epilogue… ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! 👀👀
Like, I have so many questions! This book was twisted from the start but the ending was a freaking SPIRAL. I would 100% recommend this book to people who enjoy this type of read, it’s sick and twisted but keeps you engaged the whole time!

I did receive this book as an advanced reader copy for free and have provided my review completely voluntarily!
Profile Image for Teagan Brown.
137 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2024
I enjoyed this book and at times found it difficult to put down. For me as someone who loves a good trigger warning i found it took a bit too long to give me the thrill of the listed triggers and although many triggers are listed they arent all strongly represented in the book.

I wouldnt put this in the the romance catergory for me it is more suited to stalker/possession, however with the grooming of a child (16) it absolutely might be too much for some and I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings prior to reading. Also, remember the story is set in Australia, where the age of consent is 16.

Trigger warnings - predatory behaviour, possessive behaviour, explicit sex scenes, sexual assault, voyeurism, degradation, humiliation, violence, and graphic language.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
76 reviews
April 14, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down and by the end my head was spinning. Told from three points of view – a sixteen-year-old girl and the two men in their early 30s who are drawn to her. It’s set in Australia, where sixteen is the age of consent.

As creepy as it was to get inside the ‘bad guy’s’ head, it was also intriguing and really ramped up the tension. And I really felt like I was inside the head of a teenage girl with her innocent, romanticized thoughts, not realising the danger she was putting herself in.

There’s really two endings to this book. The one that’s included, and then there’s the bonus epilogue...HOLY MOLEY!
Profile Image for Angie.
33 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2024
Carl rekindles a friendship with a crush of his from his childhood. She has a 15 yr old daughter, Rianna, whom he quickly becomes close to. Rianna's feelings for Carl are growing. When she kisses him he rejects her, feeling like he shouldn't want her. Rianna finds comfort in Carl's boss instead. When she starts pitting them against each other, she doesn't realize what a dangerous game she's playing.

This is a great book! There are some trigger warnings: predatory/possessive behavior, explicit sex scenes, sexual assault and violence.

I received this ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
623 reviews9 followers
April 5, 2024
An Intriguing Tale
Even more so when you read the separate epilogue… Through the book the I-person changes, which gives you a different POV. The one I am missing is Jessica, the mother. It’s not a HEA book, even when love reigns all actions. A distorted love, at times, which made it difficult for me to become part of the story. In combination with anger anything can happen. The book delves deep into the various sides of the MC’s, psychological and emotional, making it realistic as well.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Megan.
136 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2024
I did not read the full description before committing to this book and wish I had. The trigger warnings are not strong enough as it contains CSA scenarios and themes throughout the book. That alone is a danger. Outside of that, the writing was very juvenile. The chapters switch from character to character, but each chapter stays in somewhat of a pre-teen tone - even for the adult characters. The character of the teen goes from child-like to femme fatale with a new pair of glasses so character development was lacking. The end is thrown together with a touch of potential incest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda Felton.
347 reviews19 followers
September 5, 2024
If you like dark fantasy and romance with also some plot then y'all need to go and get this book.
I really loved how this book had 3 different POV that's soo awesome to have in a book and with this particular book I was really excited to see how it played out.
In this story we follow Rianna who is wanted by 2 men in her life I mean I have a hard enough time with 1. I couldn't imagine more than that !!! This book was so so good. I couldn't put it down. I loved the dark aspect of this book but also the plot was so good and I was just so invested!! I need more from this author asap !!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
126 reviews
May 1, 2024
This was probably the most darkest twisted book I’ve read. I’d get frustrated with Rianna at times then feel sorry for her because of her upbringing. Then it started to make sense why she was the way she was. Her obsession with older men was a little concerning but in the end it was all an act. She was just as obsessed and the men chasing her, Stephen and Carl. The epilogue of the book will either make or break this book for you.

I received the ARC for free for an honest review.
335 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. Oh my goodness, what did I just read!! This book is absolutely full of triggers so be advised before reading it. I found it utterly disturbing but completely compelling at the same time. I literally could not put this book down and I read it in one sitting. So many plot twists that were brilliant! A truly dark story that will leave you lost for words. Highly recommended. 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for JRock_Reads.
67 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2024
This captivating book keeps you hooked with its surprising plot twists and unsettling undertones. Despite the disturbing themes of abuse and complex character dynamics, especially in Jess's troubled relationship with her daughter, the story remains engaging. The conclusion is both unpredictable and leaves room for reflection, leaving readers pondering its implications. If you enjoy dark and intense thrillers, this book may pique your interest, but can get graphic.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews139 followers
September 11, 2024
Deceivious by Darcy Daniel.
I did enjoy this book.  I loved the cover. Gorgeous. This is a very dark book and comes with a long list of trigger warnings. I read in two sittings. I did like Rianna. I really didn't like Stephen from the start. I did like all three povs. I got to feel the emotions coming from the book. Everytime Stephen came I really wanted to jump in and slap him. Omg. I certainly didn't see that coming. Jaw dropping. Wow.
16.7k reviews155 followers
April 7, 2024
He is happy in his relationship with her when her daughter kisses him. He pushes her away even though he liked it. There will be a contest of wills when the daughter targets his boss to make him jealous. They both have dark desires which may just be found out. What will happen? How will it all go? See where this tale will take you
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
127 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2024
Please read all trigger warnings before reading this book. This book definitely touches on some dark topics along with the ever-controversial "age of consent makes it ok" topic. It gets a bit icky at times but that's to be expected given the themes in this book but was an enjoyable read in the end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lauren Flewett.
493 reviews15 followers
September 6, 2024
If you like a dark romance with twists, deceit and a few trigger warnings then this is the book for you!

One character in particular was very disconcerting and their behaviour certainly had me cringing.

The author writes from multiple points of view giving you the story from different characters perspectives.

A great read which I recommend.
Profile Image for Madison Isley.
106 reviews
April 20, 2024
I figured I would love this book, but I never expected to love it this much! I’m a multiple POV and short chapter girlie and this hit the spot. You can’t decide which character you hate most, and the ending is crazy! This is a dark and twisted story, so plz read the trigger warnings!
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,428 reviews30 followers
April 26, 2024
read the trigger warnings ⚠️. This is a dark romance that held my interest all the way through. It’s the story of three individuals…Carl, Stephen and Rianna. It’s a story of deceit, drama, suspense and spice. There were twists I didn’t see coming. I totally enjoyed this book.
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