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The Scorned #1
The Deceptions
My name is Olivia Viotto. And five years ago, I was murdered by my three best friends. Only, they didn’t finish the job. Now, I’m back as an undercover agent, eager to tear their world apart.
Confronting my past was never on my to-do list. Neither was going undercover as a man, returning to my hometown, or unravelling the skeletons in everyone's closet. But here I am.
Five years ago, I died.
Almost.
How's that phrase go? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
So, I got stronger.
From the fiery remains of tragedy, a guardian angel saved me, resuscitating and bringing me into the underbelly of a super secret government agency, where I healed my body and mind. Yet the scars of that night never faded.
For years, I trained and brought down the bad guys. One person at a time.
Now, it's their turn.
My ex-best friends. Huxley. JJ. Mack.
The three boys I loved with all my heart who betrayed me in the worst possible way.
My mission?
Go deep undercover, posing as a new male student named Oliver. Watch my ex-best friends. Infiltrate their frat to become a member and earn their trust.
Because something fishy is happening at Greenwood University.
Murder. Mayhem. Missing people. The list is endless in a sea of snakes.
Until it all goes impossibly wrong, my identity and life are at risk every step I take, and the bad guys are closing in. I'm forced to lean on the very people I swore vengeance on.
Nothing is ever as it seems. Lies are everywhere.
But I’m here to uncover it all.
**********
***The Deceptions is book one of a possibly four-book series.
***The Deceptions is a full-length, mature, contemporary, new adult romance. Full of love, spice, and betrayal. This book is meant for a mature audience and is recommended for 18+.
****The Deceptions is a whychoose novel, meaning the FMC has more than one love interest and doesn't have to choose. FMMMMM
Confronting my past was never on my to-do list. Neither was going undercover as a man, returning to my hometown, or unravelling the skeletons in everyone's closet. But here I am.
Five years ago, I died.
Almost.
How's that phrase go? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
So, I got stronger.
From the fiery remains of tragedy, a guardian angel saved me, resuscitating and bringing me into the underbelly of a super secret government agency, where I healed my body and mind. Yet the scars of that night never faded.
For years, I trained and brought down the bad guys. One person at a time.
Now, it's their turn.
My ex-best friends. Huxley. JJ. Mack.
The three boys I loved with all my heart who betrayed me in the worst possible way.
My mission?
Go deep undercover, posing as a new male student named Oliver. Watch my ex-best friends. Infiltrate their frat to become a member and earn their trust.
Because something fishy is happening at Greenwood University.
Murder. Mayhem. Missing people. The list is endless in a sea of snakes.
Until it all goes impossibly wrong, my identity and life are at risk every step I take, and the bad guys are closing in. I'm forced to lean on the very people I swore vengeance on.
Nothing is ever as it seems. Lies are everywhere.
But I’m here to uncover it all.
**********
***The Deceptions is book one of a possibly four-book series.
***The Deceptions is a full-length, mature, contemporary, new adult romance. Full of love, spice, and betrayal. This book is meant for a mature audience and is recommended for 18+.
****The Deceptions is a whychoose novel, meaning the FMC has more than one love interest and doesn't have to choose. FMMMMM
503 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2025
398 people are currently reading
1152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 15, 2025
RTC! BUT OMG THIS BOOK IS FIRE THO!
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
Tropes & Content:
Woman betrayed and scorned-
Bestfriends/ Lovers → Enemies → ???
- New identity →Undercover as a guy
- Mafia - Second chance
- Why choose
- Dark college romance
- Slow burn
- Revenge so personal on bish!
Where do I even begin? Aly Beck really said pain first, therapy expect maybe therapy and anger management later. Every damn time she writes, it starts with heartbreak, betrayal, and emotional damage, pain, and more pain, plus feminine rage! But honestly my mashochistic ass loves it! . Like an onion, this story has layers… and each layer makes you intrigued with the characters and what their stories or POVs are.
We follow Olivia’s story, our beautifully broken queen scorned by her bestfriend/boyfriends and totally she has been through hell and she rose like the phoenix she is more badass than ever. There are flashbacks, secrets, and plot twists that hit like emotional jump scares. If you’ve read
Aly’s books (The Apocalypse Society fans, you’ll catch the cameos), this focuses solely on her. Finally. And let me tell you, her past? MESSY AF. Your ex looks like a golden retriever compared to THEM and what they have done. I mean come one… this is not spoiler btw… They killed her and she’s BAAAACK!
The girl literally goes undercover as a dude (it reminds me of she’s the man, but not really) to infiltrate a college and get close to her ex. I would’ve folded in two seconds, but Olivia? She is ready to face the ghosts of her pasts.
I was locked in. The plot was super addictive. The tension and the men were absolutely well they are alphaholes for a reason and im excited to learn more about them in the next book. I devoured this thing in one sitting, forgot to eat ngl, no regrets. Aly Beck has me by the throat, and I’m begging for the next book. Olivia’s story is complex AF, and yeah, I admit I’m obsessed. Guilty!
December 3, 2025
Disappointed.
Olivia was supposed to be this badass secret government agent that has survived and accomplished crazy missions but when it comes to what we actually read about is maybe surface level.
When she hooks up with Malic in the washroom her straight up admits that he knows who she is and that she isn't actually dead, he calls her little ghost for christ sake.. but she is like meh whatever.
She almost breaks cover unlimited times throughout the like month she has been back AND with her being there for whatever her mission truly is, she has gained ZERO intel what so ever. The story line doesn't move along at all and it was incredibly boring until JJ finds out who Oliver actually is... Olivia.
The boys are trying to figure out what has happened to Mer, but they literally just complain about not finding her instead of actually doing something about it?? Brutal.
They are also mobsters... they should eb familiar with death and not so childish, not what I want to read.
It is clearly spelled out that the 3 boys where set up for the attempted murder of Olivia 5 yrs ago, and the successful murder of her mom and sister, conveniently when her father disappeared with their brother, who we never officially met.
It is sad to see them mourn her so bad and she blames them for something that they did not clearly do, her only evidence is their eye colour because they had masks on, like put some more effort into finding out why they would want to kill you?? It would be clear that it was NOT them if she actually did her job? But she clearly sucks at it... other than the mentions by her partner that she is badass?? I don't see it, at all.
The only character I enjoyed reading about was Waffles.
Olivia was supposed to be this badass secret government agent that has survived and accomplished crazy missions but when it comes to what we actually read about is maybe surface level.
When she hooks up with Malic in the washroom her straight up admits that he knows who she is and that she isn't actually dead, he calls her little ghost for christ sake.. but she is like meh whatever.
She almost breaks cover unlimited times throughout the like month she has been back AND with her being there for whatever her mission truly is, she has gained ZERO intel what so ever. The story line doesn't move along at all and it was incredibly boring until JJ finds out who Oliver actually is... Olivia.
The boys are trying to figure out what has happened to Mer, but they literally just complain about not finding her instead of actually doing something about it?? Brutal.
They are also mobsters... they should eb familiar with death and not so childish, not what I want to read.
It is clearly spelled out that the 3 boys where set up for the attempted murder of Olivia 5 yrs ago, and the successful murder of her mom and sister, conveniently when her father disappeared with their brother, who we never officially met.
It is sad to see them mourn her so bad and she blames them for something that they did not clearly do, her only evidence is their eye colour because they had masks on, like put some more effort into finding out why they would want to kill you?? It would be clear that it was NOT them if she actually did her job? But she clearly sucks at it... other than the mentions by her partner that she is badass?? I don't see it, at all.
The only character I enjoyed reading about was Waffles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2025
Loved!!
Man oh man was it so good!! I love a good secret girl book and couple it with secret society and getting revenge, yes please! I love all of the books that have been in this universe and seeing that Olivia is in the connecting worlds, I was super excited for it. The Deceptions is plot heavy, but definitely worth it! I wasn't ready for it to end, but I'm so ready for the next one..
Man oh man was it so good!! I love a good secret girl book and couple it with secret society and getting revenge, yes please! I love all of the books that have been in this universe and seeing that Olivia is in the connecting worlds, I was super excited for it. The Deceptions is plot heavy, but definitely worth it! I wasn't ready for it to end, but I'm so ready for the next one..
October 27, 2025
This plot is soooo good but the inner monologues are too much. Characters are constantly contradicting thoughts they just had a paragraph before. This book could have been two hundred pages shorter without all the inner thoughts filler. I was able to skip whole pages and not lose any plot points because the character take five paragraphs just repeating their grief over and over again.
November 22, 2025
500 pages of nothingness! It becomes incredibly boring the second you realise what’s going on. I kept pushing through hoping there was more to it, but nope. Giant waste of time hoping for major drama when there isn’t any! Put me in a giant slump.
October 14, 2025
*Reverse Harem
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*College Setting
*Friends-Enemies-Lovers
*FMC disguised as boy
*Revenge Plotline
*Rival Gangs
*Building Harem (4?)
*Slow Build
*Fast Burn
*Book 1 / 4?
Revenge is a dish best served with fists 🤣
For me this series has been highly anticipated!! We’ve seen Olivia throughout previous Aly Beck books and her story is an intriguing one knowing her best friends tried to unsuccessfully ☠️ her off 😳
Olivia is tasked to find out what’s going on in her home town where there’s rival gangs taking over the college; mysterious deaths and general shady business 😬 the head of her secret agency decides the best way to approach this is to disguise herself as a boy as the main suspects happen to be her ex bestfriends; the very ones who tried to end her 😖 There’s a lot of turmoil and angst on Olivia’s behalf as she’s forced to face a lot of trauma and anger - especially as Hux, Mack and JJ are completed and utter t&£twaffles towards her/him! And sometimes the way that comes out is amusing 😅 it makes for a very engaging read as sometimes you really want her to just scream at them 😬she also seems to have attracted a follower of a rival gang Malic 😍😍 who seems to have known our Little Ghost what before she even realises…..
Not only that its hinted at throughout this book that not all is what it seems with what went down the night of her death - I cannot wait for that explosion 💥 it’s gonna be messy!! Really looking forward to the next books where I’m hoping she gets discovered properly 🙈
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*College Setting
*Friends-Enemies-Lovers
*FMC disguised as boy
*Revenge Plotline
*Rival Gangs
*Building Harem (4?)
*Slow Build
*Fast Burn
*Book 1 / 4?
Revenge is a dish best served with fists 🤣
For me this series has been highly anticipated!! We’ve seen Olivia throughout previous Aly Beck books and her story is an intriguing one knowing her best friends tried to unsuccessfully ☠️ her off 😳
Olivia is tasked to find out what’s going on in her home town where there’s rival gangs taking over the college; mysterious deaths and general shady business 😬 the head of her secret agency decides the best way to approach this is to disguise herself as a boy as the main suspects happen to be her ex bestfriends; the very ones who tried to end her 😖 There’s a lot of turmoil and angst on Olivia’s behalf as she’s forced to face a lot of trauma and anger - especially as Hux, Mack and JJ are completed and utter t&£twaffles towards her/him! And sometimes the way that comes out is amusing 😅 it makes for a very engaging read as sometimes you really want her to just scream at them 😬she also seems to have attracted a follower of a rival gang Malic 😍😍 who seems to have known our Little Ghost what before she even realises…..
Not only that its hinted at throughout this book that not all is what it seems with what went down the night of her death - I cannot wait for that explosion 💥 it’s gonna be messy!! Really looking forward to the next books where I’m hoping she gets discovered properly 🙈
October 16, 2025
4.75/5 ⭐️
If you know me, you know that Aly's books are always top-tier for me. She can create such emotional and raw stories, and this one was no different. Olivia has been a character in Aly's past books, so this story was highly anticipated. The secret society and secret identity trope was so well written in this book that I was hooked from the start.
This book did not have a lot of spice, which I was on board with, since the story wasn't meant to be that it was meant to be a redemption of sorts for certain characters.
I received a free copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you know me, you know that Aly's books are always top-tier for me. She can create such emotional and raw stories, and this one was no different. Olivia has been a character in Aly's past books, so this story was highly anticipated. The secret society and secret identity trope was so well written in this book that I was hooked from the start.
This book did not have a lot of spice, which I was on board with, since the story wasn't meant to be that it was meant to be a redemption of sorts for certain characters.
I received a free copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2025
Blessed to be part of the ARC read, absolutely HOOKED onto this book. I personally cannot wait for book two.
This book follows Liv and her undercover work and how she gets her men, there are twists and turns that make you second guess everything you already know about her. And oh my lanta, Malic 💕 absolutely love his psycho self and can’t wait for more of him. Love reading about him and his little ghost. AND THAT ENDING! WATCH OUT FOR THAT CLIFF 😭
This book follows Liv and her undercover work and how she gets her men, there are twists and turns that make you second guess everything you already know about her. And oh my lanta, Malic 💕 absolutely love his psycho self and can’t wait for more of him. Love reading about him and his little ghost. AND THAT ENDING! WATCH OUT FOR THAT CLIFF 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf-and-one-star-land
October 17, 2025I was super excited for this but unfortunately ended up DNFing. I wasn’t vibing with the characters or storyline on this one.
Did not finish
November 3, 2025DNF at 46%
I honestly tried so hard to finish this one. I really did. It seemed interesting to me and I love a good revenge story. She's the Man meets A Knight's Revenge: The Complete Series. It was just so boring and the story was moving so slow. Please read Doom Sunshine's review because that was literally everything I felt reading this.
I honestly tried so hard to finish this one. I really did. It seemed interesting to me and I love a good revenge story. She's the Man meets A Knight's Revenge: The Complete Series. It was just so boring and the story was moving so slow. Please read Doom Sunshine's review because that was literally everything I felt reading this.
Read
October 19, 2025🟢 This is a reverse harem 🟢
October 15, 2025
I'm amazed that a book with 503 pages had no advancement in plot, until the last five pages.
The FMC is lauded as being a first class undercover agent; having skills that no one else around her has. Yet, she messes up her assignment ALL the time and doesn't know how to cover her tracks. This is just another example of an author that wants to have a kickass FMC, but makes her dumb as rocks. At no point did I believe that she was some super agent sent to take down an organization. We don't see her do anything that makes her doing a job of an undercover agent believable.
Every day, the FMC spirals due to being home, yet she proclaims that she is a government agent capable of doing the best work. Every day we have to listen while she hypes herself up for her assignment.
Within the first 3 chapters, the FMC has a severe case of BBS and she literally does not pick up on ANY of the clues her bathroom hookup was saying. She kept "pushing those thoughts aside." *rolls eyes*
Jordan and Simon were soooooooo very annoying. They ruined every chapter they were featured in. Simon was the "new friend in the academy" trope; he gets white girl wasted, talks like a freshman girl, and is just the happiest person eveh. It's a cut and paste from every other academy/college dorm mate character. Jordan was just another example of how these "agents" are just children playing adult games. While undercover, HE CALLS THE FMC BY HER GIRL NAME and not her new name. Like, what? The banter between him and the FMC is childish and doesn't enhance the story at all. FMC also put a hard boundary down: "don't call me Livy, it hurts too much." Jordan doesn't care. He thinks its cute and funny when Olivia gets angry. He also has some of the WORST lines in the book. For example: “Eh, suit yourself. When you do want to tell me more, just ring-a-ling-a-ding me.” Who in the ever loving fuck says that?
The author deploys book stuffing techniques. First, the header of each chapter takes up 2/3 of the page. And second, the book is full of flashbacks that do not add anything to character development, plot or theme. Because they don't add anything of substance to the story, they were only there to up the word count so the book would be longer.
There is a TON of repetition of phrases, ideas, terms, and information.
Color me shocked that the author has an extensive catalog and she is making basic editing and formatting errors. Author states that she has several editors looking at her work, but she must not listen to their feedback or maybe they don't understand standard formatting and grammar. The author chooses to capitalize terms of endearments or even insults. Like, sir or even dude. Yes, the author called someone Dude.
As with most KU authors, this author doesn't know how to format terms of endearment correctly. PSA to the author: terms of endearment are not capitalized unless their placement in a sentence warrants it.
Correct: "Here, drink this dear."
Not correct: "Here, drink this Dear."
FMC's name: Olivia
Nicknames: sunshine, little ghost, crumpet, liv, livy, Oliver, Oli, Agent Princess, spitfire, trouble.
old chap - 15 times (in like 4 chapters)
crumpet - 9 times (in like 2-3 chapters)
The FMC is lauded as being a first class undercover agent; having skills that no one else around her has. Yet, she messes up her assignment ALL the time and doesn't know how to cover her tracks. This is just another example of an author that wants to have a kickass FMC, but makes her dumb as rocks. At no point did I believe that she was some super agent sent to take down an organization. We don't see her do anything that makes her doing a job of an undercover agent believable.
Every day, the FMC spirals due to being home, yet she proclaims that she is a government agent capable of doing the best work. Every day we have to listen while she hypes herself up for her assignment.
Within the first 3 chapters, the FMC has a severe case of BBS and she literally does not pick up on ANY of the clues her bathroom hookup was saying. She kept "pushing those thoughts aside." *rolls eyes*
Jordan and Simon were soooooooo very annoying. They ruined every chapter they were featured in. Simon was the "new friend in the academy" trope; he gets white girl wasted, talks like a freshman girl, and is just the happiest person eveh. It's a cut and paste from every other academy/college dorm mate character. Jordan was just another example of how these "agents" are just children playing adult games. While undercover, HE CALLS THE FMC BY HER GIRL NAME and not her new name. Like, what? The banter between him and the FMC is childish and doesn't enhance the story at all. FMC also put a hard boundary down: "don't call me Livy, it hurts too much." Jordan doesn't care. He thinks its cute and funny when Olivia gets angry. He also has some of the WORST lines in the book. For example: “Eh, suit yourself. When you do want to tell me more, just ring-a-ling-a-ding me.” Who in the ever loving fuck says that?
The author deploys book stuffing techniques. First, the header of each chapter takes up 2/3 of the page. And second, the book is full of flashbacks that do not add anything to character development, plot or theme. Because they don't add anything of substance to the story, they were only there to up the word count so the book would be longer.
There is a TON of repetition of phrases, ideas, terms, and information.
Color me shocked that the author has an extensive catalog and she is making basic editing and formatting errors. Author states that she has several editors looking at her work, but she must not listen to their feedback or maybe they don't understand standard formatting and grammar. The author chooses to capitalize terms of endearments or even insults. Like, sir or even dude. Yes, the author called someone Dude.
As with most KU authors, this author doesn't know how to format terms of endearment correctly. PSA to the author: terms of endearment are not capitalized unless their placement in a sentence warrants it.
Correct: "Here, drink this dear."
Not correct: "Here, drink this Dear."
FMC's name: Olivia
Nicknames: sunshine, little ghost, crumpet, liv, livy, Oliver, Oli, Agent Princess, spitfire, trouble.
old chap - 15 times (in like 4 chapters)
crumpet - 9 times (in like 2-3 chapters)
February 19, 2026
This book was both amazing and terrible. I would give the plot five stars but only two for the writing, so I'll average it out to 3 overall.
The good:
I was hitting the "Add to Library" button before I even finished reading the blurb. The FMC loved her three childhood friends/boyfrieds until they cut her throat and left her to die in a burning house. Five years later, she's a secret agent, she's back in town, disguised as a boy and attending their college to bring them down. On top of that, we have bodies showing up right and left missing their organs. The author did a great job of building atmosphere and suspense and I'm dying to know what comes next.
The bad
The ratio of inner monologue to action has to be around 10:1. Even worse, this has to be one of the most repetitive books I've ever read. You can tell this author doesn't go back to read her existing chapters. I spent like 80% of the time reading saying, "Yes, I know.", "I remember.","Why are you giving a history of how these characters met when we read that scene in real time?", "Yes, I truly understand your feelings from the first three-hundred times you've told me", "Glad to know that fact hasn't changed in the past three pages.".
Secondly, the FMC was given a perfect motive for wrecking havoc and the skills to pull it off, but she doesn't do much of anything. She's supposed to be spying but any information she gathers is stuff that she's just stumbled upon. She has a talented hacker friend, but only goes to him about information pertaining to herself - who planted a tracker in her pocket, who's looking into her background? Case? What case? She allows herself to be dragged to a couple of parties where she doesn't even attempt to do her job, but mostly she just sits around moping about her past and feeling sorry for herself.
As for the guys...
- Malec showed early potential, but then started to feel more caricature than character. Who the hell says "Old Chap" outside of an Agatha Christie novel?
- Wilder - we barely know him, but I really like what I know.
- Hux - As the leader of the group, I was expecting an obnoxious alphahole. With only a couple POV scenes, his characterization was shallow, but I think there's something promising there.
- JJ - Love! Wouldn't change a thing.
- Mack - I viscerally dislike this character. Not only is he a bully, but he has zero emotional intelligence. I think I'm more bothered by the way he traded his brother in for two better models than I am by his treatment of the FMC. He couldn't have less emotional intelligence.
Anyway, I'm still here for the plot, so I will definitely read the second book.
The good:
I was hitting the "Add to Library" button before I even finished reading the blurb. The FMC loved her three childhood friends/boyfrieds until they cut her throat and left her to die in a burning house. Five years later, she's a secret agent, she's back in town, disguised as a boy and attending their college to bring them down. On top of that, we have bodies showing up right and left missing their organs. The author did a great job of building atmosphere and suspense and I'm dying to know what comes next.
The bad
The ratio of inner monologue to action has to be around 10:1. Even worse, this has to be one of the most repetitive books I've ever read. You can tell this author doesn't go back to read her existing chapters. I spent like 80% of the time reading saying, "Yes, I know.", "I remember.","Why are you giving a history of how these characters met when we read that scene in real time?", "Yes, I truly understand your feelings from the first three-hundred times you've told me", "Glad to know that fact hasn't changed in the past three pages.".
Secondly, the FMC was given a perfect motive for wrecking havoc and the skills to pull it off, but she doesn't do much of anything. She's supposed to be spying but any information she gathers is stuff that she's just stumbled upon. She has a talented hacker friend, but only goes to him about information pertaining to herself - who planted a tracker in her pocket, who's looking into her background? Case? What case? She allows herself to be dragged to a couple of parties where she doesn't even attempt to do her job, but mostly she just sits around moping about her past and feeling sorry for herself.
As for the guys...
- Malec showed early potential, but then started to feel more caricature than character. Who the hell says "Old Chap" outside of an Agatha Christie novel?
- Wilder - we barely know him, but I really like what I know.
- Hux - As the leader of the group, I was expecting an obnoxious alphahole. With only a couple POV scenes, his characterization was shallow, but I think there's something promising there.
- JJ - Love! Wouldn't change a thing.
- Mack - I viscerally dislike this character. Not only is he a bully, but he has zero emotional intelligence. I think I'm more bothered by the way he traded his brother in for two better models than I am by his treatment of the FMC. He couldn't have less emotional intelligence.
Anyway, I'm still here for the plot, so I will definitely read the second book.
October 16, 2025
🔥🖤 Book Review: The Deceptions (The Scorned Series, #1) by Aly Beck 🖤🔥
"Five years ago, they killed me. They should’ve buried me deeper."
HOLY. HELL. Aly Beck wrote a cinematic fever dream of revenge, rage, and resurrection. The Deceptions is what happens when She’s the Man gets spliced with Alias and Kill Bill in a dark college setting full of secrets, betrayal, and the most delicious slow-burn tension.
Five years ago, Olivia Viotto’s three best friends (Huxley, JJ, and Mack) murdered her.
Or… they thought they did.
Now she’s back, disguised as a guy named Oliver, undercover for a covert government agency to infiltrate their frat, unearth their secrets, and destroy them from the inside. But when her old ghosts start looking less like villains and more like victims, and a dangerous new player named Malic enters the picture, Olivia’s revenge mission gets tangled with desire, deception, and the kind of chaos that only Aly Beck can deliver.
💀 Olivia (Liv/Oliver) — Our resurrected queen. Broken. Brilliant. A blade disguised as a body. She’s the definition of “what doesn’t kill you makes you feral.”
🔥 Malic — The dark wildcard with obsessive, unhinged energy. Possessive. Loyal. The definition of chaos in human form.
🔥 JJ — The quiet, thoughtful one whose trauma hurts to read. He’s the heart hiding under all the scars.
🔥 Huxley — The mysterious heir with secrets deeper than blood. You know he’s hiding something big.
🔥 Mack — Rage incarnate. All sharp edges and guilt. The man who’ll burn the world to atone.
(And yes, we see glimpses of Wilder too 👀 I’m calling it now, future obsession unlocked.)
Aly Beck balances pain and power perfectly. The world-building is intricate, the plot twists are brutal, and the tension could light a match. There’s no easy forgiveness here, just raw survival and an FMC who refuses to be anyone’s victim again.
✨ Tropes & Tags:
🖤 Woman scorned / betrayed → revenge arc
🎭 Undercover disguise (FMC as male student)
💋 Friends → enemies → lovers (×4)
🔪 Mafia & rival gangs
🔥 Slow burn → explosive payoff
🕵️♀️ Secret agent / hidden identity
🤝 Found family & loyalty
💔 Feminine rage at its finest
“She died once. This time, she’s bringing hell with her.”
#TheDeceptions #AlyBeck #TheScornedSeries #DarkCollegeRomance #WhyChooseRomance #ReverseHaremBooks #FriendsToEnemiesToLovers #FMCDisguisedAsMale #UndercoverAgent #RevengeRomance #DarkRomanceReads #SpicyBookstagram #BookTok #DarkFiction #BetrayalAndVengeance #BookReview #SlowBurnRomance #DarkBookTok #FMMM #FeminineRage
"Five years ago, they killed me. They should’ve buried me deeper."
HOLY. HELL. Aly Beck wrote a cinematic fever dream of revenge, rage, and resurrection. The Deceptions is what happens when She’s the Man gets spliced with Alias and Kill Bill in a dark college setting full of secrets, betrayal, and the most delicious slow-burn tension.
Five years ago, Olivia Viotto’s three best friends (Huxley, JJ, and Mack) murdered her.
Or… they thought they did.
Now she’s back, disguised as a guy named Oliver, undercover for a covert government agency to infiltrate their frat, unearth their secrets, and destroy them from the inside. But when her old ghosts start looking less like villains and more like victims, and a dangerous new player named Malic enters the picture, Olivia’s revenge mission gets tangled with desire, deception, and the kind of chaos that only Aly Beck can deliver.
💀 Olivia (Liv/Oliver) — Our resurrected queen. Broken. Brilliant. A blade disguised as a body. She’s the definition of “what doesn’t kill you makes you feral.”
🔥 Malic — The dark wildcard with obsessive, unhinged energy. Possessive. Loyal. The definition of chaos in human form.
🔥 JJ — The quiet, thoughtful one whose trauma hurts to read. He’s the heart hiding under all the scars.
🔥 Huxley — The mysterious heir with secrets deeper than blood. You know he’s hiding something big.
🔥 Mack — Rage incarnate. All sharp edges and guilt. The man who’ll burn the world to atone.
(And yes, we see glimpses of Wilder too 👀 I’m calling it now, future obsession unlocked.)
Aly Beck balances pain and power perfectly. The world-building is intricate, the plot twists are brutal, and the tension could light a match. There’s no easy forgiveness here, just raw survival and an FMC who refuses to be anyone’s victim again.
✨ Tropes & Tags:
🖤 Woman scorned / betrayed → revenge arc
🎭 Undercover disguise (FMC as male student)
💋 Friends → enemies → lovers (×4)
🔪 Mafia & rival gangs
🔥 Slow burn → explosive payoff
🕵️♀️ Secret agent / hidden identity
🤝 Found family & loyalty
💔 Feminine rage at its finest
“She died once. This time, she’s bringing hell with her.”
#TheDeceptions #AlyBeck #TheScornedSeries #DarkCollegeRomance #WhyChooseRomance #ReverseHaremBooks #FriendsToEnemiesToLovers #FMCDisguisedAsMale #UndercoverAgent #RevengeRomance #DarkRomanceReads #SpicyBookstagram #BookTok #DarkFiction #BetrayalAndVengeance #BookReview #SlowBurnRomance #DarkBookTok #FMMM #FeminineRage
October 16, 2025
I have been a fan of this author ever since her first book. It was the 2nd ever rh novel I had read, and it cemented the genre for me. The apocalypse society is still to this day one of my favorite series and I have read it several times. I have been hoping we would get Olivia’s story for the longest time as I absolutely loved her haunted character and wanted to know how she became that way.
The book starts off strong with little peaks of the past and of what happened to her. We also get to meet the mmc’s quickly in the story. I absolutely adore malic! He is probably my favorite out of all the mmc so far in the series. He is unhinged in the absolute best way and seems to see right through all of Olivia’s protective walls right from the start, including who she really is.
The secret girl trope is one of my favorites and I love when the mmc’s are confused by their attraction when they have never had feelings for a guy before. It makes me want to shake a few of the MMC for how they treat her.
The mafia world in this series is very in depth and interesting. There are several moving parts, and it seems like there is a much larger picture that we are yet to see. I love the hints throughout the story that there is so much more to come. It really catches your attention, and I literally could not put the book down, I just wanted to know what happened next.
The book does end on a cliffhanger that had me screaming lol. That was so mean! But it was such a good cliffhanger that I literally cannot wait for the next book in the series. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I am getting hints that everything may not be what it seems with the trauma Olivia endured in her past.
I loved that I got to see my favorite mmc from the Apocalypse society as well even if it was just digitally. Carter is my absolute favorite grump, and I love his filthy mouth.
This was a five star read for me and I will be waiting on pins and needles crying until the next book comes out. JK lol I will wait patiently because I love the author but still I am so excited. Don’t wait to read this one it is so good!
The book starts off strong with little peaks of the past and of what happened to her. We also get to meet the mmc’s quickly in the story. I absolutely adore malic! He is probably my favorite out of all the mmc so far in the series. He is unhinged in the absolute best way and seems to see right through all of Olivia’s protective walls right from the start, including who she really is.
The secret girl trope is one of my favorites and I love when the mmc’s are confused by their attraction when they have never had feelings for a guy before. It makes me want to shake a few of the MMC for how they treat her.
The mafia world in this series is very in depth and interesting. There are several moving parts, and it seems like there is a much larger picture that we are yet to see. I love the hints throughout the story that there is so much more to come. It really catches your attention, and I literally could not put the book down, I just wanted to know what happened next.
The book does end on a cliffhanger that had me screaming lol. That was so mean! But it was such a good cliffhanger that I literally cannot wait for the next book in the series. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I am getting hints that everything may not be what it seems with the trauma Olivia endured in her past.
I loved that I got to see my favorite mmc from the Apocalypse society as well even if it was just digitally. Carter is my absolute favorite grump, and I love his filthy mouth.
This was a five star read for me and I will be waiting on pins and needles crying until the next book comes out. JK lol I will wait patiently because I love the author but still I am so excited. Don’t wait to read this one it is so good!
October 15, 2025
I was super excited for this one, and I practically inhaled every page, I enjoyed it so much!
Liv’s such an awesome FMC, and despite everything she’s been through, she’s a proper badass showing such incredible strength of character. Not only does she stand her ground with her exes even though she has such deep-seated trauma related to them, but she’s also got some amazing fighting skills - and I’m hoping to see more of them going forward. But I also love that we’re reminded that she’s still only young by her errors, despite being an agent - she is still human after all!
I’m going to be honest and say that Malic is the stand-out guy for me so far. His instant connection with Liv, and knowing who she is, earned him his first brownie points - and although he’s possessive and unhinged, he’s clearly devoted to his sister and he shows Wilder hints of vulnerability. He’s intense in every sense of the word, yet I am totally hooked on him!
I also have a big soft spot for JJ and his quiet thoughtfulness. His past absolutely broke my heart but I adored his instant acceptance from Hux and Mack. I’m loving the found family vibes from these three.
I'm so looking forward to learning more about Hux, hopefully from his POV in the next book, but the somewhat mysterious heir of the gang has definitely caught my interest. And Mack, well, his all-consuming rage is evident right now so we'll see where his story arc takes him.
I do have a lot of sympathy for Wilder, and I’m hoping he’ll get more recognition and acceptance from others in the next book. I think he’s going to become a firm favourite for me too so they may be a battle for the top spot in my affections!
And we cannot forget Liv's awesome best friends, Jordy and Simon. I'd like to sign up to adopt these two, please! Plus, of course, the wonderful Waffles!
The ending was not what I was expecting but what a cliffhanger to leave us on! If you excuse me, I’m going to be on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the next book. Plllllleeeeeease don’t keep us waiting too long, Aly.
Liv’s such an awesome FMC, and despite everything she’s been through, she’s a proper badass showing such incredible strength of character. Not only does she stand her ground with her exes even though she has such deep-seated trauma related to them, but she’s also got some amazing fighting skills - and I’m hoping to see more of them going forward. But I also love that we’re reminded that she’s still only young by her errors, despite being an agent - she is still human after all!
I’m going to be honest and say that Malic is the stand-out guy for me so far. His instant connection with Liv, and knowing who she is, earned him his first brownie points - and although he’s possessive and unhinged, he’s clearly devoted to his sister and he shows Wilder hints of vulnerability. He’s intense in every sense of the word, yet I am totally hooked on him!
I also have a big soft spot for JJ and his quiet thoughtfulness. His past absolutely broke my heart but I adored his instant acceptance from Hux and Mack. I’m loving the found family vibes from these three.
I'm so looking forward to learning more about Hux, hopefully from his POV in the next book, but the somewhat mysterious heir of the gang has definitely caught my interest. And Mack, well, his all-consuming rage is evident right now so we'll see where his story arc takes him.
I do have a lot of sympathy for Wilder, and I’m hoping he’ll get more recognition and acceptance from others in the next book. I think he’s going to become a firm favourite for me too so they may be a battle for the top spot in my affections!
And we cannot forget Liv's awesome best friends, Jordy and Simon. I'd like to sign up to adopt these two, please! Plus, of course, the wonderful Waffles!
The ending was not what I was expecting but what a cliffhanger to leave us on! If you excuse me, I’m going to be on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the next book. Plllllleeeeeease don’t keep us waiting too long, Aly.
January 25, 2026
Good book but
There were some things that just didn’t make sense.
To preface my review, I would like to say that I enjoyed reading the book. The characters are intriguing and the plot and story is unique. I love a reverse harem, and I am interested in reading more and seeing how the relationships play out.
Now onto my points. To start, the main character, Olivia, goes undercover as a boy, even though there is a perfectly fine male operative they could have used. She is set up in a shared bedroom, with no backup or support, and is given a poorly created background.
Also for someone who has supposedly been a spy for years, she is not at all prepared for her role. She continually forgets to deepen her voice, forgets her male name, and doesn’t try hard to act like a man. She keeps mentioning past missions, but then shows none of the skill she talked about. She can’t even lie or hide body language; in multiple other people’s pov’s they mention thinking she’s lying or hiding something.
She also doesn’t really do much for her case; no background research, no spying or snooping around, no trying to figure out what’s going on. It seems like all she does is wallow in self pity or go to campus events/classes while poorly acting like ‘Oliver’, the man she is supposed to become.
I just think that she should have either been written as more competent and skilled, or less practiced and trained. It doesn’t make sense for her to be so lacking (outside of perhaps fighting abilities), and yet have such a successful past as a spy.
Additionally, for her supposedly being furious with ex lovers for killing her and her family, she constantly reminisces on good memories, wonders if they miss her, and eyes them up.
Now please stop reading if you haven’t read the book yet!!!
Alternatively for what I said about in my first point (Olivia being badly prepared for this case), I’m wondering if this was purposeful and that Jonathan is manipulating her and/or her case. Maybe he’s actually evil or perhaps he wants her to be found out for some reason?
There were some things that just didn’t make sense.
To preface my review, I would like to say that I enjoyed reading the book. The characters are intriguing and the plot and story is unique. I love a reverse harem, and I am interested in reading more and seeing how the relationships play out.
Now onto my points. To start, the main character, Olivia, goes undercover as a boy, even though there is a perfectly fine male operative they could have used. She is set up in a shared bedroom, with no backup or support, and is given a poorly created background.
Also for someone who has supposedly been a spy for years, she is not at all prepared for her role. She continually forgets to deepen her voice, forgets her male name, and doesn’t try hard to act like a man. She keeps mentioning past missions, but then shows none of the skill she talked about. She can’t even lie or hide body language; in multiple other people’s pov’s they mention thinking she’s lying or hiding something.
She also doesn’t really do much for her case; no background research, no spying or snooping around, no trying to figure out what’s going on. It seems like all she does is wallow in self pity or go to campus events/classes while poorly acting like ‘Oliver’, the man she is supposed to become.
I just think that she should have either been written as more competent and skilled, or less practiced and trained. It doesn’t make sense for her to be so lacking (outside of perhaps fighting abilities), and yet have such a successful past as a spy.
Additionally, for her supposedly being furious with ex lovers for killing her and her family, she constantly reminisces on good memories, wonders if they miss her, and eyes them up.
Now please stop reading if you haven’t read the book yet!!!
Alternatively for what I said about in my first point (Olivia being badly prepared for this case), I’m wondering if this was purposeful and that Jonathan is manipulating her and/or her case. Maybe he’s actually evil or perhaps he wants her to be found out for some reason?
October 15, 2025
I don't know how she does it but she never writes a bad book.
The personalities Aly puts into her characters is genius, and this book did not disappoint.
Seeing snippets of Olivia in the other books I was curious to learn her story.
Olivia Viotto a Veritas agent- Agent 7. Sent back to the town where her life ended- well everyone there thinks it did. Murdered by her best friends and loves, betrayed, and lost both her mother and father. She's sent undercover to infiltrate and gain the trust of the men who betrayed her.
Olivia when finds out releases some steam with Malic- whose personality is a little psycho mixed with this humor you can't wanting more from, I mean he puts a tracker on her right away, except he figured out who she was right away.
Her partner Jordy leaves for his assignment, she meets her roommates and finds a bond with Simon who though accidentally learns part of secret, thinks its for a different reason. I love Simon's character, hes the legit bubbly lightweight bestie you'd look for.
The memories of her past keep haunting her, the men who she thinks betrayed her keep her memory alive. 224.
Something is going on more than let on in town and on campus. People are going missing, bodies showing up, and secrets start unraveling.
And the ending?!?!?
PFFT ummmm the cliffhanger....
"Spitfire. You're alive."
okay why is it when I slide my hand there are no more pages! so ready for book 2!
Fave quotes:
"It's a treasure, just like you. You're my future. My treasure. My troublemaker."
"Yeah, this was not a good idea. Just give me a walker and call me grandma, because I'd rather be knitting a sweater than standing here in this frat house."
"There's a fine line between loving someone and loathing them for what they did in the past." "Sometimes being the caretaker of everyone around me is the most exhausting job of them all."
"Oh, and I'm taking the dog too dumbass."
The personalities Aly puts into her characters is genius, and this book did not disappoint.
Seeing snippets of Olivia in the other books I was curious to learn her story.
Olivia Viotto a Veritas agent- Agent 7. Sent back to the town where her life ended- well everyone there thinks it did. Murdered by her best friends and loves, betrayed, and lost both her mother and father. She's sent undercover to infiltrate and gain the trust of the men who betrayed her.
Olivia when finds out releases some steam with Malic- whose personality is a little psycho mixed with this humor you can't wanting more from, I mean he puts a tracker on her right away, except he figured out who she was right away.
Her partner Jordy leaves for his assignment, she meets her roommates and finds a bond with Simon who though accidentally learns part of secret, thinks its for a different reason. I love Simon's character, hes the legit bubbly lightweight bestie you'd look for.
The memories of her past keep haunting her, the men who she thinks betrayed her keep her memory alive. 224.
Something is going on more than let on in town and on campus. People are going missing, bodies showing up, and secrets start unraveling.
And the ending?!?!?
PFFT ummmm the cliffhanger....
"Spitfire. You're alive."
okay why is it when I slide my hand there are no more pages! so ready for book 2!
Fave quotes:
"It's a treasure, just like you. You're my future. My treasure. My troublemaker."
"Yeah, this was not a good idea. Just give me a walker and call me grandma, because I'd rather be knitting a sweater than standing here in this frat house."
"There's a fine line between loving someone and loathing them for what they did in the past." "Sometimes being the caretaker of everyone around me is the most exhausting job of them all."
"Oh, and I'm taking the dog too dumbass."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
Betrayed and left for dead by the three people she loved most, Olivia dies only to resurface as someone else. Reborn and undercover as a guy at their elite college, she’s on assignment and out for answers. That’s just the opening move in The Deceptions, a twist-packed debut that doesn’t play fair.
Looking for romance? You might want to hold that thought. But let me introduce you to Malic, your new favorite unhinged, obsessive MMC. He's friends with Jackson Wilder (Mack's half brother), He definitely wasn’t part of the equation but now he’s the variable no one can control.
When reading RH, my favorite game is “Spot the Harem” especially when the blurb doesn't name names. So far? I’m still guessing. The is no harem\relationship(s) to speak of. The three former loves: Mack, Hux, and JJ each get their POVs but some of their recollections of what happened that faithful day contradicts what Olivia remembers.
When you think you've got a handle on the plot more secrets and mysteries are thrown at you. It's like an awesome blossom with all the layers of intrigue. There are so many questions to answer:
1) Where's Malic's sister? What role does she play?
2) Who's killing college students?
3) What happens if and when they find out Olivier isn't who they think he is
4) How are they going to bring down Franco?
5) Who gets to keep Waffles?
This series can be read on its own but it's part of an interconnected world.
-Olivia is introduced in the Web Of Lies series
-Viottos were introduced in Destructive Devastation
Tropes:
☑️Kicka88 FMC
☑️Psychotic MMC
☑️Mafia\Gangs
☑️Dark
☑️Mystery and murder
☑️Revenge
☑️Hidden Identity
☑️Slow burn, heavy plot
☑️Slow build harem (maybe 5?)
☑️Fun supporting characters
🐕 a really good boy named Waffles
🔥🔥 of 5, Only because we get one scene.
Looking for romance? You might want to hold that thought. But let me introduce you to Malic, your new favorite unhinged, obsessive MMC. He's friends with Jackson Wilder (Mack's half brother), He definitely wasn’t part of the equation but now he’s the variable no one can control.
When reading RH, my favorite game is “Spot the Harem” especially when the blurb doesn't name names. So far? I’m still guessing. The is no harem\relationship(s) to speak of. The three former loves: Mack, Hux, and JJ each get their POVs but some of their recollections of what happened that faithful day contradicts what Olivia remembers.
When you think you've got a handle on the plot more secrets and mysteries are thrown at you. It's like an awesome blossom with all the layers of intrigue. There are so many questions to answer:
1) Where's Malic's sister? What role does she play?
2) Who's killing college students?
3) What happens if and when they find out Olivier isn't who they think he is
4) How are they going to bring down Franco?
5) Who gets to keep Waffles?
This series can be read on its own but it's part of an interconnected world.
-Olivia is introduced in the Web Of Lies series
-Viottos were introduced in Destructive Devastation
Tropes:
☑️Kicka88 FMC
☑️Psychotic MMC
☑️Mafia\Gangs
☑️Dark
☑️Mystery and murder
☑️Revenge
☑️Hidden Identity
☑️Slow burn, heavy plot
☑️Slow build harem (maybe 5?)
☑️Fun supporting characters
🐕 a really good boy named Waffles
🔥🔥 of 5, Only because we get one scene.
October 7, 2025
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING!
Let me preface this review by saying I might be bias because I absolutely love everything Aly Beck, but this book? Hit me right in my feels with feelings that rivaled that of Apocalypse Society which is my #1 read.
Ever since Espie/Liv was introduced in TAS, I’ve been dying to know more about her, and this book gave it all and more. Her character, her desire to get justice, the things she’s been through and is still going through, is just mind blowing. I stand with her all the way, and I was rooting for her the whole way through the book. Seeing her change everything to get to the bottom of the mission she’s been set, well, I absolutely loved it.
Now, the guys. The chemistry and spice between her and Malic was instantaneous, and I picked up on the little clues in his speech straight away. I was almost shouting at Wilder because it’s right there and he’s just not seeing hard enough.
I loved that we got a bit of the guys POV, after hating them from hearing about them from the get go, as their views of what happened are entirely different to what we know from Liv, and I can’t wait to see that explored more. The little hints that have been set are building up to something that is sure to break my heart into tiny little pieces.
The plot is developing nicely, with all added bits that tie together in little ways you wouldn’t think of at first. I loved the repeat characters from the other books. (SWOON FOR CARTER MY GRUMPY LIL BF). And I honestly just cannot wait to see what happens next.
10/10 read! Binge worthy, all the feels, and a plot that’ll have you hooked.
Let me preface this review by saying I might be bias because I absolutely love everything Aly Beck, but this book? Hit me right in my feels with feelings that rivaled that of Apocalypse Society which is my #1 read.
Ever since Espie/Liv was introduced in TAS, I’ve been dying to know more about her, and this book gave it all and more. Her character, her desire to get justice, the things she’s been through and is still going through, is just mind blowing. I stand with her all the way, and I was rooting for her the whole way through the book. Seeing her change everything to get to the bottom of the mission she’s been set, well, I absolutely loved it.
Now, the guys. The chemistry and spice between her and Malic was instantaneous, and I picked up on the little clues in his speech straight away. I was almost shouting at Wilder because it’s right there and he’s just not seeing hard enough.
I loved that we got a bit of the guys POV, after hating them from hearing about them from the get go, as their views of what happened are entirely different to what we know from Liv, and I can’t wait to see that explored more. The little hints that have been set are building up to something that is sure to break my heart into tiny little pieces.
The plot is developing nicely, with all added bits that tie together in little ways you wouldn’t think of at first. I loved the repeat characters from the other books. (SWOON FOR CARTER MY GRUMPY LIL BF). And I honestly just cannot wait to see what happens next.
10/10 read! Binge worthy, all the feels, and a plot that’ll have you hooked.
October 21, 2025
This books was so good I’ve loved every Aly beck book I’ve read so far and this was not an exception It was so good and I can’t wait for book 2!
Olivia viotto died.. or well she was mean to die and her ex best friends, the loves of her life? They believed she was when he family was murdered she was too but she lived and now? She’s working a job meant to bring down everyone including her ex’s. But she’ll do it in a male form and they’ll never know Oliver is someone from their past.
Huxley, Mack and Jj they believe the loves of their life is dead…they don’t know she’s ready to take them on but she looks nothing like she’s meant to with her right under their noses. Mack is angry he could kill anyone he loves to fight and rage, one is a tech geek who is also deaf and he…well he’s smart and he’s a hacker, a tracker and can see through you. And hux well he’s hot and broody. But it doesn’t end there your obsessed with these men? Let me add in Mack’s hot brother that hates him wilder that man? Hes cool calm and in control he’s hot 🥵 and I can’t wait for Olivia to have a hot peace of that. Then there’s malic he’s absolutely unhinged about the people he loves about his sister especially when he’s trying to find her and about his woman, the woman he stalks the woman who takes his virginity and the woman he could recognize even in disguise I might be obsessed 😏 anywho he needs his woman, his revenge, his sister back and he’s blood thirsty..,I’m ready for all of them to work together I feel it in my bones. Ok NOW the ENDING!???? Oh JJ 😩 I need more please now!!! Give me more I need to know.
Olivia viotto died.. or well she was mean to die and her ex best friends, the loves of her life? They believed she was when he family was murdered she was too but she lived and now? She’s working a job meant to bring down everyone including her ex’s. But she’ll do it in a male form and they’ll never know Oliver is someone from their past.
Huxley, Mack and Jj they believe the loves of their life is dead…they don’t know she’s ready to take them on but she looks nothing like she’s meant to with her right under their noses. Mack is angry he could kill anyone he loves to fight and rage, one is a tech geek who is also deaf and he…well he’s smart and he’s a hacker, a tracker and can see through you. And hux well he’s hot and broody. But it doesn’t end there your obsessed with these men? Let me add in Mack’s hot brother that hates him wilder that man? Hes cool calm and in control he’s hot 🥵 and I can’t wait for Olivia to have a hot peace of that. Then there’s malic he’s absolutely unhinged about the people he loves about his sister especially when he’s trying to find her and about his woman, the woman he stalks the woman who takes his virginity and the woman he could recognize even in disguise I might be obsessed 😏 anywho he needs his woman, his revenge, his sister back and he’s blood thirsty..,I’m ready for all of them to work together I feel it in my bones. Ok NOW the ENDING!???? Oh JJ 😩 I need more please now!!! Give me more I need to know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
MY GODD. This book was everything and more! I have been eagerly waiting for Olivia’s story since we met her as Espie (which knowing who Espie was I’m sobbing at the name pick) in ToT. Snippets of her in that and then in TiO and TiC were not enough. So getting her story and getting the honor of being selected for the ARC??? I was beyond excited to read.
And let me tell you. This story did NOT disappoint. It was fast paced with twists and turns and truths slowly unraveling with more questions waiting for us to find. With snippets of sexy with our maniac who I cannot wait to find out if I’m right about who his boss is. But I adore his character. I’m a sucker for absolute crazy obsessed men. But add in her navigating being near the people that “killed” her but all those memories and feelings popping back up was both heart wrenching and just intriguing knowing what we find out from the guys chapters. WAFFLES IS THE TRUE KING OF THE STORY THOUGH. Simon is freaking hilarious and I really hope he doesn’t end up being a lie like I think a certain other roommate probably is. I also need more Jordy and Liv dynamic cause I love their bond. This book had me crying, laughing and on the edge of my seat as everything got set up for the rest of the series. And @authoralybeck how dare you with that cliffhanger and that we have forever to wait for the second book!!! I need the second like NOW.
I will say this would be the perfect introduction to RH stories because it’s not too much if you’re on the fence with wanting to try a RH.
And let me tell you. This story did NOT disappoint. It was fast paced with twists and turns and truths slowly unraveling with more questions waiting for us to find. With snippets of sexy with our maniac who I cannot wait to find out if I’m right about who his boss is. But I adore his character. I’m a sucker for absolute crazy obsessed men. But add in her navigating being near the people that “killed” her but all those memories and feelings popping back up was both heart wrenching and just intriguing knowing what we find out from the guys chapters. WAFFLES IS THE TRUE KING OF THE STORY THOUGH. Simon is freaking hilarious and I really hope he doesn’t end up being a lie like I think a certain other roommate probably is. I also need more Jordy and Liv dynamic cause I love their bond. This book had me crying, laughing and on the edge of my seat as everything got set up for the rest of the series. And @authoralybeck how dare you with that cliffhanger and that we have forever to wait for the second book!!! I need the second like NOW.
I will say this would be the perfect introduction to RH stories because it’s not too much if you’re on the fence with wanting to try a RH.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
❥ Secret Girl
❥ Undercover Agent
❥ College Town Mystery
❥ Mafia/Gang
❥ Enemies to Lovers
❥ Presumed Dead FMC
❥ Why Choose
❥ SO MANY SECRETS BEING KEPT
Ms. Aly Beck has reeled me in once again! I was intrigued by Espie/Liv/Olivia when she was introduced in TAS, and getting another snippet of her in SS was awesome, but where there is more revealed is DD, and we get more Malic (I am claiming him as my top favorite book boyfriend! “No touchy!”)
Olivia was killed by her 3 friends/lovers 5 years ago, but was rescued and brought into a secret government agency. Now she is undergoing the biggest assignment of her career by going back to where it all happened, and having to investigate her ex-friends/lovers is bringing up a lot of grief and memories.
We get insight into the guys, and is what Olivia witnessed truly what happened? Add in 2 additional men, and we’re getting the start of an interesting relationship build. I’m hoping for a slow-burn, but I know Malic will bring his Maniac-ness and cause mayhem lol
As with all Aly Beck’s works, I’m keeping my investigative notebook by my side to keep track of my theories/ideas/suspicions (My list keeps growing because I keep rereading lol). I don’t trust anyone because even Olivia wasn’t provided with all the necessary information she believes she should have.
For lovers of previous characters popping in, we get Grumpy!
❥ Undercover Agent
❥ College Town Mystery
❥ Mafia/Gang
❥ Enemies to Lovers
❥ Presumed Dead FMC
❥ Why Choose
❥ SO MANY SECRETS BEING KEPT
Ms. Aly Beck has reeled me in once again! I was intrigued by Espie/Liv/Olivia when she was introduced in TAS, and getting another snippet of her in SS was awesome, but where there is more revealed is DD, and we get more Malic (I am claiming him as my top favorite book boyfriend! “No touchy!”)
Olivia was killed by her 3 friends/lovers 5 years ago, but was rescued and brought into a secret government agency. Now she is undergoing the biggest assignment of her career by going back to where it all happened, and having to investigate her ex-friends/lovers is bringing up a lot of grief and memories.
We get insight into the guys, and is what Olivia witnessed truly what happened? Add in 2 additional men, and we’re getting the start of an interesting relationship build. I’m hoping for a slow-burn, but I know Malic will bring his Maniac-ness and cause mayhem lol
As with all Aly Beck’s works, I’m keeping my investigative notebook by my side to keep track of my theories/ideas/suspicions (My list keeps growing because I keep rereading lol). I don’t trust anyone because even Olivia wasn’t provided with all the necessary information she believes she should have.
For lovers of previous characters popping in, we get Grumpy!
October 16, 2025
This has been one of my most anticipated reads for this year after going back to finish Twisted in Obsession in the summer. We've seen glimpses of Olivia's story and how it ends but how we get there is a mystery. The premise had me hooked but after book one, although all is clearly not what it seems as Olivia's version of events doesn't seem to match up with what's been referenced by the MMCs. I'm intrigued to see how this is going to unravel along with the mysteries surrounding the University itself.
Character wise, Malic is the 100% the standout; I cannot wait for him to have a one to one with Oliver and his energy is unmatched. Olivia is a complex FMC and I appreciated how slow burn this book was; the betrayal she went through is not going to be forgiven easily. My only minor gripe is that bar the cage fight, I'd have loved to have seen some more of Olivia's super spy skills on page. I liked the multi POVs too and how the MMCs all referenced their grief about Olivia without knowing what we know. That cliff hanger though; the fallout is going to be something else!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
Character wise, Malic is the 100% the standout; I cannot wait for him to have a one to one with Oliver and his energy is unmatched. Olivia is a complex FMC and I appreciated how slow burn this book was; the betrayal she went through is not going to be forgiven easily. My only minor gripe is that bar the cage fight, I'd have loved to have seen some more of Olivia's super spy skills on page. I liked the multi POVs too and how the MMCs all referenced their grief about Olivia without knowing what we know. That cliff hanger though; the fallout is going to be something else!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
November 25, 2025
SIX FREAKING STARS!!! The Deceptions by ʙʟᴇᴡ ᴍᴇ ᴀᴡᴀʏ!
Aly Beck really delivered when it comes to Olivia's story. I was completely sucked in by page 20 and completely ate this book whole in 8 hours.
First off, our FMC Olivia who is undercover as Oliver is absolutely so 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 and I love her. In the Second Sets duet, she & Jordy were my favorite side characters and I am eating them up. I absolutely love their dynamic and how they hassle but love each other.
I am 100% suspicious of uncle Jonathan for some reason he just isn't sitting completely right with me. And Wade is also giving me shady vibes too! I am also hoping that Simon is the amazing bestie he's coming off as because I love him!
I am ʰᵃⁿᵍⁱⁿᵍ ᵒⁿ by a 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 after that doozy of a ᴄʟɪғғʜᴀɴɢᴇʀ and so eager to continue reading! We definitely have a long road ahead of us as our FMC believes she was betrayed five years ago by her lives and now I have a feeling our MMCs are going to feel betrayed.
I am also interested to see how this becomes FMMMMM because right now our FMC can barely face Huxley, JJ, Mack without rage and hurt and she's hot for Malic & Wilder but doesn't trust them either lol plus the 3 + 2 MMCs can't stand each other. Plus, 3/5 still think she's a dude 😂😂😂 what a wild ride we have ahead.
10/10 recommend hopping on this rollercoaster!!!!
Aly Beck really delivered when it comes to Olivia's story. I was completely sucked in by page 20 and completely ate this book whole in 8 hours.
First off, our FMC Olivia who is undercover as Oliver is absolutely so 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 and I love her. In the Second Sets duet, she & Jordy were my favorite side characters and I am eating them up. I absolutely love their dynamic and how they hassle but love each other.
I am 100% suspicious of uncle Jonathan for some reason he just isn't sitting completely right with me. And Wade is also giving me shady vibes too! I am also hoping that Simon is the amazing bestie he's coming off as because I love him!
I am ʰᵃⁿᵍⁱⁿᵍ ᵒⁿ by a 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 after that doozy of a ᴄʟɪғғʜᴀɴɢᴇʀ and so eager to continue reading! We definitely have a long road ahead of us as our FMC believes she was betrayed five years ago by her lives and now I have a feeling our MMCs are going to feel betrayed.
I am also interested to see how this becomes FMMMMM because right now our FMC can barely face Huxley, JJ, Mack without rage and hurt and she's hot for Malic & Wilder but doesn't trust them either lol plus the 3 + 2 MMCs can't stand each other. Plus, 3/5 still think she's a dude 😂😂😂 what a wild ride we have ahead.
10/10 recommend hopping on this rollercoaster!!!!
October 12, 2025
I forget how good Aly Beck's books are. Then I read a new one and rediscover my obsession with them.
What does this have? Secret identities, secret organizations, revenge, and second chances. I really need the next book ASAP. This does end on a cliffhanger, but it's one I think doesn't seem so bad.
Olivia is back from the dead. Now she's going undercover as Oliver trying to infiltrate the frat her 3 former best friends run. They were everything to each other, and then they betrayed her in the worst way possible. Left her for dead, but now she's back to uncover the secrets on campus and tear everything down. The memories and feelings are still there. What she doesn't expect are 2 new complications. She's got several targets on her back and more questions than answers the longer she's on campus.
I recommend this book 100%. It's a 10 out of 10 for me. I'm more of a fantasy/paranormal reader, but this contemporary read was exactly what I needed. I can't freaking wait to read what happens next. I have a few theories, but I've been wrong before. I loved Malic he was so unhinged. He's also very perceptive. Out of all the guys, I definitely need Olivia to fall for him first this time around.
What does this have? Secret identities, secret organizations, revenge, and second chances. I really need the next book ASAP. This does end on a cliffhanger, but it's one I think doesn't seem so bad.
Olivia is back from the dead. Now she's going undercover as Oliver trying to infiltrate the frat her 3 former best friends run. They were everything to each other, and then they betrayed her in the worst way possible. Left her for dead, but now she's back to uncover the secrets on campus and tear everything down. The memories and feelings are still there. What she doesn't expect are 2 new complications. She's got several targets on her back and more questions than answers the longer she's on campus.
I recommend this book 100%. It's a 10 out of 10 for me. I'm more of a fantasy/paranormal reader, but this contemporary read was exactly what I needed. I can't freaking wait to read what happens next. I have a few theories, but I've been wrong before. I loved Malic he was so unhinged. He's also very perceptive. Out of all the guys, I definitely need Olivia to fall for him first this time around.
October 12, 2025
Well…....I have found my new addiction!!!! This story will have you glued to the pages as Olivia faces her traumatic past, going undercover as 'Oliver' to investigate what's going on at Greenwood University. While back in the hometown she never wanted to return to, she comes face to face with her ex-boyfriends who betrayed her and left her for dead. I loved Olivia's relationship with her partner in crime Jordy, as he offers his own kind of special support, while she tries to unravel the puzzle of what is happening around the town while keeping her emotions under control. The characters are all so different but they seem to fit together perfectly in this world full of violence. I had a hard time picking a favourite or who was even the good guy, although I can guarantee 'Waffles' will steal your heart. The drama, suspense, intense chemistry, action along with a touch of humour, weaved into a complex plot that is only just beginning to unravel, will have you holding your breathe until the next book is released!!!
October 15, 2025
the start of an adventure
espie aka olivia finally gets her story told~ we heard the tldr of her past in wicked deciet to seger and heard a smidge more in sweet strings and saw a glimpse of her future in twisted in chaos. now in deceptions we’re finally getting all the puzzle pieces.
the start is very interesting with the graveyard scene, her break down and then straight to under cover mode facing her literal nightmarish past with a secret identity!
absolutely love that we get some more jordy in liv’s book as a side kick, and always here for my carter cameo’s. its fun as the reader seeing the story unfold as liv tries to assess her marks, stay undercover in an all boys dorm, face her exes who took everything away from her, figure out who's the serial unaliver on campus and why. as well as hope a loveable dog from the past doesnt get her identity revealed! this book deff has it all to have you hooked wanting more. and the cliff hanger!! oh the cliff hanger. i need more asap
espie aka olivia finally gets her story told~ we heard the tldr of her past in wicked deciet to seger and heard a smidge more in sweet strings and saw a glimpse of her future in twisted in chaos. now in deceptions we’re finally getting all the puzzle pieces.
the start is very interesting with the graveyard scene, her break down and then straight to under cover mode facing her literal nightmarish past with a secret identity!
absolutely love that we get some more jordy in liv’s book as a side kick, and always here for my carter cameo’s. its fun as the reader seeing the story unfold as liv tries to assess her marks, stay undercover in an all boys dorm, face her exes who took everything away from her, figure out who's the serial unaliver on campus and why. as well as hope a loveable dog from the past doesnt get her identity revealed! this book deff has it all to have you hooked wanting more. and the cliff hanger!! oh the cliff hanger. i need more asap
October 15, 2025
Deception
Been awaiting this for a while now as Olivia is such an interesting character that’s kept cropping up in earlier books. Glad we get more Carter and Jody too.
The story of what happened to her seems to be out of character to her history with the boys. The past she remembers the night of the fire is drastically different to what the boys remember.. Something fishy is going on, orchestrated I reckon but their boss “Franco” He seems to be an all round shady character who I think might be heavily involved in the missing students mystery.
Olivia is undercover as a secret boy to discover what’s happening despite having major reservations about seeing the guys again. It brings back a mixture of bitterness and betrayal as she remembers the good times.
Malice is a definite curveball, he’s a lot brighter than everyone gives him credit for and now he’s had a teste he’s not letting her go.
What a climatic ending, can’t wait to see what happens next.
Been awaiting this for a while now as Olivia is such an interesting character that’s kept cropping up in earlier books. Glad we get more Carter and Jody too.
The story of what happened to her seems to be out of character to her history with the boys. The past she remembers the night of the fire is drastically different to what the boys remember.. Something fishy is going on, orchestrated I reckon but their boss “Franco” He seems to be an all round shady character who I think might be heavily involved in the missing students mystery.
Olivia is undercover as a secret boy to discover what’s happening despite having major reservations about seeing the guys again. It brings back a mixture of bitterness and betrayal as she remembers the good times.
Malice is a definite curveball, he’s a lot brighter than everyone gives him credit for and now he’s had a teste he’s not letting her go.
What a climatic ending, can’t wait to see what happens next.
October 23, 2025
I freaking loved this book so much. It had me hooked from page one.
The story is so interesting and appealing. Yes, it's slow moving/building, but this is just book one and it lays such a strong foundation for this series.
We have Olivia - fmc who is a secret agent that is undercover as Oliver (male). Her task? She needs to get close to her ex-bestfriends/boyfriends who 'k!lled' her. Talk about a tough case.
We have two super supportive best friends - Jordy and Simon. I love them. They're such amazing supportive characters who have her back no matter what.
Hux, JJ and Mack are our mmcs and Olivia's exes. They each have distinctive personalities and we're only just starting to get into them and how they're each coping (or not coping) with the death of Olivia five years ago.
Then queue in Waffles who is a sunshine turned grump of a canine that immediately recognises his previous owner.
It ends on a cliffhanger, not a particularly bad one though. However, your left needing book 2 because this book really sets the foundation and you just know book two is going to hit the ground running. We're really going to get into the case/investigation, the guys' discovery of Olivia's identity and everything else.
The story is so interesting and appealing. Yes, it's slow moving/building, but this is just book one and it lays such a strong foundation for this series.
We have Olivia - fmc who is a secret agent that is undercover as Oliver (male). Her task? She needs to get close to her ex-bestfriends/boyfriends who 'k!lled' her. Talk about a tough case.
We have two super supportive best friends - Jordy and Simon. I love them. They're such amazing supportive characters who have her back no matter what.
Hux, JJ and Mack are our mmcs and Olivia's exes. They each have distinctive personalities and we're only just starting to get into them and how they're each coping (or not coping) with the death of Olivia five years ago.
Then queue in Waffles who is a sunshine turned grump of a canine that immediately recognises his previous owner.
It ends on a cliffhanger, not a particularly bad one though. However, your left needing book 2 because this book really sets the foundation and you just know book two is going to hit the ground running. We're really going to get into the case/investigation, the guys' discovery of Olivia's identity and everything else.
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