He’s haunted, broken, and losing his grip on reality. If I can’t save him, it could mean the difference between life and death. Mine.
After decades of soul chasing, I’ve learned the hard way that the only way to be effective is to keep your feelings out of it, no matter how appealing and tempting your target is. So when I meet Keagan with his sexy scowl and intense gaze, it doesn’t take us long to make it physical. I’m only human, and resisting the man is beyond my mortal abilities.
The thing is, he’s deeply troubled, and he’s got one nasty spirit haunting him. The Deceiver taunting his thoughts is more powerful than any Horror I’ve faced before, and the more I get to know Keagan, the more concerned I am that I can pull him back from the darkness trying to suck him under.
When people around him start dropping like flies, I’m forced to consider if he’s not the man I think he is, and worse, even more dangerous than the spirit attached to him. Our connection is undeniable, but am I walking straight into his trap? If I’m not able to save him and banish the Horror, I could end up in the afterlife. After years of successful soul chasing, Keagan might be my undoing.
It’s up to me to decide if he’s worth it.
Deceiver is book two in Soul Chasers, an MM paranormal romance with dark themes, mid-level relationship angst, and spice. In Deceiver, you can expect a broken man with a troubled past torn between loyalty and evil, a jaded Soul Chaser who’s pursuit of pleasure has led him to some dark places, an undead bad guy who just can’t let go, hurt/comfort times two, I’d-burn- the-world-down-for-him vibes, and finding out that love really can overcome any obstacle. Even a dead one.
This can be enjoyed as a standalone but I would highly recommend the first in the series as it will give valuable background into the world Mia has created and Wilder does make a cameo appearance in that series. I am really enjoying the world Mia has created with this series, I like her take on the afterlife and the idea that there's a supernatural police force of a sort, tasked with returning escaped malicious souls to their afterlife. When we meet Keegan, he's a little lost after the death of his father - and not for a good reason. He just wants the truth and some peace of mind. But it all goes a little wrong and that's where Wilder comes in, with his ability and long, long experience of being a soul chaser.
I honestly did like both guys, I loved finding out Wilder's back story and history and loved that we got to find out something of his long life and what brought him to where he is today. Keegan I liked too, he had good intentions and just wanted to connect with his dad and move forward, and I get that.
This story definitely moved in a direction I didn't really expect, and certainly kept me turning the pages to see how it would all play out. I liked that these two took it slowly, it is a slow burn but definitely worth it in the end. I'm really looking forward to more in this series and can't wait for the next one.
4.5 Stars A fantastic book to read, I loved the first book in this series and this one comes close. The characters and the ghosties make it fun to read and maybe a little scary too. I highly recommend this to read and can't wait to read the next book for Farnsworth’s story.
badly drawn, two dimensional characters I don't care about at all. I was looking forward to Wilder's story, but this is awful. I'm halfway and I just can't anymore. The dialogue is clunky and the MC is just unlikeable and stupid. With so many good books out there, I see no reason to read a bad one.
**4.5** Wilder and Keagan's story definitely has some dark edges to it, as Keagan had been trying to communicate with his dad via a medium but it quickly turns into something he never could have expected. Wilder has been a Soul Chaser for over two hundred years and so knows what he is doing when it comes to returning Horrors to the Below, but Keagan's Horror is going to take some extra work and help from a friend as they work to keep Keagan safe and get rid of it. I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense aspect of the story. There's some deception and cruelty towards Keagan and Wilder finds himself caring about another in a strong way for the first time in many years. He never envisioned bringing someone into this life he now leads but Keagan is definitely different. Keegan has been alone for a while, raised by his mum and then grandparents as his father was mostly absent. Loneliness is something they have both been living with and are now drawn together by this horror that, ironically, doesn't want them together but Wilder is the one who can keep Keagan safe. The only thing for me, though I know it was a fast paced story over a short period of time, I didn't feel the build up of feelings but there was chemistry between them. The final chapter did help here as it wraps things up nicely, even with a cameo from Aster and Hudson. Then the epilogue for Farnsworth shows that the next book is going to be very interesting! I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Keagan’s attempt to reach his estranged father through a medium sets off a chilling chain of events that spirals far beyond anything he could have imagined. What begins as a desperate search for answers quickly morphs into a supernatural battle for survival, as he becomes the target of a relentless Horror from the Below. Enter Wilder—a seasoned Soul Chaser with over two centuries of experience banishing Horrors. He’s stoic, skilled, and used to walking alone. But Keagan’s case is different. The entity haunting him is more vicious, more personal, and it forces Wilder to enlist help and confront emotions he’s long buried. Their bond, forged in fear and necessity, becomes the heart of the story. - The story thrives on its eerie atmosphere and unpredictable twists. The tension builds with every encounter, keeping you hooked. Both Keagan and Wilder carry heavy burdens of loneliness and abandonment. Their shared pain adds layers to their dynamic, making their connection feel raw and real. Wilder’s gradual shift from detached guardian to someone who genuinely cares is compelling. Keagan’s vulnerability and resilience make him easy to root for. This story blends paranormal thrills with emotional resonance, offering a tale that’s as haunting as it is heartfelt. The Horror may want to keep them apart, but it’s their connection that ultimately gives them strength. A gripping read with just enough tenderness to balance the darkness.
So I was really looking forward to Wilder - who we met in the last book - and his book absolutely did not disappoint. As soon as we met him on page I just knew he’d be an interesting character and I was not wrong. I like that there’s a mix with the books un this series of some characters who are very much kind of your average joes (in the sense that they’re new to soul chasing and are, outside of very recent developments, pretty normal) and characters like Wilder who have a lot more back story because they’ve been doing this for a long time. Keagan worked really well I think because of that. He’s kind of like the opposite side of the loneliness coin; whilst Wilder has been alone for a very long time for very supernatural reasons Keagan’s loneliness is something I think a lot of people can easily imagine. At the end of the day no matter how wildly different these guys are in terms of background they understand each other in a very solid way. It made their romance work for me even if it was pretty quick. It’s the only thing I think I wish for more for actually, a slightly slower falling in love. But, these guys are not in normal circumstances and they’ve got way more going on in terms of their relationship that make the quick pace work. I think I’m just being greedy and want more of them lol.
This is the second book in the Soul Chasers series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, highly recommend reading the first one, Malice, since it's where Wilder was first introduced, and cause it's another great book. Intriguing world building, loveable characters, suspense, action, humor, and true love. Wilder is so stoic and reserved with a couple of centuries to build a strong wall around his heart. He had too many losses in his long life and did not want to feel that pain again. But Fate had other ideas and brought Keagan into his life. Keagan who was trying to find peace of mind and soul. The sparks flew when they first met and their souls reached out to each other. However, they first had a little problem with a manipulative and evil Horror which needed to be defeated. The creepy appearances of the Horror had me in suspense, not knowing what conniving plans he had next, manipulating Keagan's emotions like a puppet master. But these moments were perfectly balanced with sweet, humorous, and self-healing moments. There were also moments of frustration (yes, looking at you Keagan) but it was understandable since everyone wants love and acceptance. And that epilogue ending made me very happy cause the next intriguing character is getting his story told.
I wondered about the man who was going to be able to get Wilder to settle down. After finishing book 1 in the series, he definitely didn't strike me as the type of man looking for a partner in life. He seemed more like the lone wolf type if I am being honest. Turns out, there is much more to the Chaser than meets the eye.
Keagan is going through a rough time. So rough in fact, that even though Wilder shows up out of the blue with a random proclamation that he is here to help him, it doesn't take Keagan long to let the man in. He knows something isn't right and if Wilder can help him figure out what it is then what does he have to lose?
I don't think either Wilder or Keagan realized just how bad this situation was going to turn out to be. The horror is stronger than usual and manipulative. His connection to Keagan makes the horror even more dangerous since it gives him a foothold on this plane. Keagan doesn't seem to be your standard everyday human either, which complicates things even further.
I'm really enjoying this new series by Mia Monroe. The concept is interesting and fun. I'm also shocked at the sneak peek of the next MC!! I wasn't expecting for this character to have his own story line so soon, so I am doubly excited that he is!! I hope his love interest gives him a run for his money!
"When Farnsworth warned me that this is a long life, I failed to understand the truth of his words."
This is book two in the Soul Chasers series by Mia Monroe. You definitely need to read book one before starting this one. If you can get your hands on the prequel Dread, I highly recommend it as well, but it's not integral to this series. I received it as a newsletter subscriber and really enjoyed it.
This book is about Wilder who we met in book 1. We finally get to know more about him after all he's the go-to soul chaser. I loved getting his backstory and it was fun to see Aster and Hudson again along with Farnsworth.
The Horror, that Wilder is after, is one bad mofo and Wilder is just the right man for the job. Complications arise with his target and the Horror is worming his way in. Wilder is being pulled in different directions, protecting his target while trying to banish the Horror.
I love the teaser in the epilogue, for the next book in the series, I'll let you all see that for yourselves... no spoilers here.
Like ‘Malice’, our Soul Chaser finds his soul mate when he is given the mission to help their "target" who is being haunted by a “horror”. I liked Wilder in book one and wanted him to have his HEA after being alone for so long. I understand Keagan wanting to discover the truth once and for all about his dad but he makes some very foolish decisions which had me wanting to launch my Kindle.
I found ‘Deceiver’ to be an interesting paranormal mystery and thought that side was good and I liked the set up for the third book, but I wouldn’t really count it as a romance as there was very little romance between our 2 MCs and wish the book had been longer to build that. There was a lot of finding the other attractive for more than half the book, they were intimate and then the book was over. I love Mia Monroe and her books but there’s just something missing in this series for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Okay WOW. Deceiver came in swinging and did not let up. This book is intense in all the best ways: angsty, dark, emotional, steamy, and somehow still full of hope. I was hooked from page one and completely obsessed by the end.
Keagan absolutely broke my heart. Watching him spiral, trying so hard to survive something no one else can even see, was gut-wrenching. But the connection with his Soul Chaser, the tension, the slow build of trust, the protectiveness, the pull between them… it was magic. I ate it up.
The paranormal elements were super cool. Dark and creepy in just the right way. And the way Mia ties the supernatural into real emotional trauma? So well done. It’s not just about fighting an evil spirit. It’s about healing, choosing to live, and letting someone in when it feels impossible.
Deceiver is book two in the 'Soul Chasers' series, and I am enjoying this particular world that Mia Monroe has written. It's clever and encompasses all sorts of supernatural beings. My only criticism is that as I am reading through the two novels, I feel like there is a key part of this world missing. Maybe I was reading too fast, but I kept feeling that I was missing out on something important in understanding how the soul chasers came about and how things work in this world. There is a small bit of history revealed in this novel, and I found it fascinating, but something is just out of reach. Also, the way the friendship between Wilder and Keagan transitions into a romantic relationship is not a very smooth one. It felt forced and a little rushed. Overall, Mia's storytelling prowess wins me over, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I would totally want answers too, but dude, don’t mess with things you don’t understand!!
Keagan has got himself a pretty nasty haunting and when Wilder shows up to help, he expects Keagan to be grateful and helpful. Turns out Keagan is stubborn and determined to get answers no matter what.
It’s a fun story with lots of layers. Wilder, a 200-year-old Soul Chaser who’s come to terms with his lonely existence, giving up on finding the one. He doesn’t expect to be as intrigued by the frustrating and gorgeous target.
Things move quickly, but the ending is super sweet. And I’m excited for Farnsworth’s story!
We met Wilder in the previous book in this series and now we get to learn his story. Keagan is our new character and he doesn't disappoint. Poor Keagan has a Horror after him and this one is a doozy. Wilder is on the case and decides to change things up a bit for both himself, his way of doing his job, and for Keagan.
I enjoyed how these two worked together and how the story unfolded. There are some nice little twists and we don't follow a similar pattern to the first book. The Horror was interesting and I liked how it all unfolded. The little nuggets of information that are revealed throughout the story are great to read about and to help the story unfold nicely.
I'm enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book to come out.
This was a nice second book in this series. I felt that it was a little darker than the first one but that's what you get when you follow a more experienced Soul Chaser, I guess. I liked Wilder and his back story that gave us more insight into this character. Unfortunately I never really warmed up to the second MC which made me not root for them the way I would have liked to. It was still an adventurous ghost chasing story with bad-ass side characters (I'd love to see more of Talon!) and a cute, low-angst romance plot.
I am really enjoying this paranormal world that Mia Monroe has crafted. The idea of The Horrors is so dark and terrifying, and I absolutely love the concept. The suspense and horror elements are well-balanced throughout the book and kept me on edge and hooked. Unfortunately, I didn’t quite reach that level of excitement over the romance. The chemistry between Keagan and Wilder was electric of course, but I struggled to feel a strong emotional build up in their relationship. It was still a good read though and I still wanted them to get their well-deserves HEA.
OH .....WOW...... Deceiver is book two in the Soul Chasers series by Mia Monroe and I absolutely loved it this is Wilder's story and he's been a Soul Chaser for over two hundred years so he knows a lot about horrors and returning them to the below but when he gets Keagan's case this one is different the horror haunting him is vicious, manipulative and evil and it's more personal it forces Wilder to enlist help to protect Keagan these two need each other both lonely and in pain but their souls reached out to each other beautiful recommend so much.
Great second book in the Soul Chasers series! Wilder and Keagan were a long time coming! This book continued the intriguing world building, loveable characters, suspense, humor, and of course true love.
Wilder is stoic and reserved after a couple of centuries learning to guard his heart. Keagan is trying to find peace after learning terrible things about his father.
The Horror in this book had me in suspense, not knowing what he had planned next, and constantly manipulating Keagan's emotions.
The epilogue laid out the foundation for a third book in this amazing series.
Rating: 3/5 🌟 Spice: 2/5 🌶️ Characters: Keagan and Wilder
This was very slow burn. A bit too much so for my tastes. I didn't quite believe them ending up together because I didn't feel any real connection between them intimately or emotionally. Things didn't really seem to move anywhere romance wise until around 70% and then it felt sort of rushed. I didn't even really feel a friendship building between them honestly.
But I really enjoyed the plot quite a bit with the horror and the dynamic between it and Keagan. The side characters were also fun.
Well, that was a thrilling adventure and romance! Never know what to expect with Mia's PNR, but she always delivers a great story. This one leaves you guessing who's doing what & what are the motives quite a bit, but it plays out nicely. Keagan - well, he was stupid a time or two, early on, but at least he learned. As for Wilder, I'm glad he got his HEA - was a long time coming. Was a treat seeing Farnsworth again, and the other cameos. Definitely looking forward to more.
Wilder is the soul-chaser to have in your corner if you are being manipulated by a horror. Keagan only wants to get answers about his deceased father. Little does he know that his life is about to be turned upside down. I will be honest there were a few times I wanted to smack Keagan for some of his choices before he got a clue that the horror meant business. This is a slow burn, some favorite characters for them first soul-chasers, defeating the bad guy and a HEA.
Four and a half wicked stars for this second book in the series! Wilder and Keagan were a wild pair who I loved and couldn't stop reading until I finished. I have loved both books in the series and the world in which these characters reside in is fascinating. Solid plot, great story-telling and an awesome cast of characters.
“Deceiver” is the second book in Mia Monroe’s Soul Chaser series. I absolutely loved this book. Mia Monroe writes awesome paranormal stories. This story has fabulous characters and the pages practically turned themselves. It is dark, steamy, and emotional in all the best ways. I loved seeing some previous characters and cannot wait for the next book.
I enjoyed Keagan and Wilder’s story. This is a slow burn , paranormal romance. Mystery, a haunting, a ghost hunter , becoming friends to lovers. Great characters. This series is different and intriguing. Mia is so talented. She can write anything.
This series is so unique - the concept of Soul Chasers sending spirits back to the underworld is compelling and the author writes it beautifully. Wilder and Keagan’s story is really freakin cool - a little bit dark with a whole lot of action and incredible spice! If you’re into PNR and are looking for something fresh and new - this is for you! It’s fantastic!
I was really excited to dive back into the Soul Chasers world. This is another (VERY) slow burn, but having Wilder be an experienced Soul Chaser added a nice difference from the previous book. This Horror was also a lot more complicated, especially with its relationship to Keagan. Both characters had interesting and complex back stories. I liked Wilder, and while I did like Keagan as well, he was a bit frustrating at times.
While this story could be read as a stand alone, I think readers would benefit from the world building that happened in the first book (and even the prequel). There is a bit of character cross over, but the main stories can be read separately. The epilogue in this book already has me impatient for the next release!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
This series has such an interesting take on the afterlife, and so far, I've enjoyed every second of it. The characters are all people I would love to spend some time with (after the horror is dealt with, of course). I'm excited to see what will happen next in the series.
While this wasn't quite as good as book one was for me, it still was a really good story. I liked Wilder and Keagan together. I am now looking forward to Farnsworth's story. It should be very interesting.
Once again this was so good. I loved the story and the main characters. This one even felt a bit more intense at tines and I was here for it. I can't wait to read the next one.
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it a good addition to the Soul Chasers Series. I also enjoyed getting to immerse myself in this magical world that Mia has created. I thought Wilder and Keagan were great together and I liked that even though they’re matched by fate they give themselves time to actually fall in love before forming their bond. Wow, Keagan is thrown in the deep end during this book luckily he has Wilder and some powerful friends to help him deal with the extremely strong Horror.
I liked learning a bit about Wilder’s past life as he’s intrigued since he was introduced during book 1, when Aster needed some assistance banishing the Horror to the below. I enjoyed getting to see Farnsworth, Aster & Hudson again. I was already looking forward to reading the next book but after reading the bonus epilogue at the end of this book I’m even more so. I’m also looking forward to reading more books from Mia Monroe in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a copy of this book because I’m a member of Mia Monroe’s Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******