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Beautiful Deceit
Secrets are hard to keep and even harder to get over.
My life is small, easy and uncomplicated.
Okay, so it’s also lonely and a little lackluster. Being safe from the past that haunts me is worth the tradeoff until I meet someone that makes me wonder if maybe I’m not ready to face the fears from my childhood.
Too bad the only man that’s ever made me question if I’m willing to hope for more seems to have just as many secrets as I do. Mysterious as he is handsome, Beau has an odd habit of disappearing just when I think I might be ready to let him in.
Trust isn’t easy, and it only gets harder when deceit and scandal rock what I thought I knew about him. Neither of ours pasts are ready to let us go, and it might just turn deadly.
Beautiful Deceit is a duel POV contemporary romance. CW Abuse and stalking behavior from outside relationship.
My life is small, easy and uncomplicated.
Okay, so it’s also lonely and a little lackluster. Being safe from the past that haunts me is worth the tradeoff until I meet someone that makes me wonder if maybe I’m not ready to face the fears from my childhood.
Too bad the only man that’s ever made me question if I’m willing to hope for more seems to have just as many secrets as I do. Mysterious as he is handsome, Beau has an odd habit of disappearing just when I think I might be ready to let him in.
Trust isn’t easy, and it only gets harder when deceit and scandal rock what I thought I knew about him. Neither of ours pasts are ready to let us go, and it might just turn deadly.
Beautiful Deceit is a duel POV contemporary romance. CW Abuse and stalking behavior from outside relationship.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2020
118 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Albany Walker
33 books2,100 followersAlbany lives in Michigan where she's happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children's extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany's passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 4, 2022
I love a book about a heroine on the run from a crazy ex or step parent or stalker, and this book definitely delivers! Seven years later, Samantha (previously Charlotte), is living in New York City. She owns a little bookstore, and despite her self-imposed isolation, she’s happy with her life. But then she starts getting carnations delivered to the store - something that has meaning from her past, and she’s terrified that this means he’s found her. Meanwhile, a handsome man who always wears a baseball cap to hide his face is hanging around the neighbourhood. Is he someone that Sam can finally open up to? What secret is he hiding?
Beau’s secret is pretty obvious to the reader, but poor Sam has no idea! (I won’t spoil it here, since it’s not included in the back of the book, so maybe it’s not supposed to be obvious?) I love when the reader has that double vision - the reader knows something that the protagonist doesn’t know, and that makes the payoff of the character being deceived and feeling betrayed even more worthwhile!
This book is steamy and suspenseful, and I loved every moment of it!
Beau’s secret is pretty obvious to the reader, but poor Sam has no idea! (I won’t spoil it here, since it’s not included in the back of the book, so maybe it’s not supposed to be obvious?) I love when the reader has that double vision - the reader knows something that the protagonist doesn’t know, and that makes the payoff of the character being deceived and feeling betrayed even more worthwhile!
This book is steamy and suspenseful, and I loved every moment of it!
December 10, 2021
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed this book.
This is the story of Beau, a Hollywood actor trying to start new and Samantha, a young girl trying to make sure her abusive stepfather never finds her.
The chemistry between the two is strong along with their sexy times. I wish we would have had more of a build up to her stepfather finding her. There’s occasions of her receiving red carnations which is a hint but it’s not enough for you to clue in that he has found her until he kidnaps her.
There’s also Beau’s concerns about his psycho ex but nothing really stems from it.
It’s a good book overall.
I really enjoyed this book.
This is the story of Beau, a Hollywood actor trying to start new and Samantha, a young girl trying to make sure her abusive stepfather never finds her.
The chemistry between the two is strong along with their sexy times. I wish we would have had more of a build up to her stepfather finding her. There’s occasions of her receiving red carnations which is a hint but it’s not enough for you to clue in that he has found her until he kidnaps her.
There’s also Beau’s concerns about his psycho ex but nothing really stems from it.
It’s a good book overall.
September 24, 2020
This is the first book I have by this author, and I wasn't disappointed. I came into this story pretty much blind as I hadn't read the synopsis but I absolutely loved it from start to finish. Samantha West has had it tough, after the death of her mother, her stepfather begins to drink through his grief taking his anger and pain out of her. In fact Samantha West isn't even her name, it's one she adopted when she ran. Now several years later she has her own apartment and runs her own bookstore and life seems to be going well. When a mysterious man called Beau joins the store's book club she gets more than she bargained for, and things are never perfect or exactly what they seem. Beautiful Deceit is definitely the perfect title for this story.
With a mixture of romance, mystery, suspense, and deceit throughout the story from all directions. There is also a small scene where there is a discussion about a certain book with Miss Steele and this did give me a giggle. I'd definitely class this as a slow burn, but the scenes between Sam and Beau together I absolutely loved.
Some may read this story and feel like they have read it before if that is the case, Beautiful Deceit was formerly released as Get To You but the cover has been revamped and I can only assume it has been reworked and reedited?
With a mixture of romance, mystery, suspense, and deceit throughout the story from all directions. There is also a small scene where there is a discussion about a certain book with Miss Steele and this did give me a giggle. I'd definitely class this as a slow burn, but the scenes between Sam and Beau together I absolutely loved.
Some may read this story and feel like they have read it before if that is the case, Beautiful Deceit was formerly released as Get To You but the cover has been revamped and I can only assume it has been reworked and reedited?
September 26, 2020
Lights, drama, action! This thrilling dark read is everything! I freaking loved this! So much tension, so much drama, the suspense was killer and the romance? Swoon!
.
I have never been so connected to a character. Sam is legit me. Everything about her from her self esteem and body consciousness to her insecurities. Even to how she interprets what’s being said. It was out of this world. I have never related to a character so much. It was uncanny. Her character is such a mush mash of traits but what stood out most for me was her strength and maturity. Yes she’s 23 but I feel like she was far beyond that. She handled everything with grace and integrity, it was beautiful to see her blossom throughout the story, even in her dark times.
.
I loved this story so much. The push and pull between Sam and Beau. The underline thriller aspect added suspense and darkness, the drama added action and the story was relatable in how two people work together to grow as a unit. There was so much depth in this book that I wasn’t expecting. I thought this was going to be more of a high drama scandal type only it wasn’t. Yes those were present but the emotion took it over and took you on a ride you didn’t expect.
.
The plot is amazing. The pace was set at the perfect speed. Everything unraveled naturally and kept you in suspense or anticipation. The tension rose with every page and when it got to its peak it left you suspended before the gradual decent. The highs and lows were well worth the ride and I loved every minute.
.
I have never been so connected to a character. Sam is legit me. Everything about her from her self esteem and body consciousness to her insecurities. Even to how she interprets what’s being said. It was out of this world. I have never related to a character so much. It was uncanny. Her character is such a mush mash of traits but what stood out most for me was her strength and maturity. Yes she’s 23 but I feel like she was far beyond that. She handled everything with grace and integrity, it was beautiful to see her blossom throughout the story, even in her dark times.
.
I loved this story so much. The push and pull between Sam and Beau. The underline thriller aspect added suspense and darkness, the drama added action and the story was relatable in how two people work together to grow as a unit. There was so much depth in this book that I wasn’t expecting. I thought this was going to be more of a high drama scandal type only it wasn’t. Yes those were present but the emotion took it over and took you on a ride you didn’t expect.
.
The plot is amazing. The pace was set at the perfect speed. Everything unraveled naturally and kept you in suspense or anticipation. The tension rose with every page and when it got to its peak it left you suspended before the gradual decent. The highs and lows were well worth the ride and I loved every minute.
September 27, 2020
"𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕, 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆.” 𝑰 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆, 𝒕𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒂𝒓, “𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.”
Firstly, whenever Beau called Sam "sweets", my heart kept on melting and I'm very sure that it's a puddle right now.
The slow burn, the suspense, the hurting past, the progress and the love, all made this book a great read. While the suspense and mystery will keep you curious, the support and doting will make you demand for more.
There's drama, passion, swoon worthy moments and lots and lots of adoration.
Samantha ran when she got the chance and now, after 7 years, she's a proud owner of a bookstore. When a handsome man keeps appearing wherever she goes, Sam becomes panaroid and questions her safety.
Chris, also know as Beu wants a new start. The girl at the grocery store draws him because for once there's a person that doesn't recognise him.
When the two meet, there's safety, satisfaction and spark which causes them to open up about their respective sercrets. With the growing feelings and the fast progress, the past awaits for them around the block bringing danger.
Now, the question remains is that are they strong enough to stay together or are the going to leave each other for fate to handle?
••••••••••••••••••••••••
I've recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, whenever Beau called Sam "sweets", my heart kept on melting and I'm very sure that it's a puddle right now.
The slow burn, the suspense, the hurting past, the progress and the love, all made this book a great read. While the suspense and mystery will keep you curious, the support and doting will make you demand for more.
There's drama, passion, swoon worthy moments and lots and lots of adoration.
Samantha ran when she got the chance and now, after 7 years, she's a proud owner of a bookstore. When a handsome man keeps appearing wherever she goes, Sam becomes panaroid and questions her safety.
Chris, also know as Beu wants a new start. The girl at the grocery store draws him because for once there's a person that doesn't recognise him.
When the two meet, there's safety, satisfaction and spark which causes them to open up about their respective sercrets. With the growing feelings and the fast progress, the past awaits for them around the block bringing danger.
Now, the question remains is that are they strong enough to stay together or are the going to leave each other for fate to handle?
••••••••••••••••••••••••
I've recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2023
I struggled through this book and didn't seem to love it as much as everyone else.
I've read a few books by the author and usually become engrossed in her stories, but I had to force myself to finish this one.
I think my main issue was the characters. I really didn't like Beau or Samantha.
Beau didn't seem to want to be with Samantha the majority of the book. He was all over her until she said or did something he didn't like, and then he would skedaddle, only to come back and start the process again. I understand he had some demons of his own, but I felt like his backstory wasn't really important at all, and nothing came from it.
Samantha would take any crumbs Beau would give her. All he had to do was be playful and give her sexy eyes, and BAM, all was forgiven. Beau did not do nearly enough groveling, in my opinion.
I also felt the stalker business with Samantha did not have enough build-up. There were a few mentions of her stalker possibly being around, and then he just kind of came out of nowhere.
Overall, I felt like it was an OK read but definitely not Albany Walker's best work.
I've read a few books by the author and usually become engrossed in her stories, but I had to force myself to finish this one.
I think my main issue was the characters. I really didn't like Beau or Samantha.
Beau didn't seem to want to be with Samantha the majority of the book. He was all over her until she said or did something he didn't like, and then he would skedaddle, only to come back and start the process again. I understand he had some demons of his own, but I felt like his backstory wasn't really important at all, and nothing came from it.
Samantha would take any crumbs Beau would give her. All he had to do was be playful and give her sexy eyes, and BAM, all was forgiven. Beau did not do nearly enough groveling, in my opinion.
I also felt the stalker business with Samantha did not have enough build-up. There were a few mentions of her stalker possibly being around, and then he just kind of came out of nowhere.
Overall, I felt like it was an OK read but definitely not Albany Walker's best work.
January 4, 2024
I looooove Albany Walker!!!!
I loved and appreciated how flushed out the MMC and FMC were. We learned about their past in a natural way that answered questions I had before they even popped in my head.
I absolutely adored the love between these two. The instant connected but with real life difficulties as well.
My biggest issue with this book was just how harsh or maybe clueless Beau was? He went from being playful and out of the way sweet to toxic and constantly messing up and Sam just…accepted it each time, which seemed to clash with how assertive and firm she is with literally everyone else. Even in the hospital he was harsh about washing her hair. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to do it”. Just felt weird in comparison to how he acts the rest of the time.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will read anything this author releases!!
I loved and appreciated how flushed out the MMC and FMC were. We learned about their past in a natural way that answered questions I had before they even popped in my head.
I absolutely adored the love between these two. The instant connected but with real life difficulties as well.
My biggest issue with this book was just how harsh or maybe clueless Beau was? He went from being playful and out of the way sweet to toxic and constantly messing up and Sam just…accepted it each time, which seemed to clash with how assertive and firm she is with literally everyone else. Even in the hospital he was harsh about washing her hair. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to do it”. Just felt weird in comparison to how he acts the rest of the time.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will read anything this author releases!!
September 27, 2020
Beautiful Deceit follows smart and sassy Samantha West, an Alabama girl who moved to NYC to start a new life, and is bookstore owner and collector of fine lingerie; and the retired actor in hiding Chris (Beau) Huntington. The pair meet by chance at a local grocery store and the chemistry between the two of them sizzles.
Sam is drawn to the mysterious but ridiculously handsome Beau, new to New York and just as secretive about his past as she is. Sam has secrets of her own, and as the two get closer her past comes slamming back into the present and is dead set on dragging her back.
I loved this book so much! BD is the perfect slow burn that blends romance, intrigue, and suspense so wonderfully.
Sam is drawn to the mysterious but ridiculously handsome Beau, new to New York and just as secretive about his past as she is. Sam has secrets of her own, and as the two get closer her past comes slamming back into the present and is dead set on dragging her back.
I loved this book so much! BD is the perfect slow burn that blends romance, intrigue, and suspense so wonderfully.
November 14, 2022
Tw kidnapping, stalking, abuse, parental abuse, murder
The discreet cover is really pretty for this, this is a good little standalone.
I was a bit surprised that this was technically a slowburn and while there was things the actual event of sex didn't happen until 80%. So a little steamy but not extremely.
Some things were a little cheesy to me, I had some issues that were brushed over or not addressed properly for my taste but it had me swooning. I like girls that go through things and make themselves stronger. That she accepts help, accepts trying therapy and is kind.
I think she's a bit silly and he's a bit of a dummy at times, might be a "stereotype" but I'm not sure.
The discreet cover is really pretty for this, this is a good little standalone.
I was a bit surprised that this was technically a slowburn and while there was things the actual event of sex didn't happen until 80%. So a little steamy but not extremely.
Some things were a little cheesy to me, I had some issues that were brushed over or not addressed properly for my taste but it had me swooning. I like girls that go through things and make themselves stronger. That she accepts help, accepts trying therapy and is kind.
I think she's a bit silly and he's a bit of a dummy at times, might be a "stereotype" but I'm not sure.
February 5, 2021
Definitely worth the read
Another great story from Albany walker and wow was there definitely a lot going on to keep you on your toes . I instantly loved Samantha and thought she was great strong independent woman who has to face more than she bargained for, with a past that was trying to destroy her present and I just loved Beaw with his sexy green eyes and chemistry he had for Samantha which I found quite hot at time and I loved every minute.
Another great story from Albany walker and wow was there definitely a lot going on to keep you on your toes . I instantly loved Samantha and thought she was great strong independent woman who has to face more than she bargained for, with a past that was trying to destroy her present and I just loved Beaw with his sexy green eyes and chemistry he had for Samantha which I found quite hot at time and I loved every minute.
April 4, 2021
Review
This book went right to my heart. Unfortunately domestic abuse seems to be more prevalent, spousal abuse, parental abuse,child abuse. This book touches on the horror of abuse but it also showed the strength of a survivor. She not only came back twice but she prospered and found love. This book is truly horrifying with its description of the violence but it gives hope that a person can survive and succeed.
This book went right to my heart. Unfortunately domestic abuse seems to be more prevalent, spousal abuse, parental abuse,child abuse. This book touches on the horror of abuse but it also showed the strength of a survivor. She not only came back twice but she prospered and found love. This book is truly horrifying with its description of the violence but it gives hope that a person can survive and succeed.
April 10, 2023
The beginning of the book promised a light read. While I liked the characters, it was not a complicated or deep book. The ending, however, disappointed me. The subjects touched upon required more in depth analysis, whereas the author basically skipped over PTSD and solved everything with a HEA. Just no. The solution of the problem was either supposed to be as easy and light as the beginning of the story or it had to be fleshed out properly. It was not bad, just disappointing.
January 15, 2021
Intriguing
First book o have read of hers I have read & I am already looking for me. This story had romance, mystery, intrigue, sex, warmth & fear. I can’t wait to read another book of hers. The emotions were so believable that it was not only easy, but made unable to stop reading it from start to finish! Loved it!
First book o have read of hers I have read & I am already looking for me. This story had romance, mystery, intrigue, sex, warmth & fear. I can’t wait to read another book of hers. The emotions were so believable that it was not only easy, but made unable to stop reading it from start to finish! Loved it!
February 16, 2021
All the feels
I've been stuck in an RH mood for a while but I decided since I love Albany so much I'd break the cycle for a bit. I loved this book! Samantha is amazing and I truly felt everything she went through like I was her. Beau was a bit of a hot mess but when he got himself together he was finally worthy of her.
Another fantastic book by Albany!
I've been stuck in an RH mood for a while but I decided since I love Albany so much I'd break the cycle for a bit. I loved this book! Samantha is amazing and I truly felt everything she went through like I was her. Beau was a bit of a hot mess but when he got himself together he was finally worthy of her.
Another fantastic book by Albany!
June 10, 2021
I love this author!
I know this is an earlier work of hers but I’m reading after reading her more recent works. It’s a sweet and amazing tale with twists and turns. I like how she creates a realistic heroine and hero who aren’t perfect. I always enjoy Albany Walker’s stories and eagerly look forward to more in the hopefully near future!
I know this is an earlier work of hers but I’m reading after reading her more recent works. It’s a sweet and amazing tale with twists and turns. I like how she creates a realistic heroine and hero who aren’t perfect. I always enjoy Albany Walker’s stories and eagerly look forward to more in the hopefully near future!
June 22, 2021
Great Storyline
I truly enjoyed this book! The storyline was great! I loved that it showed how strong the main female was in the story to overcome the past and present horrible ordeals she endured! Also, how the writer showed that all women deserve and can find love based on what's inside their body and not just the physical appearance of their body!
I truly enjoyed this book! The storyline was great! I loved that it showed how strong the main female was in the story to overcome the past and present horrible ordeals she endured! Also, how the writer showed that all women deserve and can find love based on what's inside their body and not just the physical appearance of their body!
August 22, 2021
3 stars
It took me a while to get into this book. I struggled with a few bits in it. h is beautiful but doesn't realise how much, all girls are nasty to her, all guys are attracted to her. It was a bit too much. Also, I felt there were storylines unfinished, like Anna and Lauren. What happened to them?
It took me a while to get into this book. I struggled with a few bits in it. h is beautiful but doesn't realise how much, all girls are nasty to her, all guys are attracted to her. It was a bit too much. Also, I felt there were storylines unfinished, like Anna and Lauren. What happened to them?
December 26, 2023
Beautiful
I've been stuck in an RH mood for a while but I decided since I love Albany so much I'd break the cycle for a bit. I absolutely loved this book! Samantha is amazing and I truly felt everything she went through like It was me. Beau was a bit of a hot mess but when he got himself together he was finally worthy of her. Really a great book to read
I've been stuck in an RH mood for a while but I decided since I love Albany so much I'd break the cycle for a bit. I absolutely loved this book! Samantha is amazing and I truly felt everything she went through like It was me. Beau was a bit of a hot mess but when he got himself together he was finally worthy of her. Really a great book to read
March 22, 2025
3.49 stars, because I need to be mathematically accurate with rounding and just couldn't give it four stars due to the number of grammatical and punctuation errors. The story was suspenseful, sexy, witty, and well-paced, plus the characters were well-written and realistic, so 4.25 stars if not for the poor editing.
September 28, 2020
For a slow burn contemporary MF story I enjoyed it. Sam and Beau have great chemistry. I would have liked a bit more closure on Beau's side of the story but on a whole a good book that kept reading til the last word.
March 29, 2022
Wonderful
I love all of Albanys books. She puts a little of herself in each one. Buy the clothes that she chooses, and cooking, she's a fabulous cook. And her heart is as big as the sun.
I love all of Albanys books. She puts a little of herself in each one. Buy the clothes that she chooses, and cooking, she's a fabulous cook. And her heart is as big as the sun.
June 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! The only issue I had was the grammatical errors and spelling mistakes in the last half of the book. One that really stands out was Brian becoming Brain. Unfortunately this error kept taking me out of the story as it was really distracting.
December 5, 2022
❤️
This was a beautiful read. I find myself falling for this author’s writing skills. It’s my 3rd read, I picked this up while waiting for the next book I’m reading by author. I’m definitely sharing with friends!
This was a beautiful read. I find myself falling for this author’s writing skills. It’s my 3rd read, I picked this up while waiting for the next book I’m reading by author. I’m definitely sharing with friends!
October 30, 2023
well….
The name of the book didn’t really fit the story. The climax was subdued. The ending was nice though. I like this book as an in between series. It wasn’t the authors best but it is well enough to still want to read more from her.
The name of the book didn’t really fit the story. The climax was subdued. The ending was nice though. I like this book as an in between series. It wasn’t the authors best but it is well enough to still want to read more from her.
March 9, 2022
Great book
Why Amazon insist on 20 words for a review via kindle, I don't know. Especially when I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book.
Why Amazon insist on 20 words for a review via kindle, I don't know. Especially when I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book.
November 28, 2022
The sweetest
Sammy and Beau story is heartbreakingly sweet. Another amazing book by Albany Walker. This one will bring tears when you read it.
Sammy and Beau story is heartbreakingly sweet. Another amazing book by Albany Walker. This one will bring tears when you read it.
January 4, 2023
Good story
This was good, but the massive amount of spelling and other errors just kept taking me out of the story.
This was good, but the massive amount of spelling and other errors just kept taking me out of the story.
January 27, 2024
great author
Great book although it did seem kinda rushed in the end. The whole stalking thing felt like an afterthought. Love the author tho
Great book although it did seem kinda rushed in the end. The whole stalking thing felt like an afterthought. Love the author tho
November 30, 2024
Its good
It took me a while to finish this book. I don't know why. It was good. The ending was crazy. I still have questions that were not answered. But it was a good read.
It took me a while to finish this book. I don't know why. It was good. The ending was crazy. I still have questions that were not answered. But it was a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews