Deception in Darkness

In Darkness #3

by Alice Winters, Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Felix and Lane are struggling with just how boring a “normal” life is, so when they get a chance to jump into action, they do so without a second thought—especially since they’re offered a lot of money. The request is simple: find a way to retrieve a watch from police custody. But things are never as easy as they seem. Suddenly, they’re caught in the middle of a family feud that could turn deadly. But no matter what, through kidnappings, car chases, and cooking mishaps, Felix knows that as long as Lane is by his side, they will find a way to set things right.

Deception in Darkness is 100k words of snark, stripping gone horribly wrong, and true love. Oh, and Felix steals another animal. Of course he does.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Disability, Mystery, Humor, Audiobook

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published March 3, 2019

About the author

Alice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.

Follow me on Facebook where I put up short stories, teasers, and giveaways: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Alice...

Join my newsletter: https://www.alicewintersauthor.com/

Reviews

[Lucie V.]

✅ Narrator
✅ Characters
✅ New addition to the crazy train
✅ Pace
✅ Funny banter
✅ Action
✅ Romance
✅ Plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: attempted murder, abduction, house burning down, animal being shot (but not dead)
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

4.5 stars

This book takes place a few weeks after the end of the second book. Monica and Chase contact Lane and Felix to hire them to steal back Chase's watch from police evidence, because he never got it back and desperately wants it back. What appeared as an easy and quick way to make some money turned out to be the beginning of a roller coaster of lies, deceptions, betrayals, gun fights, car chase, and abduction, with Felix and Lane stuck in the middle of it, as always... But it's not like they are not enjoying every minute of it...

I liked the plot of this final book more than the one in the second book. There are still twists and betrayals, and Felix and Lane don’t seem to learn from their mistakes as they are being played and betrayed again and again, but it is less frustrating than Felix always falling for his brother’s lies as he did in the second book.

Cal and Antonio were two refreshing additions to the crazy crew. I love Felix and Lane, but adding new members to their reckless plans changes the dynamics and adds a different type of humor too. There is a novella happening after this book that focuses on Antonio and Frank, and while I don't particularly care about Frank, Antonio is sweet, innocent, and cute, and I am eager to see him get his happily ever after. I would also love to have a spinoff about Cal. He first appeared as a boring drunk, but then revealed a shocking and unexpected side of him, and I need to know more!

Lane and Felix are a solid couple. They’ve been together for a while now, and they also have been through a lot together. Their relationship is solid and steady, and there was no miscommunication problem or angsty drama between them. No matter what happened, they remained strong together.

Their relationship is so dysfunctional, but at the same time, they work so well together. Instead of trying to keep each other in check, they play into each other’s silly ideas and crazy reckless plans, but I guess that’s why they work so well together. They are both equally intense and over the top in their way. Also, the blind jokes never get old. I heard somewhere that the difference between a blind person and a non-blind person is that the blind person will laugh at the blind jokes, whereas the non-blind will find them offensive. I don't know if that is true, because I laughed at every joke, but Lane sure showed that he was able to take every joke and stupid things Felix threw his way like a champ.

This series was a perfect mix of action, intrigue, sass, and funny moments. Ideal if you are looking for a light and entertaining read with lovable characters and a little bit of craziness here and there. Alice Winters' series have become comfort reads for me, and I know they will always provide the comic relief I need, and have me grinning or laughing out loud like a deranged person.


1. Hidden in Darkness ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Light in the Darkness ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Follow me on Instagram 🙂

[Deborah]

5*
Re-read 30th September- 2nd October 2025.
Re-read 1st - 2nd March 2025

I enjoyed this even more on the re-read so I’ve upped it to 5*

Original review - 4.5*

I laughed all the way through this book. Felix and Lane have finally fully won me over.

I should explain before I continue on.
I love Leland and the Hitman books (funniest books ever written in my opinion). I just can’t get enough. I was less enamoured with Felix and the first Darkness book. It wasn’t what I expected and we just didn’t gel. I’m sure if I was to go back and do a re-read I would probably love it now. Only time will tell.
The second one won me over. It was funny (not laugh out loud funny but funny). This one however was crazy, completely OTT and beyond ridiculous and I loved it. Felix is definitely channeling his inner Leland.

I can be a fussy reader. And honestly if someone had described Felix and Leland. I would have insisted I wouldn’t like them. Far too silly for me.
Who knew I loved crazy so much?
Certainly not me.

The story is quite good as well. It kept me guessing. I loved how it ended and now that I’m fully onboard I can’t wait for more.

This line sums up Felix.

“I’m an ex-undercover cop. I was pulled off when I lost my eyesight. There are no words to explain Felix.”

[Cadiva]

More complete mayhem!

This book was absolutely bonkers and I loved it. I don't think I'd have come up with this plot even if I'd had a month of Sundays to think about it.

Lots of action, lots of laughs and now I need Cal and Grayson's happy ending please!

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~]

Review of books 2 and 3 since I read them back-to-back and they connect to each other.

This series was just a lot of fun. It's like those buddy movies where the situations are ridiculous and dangerous, and the characters are ridiculously lucky and almost impervious to what's thrown at them, so you need to suspend disbelief and just go with it.

We get to meet the families, the good (Lane's family) and the bad (Felix's family). Felix keeps snarking and petnapping and Lane is a badass who has no chance when Felix wants his way. Plenty of sexy fun throughout.

[Jacquie Stewart]

Relisten - still loved it.
Felix and Lane

While the Hitman Series is possibly my favorite (because Leland) this is probably a close joint second (with How to Vex a Vampire... Its too difficult to choose). I love the dynamic that Felix and Lane have. I read a review that once complained about how Felix treats Lane because of his blindness, but that's the thing Lane loves about Felix. He doesn't treat him any differently, really. Felix taught Lane tricks to get round things and gave him confidence. He is the only one besides Copper (who he wouldn't have if Felix hadn't stolen him) that is allowed to lead Lane anywhere.
Felix is hilarious when he steals animals and things. I really want more of their adventures

[Aerielle Bondi]

Felix and Lane are at it again!! I love serious yet unserious this book was. Yeah there are robberies, blackmailing, shootouts and chase scenes but with Felix behind them all you can help reading with a smile. You can see the bond growing between Felix and Lane and between Lane’s family as well. Excellent read!!

[Claudia]

one more AWESOME book with Lane and Felix!!!
These two only gets better and better together! I laughed my eyes out! I was literally crying! I devoured this book, couldn't put it down from page one!
Alice has an awesome humor and this book is a page Turner. can't wait for Cal's book! I love him too ❤❤❤
Don't miss this book

[Bo]

5 Laughed my ass off stars

The plot is OTT and a lot of times unbelievable, but did I care!? NO!😂 It's all about the witty banter between all the characters! I laughed pretty much every page. OMG! There were times I snorted, and my husband just kept staring at me, but I couldn't help it. It was well worth it, and I can't wait to read more.

[Chris]

Hilarious.., I gave absolutely loved this series and I’m bummed it’s over !!! I adored Felix & Lane and I’m keen to see Cal reunite with Grayson??? This was OTT which made it more hilarious but completely joyful. Fabulous fun ❤️

[Carol]

Book #3...I'm not exactly sure if this series is even supposed to be funny...but believe me it is over the top, drink snorting... funny. The things that Felix can come up with...the situations he manages to get himself into are unbelievable...and he goes on with whatever he's supposed to have been doing at the time as if nothing has happened and "doesn't everyone know and do this", attitude. Lane, being blind and processing a rather dry sense of humor and a great deal of patience and tolerance, especially for Felix...just blows it off, makes some off the cuff comment and probably rolls his eyes. I laughed out loud so many times while listening to Joel Leslie do his usual magnificent job with all the voices that my husband kept coming to see if I was dying or just have some kind of fit. I think my absolute favorite "Felix fiasco" was when he had to sneak into a BDSM club to rescue their client that had been kidnapped and he had to pretend to be one of the dancers. He was thoroughly stumped while trying to figure out how he could wear the skimpy costume without his underwear showing...and he certainly didn't know anything about the type of "dance" he was supposed to do...but being Felix, he muddled through it...and it was hilarious! Felix and Lane each gained something unbreakable from this unrealistic, yet realistic for them, relationship. Felix gained a loving family that accepted him, lumps and all, a huge circle of friends that would die for him ...well, maybe just suffer some slight injuries, and some of those friends are a bit questionable. Wha Lane gains is a lightness he never thought he would ever get back after the torture that caused his blindness, loads of laughter thanks to Felix, and undying, never ending, plain and simple...love. Thank you, Ms. Winters! This is a series that I will diffidently be reading again and again.

[Dani]

3.5

I have really enjoyed this series, it's been much needed comic relief in a rough week.

Lane and Felix are so funny, and their humour around Lane's blindness made me laugh so much.

If there was a bit more substance to the story instead of batshit craziness and pacing that isn't very clear, I would easily have rated every book higher.

[Saimi Vasquez]

Felix y Levi estan acostumbrandose a una vida sin practicamente nada que hacer, intentando ver les depara el futuro, a Levi con el departamento de Policia y Felix viendo si estudia o que busca hacer ahora que ya no depende de un trabajo para vivir. Pero como lo que mas les gusta a ambos es la emocion de la investigacion, cuando le piden que recobre el reloj que robaron anteriormente de la custodia de la policia, ambos entran en una nueva conspiracion que los llevara de nuevo a secuestros, persecusiones e intentos de asesinato, mientras intentan ayudar a un viejo amigo de Levi a recuperar su sobriedad e intentan averiguar que hacer ahora con su vida.

Se que el autor intenta hacer el personaje de Felix gracioso, quizas una copia, bastante mala a mi entender, de Leland (Hitman Series), pero lo que logra es que el personaje sea exasperante, aburrido, grosero e incomprensible. Lo mismo pasa con el personaje de Levi, habia tanto que podian lograr con un personaje de policia ciego, pero lo que logra es burlarse, bastante tristemente, de la discapacidad que esta presentando.
Me paso lo mismo que el libro anterior de esta serie, llego un momento en que lo que queria era adelantar la lectura, la cantidad de dialogos ridiculos eran tantos y sin ningun sentido, que estuve apunto de abandonarlo. Pero bueno, siempre intento terminar un libro, a veces el final merece la pena, a veces no, en este caso la historia tuvo un final adecuado, no lo mejor que he leido pero para mi gusto estaba bien.
Voy a terminar la serie con la historia corta, y dejare el autor un rato mientras olvido esta serie.

[Diane]

I love this series. Felix & Lane crack me up to no end. I never laughed so much as I do in this series. I can't get over that both Lane & Tom are police officers and they are quick to break the law. The mystery kept me going back & forth who was responsible for what. When I was sure it was one person, something else happened & I was like, okay that person is now the one behind it all. We have the introduction of Cal, who I thought at first was just a drunk party boy. I can't wait to get more of his back story, and the elusive Greyson. OMG and Felix steals another animal, they are going to need a farm if he keeps this up. I loved that he wanted to steal the horse but Lane put his foot down, which he rarely does. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

So happy this came out in audio!

ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaity]

Audio:
4 stars for Joel Leslie

Reread January 2026
Book: 4-4.5 stars

Best of the series so far.

First read March 2021: 4-4.5 stars

Love Lane and Felix’s adventures! I hope one day we get to go back to their world, I can see more books happening!

[Trio]

Yes, it's pretty over the top, but I laughed the whole way through. The whole In Darkness series is very exciting, and I would 100% re-listen to all three books. It's so funny, and the romance is wonderful, plus there's tons of edge of your seat action and suspense. Wonderful.

In my humble opinion, this is the kind of novel Joel Leslie should focus on... it's clear to see how much he enjoys the characters and the story. A very enjoyable listening experience.

[Tess]

4.5 stars>

[Gustaf]

This was probably my least favorite in the series. It felt too over the top.

[Joyfully Jay]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

If you read A Light in the Darkness, you may remember a watch that played a prominent role. And like me, you may have wondered what happened to it when the book was over. Well, that watch ends up kick starting a huge adventure for Felix and Lane in this story. Once again, Winters builds the pieces slowly and it seems like things are rolling along fine for the guys until suddenly they are in the midst of life and death craziness. The suspense end was exciting and interesting and kept me guessing all along as to what was really going on. Things aren’t quite as an intense as in the first two books where it really felt like things were hanging by a thread, but I still found the thriller aspect of the story really well done.

Where Winters most excels for me is the combination of humor and suspense in this series. The guys are full of banter and snark and get into all kinds of absurd situations. Even as they are being held at gunpoint, they are still chatting away and I love how the humor infuses the whole story. Things could really go off the rails and I am constantly impressed by how Winters walks that line between allowing Felix to be his outrageous self and having the men get into insane situations, but also keeping things from becoming too crazy and absurd (not that they aren’t a little crazy and absurd).

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Antisocial Recluse]

This one was almost on par with book two but I didn’t laugh quite as much. Felix is like gay Don Rickles, insult comedian, far more annoying and childish than he is funny. The plot was kind of clever but the actions from Lane and Tom, supposedly police officers, reached ridiculous heights. And the same absurd shenanigans from Lane, Felix and assorted sidekicks went on for too long. I was losing interest at points. It’s one non-stop action scene after another and I’m sure many people will find it entertaining but I prefer more subtle, witty banter to the in-your-face type, so your mileage on this vehicle for humor may vary.

*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*

[Barb ~rede-2-read~]

In book three of the In Darkness series, Felix is still…well, Felix. He’s inimitable. He’s snarky, goofy, a thief (reformed? not quite) and he’s head-over-heels in love with Lane. Lane is more sedate, though he does have a good sense of humor, especially when playing the straight man (so to speak) to Felix’s snarky sarcasm. Lane is blind and has been on leave from the police department since losing his sight. From the moment Felix fell into his life, nothing has been the same—or normal. The two love each other, but Felix enjoys overdoing everything, including his snark, his ability to steal (“I can’t help myself, Lane!”), and his inability to stay out of trouble.

I couldn’t begin to summarize this plot as it involved being hired to steal a watch, and ended with stealing a pig. In between there were hours of kidnappings, shootings, injuries, a subplot involving a friend who ultimately ends up working with them, and lots of family time with Lane’s parents who eventually convince Felix that they love him too. Poor Felix was more overwhelmed with the love of his new family than he was when he first realized Lane was attracted to him (Hidden in Darkness, book 1).

If you’ve never heard Felix and Lane’s banter in audio format, by all means, consider rushing to purchase this series immediately. By this point in the series, they are an established couple, and though the story can be read as a standalone, readers would benefit from being with this ensemble cast from the beginning. And speaking of ensemble cast, in the midst of this story, I realized—suddenly—that the voices of this group all came from one very talented performer: Joel Leslie. I don’t know why I hadn’t given that concept conscious thought until then. But it never ceases to amaze me how much variety he provides through his vocalizations of the various cast members. I get lost in the story and forget he is only one person performing all the roles. I am always entertained by his performance of each character and I lose myself in some of the best entertainment available. Why watch TV or videos when one has one’s very own portable “play” available for listening enjoyment 24/7?

To be honest, I don’t believe I’d rate this story as high if it wasn’t for his outstanding narration. Felix can wear on the nerves and some of his snark and some of his actions (knocking Lane into a wall, for example) are a bit OTT. I believe that if I were reading this story instead of listening, I wouldn’t like Felix as much, but Joel’s delivery of both his voice and of Lane’s very understanding and tolerant voice gives listeners a complete picture and tons of entertaining hours of listening pleasure. Very highly recommended.

NOTE: This book was provided by the narrator for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Lola]

3.5 stars rounded up because overall the series was a good time.

After soft dnf'ing a few weeks ago, I decided to finish up this up. It definitely didn't hit the same as the first two did but I guessed that going in. Probably would've benefitted from being a duology and not a trilogy.

This simply suffered from the fact that the shtick could only go on for so long and this was too long. The plots are just so stupid, so ridiculous, so nonsensical and I didn't care so much in the first two because I was getting enough Lane and Felix content to offset it. Here there was nothing new added to the relationship - we didn't learn any more about either of their backgrounds, Felix's relationship with his brother was just forgotten about, and the focus on a new character actually detracted.

I still loved the banter and the mushiness between Felix and Lane but without anything fresh to add to the mix (and honestly, without the distraction of good smut - which these did not have) things felt stagnant and reliant on the greater plot which.... as established is not something to rely on.

I also think the focus on the addition of Lane's friend, Cal, was a big misstep. These books are wildly inappropriate and irreverent and that's perfectly fine - but honestly they're not the place to really address heavier topics. Cal's alcoholism (and the trauma that led to the alcoholism) was seriously mishandled. If those topics can't be given the care they deserve then they shouldn't be added. I know that there's a lot of serious stuff in these that's treated lightly and made fun of but I don't think she was able to pull that off with this specific character's issues and I wish it had all been left out.

I had a good time with these overall but I feel like Alice Winters should stick with the two book per couple formula for maximum impact without overstaying.

Pet names: babe, baby

“Can someone explain to me how Felix is the only one left alive?” Lane asks as he rolls onto his back. I grin, proud of myself while hoping that everyone forgets my minor mistake of shooting my teammate.

Are you sure no one followed you?” “I’m not even sure if I fed the dog before we left,” I say. “We’re not being followed,” Lane confidently states. This is also the man who allowed a drunkard to crawl into our bed and spoon me.

I yank the vest off, careful of the earbud I still have in, and start whipping it above my head as I prance around the stage like a wild stallion. “I have never regretted losing my eyesight more than I do at this very moment,” Lane says in my ear.

“What stupid thing are we doing now?” I hold up the strap as I look at him. “I’m throwing this strap through that window.” I wind my arm back and throw. The strap sails through the air and slams into the brick wall about twenty penis lengths from the window. “Shit.” “We’re going to prison,” Cal realizes.

“I love you,” I say. He squeezes me tightly in his arms. “I love you too, Felix.” “I made a huge mess by throwing money all over the room. Will you clean it up for me?” “I’d do anything for you.” “Anything?” I ask. Lane chuckles again, and it makes me grin. “Yes. I’d tear this world apart for you.” And I know he would. He’d destroy it all for me, and that makes me so unbelievably happy. I’m glad he can’t see me at this moment because the promise of his words makes my eyes water just a tiny bit. Instead, I clutch him even tighter. “I would try to tear the world apart for you as well. I’m not sure I would do a good job, but I’d get an A for effort.”

“Everyone, just calm down, and let’s think.” “Oh? The blind man’s going to get us out. We’re surely saved now,” Frank says. I give him a look that shows that he will be the first sacrificed. I will kill him if I need to. Shred him. “Frank’s dying first, everyone! I know, statistically speaking, Antonio would die first, but this time it’s Frank.” “Why me?” Antonio asks in terror. “Antonio, in all horror movies, the person who isn’t white dies first.” He looks thoughtful for a moment. “Holy shit. They do, don’t they?” “I’m sorry,”

*
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SA/rape: None

Other person drama: None

[Vfields Don't touch my happy!]

I laughed so hard reading this book the people on the bus gawked at me.
I laughed so hard reading this book people were looking at me in the park while I was reading on a bench. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this crazy, silly, action packed book. Then pow, I was so worried. Yes it’s not perfect I don’t care it just all worked for me. I really hope this becomes a series because the end is the way I thought it would end and hoped it would end and I want more. The mother the father just kept this off for me in the best possible way.

[Sanaa]

4 stars.

“I’m an ex-undercover cop. I was pulled off when I lost my eyesight. There are no words to explain Felix.”

That quote perfectly describes this entire series and the couple. Alice is a hilarious author who's done an amazing job writing some great books. Deception in Darkness is the final book and was no different.

I loved everything, and this had the right amount of humor with the perfect HEA. Some of the things were really over the top but when you read the books you shouldn't be all that surprised.

[Sao Reads (semi hiatus)]

“While that sounds amazing to explore, my brother invited us over for supper.”
I watch his face carefully, but he doesn’t give anything away. If he has ill thoughts for my brother or thinks it’s stupid that I still see him, he never shows it. And for that, I love him even more. We both know that my brother is kind of a piece of trash, but sometimes even trash needs some love. He may have tried forcing me to leave Lane in the clutches of a serial killer instead of helping him, but I feel like he did it out of love and care for me.
Maybe.

DNF @6%. 6th Sep 2026. And this is the confirmation i was waiting for. That felix has indeed forgiven his trash brother. felix is just as trashy as that dude. Now i can leave this series and never think about it again. i will terribly miss Joel’s voice, the dynamic maybe and most of all miss Lane. i’ll reread book 1 cuz like i said, this dynamic is near impossible to find but i can't in good conscious see Lane love this dumpster fire.



So, on top of all that shit, i didn’t even know felix left Lane at the mercy of a serial killer FOR HIS BROTHER. Yikes.

felix can fuck off from claiming Lane’s parents as his cuz you know what? If he wants parents so badly i know just the 2 people he should also go back to.

i think felix should also forgive his birth mother. Lord knows she must’ve been going through some kind of postpartum depression. It wasn’t her fault!! Don’t you see? It was felix. He should’ve been a better child, yes that’s it. Afterall, she is his ONLY birth mother. She may be a piece of trash but “sometimes even trash needs some love” no? No? And what about the step father? Oh you know, beating felix up was his love language. It’s not his fault either. That’s how he expresses love. Don’t you see? felix should forgive him too, after all he’s his ONLY step dad. He may be trash, “sometimes even trash needs some love”.

Just in case anyone wonders.... The above statements are sarcasm.

[J]

Alice Winters is officially my favorite mystery romance author. Any book that makes me choke with laughter deserves five stars. Plus, I didn’t think that would be possible because I listened to this book while going through a hard time, but it still managed to make me wheeze from laugher. For a while, I was worried that the (sometimes silly) jokes would grow trite and forced, but no, they just cemented my love for the characters. I need more of this, Winters. Please.

[Hayley]

Could not put it down. The best one by far for me. Felix grows on you like mold. Lane is just a badass, double badass for being blind. Their relationship just keeps getting better and better. I love their interactions. The story was great as well, kept me guessing until the end. These two are like a chaos magnet. They could be innocently be walking down the street and end up in a Red Dawn situation and Lane would manage to get them out. Just so good.

[Head in a book]

I really enjoyed this. Lane has been through a lot recently and he's angry at the world. Felix has had a rough life but has fun attitude and he brings out Lane's playful side. They battle the bad guys together and fall in love along the way, it ended with a decent HFN ending so I'm not sure if 2 more books is warranted but I'll give it a go.

[Ashley]

3.75 ⭐️

This series is so unserious but I love every second of it. The banter is off the charts entertaining and I could listen to them all being absolute menaces all day long (especially you Felix (I can /hear/ his gasp at the accusation hehe)). If you love some mm, idiots in love, while also being a buddy cop movie - check this series out, it’s an absolute riot.

[Jooke]

OMG I had such a good laugh with this series. If you like m/m romance, a badass with dead pan humor and a twink with the most obseen kind of compulsions and kinks who always attract bad luck? Well give this a try

[Jenn (not Lily)]

I laughed the whole way through this book. Felix and Lane are absolutely off-the-charts hilarious, and exactly my sense of humor.