Deception

by Brittany Crowley, Karen Raines

Sydney-I’m no stranger to the walk of shame. Relationships are messy and someone always gets hurt. One night’s all they get from me.Until him.Now there’s an unknown enemy forcing me back into the scene of my fears. Before long I’m questioning everything, including if I have what it takes to make a relationship work...to be his blue.

Cross- I’ve hidden from the ghosts of my past, and the last place I ever thought I would be is here, back on this stage.I’m the strength, the quiet calm to our crew. But when it comes to the woman I love, I’ll leave the solitude and head back to the flames...And if she gets caught in the crossfire, I’ll burn them all to the ground.

**CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2018

About the author

Brittany Crowley was born and raised in Massachusetts. She still lives there today with her husband and 3 kids. Getting into the world of romance after she had her first child, she was hooked. Though she had many ideas in her head, Brittany was unsure if she had what it took to become a writer. A few encouraging words and one writing challenge later, she completed her first book. Now you can find her trying to keep up with her crazy kids and writing any chance she gets.

Reviews

[Karenj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow these two have cracked this co-authoring lark !! This book flows so seamlessly between the characters I wouldn't know that 2 authors were involved. In the first book I found myself trying to guess who'd written each part as I could tell her characters had different personalities writing them.. but not with this one !!
This story has it all - gripping, page-turning suspense that had me up til past midnight as I couldn't put it down until I'd finished !! I love this group of characters.. they each have their own back story and getting to know Cross and Syd (aka Blue) was intriguing .. what makes them tick, what's holding Syd back from falling for Cross.
So with a suspenseful plotline, fab characters and gripping writing style, I highly recommend this book !

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved Syd and Cross.What and amazing love story.Talk about twists omg begging for more.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Gem.... I so found my new book boyfriend..... Hotness mixed in with the need to protect the one that he loves , mystery mixed in with trying to get over your troubled past that has haunted you for most of your life, white knuckle page turner, oh holy hotness mixed in with , cannot put this book down because it is so awesome!!! You just gotta love Syd with her hair color trying to do what's right and protect her family without giving up her chance at happiness and love, Bravo ladies for putting your awesome minds together to grace your readers with another spectacular , amazing book!! So looking forward to see what else you have coming.... For all the readers who didn't like this book, seriously something wrong with you.... Snap.... This book was reviewed by a Book Loving Vixen....

[Tasha Talks Books Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Crap! This book had me on the edge and wow. Brittany and Karen has knocked it out of the park yet again. You have a woman who is scared to let anyone get close to her. She is strong, independent and is used to having everyone else's back. The last thing she wants to do is have to rely on someone to have her back. Especially not the one man that can make her panties drop at the blink of an eye. As much as she doesn't want to fall for the love of my life, Cross, she just might have no say so in the matter.

I wanted more. I can not wait to read the next book in the series, because obvi, there has to be another book. Yet another KO for Brittany and Karen, this is a must read as is all of their books. They are the absolute Dynamic Duo on Cowrites. The mesh of their words and the flow wouldn't have you thinking that there were two different people writing this book.

[Jolene St Germain Triggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another five stars from two of my favorite one click authors! Syd and Cross are so amazing! I love the dual pov so we get to see where their heads are at in pivotal points in the story. This can be read as a stand alone, but you will want to read more from these two if you start with this one, you'll end up wanting to read Stakeout. I love the witty smart-ass-y banter between them, the level of sarcasm that I can identify with. So steamy too. If this ever gets made into a film I picture The Rock as Cross. And so much action! I loved the subplots especially, they really kept me engaged and turning the pages, these authors do not disappoint. Can't wait for more of these two authors.

[Jen C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dynamic duo are back and better than ever.
This book drags you in from the front cover and keeps you glued to the pages wondering what the pair have got up their sleeves next.

You get the close knit group of PI friends from Shakeout, new characters some you'll love, some you want to kill, and some that keep you on the edge of your seat wondering how they fit into the plot. You get violence, hatred, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, loss, secrets, lust, witty banter and hot sex.

⛔⛔⛔SOME SPOILERS⛔⛔⛔

It's time for a new case and that is protecting Ray-Ann, Sydney's twin, and this one is going to make them think twice about who they can trust.

Cross and Sydney their chemistry is nuclear anybody can see they're meant to be together, apart from Sydney. Cross is there for her at every turn and will risk hurting himself mentally and physically for her, but she's stubborn as a bull and can't see what's in front of her when it comes to him.

When they finally get onboard with their feelings will it all be ripped away from them?

As the plot thickens who can they really trust?

[Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy and voluntarily left a review

After reading Stakeout and experiencing two of my favorite authors teaming up together and giving us the beginning to a new steamy PI series, I was ecstatic to jump into Deception and see these bad ass characters solve another case and fall in love again. It wasn't long and I was completely immersed in this teams “who dunnit” and ready to see the sexual tension explode between Sydney and Cross. Karen and Brittany had me so wrapped up in disguises, interrupted sexual encounters, surprising betrayals and so much action that my mind was in a constant tailspin and my heart was pounding from beginning to end!

Sydney is an indigo haired heroine that I couldn't help but fall hard for. She is feisty, can take down a man twice her size, and doesn't let fear stop her...anymore. I loved watching Cross wear down her rough edges and show her that they are meant for each other. Of course all while trying to protect those that they love and find the bad guy. The more I learned about this character's past and the more I got to watch this witty woman in action, the closer I felt to her and wanted to know more and more about her.

Cross is the strong, silent, and broody type, which I am a complete sucker for. I couldn't wait to peel back the layers of this hero and see what lies beneath this mystery that is Cross...and of course seeing the yumminess underneath the clothes didn't hurt either. Cross squeezed my heart with all his might with every sexy move and gesture of love that he shows towards Sydney. I might be just a little addicted to this hero who checks all the right boxes on my fictional boyfriend list.

Brittany Crowley and Karen Raines takes us back into the arms of this PI crew and gives us another wild, heart stopping ride through love full of mystery and lots of steam! I highly recommend Deception for a romance that will leave you breathless and ready to experience it all over again! I cannot wait for more books by this dynamic duo that will bring us back to this suspenseful fictional world for more heat and heart among this group of friends.

[Jackie Deans Zielke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A another great book from this amazing duo. These two write so well together. This book will make you laugh, scream at a certain female character and swoon over Cross. This book will have you trying to solve the mystery. I kept thinking could it be? No. Wait, omg, no. Maybe. But in the end I did not see that coming. Well done. These two can spin a mystery well. They add enough humor to make you feel like you are in a old Scooby doo cartoon. Plenty of hot Steamy moments too. Cross and Blue have amazing chemistry and when they come together is explosive (pun intended). I absolutely loved this book. I cannot wait to see the next book in the Stalker Series. Please tell me there will me. Marcus and Sky story?

[Sammi D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously! These ladies have done it again!!!
When you cant put down a book because you have to know what happens next, you know it's a damn good book. Has you en the edge of your seat wanting to know who the bad guy is. But also has you drooling over the yummy CROSS that is the perfect book boyfriend!!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im not ashamed to say that i love the books of both authors.
After loving book 1 i was eager to read this one and omg did they turn it up a notch!
I was hooked from page one and now i am so in loce with Cross its unreal!!

[Danielle Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deception was a great read! I loved Cross and Sydney. Cross was swoony and sexy. They had explosive chemistry and hot hot sexy scenes! I loved loved them together! I loved all the banter and sarcasm! This book was full of twists and a little mystery. Kept me wanting more!

[Laura Reinhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittany has done it again!! She has written another book that had me immersed from the beginning! I love these characters and couldn’t put the book down!

[Megan Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

cross and Sydney offer up their secrets to help her sister against a threat. I just love the dynamic of this group of PIs. They offer humor, love, family and they mean business when helping that family. Please one click. these ladies are just that great at writing. This is my honest review for a book I volunteered to read and of course I will be buying it

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once. Just once that's all and she will be good as gold and it will be all behind her. She's a big girl and doesn't do relationships not even for him. Well at least that's what she tells herself. Between seeing her sister again and helping her with her stalker and letting him in just a little, okay maybe it was jealousy. Whose bright idea was this in the first place. Hot headed, stubborn, tough as nails Blue is about to eat her words and she's taking Cross with her, after she finds out the rest of his secrets. Plenty of action, twist you don't see coming, and of course eating crow. . . . and yeah Marcus too (help me please) in all of his inappropriate ways.

I love this duo as individual author, combined together there aren't enough stars. They will have you laughing out loud, give you new phrases to sling and descriptions that will have you spitting out your drink (so protect your electronics). The team is back at work and this time they may be blown away by the deception.

[Tamara Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy mother of Pearl!!!
I am in freaking love with Cross and Sydney.
Like for real I am all up in Sydney’s girl squad. She is just that awesome, absolutely kick ass woman and her strength not only physically but mentally is such an inspiration.
Cross is legit my new book boyfriend. He knows exactly what he wants and is willing to wait until she realises it too.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts and the sexy times....damn boy are they hot!
Apart from that, this was actually a really good story that I could not put down. There was drama and intrigue and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat!
As always these two amazing woman have written a tale that has me captivated from the start and I am looking forward to what they have in store for us all next.
This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. After the first book in this series I was hooked. I wanted to know more about Sydney and Cross. This pair were destined for one another even if it took a little while. Both have secrets that would rather stay secrets. Sydney hides her feelings while Cross is upfront about his. Of course it wouldn't be a Stalker novel without plenty of action! This is one of those books where I am afraid to say too much because I don't want to blurt out any spoilers. This review was originally posted on A Lucky Grace

[Reg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, it’s so showbiz! With its many secrets, surprises, sneaky moves, and sexy characters, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, it had me laughing out loud several times, and swooning over the male lead Cross (I kept imagining him as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, all muscled and musical!) He and his colleague Sydney sure had an intriguing relationship and a love story that played out like a movie. I am happy and thankful that authors Karen Raines and Brittany Crowley collaborated again to produce this wonderfully whacky book and bring back the always funny, reliable, and endearing gang of snoops/sleuths that I first met in Stakeout. Great job, ladies! Recommending this exciting and entertaining “stalker” novel.

I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh these two can write a wonderful suspenseful, yet truly steamy romance that has you swooning and cheering for the good guy. Cross has a few secrets, but then again, so does Sydney. Both lie to their friends until circumstances come along that their secrets finally have to be revealed in order to protect someone Sydney loves. Both are also GREAT at lying to themselves, denying that the feelings the other seems to stir in them mean anything, they go to great lengths to distance themselves from each other....at first. The two teams come together to not only protect one of their own but to protect an innocent and in the end, you don't see the grand finale coming at all.

[Crystal Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two authors are amazing together, and this book, O.M.G I loved it. I was on the edge of my seat with this book, it has a little of everything. It is hot, has violence, suspenseful, witty, of and did I say HOT. You get both Syd and Cross' point of views which I love. I like to see what both of the characters are thinking during the " good parts". I can't wait for the next book in this series, I'm dying to see what these two amazing authors will bring us next.

[Susan Foulkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, simply an amazing book that ticks all the boxes.

It has great characters, especially Sydney and Cross, it has a plot with twists galore, the dialogue is sparkling , and there is a thread of wicked humour running throughout the story.

This is book 2 in the series but can be read as a standalone.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Autumn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittany and Karen are definitely my new favorite writing duo!! Deception was absolute perfection. Sydney and Cross are dynamic. It was sexy, witty, had twists and turns, and just when you think you know everything about the characters, they would throw a little info in that you never saw coming. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down!! Well done ladies!!

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked Deception it drew me in from start to finish that characters and storyline just had me , I'm such a fan of the authors and I can't wait to see what's to come .

[Jennifer Oloughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Lord, I took a journey with Cross and Syd. It was an all out action adventure love story, and I loved it. Great job Cross and Syd.

I read an Arc.

[Spring Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book Syd and cross were amazing you don’t know which author wrote which part which is amazing great job you to

[Sylvia Clail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I truly believe that nothing I can say will do justice to this phenomenal read. However, having read it as an ARC with the specific intent to talk about it, I will try my best. This book has absolutely everything and it works perfectly. It triggers such a variety of emotions throughout.

The first thing that springs to mind after reading is a question: can your tortured past follow you into the future, even if everything you did was innocent?

The authors Karen and Brittany have managed so many sub-plots and twists in one book and every word keeps you hooked, eyes down, glued to the story. It has a love story entwined with a crime novel entering the world of the private investigator. And more! The story also explores the relationships between a country star and her twin, and between members of a group of friends whose lives depend on each other.

In my view there are two heroines in this book - twins Ray and Syd (also known as Blue). Syd will do anything to protect her twin sister Ray Ann even if that means giving up the love of her life. The character of Syd has been written perfectly to show a female lead for whom the tough exterior she shows the world is not the whole story of who she is. The hero of the story is the gorgeous Cross. His character is that of a strong but caring macho male – a man’s man with a heart – who has strong morals and the uncanny ability to be the desire of every girl. Another riveting thing about the characters is that every one of them is completely three-dimensional; each has their own back story...

It has a humour element that is shown below by the quote from Sydney which made me laugh hysterically:

"I wonder if my earlobes could hold up Cross's balls? It is only fair I cut that shit off and wear it as jewellery after he followed me. Maybe I'll take his dick too and wear it as a statement necklace."

Finally this book is on power with thrillers by M.J Aldridge and Gillian Flynn and will keep you wondering who did it throughout.
A one click for any reader.

[Shasta Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book!!!

I absolutely loved this book! Karen & Brittany are a dynamic duo and when they write, they create magic. This pair has me constantly laughing my butt off and keeping my nose inside their books. Stepping into their pages is a wonderful journey.

Sydney Parker lives her life with disgression and constant protection of herself. After going through a traumatic experience in her younger years, she is always aware of her surroundings and carries a chip on her shoulder. She's tough as nails and this is portrayed into her personal life. She sees a one night stand as her go to for enjoyment and feelings never arise. Until Cross. Losefa Cross has the magnitude and the ability to bring her to her knees. One look, one touch and she's sucked in. So what happens when all the rules she has placed on herself become just as hazardous as her as a fireworks display gone wrong? She is forced to come to terms with reality and make decisions that she would have never considered.

Losefa Cross leads his life in the shadows. Being behind the scenes at a private investigator s office is exactly how he prefers it. Bring in the spotlight has never been a favorite to him and sometimes he has to step outside of his comfort zone when he least expects it. Sydney Parker is his kryptonite. Celebrating the wedding of Colby & Brianna turns out not to be so bad. After all it helped get Syd into his bed. Now she's inbedded into his skin and he can't get enough of her. The problem? He's upfront with his feelings. And Syd? Shes an entire different story. And that story makes him want to unravel every thread in order to get to the heart of the matter. Sydney and her heart. Too bad there is Stalkers and crazy people included in this novel that attempts to ruin everything he loves.

5++++ STARS

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fab edition into this series set around a fab group of friends who are all Private Investigators.
Carrying on from where book 1 ends this book tells us the story of Cross and Sydney.
After admiring her from afar for too long Cross is trying to convince Sydney that he has real feelings for her when they get tangled up In a case a bit too close to home.
Fast paced.. Great story.. amazing characters.. this is an overall FAB read!

[Janet Harrall · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two authors certainly work well together. This story is brilliant. It's funny, sexy and full of twists and turns. I love all the characters and really enjoyed the will they, won't they relationship between between Blue and Cross. They both had pasts to overcome and the banter and chemistry between them is off the charts.
I really loved this book. It was a pleasure to read !!

[Yomari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Edge of you seat suspense, scorching hot romance, captivating storyline and enjoyable supporting characters. I had an amazing time reading it, it was most definitely an escape. Cross and Sydney are easy to love characters, their attraction and the tension is palpable. There is no way the reader won't enjoy it.

[Ida Jolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception

This was the first book I read by these two authors and it was good. It was sexy, funny, had its share of suspense, alpha males and strong women. The story line was great , a lot of twists in it but kept it interesting. I don’t want to give any spoilers up so that’s all I am going to say. Nice job ladies