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Forged in Deception
A sensational morally gray lesbian romantic suspense about an icy museum curator and an openhearted art forger.
Lucia Rossi is a gifted, intuitive, emotional artist who forges classical masterpieces and carries burdens that were never meant to be hers.
Enter highly controlled, brilliant museum art curator Penelope Blackwell who can practically taste colors and chases down the truth like it's her calling.
When a stolen masterpiece sets them on a collision course, buried betrayals force the women to choose between loyalty and truth, and vengeance and love. Can they reach a fragile future they never thought was possible?
Contains mature themes.
Lucia Rossi is a gifted, intuitive, emotional artist who forges classical masterpieces and carries burdens that were never meant to be hers.
Enter highly controlled, brilliant museum art curator Penelope Blackwell who can practically taste colors and chases down the truth like it's her calling.
When a stolen masterpiece sets them on a collision course, buried betrayals force the women to choose between loyalty and truth, and vengeance and love. Can they reach a fragile future they never thought was possible?
Contains mature themes.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2026
About the author
Sabrina Blaum
11 books63 followersSabrina Blaum hails originally from Germany and moved to the United States in 2006. She studied Sociology, Geographic Information Systems, and English at a local university in Alabama, at which she is currently teaching English Composition.
She has always written and wrote her first “novel” in elementary school, when she decided that Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers needed a sequel. She also had the habit of telling her late grandmother bedtime stories.
Sabrina is an avid reader and writer, and she loves to spend time with family and friends.
She has always written and wrote her first “novel” in elementary school, when she decided that Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers needed a sequel. She also had the habit of telling her late grandmother bedtime stories.
Sabrina is an avid reader and writer, and she loves to spend time with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I write a review, I try to objectively see the qualities of the work, regardless of the genre - whether it recreates realistic emotions and psychology of the characters; whether the dynamics of the action follow the life logic of human relationships; whether the situations in the story lead to personal growth, even if the ending is sad (because some life lessons do not end with a happy ending); whether this book gave me something valuable that will remain with me after I finish the last page...
"Forged in deception" is a book that successfully combines all these qualities - an interesting plot, dynamic development, growth of the MCs, but also made me think about truth as a value and our own perceptions of ourselves - which wolf do we feed in our soul - the white one, the black one or ours is... a little bit...grayish.🤔
This book whispers that in life we can rarely judge people and things in a dualistic way. Justice tries to simplify classifications to two - good and bad and punish the second, but in reality, all of us in someone's eyes are on a spectrum between the two extremes, regardless of our motives and intentions and not everyone meets the sentence they "deserve". Sometimes it's more like a second chance, other times the judgment is harsh but delayed and brought by fate not an institutional authority... Or an innocent pays the price.
The work drew me into a tense situation among people living in the shadows of a world of art and aesthetics. Penelope and Lucia are depicted beautifully with painfully real doubts, hopes and desires - two women who should be incompatible, but as in life sometimes happens, they meet and instead of repelling each other, they are attracted to each other in spite of all the "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" between them.
Until the end, I could not guess how the situation would develop and I remained beautifully played in my expectations. "Forged in Deception" is an entertaining, interesting, perfectly tense, beautifully written suspense book, offering as a bonus a delicious spice and a moral lesson served as dessert. This is a standalone release, but I have a feeling Sabrina will expand the menu with more of the same wonderful flavours served in an unexpected shape and texture, making us stay for another piece. Do I recommend it? Without a doubt! Experience it, you won't regret it!
"Forged in deception" is a book that successfully combines all these qualities - an interesting plot, dynamic development, growth of the MCs, but also made me think about truth as a value and our own perceptions of ourselves - which wolf do we feed in our soul - the white one, the black one or ours is... a little bit...grayish.🤔
This book whispers that in life we can rarely judge people and things in a dualistic way. Justice tries to simplify classifications to two - good and bad and punish the second, but in reality, all of us in someone's eyes are on a spectrum between the two extremes, regardless of our motives and intentions and not everyone meets the sentence they "deserve". Sometimes it's more like a second chance, other times the judgment is harsh but delayed and brought by fate not an institutional authority... Or an innocent pays the price.
The work drew me into a tense situation among people living in the shadows of a world of art and aesthetics. Penelope and Lucia are depicted beautifully with painfully real doubts, hopes and desires - two women who should be incompatible, but as in life sometimes happens, they meet and instead of repelling each other, they are attracted to each other in spite of all the "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" between them.
Until the end, I could not guess how the situation would develop and I remained beautifully played in my expectations. "Forged in Deception" is an entertaining, interesting, perfectly tense, beautifully written suspense book, offering as a bonus a delicious spice and a moral lesson served as dessert. This is a standalone release, but I have a feeling Sabrina will expand the menu with more of the same wonderful flavours served in an unexpected shape and texture, making us stay for another piece. Do I recommend it? Without a doubt! Experience it, you won't regret it!
April 20, 2026
approaches Penelope in hopes of gaining information. Even so, Lucia finds herself increasingly drawn to her, and what begins as a calculated attempt to uncover the truth soon becomes a genuine desire to know the woman behind the composed exterior. With each coffee “date,” Lucia gradually shares pieces of herself that she has never revealed to anyone else. These intimate moments and quiet revelations help deepen the connection between them, ultimately strengthening a bond that allows them to move beyond the initial deception.
Their romance is tender yet undeniably complicated, and I really appreciated how their connection deepens in spite of everything working against them. With each small piece of themselves they share, their bond grows stronger and more meaningful. I did find myself wanting a bit more insight into Lucia’s past, as well as a deeper look at Penelope’s relationship with her father, to further round out their stories. Even so, I truly enjoyed these two characters and the way they gradually allow themselves to be vulnerable with one another.
The suspense tied to the Collective’s mission and the Madonna painting adds another compelling layer to the story, raising the stakes and keeping the tension steady throughout. Lucia’s relationships with Francesca, Skye, and Jules bring in a strong found-family element that adds warmth and balance to the narrative. I’d love to see more of Francesca in particular, because there’s something especially intriguing about her character and her history that feels like it could be explored further.
Forged in Deception is really a compelling read—art forgery, hidden betrayals, and a slow unravelling of truth all come together in a way that keeps the stakes high. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent throughout, especially as the characters are forced to confront difficult choices between loyalty, love, and revenge.
Readers who enjoy romantic suspense with complex relationships and a touch of angst will likely find a lot to appreciate here. It’s definitely a story that leans into atmosphere and emotional intensity, and I think it will resonate with those looking for something a bit darker and more layered.
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Their romance is tender yet undeniably complicated, and I really appreciated how their connection deepens in spite of everything working against them. With each small piece of themselves they share, their bond grows stronger and more meaningful. I did find myself wanting a bit more insight into Lucia’s past, as well as a deeper look at Penelope’s relationship with her father, to further round out their stories. Even so, I truly enjoyed these two characters and the way they gradually allow themselves to be vulnerable with one another.
The suspense tied to the Collective’s mission and the Madonna painting adds another compelling layer to the story, raising the stakes and keeping the tension steady throughout. Lucia’s relationships with Francesca, Skye, and Jules bring in a strong found-family element that adds warmth and balance to the narrative. I’d love to see more of Francesca in particular, because there’s something especially intriguing about her character and her history that feels like it could be explored further.
Forged in Deception is really a compelling read—art forgery, hidden betrayals, and a slow unravelling of truth all come together in a way that keeps the stakes high. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent throughout, especially as the characters are forced to confront difficult choices between loyalty, love, and revenge.
Readers who enjoy romantic suspense with complex relationships and a touch of angst will likely find a lot to appreciate here. It’s definitely a story that leans into atmosphere and emotional intensity, and I think it will resonate with those looking for something a bit darker and more layered.
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
April 17, 2026
Lucia Rossi, a gifted artist and forger, visits Dr Penelope Blackwell, showing her two pieces. One she spots as a fake (as expected) but the other passes inspection. But Lucia has a larger plan.
Penelope is busy as a curator and art expert, but has a important hobby: proving her father innocent of forgery. She also has spotted both as forgeries, but wants to see how this all plays out.
Plus, Lucia is cute, darn it....
Lucia works for Francesca, leader of the Collective, who wants to acquire the Madonna in Red, which she once had. It (apparently) was taken by Valentina Varnelli, who is powerful in local criminal circles.
(I think Francesca and Valentina are exes.)
Penelope visits Lucia and her studio and reveals she knows she's the forger. However, Penelope offers limited cooperation if they'll help her get back at Valentina, who was the one who got her Dad arrested.
The attempted heist goes bad, Val grabs the original painting and escapes. Not long after, going over files involving her Dad's case, Penelope realizes he really did do it.
Painting regained, Lucia quits forgeries, wrap up. And yes, Val and Fran were exes... set up for book two!
4 out of 5 stars. Good story, interesting characters fast paced plot. Few minor editing goofs.
Penelope is busy as a curator and art expert, but has a important hobby: proving her father innocent of forgery. She also has spotted both as forgeries, but wants to see how this all plays out.
Plus, Lucia is cute, darn it....
Lucia works for Francesca, leader of the Collective, who wants to acquire the Madonna in Red, which she once had. It (apparently) was taken by Valentina Varnelli, who is powerful in local criminal circles.
(I think Francesca and Valentina are exes.)
Penelope visits Lucia and her studio and reveals she knows she's the forger. However, Penelope offers limited cooperation if they'll help her get back at Valentina, who was the one who got her Dad arrested.
The attempted heist goes bad, Val grabs the original painting and escapes. Not long after, going over files involving her Dad's case, Penelope realizes he really did do it.
Painting regained, Lucia quits forgeries, wrap up. And yes, Val and Fran were exes... set up for book two!
4 out of 5 stars. Good story, interesting characters fast paced plot. Few minor editing goofs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2026
I want to like this more, but so many things didn't work with me.
Every character is kind of an asshole and I mostly don't understand why. Or why they accept that about each other. Most backstory is only hinted at and I honestly don't care about vague hints as justification.
The heist and the subsequent consequences are played up much more than when they are actually happening. A "final" confrontation between two all-knowing-masterminds is finished off screen and again only contains hints instead of a full exposition of motives.
The end just sort of meanders along and the superficial romance is left mostly open.
And the layout of the book is frustrating. There need to be way more clear paragraph breaks instead of location and/or scene changes from one sentence to another.
Every character is kind of an asshole and I mostly don't understand why. Or why they accept that about each other. Most backstory is only hinted at and I honestly don't care about vague hints as justification.
The heist and the subsequent consequences are played up much more than when they are actually happening. A "final" confrontation between two all-knowing-masterminds is finished off screen and again only contains hints instead of a full exposition of motives.
The end just sort of meanders along and the superficial romance is left mostly open.
And the layout of the book is frustrating. There need to be way more clear paragraph breaks instead of location and/or scene changes from one sentence to another.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
Forged in Deception was such a gripping read from start to finish. The suspense and morally grey main characters pulled me in immediately and did not let me go!
I loved how the story stayed so focused on the tension, twists, and mystery, while still weaving in a relationship that felt meaningful without overpowering the plot. It was awesome to read something where the romance complemented the story rather than driving it.
Both Lucia and Penelope were interesting characters, with their own motives, vastly different characteristics, and story. Yet the author had such a great way of writing them to intertwine and complement each other.
If you’re into suspenseful reads, where you can’t help but root for morally grey characters to succeed, this is the book for you!
Forged in Deception was such a gripping read from start to finish. The suspense and morally grey main characters pulled me in immediately and did not let me go!
I loved how the story stayed so focused on the tension, twists, and mystery, while still weaving in a relationship that felt meaningful without overpowering the plot. It was awesome to read something where the romance complemented the story rather than driving it.
Both Lucia and Penelope were interesting characters, with their own motives, vastly different characteristics, and story. Yet the author had such a great way of writing them to intertwine and complement each other.
If you’re into suspenseful reads, where you can’t help but root for morally grey characters to succeed, this is the book for you!
May 4, 2026
ARC Review
I didn’t want to put this book down, I loved it. I was questioning how the MC’s could make a relationship work and cheering for them all at the same time. Lucia has been through a lot in her life, her emotional maturity is top tier, she holds space for Penelope and respects her boundaries.
Penelope is guarded, she doesn’t trust easy, she also has a very interesting way that she experiences art. The friend group is found family and I am happy to have learned that some of them are getting their own books and I can not wait to read them!
I didn’t want to put this book down, I loved it. I was questioning how the MC’s could make a relationship work and cheering for them all at the same time. Lucia has been through a lot in her life, her emotional maturity is top tier, she holds space for Penelope and respects her boundaries.
Penelope is guarded, she doesn’t trust easy, she also has a very interesting way that she experiences art. The friend group is found family and I am happy to have learned that some of them are getting their own books and I can not wait to read them!
April 23, 2026
The ending chapter leaves the book open for an enticing sounding sequel (the main storylines in this book are completely wrapped up - no cliffhanger)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews