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Embellished Deception
When Geraldine MacIntyre's marriage falls apart, she returns to her childhood home expecting her mother to welcome her with open arms. Instead, she finds all is not as it should be with her parents.
James Dunn, a successful private investigator and crime writer, is also back in his home-town, to help solve a recent spate of vicious rapes. He is thrilled to discover his ex-classmate, and love of his life, Geraldine, is back, minus the hubby, and sets out to get the girl. However, he isn't the only interested bachelor in the quaint, country village. Has he left it too late?
Embellished Deception is a thrilling, heart-wrenching and thought provoking story of love, loss and deceit.
WARNING - This book contains graphic rape scenes.
James Dunn, a successful private investigator and crime writer, is also back in his home-town, to help solve a recent spate of vicious rapes. He is thrilled to discover his ex-classmate, and love of his life, Geraldine, is back, minus the hubby, and sets out to get the girl. However, he isn't the only interested bachelor in the quaint, country village. Has he left it too late?
Embellished Deception is a thrilling, heart-wrenching and thought provoking story of love, loss and deceit.
WARNING - This book contains graphic rape scenes.
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First published March 4, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 10, 2015
Impossible Dilemma was the first book I read by this author, Netta Newbound and it really made a huge impression on me, so I was looking forward to reading this one next.
I have given this 4 stars as it wasn't as 'heart pounding' on the other book I read by her and this is also a Psychological thriller although a romantic one.
It has plenty of romance but I felt personally that more of the serial rapist should have been played out more in the pages as it seemed to drop half way through and I thought the romance side was more pronounced.
There is a rape scene in this book, but I can certainly say I have read worse, this is mild compared to some. Still awful, but not so graphic.
I still liked this read and that is why I merit is my personal 4 stars as its well worth reading.
Its not a lovely dovey romance in any sense of the word, its a really good well rounded one.
I just personally would have liked to see more of the 'nasty' bits bringing more of a rounded edge to it.
I am certainly looking forward to reading more from this author.
*I read my copy via Net galley from the author*
April 9, 2018
2.5 stars
Just couldn't connect - wanted to DNF more than a few times - predictable.
Just couldn't connect - wanted to DNF more than a few times - predictable.
May 30, 2017
So glad to see this book came with a warning, the opening page, although gripping was a little graphic to say the least. But I have to take my hat off to Netta again for a fabulous read.
When Geraldine returns to her childhood home after the break up of her marriage, she learns that there is a rapist loose in the area. Instead of receiving the warm welcome she thought she would receive from her parents her mother was very off with her to begin with, it soon becomes apparent why when the family hear some shocking news.
Geraldine gets friendly with Carl, James and Vinny, two of whom she knew from her school days and her whole world is turned upside down when each of the friendships develop varying degrees of problems. To say more would give away the plot.
Needless to say this was a gripping read with great cast of characters. I've downloaded the second book and can't wait to start reading it. Highly recommended from me.
When Geraldine returns to her childhood home after the break up of her marriage, she learns that there is a rapist loose in the area. Instead of receiving the warm welcome she thought she would receive from her parents her mother was very off with her to begin with, it soon becomes apparent why when the family hear some shocking news.
Geraldine gets friendly with Carl, James and Vinny, two of whom she knew from her school days and her whole world is turned upside down when each of the friendships develop varying degrees of problems. To say more would give away the plot.
Needless to say this was a gripping read with great cast of characters. I've downloaded the second book and can't wait to start reading it. Highly recommended from me.
June 26, 2019
Decent premise, but one plot point truly ruined this for me.
It starts with Geri (the h) moving back in with her parents after her marriage to Simon (hereafter known as slimeball best friend) goes up in flames. You eventually find out why; he's gay and was having an affair with his boss.
Side note: maybe it's just me, but it seems like being gay is often depicted as an acceptable excuse for cheating. It's not. It was a selfish, cowardly thing for him to do and we haven't even gotten to the truly despicable act of this character.
So apparently the slimeball wanted a baby. And he figured that the h might be resistant to the idea of bearing his child once she found out about this whole mess. (How he's gay/in love with a dude/leaving her for said dude.) So his solution is to make sure he got he got her knocked up BEFORE the truth came out. He justified his actions by saying it was because he's gay so he would "never have a chance to have a baby otherwise."
1. HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF ADOPTION??????
2. How the fuck do you justify what basically amounts to using someone as a surrogate WITHOUT her informed consent? How could anyone (actually, not just anyone but her supposed "best friend") do that to another human being? It made me sick to my stomach.
One final issue I had was that at some point (before she knows if she's pregnant) she says that she would choose an abortion over having a baby with the slimeball in these circumstances. And then she promptly changes her mind. IDK, maybe it's just me, but it seemed a bit abortion shame-y and I just didn't buy her complete about-face. I wish more of what I read featured heroines who make that choice and are ok with it.
It starts with Geri (the h) moving back in with her parents after her marriage to Simon (hereafter known as slimeball best friend) goes up in flames. You eventually find out why; he's gay and was having an affair with his boss.
Side note: maybe it's just me, but it seems like being gay is often depicted as an acceptable excuse for cheating. It's not. It was a selfish, cowardly thing for him to do and we haven't even gotten to the truly despicable act of this character.
So apparently the slimeball wanted a baby. And he figured that the h might be resistant to the idea of bearing his child once she found out about this whole mess. (How he's gay/in love with a dude/leaving her for said dude.) So his solution is to make sure he got he got her knocked up BEFORE the truth came out. He justified his actions by saying it was because he's gay so he would "never have a chance to have a baby otherwise."
1. HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF ADOPTION??????
2. How the fuck do you justify what basically amounts to using someone as a surrogate WITHOUT her informed consent? How could anyone (actually, not just anyone but her supposed "best friend") do that to another human being? It made me sick to my stomach.
One final issue I had was that at some point (before she knows if she's pregnant) she says that she would choose an abortion over having a baby with the slimeball in these circumstances. And then she promptly changes her mind. IDK, maybe it's just me, but it seemed a bit abortion shame-y and I just didn't buy her complete about-face. I wish more of what I read featured heroines who make that choice and are ok with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2016
I received this as an arc from the book club ( tbc ) on fb in exchange for an honest review.
When Geraldine Macintyre's marriage falls apart, she returns to her childhood home expecting her mother to welcome her with open arms, instead, she finds all is not as. It should be with her parents.
Wow. OMG. Wow.
Absolutely fantastic read.
CNPID.
Read in one sitting.
I loved the story and the characters.
I loved Geraldine.
She was my favourite character.
I loved James too.
This is a lovely and moving story.
Wow. What a read.
I had my doubts about who it could be.
Wow I was right.
I loved the ending too.
It was perfect.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book.
Definitely worth more than 5 *.
When Geraldine Macintyre's marriage falls apart, she returns to her childhood home expecting her mother to welcome her with open arms, instead, she finds all is not as. It should be with her parents.
Wow. OMG. Wow.
Absolutely fantastic read.
CNPID.
Read in one sitting.
I loved the story and the characters.
I loved Geraldine.
She was my favourite character.
I loved James too.
This is a lovely and moving story.
Wow. What a read.
I had my doubts about who it could be.
Wow I was right.
I loved the ending too.
It was perfect.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book.
Definitely worth more than 5 *.
February 21, 2017
I am so glad I have found this author, her books are brilliant. Very well written and so easy to read. A well deserved 5 stars from me.
August 12, 2017
This is a fantastic start to Netta Newbounds series. It's an emotional rollercoaster and I read this in one sitting, I really couldn't put the book down. An amazing book and now starting on book 2 Conflicted Innocence!
October 18, 2019
I devoured this book!!!
This is so brilliantly written! I love that there are so many different threads to this story and was engrossed in all of them throughout, with parts heartstopping, others heartbreaking......how many times can you cry reading one book?! The characters were so realistic and I felt many of the emotions Geri and her parents found themselves experiencing, which actually evoked my own personal memories and emotions.
I had my list of suspects, but honestly didn't have a clue who the culprit was. This is a fantastic and thrilling story and I can't wait to read more.
This is so brilliantly written! I love that there are so many different threads to this story and was engrossed in all of them throughout, with parts heartstopping, others heartbreaking......how many times can you cry reading one book?! The characters were so realistic and I felt many of the emotions Geri and her parents found themselves experiencing, which actually evoked my own personal memories and emotions.
I had my list of suspects, but honestly didn't have a clue who the culprit was. This is a fantastic and thrilling story and I can't wait to read more.
February 28, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a honest review.
This is the first book I have read by Netta Newbound but I was curious having come across her work on various sites. First of all I have to say this author writes in an easy style making the story straight forward to follow and the characters simplistic and either likeable or not, but are they reliable?.
The book contains three main subplots, Geraldine and her complicated love life/ relationship with her parents, Illness and the fact there is a terrifying rapist loose in the village.
About three quarters of a way through this book I was left thinking about the rapist plot as it seemed to have stalled for a while but then it suddenly picked up again and I guessed in one defining moment who the rapist was but I was eager to see if I was right (which I was!) but this never detracted from my enjoyment of the story and it wasn't overly obvious I just picked up on a clue!. All the subplots however cleverly all merged and tied up in the end. I really enjoyed the various characterisation and how the relationships were portrayed and Geraldine's closeness to her parents and Father especially.
This story was bitter sweet, so after reading crime, rape and death the ending was a nice happy one.
I am really looking forward to reading more of Netta's work and the follow up to this book which I believe is to be published shortly. I would love to see Geraldine's lovely Father maybe find happiness with Aunt Beryl as everybody else was coupled off and he came across as such a gentle man and I really warmed to him! ha!.
A very enjoyable read.
This is the first book I have read by Netta Newbound but I was curious having come across her work on various sites. First of all I have to say this author writes in an easy style making the story straight forward to follow and the characters simplistic and either likeable or not, but are they reliable?.
The book contains three main subplots, Geraldine and her complicated love life/ relationship with her parents, Illness and the fact there is a terrifying rapist loose in the village.
About three quarters of a way through this book I was left thinking about the rapist plot as it seemed to have stalled for a while but then it suddenly picked up again and I guessed in one defining moment who the rapist was but I was eager to see if I was right (which I was!) but this never detracted from my enjoyment of the story and it wasn't overly obvious I just picked up on a clue!. All the subplots however cleverly all merged and tied up in the end. I really enjoyed the various characterisation and how the relationships were portrayed and Geraldine's closeness to her parents and Father especially.
This story was bitter sweet, so after reading crime, rape and death the ending was a nice happy one.
I am really looking forward to reading more of Netta's work and the follow up to this book which I believe is to be published shortly. I would love to see Geraldine's lovely Father maybe find happiness with Aunt Beryl as everybody else was coupled off and he came across as such a gentle man and I really warmed to him! ha!.
A very enjoyable read.
August 20, 2015
The genre of this book is listed as a romantic psychological thriller.
Romance .. in abundance. Geraldine separates from her husband after learning that he is gay and returns to the small village where her parents live. In short order, she finds that an old flame has also returned. And there's also the nephew of her mother's best friend who is taking a big interest in Geraldine. And then there's Vinny, the cop, with whom she has a one night stand. Oh .. and she finds out she is pregnant with her husband's baby.
Thriller ... maybe. There is a serial rapist running loose. Lots of suspects, but the cop decides that Geraldine's friend is guilty. The old flame is a true-crime writer, so he and Geraldine team up to prove her friend's innocence.
Psychological ... hmmm, not sure, unless you want to count her mother's illness. She's been keeping her illness secret .. she has a brain tumor. A lot of the book is relegated to talking about how the family is dealing with the knowledge that she is dying.
This was not a very exciting book. The best, in my opinion, was about 6 pages toward the end when the rapist confronts Geraldine.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Author for supplying the e-book in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
Romance .. in abundance. Geraldine separates from her husband after learning that he is gay and returns to the small village where her parents live. In short order, she finds that an old flame has also returned. And there's also the nephew of her mother's best friend who is taking a big interest in Geraldine. And then there's Vinny, the cop, with whom she has a one night stand. Oh .. and she finds out she is pregnant with her husband's baby.
Thriller ... maybe. There is a serial rapist running loose. Lots of suspects, but the cop decides that Geraldine's friend is guilty. The old flame is a true-crime writer, so he and Geraldine team up to prove her friend's innocence.
Psychological ... hmmm, not sure, unless you want to count her mother's illness. She's been keeping her illness secret .. she has a brain tumor. A lot of the book is relegated to talking about how the family is dealing with the knowledge that she is dying.
This was not a very exciting book. The best, in my opinion, was about 6 pages toward the end when the rapist confronts Geraldine.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Author for supplying the e-book in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
June 2, 2015
Another Winner by Ms Newbound
This Author is a fantastic story teller. She just keeps on delivering the great stuff. I didn't think she could top the other books I read by her but she has out done herself again . She has a way of inventing character's that you love and hate and they become so realistic that you feel as if you know them personally. This woman has a great mind for story telling and readers you will not be disappointed I promise. I like how she keeps you wanting more.
kozetteksmith
This Author is a fantastic story teller. She just keeps on delivering the great stuff. I didn't think she could top the other books I read by her but she has out done herself again . She has a way of inventing character's that you love and hate and they become so realistic that you feel as if you know them personally. This woman has a great mind for story telling and readers you will not be disappointed I promise. I like how she keeps you wanting more.
kozetteksmith
March 8, 2015
This was a really good page turner. I read it in a day. It was a little bit predictable, but I loved the combination of Romance and Murder Mystery. I'm a sucker for Romance. I love a feel-good happy ending. Would definitely read more of her books. The only negative I would say was that if you grew up with, and then married your best friend, you would probably know them a bit better than she seemed to. Credulity suspended somewhat.
August 15, 2015
LOTS OF STRANGE GOINGS ON IN THIS SMALL TOWN FOR ONE THEY HAVE A SERIAL RAPIST AMONG THEM. THIS WAS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED I WAS SURPRISED AFTER GETTING INTO IT THE STORY-LINE WAS JUST WOW I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN. WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK! THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT MOVIE THE KIND YOU COULD JUST KEEP WATCHING YA’ WANT IT TO GO ON EVEN AFTER THE CREDITS START TO ROLL. ;D
May 10, 2016
The story grips you from the start and keeps you going . Really enjoyable book can't wait to read the next in the series
August 2, 2017
I'm becoming quite a fan of this author. I fell in love with the characters in this book very quickly. The personal life of Geri seemed to be the main story in this crime thriller, but the story of the murderer/rapist was ongoing throughout the entire book. It went back and forth in my mind, with quite a few possible suspects that were very likely to be the culprit, so it wasn't until the ending when the big reveal came that I was able to put all the pieces together. I think though that being the first in a series, getting to know the main character, Geri, and all her supporting friends and family was important, especially to the rest of the series. I have read the second book and am about to start the third book now and I can say that the base of this first book was important to build upon for the others to come. The book was a quick read and everything flowed really well, the dialogue rang true to me, and these were people that I really enjoyed getting to know. I am completely hooked on this series and am in the midst of devouring the rest of them. The writing is great and I can't wait to see what is next for Geri and her family and friends.
December 30, 2020
Warning Warning Warning.... THIS BOOK HAS A SIDELINE STORY ABOUT CANCER
I hated Simon! Detest that we have a story where being gay is used as a reason to cheat on the wife? Don't get me wrong, I love the angst of a good story where the partner cheats... but only if it's done by an author good enough to redeem the cheater in the end. This author failed miserably!
I've read books where the author managed to redeem a character that admitted to physcially cheating and falling in love with another person. But I don't think anyone could salvage a character that planned on telling his wife he was going to leave her for his lover after she became pregnant with a baby they were both trying for. And why was he trying for a baby knowing he was going to leave her?? Because it was the only chance he may ever have of becoming a father!! Lowlife!!
I didn't rate this book as 1 star simply because I hated the characters. No, I rated it as 1 star because it was too obvious who the perpetrator was and I eventually became bored with that storyline.
I hated Simon! Detest that we have a story where being gay is used as a reason to cheat on the wife? Don't get me wrong, I love the angst of a good story where the partner cheats... but only if it's done by an author good enough to redeem the cheater in the end. This author failed miserably!
I've read books where the author managed to redeem a character that admitted to physcially cheating and falling in love with another person. But I don't think anyone could salvage a character that planned on telling his wife he was going to leave her for his lover after she became pregnant with a baby they were both trying for. And why was he trying for a baby knowing he was going to leave her?? Because it was the only chance he may ever have of becoming a father!! Lowlife!!
I didn't rate this book as 1 star simply because I hated the characters. No, I rated it as 1 star because it was too obvious who the perpetrator was and I eventually became bored with that storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2017
A great read!! I was sceptical at first about how a thriller could run along side a romance but Netta Newboud nails it!!
Before i'd even finished this I had already bought the 2nd book in the series and pre-ordered the third. I just couldn't wait to see what was next for the likeable characters in this series and find yourself really willing things to happen for them as they are relatable.
I loved it because it was full of twists in the tale and on the edge of the chair drama!! Although i had suspicions of who the culprit was, the way in which it is carefully written keep you guessing and suspecting.
Definitely worth a read!!
Before i'd even finished this I had already bought the 2nd book in the series and pre-ordered the third. I just couldn't wait to see what was next for the likeable characters in this series and find yourself really willing things to happen for them as they are relatable.
I loved it because it was full of twists in the tale and on the edge of the chair drama!! Although i had suspicions of who the culprit was, the way in which it is carefully written keep you guessing and suspecting.
Definitely worth a read!!
October 21, 2019
The dissolution of her marriage devestates Geri, propelling her back to the small village where her parents live. but the peace she seeks is lacking. Her mother is behaving oddly and their is a vicious rapist at large. On the positive side three very different men are interested in her. She may have a chance at love if she can escape the crosshairs of a killer.
I liked this book. The mystery ab out the rapist was almost secondary to the domestic drama. I generally prefer my crime the other way around but the writing is good,the characters appealing and the emotion authentic. The identity of the rapist was easily determined but still it was a rewarding read. Well done.
I liked this book. The mystery ab out the rapist was almost secondary to the domestic drama. I generally prefer my crime the other way around but the writing is good,the characters appealing and the emotion authentic. The identity of the rapist was easily determined but still it was a rewarding read. Well done.
June 6, 2017
Geraldine returns to her parents home after her marriage to Simon breaks down. She needs time to get over the shock of what she found out about him. Her mother doesn't seem happy to see her which is unlike her and she's acting very strangely.
When she goes out for a drink with a couple of men she went to school with, she's warned to be careful as there's a rapist in the village.
This is yet another great thriller by Netta Newbound and there's plenty of twists and turns, sadness and joy in this book and one I have no hesitation in recommending
When she goes out for a drink with a couple of men she went to school with, she's warned to be careful as there's a rapist in the village.
This is yet another great thriller by Netta Newbound and there's plenty of twists and turns, sadness and joy in this book and one I have no hesitation in recommending
January 31, 2025
This is definitely a two stories in one book, which was very interesting and original. On the one hand, the story was a dramatic life story with Geri and her family at the heart of it, sadness, loss and unexpected twists made for a harrowing read and then on the other hand there was a bit of a murder/thriller plot, gritty and graphic. The only thing I can pick at really is that I correctly guessed the criminal around a third of the way through. Other than that, a well written, descriptive book that in some parts is very true to life!
March 31, 2018
Great...
It took me a little over a day to read this. It was fantastic...A part of me didn't Ew t it to end, yet it was a serious page turner. This authour definitely has a new fan... I'm a Brit also, so the words and spelling used didn't throw me off at all...Thanks for your imagination and a great read. I've also recommended it to my mum..
It took me a little over a day to read this. It was fantastic...A part of me didn't Ew t it to end, yet it was a serious page turner. This authour definitely has a new fan... I'm a Brit also, so the words and spelling used didn't throw me off at all...Thanks for your imagination and a great read. I've also recommended it to my mum..
April 14, 2018
OMGoodness! What anunexpectly awesome book!
I'm actually a little speechless right now after reading this book all in one sitting. I am pleasantly surprised with how well I liked, no, loved this book! If you want one of those can't-put-down reads, then look no further. Also, I almost never give 5 stars, so that should say a lot. Great book!😁
I'm actually a little speechless right now after reading this book all in one sitting. I am pleasantly surprised with how well I liked, no, loved this book! If you want one of those can't-put-down reads, then look no further. Also, I almost never give 5 stars, so that should say a lot. Great book!😁
February 19, 2018
NEW AUTHOR
Ms. Newbound, this is the first book I have read of yours. I really enjoyed it. Didn't figure out until the end who the bad guy really was. I will be reading more of your books. Thank you and keep it up.
Ms. Newbound, this is the first book I have read of yours. I really enjoyed it. Didn't figure out until the end who the bad guy really was. I will be reading more of your books. Thank you and keep it up.
May 6, 2019
Great read
Absolutely loved the characters in this book and the storyline was so good. Loved Geraldine and her quirky nature and the ending is just perfect. Would definitely recommend this book to family and friends.
Absolutely loved the characters in this book and the storyline was so good. Loved Geraldine and her quirky nature and the ending is just perfect. Would definitely recommend this book to family and friends.
May 25, 2020
Great book
Great book this is the forth one of her books I have read .Her books are great keeps you interested til the I read it in one day .Very good all her books have been great I wish she had more
Great book this is the forth one of her books I have read .Her books are great keeps you interested til the I read it in one day .Very good all her books have been great I wish she had more
August 20, 2017
Really enjoyed this book, the characters are fantastic
December 20, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable
Really enjoyed this book. The characters were brought to life by author. I guessed the ending but didn't spoil my enjoyment at all. Great author
Really enjoyed this book. The characters were brought to life by author. I guessed the ending but didn't spoil my enjoyment at all. Great author
March 30, 2018
Fantastic book!
Another great book by Netta Newbound! Was completely hooked from the first page and couldn't wait to get into bed each evening to read more. Highly recommend.
Another great book by Netta Newbound! Was completely hooked from the first page and couldn't wait to get into bed each evening to read more. Highly recommend.
April 14, 2018
A good read, but more about the complexities of relationships with a bit of crime thrown in.
April 17, 2018
Loved it
Awesome book couldn't put it down wth nett a another great read off now to read the next one cheers pam
Awesome book couldn't put it down wth nett a another great read off now to read the next one cheers pam
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews