Сладка заблуда

by Tara Bond, Тара Хайланд

Богатото и многоуважавано семейство на Шарлот преживява лична трагедия. По-големият й брат – Кит, загива след падане на лавина, докато изкачва връх Монблан. Най-добрият му приятел Ричард, който става свидетел на инцидента, се заклева, че ще се грижи за сестра му.

Осем години по-късно Шарлот се е превърнала в черната овца на семейството. За ужас на родителите си, тя прекъсва образованието си и започва работа в нощен клуб. Там злоупотребява с алкохол и се отдава на безразборен секс с непознати мъже. Лишена от амбиции и стремежи, Шарлот пропилява дните си в преследване на удоволствия. Заблуждавайки се, че не заслужава повече от това.

Ричард е млад, красив и сексапилен. Преуспял бизнесмен, който може да има всяка жена, която пожелае. Той не е забравил обещанието, което дава на най-добрия си приятел. Как обаче да помогнеш на някого, който иска да се самоунищожи?

Шарлот е приета в болница след алкохолно натравяне на поредния купон. Единствено Ричард би могъл да й помогне да се пребори със зависимостите си. И да спре да лъже себе си...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2015

About the author

I grew up in Surrey, England, and read History at Cambridge University before embarking on a series of sensible office jobs. I live in London with my husband, and love reading and writing, as well as watching movies and TV box sets. My guilty pleasures are cocktails and chocolate desserts. I discovered the New Adult genre in the summer of 2012, and have been addicted ever since. My first novel, Beautiful Liar, will be published in eBook on May 2015 and in paperback on 30 July 2015. I'm very happy for people to add me as a Friend on goodreads.

Reviews

[Danito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Определено писането на Тара не е от типичните любовни романи.За това ще вмъкна, че нито корицата ,нито заглавието пасват на историята.Заблудата я има,но никак не е сладка, а разрушителна както за самия човек,така и за близките около теб. В целият сюжет проследяваме едно психично разстройство/травма в различните й аспекти и реакциите в определени ситуации, как се проявява и как въздейства на околните и на самата личност.Шарлот или както тя обича да се нарича Чарли, изгражда с времето вредни навици и деструктивно поведение, малко след смъртта на брат си. Тя принизява човешките взаимоотношения ,като разрушава моралната обвивка на всичко близко до любов и интимност. Моментът, в който прескача граници дори и за себе си, всички се притесняват,но не и тя. Другият герой,Ричард, е пълната противоположност, меси се в живота й като досаден по-голям брат, изнася лекции за морал и се опитва да й помогне безвъзмездно.
Много добре написана книга, като любовта се роди някак междудругото и съвсем в много по-късен етап.Написана беше плавно и достоверно.Всичко се случваше логично и постепенно.
Определено Тара знае какво пише и как да ни разкаже и сподели това, което иска да достигне до нас.Отваря сериозна тема,но ще съм до тук с ревюто ми за да няма спойлери.

[Антоанета · Rating 4 out of 5]

Подходих към книгата несериозно - една грозна корица й сложили, едно сладникаво заглавие - как да поиска човек да я чете - страшно заблуждава. Но книгата се оказа съвсем различна от моите очаквания и при това хубаво различна. Първото впечатление за Шарлот е, че има живот изпълнен с всичко, което пожелае, а го пропилява с глупости - всяка нощ с различен мъж, секс лишен от чувства, но и от удоволствия, просто един акт, безпаметно напиване с алкохол, израстване в сянката на перфектната сестра и за капак майка, която непрекъснато я критикува. Оказва се, че семейството е загубило и единствения си син, който също е бил перфектен и Шарлот някак от само себе си става черната овца. Но всичко това е само привидно. Тя има много голяма и основателна причина да поеме по този път, както се оказва на края. Ричард - семеен приятел е обещал на загиналия й брат да се грижи за нея. Там малко историята ми куцаше. Беше ми фалшиво как изведнъж той се оказа влюбен в нея и изобщо как се роди тяхната любов. Това ми беше най-трудно за възприемане от книгата и много не повярвах на тази любов. Но Ричард я принуждава да започне работа в рекламната му агенция и успява да събуди интерес в нея, дотолкова че тя да забрави пиянския си живот и да има цел в живота. Освен това я принуждава да започне психотерапия и там вече нещата стават ясни защо са такива, трябва да се прочете за да се стигне до същността.

[Leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't an enjoyable read but perhaps that was the point. It was well written and even though I didn't like Charlie at first I understood her actions by the end. Dealt with though subject matter in a good way

[Sharon J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Simon & Schuster for the ebook copy to read and review.

Charlotte or Charlie as she prefers to call herself, is an obnoxious 25 year old who is self-indulgent and on a path to self-destruction. Her dress sense, her lack of social sensitivity, her rudeness to her family and her propensity to get drunk and have one night stands leads a family friend, Richard, who was with her brother when he was killed in an avalanche, to step in to prevent her from continuing on this self-destructing path. Initially by getting her out of the bar where she works and into an advertising agency job and also by getting her to have sessions with a psychologist to see if this might help her to see where she is heading and why.
The story is embedded with tragedy from the start with the death of Kit (Charlie's brother and Richard's best friend), the death of Richard's parents and we follow Charlie wondering whether there is tragedy awaiting her.
While this is an easy to read and fast moving story I found myself identifying with Charlie's parents and feeling quite angry towards Charlie and this hampered the flow of my reading as I stopped to reflect on my reactions. I felt angry at Charlie for her behaviour and way of life and felt sorry for Charlie's parents who were trying to do their best. However, with the help of Richard the story moves in a different direction and so did my discomfort.
This is a romantic drama but there are serious issues raised especially about how people cope differently with trauma. I certainly would recommend others to read this novel.

[Piara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light story with some shadows for contemplation.

1. A girl gone off the rail, continuously begraded by mother who is all about society standard, failing to understand why the daughter is so distant.
- where Bond draws a broken relationship between mother and daughter, it is heartwarming to see them getting along at the end.

2. A conflicted man torn between his fears of losing loved ones and love for the girl hell bent on destroying herself.
- first I thought the book was based on the romance between the two so was disappointed Bond hadn't gone into depth regarding the characters emotions, especially Richards. Was difficult connecting with his character.

3. The best friend who refuses to give up on you.
- sweet but Bond could've built on this. Seems like she will but the connection deteriorates as the story goes on.

With the incident of losing a brother taking place at the beginning it seems to the readers this is the angle Bond will be taking this story however it was a good twist for her to direct it towards a different incident. Making it a good story.

4. A victim led to believe she was anything but.
- this was my favourite part of the book. It was clear something bad had transpired between the girl and the fiance, but I really enjoyed the girls perspective of the situation. Bond highlights a view which not many people are aware of or afraid to disclose.

To summarise, though Bond fails to connect readers with the characters, this small turning point that gets readers to stop and think for a second saves the story from being average to a pinch of "oh that was good". It is one of them stories you want to pick up just for a quick light hearted read but then end of it you are like ok I did not expect that.

So a 3.5 rating from me :)

[Miss HR · Rating 5 out of 5]

extremely moving story of happiness out of violence. blended a story of a young woman who was damaged from past experiences who survived which led to a family being stronger than at the beginning of the story. good author, pity no further books from this talented author. greatly missed

[Stacey Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by Simon & Schuster (Australia) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

‘Sweet Deception’ is a novel that is a LOT more than it seems and THAT is why I enjoyed it! It was full of mystery and romance that spun the story, kept you on your toes and on the edge of your seat until you didn't know when the next surprise would hit you! The author beautifully writes of grief and love in a simple yet poignant style.
I REALLY like the cover; it’s intriguing, sexy and chic! In fact, it was the first thing that made me request this novel for review. The grey, black and white provide BEAUTIFUL contrast to the red and I am a HUGE admirer of covers such as these, where simplicity is key…
The blurb hooked me in right from the beginning: "I could just imagine my mother's face when she saw me - her troublemaking youngest daughter, the university dropout who worked in a bar - turning up hung-over and in a ridiculously tiny miniskirt... Ah, to be the black sheep of the family…” I mean who could not be hooked at these words?
When I read the prologue, I COULD NOT WAIT to read more. *SPOILER* I discovered that Charlotte was not always ‘Charlie’, the promiscuous, but was one ‘Charlotte’, the mouse. She was always the black sheep of the family and it made me ache for her and her future as things started to fall into place. I learned of the exact cause of Christopher's (Charlotte's brother), also known affectionately as Kit. I personally prefer to call Charlie, Charlotte, and Christopher, Kit.
As I progressed through the novel, I got the full impact of just how much Kit’s death REALLY affected Charlotte. The reason she acts the way she does, the reason she dresses the way she does: it's all a front to cover up the darkness that's eating her up inside. I, personally, don't understand grief for I am SUPER lucky to not have lost ANYONE very close to me, in my life, but through Charlotte I could SEE it. I could FEEL it.
I felt strongly sympathetic towards Charlotte: She really had been through a LOT. And I'm not only saying the death of her brother but also and underlying trauma and event that I COULD NOT have guessed. EVER!
I REALLY admired Richard: He was such a gentleman! You don't see much of those these days and when you do, they're special. He was always so caring and patient with Charlotte, I honestly don't know how he bore her sometimes. Charlottes such a stubborn creature!
Unfortunately, I did not feel connected to Richard or Charlotte. Both seemed a bit distant to me and I could not forge an emotional bond that would make me love BOTH characters completely and thus the novel. I felt that the author could have done better on that point; she could've conveyed the emotions of the characters more effectively.
Since the novel is written in Charlotte’s point of view, this also greatly limited my attachment to other characters. If the author had chosen Richard as yet another main character and wrote from his point of view, too, then it would have greatly increase the quality of the novel.
The end of the novel did not end the way I expected it would – but most importantly it did not end with a BANG. The novel started off so well that when the ending rolled around I was majorly disappointed. It seemed monotonous and subpar to the quality in which the author was writing in the beginning of the novel. THAT’S the reason why I gave it a three star.
Congratulations to Tara Bond on publishing her second well-written new-adult novel!

Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!

[Marionela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Не съм впечатлена.Имамчуввството, че чета сбор от няколко други книги.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Sweet Deception for honest review and after reading Tara Bond's other book, Beautiful Liar, I was really looking forward to reading this one.

The story instantly captured me with a heartbreaking prologue, that left me intrigued with how the story might progress in regards to how the characters would be shaped from the family tragedy. Charlie's family had lost a brother, a son, a man that had brought joy in his own way to each of their lives. When we first got to know more of Charlie’s character, her standoffish attitude, her indifference to other people's opinions I had some sympathy for her, though as the story progressed and her attitude to others became ruder I started to really dislike her and thought losing a brother was not enough of a reason to get away with treating people the way she did. So I continued reading, hoping to get to the bottom of all the hostility this character projected and to see if there would be any way for the author to redeem her.

The writing style took me deep into each of the main characters thoughts, only making me feel Charlie (Charlotte) was that much uglier on the inside, but there was always, always this niggling feeling she was hiding more. When she had conversations with her best friend or shared back and forth banter with a family friend that would become her boss, this feeling only started to grow. Then as the book got deeper and Charlie started to show some remorse and tried a little harder not to disrespect others, I actually started to empathise for her again realising there was definitely a deeper hurt than just the loss of her brother that was eating away at her.

Richard, the patient and caring family friend, refused to give up on Charlie, not matter how hard she pushed. He had made a promise and there was no way he was going to break it. His strong, forgiving and though at times stubborn personality made him really easy to like, especially since not many would have stuck around to help Charlotte. It was lucky that he did fight so hard, because it was ultimately Richards actions that would be that nudge that Charlie needed to reveal her heartbreaking secret. It is a secret that not only made me hurt for her, but one that finally led me to fully understand why she acted the way she did.

Tara has done an amazing job of creating a character with depth, that will have readers continuously changing their opinions on Charlie, showing that there is always a lot more to someone than what they show on the surface. The story moved slowly, though did not drag, it gave time for feelings to form and for readers to understand them, before they were changed by the next part of the story; a storytelling trait that can be hard to achieve, whilst still keeping a reader enthralled. Definitely a writer's books that I will be keeping my eye on in the future.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review

Sweet Deception is the second book I've read by Tara Bond; I've also read and enjoyed Beautiful Liar. I found both novels very addictive and fast paced, but I think this one was better plotted. Beautiful Liar had too many plots happening at once, and this book had a much stronger and more focused narrative arc - in fact, I found it well written and plotted.

The characters were well fleshed out, I thought, and you really sympathise with the characters and the things they'd been through. I liked that the arc of the novel was solely romance-based - it was just as much about Charlie figuring out who she is and who she wanted to be. There was a revelation towards the end that I sort of guessed, but nevertheless I thought the build up and the hinting to it was great, and the moment of realisation was powerful.

Where this novel fell down for me was probably Richard - the love interest. He's a friend of the family and spends a lot of the time trying to get Charlie on the straight and narrow. He always says that he wants what's best for her, and I believe that, but I also thought he was too controlling. Many people might disagree with me on this, but I just thought he was too controlling over Charlie and though he tried to help, I thought it was very heavy-handed.

I also didn't think he was a very vivid character; I remember much preferring Alex from Beautiful Liars. Richard in this novel just paled compared to Charlie, and I wasn't exactly sure what she was attracted to.

There were a couple of typos throughout and the kindle version isn't very well formatted, but I assume that's because I received an arc.

I read this novel all in one sitting. It was fast-paced, with likeable characters and a strong plot. Definitely a solid entry in the NA genre.

[Kirsty & Erin Muir · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book of Tara’s and after enjoying Beautiful Liar I had high hopes for this book.
Sweet Deception is all about troubled MC Charlie and her road to redemption.

I tried to like her, I really did, but in the end she kind of ruined the whole book for me. It’s usually more common to have a “together” female MC trying to change a guy who is a bit of a bad boy but this was very much the opposite. Charlie is rebellious and felt very naive and irresponsible. She also seemed to be pretty selfish getting herself so drunk that some nights could have ended in tragedy. She constantly adds to her parents stress but doesn’t see it. When you get to know more about her family’s story, Charlie looks even more selfish in comparison.

I didn’t feel Richard’s attraction to Charlie strongly and this is due, in part, to the fact that he spent most of the book trying to help her or bailing her out of whatever situation she’d got herself into. He gave her chance after chance to help herself and she just threw it back in his face. She also acts this way with Richard’s employees and for someone seemingly intelligent she comes off as pretty stupid at times.

I was hoping for some big realisation of the attraction between Charlie and Richard. Some no holds barred, explosive turning point but Richard was proper to a fault so I was left disappointed.

Unfortunately the characters didn’t do it for me this time, but I will continue to read more from this author because the writing I’d enjoyed in Beautiful Liar was the same throughout Sweet Deception.

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novel by Tara Bond and, I think, the best so far. Charlie the the black sheep of her family, in fact from the way she lives, partying hard and sleeping around she appears to have pressed the self-destruct button and is well on the way to something really bad happening. Which, of course, it eventually does. She is rescued by her dead brother's friend Richard Davenport who tries to help her turn her life around. But Charlie is resentful at having this interference in her life and determined to wreck Richard's plans. But Richard isn't about to give up on his promise he made to Charlie's brother Kit before he died. Charlie eventually begins to make changes to her lifestyle and enjoy her new 9 - 5 regime working for Richard's company but there is still one huge challenge she must face.

I loved the first person narrative which drew you deeply into Charlie's personality and gave you an understanding of why she acted the way she did. I also liked the idea of having a damaged heroine - normally romantic reads tend to give the guys all the problems so this was a really refreshing change.

[Marina Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read a book by Tara Bond before I was looking forward to reading this one!
I really felt for the characters in this book!

I thought Charlie was going through a self destruct phase due to her brother dying 8 years ago!
Her brothers best friend Richard watches over her, protecting her...it was his promise to him!
When Charlie goes too far, Richard comes up with an ultimatum that he hopes will save her from being that way!
Does it help Charlie when Richard offers her a job? Does she stop her destructive ways... ??
What we eventually find out is something no one even suspects, not even Charlie, when someone helps her come to a conclusion.
I really liked Richard, he was really trying his best and I loved the way it eventually went! I wasn't sure about Charlie's family though, due to the way they spoke to her at times!

I loved certain parts, and really liked the way it ended!
A good read!
Paperback copy provided by Simon and Schuster Australia.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review
This is my first Tara Bond book and I really enjoyed it, this book is not your normal romance it has a mystery and some sadness about it that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the last page.
Charlie has a standoffish attitude and I found it hard to like her in the beginning but as the book goes on and we get to know why she is hurting so much and that being rude and standoffish is how she hides her feelings and protects herself.
Richard is patient family friend that has always been there and he refuses to give up on Charlie. He was a much easier character to like.
This book really gives an insight into how different people cope with trauma. Its a romantic drama that covers some serious issues.
This won't be my last Tara Bond book
Paperback copy provided by Simon & Schuster Australia

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by Simon & Schuster via NetGalley. This is the second novel from Tara Bond and I am pleased to say I found it equally, if not more, as enthralling as the first.

A somewhat different type of story to the first, this was more of a journey of self-discovery for the main protagonist. Although I did surmise the underlying secret quite early on, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. I found all the characters likeable and easy to empathise with.

The narrative flowed effortlessly and kept me eagerly turning the pages. I can’t wait for more from this author.

Read more reviews at: https://www.theworldisabookblog.com

[Alyssia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't wowed by Tara Bond's previous novel but Sweet Deception has really changed my mind about Tara Bond's writing. I finished it a couple of weeks ago but due to a new job and exams, I'm only writing a review now but I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

I wouldn't call Sweet Deception a straight up 'romance' as it's more about loving yourself as opposed to loving someone else although she does fall in love and have her HEA but that's the second part of the book after Charlie (the heroine) has pulled herself together. Richard is adorable and charming but this novel is all about Charlie. I would definitely recommend it, even to those who weren't too keen on Beautiful Liar.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Tara Bond book I have read and have to say I really like her writing style and how the story is balanced well. It's fast paced at times which I loved. I also love the underlying secret, which keeps you turning the pages to find out more.
Overall it was really really great read. I am looking forward to reading more of Tara's work.

*was given a paperback from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review*

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially I found the main character Charlie really irritating. I was compelled to continue though to find out why she behaved the way she did. I love Tara's writing style and read this within 2 days!

[Joelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't fault Tara bond :)
Easy, brilliant and capturing read :)

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to read more of Tara ' s books!