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A Deceitful Pact
I had one brief encounter with Riley Hale.
One wild, perfect encounter that left its mark.
Then, she cut and run on me.
When she shows up in my town as the new Sheriff and brings a whole heap of trouble with her,
I know I have to do whatever it takes to ensure she doesn't get away from me a second time.
Head back to Clearwater Creek for a brand new adventure...Breeding guaranteed
🟤HEA
🟤Alpha obsessed with breeding
🟤Pregnancy (not just in the epilogue)
🟤Small Town Vibes
🟤He Falls First And Hard
🟤Cop vs Bad Boy
🟤Over Protective Hero
🟤Plot Twists
🟤Dirty talking Hero
🟤Praise
One wild, perfect encounter that left its mark.
Then, she cut and run on me.
When she shows up in my town as the new Sheriff and brings a whole heap of trouble with her,
I know I have to do whatever it takes to ensure she doesn't get away from me a second time.
Head back to Clearwater Creek for a brand new adventure...Breeding guaranteed
🟤HEA
🟤Alpha obsessed with breeding
🟤Pregnancy (not just in the epilogue)
🟤Small Town Vibes
🟤He Falls First And Hard
🟤Cop vs Bad Boy
🟤Over Protective Hero
🟤Plot Twists
🟤Dirty talking Hero
🟤Praise
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2025
385 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 6, 2025
Super smexy!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: sp3rm donor-to-lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Deceitful Pact is a cop/bad boy story with all the hot tropes. An instalove (on his side) and due to issues in her past, she really makes him work for it. Again and again, lol. But if you're a fan of:
✔ br33ding schmink
✔ lactation schmink
✔ sp3rm donor-to-lovers
This may be the book for you too!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: sp3rm donor-to-lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Deceitful Pact is a cop/bad boy story with all the hot tropes. An instalove (on his side) and due to issues in her past, she really makes him work for it. Again and again, lol. But if you're a fan of:
✔ br33ding schmink
✔ lactation schmink
✔ sp3rm donor-to-lovers
This may be the book for you too!
April 22, 2025
Lilah Raine is one of my favourite authors!
She's my go-to lady for a good ol' pregnancy read and I love it 😍
I can never really find many books that have the whole pregnancy and birth in them, but Lilah Raine always delivers.
Now let's discuss the hotness that is the MMC Sawyer! Because holy heck is he one dirty talking, OTT piece of man candy 🤤🤤 He was also so loving and caring to Riley (the FMC) he treated her like a freaking queen and is just pure yum across the board.
A Deceitful Pact is worth reading just for him alone!
And how was Riley as the FMC? Well she kinda annoyed me 😬 Sorry!!!
I just wanted to reach into the book and grab her by the shoulders and give her a firm shake. Whilst also screaming "Love him you silly woman, just love him!!!"
Yeah, towards the end of the book you do find out why she was trying to freeze him out, but I feel by then I was already too mad at her. As I felt like she kinda used Sawyer, he deserved better than the way she treated him.
The book as a whole was great. So why the 4 stars? Other than Riley annoying me, I also felt (for me personally) the end was too rushed. I wanted a few more chapters to enjoy the new revelations and the new baby. But alas it wasn't meant to be 😕
I am a huge fan of Lilah Raine and really did love this book. Yeah, I know I moaned about the FMC and the quick ending.
But don't let this put you off from adding this to your TBR list.
As you won't be disappointed, especially if you loved the previous book, Caught By A Cowboy 🤠
Now I wonder who's next up from Clearwater Creek? Can't wait to find out 🧐❤️
She's my go-to lady for a good ol' pregnancy read and I love it 😍
I can never really find many books that have the whole pregnancy and birth in them, but Lilah Raine always delivers.
Now let's discuss the hotness that is the MMC Sawyer! Because holy heck is he one dirty talking, OTT piece of man candy 🤤🤤 He was also so loving and caring to Riley (the FMC) he treated her like a freaking queen and is just pure yum across the board.
A Deceitful Pact is worth reading just for him alone!
And how was Riley as the FMC? Well she kinda annoyed me 😬 Sorry!!!
I just wanted to reach into the book and grab her by the shoulders and give her a firm shake. Whilst also screaming "Love him you silly woman, just love him!!!"
Yeah, towards the end of the book you do find out why she was trying to freeze him out, but I feel by then I was already too mad at her. As I felt like she kinda used Sawyer, he deserved better than the way she treated him.
The book as a whole was great. So why the 4 stars? Other than Riley annoying me, I also felt (for me personally) the end was too rushed. I wanted a few more chapters to enjoy the new revelations and the new baby. But alas it wasn't meant to be 😕
I am a huge fan of Lilah Raine and really did love this book. Yeah, I know I moaned about the FMC and the quick ending.
But don't let this put you off from adding this to your TBR list.
As you won't be disappointed, especially if you loved the previous book, Caught By A Cowboy 🤠
Now I wonder who's next up from Clearwater Creek? Can't wait to find out 🧐❤️
April 25, 2025
Did I swoon over Sawyer? Yes. He was so sure he wouldn't fall, and he found out quick how big of a liar he is. He's protective and does everything he can to do right by Riley.
Riley, though? I'm sorry, but, unfortunately, she and I aren't friends. I really did not like her. I had to stop and calm myself down at times because she made me so angry. And yes, I like when books bring out my emotions, but I didn't like the way she went about things. I understand that she's scared, but she also knows the truth about who Sawyer is and what he can do, and she wouldn't tell him the truth. She couldn't decide what she wanted and led Sawyer on. Toward the very end, she reveals her truths, but by then, I was over her.
Sawyer, however, didn't falter. He embraced his emotions, and wasn't afraid to tell Riley the truth. He cares immensely about her, despite what's she says or does. He's resilient, and determined. His love is pure, and the reason for finishing the story. You see him grow from someone who thought they'd never love, to falling, to experiencing the pain love can bring, and becoming a dad. He love never diminished, it only grew. He was everything that Riley didn't believe she needed, or could have.
Riley, though? I'm sorry, but, unfortunately, she and I aren't friends. I really did not like her. I had to stop and calm myself down at times because she made me so angry. And yes, I like when books bring out my emotions, but I didn't like the way she went about things. I understand that she's scared, but she also knows the truth about who Sawyer is and what he can do, and she wouldn't tell him the truth. She couldn't decide what she wanted and led Sawyer on. Toward the very end, she reveals her truths, but by then, I was over her.
Sawyer, however, didn't falter. He embraced his emotions, and wasn't afraid to tell Riley the truth. He cares immensely about her, despite what's she says or does. He's resilient, and determined. His love is pure, and the reason for finishing the story. You see him grow from someone who thought they'd never love, to falling, to experiencing the pain love can bring, and becoming a dad. He love never diminished, it only grew. He was everything that Riley didn't believe she needed, or could have.
June 19, 2025
This heroine made me so mad. She is not very bright in so many ways- she enables her sister, she treats Sawyer like crap even though he is a great guy, she puts herself and her baby in danger.
I wanted to scream at the heroine she had not one trait about her I liked. He deserved better. I am only giving this 2 stars because any book with Sawyer cant get as low as 1 star. She should have told him immediately when she was pregnant. 0 star heroine 3 star hero. Sawyer is not very alpha he lets her make way too many of the decisions and she is not smart enough to do so. Also the time jumps made it annoying she would be awful and he just would leave her to be that way and then jump 3 weeks later until anything else changes.
I wanted to scream at the heroine she had not one trait about her I liked. He deserved better. I am only giving this 2 stars because any book with Sawyer cant get as low as 1 star. She should have told him immediately when she was pregnant. 0 star heroine 3 star hero. Sawyer is not very alpha he lets her make way too many of the decisions and she is not smart enough to do so. Also the time jumps made it annoying she would be awful and he just would leave her to be that way and then jump 3 weeks later until anything else changes.
June 17, 2025
Phew this book was hot and sexy ! I loved the tropes Cop vs bad boy they fall for each other only he falls first and hard and boy does she make him work for it lol I loved the small town vibes and the breeding kink and dirty talking from our Hero was so hot also love the OTT protectiveness that or H displays it is so on point and the plot twist with a guaranteed HEA made this story a five star must read! Loved it !
July 28, 2025
This heroine drove me up the wall. She made so many bad decisions, I found myself yelling at the pages. Over and over. She wasn’t just naive—she came off as not very bright, and it got exhausting fast.
And Sawyer? He deserved better. He’s not exactly a strong alpha, and he let her fumble through poor choice after poor choice without stepping in. Honestly, I lost patience with both of them.
By the end, I was more frustrated than anything else. This could’ve worked with better character development, but as it stands? Hard pass on this couple.
And Sawyer? He deserved better. He’s not exactly a strong alpha, and he let her fumble through poor choice after poor choice without stepping in. Honestly, I lost patience with both of them.
By the end, I was more frustrated than anything else. This could’ve worked with better character development, but as it stands? Hard pass on this couple.
Read
April 24, 2025
🤎Ａ ＤＥＣＥＩＴＦＵＬ ＰＡＣＴ🤎
https://mybook.to/ADeceitfulPact
I had one brief encounter with Riley Hale.
One wild, perfect encounter that left its mark.
Then, she cut and ran out on me.
When she shows up in my town as the new sheriff
and brings a whole heap of trouble with her,
I know I have to do whatever it takes
to ensure she doesn't get away from me a second time.
A Deceitful Pact is a small-town, bad-boy, romance set in Clearwater Creek. Head back to town for a brand new adventure...Breeding guaranteed
Also From Clearwater Creek:
𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐁𝐲 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐨𝐲: https://mybook.to/CaughtByACowboy
🟤HEA
🟤Alpha obsessed with breeding
🟤Pregnancy (not just in the epilogue)
🟤Small Town Vibes
🟤He Falls First And Hard
🟤Cop vs Bad Boy
🟤Over Protective Hero
🟤Plot Twists
🟤Dirty Talking Hero
🟤Praise K!nk
April 27, 2025
Whenever Author Lilah Raine announces a new book, I’m on it. I know it will have the tropes I love, the right amount of steam, a solid plot, and a satisfying HEA. In her latest work, she has the pregnancy trope throughout the story, not just the epilogue, which is perfect for readers who seek out more of this type of trope.
I loved Riley’s personality. Her role as a sheriff and a woman who wanted to have a baby while living in a small town was a unique combo. Sawyer, who typically is the type of guy who doesn’t fall first, does with Riley, which was refreshing to see. I loved Riley having the upper hand. But Riley became more vulnerable when she was pregnant. Sawyer was there for her emotionally and was so supportive.
I also liked the underlying plot and how that was woven into Riley’s role as Sheriff and her past. I had a good time with this story.
I loved Riley’s personality. Her role as a sheriff and a woman who wanted to have a baby while living in a small town was a unique combo. Sawyer, who typically is the type of guy who doesn’t fall first, does with Riley, which was refreshing to see. I loved Riley having the upper hand. But Riley became more vulnerable when she was pregnant. Sawyer was there for her emotionally and was so supportive.
I also liked the underlying plot and how that was woven into Riley’s role as Sheriff and her past. I had a good time with this story.
April 25, 2025
I can not get enough of this author, her writing is impeccable.
Sawyer is *chefs kiss, he's loving, passionate and patient with a deliciously dirty mouth.
I love a strong man who knows what he wants and let's no one stand in his way, who also has a breeding kink * fans myself.
Riley is adamant that she's never going to love again, I was shouting at her at some points to just LOVE.
From the emotions that the characters pulled out of me to the fantastic plot I could not put this book down, it's sexy and spicy and I absolutely loved it.
Sawyer is *chefs kiss, he's loving, passionate and patient with a deliciously dirty mouth.
I love a strong man who knows what he wants and let's no one stand in his way, who also has a breeding kink * fans myself.
Riley is adamant that she's never going to love again, I was shouting at her at some points to just LOVE.
From the emotions that the characters pulled out of me to the fantastic plot I could not put this book down, it's sexy and spicy and I absolutely loved it.
April 24, 2025
4.5⭐️/3🌶️
Okay, but WOW—Sawyer and Riley were straight-up fire! Sawyer had that perfect mix of dark, dangerous, and broody but with Riley? Total softie vibes and I was living for it.
The pregnancy theme running through the book was honestly what drew me in (I’m a sucker for that trope 😍), and once again, Lilah did not disappoint! She just gets it. Every single time.
Now, Riley… ngl, she came off a little annoying in the beginning 😅 but I think that was all part of her tough, no-nonsense sheriff persona. She grew on me real quick, and by the end? I was totally rooting for her and swooning over their chemistry 😍🥵.
I can’t wait to read more of Lilah’s books!📚
Okay, but WOW—Sawyer and Riley were straight-up fire! Sawyer had that perfect mix of dark, dangerous, and broody but with Riley? Total softie vibes and I was living for it.
The pregnancy theme running through the book was honestly what drew me in (I’m a sucker for that trope 😍), and once again, Lilah did not disappoint! She just gets it. Every single time.
Now, Riley… ngl, she came off a little annoying in the beginning 😅 but I think that was all part of her tough, no-nonsense sheriff persona. She grew on me real quick, and by the end? I was totally rooting for her and swooning over their chemistry 😍🥵.
I can’t wait to read more of Lilah’s books!📚
May 25, 2025
This book is the first from this author,that I have read,and it didn't disappoint.
Riley was this enigma of a woman,who didn't take any rubbish from anyone,and her determination knew no bounds...that determination came rushing to the surface when she came to the biggest decision of her life.
Sawyer was a proud man,who loved fierce with all his being,coming up with the idea of "helping" Riley with her situation.
Even though,Riley was this huge character of a woman,I didn't like her,she was brash,she was inconsiderate of people's feelings,and to me,she didn't really redeem herself as much as I wanted her to. Saying that though,Sawyer and Riley are polar opposites in so many ways,but...they worked...and that's what made this book so great,I was hooked from start to finish,and I was left wanting more!
Riley was this enigma of a woman,who didn't take any rubbish from anyone,and her determination knew no bounds...that determination came rushing to the surface when she came to the biggest decision of her life.
Sawyer was a proud man,who loved fierce with all his being,coming up with the idea of "helping" Riley with her situation.
Even though,Riley was this huge character of a woman,I didn't like her,she was brash,she was inconsiderate of people's feelings,and to me,she didn't really redeem herself as much as I wanted her to. Saying that though,Sawyer and Riley are polar opposites in so many ways,but...they worked...and that's what made this book so great,I was hooked from start to finish,and I was left wanting more!
June 12, 2025
At some point, I'm sure we were all wondering whether Sawyer is a masochist. He got rejected again and again and yet kept begging for more.
At one point, I wondered to myself, whether if our girl is even worth the effort.
Hence, not having the greatest time with this one.
At one point, I wondered to myself, whether if our girl is even worth the effort.
Hence, not having the greatest time with this one.
April 26, 2025
This one had quite a bit more build up than the rest of her books but as usual it was flawless and a perfect addition 🥰.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2025
3.75⭐️ 4🌶️
May 9, 2025
The FMC was ridiculous and tstl at times but there's lots of breeding kink content. 🔥
October 15, 2025
This was another great book from Lilah Raine!!! Troubled FMC, alpha MMC, the spice was chef’s kiss! You wont be disappointed with this read.
👮🏼Sheriff FMC
🖤 Bar owner
👮🏼 Troubled FMC
🖤 Dirty talking
🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖 296 pages
May 25, 2025
She’s the new sheriff in town and when he sees her, he knows exactly who she is. His one night stand who skipped out on him in the morning. He has done nothing but think about her and now it’s a second chance. The last person she expected to see in the small town was him, the hot man she’d spent a spicy night with. He’s made it known that he isn’t done with her. And when he finds out she’s been thinking of using a donor to have a baby is that right aside and volunteered himself. She wants no strings and he wants ties that bind. Between navigating baby making, and investigating danger, they find themselves in a relationship. Well, this story is a complete standalone romance. The characters in the story appeared in caught a cowboy. I do recommend that you read that one first as some of the drama as well as town dynamics are laid out in that story and this one will make more sense as not as many details of the backstory are in this one. She is a strong FMC who has been through a lot in her life. She wants to claim something for herself, but is scared. He is a tattooed bar, owning bad boy who never thought he’d settle down. Their chemistry is spicy and combustible. Demands dirty talking game is off the charts. He will make your panties melt right off into a puddle. I never thought a man chewing on a toothpick was particularly exciting however, I don’t think I’m ever gonna look at it the same again. The character development is excellent and it’s a well written story. They get the happily ever after that you’re looking for. The one critique I have is that the author uses words that are not American. The story takes place in Texas, the common vernacular should be respected. It can be offputting to be imagining a southern draw as the word Darlin’ rolls off his tongue, only to be talking about dungarees and other misused terms. I want the story told in a voice that is representative of where it is happening.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2025
Hooo another great breeding romance book!
First of all, I love and appreciate Sawyer (MMC) as a character. He’s such a good guy–even if he’s arrogant and cocky sometimes–and definitely a husband and father material. I love that he’s so patient and understanding with Riley (FMC), and he fell first AND harder for her (I’m such a sucker for those kind of MCs). I also love that he doesn’t care about what others think, but he cares everything about Riley so he tends to halt things and not make rash decisions out of respect for her. I already loved him as a character when he experienced multiple rejections from Riley and so he apologized to Beth for what he did/made her feel.
As for Riley, she’s such a complicated character to me because she’s always going hot and cold with Sawyer. Some scenes in the book just made me feel frustrated because girl can’t get her head and decisions straight with Sawyer! She kept pushing him away, which makes my heart hurt for him and I gotta give it to him because he’s so patient!!! I could never lol. What I like about her character is that she may be stubborn and frustrating, but she’s not annoying to the point that I’m tempted to stop reading the book. Her character is just enough to keep the plot going and interesting.
Most of the story were about their push and pull relationship and of course the angst. As usual, I didn’t see the plot twist coming just like in the other books in this series. I’d give this 5 stars if only Riley didn’t complicate things and I think her relationship with her sister could’ve addressed properly or flattened out better than that.
Overall, I give this 4 stars. I’d definitely say Lilah Raine is one of my favorite authors when it comes to breeding romances. So excited for the next one since it’s dark and has stalking yey.
First of all, I love and appreciate Sawyer (MMC) as a character. He’s such a good guy–even if he’s arrogant and cocky sometimes–and definitely a husband and father material. I love that he’s so patient and understanding with Riley (FMC), and he fell first AND harder for her (I’m such a sucker for those kind of MCs). I also love that he doesn’t care about what others think, but he cares everything about Riley so he tends to halt things and not make rash decisions out of respect for her. I already loved him as a character when he experienced multiple rejections from Riley and so he apologized to Beth for what he did/made her feel.
As for Riley, she’s such a complicated character to me because she’s always going hot and cold with Sawyer. Some scenes in the book just made me feel frustrated because girl can’t get her head and decisions straight with Sawyer! She kept pushing him away, which makes my heart hurt for him and I gotta give it to him because he’s so patient!!! I could never lol. What I like about her character is that she may be stubborn and frustrating, but she’s not annoying to the point that I’m tempted to stop reading the book. Her character is just enough to keep the plot going and interesting.
Most of the story were about their push and pull relationship and of course the angst. As usual, I didn’t see the plot twist coming just like in the other books in this series. I’d give this 5 stars if only Riley didn’t complicate things and I think her relationship with her sister could’ve addressed properly or flattened out better than that.
Overall, I give this 4 stars. I’d definitely say Lilah Raine is one of my favorite authors when it comes to breeding romances. So excited for the next one since it’s dark and has stalking yey.
April 27, 2025
“Ask me to fuck you so hard that you forget who you are, and why you were looking so sad tonight.”
Just one look was all it took.
One night of unforgettable passion.
Until the masks slipped and the sun came up.
But, it seems fate is drawing them back together again…will they collide or go up in smoke?
Will one family take away the one thing that brings Riley & Sawyer together or force them to stand together…no matter the cost?
“I’m broken, and you may be one hell of a fixer, but you’re never gonna fix me.”
Soo, much push and pull between Riley & Sawyer their relationship is not a simple boy meets girl and they fall desperately in love ... .oh no! This is a rollercoaster that you wanna hold on tight to and throw your arms in the air with each moment they share.
Riley & Sawyer bring all the emotions and drama. You find out why Riley has her hold ups over Sawyer, even when he learns of her plans to become a mother alone Sawyer is not letting up but offers to be the donor. It was an interesting idea because you're hoping for the perfect outcome but nothing is easy with these two far from it. You start to understand Riley's character more as she slowly opens up and even Sawyer has a hidden story which really does bring these two characters full circle.
Clearwater Creek is becoming full of secrets that the town hides beneath its summer fates. It seems everyone is putting on a false smile in public, meanwhile the tangled webbed skeletons are creeping to the surface…
This woman doesn’t think she’s loveable, and I’m gonna show her that she’s wrong.
Just one look was all it took.
One night of unforgettable passion.
Until the masks slipped and the sun came up.
But, it seems fate is drawing them back together again…will they collide or go up in smoke?
Will one family take away the one thing that brings Riley & Sawyer together or force them to stand together…no matter the cost?
“I’m broken, and you may be one hell of a fixer, but you’re never gonna fix me.”
Soo, much push and pull between Riley & Sawyer their relationship is not a simple boy meets girl and they fall desperately in love ... .oh no! This is a rollercoaster that you wanna hold on tight to and throw your arms in the air with each moment they share.
Riley & Sawyer bring all the emotions and drama. You find out why Riley has her hold ups over Sawyer, even when he learns of her plans to become a mother alone Sawyer is not letting up but offers to be the donor. It was an interesting idea because you're hoping for the perfect outcome but nothing is easy with these two far from it. You start to understand Riley's character more as she slowly opens up and even Sawyer has a hidden story which really does bring these two characters full circle.
Clearwater Creek is becoming full of secrets that the town hides beneath its summer fates. It seems everyone is putting on a false smile in public, meanwhile the tangled webbed skeletons are creeping to the surface…
This woman doesn’t think she’s loveable, and I’m gonna show her that she’s wrong.
May 2, 2025
Riley and Sawyer
I usually enjoy books by these authors and after loving Jace and Madison’s story, I was hoping for another hit but this one fell a little flat for me. Riley got on my nerves more often than not. Meanwhile, Sawyer was the saving grace. I loved how quickly he fell for her and how determined he was to take care of both her and the baby. From the start, he had a plan. He might have agreed to be just a sperm donor on paper, but it was clear he never intended to walk away. He knew if Riley got pregnant, there was no way he’d be able to let her go and he spent the whole book patiently and steadily breaking down her walls.
The plot itself didn’t quite deliver. The takedown of the Gendry family didn’t pack the punch I expected. There was a lot going on. An ex-FBI agent turned small-town sheriff trying to live a quieter life. Her ex-fiancé suddenly back from the dead and not really dead. And somehow he’s the long-lost Gendry son? It was a lot. Riley’s past trauma—being raped by one of the Gendry brothers—was devastating and added emotional weight, but it still didn’t feel like enough to hold the story together.
The back and forth over what they should do got old quick. Riley pretending she didn’t care, hiding her feelings, while Sawyer stayed patient and steady—it dragged after a while.
Still, I’m happy they got their baby girl Lily, and I did appreciate that the epilogues gave Sawyer his moment with another baby. He deserved that happiness. I just wish the rest of the story had lived up to him.
I usually enjoy books by these authors and after loving Jace and Madison’s story, I was hoping for another hit but this one fell a little flat for me. Riley got on my nerves more often than not. Meanwhile, Sawyer was the saving grace. I loved how quickly he fell for her and how determined he was to take care of both her and the baby. From the start, he had a plan. He might have agreed to be just a sperm donor on paper, but it was clear he never intended to walk away. He knew if Riley got pregnant, there was no way he’d be able to let her go and he spent the whole book patiently and steadily breaking down her walls.
The plot itself didn’t quite deliver. The takedown of the Gendry family didn’t pack the punch I expected. There was a lot going on. An ex-FBI agent turned small-town sheriff trying to live a quieter life. Her ex-fiancé suddenly back from the dead and not really dead. And somehow he’s the long-lost Gendry son? It was a lot. Riley’s past trauma—being raped by one of the Gendry brothers—was devastating and added emotional weight, but it still didn’t feel like enough to hold the story together.
The back and forth over what they should do got old quick. Riley pretending she didn’t care, hiding her feelings, while Sawyer stayed patient and steady—it dragged after a while.
Still, I’m happy they got their baby girl Lily, and I did appreciate that the epilogues gave Sawyer his moment with another baby. He deserved that happiness. I just wish the rest of the story had lived up to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
I stumbled across Lilah Raine by complete fluke and since then I've become obsessed. So, when this showed up on my kindle I squealed like a little girl and promptly dove in, adulting be damned, sorry kids. What I didn't realise beforehand was that it's the second book in a series and picks up where the last book ended. Now I want to say I think this one could be read as a standalone, but I don't know because I did read the last one. So, I would 100% recommend reading Caught by a Cowboy first.
But anyway, this one kicks off with Riley arriving as the new sheriff and freaking out the local vigilantes. One of whom happens to be Sawyer, who has already met Riley and had a one-night stand before waking up alone. So, there's a fair bit of wtf is she doing here mystery and wondering how much she knows and what she's planning to do about it.
Sawyer quickly becomes obsessed and then it's on. And I have to tell you I would have thrown my panties in the air and surrendered immediately with his dirty mouth and complete devotion aimed straight at me. But Riley had more fortitude, or this would have been a very quick book.
The HEA could have been a little longer and a whole lot dirtier for my liking. But then the rest of the book had us covered in the scorching hot stakes. The story was good and kept me guessing as to how the background drama was going to play out. The only bad thing is now I have to wait for the next book.
But anyway, this one kicks off with Riley arriving as the new sheriff and freaking out the local vigilantes. One of whom happens to be Sawyer, who has already met Riley and had a one-night stand before waking up alone. So, there's a fair bit of wtf is she doing here mystery and wondering how much she knows and what she's planning to do about it.
Sawyer quickly becomes obsessed and then it's on. And I have to tell you I would have thrown my panties in the air and surrendered immediately with his dirty mouth and complete devotion aimed straight at me. But Riley had more fortitude, or this would have been a very quick book.
The HEA could have been a little longer and a whole lot dirtier for my liking. But then the rest of the book had us covered in the scorching hot stakes. The story was good and kept me guessing as to how the background drama was going to play out. The only bad thing is now I have to wait for the next book.
May 20, 2025
❤️Thoughts❤️
First off—Lilah Raine is one of my all-time favorite authors!
She’s my go-to for pregnancy/breeding tropes, and trust me—her books always deliver.
That being said, this particular story wasn’t my favorite—and that’s mainly because of our FMC, Riley. I found her really hard to connect with and honestly, kind of frustrating. Meanwhile, Sawyer, our MMC, is amazing. He treats Riley like a queen and shows her nothing but patience and love, only for her to keep icing him out.
What also drove me a little batty was Riley’s relationship with her sister. Riley enables her constantly, and given her line of work, you’d think she’d recognize when someone needs real help.
You do eventually learn the reasons behind Riley’s walls, and while it explains a lot, it didn’t change how I felt: I personally didn’t think she deserved Sawyer’s love and devotion in the end.
Still, it’s a solid read—especially if you love small-town cowboy romances with a hot, bad boy bartender at the center. So even if Riley isn’t your cup of tea, the story and setting might win you over. Give it a shot—you might feel differently!
🟤HEA
🟤Alpha obsessed with breeding
🟤Pregnancy (not just in the epilogue)
🟤Small Town Vibes
🟤He Falls First And Hard
🟤Cop vs Bad Boy
🟤Plot Twists
🟤HEA
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐
Steamy:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Warning⚠️: Check the TWs.
Type📣: Standalone, but part of a series that is best read in order.
Recommend: Yes
💛I received an Arc Copy for my honest review💛
First off—Lilah Raine is one of my all-time favorite authors!
She’s my go-to for pregnancy/breeding tropes, and trust me—her books always deliver.
That being said, this particular story wasn’t my favorite—and that’s mainly because of our FMC, Riley. I found her really hard to connect with and honestly, kind of frustrating. Meanwhile, Sawyer, our MMC, is amazing. He treats Riley like a queen and shows her nothing but patience and love, only for her to keep icing him out.
What also drove me a little batty was Riley’s relationship with her sister. Riley enables her constantly, and given her line of work, you’d think she’d recognize when someone needs real help.
You do eventually learn the reasons behind Riley’s walls, and while it explains a lot, it didn’t change how I felt: I personally didn’t think she deserved Sawyer’s love and devotion in the end.
Still, it’s a solid read—especially if you love small-town cowboy romances with a hot, bad boy bartender at the center. So even if Riley isn’t your cup of tea, the story and setting might win you over. Give it a shot—you might feel differently!
🟤HEA
🟤Alpha obsessed with breeding
🟤Pregnancy (not just in the epilogue)
🟤Small Town Vibes
🟤He Falls First And Hard
🟤Cop vs Bad Boy
🟤Plot Twists
🟤HEA
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐
Steamy:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Warning⚠️: Check the TWs.
Type📣: Standalone, but part of a series that is best read in order.
Recommend: Yes
💛I received an Arc Copy for my honest review💛
April 27, 2025
3.5 Stars Rounded up
This was probably more a me thing, but there was a bit too much back and forth between Sawyer and Riley for me personally. The story was still good, I love how obsessed Raine’s leading men are for their ladies. Any hesitation isn’t coming from the men because they’re all in pretty fast. Sawyer had some great character growth from a guy who remembered Riley, to wanting it all with her, and taking it at her pace, even though he spent the entire time trying to convince her to change her mind. Riley drove me a little crazy with how she continually pushed him away and I wanted a bit more growth from her, because she was two steps forward, three steps back nearly the entire book. And Yeah you can have childhood issues and trust/independency issues, but when you’re enjoying time with one person, having their baby, and seeking them out for comfort…kinda tells you something even if your instinct is to deny it. I would have loved this book if Riley was wholeheartedly in it with Sawyer a bit sooner.
I still had fun with Sawyer’s dirty mouth and his sweet obsession. And the Gendry’s messed up story is continued here along with some backstory about Riley’s former fiance, with some stuff going down that I sort of suspected. Riley’s gruff exterior hid a marshmallow heart and Sawyer is just the man not to burn it lol. Good entry.
This was probably more a me thing, but there was a bit too much back and forth between Sawyer and Riley for me personally. The story was still good, I love how obsessed Raine’s leading men are for their ladies. Any hesitation isn’t coming from the men because they’re all in pretty fast. Sawyer had some great character growth from a guy who remembered Riley, to wanting it all with her, and taking it at her pace, even though he spent the entire time trying to convince her to change her mind. Riley drove me a little crazy with how she continually pushed him away and I wanted a bit more growth from her, because she was two steps forward, three steps back nearly the entire book. And Yeah you can have childhood issues and trust/independency issues, but when you’re enjoying time with one person, having their baby, and seeking them out for comfort…kinda tells you something even if your instinct is to deny it. I would have loved this book if Riley was wholeheartedly in it with Sawyer a bit sooner.
I still had fun with Sawyer’s dirty mouth and his sweet obsession. And the Gendry’s messed up story is continued here along with some backstory about Riley’s former fiance, with some stuff going down that I sort of suspected. Riley’s gruff exterior hid a marshmallow heart and Sawyer is just the man not to burn it lol. Good entry.
July 24, 2025
Heart Hurts for Sawyer
My heart hurts for Sawyer. Honestly, about 76% of the book (okay, probably more), I was frustrated with Riley. I understand why she had her walls up—her emotional shields made sense given her past—but wow, the emotional whiplash she put Sawyer through was rough. That line: “I don’t need Riley to love me, I can love her enough for both of us.” Just—no. My whole soul ached reading that.
I thought I was going to love Riley, especially based on how I felt about her in the earlier books, but I have to be honest—Sawyer carried this relationship. He pulled the weight of the couple, emotionally and otherwise. That said, did I enjoy the story? Absolutely. The twists, the emotion, the tension—it kept me invested. And despite my frustrations, I did love Sawyer and Riley together in the end. Riley might have needed something more, or maybe I just needed more from her as a reader. But the truth is, this book made me feel—and that’s exactly what a good story is supposed to do. Whether it’s frustration, tears, laughter, or shock, A Deceitful Pact delivered.
I love the world Lilah Raine has created in Clearwater Creek. The characters, the dynamics, the small-town charm—it's always a pleasure to return. Despite my emotional rollercoaster, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
My heart hurts for Sawyer. Honestly, about 76% of the book (okay, probably more), I was frustrated with Riley. I understand why she had her walls up—her emotional shields made sense given her past—but wow, the emotional whiplash she put Sawyer through was rough. That line: “I don’t need Riley to love me, I can love her enough for both of us.” Just—no. My whole soul ached reading that.
I thought I was going to love Riley, especially based on how I felt about her in the earlier books, but I have to be honest—Sawyer carried this relationship. He pulled the weight of the couple, emotionally and otherwise. That said, did I enjoy the story? Absolutely. The twists, the emotion, the tension—it kept me invested. And despite my frustrations, I did love Sawyer and Riley together in the end. Riley might have needed something more, or maybe I just needed more from her as a reader. But the truth is, this book made me feel—and that’s exactly what a good story is supposed to do. Whether it’s frustration, tears, laughter, or shock, A Deceitful Pact delivered.
I love the world Lilah Raine has created in Clearwater Creek. The characters, the dynamics, the small-town charm—it's always a pleasure to return. Despite my emotional rollercoaster, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
April 26, 2025
Deceitful Pact is the first book by this author that I have had the pleasure of reading, but it definitely won’t be the last. In fact, I have already got more lined up on my Kindle to read.
Sawyer Anderson is the hunky bar owner in Clearwater Creek. He’s hot and knows how to please the ladies, especially one law enforcement officer—Riley Hales. Sawyer has some secrets that he doesn’t want the new town sheriff to know about but he’s torn between his attraction to her and trying to avoid her.
Riley is invested in starting a new life in her new town but has one old case that she’s determined to crack as well. She, like Sawyer, is unsure about socialising with him or trying to ignore his existence in their small town. They both discover that’s much harder than they first thought. 😆 Their chemistry is off the charts and like opposing magnets, they are pulled together.
Their romance is not your normal run-of-the-mill kind but that makes it even more entertaining. The mystery/suspense element in the story is great, and although takes a back seat to the romance, it certainly intrigues and makes for an enjoyable element in the book.
This is an easy-to-read story that will have you enthralled from the beginning until the last page.
Sawyer Anderson is the hunky bar owner in Clearwater Creek. He’s hot and knows how to please the ladies, especially one law enforcement officer—Riley Hales. Sawyer has some secrets that he doesn’t want the new town sheriff to know about but he’s torn between his attraction to her and trying to avoid her.
Riley is invested in starting a new life in her new town but has one old case that she’s determined to crack as well. She, like Sawyer, is unsure about socialising with him or trying to ignore his existence in their small town. They both discover that’s much harder than they first thought. 😆 Their chemistry is off the charts and like opposing magnets, they are pulled together.
Their romance is not your normal run-of-the-mill kind but that makes it even more entertaining. The mystery/suspense element in the story is great, and although takes a back seat to the romance, it certainly intrigues and makes for an enjoyable element in the book.
This is an easy-to-read story that will have you enthralled from the beginning until the last page.
May 24, 2025
Riley Hale has a past, and one that she keeps close. She’s closed off, distant, and sassy. She has one job to do and she’s determined to do it as the new Sheriff in Clearwater Creek. Enter Sawyer Anderson, the owner of the local bar in Clearwater Creek, and a sexy bachelor. He’s also got a darker side to him. He, along with his friends, “handle” things in town in order to keep the residents safe- even if it’s not exactly in the realm of legal.
When Sawyer sees Riley in town- the woman with whom he shared a passionate night- things suddenly get complicated. When you have two people who can’t seem to keep away from each other, but also can’t outright “be together” for numerous reasons, but also can’t be honest with one another, things are bound to get more than tricky. And when lives are on the line? Well, Sawyer is completely determined to show Riley exactly how much she means to him.
This is definitely a “he falls first” story filled with a strong alpha hero and a sassy, stubborn heroine. There are plot twists throughout and, of course, the breeding/pregnancy sits at the forefront of much of it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The characters were well-built and I found myself rooting for their HEA. I’m not-so-secretly hoping for another book about a certain doctor…..
When Sawyer sees Riley in town- the woman with whom he shared a passionate night- things suddenly get complicated. When you have two people who can’t seem to keep away from each other, but also can’t outright “be together” for numerous reasons, but also can’t be honest with one another, things are bound to get more than tricky. And when lives are on the line? Well, Sawyer is completely determined to show Riley exactly how much she means to him.
This is definitely a “he falls first” story filled with a strong alpha hero and a sassy, stubborn heroine. There are plot twists throughout and, of course, the breeding/pregnancy sits at the forefront of much of it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The characters were well-built and I found myself rooting for their HEA. I’m not-so-secretly hoping for another book about a certain doctor…..
April 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Breeding
Pregnancy throughout not just in the epilogue
HEA
Small town
He falls first(big time)
Sherif and bad boy
Super OTT Jp H
Touch her and 💀
Paise kink
Dirty talk
Another Amazing read by this author. I absolutely love her books and this was my of my favs for sure. Sawyer was super hot with his dirty talking mouth that I just didn’t want him to stop but I absolutely loved how hard and fast he falls for Riley and he doesn’t ever stop he fights for her till the end.
I loved how he had to always touch her bump.
This book is cop and bad boy Riley is the new sheriff in town but sawyer new her before she arrived when he took her to a motel for a one night stand and she left him while he was asleep a few years later and she’s in his town trying to take down some and men. Riley wants a baby and decided to go down the donor route only things do go that way and sawyer decides he’s gonna be the one to knock her up.
Honestly such a fantastic read I devoured this book the whole way through and hope there will be more in this series
Breeding
Pregnancy throughout not just in the epilogue
HEA
Small town
He falls first(big time)
Sherif and bad boy
Super OTT Jp H
Touch her and 💀
Paise kink
Dirty talk
Another Amazing read by this author. I absolutely love her books and this was my of my favs for sure. Sawyer was super hot with his dirty talking mouth that I just didn’t want him to stop but I absolutely loved how hard and fast he falls for Riley and he doesn’t ever stop he fights for her till the end.
I loved how he had to always touch her bump.
This book is cop and bad boy Riley is the new sheriff in town but sawyer new her before she arrived when he took her to a motel for a one night stand and she left him while he was asleep a few years later and she’s in his town trying to take down some and men. Riley wants a baby and decided to go down the donor route only things do go that way and sawyer decides he’s gonna be the one to knock her up.
Honestly such a fantastic read I devoured this book the whole way through and hope there will be more in this series
April 28, 2025
Lots of baby dancing here!
Sawyer and Riley’s story is a great second installment of the “bad boys” of Clearwater Creek.
Riley wants a baby, and Sawyer has decided to be the man who gives that to her. His breeding kink dirty talk was 🥵!!! His determination to win over Riley was impressive, and in the end his perseverance pays off.
Riley’s past makes her a complex, if not frustrating, FMC. Sawyer deserves all the babies he wants for his patience and his willingness to suffer her constant mixed messages. 😆 The good news is that she does finally give in to the inevitable, and they get their HEA.
A couple of things held me back from giving this 5⭐️. One is the sister - I know she serves to move the plot. However, Riley “saves” her and we never hear from her again? Not even a phone call to let Riley know she’s okay? Throughout the remainder of the story, you wouldn’t even know Riley has a sister.
The second is how quickly the Gendry brothers situation was resolved. It was just a little anticlimactic.
Those two things aside, I highly recommend this book.
Sawyer and Riley’s story is a great second installment of the “bad boys” of Clearwater Creek.
Riley wants a baby, and Sawyer has decided to be the man who gives that to her. His breeding kink dirty talk was 🥵!!! His determination to win over Riley was impressive, and in the end his perseverance pays off.
Riley’s past makes her a complex, if not frustrating, FMC. Sawyer deserves all the babies he wants for his patience and his willingness to suffer her constant mixed messages. 😆 The good news is that she does finally give in to the inevitable, and they get their HEA.
A couple of things held me back from giving this 5⭐️. One is the sister - I know she serves to move the plot. However, Riley “saves” her and we never hear from her again? Not even a phone call to let Riley know she’s okay? Throughout the remainder of the story, you wouldn’t even know Riley has a sister.
The second is how quickly the Gendry brothers situation was resolved. It was just a little anticlimactic.
Those two things aside, I highly recommend this book.
June 5, 2025
A Deceitful Pact is suspenseful and a page turning small town romance. The story is beautifully written, well balanced and phenomenally executed by Lilah Raine. She continues to showcase what a fantastic author she is with each book I’ve read by her thus far. She continues to create and write phenomenal romances that I thoroughly enjoy reading. I can’t wait to see what her next book will be about. This book follows the adventures of Riley and Sawyer. The chemistry between these two characters is absolutely incredible and undeniably irresistible. I absolutely adored getting to know both Riley and Sawyer as well as witnessing their story unfolding throughout the book. I absolutely love that they have a happy ending to their story with them being happy together as a couple raising their child together. I would most certainly recommend this book for anyone to checkout and give it a read. I’m looking forward to reading more amazing romances from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2025
Water and Riley story will blow you away talk about a lot of 🥵🥵🥵🥵 this book was definitely a hot read. The storyline was amazing as well the characters were amazing. I couldn’t even put the book down. I just know when you’re done reading this book . You going to need a very cold cold shower.
Riley wanted a baby badly and sawyer has decided it should be him give her that pleasure .
His dirty talks, and the kink that goes on it was totally 🥵. He wants to win over Rikey at the end his perseverance pay off.
Now Sawyer had a one night stand with Riley until she left next morning before he woke up. Several months passed until he sees her one day now she’s a sheriff of his town in Clearwater Creek. Sawyer wants to pick up where they left off and he’s determined to do that but Riley is trying to keep him at arms length not until he finds out. She wants a baby and he’s a determined to give her that baby. I rate this book five out of five you won’t put it down. Trust me and totally recommend it.
Riley wanted a baby badly and sawyer has decided it should be him give her that pleasure .
His dirty talks, and the kink that goes on it was totally 🥵. He wants to win over Rikey at the end his perseverance pay off.
Now Sawyer had a one night stand with Riley until she left next morning before he woke up. Several months passed until he sees her one day now she’s a sheriff of his town in Clearwater Creek. Sawyer wants to pick up where they left off and he’s determined to do that but Riley is trying to keep him at arms length not until he finds out. She wants a baby and he’s a determined to give her that baby. I rate this book five out of five you won’t put it down. Trust me and totally recommend it.
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