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Kiss of Deceit
When snow falls, Winterlake is cut off from the world once the mountain road becomes impassable. With no high-speed internet or cell phone service, life is slow and peaceful.
At least it used to be.
Danger lurks in the shadows of Winterlake. It started with someone chasing me in the woods. Now a masked killer is terrorizing this town. The mysterious murderer isn’t the only problem in this secluded place.
The longer I'm here, the more I realize this mountain town isn't what it seems. The locals guard their secrets, looking at us interns with distrust. Except Kole. The bar owner who is determined to learn all about me. What’s worse is I think I’m falling for him. Which is something I can't let happen.
I'm hiding my own skeletons. Dark secrets I will do anything to protect—secrets the masked killer already seems to know.
Winterlake was supposed to be my fresh start. Now I’m not sure I’ll make it out alive.
*This is a slow burn enemies to lovers stand alone with a grumpy MC, baddie FMC, and thriller twists*
At least it used to be.
Danger lurks in the shadows of Winterlake. It started with someone chasing me in the woods. Now a masked killer is terrorizing this town. The mysterious murderer isn’t the only problem in this secluded place.
The longer I'm here, the more I realize this mountain town isn't what it seems. The locals guard their secrets, looking at us interns with distrust. Except Kole. The bar owner who is determined to learn all about me. What’s worse is I think I’m falling for him. Which is something I can't let happen.
I'm hiding my own skeletons. Dark secrets I will do anything to protect—secrets the masked killer already seems to know.
Winterlake was supposed to be my fresh start. Now I’m not sure I’ll make it out alive.
*This is a slow burn enemies to lovers stand alone with a grumpy MC, baddie FMC, and thriller twists*
526 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2025
26 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Kay Riley
17 books383 followersKay Riley writes dark contemporary and paranormal romance. She loves writing feisty, strong heroines, and keeps things interesting with unexpected twists. Kay grew up in the Midwest but has lived in some amazing places, including Japan.
When she's not writing, she is spending time with her husband and kids. She loves cats, coffee, reading, and her guilty pleasure is watching reality shows.
When she's not writing, she is spending time with her husband and kids. She loves cats, coffee, reading, and her guilty pleasure is watching reality shows.
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November 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ STARS 📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*KISS OF DECEIT °❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is a full length dark thriller standalone book by new to me author Kay Riley. Spoken in dual pov's. In this you'll meet Dani and Kole.
First it was the cover which caught my eye
Then the blurb and bingo on my ipad it went. The blurb is right up my alley.
Can’t say I’ve read anything like this, so bonus point for that
Loved the setting, the storyline, the hero, the twists and turns.
Even though I’d guessed a few plot twists it was still enjoyable reading as it all unfolded. The beginning had me wide awake at midnight not wanting to put it down, when eighteen year old Dani attends a freshman night getting to know some of the other new recruits in the sorority, two masked intruders left one survivor alive. A strong way to kick start off with, and it just kept going from there. A page turner which got its hooks into me.
Then twelve years later, for one year as an intern, the frest start she's been craving. Dani moves to Winterlake, Colorado, with 500 residents residing here, where'll she'll be working at the local police station, a township which has zero crimes. She has no intentions of revealing her past, she was the sole survivor of a sorority killing which made national news, a case which was never closed since the intruders were never caught. But gave Dani the incentive to pursue a career in forensic psychology.
Kole has lived at Winterlake for the last 5 years owning the only bar in the township, he keeps interns at a distance for good reason, nothing good will come of it if he allows himself to get too close. Until Dani walks into his bar one night..
A township with so many deadly secrets. Secrets interns cannot know. Trust no one.
A taste for vengeance
A taste for blood
Kill or be killed
A game of cat and mouse.
Masked hunters
I’m so glad I took that plunge and grabbed this, it definitely won’t be the last time I’ll read anything else by this author. If you love strong female characters then definitely pick this one up.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*KISS OF DECEIT °❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is a full length dark thriller standalone book by new to me author Kay Riley. Spoken in dual pov's. In this you'll meet Dani and Kole.
First it was the cover which caught my eye
Then the blurb and bingo on my ipad it went. The blurb is right up my alley.
Can’t say I’ve read anything like this, so bonus point for that
Loved the setting, the storyline, the hero, the twists and turns.
Even though I’d guessed a few plot twists it was still enjoyable reading as it all unfolded. The beginning had me wide awake at midnight not wanting to put it down, when eighteen year old Dani attends a freshman night getting to know some of the other new recruits in the sorority, two masked intruders left one survivor alive. A strong way to kick start off with, and it just kept going from there. A page turner which got its hooks into me.
Then twelve years later, for one year as an intern, the frest start she's been craving. Dani moves to Winterlake, Colorado, with 500 residents residing here, where'll she'll be working at the local police station, a township which has zero crimes. She has no intentions of revealing her past, she was the sole survivor of a sorority killing which made national news, a case which was never closed since the intruders were never caught. But gave Dani the incentive to pursue a career in forensic psychology.
Kole has lived at Winterlake for the last 5 years owning the only bar in the township, he keeps interns at a distance for good reason, nothing good will come of it if he allows himself to get too close. Until Dani walks into his bar one night..
A township with so many deadly secrets. Secrets interns cannot know. Trust no one.
A taste for vengeance
A taste for blood
Kill or be killed
A game of cat and mouse.
Masked hunters
I’m so glad I took that plunge and grabbed this, it definitely won’t be the last time I’ll read anything else by this author. If you love strong female characters then definitely pick this one up.
November 21, 2025
5🌟, 3🌶️
I haven't fallen this quickly into a thriller-romance in ages, but this one had me instantly.
It's eerie, fast-paced, and strikes that perfect mix of tension, mystery, and chemistry. And even though this genre is a bit out of my comfort zone, I couldn't be happier that I picked it up—l was wrapped up in it from the start and stayed that way.
Dani heads to Winterlake for a forensic psychology internship, hoping for a fresh start, but the town is anything but normal—no kids, guarded buildings, secretive locals, and then bodies showing up where they absolutely shouldn't be. And then there's Kole Patton, the grumpy bartender turned accidental roommate who becomes impossible for her (or me) to ignore. Their chemistry is electric, their secrets run deep, and I found myself rooting for them while suspecting nearly everyone around them.
By the time the twists hit full force, I was fully unhinged in the best way. The suspense never lets up, the reveals land hard, and every chapter kept me guessing. It's gripping, addictive, and emotionally sharp-the kind of story that pulls you completely in and leaves you wanting more of the town, the chaos, and these characters long after the last page.
~~~~
Grateful to Kay Riley and The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
I haven't fallen this quickly into a thriller-romance in ages, but this one had me instantly.
It's eerie, fast-paced, and strikes that perfect mix of tension, mystery, and chemistry. And even though this genre is a bit out of my comfort zone, I couldn't be happier that I picked it up—l was wrapped up in it from the start and stayed that way.
Dani heads to Winterlake for a forensic psychology internship, hoping for a fresh start, but the town is anything but normal—no kids, guarded buildings, secretive locals, and then bodies showing up where they absolutely shouldn't be. And then there's Kole Patton, the grumpy bartender turned accidental roommate who becomes impossible for her (or me) to ignore. Their chemistry is electric, their secrets run deep, and I found myself rooting for them while suspecting nearly everyone around them.
By the time the twists hit full force, I was fully unhinged in the best way. The suspense never lets up, the reveals land hard, and every chapter kept me guessing. It's gripping, addictive, and emotionally sharp-the kind of story that pulls you completely in and leaves you wanting more of the town, the chaos, and these characters long after the last page.
~~~~
Grateful to Kay Riley and The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
November 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 [Rounded Up]
🌶️🌶️/5 [Spice but not the main focus]
📚 Standalone
🔫 Check Your Trigger Warnings
🖤 M/F
Please stop what you are doing, and read this book. I dont think I have been quite this invested in a FMC serial killer book, with Feminine Rage since the MindF*ck series. This gives subtle MindF*ck vibes but is still uniquely its own.
Dani is a great FMC, who's strong and while her trauma baggage obviously follows her [how could it not?] she isnt going to let that make her a victim. She has taken charge and hardened herself to make sure this never happens again to her. Its super real to still see that she has triggers and she does have to push past the trauma that bubbles up throughout the story.
Kole is our grumpy bartender who is instantly taken with Dani despite knowing that he really should be staying away from her given all the secrets that he is hiding. He's still perfect for her, and the fact that he can calm her and makes her feel safe for the first time since her incident should say all it needs to say....
The twists, the turns, the thrilling/guessing aspect of this book is top notch. I was invested and if I didnt have life to do and didnt need sleep I would have binged this book. This is my first book by Kay, and I am completely sold on her backlog now.
Tropes:
🔪 FMC Serial killer
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🔪 Hidden Identity
🖤 Thriller Twists
🔪 Mystery Murderer
🖤 Slow Burn
🌶️🌶️/5 [Spice but not the main focus]
📚 Standalone
🔫 Check Your Trigger Warnings
🖤 M/F
Please stop what you are doing, and read this book. I dont think I have been quite this invested in a FMC serial killer book, with Feminine Rage since the MindF*ck series. This gives subtle MindF*ck vibes but is still uniquely its own.
Dani is a great FMC, who's strong and while her trauma baggage obviously follows her [how could it not?] she isnt going to let that make her a victim. She has taken charge and hardened herself to make sure this never happens again to her. Its super real to still see that she has triggers and she does have to push past the trauma that bubbles up throughout the story.
Kole is our grumpy bartender who is instantly taken with Dani despite knowing that he really should be staying away from her given all the secrets that he is hiding. He's still perfect for her, and the fact that he can calm her and makes her feel safe for the first time since her incident should say all it needs to say....
The twists, the turns, the thrilling/guessing aspect of this book is top notch. I was invested and if I didnt have life to do and didnt need sleep I would have binged this book. This is my first book by Kay, and I am completely sold on her backlog now.
Tropes:
🔪 FMC Serial killer
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🔪 Hidden Identity
🖤 Thriller Twists
🔪 Mystery Murderer
🖤 Slow Burn
November 14, 2025
do NOT start this book right before bed bc it will get you hooked immediately and you won’t want to go to sleep, lol.
i know some tropes/details were released by the author already, but i would recommend going into this book a little blind if possible bc it’ll make the mystery SO much better.
and if you’re looking for a winter season but that isn’t set during or around Christmas, then this is perfect bc the snow is the perfect setting for the story.
“𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞. 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞.”
our fmc Dani (along with a group of other interns) has just traveled to Winterlake, Colorado for a year long internship in town as a forensic psychologist. she’s come to Winterlake to use this internship to help pay off her student loans and as a fresh start. but on the first night in town, Dani meets Kole, the local bar owner, and while sparks fly between, so does their hatred for each other.
“𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐳𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.”
but Dani quickly realizes there is something amiss in Winterlake. and soon, the murders begin. who can Dani trust in this small town of 500 people? can she trust Kole or any of the other interns?
apparently i love romantic suspense books, lol. this book had me guessing and trying to figure out what the fuck was actually going on in the town. and then you also realize… the murderer might not be the biggest threat in town 😈
Dani was fierce and i loved her. she was filled with feminine rage and she was ready to figure who was killing people in town.
and our mmc, Kole, was the perfect small town asshole bar owner. he immediately was hooked on Dani, but knew he shouldn’t get involved. and while an asshole, he was protective of Dani but also knew she could defend herself. their chemistry together was hot and the spice in the book did not overshadow the plot and mystery of the story.
“𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐱, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐛𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬.”
would highly recommend this book as it’ll keep you guessing and want to get to then to see how it out all plays out.
i’ve seen a few people say this is a slow burn when it’s DEFINITELY not. Dani & Kole first hook up at 5% into the book and then again at 32% so… lol
🔪 𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒕 releases November 15th
thank you Kay Riley and the Smuthood for an e-ARC of 𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒕 💋
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, 1st person dual POV, 30 fmc / 33 mmc
small town with secrets, secret identities, hate to love, mystery, badass fmc, murder, forced proximity, HEA, epilogue
i know some tropes/details were released by the author already, but i would recommend going into this book a little blind if possible bc it’ll make the mystery SO much better.
and if you’re looking for a winter season but that isn’t set during or around Christmas, then this is perfect bc the snow is the perfect setting for the story.
“𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞. 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞.”
our fmc Dani (along with a group of other interns) has just traveled to Winterlake, Colorado for a year long internship in town as a forensic psychologist. she’s come to Winterlake to use this internship to help pay off her student loans and as a fresh start. but on the first night in town, Dani meets Kole, the local bar owner, and while sparks fly between, so does their hatred for each other.
“𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐳𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.”
but Dani quickly realizes there is something amiss in Winterlake. and soon, the murders begin. who can Dani trust in this small town of 500 people? can she trust Kole or any of the other interns?
apparently i love romantic suspense books, lol. this book had me guessing and trying to figure out what the fuck was actually going on in the town. and then you also realize… the murderer might not be the biggest threat in town 😈
Dani was fierce and i loved her. she was filled with feminine rage and she was ready to figure who was killing people in town.
and our mmc, Kole, was the perfect small town asshole bar owner. he immediately was hooked on Dani, but knew he shouldn’t get involved. and while an asshole, he was protective of Dani but also knew she could defend herself. their chemistry together was hot and the spice in the book did not overshadow the plot and mystery of the story.
“𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐱, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐛𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬.”
would highly recommend this book as it’ll keep you guessing and want to get to then to see how it out all plays out.
i’ve seen a few people say this is a slow burn when it’s DEFINITELY not. Dani & Kole first hook up at 5% into the book and then again at 32% so… lol
🔪 𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒕 releases November 15th
thank you Kay Riley and the Smuthood for an e-ARC of 𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒕 💋
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, 1st person dual POV, 30 fmc / 33 mmc
small town with secrets, secret identities, hate to love, mystery, badass fmc, murder, forced proximity, HEA, epilogue
December 12, 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ genuinely best thing I've probably read, absolutely no complaints and would recommend 100% ˘͈ᵕ˘͈
╭┄┄┄┄┄-·-·-·-｡ﾟ･｡ﾟ･
WOW. Guys this book was incredible.You want major plot twists, love, murder, secrets, and crime? Mixed with morally grey FMC and grumpy protective MMC? Enemies to Lovers? You want a read that will make you question everything? Sign me up!! I hope everyone of my friends sees this and adds to their tbr!
The opener is our FMC Danielle experiencing a brutal massacre in her sorority. She barely made it out, being the sole survivor out of her 8 friends. 10 years later after changing her identity she is on the way to her new job as a intern at a police station in the middle of the mountains. After arriving, she decided why not and hooked up with the bartender (Kole), both being shocked to realize they're now roommates.
Kole had a 1 rule; No getting attached to interns. Until Dani, he thought she was just a regular intern until he saw her demeanor and strength. She was hiding something, but so was he? It was best to wait out her term and forget about her. Until he saw deeper into her wounded soul and couldn't help it.He had to break his rule and protect her.
Until she notices coincidences in this town that weren't adding up. It had secrets and Dani way to close to figuring it out, to masked men looking at her through her bedroom window. She feared it was the man from the massacre.Kole told her to stop digging. But what she found out was far deeper than she imagined. She couldn't even trust the man she was living with anymore. But it gets worse when bodies start appearing and they have no suspects.
She realizes this town was more than just an internship.What happens when she demands revenge? What happens when Kole is her only salvation?
Normally the mmc has dark secrets but what if the fmc has more?
╰┄┄┄┄┄┄┄꒰꒱₊˚・｡ﾟ･
╭୨୧┄┄┄┄┄𓂃˚⊹
Please read triggers for this book; Violence, Graphic Murders, Mentions of DV, Torture scenes, Heavy Trauma, Vengeance. Hidden Identities.
╰୨୧┄┄┄┄┄˚˳⊹
╭・꒦₊˚ɞ・Highlights-꒱꒱
“One thing was clear. I wasn’t the only killer in this town.”
The secrets of Winterlake were meant to stay buried. If she attempted to uncover them, she might never leave her.
"so you want to use me?" / "You can use me too."
The things happening in this town were going to ruin me if I let them. / Did they purposefully cut the conversation short?
"Trust no one, Dani. Not a soul....understand?"
"Are you worried about the secrets you're still holding? You think I'll see you differently?"
"I thought you didn't do relationships?" / "I'll do anything for you."
╭・꒦₊˚ɞ・ Playlist (In order)-꒱꒱
・Paradise Circus - Massive Attack
・Aleph - Gesaffelstein
・Carousel - Melanie Martinez
・No Damage To My Heart - Sean Page
・A Forest - The Cure (93% mark)
୨୧・・・・・୨୧・・・・・୨୧・・・・・
Guys, the plot twists! One thing about me is I love a man on his knees and Kole did it for me every time. Please enjoy this book! Thank you for reading my review!!! <3
-----
╭┄┄┄┄┄-·-·-·-｡ﾟ･｡ﾟ･
WOW. Guys this book was incredible.You want major plot twists, love, murder, secrets, and crime? Mixed with morally grey FMC and grumpy protective MMC? Enemies to Lovers? You want a read that will make you question everything? Sign me up!! I hope everyone of my friends sees this and adds to their tbr!
The opener is our FMC Danielle experiencing a brutal massacre in her sorority. She barely made it out, being the sole survivor out of her 8 friends. 10 years later after changing her identity she is on the way to her new job as a intern at a police station in the middle of the mountains. After arriving, she decided why not and hooked up with the bartender (Kole), both being shocked to realize they're now roommates.
Kole had a 1 rule; No getting attached to interns. Until Dani, he thought she was just a regular intern until he saw her demeanor and strength. She was hiding something, but so was he? It was best to wait out her term and forget about her. Until he saw deeper into her wounded soul and couldn't help it.He had to break his rule and protect her.
Until she notices coincidences in this town that weren't adding up. It had secrets and Dani way to close to figuring it out, to masked men looking at her through her bedroom window. She feared it was the man from the massacre.Kole told her to stop digging. But what she found out was far deeper than she imagined. She couldn't even trust the man she was living with anymore. But it gets worse when bodies start appearing and they have no suspects.
She realizes this town was more than just an internship.What happens when she demands revenge? What happens when Kole is her only salvation?
Normally the mmc has dark secrets but what if the fmc has more?
╰┄┄┄┄┄┄┄꒰꒱₊˚・｡ﾟ･
╭୨୧┄┄┄┄┄𓂃˚⊹
Please read triggers for this book; Violence, Graphic Murders, Mentions of DV, Torture scenes, Heavy Trauma, Vengeance. Hidden Identities.
╰୨୧┄┄┄┄┄˚˳⊹
╭・꒦₊˚ɞ・Highlights-꒱꒱
“One thing was clear. I wasn’t the only killer in this town.”
The secrets of Winterlake were meant to stay buried. If she attempted to uncover them, she might never leave her.
"so you want to use me?" / "You can use me too."
The things happening in this town were going to ruin me if I let them. / Did they purposefully cut the conversation short?
"Trust no one, Dani. Not a soul....understand?"
"Are you worried about the secrets you're still holding? You think I'll see you differently?"
"I thought you didn't do relationships?" / "I'll do anything for you."
╭・꒦₊˚ɞ・ Playlist (In order)-꒱꒱
・Paradise Circus - Massive Attack
・Aleph - Gesaffelstein
・Carousel - Melanie Martinez
・No Damage To My Heart - Sean Page
・A Forest - The Cure (93% mark)
୨୧・・・・・୨୧・・・・・୨୧・・・・・
Guys, the plot twists! One thing about me is I love a man on his knees and Kole did it for me every time. Please enjoy this book! Thank you for reading my review!!! <3
-----
November 19, 2025
Arc review
This has been one of my most anticipated reads this year since Kay told me she was writing a romance thriller - I immediately put my hand up to read it when it came out! And Kay did NOT disappoint!
Kiss of Deceit is set in the small remote town of Winterlake where Dani - a serial unaliver and a forensic psychologist- is going to complete an internship but with many twist and turns we come to realise, Winterlake is not all that it seems. Insert Kole - grumpy bar owner - who would do anything to have the interns leave. When the two meet, they come to realise that it’s going to be difficult to put their feelings away despite both of them vowing that they could never get close with anyone.
This book has everything and more
✅ Chemistry so good it hurts
✅ Banter
✅ Suspense
✅ Plot twist that will give you WHIPLASH
✅ Badass FMC who knows what she wants 🌶️
✅ MMC who will burn the world for her
This book has altered my brain chemistry and I genuinely could not put the book down. As a reader who enjoys romance, I have not really read too many thrillers but if Kay Riley writes it - you best believe I’ll read it. I loved the relationships between not only the main characters and the side characters and getting to know them and their stories as well. Also the emotional (and physical) whiplash this book gave me with the plot twist was insane - the entire book I was trying to figure out what was going to happen and I had suspicions but Kay really said not today and would change my direction of thinking so that I would get put off. 10/10 book - highly recommend to anyone who wants to try a new genre like a thriller because it feels familiar but also so different.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This has been one of my most anticipated reads this year since Kay told me she was writing a romance thriller - I immediately put my hand up to read it when it came out! And Kay did NOT disappoint!
Kiss of Deceit is set in the small remote town of Winterlake where Dani - a serial unaliver and a forensic psychologist- is going to complete an internship but with many twist and turns we come to realise, Winterlake is not all that it seems. Insert Kole - grumpy bar owner - who would do anything to have the interns leave. When the two meet, they come to realise that it’s going to be difficult to put their feelings away despite both of them vowing that they could never get close with anyone.
This book has everything and more
✅ Chemistry so good it hurts
✅ Banter
✅ Suspense
✅ Plot twist that will give you WHIPLASH
✅ Badass FMC who knows what she wants 🌶️
✅ MMC who will burn the world for her
This book has altered my brain chemistry and I genuinely could not put the book down. As a reader who enjoys romance, I have not really read too many thrillers but if Kay Riley writes it - you best believe I’ll read it. I loved the relationships between not only the main characters and the side characters and getting to know them and their stories as well. Also the emotional (and physical) whiplash this book gave me with the plot twist was insane - the entire book I was trying to figure out what was going to happen and I had suspicions but Kay really said not today and would change my direction of thinking so that I would get put off. 10/10 book - highly recommend to anyone who wants to try a new genre like a thriller because it feels familiar but also so different.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
November 17, 2025
Kay Riley has done it again!
I absolutely loved this book ❤️❤️
I spent the whole day on Sunday reading and it was wonderful. I could not put it down and was on the edge of my seat the entire ride. This book didn't have one, two, or three twists... I lost count of the 'surprise reveals' throughout the story.
Dani & Kole were perfect together ❤️🔥
The spice was spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The banter was on point.
The push and pull was just the right amount (not too much or too less.)
The ending was perfection!
The author was dead on when she described it in the following ways:
▪️"psychological thriller"
▪️"murder mystery"
▪️ "elements of '90s slashers x criminal minds"
▪️ "grumpy & grumpier"
▪️ "forced proximity"
There was zero hesitation when it came to the rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It is worth repeating... KAY RILEY HAS DONE IT AGAIN ❤️🔥
I absolutely loved this book ❤️❤️
I spent the whole day on Sunday reading and it was wonderful. I could not put it down and was on the edge of my seat the entire ride. This book didn't have one, two, or three twists... I lost count of the 'surprise reveals' throughout the story.
Dani & Kole were perfect together ❤️🔥
The spice was spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The banter was on point.
The push and pull was just the right amount (not too much or too less.)
The ending was perfection!
The author was dead on when she described it in the following ways:
▪️"psychological thriller"
▪️"murder mystery"
▪️ "elements of '90s slashers x criminal minds"
▪️ "grumpy & grumpier"
▪️ "forced proximity"
There was zero hesitation when it came to the rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It is worth repeating... KAY RILEY HAS DONE IT AGAIN ❤️🔥
November 11, 2025
I’m torn between 4 and 5 star rating, settling for 4 for now.
I wouldn’t exactly call this book a dark romance. It is dark, with romantic subplot, a lot of on page violence (not between the romantic partners!), thrillery, murder mystery, serial killery 😏😏😏 and some spice (I didn’t count but I think there are “only” sth like 3 or 4 scenes!)
Although it was quite long, I totally binged it! The writing style is good and the plot twists/unraveling of important details is placed strategically so that it’s hard to put this book down! I did figure out some major parts of the plot but it was still highly entertaining!
I’m not totally sold on the ending, so this is why I settled on 4 stars. I’m sure it will be a 5 star reads for some but how the final action was handled and the HEA were a bit questionable for me.
READ THE BLURB AND THE TW !!!
I wouldn’t exactly call this book a dark romance. It is dark, with romantic subplot, a lot of on page violence (not between the romantic partners!), thrillery, murder mystery, serial killery 😏😏😏 and some spice (I didn’t count but I think there are “only” sth like 3 or 4 scenes!)
Although it was quite long, I totally binged it! The writing style is good and the plot twists/unraveling of important details is placed strategically so that it’s hard to put this book down! I did figure out some major parts of the plot but it was still highly entertaining!
I’m not totally sold on the ending, so this is why I settled on 4 stars. I’m sure it will be a 5 star reads for some but how the final action was handled and the HEA were a bit questionable for me.
READ THE BLURB AND THE TW !!!
November 10, 2025
I just finished this and let me tell you… I am not okay. I genuinely need a day to just sit here and process my life before I can even attempt to write a proper review. This book brought out every emotion possible. I had anxiety right along with Dani — like, actual anxiety. My stomach tightened, my heart was racing, and I had to remind myself to breathe at points.
The way Kay Riley writes tension, fear, longing, and trust??? Insane. It’s immersive in a way that feels almost too real, and that’s exactly why I’m sitting here staring at my wall like a character who just walked out of a plot twist.
This story grabbed me, shook me, and refused to let go. I already want to reread it, even though my mind is still spinning. It gave me Mindfuck series vibes in the best way — psychological, emotional, consuming, dark, and addictive.
I’m obsessed.
I’m unwell.
And I need more.
The way Kay Riley writes tension, fear, longing, and trust??? Insane. It’s immersive in a way that feels almost too real, and that’s exactly why I’m sitting here staring at my wall like a character who just walked out of a plot twist.
This story grabbed me, shook me, and refused to let go. I already want to reread it, even though my mind is still spinning. It gave me Mindfuck series vibes in the best way — psychological, emotional, consuming, dark, and addictive.
I’m obsessed.
I’m unwell.
And I need more.
November 19, 2025
Thriller with a side of romance
This book!!! It has taken me a few days to put my thoughts together to see what I could say without being any major spoilers. With that being said, my mind was blown with the amount of twists this book had. It is plot heavy, some spicy scenes, but the emotions I went through with this book is insane. I wanted to scream every other chapter, and just when you *think* you know, it isn't what it seems.
I love Dani, she is amazing. Kole is great and they are perfect for each other. Both have secrets, but when those secrets are revealed Dani is shook up by them, but I think that is only because she is still trying to hide her own. Her secrets change nothing. Overall, I loved this book and to me it's more of a mystery and thriller with a side of romance. Reminds me a lot of this author's other standalone, Ruby Revenge, which I LOVED.
This book!!! It has taken me a few days to put my thoughts together to see what I could say without being any major spoilers. With that being said, my mind was blown with the amount of twists this book had. It is plot heavy, some spicy scenes, but the emotions I went through with this book is insane. I wanted to scream every other chapter, and just when you *think* you know, it isn't what it seems.
I love Dani, she is amazing. Kole is great and they are perfect for each other. Both have secrets, but when those secrets are revealed Dani is shook up by them, but I think that is only because she is still trying to hide her own. Her secrets change nothing. Overall, I loved this book and to me it's more of a mystery and thriller with a side of romance. Reminds me a lot of this author's other standalone, Ruby Revenge, which I LOVED.
November 21, 2025
Thank you so much to #thesmuthood and author Kay Riley for letting me read an advanced copy of this book!
This book is the perfect mashup of a dark, sexy romance and a thriller. Is that a Thromance? Romaller? Thrillance? I digress, but this should be genre for sure.
First scene out of the gate you are hit in the face with a truly evil deed done to the main character Dani, at age 18. Then flash forward over a decade.
Next phase you're on a bus to literally nowhere, namely Winterlake, Colorado. Truth be told, I would have high tailed it out of there first chance, but our plucky protagonist has her reasons so she sticks it out. For the first 25% of the book you get your world building and meet the main characters with an ever building distrust of all. It seemed a little rushed but also kind of slow to advance and I wasn't sure how I was feeling at the time. Mostly I was yelling at Dani to GTFO OF THIS PLACE as most of what people were telling her was that you're stuck here with dialup internet and there's nothing to do and no where to go, and all the creepy men are gonna hit on you. Have fun!
Once you get past this kind of slow build up, all the shit starts to hit the fan. I was fully locked in and devouring. People die, you really don't have a good gauge on who is bad or not, the author does an excellent job obfuscating and confusing your feelings on people's true motivations, even the narrators. I very much enjoyed how clueless I was, I hate guessing the end correctly.
Once Dani and the hella hot MMC Kole start to form a bit of an alliance, you really get hooked. You want them to bang, you want them to fight back to back, you want them to beat their own inner demons and conquer the evil that happens in this odd place. The relationship they form is compelling.
Overall, I would say that this book is very clever. It is super fast paced after the first 25%, its really hard to figure out what's goin on before its revealed to you and the twists are a genuine surprise. The main characters have good chemistry and for all of us that love it so much: THERE'S BANTER! WELL WRITTEN BANTER. I can fully endorse this book as being engaging, readable and gripping. Highly recommend.
This book is the perfect mashup of a dark, sexy romance and a thriller. Is that a Thromance? Romaller? Thrillance? I digress, but this should be genre for sure.
First scene out of the gate you are hit in the face with a truly evil deed done to the main character Dani, at age 18. Then flash forward over a decade.
Next phase you're on a bus to literally nowhere, namely Winterlake, Colorado. Truth be told, I would have high tailed it out of there first chance, but our plucky protagonist has her reasons so she sticks it out. For the first 25% of the book you get your world building and meet the main characters with an ever building distrust of all. It seemed a little rushed but also kind of slow to advance and I wasn't sure how I was feeling at the time. Mostly I was yelling at Dani to GTFO OF THIS PLACE as most of what people were telling her was that you're stuck here with dialup internet and there's nothing to do and no where to go, and all the creepy men are gonna hit on you. Have fun!
Once you get past this kind of slow build up, all the shit starts to hit the fan. I was fully locked in and devouring. People die, you really don't have a good gauge on who is bad or not, the author does an excellent job obfuscating and confusing your feelings on people's true motivations, even the narrators. I very much enjoyed how clueless I was, I hate guessing the end correctly.
Once Dani and the hella hot MMC Kole start to form a bit of an alliance, you really get hooked. You want them to bang, you want them to fight back to back, you want them to beat their own inner demons and conquer the evil that happens in this odd place. The relationship they form is compelling.
Overall, I would say that this book is very clever. It is super fast paced after the first 25%, its really hard to figure out what's goin on before its revealed to you and the twists are a genuine surprise. The main characters have good chemistry and for all of us that love it so much: THERE'S BANTER! WELL WRITTEN BANTER. I can fully endorse this book as being engaging, readable and gripping. Highly recommend.
November 18, 2025
Dual POV
Bad ass FMC
Morally grey MMC
Romance
Suspense
Thriller
Dark
So many secrets and twists
I went into this blind and was expecting a standard contemporary darkish romance but this was so much more.
Quite a few twists.
The concept of this town was so unexpected.
The way all the secrets were revealed slowly throughout the book kept me guessing, speculating, and non stop reading. I love the way a little bit was revealed here and there rather every thing at once. It was fun to sit there and try to guess what the heck was going on.
I would love to see this as a movie someday.
I also love how the focus of the book at first was more on Dani and Kole’s relationship then the focus pivoted to all the things happening in town. I thought the book was headed in one predictable direction- they fall in love the end. But oh I was so wrong.
My highlighted quotes:
“This town…it’s not as safe as it looks.”
“She was noticing things that could get her in trouble if she kept digging.”
“People in this town took care of things in their own way.”
“The secrets of Winterlake were meant to stay buried. If she attempted to uncover them, she might never leave here.”
“You’re not a good person. But it’s okay—I don’t think I am either.”
“One thing was clear. I wasn’t the only killer in this town.”
“Everyone had their secrets. Including me.”
“Does anyone ever leave?”
“This town,” she forced out, anguish laced in her voice. “Trust no one, Dani. Not a soul… understand?”
“No one in their right mind would ever want to visit.”
“Maybe that was the point. Maybe there was a reason the town was practically invisible in this world.”
“He wasn’t the only predator anymore.”
“Winterlake Experiment.”
“You want blood? Then I’ll be at your back making sure you get it.”
“You shouldn’t start games you can’t win,”
Bad ass FMC
Morally grey MMC
Romance
Suspense
Thriller
Dark
So many secrets and twists
I went into this blind and was expecting a standard contemporary darkish romance but this was so much more.
Quite a few twists.
The concept of this town was so unexpected.
The way all the secrets were revealed slowly throughout the book kept me guessing, speculating, and non stop reading. I love the way a little bit was revealed here and there rather every thing at once. It was fun to sit there and try to guess what the heck was going on.
I would love to see this as a movie someday.
I also love how the focus of the book at first was more on Dani and Kole’s relationship then the focus pivoted to all the things happening in town. I thought the book was headed in one predictable direction- they fall in love the end. But oh I was so wrong.
My highlighted quotes:
“This town…it’s not as safe as it looks.”
“She was noticing things that could get her in trouble if she kept digging.”
“People in this town took care of things in their own way.”
“The secrets of Winterlake were meant to stay buried. If she attempted to uncover them, she might never leave here.”
“You’re not a good person. But it’s okay—I don’t think I am either.”
“One thing was clear. I wasn’t the only killer in this town.”
“Everyone had their secrets. Including me.”
“Does anyone ever leave?”
“This town,” she forced out, anguish laced in her voice. “Trust no one, Dani. Not a soul… understand?”
“No one in their right mind would ever want to visit.”
“Maybe that was the point. Maybe there was a reason the town was practically invisible in this world.”
“He wasn’t the only predator anymore.”
“Winterlake Experiment.”
“You want blood? Then I’ll be at your back making sure you get it.”
“You shouldn’t start games you can’t win,”
November 13, 2025
Dark Psychological Thriller
Serial Unaliver FMC
Small Town full of Secrets & Lies
Enemies to Lovers
Murder Mystery
He Falls First and Hard
Hidden Identities
Action Packed!!!!
Dani has trauma that will be with her forever.
It has set her on the road she has been on for the last twelve years. Most would let that weaken them but she made sure she was strong, ruthless and ready.
Kole is the small town bar owner and never gets into relationships. That was until Dani walked into his bar. From the moment he put eyes on her he knew she was different. While he wants to keep his secrets and the towns he also knows he had to have her. He falls for her fast and hard!!!
With the towns bodies adding up and no one being able to figure who is doing it, can Dani and Kole trust one another? Can they let the other one in before they become part of the body count?
This was such a great murder mystery thriller book!!! The secrets and lies of the town and how it was all brought together was done amazingly well!!! Love me a badas$ FMC and Dani def is!
You want murder mystery that will have you guessing til the end then this is your book for sure..... LOVE IT!!!
Thank you Kay and Smuthood for allowing me to be apart of the ARC. Loved this twisted cliff ride through the snowy secretive town of lies and murders!!!
Serial Unaliver FMC
Small Town full of Secrets & Lies
Enemies to Lovers
Murder Mystery
He Falls First and Hard
Hidden Identities
Action Packed!!!!
Dani has trauma that will be with her forever.
It has set her on the road she has been on for the last twelve years. Most would let that weaken them but she made sure she was strong, ruthless and ready.
Kole is the small town bar owner and never gets into relationships. That was until Dani walked into his bar. From the moment he put eyes on her he knew she was different. While he wants to keep his secrets and the towns he also knows he had to have her. He falls for her fast and hard!!!
With the towns bodies adding up and no one being able to figure who is doing it, can Dani and Kole trust one another? Can they let the other one in before they become part of the body count?
This was such a great murder mystery thriller book!!! The secrets and lies of the town and how it was all brought together was done amazingly well!!! Love me a badas$ FMC and Dani def is!
You want murder mystery that will have you guessing til the end then this is your book for sure..... LOVE IT!!!
Thank you Kay and Smuthood for allowing me to be apart of the ARC. Loved this twisted cliff ride through the snowy secretive town of lies and murders!!!
November 16, 2025
4.5 ☆.
I was so excited to start this book because the tropes got me there. I was so happy when the arc hit my kindle. I literally devoured this book. Once I started it, I couldn't stop reading it. It took less than one day to finished it even it a BIG BOOK. IT IS REALLY HIGHLY ADDICTIVE STORY.
The author did a incredible job with the way she developed the plot. Very good writing.
It is a romantic and thriller book, set in a isolated snowy town. Dani, the FMC, wants a fresh start but she finds herself entangled with a masked killer and the mysterious and grumpy bar owner, Kole. The intense chemistry between those characters made this book a worthy read.
There are a lot of secret around the small town, and numerous twists that you never expected.
I highly recommend this experience.
I was so excited to start this book because the tropes got me there. I was so happy when the arc hit my kindle. I literally devoured this book. Once I started it, I couldn't stop reading it. It took less than one day to finished it even it a BIG BOOK. IT IS REALLY HIGHLY ADDICTIVE STORY.
The author did a incredible job with the way she developed the plot. Very good writing.
It is a romantic and thriller book, set in a isolated snowy town. Dani, the FMC, wants a fresh start but she finds herself entangled with a masked killer and the mysterious and grumpy bar owner, Kole. The intense chemistry between those characters made this book a worthy read.
There are a lot of secret around the small town, and numerous twists that you never expected.
I highly recommend this experience.
November 18, 2025
"𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞, 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮."
When I tell you this is one of my FAVORITE reads ever. I am obsessed with this book, I loved it so much. The mystery, thriller vibes, the revenge and romance!? Talk about hooked.
Kay Riley always writes the most amazing, badass fmcs. Every character I fall in love with. Their strength is just fantastic to read about. Dani was no different. She’s so strong, has been to hell and back. This was a dark book and I love a revenge story.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲.
Kole, swoon! I love him. He’s pretty obsessed from the start. This is a slow burn and the tension is so perfect. The plot was so good! I didn’t know where it was going to go, lots of twists and thrilling moments.
I can’t recommend enough! I love all of this authors work and I can’t wait to reread this!
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
💋 enemies to lovers
🖤 slow burn
🩸 standalone
💋 grumpy mc
🖤 baddie fmc
🩸 thrilling, dark romance
When I tell you this is one of my FAVORITE reads ever. I am obsessed with this book, I loved it so much. The mystery, thriller vibes, the revenge and romance!? Talk about hooked.
Kay Riley always writes the most amazing, badass fmcs. Every character I fall in love with. Their strength is just fantastic to read about. Dani was no different. She’s so strong, has been to hell and back. This was a dark book and I love a revenge story.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲.
Kole, swoon! I love him. He’s pretty obsessed from the start. This is a slow burn and the tension is so perfect. The plot was so good! I didn’t know where it was going to go, lots of twists and thrilling moments.
I can’t recommend enough! I love all of this authors work and I can’t wait to reread this!
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
💋 enemies to lovers
🖤 slow burn
🩸 standalone
💋 grumpy mc
🖤 baddie fmc
🩸 thrilling, dark romance
November 14, 2025
This book grabs you from page one and refuses to let go.
Even though the author has shared a few details, it’s definitely worth going in mostly blind — the mystery is so much more satisfying that way. And if you want a winter setting without any holiday vibes, the snowy Colorado backdrop is exactly that.
The blend of romance and suspense is addictive. Dani is bold, sharp, and determined, while Kole is the perfect small-town grump who’s drawn to her even when he knows he shouldn’t be. Their chemistry is intense, but it never overshadows the actual mystery.
Even though the author has shared a few details, it’s definitely worth going in mostly blind — the mystery is so much more satisfying that way. And if you want a winter setting without any holiday vibes, the snowy Colorado backdrop is exactly that.
The blend of romance and suspense is addictive. Dani is bold, sharp, and determined, while Kole is the perfect small-town grump who’s drawn to her even when he knows he shouldn’t be. Their chemistry is intense, but it never overshadows the actual mystery.
November 19, 2025
Dark and girty with a beautiful love story!
This is an interesting book. Its dark and keeps you captivated until the very end. Kole and Dani may have started out a bit rocky but they figure things out. It may seem crazy but despite all the things that go down and the secrets, they have a beautiful love story. They just connect and know each other on another level. This is story that you just need to experience yourself.
This is an interesting book. Its dark and keeps you captivated until the very end. Kole and Dani may have started out a bit rocky but they figure things out. It may seem crazy but despite all the things that go down and the secrets, they have a beautiful love story. They just connect and know each other on another level. This is story that you just need to experience yourself.
November 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Kiss of Deceit was different than I normally read. Thank you. Kay Riley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Was this a slow burn… no not really… was this dipping your toes in the darker water… could be.
Kay definitely can write a book that has thriller and suspense vibes, had the twisters, plot was building, characters were giving.. and the book did flow at a decent pace.
I felt this is your beginner spicer book… the trigger pages… well I don’t read those at all.. for me, there are a waste of paper because I’m going to read the book anyway 😎😎😎
Kiss of Deceit was different than I normally read. Thank you. Kay Riley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Was this a slow burn… no not really… was this dipping your toes in the darker water… could be.
Kay definitely can write a book that has thriller and suspense vibes, had the twisters, plot was building, characters were giving.. and the book did flow at a decent pace.
I felt this is your beginner spicer book… the trigger pages… well I don’t read those at all.. for me, there are a waste of paper because I’m going to read the book anyway 😎😎😎
November 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. I was hooked and ended up reading this in one sitting. It was a psychological & emotional ride that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I loved Dani and Kole. Definitely recommend for those that love a romantic thriller!
Tropes:
🤍FMC Serial killer
🖤Enemies to lovers
🤍 Hidden identity
🖤Thriller twists
🤍Mystery murderer
🖤Slow burn
Tropes:
🤍FMC Serial killer
🖤Enemies to lovers
🤍 Hidden identity
🖤Thriller twists
🤍Mystery murderer
🖤Slow burn
November 26, 2025
3,5 ⭐️ I started reading this book because I was promised a Mindfuckseries like story, but it was not. Mindfuckseries is a meticulously planned revenge story. The FMC in this book is a serial killer that’s being hunted. Totally different vibe. Also it is not a dark romance, it was a dark thriller with romance. If you like thrillers and female serial killers, I highly recommend this book. It’s got some nice plot twists. it starts dragging a bit at the halfway point, but the action packed ending makes up for it. Spice level 🌶️🌶️ #nokink
November 17, 2025
Respectfully—what the hell—this book was so good! I was absolutely not prepared for how gripping, consuming, and downright addictive Kiss of Deceit would be. From the very first page, it yanked me straight into Dani’s world and refused to let go. It kept me on my toes in the best possible way: not confused, but fully invested, fully curious, and fully hooked. I went in almost completely blind, only knowing a few tropes, and honestly? That made it even better. Every twist, every eerie detail, every clue hidden beneath Winterlake’s snow made me feel like I was living inside the mystery with Dani.
Dani moves to the remote town of Winterlake for a year-long internship as a forensic psychologist. The roads close, the cell service disappears, and life seems quiet and peaceful… until bodies start piling up. And as those murders creep closer, Dani begins to realize the town is nothing like it seems. The locals guard their secrets, danger hides in every shadow, and the one person who seems open and honest—Kole, the grumpy bartender who falls for her instantly; might not be as simple as he first appears.
The story opens with a gut-punch glimpse into Dani’s past, and from then on I was gone. The pacing is perfect: steady, tense, intentionally revealing just enough at the right times. Every time I thought I had something figured out, Kay Riley twisted the plot and made me question everything all over again. The vibes are kinda like Criminal Minds meets dark romance meets small-town nightmare in the best possible way.
Dani is a powerhouse. Strong, self-reliant, fiercely intelligent, and full of simmering rage she’s carried for years. Her trauma shapes her, but it never defines her, she refuses to be a victim again. She’s bold, capable, and her sharp observations made me root for her with my whole chest. She is absolutely not here to be rescued, and that alone made me adore her.
Kole, on the other hand, is this perfect contrast: steady, patient, sincere, and quietly obsessed. The way he cares for Dani without smothering her made every scene between them feel warm and grounding. His openness and honesty melted me, and their chemistry? Insane. Slow-burn, tense, emotional; every moment felt both dangerous and inevitable.
The emotional connection in this book felt so vivid that I experienced their fear, their tension, their longing right alongside them. The romance never overshadowed the mystery, and the mystery never overshadowed the characters or their story. Everything balanced perfectly. Winterlake itself becomes a character—isolated, eerie, claustrophobic, and so full of secrets that I could almost feel the cold closing in on me. Honestly, I’d live there… if it weren’t for, you know, the chaos and murders.
Kiss of Deceit is a razor-sharp blend of thriller, mystery, trauma, feminine rage, and slow-burn obsession. It’s psychological, dark, emotional, and utterly addictive. I guessed one twist, but the rest blindsided me. It explores how a single moment can reshape a life, how revenge and morality get tangled, and how love can grow even where violence lives. I devoured this book, and I’m still thinking about it. I already know I need a physical copy for my shelf (it was immediately added to my x-mas list!).
Kay Riley nailed this; dark romance and psychological thriller brought together with tension, heart, and atmosphere. This book shook me, consumed me, and left me wanting so much more.
Thank you Kay Riley and The Smuthood for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book!!!
Dani moves to the remote town of Winterlake for a year-long internship as a forensic psychologist. The roads close, the cell service disappears, and life seems quiet and peaceful… until bodies start piling up. And as those murders creep closer, Dani begins to realize the town is nothing like it seems. The locals guard their secrets, danger hides in every shadow, and the one person who seems open and honest—Kole, the grumpy bartender who falls for her instantly; might not be as simple as he first appears.
The story opens with a gut-punch glimpse into Dani’s past, and from then on I was gone. The pacing is perfect: steady, tense, intentionally revealing just enough at the right times. Every time I thought I had something figured out, Kay Riley twisted the plot and made me question everything all over again. The vibes are kinda like Criminal Minds meets dark romance meets small-town nightmare in the best possible way.
Dani is a powerhouse. Strong, self-reliant, fiercely intelligent, and full of simmering rage she’s carried for years. Her trauma shapes her, but it never defines her, she refuses to be a victim again. She’s bold, capable, and her sharp observations made me root for her with my whole chest. She is absolutely not here to be rescued, and that alone made me adore her.
Kole, on the other hand, is this perfect contrast: steady, patient, sincere, and quietly obsessed. The way he cares for Dani without smothering her made every scene between them feel warm and grounding. His openness and honesty melted me, and their chemistry? Insane. Slow-burn, tense, emotional; every moment felt both dangerous and inevitable.
The emotional connection in this book felt so vivid that I experienced their fear, their tension, their longing right alongside them. The romance never overshadowed the mystery, and the mystery never overshadowed the characters or their story. Everything balanced perfectly. Winterlake itself becomes a character—isolated, eerie, claustrophobic, and so full of secrets that I could almost feel the cold closing in on me. Honestly, I’d live there… if it weren’t for, you know, the chaos and murders.
Kiss of Deceit is a razor-sharp blend of thriller, mystery, trauma, feminine rage, and slow-burn obsession. It’s psychological, dark, emotional, and utterly addictive. I guessed one twist, but the rest blindsided me. It explores how a single moment can reshape a life, how revenge and morality get tangled, and how love can grow even where violence lives. I devoured this book, and I’m still thinking about it. I already know I need a physical copy for my shelf (it was immediately added to my x-mas list!).
Kay Riley nailed this; dark romance and psychological thriller brought together with tension, heart, and atmosphere. This book shook me, consumed me, and left me wanting so much more.
Thank you Kay Riley and The Smuthood for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book!!!
November 20, 2025
SUMMARY: Dani moves to a small mountain town for a year-long internship as a forensic psychologist. With the bad winter weather, the roads close, the cell service disappears, and life seems quiet and peaceful… until bodies start piling up. Dani begins to wonder if everything is as it seems in the remote town. The locals guard their secrets and danger feels like it lurks around every corner. Kole, the grumpy bartender, begins to feel like the only honest person Dani can trust, but is he as forthcoming as he appears to be?
Word to the Wise: Do not start this book right before bed because you will not want to put it down.
REVIEW: Kiss of Deceit by Kay Riley is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, mystery / thriller romance that includes a kick@$$ FMC, multiple serial una!ivers and SEVERAL crazy plot twists! The premise of the novel was unlike other books I've read. The uniqueness was exhilarating! The first scene's drama grabbed me by the throat and held tight. Although the story was laid out chronologically, the mystery unfolded in a fabulously chaotic way -- always leaving the reader wanting more. The author did a great job keeping me on the edge of their seat to see what would happen next. Until the very last chapter, I had more questions than answers and my overactive imagination was going wild trying to guess what would happen next.
I loved that the MCs were 30+ years old and both dominant, headstrong, and self-sufficient. I adored how feisty and strong Dani was. She decided she would never be a victim again and tried living her life on her terms. Kole was an enigma that I wanted to trust but struggled to. We didn't find out his backstory for a while and not knowing the details left me stressed out. Was he who he said he was? Was he trustworthy? What were all of his secrets?
Both Dani's and Kole's deep seated trauma / PTSD helped drive the story in curious directions. Despite their growing feelings for each other, neither felt able to divulge their secrets to the other. This led to miscommunication, lies and extreme distrust. I was never sure if Dani and Kole were going to k!ss or try to una!ive each other.
Overall, I highly recommend Kiss of Deceit by Kay Riley. The character development is spot on; the plot twists are enthralling; and the ending was unexpected and entertaining. It's a great choice if you love gritty, mysterious thrillers mixed with lots of m*rder, high emotions, and an angsty enemies to lovers relationship.
Grateful to Kay Riley and The Smuthood for an e-ARC of Kiss of Deceit. All opinions are my own.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Alternating 1st person, Dual
Narration: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Thriller Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Small Town, Secret Identities, Stalker
Series / Standalone: Standalone
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
. . . . . . . . .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Word to the Wise: Do not start this book right before bed because you will not want to put it down.
REVIEW: Kiss of Deceit by Kay Riley is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, mystery / thriller romance that includes a kick@$$ FMC, multiple serial una!ivers and SEVERAL crazy plot twists! The premise of the novel was unlike other books I've read. The uniqueness was exhilarating! The first scene's drama grabbed me by the throat and held tight. Although the story was laid out chronologically, the mystery unfolded in a fabulously chaotic way -- always leaving the reader wanting more. The author did a great job keeping me on the edge of their seat to see what would happen next. Until the very last chapter, I had more questions than answers and my overactive imagination was going wild trying to guess what would happen next.
I loved that the MCs were 30+ years old and both dominant, headstrong, and self-sufficient. I adored how feisty and strong Dani was. She decided she would never be a victim again and tried living her life on her terms. Kole was an enigma that I wanted to trust but struggled to. We didn't find out his backstory for a while and not knowing the details left me stressed out. Was he who he said he was? Was he trustworthy? What were all of his secrets?
Both Dani's and Kole's deep seated trauma / PTSD helped drive the story in curious directions. Despite their growing feelings for each other, neither felt able to divulge their secrets to the other. This led to miscommunication, lies and extreme distrust. I was never sure if Dani and Kole were going to k!ss or try to una!ive each other.
Overall, I highly recommend Kiss of Deceit by Kay Riley. The character development is spot on; the plot twists are enthralling; and the ending was unexpected and entertaining. It's a great choice if you love gritty, mysterious thrillers mixed with lots of m*rder, high emotions, and an angsty enemies to lovers relationship.
Grateful to Kay Riley and The Smuthood for an e-ARC of Kiss of Deceit. All opinions are my own.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Alternating 1st person, Dual
Narration: Dual
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Thriller Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Small Town, Secret Identities, Stalker
Series / Standalone: Standalone
INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
. . . . . . . . .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
November 8, 2025
When secrets hide behind smiles, love can be just as dangerous as the killer next door. 🔪❤️🔥
📖 Kiss of Deceit by Kay Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Genre: Dark Romance / Psychological Thriller
(Please read trigger warnings — this one isn’t for everyone.)
Tropes:
🩸 Serial killer FMC
🔥 Badass FMC
💀 Protective & obsessive MMC
💘 He falls first (and hard)
🏡 Forced proximity
🎭 Hidden identity
🌲 Small-town setting
🧩 Thriller twists
🕵️ Mystery killer
🔥 Feminine rage
🖤 Secrets & revenge
💋 Slow burn
Dani moves to the remote town of Winterlake for a year-long internship as a forensic psychologist. The roads are closed, cell service is nonexistent, and life seems slow and peaceful… until bodies start piling up. As the murders grow closer to home, Dani begins to realize the quiet little town isn’t what it seems. The locals hide secrets, danger lurks everywhere, and the charming bartender, Kole—who’s clearly head over heels for her—might not be as simple as he appears.
The story opens strong with a gut-wrenching glimpse into Dani’s past, instantly pulling me in. From there, it’s a perfect balance of tension, mystery, and character development. The pacing is steady—never rushed—and the suspense keeps you guessing. Every time I thought I knew what was happening, Kay Riley threw in a twist that made me question everything (honestly felt like watching an episode of Criminal Minds).
Dani is a powerhouse. Strong, self-reliant, and full of simmering rage that seeps through every page. Her trauma shaped her, but it didn’t define her. She’s sharp, skilled, and has just the right bite of sarcasm to make her banter with others feel real and entertaining. I admired her so much—she’s not the type to be rescued, and I love that about her.
Kole, on the other hand, was a beautiful contrast—steady, patient, and so open about his feelings. He cared for Dani without smothering her, and his honesty made every moment between them warm and grounding. His confessions? Melted me. He’s protective without being overbearing, and I absolutely devoured every interaction between them.
The emotional connection in this book was so vivid I could feel their tension, their fear, their want. Despite the chaos of the plot, the romance stayed believable, layered with care and realism. And the setting? Perfectly eerie. The small, snowed-in town surrounded by woods added the perfect isolation and chill—though honestly, I’d stay there if it weren’t for, you know… the murders.
And the spice? Oh, it spiced. 🔥 Let’s just say I was blushing from the neck up.
Kiss of Deceit is a perfect blend of mystery, trauma, feminine rage, and slow-burn obsession. It’s psychological, twisted, and raw in all the right ways. I guessed one of the twists, but the rest completely blindsided me. It explores how one traumatic event can reshape someone’s life—and how revenge, morality, and love can collide in the most hauntingly beautiful ways.
I absolutely loved this book, and I’ll be grabbing more of Kay Riley’s work for sure.
Thank you, Kay Riley and The Smuthood, for this ARC! I devoured it in one sitting. 💋
📖 Kiss of Deceit by Kay Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Genre: Dark Romance / Psychological Thriller
(Please read trigger warnings — this one isn’t for everyone.)
Tropes:
🩸 Serial killer FMC
🔥 Badass FMC
💀 Protective & obsessive MMC
💘 He falls first (and hard)
🏡 Forced proximity
🎭 Hidden identity
🌲 Small-town setting
🧩 Thriller twists
🕵️ Mystery killer
🔥 Feminine rage
🖤 Secrets & revenge
💋 Slow burn
Dani moves to the remote town of Winterlake for a year-long internship as a forensic psychologist. The roads are closed, cell service is nonexistent, and life seems slow and peaceful… until bodies start piling up. As the murders grow closer to home, Dani begins to realize the quiet little town isn’t what it seems. The locals hide secrets, danger lurks everywhere, and the charming bartender, Kole—who’s clearly head over heels for her—might not be as simple as he appears.
The story opens strong with a gut-wrenching glimpse into Dani’s past, instantly pulling me in. From there, it’s a perfect balance of tension, mystery, and character development. The pacing is steady—never rushed—and the suspense keeps you guessing. Every time I thought I knew what was happening, Kay Riley threw in a twist that made me question everything (honestly felt like watching an episode of Criminal Minds).
Dani is a powerhouse. Strong, self-reliant, and full of simmering rage that seeps through every page. Her trauma shaped her, but it didn’t define her. She’s sharp, skilled, and has just the right bite of sarcasm to make her banter with others feel real and entertaining. I admired her so much—she’s not the type to be rescued, and I love that about her.
Kole, on the other hand, was a beautiful contrast—steady, patient, and so open about his feelings. He cared for Dani without smothering her, and his honesty made every moment between them warm and grounding. His confessions? Melted me. He’s protective without being overbearing, and I absolutely devoured every interaction between them.
The emotional connection in this book was so vivid I could feel their tension, their fear, their want. Despite the chaos of the plot, the romance stayed believable, layered with care and realism. And the setting? Perfectly eerie. The small, snowed-in town surrounded by woods added the perfect isolation and chill—though honestly, I’d stay there if it weren’t for, you know… the murders.
And the spice? Oh, it spiced. 🔥 Let’s just say I was blushing from the neck up.
Kiss of Deceit is a perfect blend of mystery, trauma, feminine rage, and slow-burn obsession. It’s psychological, twisted, and raw in all the right ways. I guessed one of the twists, but the rest completely blindsided me. It explores how one traumatic event can reshape someone’s life—and how revenge, morality, and love can collide in the most hauntingly beautiful ways.
I absolutely loved this book, and I’ll be grabbing more of Kay Riley’s work for sure.
Thank you, Kay Riley and The Smuthood, for this ARC! I devoured it in one sitting. 💋
November 24, 2025
🌟ARC Review🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🔪 Serial killer FMC
🍻 Enemies to Lovers
🔪 He Falls First (and hard)
🍻 Forced Proximity
🔪 Hidden identity
🍻 Small-Town Setting
🔪 Secrets
🍻 Thriller twists
🔪 Mystery killer
🍻 Slow Burn
🔪 Feminine Rage
Dude, what?! Wow. Just wow. I am blown away and I currently have a book hangover now, so thanks 😅 I’m going to try to review without spoiling because all the twists in here are certainly best experienced by reading the book. This was the perfect blend of thriller, mystery, and dark romance that I haven’t seen done since Mindf*ck or Sole Survivor, and haven’t seen done quite like this. Kiss of Deceit is the first book I’ve read by Kay Riley and now I have to go read everything else. I absolutely devoured this and I hate myself for starting it before bed. Not only did I screw up my sleep schedule—worth it!—but this had my heart racing with every eerie sound and shadow in my room all night.
This book’s opening is killer—and I mean that literally! Dani is bleeding out on the floor of her sorority as two masked men have unalived all her friends and she’s left for dead. As the only survivor of the attack, she’s tried her hardest to leave that life behind in the past twelve years. She’s hoping for a clean slate as an intern who specializes in forensic psychology and has just been bussed into the town of Winterlake. Winterlake, where you can’t leave once winter closes the only road in and out, where there are no cell phones or high-speed internet, no children, and where there is none of that charming small town vibe. The residents never trust the interns—most don’t even want to engage—and absolutely everyone seems to be hiding something.
Like Kole, the grumpy bartender of the only place in town worth hanging out at, and her new roommate after a clerical error. He’s sinfully hot, and after a steamy pantry hookup minutes after their terse meeting, Dani is determined to keep her head down, do her job, and not get caught up in any kind of relationship—romantic or otherwise.
But then the bodies begin to pile up in town.
The creep factor was high throughout the book, and while I could guess a few of the twists, I didn’t get them quite exact. I love when I can’t guess what’s going to happen all the time. I felt like I was truly in Dani’s world and trying to piece things together with her. When I say I was gripped and engaged from start to finish, I mean that. Every character made me question them and myself.
The highlight for me was the relationship between Dani and Kole. Their chemistry was sizzling and undeniable, every encounter made me crave more even as I trusted no one and didn’t know if Kole was a good guy or a bad guy. Her testing him and every time he made it clear how much he wanted her despite knowing he shouldn’t was such a hot slow burn.
It’s rare for me to give a dark romance five full stars that wasn’t rounded up—I think this is only my third this year—but I’d give so many more stars if I could. Do yourself a solid and devour this like I did. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to The Smuthood and the author for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🔪 Serial killer FMC
🍻 Enemies to Lovers
🔪 He Falls First (and hard)
🍻 Forced Proximity
🔪 Hidden identity
🍻 Small-Town Setting
🔪 Secrets
🍻 Thriller twists
🔪 Mystery killer
🍻 Slow Burn
🔪 Feminine Rage
Dude, what?! Wow. Just wow. I am blown away and I currently have a book hangover now, so thanks 😅 I’m going to try to review without spoiling because all the twists in here are certainly best experienced by reading the book. This was the perfect blend of thriller, mystery, and dark romance that I haven’t seen done since Mindf*ck or Sole Survivor, and haven’t seen done quite like this. Kiss of Deceit is the first book I’ve read by Kay Riley and now I have to go read everything else. I absolutely devoured this and I hate myself for starting it before bed. Not only did I screw up my sleep schedule—worth it!—but this had my heart racing with every eerie sound and shadow in my room all night.
This book’s opening is killer—and I mean that literally! Dani is bleeding out on the floor of her sorority as two masked men have unalived all her friends and she’s left for dead. As the only survivor of the attack, she’s tried her hardest to leave that life behind in the past twelve years. She’s hoping for a clean slate as an intern who specializes in forensic psychology and has just been bussed into the town of Winterlake. Winterlake, where you can’t leave once winter closes the only road in and out, where there are no cell phones or high-speed internet, no children, and where there is none of that charming small town vibe. The residents never trust the interns—most don’t even want to engage—and absolutely everyone seems to be hiding something.
Like Kole, the grumpy bartender of the only place in town worth hanging out at, and her new roommate after a clerical error. He’s sinfully hot, and after a steamy pantry hookup minutes after their terse meeting, Dani is determined to keep her head down, do her job, and not get caught up in any kind of relationship—romantic or otherwise.
But then the bodies begin to pile up in town.
The creep factor was high throughout the book, and while I could guess a few of the twists, I didn’t get them quite exact. I love when I can’t guess what’s going to happen all the time. I felt like I was truly in Dani’s world and trying to piece things together with her. When I say I was gripped and engaged from start to finish, I mean that. Every character made me question them and myself.
The highlight for me was the relationship between Dani and Kole. Their chemistry was sizzling and undeniable, every encounter made me crave more even as I trusted no one and didn’t know if Kole was a good guy or a bad guy. Her testing him and every time he made it clear how much he wanted her despite knowing he shouldn’t was such a hot slow burn.
It’s rare for me to give a dark romance five full stars that wasn’t rounded up—I think this is only my third this year—but I’d give so many more stars if I could. Do yourself a solid and devour this like I did. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to The Smuthood and the author for the ARC.
November 19, 2025
I absolutely devoured Kiss of Deceit by Kay Riley, what a ride! This is my first book by Riley, and I can already tell it won’t be my last. The slow-burn tension early on builds so perfectly into a high-stakes thriller that had me hooked well past midnight.
Set in Winterlake, a snowbound, remote mountain town with icy roads and almost no cell service. The atmosphere is wonderfully claustrophobic. It feels peaceful at first, but Riley cleverly peels back the layers to reveal darkness underneath. When bodies begin appearing, the town’s secrets start unravelling, and the suspense ratchets up.
Dani, the protagonist, is an intern in Winterlake with her own traumatic past. I loved how she’s both vulnerable and fiercely protective of her secrets. Kole, the bar owner, is grumpy, caring, and intriguingly complicated and their slow-building connection felt genuine, emotionally rich, and full of tension.
But what really elevates this book are the twists. Around the halfway mark, things accelerate, and I was constantly second-guessing what was really going on. Riley throws in so many unexpected turns that even when you think you’ve figured something out … you haven’t. It’s a “mind-f**k” in the best way. The pacing after the midpoint is relentless, and every new revelation felt earned.
The balance between romance and suspense is pitch-perfect: the romance doesn’t overshadow the mystery, but it’s deeply woven into it. The chemistry is spicy without feeling gratuitous, and their emotional journey feels authentic, especially as Dani grapples with her past and her fear of being exposed.
On top of that, the character development is strong. Supporting characters are more than background filler. They each serve a purpose, and their secrets made Winterlake feel like a living, breathing (and dangerous) community.
If you love romantic thrillers, psychological suspense, and books with twists galore, this one is for you. Riley masterfully crafted a story that’s equal parts heart-pounding and heart-tugging. I can’t recommend Kiss of Deceit enough, add it to your TBR, grab a cozy (safe) corner, and go in ready for a wild ride.
Thank you so much Kay and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
Set in Winterlake, a snowbound, remote mountain town with icy roads and almost no cell service. The atmosphere is wonderfully claustrophobic. It feels peaceful at first, but Riley cleverly peels back the layers to reveal darkness underneath. When bodies begin appearing, the town’s secrets start unravelling, and the suspense ratchets up.
Dani, the protagonist, is an intern in Winterlake with her own traumatic past. I loved how she’s both vulnerable and fiercely protective of her secrets. Kole, the bar owner, is grumpy, caring, and intriguingly complicated and their slow-building connection felt genuine, emotionally rich, and full of tension.
But what really elevates this book are the twists. Around the halfway mark, things accelerate, and I was constantly second-guessing what was really going on. Riley throws in so many unexpected turns that even when you think you’ve figured something out … you haven’t. It’s a “mind-f**k” in the best way. The pacing after the midpoint is relentless, and every new revelation felt earned.
The balance between romance and suspense is pitch-perfect: the romance doesn’t overshadow the mystery, but it’s deeply woven into it. The chemistry is spicy without feeling gratuitous, and their emotional journey feels authentic, especially as Dani grapples with her past and her fear of being exposed.
On top of that, the character development is strong. Supporting characters are more than background filler. They each serve a purpose, and their secrets made Winterlake feel like a living, breathing (and dangerous) community.
If you love romantic thrillers, psychological suspense, and books with twists galore, this one is for you. Riley masterfully crafted a story that’s equal parts heart-pounding and heart-tugging. I can’t recommend Kiss of Deceit enough, add it to your TBR, grab a cozy (safe) corner, and go in ready for a wild ride.
Thank you so much Kay and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝟏𝟎/𝟏𝟎 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧
𝐅𝐌𝐂 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫
𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫/𝐌𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧, 𝐚 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫, 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬, 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐲, 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫?
𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐀𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐢𝐱-𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. 𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫, 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲.
𝐖𝐨𝐰, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲/𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞! 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐬, 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐞… 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭, 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞, 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐡-𝐬𝐨-𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐭. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 (𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜é 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 😂). 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐟.
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝟏𝟎/𝟏𝟎 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧
𝐅𝐌𝐂 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫
𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫/𝐌𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧, 𝐚 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫, 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬, 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐲, 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫?
𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐀𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐢𝐱-𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. 𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫, 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲.
𝐖𝐨𝐰, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲/𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞! 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐬, 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐞… 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭, 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞, 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐡-𝐬𝐨-𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐭. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 (𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜é 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 😂). 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐟.
November 17, 2025
I hate to say this because overall, this is a really well done book. But the trend of listing tropes to describe a romance novel is what killed this for me. Not the trend specifically, but the fact that the tropes used to describe this were so wrong, it ended up pissing me off. You cannot call a romance a slow burn if they are having an active sexual relationship and one of the characters is admitting to themselves that they're falling for the other before 40%. Nothing about this was slow burn. Dani and Kole were in it from the start. Kole was panting after Dani on the first night. Maybe if you squint really hard and shut your brain off, you can call it enemies to lovers, except it was really just two people who had major secrets and even bigger trust issues having to interact with each other.
I really liked the characters. I thought Dani was fun, and twisty, and shady. She was the perfect FMC to drop into a snowed off small town with 500 citizens and a multitude of secrets. I liked that Kole was a good MMC to offset Dani. He didn't overshadow her at any point. To be frank, Kole was kind of interchangeable. This book was about Dani and Kole was just the guy written to fit a part to make her look good.
Honestly, if this book was less romance focused and shorter, it would have been the perfect thriller. The mystery and suspense behind everything was very well done. I did not suspect how this story was going to turn out. And on the inverse, if the suspense plot was sped up a bit more and the romance felt like there was an actual building to the relationship between Dani and Kole, it would have been perfect as a romantic suspense. Instead, it was 500 pages because there was just too much trying to maintain focus. There was a lot going on and it felt like the romance took a back seat and then yelled the directions.
As a whole, Kiss of Deceit felt too long. I was interested in the story, I wanted to read it, but there was just a bit too much shoved in the pages to keep my focus. I'm interested in what else Kay Riley has done because even with everything considered, this was pretty good.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Kay Riley for the ARC.
I really liked the characters. I thought Dani was fun, and twisty, and shady. She was the perfect FMC to drop into a snowed off small town with 500 citizens and a multitude of secrets. I liked that Kole was a good MMC to offset Dani. He didn't overshadow her at any point. To be frank, Kole was kind of interchangeable. This book was about Dani and Kole was just the guy written to fit a part to make her look good.
Honestly, if this book was less romance focused and shorter, it would have been the perfect thriller. The mystery and suspense behind everything was very well done. I did not suspect how this story was going to turn out. And on the inverse, if the suspense plot was sped up a bit more and the romance felt like there was an actual building to the relationship between Dani and Kole, it would have been perfect as a romantic suspense. Instead, it was 500 pages because there was just too much trying to maintain focus. There was a lot going on and it felt like the romance took a back seat and then yelled the directions.
As a whole, Kiss of Deceit felt too long. I was interested in the story, I wanted to read it, but there was just a bit too much shoved in the pages to keep my focus. I'm interested in what else Kay Riley has done because even with everything considered, this was pretty good.
Thank you to The Smuthood and Kay Riley for the ARC.
November 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶.5
🩷🩷🩷🩷
Murder Mystery
🍻 Grumpy and Gumpier
Forced proximity
🍻 He falls first
Small Town
🍻 Hidden Identities
Plot Twist
🍻 Badass FMC
“Kiss of Deceit" is the first book I read by Kay Riley (but if the rest of her books are like this I am VERY INTERESTED in reading more). I appreciate the opportunity to serve as an ARC reviewer for this book, thank you to both The Smuthood and Kay Riley for this opportunity.
Dani is an intern who has recently relocated to Winterlake, Colorado, for a year-long internship as a forensic psychologist. She is reserved and carries personal trauma and secrets. Preferring solitude, she is initially hesitant to share her trust, but circumstances require her to share a room with someone who challenges her trust and willingness to open up.
Kole is the owner of the local bar; he is grumpy and prefers to keep others at a distance, but the whole town looks to him. When Kole and Dani meet, their interactions are initially tense, which evolves into complicated feelings. Their dynamic is layered, encompassing both conflict and attraction.
As Dani adjusts to Winterlake, she begins to notice that something is off about the town. Soon, a series of murders disrupts the community. Dani’s determination and resilience shine through as she seeks to uncover the truth behind these murders. Her strength and willingness to confront her past make her a powerful character.
This story captured my interest with its book blurb. I was seeking a story that combined romance and mystery, and this book exceeded my expectations. The plot features unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end, prompting me to consider re-reading it. A fellow reader mentioned that it reminded them of the Mindfuck series, which I wholeheartedly agree with. It's psychological, emotional, intense, dark, and highly engaging.
I recommend going in blind with this book, as it enhances the story. If you are searching for a book that has mystery, a touch of romance and spice to read this winter season that is not holiday-themed, this book is the book for you.
🌶🌶🌶🌶.5
🩷🩷🩷🩷
Murder Mystery
🍻 Grumpy and Gumpier
Forced proximity
🍻 He falls first
Small Town
🍻 Hidden Identities
Plot Twist
🍻 Badass FMC
“Kiss of Deceit" is the first book I read by Kay Riley (but if the rest of her books are like this I am VERY INTERESTED in reading more). I appreciate the opportunity to serve as an ARC reviewer for this book, thank you to both The Smuthood and Kay Riley for this opportunity.
Dani is an intern who has recently relocated to Winterlake, Colorado, for a year-long internship as a forensic psychologist. She is reserved and carries personal trauma and secrets. Preferring solitude, she is initially hesitant to share her trust, but circumstances require her to share a room with someone who challenges her trust and willingness to open up.
Kole is the owner of the local bar; he is grumpy and prefers to keep others at a distance, but the whole town looks to him. When Kole and Dani meet, their interactions are initially tense, which evolves into complicated feelings. Their dynamic is layered, encompassing both conflict and attraction.
As Dani adjusts to Winterlake, she begins to notice that something is off about the town. Soon, a series of murders disrupts the community. Dani’s determination and resilience shine through as she seeks to uncover the truth behind these murders. Her strength and willingness to confront her past make her a powerful character.
This story captured my interest with its book blurb. I was seeking a story that combined romance and mystery, and this book exceeded my expectations. The plot features unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end, prompting me to consider re-reading it. A fellow reader mentioned that it reminded them of the Mindfuck series, which I wholeheartedly agree with. It's psychological, emotional, intense, dark, and highly engaging.
I recommend going in blind with this book, as it enhances the story. If you are searching for a book that has mystery, a touch of romance and spice to read this winter season that is not holiday-themed, this book is the book for you.
November 19, 2025
🥀ARC Review🥀
📚Title: Kiss of Deceit
📚Author: Kay Riley
📆Release Date: November 15th, 2025
📝Favorite Quote(s):
-“No, I didn’t get them put in prison. I dealt with them in my own way.”... “You’re fucking sick,” he shouted... “Yes,” I agreed with him. “But I only hurt others who are like me.”
-The killer wrote a message using her blood. Want to play?
-“You can be a living rat or a dead friend.”... “Your choice. But if you don’t tell me where she is, you’re going to fucking suffer.”
-Revenge was fueling me. And this time, I wasn’t stopping until I was staring into my monster’s lifeless eyes.
OMFG THIS BOOK!!!! 5 STARS ALL THE WAY!!!! I NEVER WOULD OF GUESSED WHO DONE IT IN ANY KIND OF WAY! I HAD TO STOP READING TO PROCESS THE NEW INFORMATION!
I freaking LOVED this book sooo much! The romance was AMAZING and the plot twists... omg they were a twistinggggggg!!!!
Kole and Dani are definitely a favorite couple for me! Dani was AMAZING, TOP TIER, A PURE BAD A**! I LOVED HERRRRR!!!
I BELIEVE EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK HONESTLY 👀🔥📚
📚BLURB📚
When snow falls, Winterlake is cut off from the world once the mountain road becomes impassable. With no high-speed internet or cell phone service, life is slow and peaceful.
At least it used to be.
Danger lurks in the shadows of Winterlake. It started with someone chasing me in the woods. Now a masked killer is terrorizing this town. The mysterious murderer isn’t the only problem in this secluded place.
The longer I'm here, the more I realize this mountain town isn't what it seems. The locals guard their secrets, looking at us interns with distrust. Except Kole. The bar owner who is determined to learn all about me. What’s worse is I think I’m falling for him. Which is something I can't let happen.
I'm hiding my own skeletons. Dark secrets I will do anything to protect—secrets the masked killer already seems to know.
Winterlake was supposed to be my fresh start. Now I’m not sure I’ll make it out alive.
📚Title: Kiss of Deceit
📚Author: Kay Riley
📆Release Date: November 15th, 2025
📝Favorite Quote(s):
-“No, I didn’t get them put in prison. I dealt with them in my own way.”... “You’re fucking sick,” he shouted... “Yes,” I agreed with him. “But I only hurt others who are like me.”
-The killer wrote a message using her blood. Want to play?
-“You can be a living rat or a dead friend.”... “Your choice. But if you don’t tell me where she is, you’re going to fucking suffer.”
-Revenge was fueling me. And this time, I wasn’t stopping until I was staring into my monster’s lifeless eyes.
OMFG THIS BOOK!!!! 5 STARS ALL THE WAY!!!! I NEVER WOULD OF GUESSED WHO DONE IT IN ANY KIND OF WAY! I HAD TO STOP READING TO PROCESS THE NEW INFORMATION!
I freaking LOVED this book sooo much! The romance was AMAZING and the plot twists... omg they were a twistinggggggg!!!!
Kole and Dani are definitely a favorite couple for me! Dani was AMAZING, TOP TIER, A PURE BAD A**! I LOVED HERRRRR!!!
I BELIEVE EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK HONESTLY 👀🔥📚
📚BLURB📚
When snow falls, Winterlake is cut off from the world once the mountain road becomes impassable. With no high-speed internet or cell phone service, life is slow and peaceful.
At least it used to be.
Danger lurks in the shadows of Winterlake. It started with someone chasing me in the woods. Now a masked killer is terrorizing this town. The mysterious murderer isn’t the only problem in this secluded place.
The longer I'm here, the more I realize this mountain town isn't what it seems. The locals guard their secrets, looking at us interns with distrust. Except Kole. The bar owner who is determined to learn all about me. What’s worse is I think I’m falling for him. Which is something I can't let happen.
I'm hiding my own skeletons. Dark secrets I will do anything to protect—secrets the masked killer already seems to know.
Winterlake was supposed to be my fresh start. Now I’m not sure I’ll make it out alive.
November 21, 2025
🔪Kiss of Deceit🔪
By Kay Riley
🌟Overall rating: 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5🌟
🔥Spice level: 3🔥🔥🔥/5🔥
🖤psychological romance mystery thriller
🩶enemies to lovers
🗻forced proximity in a small town
🔪serial killer FMC…. but she isn’t the one
♥️happily ever after
Nothing is what it seems with this book and I LOVED it!!! Kay Riley is a “new to me” author, but I fully intend to read more of their work after reading this one! This book is very well written, with a storyline that keeps the reader entertained and interested throughout. I couldn’t get enough of this story!
The main female character, Dani, has endured past traumas which have severely impacted her entire life, particularly in her choice of career in criminal forensic psychology. Brave, determined, and dangerously curious, Dani brings a bit of vigilante justice to the town of Winterlake. Careful not to let anyone get too close, she makes a quick enemy of Kole, the bartender of the only bar in town. Kole, the male main character, is instantly drawn to Dani, as she is to him, and chemistry between them is absolutely electric right from the start😍. Both Kole and Dani were so much fun to read, relatable yet unpredictable, surprising me right up until the very end!
The town and its inhabitants hold many secrets, with new twists and turns being uncovered constantly. I craved answers, and couldn’t wait to connect the dots and solve the mysteries of Winterlake! My entire heart and mind were completely devoured by this story, making my experience as a reader so much better.
I highly (very, very highly) suggest going into this book BLIND. Know as little as possible and you as a reader will be able to enjoy it so much more! This is easily one of my top books of 2025, with this author making a fan out of me! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did!! ♥️
Thank you to Kay Riley and The Smuthood for gifting me an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own. ♥️
By Kay Riley
🌟Overall rating: 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5🌟
🔥Spice level: 3🔥🔥🔥/5🔥
🖤psychological romance mystery thriller
🩶enemies to lovers
🗻forced proximity in a small town
🔪serial killer FMC…. but she isn’t the one
♥️happily ever after
Nothing is what it seems with this book and I LOVED it!!! Kay Riley is a “new to me” author, but I fully intend to read more of their work after reading this one! This book is very well written, with a storyline that keeps the reader entertained and interested throughout. I couldn’t get enough of this story!
The main female character, Dani, has endured past traumas which have severely impacted her entire life, particularly in her choice of career in criminal forensic psychology. Brave, determined, and dangerously curious, Dani brings a bit of vigilante justice to the town of Winterlake. Careful not to let anyone get too close, she makes a quick enemy of Kole, the bartender of the only bar in town. Kole, the male main character, is instantly drawn to Dani, as she is to him, and chemistry between them is absolutely electric right from the start😍. Both Kole and Dani were so much fun to read, relatable yet unpredictable, surprising me right up until the very end!
The town and its inhabitants hold many secrets, with new twists and turns being uncovered constantly. I craved answers, and couldn’t wait to connect the dots and solve the mysteries of Winterlake! My entire heart and mind were completely devoured by this story, making my experience as a reader so much better.
I highly (very, very highly) suggest going into this book BLIND. Know as little as possible and you as a reader will be able to enjoy it so much more! This is easily one of my top books of 2025, with this author making a fan out of me! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did!! ♥️
Thank you to Kay Riley and The Smuthood for gifting me an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own. ♥️
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