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Twisted Deception
There are two types of people who can’t look you in the eyes: someone trying to hide a lie and someone trying to hide their love.
Addie Blake’s life isn’t black and white—more like a series of short bursts of color that sustain her until the next eruption. She isn’t a ladder-climber in the corporate world. Instead, she works long hours at the office and even at home, something her mechanic girlfriend, Drake Hogan, can’t stand. If Addie can’t focus on Drake, then Drake finds arm candy that will. After a long week of late nights and a series of text-messaged demands, each one a bigger bomb than the last, Addie has had enough of her Motor Girl.
Greyson Hollister inhabits a world where everything is either black and white, or money green. She’s a polished, certified workaholic. As head of Integrated Financial, she has built the ladder others want to climb. Now she intends to attend a business mixer to confront a rumormonger and kill merger rumors involving her company.
Detective Nancy Hill, the lead detective on the Elevator Rapist task force, has just been called in to investigate an attack at Integrated Financial. She can’t quite put her finger on it, but something doesn’t add up with this latest assault, and Greyson Hollister isn’t exactly lending a helping hand.
A storm’s brewing on the horizon. Can Addie and Greyson weather it, or will it blow them over?
Addie Blake’s life isn’t black and white—more like a series of short bursts of color that sustain her until the next eruption. She isn’t a ladder-climber in the corporate world. Instead, she works long hours at the office and even at home, something her mechanic girlfriend, Drake Hogan, can’t stand. If Addie can’t focus on Drake, then Drake finds arm candy that will. After a long week of late nights and a series of text-messaged demands, each one a bigger bomb than the last, Addie has had enough of her Motor Girl.
Greyson Hollister inhabits a world where everything is either black and white, or money green. She’s a polished, certified workaholic. As head of Integrated Financial, she has built the ladder others want to climb. Now she intends to attend a business mixer to confront a rumormonger and kill merger rumors involving her company.
Detective Nancy Hill, the lead detective on the Elevator Rapist task force, has just been called in to investigate an attack at Integrated Financial. She can’t quite put her finger on it, but something doesn’t add up with this latest assault, and Greyson Hollister isn’t exactly lending a helping hand.
A storm’s brewing on the horizon. Can Addie and Greyson weather it, or will it blow them over?
10 pages, Audible Audio
Published May 30, 2018
14 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Isabella
29 books197 followersAward winning, international best selling author, Isabella, lives in California with her wife and three sons. Isabella's first novel, Always Faithful, won a GCLS award in the Traditional Contemporary Romance category in 2010. She was also a finalist in the International Book Awards, and an Honorable Mention in the 2010 and 2012 Rainbow Awards.
She is a member of the Rainbow Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and the Gold Crown Literary Society. She has written several short stories and just finished her next novel, Razor's Edge - American Yakuza III, set for an April 15th release. She is current working on Cigar Barons - A family dynasty where blood isn't thicker than water, it's war!
She is a member of the Rainbow Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and the Gold Crown Literary Society. She has written several short stories and just finished her next novel, Razor's Edge - American Yakuza III, set for an April 15th release. She is current working on Cigar Barons - A family dynasty where blood isn't thicker than water, it's war!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 3, 2020
**'Write what disturbs you, what you as a writer fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open...'
3.5stars!
A fast-paced deceptive, twisted and interesting storyline indeed. Recommended to all!
3.5stars!
A fast-paced deceptive, twisted and interesting storyline indeed. Recommended to all!
June 4, 2018
“Twisted Deception” does have a couple deceptions, but it really (REALLY) focuses on truly twisted people.
The book is reasonably well-written, and is narrated wonderfully by Daniela Acitelli, who is becoming one of my favorite narrators.
The story features several MCs, Integrated Financial’s CEO, Greyson Hollister, hard-working employee Addie Blake, and Detective Nancy Hill. The secondary characters include Addie’s girlfriend Drake Hogan, Addie’s coworker friend Paul, Greyson’s personal assistant and black-tie companion Jared, Greyson’s deceased wife Katie and her young son, and…most disturbingly…the serial “Elevator Rapist” and the man who violently attacked Addie in the elevator at Integrated Financial.
The level of violence described during the attack on Addie, and the detailed description of the violation she felt during the hospital examination was difficult to listen to. The story changes the POV frequently, usually we hear that of Addie or Greyson, but we very frequently are presented with the POV of the Elevator Rapist as he plans attacks, and as he collects “trophies”. Most of the story involves trying to find the Elevator Rapist (the audience learns who he is fairly early on, and the suspense is how will they find him before he commits more attacks, and who will be attacked next before they find him).
The attack on Addie creates a bond between Addie and Greyson, and while their romance is part of the story, I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them, and the romance felt weak as well as a minor part of “Twisted Deception”.
There was one interesting twist/deception that led to learning more of how twisted people can be. Plus, we endured hearing very detailed descriptions of being in jail, and how delightful deputies can be.
Fans of thriller/mysteries will probably enjoy this book more than I did. I prefer more elements of romance in my lesfic, and the details of the horrors some people enjoy inflicting on others was just too disturbingly realistically dark for my tastes.
I’m rating “Twisted Deception” 3*; I can’t really penalize it for being a well-written dark story that I just didn’t enjoy, but neither did I enjoy it enough as lesfic that I recommend it. Overall - far too disturbing for me.
The book is reasonably well-written, and is narrated wonderfully by Daniela Acitelli, who is becoming one of my favorite narrators.
The story features several MCs, Integrated Financial’s CEO, Greyson Hollister, hard-working employee Addie Blake, and Detective Nancy Hill. The secondary characters include Addie’s girlfriend Drake Hogan, Addie’s coworker friend Paul, Greyson’s personal assistant and black-tie companion Jared, Greyson’s deceased wife Katie and her young son, and…most disturbingly…the serial “Elevator Rapist” and the man who violently attacked Addie in the elevator at Integrated Financial.
The level of violence described during the attack on Addie, and the detailed description of the violation she felt during the hospital examination was difficult to listen to. The story changes the POV frequently, usually we hear that of Addie or Greyson, but we very frequently are presented with the POV of the Elevator Rapist as he plans attacks, and as he collects “trophies”. Most of the story involves trying to find the Elevator Rapist (the audience learns who he is fairly early on, and the suspense is how will they find him before he commits more attacks, and who will be attacked next before they find him).
The attack on Addie creates a bond between Addie and Greyson, and while their romance is part of the story, I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them, and the romance felt weak as well as a minor part of “Twisted Deception”.
There was one interesting twist/deception that led to learning more of how twisted people can be. Plus, we endured hearing very detailed descriptions of being in jail, and how delightful deputies can be.
Fans of thriller/mysteries will probably enjoy this book more than I did. I prefer more elements of romance in my lesfic, and the details of the horrors some people enjoy inflicting on others was just too disturbingly realistically dark for my tastes.
I’m rating “Twisted Deception” 3*; I can’t really penalize it for being a well-written dark story that I just didn’t enjoy, but neither did I enjoy it enough as lesfic that I recommend it. Overall - far too disturbing for me.
June 22, 2018
Addie Blake’s life is spinning out of control. Her relationship with her mechanic girlfriend is strained thanks to Drake’s wandering eye and now a chance encounter on her way out of work has left her reeling.
Greyson Hollister heads up Integrated Financial. Nothing and no one is going to tarnish her company’s reputation, one she has worked so hard to achieve. When Detective Nancy Hill is called to Integrated Financial following an assault which may be connected to an investigation she heads up hunting an assailant known as the Elevator Rapist. Greyson is not going to let the police damage her firm's reputation becoming confrontational with the detective. Little does she know that she too may be targeted.
This is a twisty tale and one that should carry trigger warnings for those unable to handle the violence of some of the early scenes along with the emotional stress when the police become involved. Suspense builds when it becomes clear that the police are on a wild goose chase and are struggling to piece all the evidence together. . Amidst the betrayals and the constant threat of danger, Addie and Greyson reluctantly develop a bond.
I read this book a while back and did not get a chance to write a review as life got in the way. My first impressions then were of a solid 4 star thriller with a somewhat weak romance thrown in with a lesser rating. I reread the book this week and the heavy-handed stereotypes of violent men remain but I gained a new appreciation for Greyson and her efforts to do the right thing under difficult circumstances. The romance takes a back seat to the investigation and that’s okay as the focus of this novel is the hunt for those responsible and the reasons behind their treachery.
ARC received with thanks from publisher for review.
3.5 stars
March 15, 2018
What an amazing story! This book had me hooked from the beginning. I wished there was pause button on life so I could finish reading first! The end was surprising and as not to give out any details, I loved every twist in this story. Excellent read!
June 29, 2018
Just WOW!
Just wow! A lot of emotions throughout the entire story and there are chapters that will leave you breathless. Each character has been expertly drawn, the setting vivid, surprises I didn't see coming, there is brutality, a scary revelation and of course there is love. It's captivating how this story unfolds. Absolutely fascinating and intriguing. Highly recommended.
Just wow! A lot of emotions throughout the entire story and there are chapters that will leave you breathless. Each character has been expertly drawn, the setting vivid, surprises I didn't see coming, there is brutality, a scary revelation and of course there is love. It's captivating how this story unfolds. Absolutely fascinating and intriguing. Highly recommended.
January 11, 2020
3.5 ⭐
May 9, 2018
This outing from Isabella features Greyson Hollister and Addie Blake. Greyson is a high-powered corporate executive, doesn’t suffer fools easily, and is distant and known as the Ice Queen. She is mourning the death of her wife three years earlier. Addie is an employee of Greyson’s company. She’s in a relationship with a grease monkey, Drake, with her own garage and the relationship is fading. When she is attacked in one of the company’s elevators late one night, she is severely beaten and the cops thinks she’s the latest victim of the Elevator Rapist.
The early pages of this book are intense and sets the tone for the rest of the novel. As Addie recovers from her ordeal at Greyson’s home, she must come to terms with what has happened to her and how her life will change, she realizes how dysfunctional her relationship with Drake has become. As Greyson watches Addie deal with what has happened to her, she realizes she is attracted to Addie and knows she shouldn’t be.
In the meantime, the detective in charge of the Elevator Rapist case must find the perpetrator before he finds his next victim.
This book is almost flawless. It was a classic whodunit and the tension, which is palpable in the beginning of the book, continues through the book until the perp is caught – and has the reader shaking her head thinking, “I DID NOT see that coming.”
Unfortunately, the author failed to create chemistry between her two main characters, Greyson and Addie. The reader suspects it’s there, but had Isabella not hinted of it, we’d never have known it existed. Luckily for her readers, the love story isn’t central to the storyline.
If you love mysteries with twists and a book that will keep you awake reading one more page, one more chapter, get this book now. If you’re looking for the usual love story, this isn’t it.
The early pages of this book are intense and sets the tone for the rest of the novel. As Addie recovers from her ordeal at Greyson’s home, she must come to terms with what has happened to her and how her life will change, she realizes how dysfunctional her relationship with Drake has become. As Greyson watches Addie deal with what has happened to her, she realizes she is attracted to Addie and knows she shouldn’t be.
In the meantime, the detective in charge of the Elevator Rapist case must find the perpetrator before he finds his next victim.
This book is almost flawless. It was a classic whodunit and the tension, which is palpable in the beginning of the book, continues through the book until the perp is caught – and has the reader shaking her head thinking, “I DID NOT see that coming.”
Unfortunately, the author failed to create chemistry between her two main characters, Greyson and Addie. The reader suspects it’s there, but had Isabella not hinted of it, we’d never have known it existed. Luckily for her readers, the love story isn’t central to the storyline.
If you love mysteries with twists and a book that will keep you awake reading one more page, one more chapter, get this book now. If you’re looking for the usual love story, this isn’t it.
June 11, 2022
I liked this story, although it isn't a mystery in the usual sense. We know pretty early into it who is the culprit, the suspense builts mostly in knowing how he would be caught, and if he is the same man that attacked Addie.
I found the romance the weakest point of the story, as I didn't find Addie and Greyson's relationship very engaging. Mostly because I couldn't feel any chemistry between them, but also because I didn't find Addie very interesting, sorry.
Now, Detective Nancy Hill? I found her very interesting and would gladly read a book with her as a protagonist.
Regardless, this is a great thriller, with very dark moments and very suspenseful. And Daniela Acitelli's narration is superb.
I found the romance the weakest point of the story, as I didn't find Addie and Greyson's relationship very engaging. Mostly because I couldn't feel any chemistry between them, but also because I didn't find Addie very interesting, sorry.
Now, Detective Nancy Hill? I found her very interesting and would gladly read a book with her as a protagonist.
Regardless, this is a great thriller, with very dark moments and very suspenseful. And Daniela Acitelli's narration is superb.
April 26, 2018
Addie's life is like everyone else's until an elevator ride in the office one night, brings two women into her life due to an attack. The twists, turns, and undeniable writing in this book make it completely worthy of the rating. If you like suspense, ice queens, workplace, and some romance this is absolutely one that needs to be read.
May 10, 2018
‘Twisted Deception’ is an excellently crafted story with more than a few surprises and just the right amount of of tension and suspense. It revolves around three women - Addie Blake, hard working employee of Integrated Financial and downtrodden girlfriend, Greyson Hollister, CEO of the company and resident Ice Queen, and Detective Nancy Hill, who is investigating an attack at the company. Without giving anything away I will say that their interactions are fraught with intense emotion and in dealing with serious and scary issues we see more of their personalities and how they change each other. Addie’s relationship with her girlfriend is toxic and affects so much about her life. But I could see a strength in her that was very appealing. Greyson may be the Ice Queen to her employees but seeing the softer, caring side of her was wonderful. Nancy was tenacious and dogged in her pursuit of the attacker, but she was also understanding and willing to listen. I must admit I did not see a few of the twists coming. And when they came they were explosive. I really enjoyed this book and would like to see these characters again. 5 Stars
I was given this ARC in return for an honest review.
I was given this ARC in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2018
Addie Blake's life wasn't exciting, until the night she returned to the office to pick up a forgotten document and was attacked on the elevator. The attach immediately brings her into a new world, and into closer contact with two people: Greyson Hollister, the powerful "ice queen" owner of her firm, and Detective Nancy Hill, a frustrated member of the recently enacted "rape task force" to catch the elusive "Elevator Rapist" terrorizing the town of San Jose, CA. At first, Addie's attack looks like just another case on the trail, except for two differences: she was never raped, and there was another rape at a function in a different part of town just hours after Addie's. When Addie's girlfriend, Drake, immediately reacts with rage and threats of a lawsuit against the company, it further muddies the waters. Was Addie's attack by the same perpetrator, or was it a copycat? Why did Drake abandon her after two years together? Greyson and Nancy are determined to find out. Unfortunately, their methods differ, and they aren't always on the same page. Twisted Deception, by Isabella, is a romantic thriller that will lead readers down twisted paths, and take you to an ending that you won't expect.
I enjoyed Twisted Deception, because it's a different kind of mystery than I normally read. Isabella does a great job of weaving the threads together into a complicated but intriguing story, and the characters are well developed. It's an engrossing tale that delves into the psyche and shows where love can lead and what it can do - for better or for worse. A great, thrilling read.
I enjoyed Twisted Deception, because it's a different kind of mystery than I normally read. Isabella does a great job of weaving the threads together into a complicated but intriguing story, and the characters are well developed. It's an engrossing tale that delves into the psyche and shows where love can lead and what it can do - for better or for worse. A great, thrilling read.
June 10, 2019
Content warning: description of rape
November 9, 2019
So good! I did not expect one plot twist and I am usually good at ferreting them out....Bravo! Really enjoyed this book for the plot twists and the love story...great read.
September 15, 2019
I gave it 4 stars but I think it is more like a 3.5. The story is quite twisted with people and events that happen. There are some evil people that circle around the two main characters Greyson and Addie. There is also a police defective that has her own issues and is woven throughout the book which requires police intervention to put the bad guys away. However, she is far from nice and has an unpleasant and prickly demeanor.
There is lots of sex but not with both of the main characters. You could feel the chemistry with Greyson's former lover but I was hard pressed to find it with her and Addie, which left a void in the book. They both suffer trauma which brings them together, but leaves the reader unsatisfied. There should have been more before the epilog show up. I do enjoy the writing and will read more of the books by this author. I wonder if the characters will make another appearance someday.
There is lots of sex but not with both of the main characters. You could feel the chemistry with Greyson's former lover but I was hard pressed to find it with her and Addie, which left a void in the book. They both suffer trauma which brings them together, but leaves the reader unsatisfied. There should have been more before the epilog show up. I do enjoy the writing and will read more of the books by this author. I wonder if the characters will make another appearance someday.
January 20, 2020
This is the first novel Isabella by I have read. I was hooked from the opening lines. The characters are definitely unique personalities with baggage galore. That is what makes this book so interesting. The twists and turns that happen are unpredictable and engaging. Above all this is a realistic story on some many fronts. This is a great novel and it is narrated by a the super talent of Daniela Acitelli. She has a gift for bringing out the best and worst in each character. I would however add the disclaimer that it may be unsuitable for folks with unresolved issues with sexual violence.
August 1, 2018
Another awesome read from one of the best...One of the marks of an experienced and talented writer, especially of mystery or suspense, is that after going on an amazing literary ride - where you are ever so sure you've figured it out -wrong😁, you realize all the clues were there all along.
Go ahead, buy it (you know you want to), read it and see if you can guess before the last page. Either way, you're the winner with this one.
Go ahead, buy it (you know you want to), read it and see if you can guess before the last page. Either way, you're the winner with this one.
March 4, 2020
This was a really good story that kept me on the edge of my seat! I didn't want to put it down. I stayed up way too late reading because of the excellent writting. It had all the elements of a great story - interesting, well developed characters, suspense with twists and a sweet romance. It's only my second book by this author but I will be seeking out others.
Please note, although an excellent book, some scenes are very graphic and I think a trigger warning is warranted
Please note, although an excellent book, some scenes are very graphic and I think a trigger warning is warranted
June 26, 2018
Having twist in the title is appropriate because this book had so many twists and turns it made my head spin. It was exactly what you want in a thriller. The characters were not wimpy but not superheros either. The setting of the cutthroat corporate world added a different dimension as well.It just all fit perfectly. Then add sexual tension. Yes, this book had it all.
June 24, 2018
A true page turner, this a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Smart and fast paced, you can’t wait to start connecting the dots of the mystery and ride of emotions from all the twists and turns. By the end you can’t help but cheer for Addie and Greyson. A brilliant read!
June 22, 2018
Isabella is a great writer, also a publisher at Sapphire Books. This new book is great, well written. We found the style of Isabella, this book is to read very quickly. Enjoy 😊
June 30, 2018
It is a well written story with multiple main characters that are all pretty likable (or not if they are not indented too)... It is a pretty twisted story that keeps the reader interested !
June 8, 2023
Good book
Love the story line and the characters This book kept me up late at night. But it was worth it. I recommend this book
Love the story line and the characters This book kept me up late at night. But it was worth it. I recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews