Deceit: A Hollows Bay Novel

by E.K. Hunter

Sofia

Four years ago, my path crossed with Miles Wolfe.

I lied to him.

Deceived him.

By a cruel twist of fate, we met again. Only this time, he became my husband.

I was used to being the girl that no one saw, yet his coldness toward me? It hurt more than I wanted to admit.

Because, as much as he hated me, I never stopped wanting him…

Miles

Four years ago, Sofia Bianchi walked into my life.

She stole my heart and broke it in the same night.

I thought I would never have to see her again until fate stepped in and made her my wife.

I couldn’t stand her, not because she was the daughter of my enemy, or for the lies she told.

The truth was much deeper…

*Deceit can be read as a standalone, but to avoid major spoilers, it is strongly advised to read the Hollows Bay Trilogy first*

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

Reviews

[Camii · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Eres mi mundo. Mientras me quieras, estaré en lo bueno y malo como protector, defensor, amigo, marido"

Leí super rápido este libro porque realmente me engancho desde el primer momento y además al no tener tanto drama fue ligero.

La relación de Miles y Sofía desde el principio fue muy tensa porque el realmente sentía mucho rechazo por ella por como quedaron las cosas años atrás después de su primer encuentro, lo mas raro de todo esto fue que Sofia no entendía el porque de su rechazo es mas cuando le dijieron que iban a casarse tenía la esperanza de tener un matrimonio feliz porque ella sentía atracción por el y lo único que recibió a cambio de su nuevo marido fue rechazos y desprecios 😭.

Yo realmente quise entender a Miles y las razones que tenía para no desear y amar a Sofía pero era tan incomprensible a la vez porque ella no tenía la culpa de que su mejor amigo tuviera sentimientos por ella y que se haya armado un cuento de hadas en su cabeza. Además ellos tuvieron una conexión instantánea cuando cruzaron miradas, sin contar que vivía atormentado por la culpa que solito se "invento" siento que era mas culpa por no haber podido salvar a su amigo y eso le carcomía la conciencia y en el fondo creía que no merecía ser feliz si el estaba muerto.

La química entre ellos estaba y me encanto que Sofía se pusiera firme y lo sacara de sus casillas para que pudiera verla como su mujer y dejara de alejarse de ella como lo hacía (me hubiera gustado que ella vaya a terapia después de lo que hizo en el búnker) y me gusto que al final se respetara la decisión que tomaron los protagonistas de no tener hijos ♥️

(El final me dejo con ganas de MÁS)

[Cassandra Courchesne · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.K. Hunter has done it again — she’s delivered another dark, addictive, and emotionally charged masterpiece that completely consumed me from start to finish.

Sofia Bianchi and Miles Wolfe are two souls bound by lies, betrayal, and a fate neither of them asked for. What started years ago with deceit turns into a tangled web of love, hate, obsession, and undeniable passion.

Four years ago, Sofia crossed paths with Miles and changed his world in a single night — only to shatter it just as fast. When fate cruelly reunites them, it’s under the harshest of circumstances… an arranged marriage between enemies. Miles swore to never forgive her, but Sofia has always been the one woman he could never forget.

E.K. Hunter perfectly blends dark tension with aching vulnerability. Sofia’s quiet strength and Miles’s cold, possessive dominance create an irresistible push and pull that keeps you on edge. You feel every emotion — the resentment, the desire, the heartbreak, and the hope that maybe love can rise from the ashes of betrayal.

What I loved most was how Sofia slowly finds her voice and power, and how Miles battles between hate and the love he can’t kill no matter how hard he tries. Their chemistry is raw and electric, their connection laced with both pain and passion.

Every page pulled me deeper into Hollows Bay — a world filled with danger, deceit, and forbidden love. E.K. Hunter has a way of writing that makes you feel every glance, every touch, every unspoken word.

If you love dark mafia romances that are equal parts emotional, spicy, and suspenseful — Deceit is one you won’t be able to put down.

🔥 5/5 stars — emotional, sinful, and beautifully written. Miles and Sofia’s story will stay with me for a long time. 🔥

⭐️ Tropes & Elements You’ll Love:
⭐ Mafia
⭐ Arranged Marriage
⭐ Enemies to Lovers
⭐ Virgin FMC
⭐ S3x Club
⭐ Pierced MMC
⭐ Voyeurism
⭐ Age Gap
⭐ Stalker Elements

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.K. Hunter has done it again. I love everything she writes and this book was no exception. This book has everything. Spice, romance, plot, suspense, action, & a CLIFF HANGER?!! I read the majority of this in one sitting after being in a reading slump. I wont spoil anything but you wont regret picking up this book or the hallows bay series! I will never not recommend her books. If you haven’t read the Hallows Bay trilogy definitely start there. There hasn’t been one story in this series that I haven’t loved whole heartedly.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to arc read for you again. I’m so grateful to be part of your journey. You will forever be one of my favorite authors!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceit: A Hollows Bay Novel by E.K. Hunter

I have been waiting for this since the end of Explode. I would recommend reading this book after reading the first three books for the Hollows Bay series. This is Miles and Sofia story and the enemies to lovers didn’t disappoint. Some mental health warnings in this one I didn’t expect so check the triggers. She left us with wanting more with the ending and setting the stage for Rafe story (Sofia brother). I always enjoy the meddling family members who think they know best. Getting more of Riley and Kia was an absolute bonus.


Mafia | Enemies to Lovers | Arranged Marriage | Age Gap | Sex Club | Voyeurism | Virgin FMC | Pierced MMC |

[Lena Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Jailbait. Push me too far, and there’ll be no going back.”

Wow. This book. It made me feel so many things.

Arranged marriage isn’t always my favorite trope but Hunter writes them in a way that doesn’t immediately make me hate the husband. Now her dad, he’s a different story but I’ll let you read to find out why.

Sofia grew up being invisible so when Miles sees her, she feels it’s for the wrong reasons. Miles doesn’t feel like he should be with Sofia but can’t help the feelings he has for her.

The last probably 25% of this had me pacing up & down my hallway and the ending?!? Ma’am, respectfully… I need book 2… yesterday.

Don’t walk, RUN to grab a copy of this and then message me so we can talk about it!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I missed Hollows Bay. I was hoping there would be more after Riley and Kai's story but I wasn't sure. Readers must have been begging for this story. I sure appreciate it. Ms. Hunter gave readers a story that will keep you engaged until the very end. We finally get Miles Wolfe’s story. Miles is dealing with some demons and now must marry their long-time rival's daughter, Sofia Bianchi. Miles met Sofia a while back with Theo. Miles is not dealing with the death of his cousin and best friend well and Sofia does not help the situation. Theo always wanted to run into Sofia again. Miles always thought of Sofia as Theo's girl despite his passing. Miles was having a hard time dealing with his feelings toward Sofia. Miles wanted Sofia, but vowed to keep his distance. He had already betrayed his friend once, he refused to do it again.

That is just the tip of the iceberg with this book. There has to be more coming. Sofia has a twin brother, Rafe. He is being forced to marry another enemy of their family to strengthen ties. At least that is what their father has told him. Something else has to be going on. Ms. Hunter I need Rafe's story. Please don't leave us hanging. I need all the Hollows Bay you can give me. You created this monster. Feed the need!

[Taryn Eskra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen, I am a sucker for enemies to lovers & mafia and this book was GREAT!!! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down!
Miles & Sofia will take you on a wild ride between the banter, the suspense, the plot, & the spice!🔥🔥 All of it was incredible!!
With how Sofia slowly gained her voice and found her inner strength, and how Miles battled between hating her while fighting his want/need for her ah the angst was STRONG!! I was here for it!! This does have some dark emotions at times so MIND THE TW because you will literally feel EVERYTHING they are! Not gonna lie I teared up a bit and I haven’t done that for a book in a hot minute so 👏🏻👏🏻 to E.K. For hitting my feels!! 😂 basically I really enjoyed this story!! It is an emotional ride but WORTH IT!! Definitely recommend reading!! That cliffy though….I can’t wait to see what happens next!! I need it now!! 🫶🏼

[Cathy Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

EK Hunter has done it yet again!!
Enemies to lovers. Arranged mafia marriage.
TW should be read and not taken lightly!!
Miles - He wants her but will not let her know that, or admit it to anybody. It would be wrong. He will not allow his heart to win.
Sofia - She has always wanted Miles. It’s him, it’s always been him. She never told him. Their families have been enemies for generations. But now that they have to get married maybe she can tell him. Except, he hates her.
It’s a must read. Book 4 in the Hollows Bay series. Cannot wait for the next book!!!

[Kristen Arkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: I absolutely loved this book. Read it in one sitting. E.K Hunter is an amazing writer. This story has some good twists and turns, but the heart-wrenching moments for Sofia just break your heart, and you just want to ripp Miles's heart out for saying what he says to her. But like all good romance books, they get their HEA. This is a dark romance, so check TW, but I highly recommend this book. You’ll want to check out the first trilogy of Hollows Bay first to know the characters who are in this book. They are all tied together.

[Christina Astorga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.

4.5 stars. Oh wow!! Miles and Sofia are amazing!! So, full disclosure I did not read the Hollows Bay trilogy before, haha, jokes on me. Not for not listening but because I know I missed a fantastic couple in those books. I am definitely going to read them now, who cares that I know what happens. 

Any who, back to Miles and Sofia. The chemistry between the two of them is wonderful. This couple is dark, devious and keeps you on the edge of your seat. You won't be disappointed. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Samantha Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.O.T 🔥

There is just something about this Hollow Bay men that make my panties 🫠. Could it be they take what they want, they have a dirty mouth or the fact that they will go to war for the ones they love. Yea its definitely that. Kai took the spot light but Miles said step aside its my turn. And boy did he show what hes got. Sofia and Miles were forced I to a marriage that they both never wanted. But when danger arises will they let thier walls down and admit thier feeling. BRAVO E.K on another successful road in my book

[Jessica Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read hollows bay series by in January at the beginning of this year. I thought I would need to reread them but no, I started the book and was pulled in. It was like I never had that long break in between. I love Sofia and miles! I am so happy I got the finally read their story! I loved seeing Kai and Riley showing up, they made me chuckle. Now I will say that ending had my mind running like crazy. I need more.

[Terri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceit, lies, passion and heartache, just a few of the emotions woven into this enemies to lovers tale. E.K. Hunter has created an exciting and spicy forth book in the Hollows Bay universe. Cleverly written plot with our two MCs, Miles and Sofia struggling to come to terms with the past, yet undeniably drawn to each other. Great well developed characters with cameos from Kai and Riley as a bonus and an ending that has definitely reeled me in for the next episode in Hollows Bay. Can't wait!

[adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just had me staying up late, telling myself just one more chapter. Each pages just has you on the edge of your seat. The whole series is beyond description. I own all on my kindle. I will be ordering the book copies for my book case. I would even get it in audible if it was there. I recommend 100%. A must read for sure. EK Hunter has blown it out of the water with these.

[Ashlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I was totally invested in Sophia and Miles after Kai and Riley’s books. I may have liked this one more actually.

MMC: Miles - cousin to Kai & his second. Tech genius.
MFC: Sophia - mafia princess (her brother is Rafe in the next book) / Singer & pianist

The only thing I would’ve liked to see happen earlier is for Miles to give in. Their build up was great though. Just would’ve liked to read more about them not fighting each other.

[Icx Gallu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension, desire, betrayal, and redemption collide in this addictive story. The chemistry between Sofia and Miles is dangerous, toxic, and impossible to resist.

E.K. Hunter blends darkness, passion, and vulnerability in a way that leaves a scar — and you’ll want every second of it

[Kristen Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

LISTEN!!! THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!! I fell in love with EK Hunter’s books when she recommended her Hollow’s Bay Trilogy to me in a Mafia FB group I’m in. I highly recommend reading those books before reading Deceit, so you know who is who in this book. Sofia and Miles’ story… absolute perfection!! The suspense, the plot, the spice! All of it was incredible! Literally couldn’t put this book down, just like I couldn’t with the Hollows Bay Trilogy. 5 stars all day long!!!

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of this series, and in this installment, we get Sofia and Miles's story. Sofia's life is harsh; she only has her twin brother's support and affection, as her father is cruel. Her friend convinces her to go out for a night, where she meets Miles and his cousin at a club. However, she shouldn't be there, as their families are mafia enemies, so she flees the club. A few years later, her father informs her that she's marrying Miles. He appears cold toward her but will do anything to protect her. It's an amazing read, and I can't wait for the next installment!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s go back to Hallows Bay and see what’s gonna happen between Sofia and Miles. They hate each other or so they want the other to think, but he’s Loyal to his deceased cousin and will not lay a hand on her. But she wants him and only him, just needs to show him how much. She they are forced to marry one another things could get ugly or maybe they could get interesting for this couple .

[Savanna Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia & Miles.


I absolutely love this book. Enemies to Lovers, Arranged Marriaged 😘. This author has delivered us another amazing book. Spice, emotions, blushing… you will feel it. Sofia and Miles are lost souls bound by lies, betrayal, and fate neither of them asked for. What started four years ago with deceit turns into a web of love, hate, obsession, and lots of passion. Miles and Sofia crossed paths four years ago and she changed his world in one single night - only it to shatter. Fate reunites then cruelly under harsh circumstances… Arranged Marriaged. Miles swore to himself over and over again that he would never forgive her, but Sofia has always been the one women is wanted but never could forget. This author blends dark tension with vulnerability. Sofia's strength is quiet and Miles cold possessive dominance creates a push and pull that kept me on the edge. I love how Sofia slowly finds her voice and power. Miles battles between love and hate he can’t take it bc Theo haunts his every move. They get stuck in an underground bunker and have to spend time together. I like how Riley and Kai are in this book because it brings back their moments from there series. Sofia trying to off herself hit me right there; I felt close with her at the moment and I cried for her😭this is a 5 star read for sure. I’m glad that Miles and Sofia have a happy ending. I do want a Rafe book because he needs his story and his possible arrange marriage to Vanessa. This is a standalone but if you want more of Miles I suggest you read Riley & Kai story bc you’ll get Miles in there a lot.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slooooow Burn and Mafia Mayhem

OMG Besties... this book had me pacing my living room like a feral cat on caffeine. "Deceit: Hollow Bays Novel" is the definition of a sloooooowwww burn. I’m talking “simmering tension and emotional chaos” slow. Sofia? Sweet, stubborn, and too forgiving. Miles? Ugh, I wanted to shake him so many times! Like, sir, I get it... trauma, betrayal, cousin drama, but let the poor girl breathe! 😂 For 70% of the book, he treats Sofia like she personally burned down his world, then apologizes once and she’s like, “It’s fine”? Girl… make him grovel! Still, the angst, the forbidden heat, and the piercing-level spice (IYKYK) totally made up for it. Enemies-to-Lovers meets arranged mafia marriage with a side of voyeuristic tension and emotional healing. If you love watching love rise from ashes and pain, "Deceit" delivers beautifully.

My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Nancy Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
3🌶

I've been on the EK soapbox shouting how much I love her and her amazing stories for the last 2 years (8 books deep), but BOY.....

Miles Wolfe...

I think I messaged her a million times, reading through Kai and Riley's stories in the trilogy for Hollows Bay. I'm talking comments galore! But I knew Miles needed his story told, too, and even though it took a HOT minute, the master gave us what we needed, and it was every bit worth the wait!

Miles and Sofia have a great story! I especially love the way she took his crap and held out because the end result is so HOTT!

This book has all the things:
💀 Dark Mafia Romance
❤️ Arranged Marriage
💀 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Virgin FMC
💀 P!erced MMC
❤️ Voyeurism
💀 Age Gap

We get to continue the series through Miles story and I cannot wait to see what happens next! Thank you for continuing this series!

If you love a good dark, Enemies to lovers story where the brooding man gets his deserved HEA you should be running to KU for this book!

[Amanda Murnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceit by E. K. Hunter
5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
Kindle Unlimited.
ok, wow thoroughly impressed with the newest book from the Hollows Bay series! This one I think is my fave from this author to date. Our MMC, I just loved him. He is stubborn to a fault though, but once you earn his loyalty you have it in life and death. There is NOTHING he wouldn't do for those he loves! Our FMC hit me in all the feels. She was sweet, innocent, sheltered, unseen yet persistent and strong. One scene made me tear up ( the bathroom scene with the MMC). IFYKYK. I could just relate to her feelings 100% in that moment. This author never disappoints and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her grow as an author and cannot wait to see what she writes next. Excellent and quick dark mafia romance that I could not put down!

[Karlee Hirt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I couldn’t put down.

It was intriguing, delightfully spicy and left me with so many questions that will have me waiting impatiently for the next instalment.

I didn’t read the first book before this one, and followed the events that had already taken place pretty well, but obviously would have learned more about the history of the inter-connected universe if I had read book one (which will be read soon).

An enemies to lovers book with so many hidden mysteries, this one is a great mafia dark romance.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It's Miles & Sofia's story & it was awesome!! They met under questionable circumstances; she lied about some things. But he couldn't get her out of his mind. Their families were enemies at the time. A few years go by when they see each other again & the feelings are still there. But they've both been through a lot, so they've changed. Her dad has arranged her marriage to him, which neither are happy about. They really fight their feelings & it takes them a while to make things work. I love the spice & the story!! Highly recommend this book & author!

[Anaie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Having read the Hollows Bay Trilogy, I was already obsessed with that world — and Deceit just made me fall even harder. It’s dark, emotional, and full of twists that keep you hooked.

If you haven’t met Kai yet… you’re missing out. He completely stole my heart in Hollows Bay and seeing how everything tied together in Deceit made it even better.

It can be read as a standalone, but trust me — read the trilogy first for the full emotional hit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Stunning, intense, and impossible to put down.

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles and Sofia's story is truly captivating. Sofia faces many challenges in her life, relying solely on her twin for support. Their paths cross at a club, but things take a turn as they are adversaries, prompting her to flee. Later, her father reveals that she is to marry Miles! This enemies-to-lovers tale is filled with intriguing secrets and serves as a remarkable dark mafia romance.

[Debleena · Rating 1 out of 5]

So let me get this straight, the MC humiliates, verbally abuses and hates the FMC so much so that the FMC tries to off herself, and rather than any grovel or consequences, any redemption she fucks him like a pitiful doormat. Disgusting.... Not something I expected from an author whose story Raven I found phenomenal. I loathe and despise such stories where mc gets to be an evil despicable tool to the FMC , and the FMC is a spineless pitiful doormat. It's an insult to womenhood and this book should be with the trash . Someone handsome me a bleach to delete this utter disgusting book from my mind.