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Driven by Deceit:
Crack the façade… Expose the truth…
A toxic arrival. The villagers enthralled. What will it take to show the reality of what lives among them?
Laura Brown has already had a tough year. What she doesn’t need is someone making it worse. But when her friend’s cottage is rented out, that’s exactly what happens as her life, and the village she loves, are invaded by someone from her past.
Laura has learned how to react to her abuser. With silence. With indifference. No one else sees the danger in their midst. That is until her friends are affected and the time comes for Laura to remember who she really is.
With the help of a mysterious visitor and Laura’s friend, Harry O’Connor, a plan forms, but when a lack of discretion threatens to derail it, Laura finds help comes from the most unlikely place.
Driven by Deceit is a gripping domestic suspense novel. If you like character-driven action, suspenseful storytelling and unexpected twists, then you’ll love this psychological thriller.
A toxic arrival. The villagers enthralled. What will it take to show the reality of what lives among them?
Laura Brown has already had a tough year. What she doesn’t need is someone making it worse. But when her friend’s cottage is rented out, that’s exactly what happens as her life, and the village she loves, are invaded by someone from her past.
Laura has learned how to react to her abuser. With silence. With indifference. No one else sees the danger in their midst. That is until her friends are affected and the time comes for Laura to remember who she really is.
With the help of a mysterious visitor and Laura’s friend, Harry O’Connor, a plan forms, but when a lack of discretion threatens to derail it, Laura finds help comes from the most unlikely place.
Driven by Deceit is a gripping domestic suspense novel. If you like character-driven action, suspenseful storytelling and unexpected twists, then you’ll love this psychological thriller.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Georgia Rose
13 books272 followersGeorgia Rose is a writer of suspense. Both romantic and psychological. First came the romantic and suspenseful Grayson Trilogy books: A Single Step, Before the Dawn and Thicker than Water. Following completion of the trilogy she was asked for more and so wrote a short story, The Joker, which is based on a favourite character from the series and the eBook is available to download for free at the retailer of your choice.
Her fourth novel, Parallel Lies, encompasses crime along with Georgia’s usual blending of genre and its sequel, Loving Vengeance, completed The Ross Duology.
Georgia is now writing psychological suspense for her third series – A Shade Darker. The first four books are A Killer Strikes, Shape of Revenge, Hard to Forgive and A Stolen Future. The fifth in the series, Driven by Deception, will follow in 2026.
Georgia’s background in countryside living, riding, instructing and working with horses has provided the knowledge needed for some of her storylines; the others are a product of her passion for people watching and her overactive imagination.
She has also recently started running workshops and providing one-to-one support for those wishing to learn how to independently publish and you can find her, under her real name, at www.threeshirespublishing.com.
Following a long stint working in the law Georgia set up her own business providing administration services for other companies which she does to this day entwining that work along with her writing.
Her busy life is set in a tranquil part of rural Cambridgeshire in the UK where she lives with her much neglected husband.
Her fourth novel, Parallel Lies, encompasses crime along with Georgia’s usual blending of genre and its sequel, Loving Vengeance, completed The Ross Duology.
Georgia is now writing psychological suspense for her third series – A Shade Darker. The first four books are A Killer Strikes, Shape of Revenge, Hard to Forgive and A Stolen Future. The fifth in the series, Driven by Deception, will follow in 2026.
Georgia’s background in countryside living, riding, instructing and working with horses has provided the knowledge needed for some of her storylines; the others are a product of her passion for people watching and her overactive imagination.
She has also recently started running workshops and providing one-to-one support for those wishing to learn how to independently publish and you can find her, under her real name, at www.threeshirespublishing.com.
Following a long stint working in the law Georgia set up her own business providing administration services for other companies which she does to this day entwining that work along with her writing.
Her busy life is set in a tranquil part of rural Cambridgeshire in the UK where she lives with her much neglected husband.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 14, 2026
This has been such an enjoyable series to follow. For this installment, we come back to Laura, who is now having to deal with a painful part of her past. Cecilia, like all the villains in this series, is well written. The story moves along well and it is so lovely when characters from a previous series join in the fun. This was a quick read and I enjoyed it. I only wish we don’t have to wait a year and a month for each new installment.
I received a free copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
May 2, 2026
As a member of the author's ARC group I was able to read this latest novel in the series before publication. It did not disappoint.
Several of the characters have been in earlier stories and are joined by newcomers. The title tells us a great deal about the villain, but how will the victims, especially the main one, react. At times I thought I knew the answer, but of course there were many twists and turns before the end. Who wins and how will keep you turning the pages.
If you have not read any of the others in the series, don't worry. What you need to know about the past in made clear, and will probably encourage new readers to find out what had already happened in the months before without telling you too much. It may be a small village, but life is never dull, and can be quite frightening at times.
Strongly recommended.
Several of the characters have been in earlier stories and are joined by newcomers. The title tells us a great deal about the villain, but how will the victims, especially the main one, react. At times I thought I knew the answer, but of course there were many twists and turns before the end. Who wins and how will keep you turning the pages.
If you have not read any of the others in the series, don't worry. What you need to know about the past in made clear, and will probably encourage new readers to find out what had already happened in the months before without telling you too much. It may be a small village, but life is never dull, and can be quite frightening at times.
Strongly recommended.
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April 11, 2026Another great book in the A Shade Darker series.
Returning to Laura's story, she has returned after being away only to find in her absence her ex-stepmother has moved into the village and made her self popular with the locals and Laura's friends.
The formerly toxic relationship escalates with some twists and turns along the way.
A gripping plot, easy to read and with great characters.
Would definitely recommend.
Returning to Laura's story, she has returned after being away only to find in her absence her ex-stepmother has moved into the village and made her self popular with the locals and Laura's friends.
The formerly toxic relationship escalates with some twists and turns along the way.
A gripping plot, easy to read and with great characters.
Would definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have long enjoyed Georgia Rose’s writing and have followed the A Shade Darker series from book one. So I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of her latest offering. This fifth story of the characters who live in Melton is as riveting as the first four. Gradually we have become familiar with them and in Driven by Deceit we return to one of my favourite characters, Laura, the owner of the riding stables, who we were introduced to in Georgia Rose’s first story, A Killer Strikes.
And what a return: Laura’s life is turned upside down by her nemesis, her former stepmother. And so the plot begins.
I try not to give spoilers in my reviews so I’ll concentrate in what captivates me about this author’s work.
The characters, particularly the protagonists, are, as always so well rounded that the reader instantly becomes engrossed in their story, immediately cares what happens to them.
And no less so with the supporting characters in the book. In Driven by Deceit we see the struggles of Pip, who works for Laura at the stables, and witness the dilemma that Harry faces, also an employee of Laura’s, but really so much more. And then there’s the antagonist, Cecelia, the erstwhile stepmother. Together with the cast of villages, we are drawn in again: to cheer on, to hate, to frown over, become exasperated by, to laugh with, to weep with.
As always the dialogue is meticulously distinctive to each villager, the idiosyncrasies and habits identify them, and the exchanges between them all is realistic.
And then there is the setting of Melton: the houses, the pub, the stables, the shop, and the countryside around. All described in such detail that they are images that can be brought instantly to mind. The author uses all five senses to reveal a brilliant sense of place.
What else can be said, other than yet again, this is a captivating read with an engrossing plot.
One word of warning – well, not really a warning, just a bit of encouragement to any reader who is drawn to books beautifully written, with gripping plots. I would suggest they begin with the first book in the A Shade Darker series, A Killer Strikes. and work their way through to this, the fifth and last book … for now! I promise they will not be disappointed.
So, yes, I highly recommend Driven by Deceit, as I have done with the four previous books.
And what a return: Laura’s life is turned upside down by her nemesis, her former stepmother. And so the plot begins.
I try not to give spoilers in my reviews so I’ll concentrate in what captivates me about this author’s work.
The characters, particularly the protagonists, are, as always so well rounded that the reader instantly becomes engrossed in their story, immediately cares what happens to them.
And no less so with the supporting characters in the book. In Driven by Deceit we see the struggles of Pip, who works for Laura at the stables, and witness the dilemma that Harry faces, also an employee of Laura’s, but really so much more. And then there’s the antagonist, Cecelia, the erstwhile stepmother. Together with the cast of villages, we are drawn in again: to cheer on, to hate, to frown over, become exasperated by, to laugh with, to weep with.
As always the dialogue is meticulously distinctive to each villager, the idiosyncrasies and habits identify them, and the exchanges between them all is realistic.
And then there is the setting of Melton: the houses, the pub, the stables, the shop, and the countryside around. All described in such detail that they are images that can be brought instantly to mind. The author uses all five senses to reveal a brilliant sense of place.
What else can be said, other than yet again, this is a captivating read with an engrossing plot.
One word of warning – well, not really a warning, just a bit of encouragement to any reader who is drawn to books beautifully written, with gripping plots. I would suggest they begin with the first book in the A Shade Darker series, A Killer Strikes. and work their way through to this, the fifth and last book … for now! I promise they will not be disappointed.
So, yes, I highly recommend Driven by Deceit, as I have done with the four previous books.
Review of advance copy
I was excited to begin reading the latest in this intriguing series. It’s May and we return to the heroine of the first book, Laura, whom we first met in January. She is still running The Stables, an important business in the village of Melton and is beginning to recover from earlier events. You can certainly read this novel as a standalone book but having read all the earlier volumes I especially enjoyed meeting previously known characters.
Returning from a break in Scotland Laura is pleased to see Harry and Pip again, who help her to run the stables, looking after the horses and teaching riding lessons. Unfortunately, she has new problems to face, as someone from her past has moved into the village. The good relationships she has with her neighbours is sorely tried when they listen to lies from the newcomer. At least Harry is on Laura’s side, or is he?
As Laura narrates the story, we fully understand her predicament. Events move from bad to worse, but Laura has become a strong woman, and she takes everyone’s troubles into her own hands. When Maddy, a young woman looking for riding lessons and temporary accommodation, arrives at The Stables, things improve and I began to remember that I had met this character in another series written by Georgia Rose.
I wondered how Laura could possibly extract herself from an impossible situation, but the cleverly designed plot provided unexpected but convincing solutions. At times the suspense had me on the edge of my seat, but Laura never gave up on her friends and some of them stood by her. A very satisfying conclusion to a thrilling book.
Returning from a break in Scotland Laura is pleased to see Harry and Pip again, who help her to run the stables, looking after the horses and teaching riding lessons. Unfortunately, she has new problems to face, as someone from her past has moved into the village. The good relationships she has with her neighbours is sorely tried when they listen to lies from the newcomer. At least Harry is on Laura’s side, or is he?
As Laura narrates the story, we fully understand her predicament. Events move from bad to worse, but Laura has become a strong woman, and she takes everyone’s troubles into her own hands. When Maddy, a young woman looking for riding lessons and temporary accommodation, arrives at The Stables, things improve and I began to remember that I had met this character in another series written by Georgia Rose.
I wondered how Laura could possibly extract herself from an impossible situation, but the cleverly designed plot provided unexpected but convincing solutions. At times the suspense had me on the edge of my seat, but Laura never gave up on her friends and some of them stood by her. A very satisfying conclusion to a thrilling book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My review is entirely unbiased and no incentive to review has been offered by the author.
An Excellent, extremely well written and gripping series.
Driven by Deceit is a wonderful story and gripped me from start to finish. The subtle twists and turn as well as shocking reveals were very cleverly woven into this engrossing story.
It will resonate with anyone who has ever encountered a person whose sole aim is to make others see one in a less than favourable light whilst managing to persuade them that they, themselves, are truly wonderful.
Well, such is the case when Laura discovers that her ex-stepmother has moved into the village and, not only that, she has gained popularity whilst Laura has been away.
The back story to this seemingly perfect person gradually unveils itself but not before she creates no end of problems for Laura.
I can highly recommend this story and, indeed, the entire series. Although each book can be read as a stand alone, to get the full background for this wonderful series - set in a small village - I’d recommend starting with book one.
An Excellent, extremely well written and gripping series.
Driven by Deceit is a wonderful story and gripped me from start to finish. The subtle twists and turn as well as shocking reveals were very cleverly woven into this engrossing story.
It will resonate with anyone who has ever encountered a person whose sole aim is to make others see one in a less than favourable light whilst managing to persuade them that they, themselves, are truly wonderful.
Well, such is the case when Laura discovers that her ex-stepmother has moved into the village and, not only that, she has gained popularity whilst Laura has been away.
The back story to this seemingly perfect person gradually unveils itself but not before she creates no end of problems for Laura.
I can highly recommend this story and, indeed, the entire series. Although each book can be read as a stand alone, to get the full background for this wonderful series - set in a small village - I’d recommend starting with book one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book — it’s an amazing addition to the A Shade Darker series. Even at book five, it still had me captivated from page one. I actually had to force myself to put it down; it’s so well written.
Throughout the series, we’ve gradually learned more about this (normally quiet) village and its residents, and each instalment adds another layer of depth and intrigue. This book once again focuses on Laura, who we first met in A Killer Strikes (book one). She’s already endured so much, and it seems her troubles are far from over when someone from her past moves in opposite her.
As tensions rise, the question becomes: will her abuser succeed, or will Laura finally find the strength to overcome her past?
I highly recommend reading it to find out — a gripping, emotional, and thoroughly compelling read.
Throughout the series, we’ve gradually learned more about this (normally quiet) village and its residents, and each instalment adds another layer of depth and intrigue. This book once again focuses on Laura, who we first met in A Killer Strikes (book one). She’s already endured so much, and it seems her troubles are far from over when someone from her past moves in opposite her.
As tensions rise, the question becomes: will her abuser succeed, or will Laura finally find the strength to overcome her past?
I highly recommend reading it to find out — a gripping, emotional, and thoroughly compelling read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The fifth installment of Georgia Rose's series of A Shade Darker is, my opinion, the best yet. By now, we know quite a bit about the village and its inhabitants, and it's great to see how main characters from one book become bit-part actors in another book, while maintaining their character traits that we have grown to love or hate.
In Driven by Deceit, the focus returns to stable-owner Laura, who we first met in book 1. And her truly dreadful ex-stepmother. I hope Georgia Rose has as much fun writing Cecelia and I di reading it. The ending was wonderful and the introduction of Maddy Ross and friends from a completely different series was great fun.
I read this in less than a day and would highly recommend it.
In Driven by Deceit, the focus returns to stable-owner Laura, who we first met in book 1. And her truly dreadful ex-stepmother. I hope Georgia Rose has as much fun writing Cecelia and I di reading it. The ending was wonderful and the introduction of Maddy Ross and friends from a completely different series was great fun.
I read this in less than a day and would highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Driven by deceit is the fifth book in the series - I’ve devoured them all and this one was no exception! Following Laura in the ‘sleepy’ village of Melton, where the whole series is set we learn about her life, her past, and meet a truly excellently written villain. You can really feel the emotion behind the character and it really rounds out the story.
It is possible to read this as a standalone, but it is definitely beneficial to read the rest of the series, plus Georgia’s prior duology to fully appreciate every character and all the interactions.
Another brilliant read, highly recommend - can’t wait for book 6!!
It is possible to read this as a standalone, but it is definitely beneficial to read the rest of the series, plus Georgia’s prior duology to fully appreciate every character and all the interactions.
Another brilliant read, highly recommend - can’t wait for book 6!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well i have read all Georgia Rose books, all have been a fantastic reads, great plots following on from each other, this one Driven by Deceit has an ex stepmother who plants herself into the life of Laura, making her life hell, the village believed every word, it involved a horse, furniture, deceit, lies but you will have to read it for yourself to find out more, the twist and turns have you on the edge of your seat, but it has a happy ending for more than one person.i cant wait for Georgia Rose next book.
Review of advance copy
Laura Brown's former stepmother moves into a house near hers. She creates havoc and tries to put people against Laura. A deceitful woman that Laura finds a way to get back at her. A page turner that was hard to put down.
May 11, 2026
Must Read Series
This is not the normal genre I enjoy. But Georgia Rose writes such great stories that I don’t want to miss a single book. I have read every book she has written and thoroughly enjoy every story. Another great job!!!
This is not the normal genre I enjoy. But Georgia Rose writes such great stories that I don’t want to miss a single book. I have read every book she has written and thoroughly enjoy every story. Another great job!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved the book! The evil step mother was realistic and the nice people felt real as well. Like I could visit the village and meet these people. The horses made the book for me.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews