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Old sins explode in New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden's new Battling McGuire Boys!  

People called Elizabeth Snow wild, and once she was. Now she's the straitlaced librarian with no interest in the wildest, sexiest McGuire…until she needs him to protect her from a murderous stalker. But former Delta Force Mac does more than protect—he quickly unleashes her untamed side again, taking their attraction to the furthest edge of desire! 

Secrets from their pasts threaten Elizabeth and Mac—as much as "The Fixer," who seems to know their every move as they hunt this monstrous killer. Can they trust each other enough to go forward? Or will a shocking truth prove fatal?

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

119 people are currently reading
315 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Eden

311 books6,802 followers
Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.


Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

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5 stars
197 (41%)
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178 (37%)
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84 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,405 followers
April 13, 2018
3.5 stars

The only not a second chance in this series. Yay!
The heroine was good, the hero was strong and yada *lol* - as all his brothers. Very believable 🙄
Anyway. It's Cynthia Eden and I read almost all her books.
Profile Image for Victoria Paige.
Author 32 books1,043 followers
Read
April 1, 2016
*3.75* I did enjoy reading this. It did give me a dose of uber protective alpha Mac. Elizabeth was brave, but I think tstl. It didn't make sense for her to be charging into danger. I understand that she didn't want anyone else to get hurt, that's why I'm giving her a pass, but it can be frustrating. There were many moves on both the hero and villain's side that was predictable.

I'll say one thing though, I'm soooo excited for Sully and Celia's story. I love second-chance romances. :)
Profile Image for Paula Brandon.
1,267 reviews39 followers
August 9, 2017
Elizabeth Snow is working late at the library when she is targeted by a killer! Luckily for her, Mac McGuire is returning a book late, and she escapes death. However, it is clear that the killer will keep coming after her. It appears it could be linked to an event from several years before, when she was eighteen, and her boyfriend was murdered. So who has sent this killer after her?

Decent, fast-paced Intrigue entry that doesn't require you to tax your brain too much. Well, at all, really! There are a couple of gun battles, some sultry sex scenes - kind of like a direct-to-DVD action thriller potboiler in book form! Being book five in a mini-series, however, I did get a little tired of hearing all the back stories of extraneous characters (the other brothers) that wasn't really needed, plus all the set up for what is obviously going to be the story between Sullivan and Celia. Mostly, though, it can be read as a standalone and everything gets resolved nicely at the end. Considering how many Intrigue authors can't even manage that feat, it should be pointed out as a positive!

Also, I have to say that the dialogue was DREADFUL. I had to take a star off for that alone!
Profile Image for Linda.
2,042 reviews64 followers
April 1, 2016
Elizabeth is enjoying her, now, quiet life as librarian when the past comes back to haunt her. Good thing Mac has decided to stay around, so he´s there when she needs rescuing.
Helping her solve who´s targeting her, and the old murder still tormenting her, turns out to be a hazardous endevour. Will they make it through in one piece?
Contemporary romance, suspense, action and smutty fluff in a great combo.
Disclaimer; I was given a free, autographed copy (yay!) in exchange for an honest review, and I´m a proud member of her Street team <3
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews125 followers
May 16, 2016
This was a very exciting book, right from the opening pages. Elizabeth is the new librarian in town, and as she is locking up one night, she hears someone calling her name. This person makes threats against her, and she is only saved by the arrival of Mac. Mac has arrived just as the library is closing, supposedly to return an overdue book. What he's really doing is wangling some time with the woman he has a crush on, but who refuses to go out with him. He immediately steps in to protect her, not just then but also later that night when she runs toward even more danger.

I really liked Elizabeth. As a teenager she had been known as a wild child. But she had fallen in love with a boy and they were starting a new life when he was brutally murdered. After that, she took charge of her life, determined to make a better one. To that end, she has done her best to keep that life calm and controlled. Now that past has come back to haunt her. While she appreciates Mac's help, she doesn't want him to get hurt fighting her battles.

I loved Mac. He is former Special Forces and is haunted by things in his own past, not just from his military service, but also from the murders of his parents. McGuire Security is his and his brothers' way of turning their pasts into something good. Mac is determined to do whatever is necessary to keep Elizabeth safe.

There was a connection between Mac and Elizabeth from the beginning, though she tried very hard to deny it. She was afraid that she would lose her new self-control if she let any of the passion that she felt reach the surface. Once she realizes that Mac will not walk away while she's in danger, she agrees to his protection and they begin the process of trying to find out why it is happening. As they worked together, I loved seeing how easily they understood each other's fears, and the support they provided. It was really fun to see the reactions most of his brothers had to the effect she had on him. The scene with Davis and Brodie was pretty funny. I loved the way that Mac realized his feelings first and that he had no trouble admitting them, at least to himself, and that he wasn't going to give up on trying to convince Elizabeth to take a chance. I also loved seeing the changes that Elizabeth went through, as she accepted that her past didn't have to define her present and future. She could be wild or straight-laced depending on her feelings at the time. Mac's big moment at the end was really sweet and romantic.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. The bad guy, "The Fixer", just wouldn't give up. Every time they thought they were safe, there he was again. Even when they had him in their hands, there was something creepily smug about him. I really didn't like that DA and his attitude, especially when Mac and Elizabeth tried to explain just how evil the guy was. Then came the information that the killer was just a hired gun, leaving them with the necessity of finding out who had hired him. I loved the outstanding detective work they did that brought them to that point. There was a very interesting twist to the end, that wasn't a total surprise. It certainly made for a very intense confrontation before it was all over.

There was also a very intriguing lead in to the final book in the series, dealing with Sullivan McGuire. He is the one who seems to be the most cynical and hardened of them all, and we got the briefest glimpse of what may have caused it. He also receives some information that may lead to solving the mystery of their parents' murder, a theme that has run through the entire series. I can't wait to see how his story goes!
Profile Image for Teri-K.
2,489 reviews55 followers
February 9, 2020
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** A quickly moving story about a young woman hiding from a killer, there's nothing particularly fresh or surprising here. I saw the final twist coming, though I did initially guess the identity of the unknown father wrong. I figured he was a gangster and the boy was killed by a rival. Still, the heroine wasn't tstl or unnaturally talented and the hero and his brothers were likable. There were a couple of sex scenes, of course, but I just skip them so they don't bother me. Turns out this is another in a long series about the brothers, but it read just fine on it's own.

How unmemorable was this book? I found it in a box and reread it without realizing I'd read it before. Again, it's not bad but unfortunately there's nothing especially interesting or unique here. 2 stars the second time around.
Profile Image for Emalie.
484 reviews41 followers
April 2, 2016
Deception was a great Deception of this series. I loved Mac and really liked Elizabeth. Their chemistry was great, it's just that I was kind of more intrigued by Sullivan at some points. Probably because I've been waiting for so long for him to finally get a story and I think the next book will be about him. YAY!

Still this was absolutely great and can totally be read as a stand-alone. Everything Cynthia Eden writes is great in my opinion, so I knew this would be too.

Rating: 4 stars

~ Book provided by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Wendy Keel.
419 reviews47 followers
March 20, 2016
Review to come shortly. But I'll say I LOVED this one. Do hate the author as now I have to wait for the next book.............

Ahhh what to say about this great book. First let me say it is part of a series, The Battling McGuire Boys, but it works as a stand alone title. You are not lost reading this one, but you will want to go back and read the previous books. Fans of Cynthia Eden know she is a master at mixing great characters, awesome settings, and strong emotions as well as tension, lots of tension. Tension in the form of heat and tension in the form of the past coming back to haunt the present. Yes this is a quick read, and it's one that keeps you quickly turning the pages. I have to say I was a bit sad to see the last page turned and can't wait to read more from this series and Cynthia Eden. Deceptions is about accepting the past and figuring out how to not let it ruin your present and future. I loved watching Mac and Elizabeth come to terms with their feelings and figure out why someone is out to kill Elizabeth. There were a few shocks/surprises, but at the same time somethings seemed easy to figure out. Personally I love a story like that. It's like I'm part of what's going on but I know something the characters don't until they need to.....hard to explain but it worked perfectly. This is a story about a librarian one who's past isn't so "boring" as her present and she fears allowing her "wild" ways to show up again. I loved watching her accept that her life doesn't have to be so straight laced but at the same time she doesn't have to be "wild" to be free. Fans of the Intrigue line are in for a great read that will have them eager for more! If you are new to this line, or seeking a quick, fun, intense read that will leave you smiling then I'd suggest you add DECEPTIONS by Cynthia Eden to your reading list now! Better yet pick up a copy and start reading today, just be warned once you start you won't be able to stop! Highly Recommended!!!!
Profile Image for Dísir.
1,736 reviews188 followers
April 4, 2016
The 'wildman' of the group, former Delta-force soldier Mac McGuire shifts into high gear when his frequent visits to the library - and his secret crush on the librarian - lead to an unexpected case that brings Elizabeth Snow into the crosshairs of a killer and his master. But this also finally brings Elizabeth up close and personal, right to where he wants her and where he hopes she wants to be as well.

It's hard not to like the typical Cynthia Eden male (or at least what I've read thus far from several of her books): gruffly protective, pore-oozingly alpha, yet movingly unafraid to admit his feelings before going all the way to convince the woman in question to take that chance on him. Mac McGuire fits the bill perfectly and after the wishy-washy manwhores that have been perpetuating the pages of way too many books, I'm ready to throw my hat (and clothes) at him.

Consider my standards sort of restored.

But even as Mac's and Elizabeth's story unfolded, I particularly waited with bated breath the deliciously intriguing setup for Sullivan's and Celia's story and a promising shift back to the focus of the series - the McGuire boys' parents' murder - which I'd thought the series had lost along the way. So much that I bought that book straight off Harlequin and am impatient to dive right in - right after this review.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
May 15, 2016
When I first started reading this one, it felt off. Nothing was about the parents and their murder. It sort of made this book feel a bit like filler. About the only connection to that was it brought Celia, from Sully's past, and it seems like she will hold the key to things.

I felt for Elizabeth and the situation she was in. I was glad that Mac was there for her and even though she didn't want his help he gave it to her. I think the turning point for Elizabeth was when Mac admitted he knew about her past and that didn't matter to him, he still wanted her.

Once the connection with the fixer and Nate was out I thought it was obvious who the real bad guy was and it drove me nuts that none of the others considered it. I was glad to see how the action went down at the end, glad the bad guy was caught and will rot in prison.
3,123 reviews
April 1, 2016
Elizabeth is a quiet librarian. No more wildness for her. She has moved from place to place hiding from her past. But that past has caught up with her. Someone is stalking her and have tried to kill her several times now.
Mac is ex Delta Force and part owner of McGuire Securities. He is attracted to Elizabeth and will do anything to keep her safe.
It all has to do with her boyfriends death years ago. She was found in a closet, holding the murder weapon, in a cabin. That's when she decided to give up her wild ways. But Mac brings that wildness out again and they must find the killer before they are killed themselves.
Awesome story. Love the strong, protective Mac. The sweet, sexy librarian Elizabeth. A mad man. And secrets that keep you guessing until the end.
*RECEIVED A COPY FROM AUTHOR FOR HONEST REVIEW*
Profile Image for Kirsten.
16 reviews
March 25, 2019
This book is so far definitely my favorite of the series (which is also probably my new favorite series)! I loved getting to know Mac and seeing his relationship not only with Elizabeth, but with Sully too. Mac had sort of been the quiet, in the shadows brother who was called in when needed, so getting to learn about his time in Delta was awesome. I also really loved how they introduced Celia and an inside view on Sully's past. I will definitely be reading these books again!
161 reviews
July 13, 2022
The Battling McGuire Boys

Deception, Book Five a really tough adventure for the McGuire Boys, but they do find the love of their lives and with some hard work find the solution to problems they have encountered
Profile Image for Susan.
2,454 reviews13 followers
July 28, 2022
Enjoyable characters and suspense

I love the characters in this series. This book has some great mystery and action scenes. The romance adds flavor. It's a very entertaining addition to this series.
4,416 reviews28 followers
October 23, 2016
Deceptions review

Deceptions is the fifth excellent romantic suspense book in The Battling McGuire Boys series written by author Cynthia Eden. Great characters and storyline.
Profile Image for Christine Jalili.
2,187 reviews44 followers
December 19, 2022
Love this series.

I’ve loved each book in this series. Loved how hard Mac falls for his librarian Elizabeth. Loved how protective he is when she seems to be in danger. But will she love him? Is she over her first love? The plot keeps us on edge and loved being surprised. So happy they got a happy ever after and can’t wait to start the next book. Hopefully we finally find out who murdered Mac’s parents. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Victoria.
780 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2016
Very good suspenseful read with another one of Cynthia's incredible surprises. Loved it!

Elisabeth is the relatively new librarian in town who Mac wants to "get to know" yet she keeps turning him down. Still, he makes a point of using the library frequently and returning books late so that he has to have one on one with her ;).

Elisabeth is closing up the library when she hears someone. Calling out she gets no answer. The second time a voice calls out and he is going to get her. As she is trying to escape Mac shows up with an over due book. He comes in and the guy gets away. Mac takes Elisabeth into his protection and makes her hire the family business to keep her safe and find the guy.

We learn a little back story on Elisabeth. When she was a wayward teen growing up in N. Dakota a boy was passing through town. They met and fell in love. The boy, Nate, decided what he was after wasn't as important as his love for Elisabeth and the two set off to create a life together.

They were caught by a snow storm in CO and broke into a cabin for shelter. While at the cabin a man came along a murdered Nate. Nate was able to tell Elisabeth to run/hide and she did. She clocked the murder upside the head when she tried to run away outside. She took his gun and locked herself in a closet. The next day that is where the police found her.

She was a suspect at first but cleared. A reporter followed the case and tried to solve it. He gathered evidence and the night the Elisabeth was almost attacked in the library he called her to meet but while on the phone he made a gasping sound and never spoke again. She went to the meet location (Mac was outside her house keeping watch over her when she left. He followed her.) which was an alley. The reporter was murdered and the perp almost got her but she pepper sprayed him and Mac showed.

This is a great read with tons of action and excellent twists.

Enjoy!
Profile Image for Larena.
441 reviews19 followers
May 23, 2016
Contemporary Romantic Suspense


Texas


Once Elizabeth Snow was called wild and at one time she was. Now she is just a straitlaced librarian with no interest in the sexiest, wildest McGuire. At least until she needs him to protect her from a murderous stalker. Mac is a former Delta Force that does more than protect Elizabeth – he quickly has her untamed side unleashed and is taking their attraction to the furthest edge of desire.

Secrets from both their pasts are proving to be as threatening as “The Fixer” who seems to know their every move as they hunt this monstrous killer. But can they trust each other enough to move forward? Or will a shocking truth end up proving fatal?


This is another wonderful book in a series that will stay with the reader long after each book is read and finished. The characters are complex and move the story along at a breakneck pace that doesn’t stop until the very last page. While each book can be read as a standalone though as there is a story line that links all the books together the reader would get much more out of the series reading the books in order. This is an amazing series that will have readers wanting the next book now.

132 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2019
I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Cynthia Eden is such a talented author. She grabs you as the book begins and keeps you engrossed until the end. Elizabeth was caught up in a murder when she was just a teen and has been laying low until the killer comes for her again. Mac isn't going to let the librarian that he has a severe crush on get injured in any way. But the killer keeps coming and then Mac's brothers are in the line of fire. He has to stop the killer and find out who and what is behind the attempted murders. So far the filler has only killed a journalist that has found out the truth, but what is the truth. The passion between Elizabeth and Mac ignite and there is no stopping their explosive attraction. Find out how Mac finds the killer and stops them. Find out how the past has forced the present. This is an amazing book and Cynthia Eden continues to be my favorite author. She takes the deepest fears of the characters and brings them to light in such a way that you are there with them throughout their struggles. Read this book, the suspense will keep you till the end.
Profile Image for BBMoreB ~.
784 reviews
March 5, 2016
Deceptions, the fifth installment, in The Battling McGuire Boys series, features librarian Elizabeth Snow and private investigator MacKenzie "Mac" McGuire.

As a loyal Cynthia Eden reader, I've enjoyed witnessing the McGuire family find love one-by-one with only Sullivan "Sully" McGuire remaining. Mac and Elizabeth's exploits play out in this fast-paced suspense-filled read. Keeping the repetitiveness out of series takes serious dedication; the author does that with the BMBs.

I am torn - cannot wait for Sully's story but also dreading the end of this series...maybe they have cousins...Hint! Hint!

Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge by the author for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,136 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2016
Now we have met Mac.. The one everyone warns you about. He has been going to the library getting book as he likes the librarian Elizabeth..He is late returning a book and thank goodness as he saved Elizabeth from getting killed..See she has a bad dude named The Fixer after her..she is the last person he needs to kill....Thanks to Mac and the McGuire's she is kept safe. It turns out the Fixer is not the one that was behind this.he was trying to kill her for someone else...That leads to ND and when there all hell breaks lose.. You will have to read to find out..My oh my is all I can say..When they got there and confronted a person I thought they were right but figured out there at the end they were not.it almost cost them..LOVED this book..Love that you don't know who it is til right at the end..that is my kind of book!!!
155 reviews24 followers
March 25, 2016
This was the first book in this series that I've read and I want to go on record that "the Fixer" was one of the creepiest villains that I've read about in a long time. The way he was described was as someone who was very nondescript and didn't stand out in any way. And doggone it he was like the energizer bunny he just keep coming and coming. Mac is my most favorite brother of this series. And Elizabeth is a very lucky lady. She escapes death a few times in this book.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review and I liked it so much I bought two others in this series and have added the rest to my wish list. I give this book 5 stars and a very recommended read for this book and the series too.
Profile Image for Jessica Frances.
Author 29 books404 followers
April 24, 2016
This is book five in The Battling McGuire Boys series, however this is the first one I have read and I found that I really enjoyed it. It is a standalone and it works just as well on it’s own, while leading bread crumbs for the final book still to come. This was a quick, action packed, fun read that has many signature moves from Eden. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely catch up on this series. I would recommend to fans of suspense along with romance.
Profile Image for Cenaida.
119 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2016
What a fantastic read. I've been waiting for this series to be continued. We getting closer to finding out the mystery that started with the first book. Well heading to start the next book. Lets see what is waiting there. lol
Profile Image for Carol Stanley-Snow.
792 reviews29 followers
March 16, 2016
Sometimes my head fills up and i need to read something easy. I whipped through this one! A Harleqin Intrigue that's short and sweet...well, maybe not sweet! Romance, guns, damsel...it has it all and was easy on my brain.







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