We just wanted one night of fun. One night to forget about everything going on in our lives.
Grayson, Micah, and Cruz had become my safe space. Together, we felt like we could overcome it all.
Until Halloween. There was a body, and this time it was our fault.
We thought that was bad. But what came after was even worse.
1…2…3…4… Death is knocking at your door.
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Depths of Deception is a why-choose MMMF college suspense romance from Becca Steele and C. Lymari, and is book 2 in the Blackwell Lake trilogy. This book cannot be read as a standalone.
Becca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of new adult romance from contemporary to dark. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.
Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another playlist.
1... 2... 3... 4... I might have missed once But I won't anymore
After a long wait, we returned to Blackwell and it was like no time had passed!!! The story picked up exactly where it left us in the first book and the agony was highlighted cause someone is after Ava, Grayson, Cruz and Micah, but who is he??? 'X' has gone too far this time and the back cloud looming above our crew's heads is driving them under the surface with a mighty force... They are backed in a corner and how they will manage to get away from this threat that is tearing them apart???
"Blood runs deeper than water. The blood that spilled all over us kept us together."
They had allowed to themselves just one Halloween party to decompress of all the threats, fear and mess that their lives had turned into... But something bad happened... Now, Ava and Gray are struggling with endless guilts and Micah is trying to pull them out of their misery... Cruz is always there in the sidelines to make them see reality and pull their strings in the way he likes... These four are bound together and their bond is getting stronger with every threat against them... They are running out of time... while their feeling are rising in dangerous levels... They are a tangled, beautiful mess that I enjoyed very much. But what will happen next??? What is really happening around them???
"Death was roaming around, and I had a feeling it would be back for me."
I liked this story, even though the second part didn't have much action in it... I believe it was more focused in the evolution of our heroes feelings toward each other, and let me tell you that it was so hot to watch it unfold... There was so much intensity between them!!! But also we got some hints and glimpses of our villain and his actions... Still, we are in the dark and I can not wait to finally learn everything about this mess that our crew had stepped into the middle and turned their lives upside down... Just... Please, my gorgeous girls!!! Don't take too much time to deliver us the next chapter!!! I am begging you!!! I am dying here from the agony!!!
One... two... I'm going to get you... three... four... everyone will blame you.
**I receive an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Co-authors Becca Steele and C. Lymari are back with the release of the second book from theirBlackwell Laketrilogy series. Depths of Deceptionhas us continuing to follow Ava, Micah, Cruz and Grayson’s story through their multiple POVs.
The narrative had Becca and Claudia continuing in keeping the mystery very much alive with all the guessing stemming from the ongoing questions and the many that arose withinDepths of Deception. But no real definitive answers in sight to make headway in figuring it all out. Yet it didn't stop my curiosity continued to be piqued given the intrigue that grew with every page turn. The waiting and wondering when and where everything will come to a head for Ava, Micah, Cruz and Grayson reeling you in even more.
One thing to expect and that Becca and Claudia did not skimp on, even with all that was going on when it came to the mystery and suspense side of the story was the continuous unfolding of the relationships between Ava, Micah, Cruz and Grayson. As the story developed, so did their relationship. Given the harbouring feelings some were hiding, the sparkling chemistry that was flying between the guys told otherwise, especially the more certain guys interacted. Making it no surprise when it finally came to a head, leading to some fiery spice between not only the guys but also between Ava and the guys. Resulting in their connection continuing to build, while their bond grew stronger by bringing them closer than ever.
My only critique, which may have just been a me issue, partly due to the gap between the releases that led me to having a hard time trying to recall what exactly happened in book oneBeneath The Surface. But the story did feel like it was a little bit at a standstill sometimes throughout, only because there didn’t seem to be as much movement as I would’ve expected or preferred in terms of the storyline progressing forwards.
Despite my issue, all in allDepths of Deceptionwas still a good read, considering the narrative to the continuous mystery kept me reading on. Safe to say the final book ofBlackwell Laketrilogy could not come fast enough and see how co-author Becca Steele and C. Lymari will make it all come to a head and give Ava, Micah, Cruz and Grayson their HEA.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Depths Of Deception: Blackwell Lake Book 2 ) Claudia and Becca have done it again ? Done what you may be asking? Well thats an easy answer. Exceeded all my expectations once again !! Took me on the ride of my life and just completely blew me away in all the best ways . We’re back with Ava , Grayson , Micha and Cruz and all I’m going to say is hold on tight and expect the unexpected because just when you think you’ve got everything figured out ( trust me you don’t !! I was literally on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Speechless , devouring every word and anticipating what would come next . The romance , the secrets, the danger and intrigue, the stalkers , the love , the passion , the darkness and spice , all the layers and complexities. Depths Of Deception is the type of story that will grab onto your heart so tightly and it will not let go . You’ll find yourself reading well into the early morning hours while fighting to keep your eyes open ( because yes !’ It’s just that good and so so addictive!’
Welcome back to Blackwell Lake 1…2…3…4… Death is knocking at your door.
SQUEALS I have been so friggin excited to return to Blackwell Lake, and this book did not disappoint! From the very first page, you're thrown straight back into the chaos, the drama, mystery, danger, sizzling chemistry, and so many unanswered questions.
I am completely obsessed with this world. The layers of mystery only deepen, and every chapter adds another twist that had me questioning everything. Just when I thought I had something figured out... nope! The surprises just kept coming.
One of my favourite parts was watching the characters grow and slowly come together despite all the toxic drama surrounding them. The relationships between Ava, Cruz, Micah, and Grayson continue to evolve, but they're still no closer to uncovering who's behind the messages, the murder, or those chilling photos. And that ending....😭 Becca and Claudia... I adore you both, but these cliffhangers are absolutely cruel! I need the next book immediately because I have so many questions and zero patience
Depths Of Deception is the 2nd book in the Blackwell lake series.
Depths Of Deception picks up where the previous book left off. I was completely hooked right from the very first page. This story was intense and I just couldn’t stop turning those pages. Grayson, Micah, Cruz and Ava are getting stalked and receiving threatening messages by an unknown assailant. Will they be able to Figure out who is behind the messages before time runs out. These 4 have a unique and deep connection and I loved how they fit together.
Becca Steele and C. Lymari knocked this story right out the park and I cannot wait to read the final book in the series. I am loving this series so far. If you’re a fan of why choose they I highly urge you to grab your copy. This is a fantastic story that you won’t forget.
We are back at Blackwell Lake and the weight was worth it. I got lost in the story the moment I started reading. Grayson, Ava, Micah, and Cruz take us on a wild journey that picks up where we left off and the danger, threats, and many questions they have are all still there and only continue to get worse. Ava is mourning the loss of a sorority sister and the boys pull her out of the dark hole she’s falling in. Cruz pushes everyone’s boundaries and forces them to open up and see what’s there, while Micah is the cuddly guy who you can count on, then Grayson is the head strong, stubborn hockey player who wants to protect everyone. Ava brings the four of them together and they are determined to find out who is behind the threats and bring them down. Can they figure it out or will the danger catch up to them before they find answers?! Then add the insane chemistry between these four and you’ll be hooked and wanting the final book in this series as much as I do! I cannot wait for the final book!
Oh that cliffhanger! I love Becca and Claudia but my god you guys are killing me with these endings! This is book two in the Blackwell Lake trilogy and my god! I need answers! Where the relationships between Ava, Cruz, Micah and Grayson are certainly developing, they are no closer to the answers as to who is behind the messages, the murder and the photos! It’s so lush to see Micah blossoming into the strong man he is, knowing he has the support from his loves. Ava is strong but knowing she has her guys to lean on makes her feel stronger. Cruz is scared because he finally has people who care about him and he doesn’t want to lose them, including Grayson, IYKYK. Grayson, feels like he always has to be the leader that doesn’t know how to relies on others, but he’s slowly learning. I cannot wait to see what comes next from these amazing authors and I honestly have no clue who is behind all the mysteries!
Book 2 was just as captivating as the first. The messages just kept getting creepier. The stakes are more dangerous. Everyone was a suspect, yet no one was sure who was behind it all. I have no clue who could be behind any of this. There are so many twists and turns that it definitely keeps you turning the pages. The bond that Ava, Grayson, Cruz and Micha shared was amazing, even though it wasn't instant, it definitely grew into something unbreakable.
The four of them were getting closer physically and emotionally. Coming together to protect and comfort each other in ways no one would understand except them.
They all had special relationships with each other and then were intimate as a group. Each couple relationship was different and the bonds were strong, but the strongest when they were all together.
Now I'm going to not so patiently wait for the 3rd book and have this mystery solved.
"Don't ever fucking kiss me again without my permission," I growled. "Why? Because I might give you another boner?" His eyes flicked down to the erection tenting my sweatpants, and he licked his lips. "Don't do that." He stepped closer, his dark gaze meeting mine. "Do what?" "You fucking know what." "Cross. Shut the fuck up," he said, and then he leaned in, sliding his mouth over mine.
Phew the chemistry that came with book 2 was off the charts!
Depths Of Deception is book 2 in the Blackwell Lake trilogy and bought more questions than answers! The authors had me on the edge of my seat tying to figure out what an earth was happening! I am dying to get my hands on book 3!
❤️MMMF Why choose ❤️College romance ❤️Mystery and suspense ❤️Hockey romance ❤️Enemies to lovers ❤️Friends to lovers ❤️Bi awakening
This is the second book of this trilogy and it keeps going on the way we left. Looking for real answers or revelations didn’t come, and everything is still possible. This book gave us more interactions and between the four characters, in every way. And them forming a bond that gets stronger and deeper. And while the threats are still coming and the stalking continues, we as well as these four, have to guess what is about to come. And we have to wait for the final book to get all the answers we so desperately want and the happy end they deserve.
The Blackwell lake series has me hooked again! I tend to forget everything (but the vibes) as soon as I finish a book so I definitely had to get familiar with the world again but it only took me a few chapters and I was pulling a few late nights.
Depths of deception (the 2nd book in the series) definitely felt more character-driven, we spend a lot of time with the growing relationships between our four main characters. I loved getting deeper into their dynamics and watching everything develop (Cruz and Grayson, I just need to get them to get it on, the tension!)
But that kind of just added to the suspense. Who is the stalker?! I am honestly clueless. The more I read, the more I realise I know nothing.
The angst, the mystery, the relationships, this series has everything.
This second book in the Blackwell Lake trilogy cranks up both the suspense and the steam as secrets unravel and the danger surrounding Ava & the fellas becomes impossible to ignore. The chemistry between all four characters continues to grow🥵, and I loved seeing their individual relationships develop while they tried to figure out who is targeting them. 👀
The twists kept me guessing, and every answer seemed to uncover even more questions. If you enjoy why choose romance with stalker suspense, secrets, danger, and a relationship that keeps evolving in unexpected ways, this one is impossible to put down. That ending left me desperate for the next book! 📚🔥🖤
This picks up right were the last one ended. As hidden truths start coming to light, the risks facing Ava and her men become more intense, and I couldn't get enough of watching their bonds strengthen along the way. Lets not forget the spicy parts, good lord 🫠🤤 Every chapter seemed to reveal another piece of the puzzle while creating even more questions. The mix of tension, emotional connections, and unexpected turns kept me hooked from beginning to end. If you love reverse harem romances filled with intrigue, high stakes, and relationships that continue to deepen, you'll want this on your TBR. And that final chapter? I'm counting down the days until book three.
I absolutely love Ava and her boyfriends! And can I say, FINALLLLLLYYYYY that push and pull between Grayson and Cruz came to a head at the end of the book. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I loved seeing their growth throughout the book and even seeing Grayson stand up to his coach, Micah’s dad, for Micah!! Now I am currently STILL on the edge waiting impatiently for book 3 so we can finally find out WHO IS DOING ALL THIS! I have a couple people in mind that I think are behind this but I am usually wrong so we will see lol
I have waited a long time to read this follow up to Beneath the Surface. I devoured this pretty quickly. It was good but to me, it wasn’t as good as the first book. I am definitely wanting the next book and I don’t want to wait another year. This ended on another cliffhanger but not as a dramatic one as the first. That one had me very confused as to ‘who’ but luckily it wasn’t the one I thought. All in all this was good but I wish we had learned more about who is behind everything. 1..2..3..4.. I really, really need more!
This story appears to focus more on the relationship dynamics of Ava , Grayson , Micha and Cruz. The tension, the suspense, the driving us crazy over who is tormenting them!
Answers won't be found until Book 3, but this story does keep us wondering and anxiously waiting to see how things turn out for our quad and how their relationships will ultimately resolve.
This story keeps us wondering and waiting...but definitely with our interests peaked.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
Ummm what was that cliffhanger?! The mystery is just getting weirder when we pick up where book 1 left off. The relationships between ava, Cruz, Micha and Grayson are really heating up in this one. The soft moments between Micha and Grayson are absolutely precious. And getting to see Grayson and Cruz finally give in to each other was perfection. Can't wait for book 3 and to finally find out who X is! I have some guesses, curious to see if im right.
This was even better than book one. Loved the dynamic of the group and how all the relationships between them are developing. I have to say I think Gray is my favourite and I can’t wait to see how his relationship with Cruz develops further in the next book. I’m also excited to see overall how Ava, Micah, Cruz and Grayson’s relationships with each other evolve and how they’re going to get themselves out of the mess they’re in.
We're back! And after being left hanging massively in book 1, we're taken right back to it and left hanging for the extra bit - well done!!
Ava and her guys don't get it easy but they're strong and fierce and absolutely perfect for each other.
I really liked that this wasn't a group of friends who get with one girl, I like that they're all so different and some of them didn't even like each other before this - how times change 😏
A good read, plenty of spice, connections, danger and twists and I can't wait for the next one!!! 4.5
This second book picks up right where we left off. The mystery and suspense continues and the plot thickens. Relationships between each other and the group as a whole intensify and evolve. They may not know who exactly is after them just yet but they're getting more clues. Plus we get plenty of steam between these four along the way.
Once again these ladies bring the suspense and more unanswered questions of who's the one or one's behind the stalking. I have more questions, and not enough answers, although Ava and the guy's are getting closer, as well as working through their issues Cruz and Grayson aren't quiet there yet, but leave it to Cruz he'll have Grayson in his lap soon lol.
We are finally back in Blackwell Lake. Grayson, Ava, Micah, and Cruz are still trying to figure out who is after them. This book gave us so much but at the same time left us with so many question. I can't wait for book three to find out all the answers.
What was that ending !!! 😭😭 I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the 3rd one to see how the mystery will be solved and how the relationship between Ava , Micah , Grayson and Cruz will develop Especially between Grayson and Cruz The tension between them was 🥵🥵
5 STARS FOR DEPTHS AND DECEPTION!! This story kept me on my toes from beginning to the end. The story start right where book one left off. I love the characters they are all unique and likable in their own ways.
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this book. I enjoyed this one, but not as much as the first. I was hoping to find out who is terrorizing the group, but I guess we’ll have to wait for book 3. I need more and hope it comes sooner rather than later.
Things definitely develop more in this installment not just with the stalker. But also between the characters they start to establish more of a connection between each other. We still have some unanswered questions but this was better than book one for me.
This is book 2 in the Blackwell Lake series and it continues where book 1 left off. It was so hard to put down and had me on edge from start to finish. The suspense and the creepy notes hit new heights. The chemistry and steam between these characters will have you melting and requiring a fan. So much happens and just when you think they are making progress, something else gets thrown at them. All in all this was an amazing addition to the trilogy that left me wanting more I can’t wait for what else is to come and how this will all end.