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Love Unauthorized #1

Deceit in Bloom

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Cautionary tales don’t usually have happy endings…
Raised in foster care. The sister of a whore. The fool who fell for the wrong guy.
Paisley James is all too aware that sometimes fairy tales just don’t exist.
There is no telling where hearts belong or loyalties lie when deceit is in bloom.

Author Note: Deceit in Bloom is book one of a series and ends in a BIG, dramatic cliffhanger (No joke). The story continues in book two, Vengeance in Bloom.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2017

57 people are currently reading
383 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Michael

26 books133 followers
As a child, Jennifer Michael dreamed of being an author. Life and adulting eventually pushed that dream down to a mere fantasy, which was where it stayed for years. Then, through a stroke of luck and a Kindle, she found the indie romance world, and the dream that was long ago deemed unattainable became a reality. Writing fulfills pieces of her she lost long ago.

Jennifer writes stories that range from sweet and sultry to dark and daring. Behind her computer, she’s constantly dreaming up where she’ll go, what new characters she’ll meet along the way, and what genre she will concur next.

From her house in southwest Florida, she spends far too much time wishing she were at the beach with a good book. She’s an avid reader of fiction, but is a huge fan of gritty stories with deep emotion or dark twisty plot twists. She’s also known to indulge in guilty pleasure television shows. She gets sucked into the world of characters from all mediums. She loves to hear from her readers so make sure to check her out on social media.

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5 stars
108 (44%)
4 stars
84 (34%)
3 stars
40 (16%)
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10 (4%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Kirsten.
382 reviews173 followers
April 15, 2017
4.5

Gah!!
WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE READING THIS?!?!?!

I stumbled upon this beauty while searching on Amazon.
Not going to lie, the cover grabbed my attention.
When I started, I was sucked in from the beginning.

Not only was the writing fantastic, but the story flowed flawlessly.

The fact that the heroine didn't annoy the piss out of me, was a huge bonus.

If you like an exciting tale full of mystery, hotness, a touch of darkness, and a thrilling ride, PLEASE give this a try.

It's a duet, and currently both books are out so you don't have to wait to get an ending. The cliffhanger was a doozy!

Author is new, and I'm only coming out of retirement to post a review because this woman DESERVES to get some attention. I think a lot of you will enjoy this sucker!

On to book 2...
Profile Image for Jan.
1,254 reviews990 followers
April 7, 2021
Three of my friends read this book and loved it!

Darn. Expectations.😖

Sadly, it didn't work for me.



The main characters were so meh and underwhelming.
The guy was a douche.
The girl was annoying, there was some lack of important info about how she managed to survive and go to school from when she was 16 years old until now, 26.
The chemistry between them was weak.
It was very insta.
Besides, the "action/mystery" plot was such a non-sense!

What made me stick with this story was Teagan and Kai. I felt a vibe between them and went to investigate if they would have a story.
AND 😏
Ta-dah!!
Book 3 is their story.🙌

I guess I need to keep going.

Profile Image for Dri ✰.
693 reviews239 followers
July 2, 2017
5 OMFG!! No no noooo! I can not believe this stars!!!

What happened here?

MEU DEUS DO CÉU!!!!
O que essa autora fez aqui???
O que eu perdi que eu não vi esse tiro de bazuca chegando?????
Graças Deus já tem o segundo livro!!!!
Correndo pra ele agooooora!!!!
AI MEU DEUS DO CÉUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Carla .
1,669 reviews531 followers
July 9, 2017
Que livro é esse? Estou perplexa até agora. Sabe aquele livro que faz você ficar pensando nele o dia todo? Esse é um deles. Romance, suspense, tensão, cenas hot e fofas, cenas fortes e chocantes.......Não acabei antes por falta de tempo, mas..... Agora ninguém me segura.
Recomendo demais esse livro. Vale a leitura.
Profile Image for ☾ Nikki. ✿ SUGARVOGUE..
664 reviews66 followers
November 26, 2017
AMAZING!!!

It's always a good feeling when you start a new book and you just love it.
Characters are fab, I love the writing style.
It's packed with romance and action.
The ending was perfect!
Now straight onto book two.. :D :D
five stars!
Profile Image for Amanda.
270 reviews60 followers
Read
June 10, 2017
OH MY GOSH! Thank goodness the next part is already out or I would go nuts with that cliffhanger!
Profile Image for Angie.
600 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2016
If you love getting caught up between the pages and falling in love with the characters, look no further.
An enthralling, fast paced and witty story with some hot sex scenes. Hooked from page one.

An amazingly refreshing story. Aside from loving Paisley and Burke, Braelyn is one of my favorite characters.
If book 2 isn't out soon I'm going to hunt down the author!
5/5 stars
A-
T&A Book Blog
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews363 followers
February 2, 2017
☆☆☆☆☆
~Lynzi~
Five holy sh*tball stars!!!
(IF I COULD GIVE IT MORE, I WOULD!!)

That ending!!! Oh my fricking god that ending!!! I can't deal right now! Seriously, I am at aww. For this being this authors debut novel, she is off to one kick a** start. If all her books are like this, she will have one amazing career.

Paisley was bounced around in foster care since she was 4. Life in foster care is definitely not easy, and she got the short end of the stick, more times than she didnt. I'm her last foster home, she meets the girl who becomes her "sister" and the only person who will ever have her back, Braelyn. Escaping their foster home, they make a run for it and decided living on the streets will be the lesser of two evils. They quickly realize things are just ad hard, of not harder, on the streets, but having each others back is what they do. They survive, and get through, but that doesn't mean they don't have to creep into the darkness to do it. Living a life, no young child, who had to grow up way too fast, should have to live, they make the best out of things. Fairytales, romance, and prince charming, is definitely the last thing on Paisley's mind, but that doesn't mean a big, broading, tatted, hottie with power can't invade her every thoughts. He's definitely someone she needs to stay away from.

Having hand his own shitty hand from life, and having to grow up way faster than he intended, Burke holds more power than a man his age should. Coming from the streets, gave him the connections him an his best friend, Kia, needed to start their businesses, and be extremely successful at such a young age. People look at him and think he he does it just to be on top, but he doesn't. He does it to protect what's his. Being the sole guardian of his little sister Teagan, made him change a lot of his life, and the path he was heading down. But being the criminals they are, they live the high life. Until one day, they are as untouchable as they always thought. Things start to happen. They have to start questioning themselves and the things they thought they knew, to try and get to the bottom of it all. But finding the mastermind, getting to the end game, might not be as easy, and lives might be lost. Bonds will be broken. Hearts will be shatteted. Loyalty will be thrown away.

I have loved these characters, from the very beginning. And not just the main characters either, the secondary characters as well. Hell, I don't even think they can be called secondary. I think they are all pretty much main characters. They all impact the story in such a profound way.

Kai is a step brother/friend, I wish I had. His wit left me giggling. His level headedness in the most f'd up situations, left me in awe. When he couldn't keep his level head, I felt for him. I think there is something deeper going on with him, more than we see in this story, and I can't wait to find out if that's true.

Teagan would make the perfect best friend. She has a sexy older brother, that any lady would love to ogle. She is fun. She's a girly girl who likes to be pampered, but also a badass tattoo artist. She has a loving and caring side that makes you want to love the hell out of her, but then has a rebelling side that makes you want to throat punch her.

I absolutely loved Paisley and Burke together. I loved seeing their two f'd up world's collide, and make fireworks out of the explosion. Atleast for a little while. Life is just never east to anyone in this group, and definitely not these too. When they finally find someone they can actually see themselves with, and being more with, life has to screw them.

Book 2 has a lot of questions to answer, and I honestly don't know how long I can wait to get them. The ending left me grinding my teeth, while wanting to punch a wall, and scream all at the same time. I was on the edge of my seat, and questioning everything, the whole time.

I CAN'T FRICKING WAIT TO READ THE NEXT ONE!!!
Profile Image for Just Jules and her Book.
154 reviews79 followers
October 24, 2017
Deceit in Bloom throws you a truly phenomenal read. The plot is full of mystery, suspense, secrets, devious characters, nefarious acts, put together with twist and turns that aren't expected and you will be mind blown by nightfall! The plot only thickens when she uncovers things that are earth shaking and life changing. A Phenomenal read that pulls at your very core as the plot thickens and twist and turns you do not expect. But it doesn't stop there! This journey has brought characters together that needed each other in so many more ways than even you would expect. There were promises made and broken, love fulfilled and betrayed. We see our heroine embarks on a journey that is totally different then her life now. She soon learns her life is nothing of what she has known and embarks on an abyss of a journey. And can we say...Cliffhanger! Wow! I am so glad I have book 2 already in hand!


Love is such a powerful emotion that exist and that explains this through out this story. There are many twist and turns in the story. Perhaps the most I've ever seen in a series. Each relationship pulls you in because it's hot yet forbidding and dangerous with some. There's a sense of much darker adventure as they are constantly striving to keep each other safe.


But wait the story doesn't stop there! It seems, no matter which direction the these characters seem to turn, someone or something is trying to come between them. Though sometimes they put it on themselves, the journey is epic as it continues to play out! The twist and turns are phenomenal. I couldn't put it down! Each character comes to life and bleeds off the pages with their own unique style and freshness. The ability to make such diversity in the characters, their abilities, and their characteristics is truly a phenomenal work of art. It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat! Omg you experience many different emotions that keep your heart racing for quite sometime!


I have so many questions of each character. This story could continue on and on with each individual characters of uniqueness and individuality. I was really in awe since this is the authors debut. I can't wait to hear about More!


The authors words flow effortlessly off the page and it's easy to follow. You stay focused throughout the book not getting lost like some authors in their adventure scenes. I loved the different characters and they draw you into their world making you feel as though you are really their. The right balance of hotness, steamy scenes to back up with a true heroine kick ass feel with plenty of to boot is awesome! Thanks Ms. Micheal's for one hell of a ride! It will keep your head spinning for sure! A must read!
Profile Image for Leanne.
537 reviews47 followers
February 10, 2017
Holy Ravioli!!
This is a thrill seeking book if ever I read one. And talk about cliffs, I'd be happier perched on the edge of Mt Kilimanjaro without a safety line than the way I've been left dangling with this book! It is definitely one of those "throw your kindle across the room" moments...but in the best of ways!

I was truly swept away by this story. It's heartbreaking and beautiful all rolled up in one ball of brilliance. Mystery and suspense, love and laughter, joy and despair. It's all there and it's a joy to read.


This is Jennifer's first book, I do believe and she has done a grand job. I am eagerly awaiting book 2 and will be clinging on for dear life until it gets here!
Profile Image for Ashley.
372 reviews132 followers
July 5, 2017
4.5 stars.



I'm literally in denial right now. I do not agree with this ending omfg. I'm shook. I'm shook.

THIS WHOLE BOOK HAS NOT BEEN A LIE.

Yep, i'm in denial...

still in denial....

you guessed it...

still in denial.
Profile Image for Kat.
970 reviews32 followers
January 10, 2017
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat***

This debut novel by Jennifer Micheal is not a fairytale, it's quite raw and brutal, you would not want to be Paisley or Braelyn, foster sisters that were thrown together as children, escaped the brutal foster care system to the streets. Brae soon figures out her body can earn her an easier life, but Paisley bless her goes the hard route of waiting tables. They exist together, both are scarred by their upbringings Paisley and Brae only have each other... until they don't. When Paisley goes with Brae to a party in a swanky part of town, she runs into Burke, arrogant, alpha and totally Hottt! Paisley butts heads with him in their first encounter, but her stare down and smart smack down to his assumptions gets Burke interested.
Burke, his best mate Kai, and his younger sister Teagan run a Tattoo shop, and other not so Legal businesses, and have been a family unit since Teagan was orphaned at 10 and the boys were 18, They are loyal to each other, but lo behold anyone who crosses them or threatens Teagan!

Paisley's path crosses with the 3 at the Diner she works at, and eventually Paisley decides to let fate take its course, and the pair are soon hot and heavy.

Now I thought this was going to turn into a typical Dark romance - bad boys, shady dealings and the not so pretty side of the street. But this book actually has more.

There is no telling where hearts belong or loyalties lie when deceit is in bloom.
THIS is so true
This book really will have you head scratching, kindle throwing and wanting to go shout at the author for that Cliffhanger... BUT look she warns you in the blurb, so we shouldn't be that surprised.

Jennifer has done a very good job at both creating the relationships between the characters, they are flawed, selfish at times but overall they make sense. Teagan seems the most innocent, and I do worry about what will happen in book 2 with her.
(cryptic much, but I do not do spoiler reviews and I really think this book is best read with not much information.)
There are a whole bunch of twists and half truths that will have you madly trying to think of what the heck is really going on. Seriously I hardly got any sleep last night, my mind would not quit trying to figure out what was going on!
Author Note: Deceit in Bloom is book one of a series and ends in a BIG, dramatic cliffhanger (No joke). The story continues in book two, Vengeance in Bloom.
and has promised book 2 will be out in March, but boy it will be a long wait.

The book has some violence and there are plenty of hot scenes, so it's definitely 18+ but I for one will be adding Jennifer Michael to my Authors to follow, and I can't wait to find out what the heck is going on with Paisley... I hope I get a HEA, but the author did say that its NOT a fairytale so I may have to toughen up!
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
February 6, 2017
There are not many authors who have head tripped me. Who really really had me go WTF???!!??? And not want a HEA. I don’t want to see Burke with Paisley. I want Burke to crush her. This book did that and more.

This book will blow you away. The cliffy is seriously huge and just shows you how much of a mind game you went through. Even with that you need the next want it like chocolate.

When I started the book, Burke wasn’t one I liked. I found him to be rough and arrogant. But as I got to learn about him and his family I found him to be protective. He loved fiercely and didn’t let people in easily so if you were one he did allow in his circle, he protects and love with everything in him. He is loyal to a fault and to those he lets in is kind and gentle towards. He gives off a back off attitude but is really a kind and smart guy. Everything he does he does for his sister and best friend. His family. So letting Paisley in was big. Humongo big.

Paisley went through a lot to grow up. She had a rough childhood and yet she was determined not to go into a life that wasn’t honest. (Snort Snort there). She comes off all kind and innocent. I loved her interactions with Burke. How she didn’t take anything from him and called him out on his crud. She got him to let his walls down and let her in. She came into his world and gave him someone to trust and lean on at a time when it looked like his world was crumbling. People were after his family and he now had someone to help him forget and feel like the world was going downhill.

This is a amazing, suspenseful, mind game of a book. The writing brings you into Burke’ s world and has you hanging with them. You are on the edge of your seat wondering why this is happening, who is going after Burke and his family and you love seeing Burke fall in love and let someone in. The characters have you feel viscerally. And the ending holy macaroons….you really are a lemming going off the cliff there. Truly a wonderful mind blowing book.



Profile Image for Elaine.
735 reviews7 followers
February 11, 2017
OMG! I can't believe this is her debut book. This book is crazy from the being, catching my attention from the start until the very end. I am not the one for a cliffy but I have to say that she has my attention. I can't wait for her next book. Her writing flows as the story continues with Burke and Pasiley but in the end, who is Pasiley and what is in for her. I am still at a loss for words.
Can't wait for the next installment to find out what is going on.
Thank you Jennifer for such an awesome book.


Profile Image for Dottie.
1,057 reviews10 followers
December 22, 2016
4.5 stars
When I received the ARC of this book, I was intrigued. I like a story that keeps me guessing and Deceit in Bloom did just that. But I’m going to warn you right off the bat, the ending has a wicked cliff-hanger! I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what was happening at the end and the mystery of it is mentally titillating!
None the less, this is Jennifer Michael’s first published book and I will absolutely say I will look forward to reading the conclusion of this story as well as other stories this author thinks up! This book, Deceit in Bloom, had so many twists and turns within it that it continued to intrigue me the entire time I hunkered down to read it – and basically told the kids not to disturb me unless there was an emergency!
Paisley is a young woman with a questionable background. She grew up in foster care and has only a few hazy memories of her life before becoming part of the “system.” Sadly, her experiences in her foster-homes were not positive ones and even once she settled in one place, the family provided no nurturing and some were downright unkind. Her one saving grace, her foster “sister” Braelyn (Brae), with whom she ran away from their foster-family and they helped each other as runaways and as roommates. Whereas Paisley has been paying her bills waiting tables at a local diner, Braelyn instead makes her money with the oldest profession in the world. These two girls are about as different as night and day, yet somehow they work as a team to get each other through their low-income existence in a one-bedroom apartment on the wrong side of town.
When Braelyn is invited to a party at an upscale house, Paisley insists on coming along; she felt like she needed to get out and socialize. Little did they know one of the hosts would turn Paisley’s head to the extreme – and it was pretty mutual!
Burke lives with his best friend and little sister in the large house that is truly their home. The day his little sister, Teagan, moved in with the guys became the day these three began to truly function as their own family unit. At first, I was unsure about Burke. On the surface, he appeared to be a wealthy jerk who feels entitled to whatever he wants to take in this life – I was wrong. This guy, despite making his money in some questionable ways, is a good big brother, a good best friend/co-“parent” with his lifetime best bud (Kai), and overall, a really good guy down inside of him. I loved “watching” him “big-brother” Teagan!
When Paisley and Burke first lay eyes on each other, neither can deny the attraction…
(excerpt)
His eyes rise to mine, and it’s like I can’t do anything but stare back at him. We stand connected for longer than I’m comfortable with before he returns to his conversation. My palms sweat as the instant attraction to him hits me. I let out a breath, realizing I’ve held it in the whole time his eyes were locked on mine….
The relationship between Burke and Paisley was very fun to watch grow. They danced around each other a bit – not too long and not too short – just the right amount of time between flirting and their relationship beginning to grow and develop. Plus, of course, as their relationship grows, it gets pretty hot!! They also both find, within themselves, a person capable of feeling of a great amount of feelings toward another human being (other than family), which I think surprised them both!
This book weaved a story not only between these two people, but also built a mystery that, when you get to the end of the book (other than possibly muttering some select swear words because of the wild cliff-hanger), is still a mystery. The ending confused me, and this was obviously the intention. This is truly one of those stories where if you saw it on television, you would see a “to be continued…” which, to me, is a completely valid reason to throw a pillow at the screen! The ending makes you think “What????” and makes you want the next installment to hurry up and become available just so you can solve the mystery – After I finished reading it, there were several possible explanations that came to mind and I’m seriously anxious to see if I’m right! This book is fun. This book is sexy. This book borders on a darker-type novel but has enough light within it that it doesn’t feel dark and bleak; it’s a little bit of a contradiction unto itself and that’s what makes it fun and unique! I completely recommend this book, I found myself thinking about it when I had to put it down for a while (you know, for the rest of my actual life that encroaches upon my reading time despite me telling the kids not to disturb me, oh well) and could hardly wait to get back to it! And I can hardly wait for the second book to be published to see what will happen next!
Profile Image for Tracey Vuolo.
733 reviews18 followers
December 13, 2018
Jennifer Michael is a new author for me, but I will be reading her books from now on. This story was a storm that built up from beginning to end in all the right ways. The drama, fear, deceit, hope and love drifted through the pages and I felt like I was right there living it with them. Lost in a world of right and wrong or good vs. evil. These characters have been through the ringer in more ways than one and I couldn’t get enough.

The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I also think the title is perfect. At certain points, I felt like I was trapped in a dream and I needed to know everything was going to be ok. Paisley and Burke and Teagan and Kai were written in such a fantastic way that Jen has me invested in and loving her characters. I’m not gonna lie, she could kill a few too. I’m not a cliffhanger person so I’m grateful the next book is out already. Jen this story is intriguing, gut wrenching and dramatic and I love it!
Profile Image for Nina.
439 reviews
March 8, 2017
From the very beginning until the end I was glued to my seat. I couldn't get enough. I love finding new dark romance authors. Especially when you know you'll be reading every book they come out with. Deceit in Bloom ends in a major cliff hanger. I'm so glad I read it when I did because Vengeance In Bloom comes out in a few weeks and I'll be waiting anxiously until it's in my greedy little hands. This story has all the twist and turns, leaving your head reeling. You won't see it coming and once it ends you'll be begging for more. Loved it!
211 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2017
Holy cliff hanger! This was 4.5 stars. It was a quick read but now I struggle having to wait to figure out how in the world Paisley and Burke's story is going to end!

There were some parts that I felt were simplified and glossed over...but amazing debut novel that kept me hooked!
Profile Image for Annamaria.
702 reviews11 followers
February 8, 2017
Five Fabulous Stars! Paisley has been in the foster care system since she was four years old. While in the last foster-care home Paisley meets Braelyn and the two forge a friendship. Paisley and Braelyn eventually run away and start to try to live on their own. Paisley now 25 years old is craving an adventure after trying to live on the straight and narrow. Burke is a dangerous, sexy, intense man and he is totally unexpected in Paisley's life. Paisley becomes addicted to Burke in every way. Burke knows he is no good for Paisley but she is everything that he has ever wanted. Will Burke eventually claim Paisley even though he knows he is putting her life in danger? I was hooked on this book from the first chapter and could not put it down until I finished it. It is a well-written story and is full of action, passion, chemistry and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it and especially love Paisley and Burke. Be forewarned that this book does end on a cliffhanger which will have you itching for the next book to come very soon! This is the first book in the Love Unauthorized Series and I cannot wait for the next one! I highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5
Profile Image for Kristina.
260 reviews70 followers
February 10, 2017
The end of this book killed me. Okay, not really, but the cliffhanger is pretty intense. I foresee a major book hangover following this book. The ending leaves the reader with so many different questions and possibilities, it's enough to make your head spin. To say I am eagerly anticipating book two is an understatement.

This book was amazing. It's honestly one of the best debut novels I've ever read. I flew through it quickly and enjoyed every second of it. The writing style was really enjoyable and I'm glad we had dual points of view. I like that the two main characters are so vastly different. I loved learning what was going on in their heads and seeing their character growth throughout the novel. I'm seriously hoping book two will be out soon because I can't wait to see what happens next for these characters.

One of my favorite things about this story is that none of the characters are perfect. Everyone has some type of baggage or dark past. It makes for a novel that is both dark and twisted. (But not too much!) All the characters are so intriguing. I want to learn more about them all and enjoyed learning about their past and what has made them into who they are. (Especially Kai and Teagan. I think there's something going on there.)

I know I'm reading a great writer when the story I'm reading is perfectly balanced. This story is complex. There are so many intricate pieces that come together within this novel. Mystery, suspense, drama, romance. There are serious issues addressed: drugs, prostitution, abuse. Not one of these aspects were overdone or didn't belong. And I also found it refreshing that all of these things were within the story. It's nice to have a book that's gritty and honest and hard to read at times. There are a lot of suspenseful elements that drive the story. The author gives the reader enough to keep you satisfied, yet keep you in the dark at the same time. It makes for a truly addicting story.


I recommend this one to anyone looking for a great debut novel with a lot of complex elements. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, keep you guessing and you'll love every minute of it.
Profile Image for Kelsey.
321 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2017
This is going to be a quick, short, to the point review because my head is reeling.

The story line is AMAZING. I fell in love with all of the characters that are showcased throughout DECEIT IN BLOOM, and I have no idea what to think about this novel. All I have to say is WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. HECK.

This novel will leave you with a cliffhanger, and just be warned. Holy heck. A wonderful, glowing, deceitful, 5 PLUS STARS to Jennifer Michael for this novel!
Profile Image for Jen Wildner.
271 reviews39 followers
February 8, 2017
Where to start? How about the fact that this Jennifer's debut novel! I am speechless! I would have thought this book was written by a seasoned author not a rookie. And let me tell you this, she is no rookie when it comes to playing with your emotions.

Burke and Paisley are two very different people with very different lives. So when their worlds collide it's not pretty. And takes them each by surprise. We are thrown into their worlds and I really do mean thrown. Burke isn't a nice guy to anyone except the only two people he loves. And Paisley only has her foster sister, who she isn't proud of but loves none the less. Paisley just wants to live a decent life and stay away from trouble. Burke, on the other hand is anything but decent and lives for the trouble. So what happens when they can't get the other out of their mind?

I'll tell you what happens, you are dragged through the story not knowing what the hell is going on, not knowing who is who, and who the hell to trust. Sure, there's some hot and sexy scenes, and amazing banter between the characters but you'll be pulled so deep you're stuck. Stuck trying to figure out why, when, and what the heck just happened? Not everyone is who they say or is doing what they say. There are secrets, lives blown to hell and back, and chemistry that is off the charts. Burke and Paisley are explosive, not only in the bedroom just them together will blow your mind. Especially when you get to the end. HFS, the ending?

Yeah if you don't like cliff hangers then wait until the second book is out to read this one. The way this book ended made me question the ENTIRE book! "Wait, back up, huh?" Those were the words that went through my mind, and a few swear words. I could not believe what I had read, I thought I figured out what the heck was happening then nothing. Literally, there was nothing! I tried to swipe the damn page and it wouldn't move. My heart was beating so fast, I was in shock. I loved the story so much, I grew very fond of a few characters, and then I wanted to throat punch a few people along with the author.

If you are looking for a suspenseful book that will keep you up all night reading, with fan yourself sex, and heart stopping scenes this is it. One click it now. You won't be sorry. I wish I could read it again for the first time just to experience it all over again.

I can't wait for more from Jennifer Michael. Her words are addicting.
Profile Image for Mikki D.
600 reviews83 followers
February 6, 2017
When I started my reading challenge this year, I promised myself that I would try to read as many new to me authors as possible. This is how I found authors that are now on my auto-buy list. I gave their first book a chance and the rest is history. I don't even need to look at the cover or read the blurb of their books to one-click.

When the cover of Deceit in Bloom showed up on my news feed, I was mesmerized. After reading the blurb, I knew that this would be a thrilling reading escape. This book did not disappoint and I am so glad I found a new author to follow. Deceit in Bloom was a captivating story from beginning to end! Don't even get me started on the major cliffhanger that was waiting for me at the end of the story. The author does warn the readers at the beginning of the book, but I still got a virtual slap in the face when I was reading the last few words.

At twenty-five years old, Paisley James is craving for that one moment that will change her life. An adventure that would make her feel alive. Growing up as a foster child, she feels like she does not belong anywhere. Until sexy and intriguing Burke comes into her life. He's dangerous, unexpected and intense. As days go by, Paisley grows more addicted to his touch and his presence. Burke knows that he should stay away from Paisley. She's everything he ever wanted, but he can't have her. Claiming her would put her life in danger and he knows it. Will Burke be able to protect Paisley from the danger that is lurking around them?

I really enjoyed this book. It was passionate, action-packed and a real page-turning journey! Paisley and Burke's chemistry was seriously hot and addictive. You can feel the sexual tension rising when they are in the same room and their connection grew into something more pretty quickly. The supporting cast of characters in this story was great and I really hope some of them will get their own book. I loved the strong bond between Burke, Teagan and Kai. It was beautiful to see them so united. Like I mentioned before, the ending was pretty crazy. It took me my surprised and I can't wait to read the continuation of this story.

I give, Deceit in Bloom, by Jennifer Michael, 4 mesmerizing, intriguing, intense, what in the world was that ending stars!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,289 reviews34 followers
May 25, 2017
Holy $hit! Holy $hit!

The ending, the story, the everything. Yes, I'll be buying book #2 - Don't judge me, just read the book and see if you can sleep not knowing the truth! I triple dog dare you.

Paisley and Braelyn are foster kids, who ran away. They are making their own way in the world. Brae on her back and Paisley waitressing. Paisley tags along to a house party, that Brae is going too. From there things erratic. Burke feels the need to save Paisley, Brae warns Paisley to stay away from Burke if she is smart and then the downward spiral begins, pulling everyone into the depth of uncertainty.

Burke doesn't know what's going on with him when it comes to Paisley. He's not boyfriend material, he's wham bam and moves on kind of guy. When she harassed alongside his sister, Teagan, Burke pulls no punches and steps into protect Paisley. Did he over step? Did he leap without looking? Is Paisley nothing more than the whore he accused her off when they first met?

Profile Image for Candy76.
696 reviews25 followers
February 5, 2017
It was like the slow incline on a roller-coaster ride to the top and then you plummet down. This was a great story if it was what you believed while reading but the story takes a twist. Jennifer you did a great job on your first. I was not expecting the cliffhanger to be that MAJOR but holy hell. This story is mind messing with and keeps you wanting to know more. What I thought was true wasn't completely but in a way it was. From the outside looking in things seemed normal till the storm hit and chaos reigned, you have no idea till the end but still there is more because the story continues in book 2. This is a must read but be warned it's a cliffhanger in major proportion. Jennifer brings you a story that you think you grasp but changes along the way to something else. I can say that it has mystery, suspense, a little violence, and a bit of love.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for honest review**
Profile Image for Natalia.
1,180 reviews94 followers
April 4, 2018
Great surprise!
The books is gripping...
Some things that i dont really understand.
Burke UT business its not "big" enough nor he is "bad" enough to him to be fear by every one...
Kai reason to "use" a hooker is bullshit.
Paisley is a little strange... She's all focus is make a life for herself, travel, study... but gets stuck to Breasly ( who since beginning i knew was on to something shady) is a bitch and gets love struck and forget all her life goals. She acts all bad ass but when the time comes don't deliver.
I'm half way 2nd book!



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