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New York City Syndicate #1

Deadly Deceit: A Rivals to Lovers Mafia Romance

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Delancy

Most people have normal, boring jobs. Not me.

I kill for a living.

I’m a hitman for the Queensboro Mob, and I’m on a path of vengeance, vowing to destroy my rival, the leader of the Empire mafia and the most powerful man in New York City.

But I find myself distracted by my beautiful neighbor.

I hate her.
I want her.
I’ve become obsessed with her.

I want to know everything about her.
Then I want to make her mine.

Noah

Being a mafia princess means eyes are always on me. It makes hiding my secrets difficult.

But they must stay hidden.
No matter what.
No distractions allowed.

I find myself distracted by my neighbor though.

He’s sexy.
He’s annoying.
I can’t stand him.

Yet there’s something about him that pulls me in.

Maybe it’s the way his gaze lingers on my body.
Or the secrets in his dark eyes.
But whatever it is, I’m determined to find out.

Deadly Deceit is the first book in a standalone duet. It's a dark cozy romance meaning the romance is sweet... but the story includes dark themes.

In this book you will find killing for pay, murder, the death of a parent, violence (stabbing, shooting, physical violence), mentions of child abuse, mentions of rape, suicidal thoughts, stalking, torture (not between main characters), blood play, profanity, graphic sex including pegging, anal play, degradation, slapping (during sex), praise, voyeurism, and a MFM scene.

If you have a specific trigger, please reach out to the author.

406 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2024

140 people are currently reading
774 people want to read

About the author

Settle Myer

15 books127 followers
Settle Myer lives in New York City with her cats Zombie, Michonne, and Birdie. She's currently a TV news writer who hopes to one day leave a world of death, disaster, and politics for a world of creativity and adventures. She loves all things zombies, cats, karaoke, and tattoos. But not necessarily in that order.

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5 stars
120 (34%)
4 stars
112 (32%)
3 stars
73 (20%)
2 stars
23 (6%)
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20 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Shelby Eileen.
57 reviews12 followers
May 18, 2024
It's been a minute since I finished this book last month but i'm finally here for a lil review!

This is my second Settle Myer book and it is a marked improvement from the first one I tried out and DNF'd because I just wasn't meshing with the author the first time around. I love to see improvement and am hopeful I'll keep reading their books and enjoying more in the future! I thought Deadly Deceit was really fun (those mafia romance shenanigans), really silly (unsure if it was supposed to be :///), very hot (incredible fat rep), and ultimately super romantic (I WILL ALWAYS BE SWEET FOR CARETAKING DURING A PERIOD AND ACTUAL TOUCH HER AND DIE).

I thought the book was well-paced and character-driven, which are both important to me to love a book. However, in a book that was also very action-packed, I would have liked more plot development and backstory of the whole mafia setup. Some things just seemed so out of pocket and TOOO silly. And I don't want to discredit the book by saying ~it's just a silly book and that's ok~ cause honestly, this was ok, but I know it could have been better/great.

I AMMMM pretty excited to read the next NYC Syndicate book featuring Delancey's brother and Noah's bestie... that's going to double the fun I feel. It will have 2 plus-size MCs EEEEPPP <333 I think if ur prioritizing VIBES, then you should definitely read this, you will have a wild good time and you'll get a good pegging scene. Kind of all you need.

Thank you to the Author for providing the ARC that this review is based on.
Profile Image for Chaos.
3,546 reviews115 followers
August 20, 2025
Man this book was funny! Mostly because of the back and forth between Del and Noah. Who they both ended up being was the best thing ever. Crazy coincidence but also insane! I love this story. But it was so sad in some places. What happened to both of their mothers is heartbreaking and makes me so angry!! I cant believe the betrayal they both had to deal with. I really liked this story because it was a bit different than most mafia stories and it ended well too. Im not sure if im curious enough to read Elias' and Sage's story but I may later on.
Profile Image for Bianca Ariel (Rhysand's Edition).
137 reviews7 followers
May 4, 2024
I would apologize that it took me so long to read this book, but finishing it now, it felt like it took just the right amount of time.

He was a contract killer who was out for revenge for his mother's murder, he thinks he knows who, but why? And how will his growing feelings for the bright-haired bombshell next door fit into his revenge?
She just wanted to be out from under her father's gaze, making her way in the world while helping kill off those who made it a more evil place to live in. However, as she runs into her neighbor more and more, she realizes he looks better and better each time she sees him, but why is he so secretive?
Both came with baggage and dark presents and pasts, but they didn't try to hide their messes from each other and I feel that was important.

I loved this book from beginning to end and felt it captured my attention firmly!
Delancy and Noah have to be one of my favorite powerful couples from a book series I have read! The banter between these characters was amazing and was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also really liked how the characters developed over the book. They never turned on each other but let their relationship form organically.

I like that there was a clear plot woven into the story of this book and that the villains, spice, and plot weren't forced. The spice and the violence from Noah and Delanncy were the best parts of this book too. I loved how unhinged they would be, especially around each other and for each other!

I was lucky enough to read this book in advance as an ARC, but everyone should read this book! It is well worth it!
Profile Image for Jenna Turple.
229 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2024
I think you can figure out my opinion based on how long it took me to read….
Profile Image for Samantha.
28 reviews
July 8, 2024
I had so much fun reading this. I needed something fun and markedly mortal to break up these heavy fantasy reads I was in the middle of and this gave me what I was looking for. Noah and Delancy have a satisfying enemies to lovers dynamic and an “anything goes” vibe to their spice which I appreciated. The overall mob storyline was fine, the big reveal felt a little predictable to me but the characters that brought this story to life were worth the read. I’ll definitely be going back to finish the duet next year!
Profile Image for Rae.
29 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2024
Three stars for me does not mean it was a bad read, it just wasn’t a favorite or something I’d read repeatedly. Would I recommend it? Yes.

I enjoyed the nicknames the main characters gave each other. They felt very unique to me and out of the normal “Princess” style pet names.

Overall the book was good and the spice was good but for me I did not find myself getting attached to the characters like I do in a favorite read.

I also felt like while the story line was interesting, it was also kinda a let down. Like I was expecting some more of a plot twist as to why the things that happened - happened.
649 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2024
This started strong then dragged for the last third.

I loved Noah she was strong, curvy and confident I loved that she was a hit person ( saw that coming) and she could fight.

Delancy was ok he took a while to warm up his character was confusing as he seemed up tight but then it mentioned he was chilled.

The whole who killed the wife’s and children story dragged on and got a bit convoluted and dull.
Profile Image for Kimerys Bookmarks.
184 reviews9 followers
April 22, 2024
This is my first time reading a book by Settle Myer and let’s just say it won’t be my last!! Deadly Deceit was absolutely amazing! A slow burn, but worth the wait, dark Mafia romance with a plus-size FMC, who loves to dye her hair depending on her outfit, and a stalker motorcycle riding MMC, who loves corgis.

Noah is running/hiding from her past and Delancy is trying to figure out who ruined his life. Noah moved in next to Delancy and they would both irritate each other, intentionally!

Both are attracted to each other but they dance around the attraction in their own way. Delancy slips in and out of Noah’s apartment. While Noah teases and tempts Delancy whenever she can.

Common ground is found several different ways, but I’m not telling you what it is!!! You will have to read Deadly Deceit to find out. No spoilers from me. 🗽🗡️🖤

Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“I hate his mesmerizing blue eyes and how . . .hot he looked just now in his gray sweats and no shirt because he’s about to go for a run even though it’s forty degrees outside.”

“But I don’t care. I don’t. Not about Del or his hot body. Ok fine. That’s a lie. I want to . . . him more than I want the coffee I’m about to brew—”

“My fake orgasms are Oscar-worthy.”

“Noah, you naughty little vixen. This book is porn on pages. I didn’t know that was a thing.”

“I hate being heir to the Empire Mafia—a job I’ve told my father several times that I don’t want—but he will do whatever it takes to make sure his legacy lives on.”

“Even if that woman ignites the very spark of life that’s been dead for twenty years. She’s making me want to live again. And I hate her for it.”

“I read a little bit of everything: mystery, thrillers, horror, non-fiction, and
now romance after stealing Noah's smut book.”

“You’re going to make me crash,” he growls. “Then you better hold on tight,” I yell back.”

“I really am lucky he didn’t kill me. Sex might have just saved my life.”

“Tell me what you need from me.” My face drops because I’ve never had anyone offer to take care of me.”

“I toss her on the bed and the tray full of my breakfast rattles. I swipe it out of the way, and it clatters onto the floor below.”

“A corgi running around the front yard—I’ve always wanted a dog and corgis are so damn cute.”

“Yes. I do love you, Rainbow Bright,” I begin. “I love you so much it scares me.”

“You’re important. I want to explore the things that give you pleasure. I want our sex life to be fun and adventurous because that’s who we both are, right?” I nod. Can’t argue with that.”

“A butterfly perches on my shoulder. That’s strange. It’s winter. We just had snow the other day. Butterflies are dormant during cold months. However, today is warmer.”
Profile Image for Hannah Reads a lot of Smut.
474 reviews
May 30, 2024
This was an okay read. 🙂🙂There were times that I was enthralled and others that I had to skim. Overall though this was an enjoyable story with tons of banter, laughter, and body positivity 💁🏻‍♀️

Delancy and Noah are each mafia children who lost their mothers far too young. 😩 They each grew up to become assassins, completely and thoroughly unhinged. 😈They meet as neighbors, enemies who are obsessed with the other. Although Del is the true stalker 😂

The first time they smash Del stabs Noah while they’re kissing 🔪🩸 the true story begins to appear afterwards. Del and Noah realize who one another parents are and just how much suffering the “Empire” crime syndicate has caused 😩 the story follows the mayhem of attempting to solve their parents murders, falling in love, and working to take down the Empire from within. 👏🏼

What I liked:
Dark romance 🖤
Heroine that kicks ass 💪🏼
Mafia/crime syndicate
Set up for next book with Sage and Elias
Body positivity
Thicker than a snicker heroine
Sex positive (hand necklaces, BDSM, pegging, anal)
Witty banter 😝
Plenty of side characters
Dual pov

What I didn’t like:
Pacing was off. Some times it was fast 🏎️ and other times it was stupid slow 🐌
I liked Noah at times and at other points she didn’t seem as invested in the relationship as Del. I’m all for RH and poly in my books but it was clear Del didn’t want that. Noah pushed it throughout the book 🙄 it just felt like she didn’t respect his boundaries. She also sleeps with a ton of people in the beginning. I don’t like OM/OW right off the gate. 😬
There’s an OW scene. It’s before they’re together but I don’t love it 🙃
There’s a LOT of violence between the couple. I like my romances dark but I don’t like when the violence between the couple is constant while also saying how much they love one another 😬 pick a lane please. 😐😐😐

I truly hate when I look for spoilers and never get them so these are all the things I wondered about prior to reading.

‼️‼️SPOILERS‼️‼️

The OM threesome scene. It’s with one of Noah’s dad’s guards, Matt. He walks in on Del and Noah going at it 🥵 and Noah invites him in. Del is not into it (because he’s a possessive boy 💁🏻‍♀️) but Noah gets her way. There are no swords crossed ⚔️Del gets into it and once they’re done he stabs Matt in the leg and Noah punches him out 😬

The OW scene is when Del’s trying to make Noah jealous. He gets head in the car ride back home from said woman. 😑

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ☙ Iris ❧.
125 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2025
like a 2.5/5 ⭐

stuff I love:
- dominant fmc (in life and in bed)
- mafia queen fmc
- pegging
- plus size fmc
- bi mmc and fmc
- a group scene
- fake relationship

so you'd THINK that would be the perfect book for me, given that it has all of these, right???
too bad it sucked :(
I can't even put my finger on why, exactly? the plot was boring and stupid, the characters were stupid, it all felt like a bunch of poorly researched cliches stuck together. it felt cheap, like the author had a checklist of tropes and smashed them all together, whatever sticks. I can't even count haw many basic ass cliche tropes were in here.
plus the story and the pacing made literally zero sense?? like no way actual adult people behave like that, especially when they are supposed to be super rich cunning crime bosses. and like I said the pacing was SO off, they probably spent like three months "hating each other" (a notion that was completely forgotten by the second chapter), because they're actually super horny for each other. than he broke into and robbed her place (which she didn't notice, how could you miss that?) and then he catches her mid murder, where they fuck and then fell in love a week later. oh, and then after that week they decided to fake and engagement (for, again, no godamn reason) and then got engaged for real?? Al the while stabbing and shooting and being stabbed and shot literally EVERY OTHER EPISODE.

AND THE SMUT WASN'T EVEN THAT GOOD??? minus the pegging which was yummy🥰
plus a lot of pretty "major" """"plot points"""" were told to us in a "so yesterday that happened" way (which is super lazy and I hate)
and the "big final plot twist reveal"- boring, obvious, very badly written, I skimmed. that's NOT WHAT YOU WANT for the moment thats SUPPOSED to make you go oohhhh ahhhh

anyway
I pray for an actually good book with bi, plus size mafia characters.
as per usual.
🥲
Profile Image for shays reads.
34 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2024
Delancy is the dangerous “Marionette”, the Queensboro Mafia’s hitman, who vows to kills his rivals and enemies. Delancy is seeking revenge for his mother’s death 20 years ago, but is distracted by his new obsession: his beautiful neighbour, Noah. He wants to know everything about her and claim her as his own.
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Noah is a mafia princess, her dad is a Magia Don who hopes she will one-day take over the mafia as his only heir. It makes her job, a contract killer, and keeping secrets difficult because she constantly has eyes on her. Yet, her neighbour, Delancy, has her distracted, despite her bringing home one-night stands to make him jealous. She can’t stand him, but he’s so beautiful that she wants to know all of his secrets.
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Mentions: extreme violence, murder, death of a parent, child abuse, r*pe, stalking, human trafficking, drug use, blood play, voyeurism.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is for mature audiences, 18+ due to the amount of graphic detail provided.
This book was phenomenal! It had romantic comedy elements, while also giving into dark romance.
“The Law of Attraction” by Lauren Carter had a baby with “Twisted Love” by Ana Huang. The romance element was the main theme of the book, and the sex scenes were a bonus (and so detailed 🥵)
I loved both Delancy and Noah, and the relationship they build over the course of the book. I shipped them SO HARD and was so happy that they finally got together ❤️.
I loved the fact the author had illustrations at the beginning of the chapter to show who’s point of view you would be reading from. Settle Myer also provides the name at the top of the page, but the illustration was a nice touch that I don’t see featured often in other books, but would love to see more of!
Sequel will be coming out in 2025, and I am SO looking forward to reading the next part of this journey!

Profile Image for mels ♡.
92 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2024
genre: dark romance 🫀
overall rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
spice level: 3.5/5 🌶️🌶️
*CHECK TWs*

— review

this book was my first introduction to Settle Myer and i really guarantee it won’t be my last! (so many books on my TBR currently!)

this book brought out a level of unhinge i didn’t know i needed. seriously, despite it being a dark, mafia, enemies-to-lovers romance, it was impossible NOT to find the humor/banter between both of these characters.

moments where we’re taken back to the real world of the story with themes of violence/blood/death in the book, it really does set the tone for just how dangerous and criminal both of these MCs are, which i genuinely give props to the author for encouraging because most of the time i hate to see the characters completely switch in the blink of an eye.

Delancy and Noah compliment each other so well and they were both so equally down-bad for each other. it was really refreshing to see a female character, let alone a plus-sized female character, be so carefree, wild, badass, and unapologetically herself in every way. reading her inner dialogue and how she percieved herself was just incredible and Delancy’s equal drool-worthy attention to her was the cherry on top for me! he loved her fiercely and definitely wasn’t afraid of admitting to his stalker-ish ways to her (stealing photos of her? because he liked how she looked in them????? and sneaking her romance book?????? but daddy i love him?????)

i loved how awkward and humorous Del was despite being the most diabolical contract killer on the market. i have too many notes on my Kindle where i called him “the most unserious” and i mean that as a compliment.

there was a good combination of dark, sultry, steamy, dirty (fat emphasize on this) and sweet, obsessive, protective, and intensity all wrapped in this book! so if you’re into that, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Robyn.
192 reviews18 followers
April 13, 2024
Trust me, just buy this book.
Think neighbors with a lot of sexual tension that comes out has hate but make them rival hitmen than come from rival mafia families. Stabbing, punching, shooting, sex and then stabbing, punching, shooting with sex. Add a suspenseful plot and believe me, you won't want to set this book down. And Noah, the plus-size FMC is not just the girl who says she can take care of herself but lets her man take care of her, hell no. She's the bad ass that gets herself out of sticky situations and can definitely gain the upper hand on her man.
I loved this, I need more characters like Noah. Women are often villafied for the same things men are glorified for. Don't get me wrong the things she does in this book are horrible, but its a book, and as much as we like our morally grey men, I love morally grey women in books and need more of them. Women are strong, and Noah definitely proves that.
If you like mafia romances and morally grey heroes just read this, it's perfect.

*Side note: I also love fat men and can't wait to read book 2 of the New York city syndicate. With the little glimpses we got through book 1 it's going to be one to keep an eye out for.
258 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2024
I'll start by saying that this is an arc review and this author is one of the few who can get me to read human romance when it's not my preferred genre.
This is a mafia romance that begins as a hate/hate relationship between neighbors.
Both secret heirs to opposing mafia families. Both only wanting revenge for the murder of their respective mothers.
This had some suspense and fun twist and turns.

The smut is a bit darker than I usually like. Because of that it's a 4 stars for me. I knew that I was going in not being the perfect target audience.
Do check the trigger warnings, these 2 have a long list of kinks and while a few weren't my thing I still enjoyed their dynamics.
It wasn't disturbing or out of place for both characters, so if you like darker themes you'll love it. We are talking about 2 serial killers after all.

Noah thoroughly enjoyed it though so good for her! She was so confident in her own body and in what she wants and needs. Never afraid to speak up and demand.

If you like a bad ass confident plus size fmc, great banter and lots of stabbing this book is for you!
Profile Image for Alexis Rios.
36 reviews
April 19, 2024
Contract killer with a dark past meets his match when a plus size Vixen moves in next door with secrets of her own.

It was so GREAT! I LOVED this rival to lovers story and that it was so much more than I thought I was getting. Im in love with Noah, a badass plus size secret mafia princess and Delaney, a super hot and dangerous hit man, but was even better was that it didn’t just stop there! There are so many great tropes in the book and the author KILLED it with this story line and her writing and character development. I’m loved their banter and the I don’t give a s**t, im gonna do what I want vibe from Noah! And Delancey vibe is I want to kill you but I also want to make you mine. It has everything anyone would want in a book like a badass FMC and MMC, drama, action, banter, spice, laughter, sarcasm, deep moment and I can go on and on lol. This book was just everything it made me get pissed off, cry, laugh, shocked, happy, and I even had to check my self and remember not to make faces/change color or say something out loud while reading it public. That’s how good it was that I got lost in the story and forgot reality. I can’t wait for the second book in the series.
Profile Image for Briana Love.
37 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2024
A mix of utterly unhinged and deliciously sweet. Noah and Delancy are made for each other in all the best and worst ways. It’s hard not to love the love that these two psychopaths share.

I’m a sucker for a plus-sized FMC and Noah is such a badass with her secret job and her jiu-jitsu skills. Noah and Delancy have a bit of an interesting start between his stalking/obsession to a rivals-to-lovers situation but they are a perfect match for one another. The storyline drew me in right away and the mystery of their mothers' murders had me up reading later than I should have been.

I did find some aspects of the book to be a little repetitive for my taste and I was not a fan of a certain part towards the end that essentially gave away the twist at the very end. I’m not sure if it was meant to be foreshadowing or if the author intended to give it away but it ruined the ending for me unfortunately.

It was a fun read and I loved the two main characters, I will always have a soft spot for an FMC like Noah. If you're a fan of a cute romance with some dark themes then this is for you!
Profile Image for Sabrina.
694 reviews17 followers
April 26, 2024
4.25-4.5 ⭐

Deadly Deceit is out NOW! The first book in a standalone duet (both of the books in the duet are standalones) Thanks to Settle for the eARC of this book!

Tropes
🔫rivals-to-lovers (they're both hitmen)
🕵🏼‍♀️mafia
🔫plus-sizes fmc
🕵🏼‍♀️forced proximity
🔫fake engagement

This was my first book by Settle, but definitely not my last! Delancy and Noah are both notorious hitmen for hire, both famous in their own rights in the underground work....and both hating that the other exists. When they are forced to work together to defeating the corrupt mafia folk that are in their city, it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong...right?

My favorite part about this book was the banter between Delancy and Noah. *chef's kiss* It really helped to round out the plot and give some comic relief for some of the more difficult subthemes that were present in the book. While the plot twist was predictable, I enjoyed the build up to it and the ultimate aftermath of the story. And of course glad that they got their HEA :) Now to patiently wait for book two.
Profile Image for Michelle Owen.
147 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2024
Never thought I would see myself enjoying Mafia romance but here we are. This was my first ever book by author Settle Myer an have to say that I do not think it will be my last.
What was not to like about this slow burn, (don't worry it is worth the wait) Mafia romance that has a (Thank you so much) Plus-size FMC (who is confident and badass I might add) and a MMC that is a motorcycle riding, dark and brooding contract killer who is also bit stalkerish.
I admit, this is not my preferred genre, but this author had me from the get-go. I also am not really into darker smut. So, for me this was not my cup of tea, but for several readers that I know that are truly into this trope, you will not be disappointed. Please do check the trigger warnings prior to reading as I said this may not be everyone's cup of tea.
There is great banter between both main characters (I am such a sucker for greatly written banter and this book has it) as this does start as a hate/hate relationship. Mystery, Suspense, Revenge, stabbings (a lot), twists and turns. It kept me very engaged.
This was an advanced readers copy, and this is my voluntary review. Thank you for the opportunity.
Profile Image for Kascha.
111 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2024
Ferocious and steamy mafia romance must-read!

Imagine a modern-day, sexier Romeo and Juliet but in rival New York mafia families. MMC Delancy is dark, brooding, and hates/obsesses over his neighbor, Noah, in this dual POV. FMC Noah is peppy, plus-size, and a literal colorful opposition to Delancy in every way except one… She’s a total badass. She can get herself in and out of the deadliest situations, whether it’s torture, stabbing, or shooting. And she just met her match in the midst of uncovering a twenty-year-old mafia secret.

I loved the action-romance mix. And I’m a sucker for the good banter. Noah is a beacon of confidence for curvy women everywhere. She isn’t afraid to take control of any situation, nor opposed to letting her man take the reins. Even with the darker side of Noah, I hope to see more characters like her in books in the future.

I recommend this book – especially if you like: morally grey characters, bisexual characters, intense sexual chemistry, threesomes, and an actual plot line. Can’t wait for book two!
19 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2024
Received an ARC of this book and I was so excited I read it in 2 sittings. And that's only because I started it at like 1 in the morning and had to wait to finish it the next day. OMG!! I loved this book!! So spicy and just fabulous! The fact that a plus-size FMC, Noah, is a contract killer and so open with her sexuality and not afraid to be comfortable in her body, is just so AMAZING. Low key, I wanna be just like her, you know, minus the killer part, sort of.... Think Butcher and Blackbird without the hilariously disgusting ice cream scene. The way that they bonded over experiencing the same sort of tragedy helped with their connection and their fierce protectiveness of each other was great to read. Loved loved loved all the nicknames back and forth and I can't wait for the next book in the series cause Del's brother is just as obsessed, if not more, with his love interest's body!! The suspense left me coming back for more. I had to know what happened and was not disappointed. Keep up the good work Settle! I love your books!!!
Profile Image for Amanda Wakefield .
145 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2024
Plus Size FMC with Purple hair??? SAY LESS!! I mean just look at my profile picture and tell me that this book was not right up my alley! Immediately yes - and I was not disappointed. This is my first book by Settle and I am hooked. I know that this series is darker than her usual - BUT OMG SHE NAILED IT!!

Delancey is morally grey, a mafia hitman, and obsessed with his neighbor Noah. Noah embraces and loves her body, is pansexual and fully embraces her sexuality & sensuality and that she loves to change her hair color. A girl after my own heart! She's shining so bright Delancey nicknamed her Rainbow Bright.

This was an action packed romance - the two work together to solve the mystery of each of their mothers murders and there are some fun relevations along the way.

If you are a fan of the Alliance Series by SJ Tilly - this one gives similar vibes! ADD IT TO YOUR LIST NOW - I am already excited to read Book 2 - featuring a PLUS SIZE MAN!!! YES!!! I cannot wait to read about a Big Boy!!
Profile Image for Virginie.
332 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2024
I don’t think I’ve ever read a dark cozy romance before, and that description is perfect for this book.

I really enjoyed this novel. After a few recent disappointments with dark romance, I was beginning to think I’d grown tired of the genre, but the answer is no, I just needed to find a book that spoke to me, that I liked, and that was the case with Deadly Deceit by Settle Myer.

Delancy and Noah are supposed to be two neighbours with nothing in common. However, they have both experienced tragic things in their respective pasts that bring them much closer together than they could ever imagine.

I loved the way their story was built up, this insta-lust that they can’t ignore even though they supposedly can’t stand each other… The banter between them is honestly one of my favourite parts of the book. Their story is impassioned and captivating.

I also liked the mystery that had to be solved in this book.

While mafia romance books are often a miss for me, that wasn’t the case here.

I can’t wait to discover the second book in this standalone duet.
Profile Image for Rayya O'Reilly.
18 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
This was my first book by this author, and I loved it! I've been in a huge slump recently and started so many books, but none have grabbed my attention (through no fault of the authors, they're great books - my headspace just wasn't right). But I stumbled upon the fan art for Del and Noah on Instagram and fell in love. She looked beautiful, fierce, wild and a whole lot of fun and I wasn't disappointed when I met her. She was what I needed in a fmc at the moment. The MMC was possessive. He was most definitely enforcing the touch her and die vibes, but he just made it.. fun😂 The banter in this book was so good, and there were many times that I giggled out loud. They're unhinged, but it's all in good fun, its a light, funny spicy read - with dark situations but without the heaviness. I can't wait for book 2 and to delve into Sage and Elias. I'm also going to try out a different series by the same author. I'm glad I stumbled across this! 🖤
Profile Image for Suzi Vee.
349 reviews14 followers
April 14, 2024
When i first heard of book, i knew that I needed it desperately. I love Settles work, which is normally on the lighter side. This is definitely darker than what we have come to expect from her and biiissshhhh i loved every dark and dirty second of it.

Del is everything you want in a dark af morally dark gray book boyfriend. Unhinged, schmurdery, stalkery and the mouth on him?! Lawwwed, Settle this mannnnnnnn!

And Noah, i would lock that bish down asap. Am i in love? Yes. 10000000% noah is a badass bish and she does not need a hero bc she can take care of herself.

Del and Noahs chemistry was just 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 every moment between them was explosive af.

There were some surprises that i didnt see coming which i love. The ending? 10/10

I love love love!

Ps. @settlemyerauthor i am on my knees begging for the queen and the boss getting their own book 🖤
Profile Image for Lily Bishop.
17 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2024
3.5 STARS!

This book starts with a hell of an exciting introduction, catching my attention quickly. The first few chapters are filled with background character information (connecting yourself to characters), and the banter between the two MCs is amusing and not what you'd typically find in a mafia-type romance. It's honestly a nice change of pace. Now I can't tell if the book is fast-paced or if I just read it too fast as I finished it in 2 days. The betrayal, the twist, the emotional angst, the book itself, really. Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars due to some slow parts, but again it's nice to see the rare character description being used.

Once again, thank you so much, @Settle Myer, for the opportunity!!!
Profile Image for Curvy Girls Read Romance.
596 reviews69 followers
April 15, 2024
Holy wow!

This was a dark romance with a confident, kick ass heroine and a traumatized cinnamon roll of a hero. (Much to his own surprise). Delancy and Noah are neighbors both irritated by and drawn to one another. They're also rival contract killers. Both set on finding and killing the men who murdered their mothers, the two bond and have some insanely hot and crazy sex.

The PCOS rep and care Del shows Noah during her period were perfection. It’s also so nice to see a heroine who confidently asserts her desire to remain child free and not be judged for it.

I really enjoyed Myer's writing and the depth and draw of her characters. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. Elias and Sage were awesome supporting characters who left us wanting more for their book.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for review. Thank you, Settle Myer!
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,095 reviews36 followers
April 15, 2024
4.5 Stars

What happens when your world is turned upside down while you are a child and you lose your mother and are practically erased from history?

You become a contract killer looking for the truth.

What do you do when suddenly a new girl moves in next door and suddenly she becomes an obsession. What is it about Rainbow bright that you find so absolutely fascinating?

Can she be your weakness or your strength? Can she help you find the pieces you have lost? Can she help you find the truth? Why would she even care to do any of these things?

Follow as these 2 meet and realize what it is that drew them together.

This was such a fun read and the twists and turns were a lot of fun. There were some fun twists and turns that I didn't expect.
Profile Image for Drishika Bikraj.
99 reviews
April 24, 2024
Delancy is a morally grey hitman for the Queensboro Mob. Noah is the secret heir to the Empire Mafia. When badass Noah moves in next to Delancy, they become obsessed with each other. When secrets are revealed, it turns out they have more in common than they thought. They both want revenge for the murder of their mothers and will do anything to get it.
I really loved Noah, the plus size FMC, and her ‘do what I want’ attitude. I love that she embraces her body and her sexuality. I also loved Del and his protectiveness even though she could take him down without help. The way he worshipped every inch of her was an amazing mix of sweet and spicy. The banter was funny and add in their sexual chemistry, they’re a perfect match, in their own unhinged way.
Profile Image for GoodLittleLibraryMouse.
183 reviews11 followers
July 13, 2025
I didn't think I'd like a dark cozy (because who'd even heard of that before?), but honestly that's the perfect description for Deadly Deceit. This story has all the fun elements of a dark mafia romance - rival outfits, violence, twists and betrayals - balanced with a sweet romance between two people who couldn't be more perfect for each other.
Settle Myer knows how to write confident Fat FMCs - to the Olivia Dade, Amy Award, and SJ Tilly level - which only makes me fall for Noah even more. Plus, her pop culture references are spot on (and clearly we're from the same gen so I felt seen).
Lastly, I absolutely love the dynamic between Laptop and his Skittles - their darkness fits each other.

Profile Image for Hollie.
782 reviews37 followers
April 26, 2024
This was dark and twisted. Noah is honestly such a bad ass fmc, she isn’t afraid of much and she knows exactly what she wants and she goes for it. Delancy is a bit of a mystery but still fiercely protective. What starts out as two neighbors who can’t stand eachother turns into something so much bigger and darker. They bicker and banter constantly and it only adds to their feelings for one another. Their story definitely kept me on the edge of my seat as we continued to find out information on both of their stories. They quickly learned they have more in common than they know, and quickly have to figure out what they really want.
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