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Concealed Deception
They kept her hidden from me for fourteen years. Now, she sits in my club, my personal playground, clueless of the repercussions her father placed on her life.
Ava Pierce doesn’t know her world is about to implode and I’ll take pleasure in being the one to destroy her.
Ava Pierce doesn’t know her world is about to implode and I’ll take pleasure in being the one to destroy her.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2022
15 people want to read
About the author
Cole J. Powell
8 books95 followersCole J. Powell is a New Zealand author who writes fierce heroines and cutthroat alphas.
She loves writing books with suspenseful plots and twisted storylines.
She thanks you sincerely for taking the time to read and review her work.
For more please visit her on Facebook or Instagram.
She loves writing books with suspenseful plots and twisted storylines.
She thanks you sincerely for taking the time to read and review her work.
For more please visit her on Facebook or Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 25, 2022
Ava and Xanders story was a intense one that felt like a rollercoaster at times but the highs and lows kept me engaged and even though Xander was a tough one to crack, he wanted Ava regardless of what comes next
October 25, 2022
Ava and Xander, what a ride they had in this story. I loved it! So good and kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next.
Loved the club scene at the start, it set the whole mood for the book, dark and delicious.
Highly recommend.
Five stars.
Loved the club scene at the start, it set the whole mood for the book, dark and delicious.
Highly recommend.
Five stars.
October 23, 2022
This is an ARC review. I am beyond words. All I can say is WOW! This story was fast paced and had me so hot that I didn’t realize I was to the end. Xanders and Ava’s story is one I truly enjoyed. I was sad when I got to the end of the book.
October 25, 2022
If I want to play dirty, then I’m going to have to stoop to his level and lock the fear away.
Just thinking she was a normal girl, starting her brand new life with her best friend in New York and all ready to bite into this big apple…Ava Pierce was not expecting her world to twist upside down and take her down a much darker route than she anticipated.
Never knowing about the target on her back, Ava didn’t know that she would be walking into a trap with her mystery date and end up waking up in a pretty luxury cage.
And the one holding the keys…well he’s about as kind as a viper just waiting to strike and now Ava is at his mercy.
I want to find out if this courageous woman I’m becoming is who I’ve always meant to be.
The quiet girl will wilt and be crushed in the games that are now unfolding around Ava, she knows this and for once Ava is going to break her barriers. There are secrets of her past that need to be answered and there is only one man who holds those words on his wicked tongue.
Xander Lamont.
The man who will whisper sweet nothings to you, while running a blade to your skin and drag you're very essence out seeking what he wants.
“The best treasure is the hardest to find. I’ve been searching for you for a long time.”
This is a fast paced story, it held an edge to it and had a fused steamy relationship between the main characters. The storyline was good, but I felt like something was missing from it myself and I wasn’t as pulled in as I wanted to be. I did enjoy reading this and how the storyline/characters developed as I read on.
Emotions did run deep and how this was written showed these emotions coming through in all the situations. They are some fun characters which bring it to life in the serious times when it’s all fast going. Just personally felt like more could have been added to give it a more rounded off story.
Just thinking she was a normal girl, starting her brand new life with her best friend in New York and all ready to bite into this big apple…Ava Pierce was not expecting her world to twist upside down and take her down a much darker route than she anticipated.
Never knowing about the target on her back, Ava didn’t know that she would be walking into a trap with her mystery date and end up waking up in a pretty luxury cage.
And the one holding the keys…well he’s about as kind as a viper just waiting to strike and now Ava is at his mercy.
I want to find out if this courageous woman I’m becoming is who I’ve always meant to be.
The quiet girl will wilt and be crushed in the games that are now unfolding around Ava, she knows this and for once Ava is going to break her barriers. There are secrets of her past that need to be answered and there is only one man who holds those words on his wicked tongue.
Xander Lamont.
The man who will whisper sweet nothings to you, while running a blade to your skin and drag you're very essence out seeking what he wants.
“The best treasure is the hardest to find. I’ve been searching for you for a long time.”
This is a fast paced story, it held an edge to it and had a fused steamy relationship between the main characters. The storyline was good, but I felt like something was missing from it myself and I wasn’t as pulled in as I wanted to be. I did enjoy reading this and how the storyline/characters developed as I read on.
Emotions did run deep and how this was written showed these emotions coming through in all the situations. They are some fun characters which bring it to life in the serious times when it’s all fast going. Just personally felt like more could have been added to give it a more rounded off story.
October 25, 2022
Concealed to save her life.
Whoa, Author Cole J Powell has moved into the dark side of romance and let her characters get their hands dirty!!! V E R Y D I R T Y .
CONCEALED DECEPTION is Ms Powell’s fourth book is the first to roam into darker territory, and it’s easy to see that she feels a little more at home in this genre with her more relaxed writing style and story flow. She has successfully balanced the intense and dangerous Xander against lighter and witty banter fill life within which Ava has lived. It is her best friend Lacey who unerringly puts her in the way of her original life plan from which she’d been hidden and protected, and in that moment, her life is turned on it’s head.
Xander and Ava were like tinder and flint, just ready to explode.
There were a lot of facets successfully pulled together that made this book some pretty good reading for sure. 4-Stars 🔥🖤•
#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
Whoa, Author Cole J Powell has moved into the dark side of romance and let her characters get their hands dirty!!! V E R Y D I R T Y .
CONCEALED DECEPTION is Ms Powell’s fourth book is the first to roam into darker territory, and it’s easy to see that she feels a little more at home in this genre with her more relaxed writing style and story flow. She has successfully balanced the intense and dangerous Xander against lighter and witty banter fill life within which Ava has lived. It is her best friend Lacey who unerringly puts her in the way of her original life plan from which she’d been hidden and protected, and in that moment, her life is turned on it’s head.
Xander and Ava were like tinder and flint, just ready to explode.
There were a lot of facets successfully pulled together that made this book some pretty good reading for sure. 4-Stars 🔥🖤•
#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
December 4, 2022
This was a new to me author and one I've been meaning to read for far too long.
I live in the dark so I'm glad I waited and started off with this book.
As she gives the readers that in spades.
The only reason the rating is the way it is, is more personal preference, and nothing to do with the author's talent.
I knew going in that the BDSM parts wouldn't be my thing and that's ok, thats my prerogative, just like it's anyone's who is the opposite.
On the other hand, that plot!!
Despite what I said earlier I still found myself madly turning pages as I couldn't believe the twists we were taken on, and the decades worth of secrets and deception that came to light.
Very cleverly done, especially with both main characters having a backbone so nothing came easily.
The deeper we got into this book, the more I felt the author started to find her feet in the dark, so I definitely can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
I live in the dark so I'm glad I waited and started off with this book.
As she gives the readers that in spades.
The only reason the rating is the way it is, is more personal preference, and nothing to do with the author's talent.
I knew going in that the BDSM parts wouldn't be my thing and that's ok, thats my prerogative, just like it's anyone's who is the opposite.
On the other hand, that plot!!
Despite what I said earlier I still found myself madly turning pages as I couldn't believe the twists we were taken on, and the decades worth of secrets and deception that came to light.
Very cleverly done, especially with both main characters having a backbone so nothing came easily.
The deeper we got into this book, the more I felt the author started to find her feet in the dark, so I definitely can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
October 26, 2022
Wow just wow !!! How is it even possible that I have never read one of Cole J Powell absolutely amazing stories before now . Well I will definitely be rectifying that , in fact I think I’ve found myself a new favorite author. Dark , raw , gritty , suspenseful, steamy , heartbreaking, heartfelt twists and turns , family , friends, dramatic, angsty , emotional charged , wonderfully written characters that are so unique so captivating and very multi layered, a storyline that literally hooked me from the get go and kept me sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time reading well into the early morning hours . It’s not often I come across a author or a book that has the ability to hold my attention quite the way this phenomenal book has done not to mention all the wonderful and crazy emotions it stirred in me .do not miss it
a
a
October 26, 2022
I was not sure what I was getting into reading this book but I was pleasantly surprised with the great story and the characters of Xander and Ava who are both very strong. Xander is a very commanding and intense personality and has his sights on Ava and when these two come together you hear and feel the fireworks. Dark and very steamy but with a very interesting storyline I was hooked and on a rollercoaster ride that I did not want to end. Drama abounds for our main characters that threatens to keep them apart but both are determined to overcome any obstacle in their way to get their HEA. I am new to the books of Cole J Powell and I am most certainly going to read more of her work. An excellent read that I highly recommend.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving n honest review.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving n honest review.
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April 20, 2023Cole J. Powell takes you on a roller coaster ride in this story. It has several twists and turns.
Ava is not who she believes she is. Having that bombshell dropped on her caused her life to go in so many directions. One thing she knew was that Xander was the key to making her feel safe, cherished, and loved. Like two magnets, these two opposites couldn't be pulled apart no matter how hard the villain in the story tried.
Xander didn't know what to do. Ava scared him for many reasons, but mainly because it made him feel too weak to want and love her. He felt out of control in a world where he demanded order.
This is a dark storyline, so please read the trigger warnings.
As a reader, I definitely had a lot of questions that I hope are answered in the next story. There were a few moments where I was confused about the timeline of when everything occurred. Overall, I'd definitely grab another book by this author. Cole does pack a lot of emotion, intrigue, and fire into her stories.
Ava is not who she believes she is. Having that bombshell dropped on her caused her life to go in so many directions. One thing she knew was that Xander was the key to making her feel safe, cherished, and loved. Like two magnets, these two opposites couldn't be pulled apart no matter how hard the villain in the story tried.
Xander didn't know what to do. Ava scared him for many reasons, but mainly because it made him feel too weak to want and love her. He felt out of control in a world where he demanded order.
This is a dark storyline, so please read the trigger warnings.
As a reader, I definitely had a lot of questions that I hope are answered in the next story. There were a few moments where I was confused about the timeline of when everything occurred. Overall, I'd definitely grab another book by this author. Cole does pack a lot of emotion, intrigue, and fire into her stories.
October 26, 2022
Wow! This book blew my mind with the storyline and how action packed it was. The author keeps you guessing throughout, until just the right moment when she reveals secrets that changes the course of the story. The fmc has her life totally upended by all these secrets that were kept from her her whole life, and then has to determine who she is and what she wants, especially from the mmc. This book is definitely darker than what I’ve read from this author before, and I love it! It’s obvious she’s meant to write dark romance.
I recommend this book to those that enjoy an action packed, dark, and hard fought romance. Check your trigger warnings, and know your limits.
I recommend this book to those that enjoy an action packed, dark, and hard fought romance. Check your trigger warnings, and know your limits.
October 24, 2022
4*
Ava knew going to the club with her friend was a mistake but wasn't expecting to be tricked by Alexander (Xander)
Xander has taken Ava but needs to keep her away from his father as William is looking for her can he get her to accept what he's taken from her.
A debt needs to be repaid in full.
Ava knew going to the club with her friend was a mistake but wasn't expecting to be tricked by Alexander (Xander)
Xander has taken Ava but needs to keep her away from his father as William is looking for her can he get her to accept what he's taken from her.
A debt needs to be repaid in full.
October 28, 2022
She finds love with the man who kidnapped her
When Ava goes to a club with her friend they are shown to the VIP section and drinks are fast being served when a drunk in put in front of her and her friend he says an admirer sent her and her friend a drink.Alexander knows who she is and something about her calls to him.When she grabs her friends hand an says they are leaving the gorgeous man just laughs.He tells Tony to follow an see where they go.there are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes an you can feel their emotions an their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.
When Ava goes to a club with her friend they are shown to the VIP section and drinks are fast being served when a drunk in put in front of her and her friend he says an admirer sent her and her friend a drink.Alexander knows who she is and something about her calls to him.When she grabs her friends hand an says they are leaving the gorgeous man just laughs.He tells Tony to follow an see where they go.there are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes an you can feel their emotions an their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.
November 12, 2022
An action packed read full of tension, action,angst and sooooo much heat!!! My kindle was in danger of combusting. Ava and Xander's story will have you turning the pages in one sitting....a great read.
October 27, 2022
Good!
I love dark stories and this one is no exception! Ava is a strong character and I liked her from the start. Xander is also likable from the start. With all the twists in this story, I highly recommend this book!
I love dark stories and this one is no exception! Ava is a strong character and I liked her from the start. Xander is also likable from the start. With all the twists in this story, I highly recommend this book!
October 26, 2022
This is a good read. The couple had great chemistry. I recommend this book.
November 4, 2022
Great book new author for me story of courage strength and love
October 20, 2022
Wow! Seriously from start to finish this book had me hooked, wanting and needing to know more about Ava and this mysterious guy that was obsessed with her. I would seriously love to know more about these 2 and Lacey, Ava’s best friend in the future.
November 28, 2022
I love the book and it is a really good book.
October 14, 2022
Dark, angsty, mysterious and that’s just Xander! A steamy world world that exists in plain sight yet Ava is about to have her eyes opened wide to a world she never knew existed. Can she break through the armour around Xander’s heart or will his work and world be the end of her? Throw in some awesome side characters (I want a Lacey book!) and you’re in for a crazy twisted story!
January 5, 2023
I was hooked right from the opening chapter and thoroughly enjoyed this book. With a fierce heroine that the hero couldn't resist, this forbidden romance is good'n steamy with light BDSM and darker elements. Highly recommended!
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November 17, 2023This book is the first darker story by this author and all I can say is keep writing them, as I think you’ve found your niche! I absolutely loved this story with it’s edgier feel, I was hooked into the storyline immediately and couldn’t put it down once I had started.
The lead characters, Ava Pierce and Xander, or Alexander, Lamont, have such amazing chemistry, it literally walks off the page and hits you in the face! Well, okay, not literally! 😁 It definitely isn’t all roses and butterflies, actually, I am pretty sure it’s more snarls and arguments but the attraction bubbles away. Holy moly, talk about sitting on the edge of your seat with anticipation and excitement. As the drama unfolds and the action heats up I couldn’t help but read as fast as possible to discover what happens in this riveting story. I could certainly feel the old ticker thumping away in my chest.
Xander is an intense character, as one would expect from a man in his profession. I think even he is surprised by what happens in the book. Ava certainly gives him a run for his money, it’s a wonder he didn’t end up with a full head of grey hair! Likewise, Xander isn’t the best at communicating and this annoys the living daylights out of Ava, as one would expect. I liked both Xander and Ava, but I have to admit, I did want to shake Xander a time or two.
This story unfolds at its own pace, trust me it works—exceptionally well. Without giving any of the details away I will just say this fast-paced (that might sound contradictory but it’s not!) story never has a dull moment. Plus, when this author creates an evil character she really goes all the way! I disliked, trying to be PC, the ‘baddie’ so much even I could have done him some harm with glee.
Yes, there are some very serious elements and these are handled really well, but to balance this there are some very humorous scenes woven throughout the book, especially fun are the banter and antics of Ava and her friend Lacey. I hope Lacey gets her story with her fella soon. 😉 I totally recommend this book to everyone.
The lead characters, Ava Pierce and Xander, or Alexander, Lamont, have such amazing chemistry, it literally walks off the page and hits you in the face! Well, okay, not literally! 😁 It definitely isn’t all roses and butterflies, actually, I am pretty sure it’s more snarls and arguments but the attraction bubbles away. Holy moly, talk about sitting on the edge of your seat with anticipation and excitement. As the drama unfolds and the action heats up I couldn’t help but read as fast as possible to discover what happens in this riveting story. I could certainly feel the old ticker thumping away in my chest.
Xander is an intense character, as one would expect from a man in his profession. I think even he is surprised by what happens in the book. Ava certainly gives him a run for his money, it’s a wonder he didn’t end up with a full head of grey hair! Likewise, Xander isn’t the best at communicating and this annoys the living daylights out of Ava, as one would expect. I liked both Xander and Ava, but I have to admit, I did want to shake Xander a time or two.
This story unfolds at its own pace, trust me it works—exceptionally well. Without giving any of the details away I will just say this fast-paced (that might sound contradictory but it’s not!) story never has a dull moment. Plus, when this author creates an evil character she really goes all the way! I disliked, trying to be PC, the ‘baddie’ so much even I could have done him some harm with glee.
Yes, there are some very serious elements and these are handled really well, but to balance this there are some very humorous scenes woven throughout the book, especially fun are the banter and antics of Ava and her friend Lacey. I hope Lacey gets her story with her fella soon. 😉 I totally recommend this book to everyone.
November 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this story, it was so good. This author even though she may be fairly new you would never know by her writing. I loved Ava and her best friend Lacey, they are a hoot. When they unknowingly go into the wrong club they find themselves meeting a couple of men that will change their lives. When Ava and Lacey walk away from the guys they never would imagine that Xander has his sights on Ava and will do everything to make her his and unknowingly to Ava he is trying to keep her safe from someone that is coming for her and not in a good way. Ava finds out family secrets that turn her world upside down and put her in a very dangerous serious situation. Ava runs from Xander and runs right into the arms of the person that will destroy her life. Xander finds out that the person that has Ava is into human trafficking and that Ava is up for bid. He has to get her back at all cost but will it cost both of their lives. This is a fantastic book and highly recommend it.
November 20, 2023
Great read story of courage and love.first time reading this author love it
November 16, 2023
Cole is a new to me author and this genre is not one I’ve dipped into before but WOW!
This was engaging from the get go and through I had some reservations with Xander and Ava at the start they grew on me. The development of their relationship was paced just right enough to be believable. The banter between Ava and her friend Lacey and their shenanigans injected fun and wit!
This was dark, witty, suspenseful and action packed. I loved the development of the relations ship between the main characters, and the side characters were interesting too. There were some dark elements that may be triggers, however these were handled with deft skill by the author and with the lighter moments everything was balanced well.
I found this difficult to put down and I look forward to reading more by Cole J Powell!
This was engaging from the get go and through I had some reservations with Xander and Ava at the start they grew on me. The development of their relationship was paced just right enough to be believable. The banter between Ava and her friend Lacey and their shenanigans injected fun and wit!
This was dark, witty, suspenseful and action packed. I loved the development of the relations ship between the main characters, and the side characters were interesting too. There were some dark elements that may be triggers, however these were handled with deft skill by the author and with the lighter moments everything was balanced well.
I found this difficult to put down and I look forward to reading more by Cole J Powell!
November 21, 2023
Very well done. Such a great story. Dark but moving.
This was about Ava aka Savannah who had a dark past she didn't know about until she is kidnapped by Mafia kingpin, Xander.
Definitely dark, suspenseful and dangerous but a great romance and steamy in places.
Xander is your typical Mafia guy, full on alpha and Dominant. Ava I felt have in to the steamy part of the relationship way too fast but slowly grew a backbone as time went on.
Their chemistry was hot though and possessive with a deep attraction and touch her or die attitude from him.
Extremely well done, I'm looking forward to more in the series as this is the first book I've read from this author. Highly recommended!!
This was about Ava aka Savannah who had a dark past she didn't know about until she is kidnapped by Mafia kingpin, Xander.
Definitely dark, suspenseful and dangerous but a great romance and steamy in places.
Xander is your typical Mafia guy, full on alpha and Dominant. Ava I felt have in to the steamy part of the relationship way too fast but slowly grew a backbone as time went on.
Their chemistry was hot though and possessive with a deep attraction and touch her or die attitude from him.
Extremely well done, I'm looking forward to more in the series as this is the first book I've read from this author. Highly recommended!!
December 9, 2023
This is the first in a new series, and what an awesome beginning this is!
Xander is complex. mysterious, and a mafia boss who has an obsession, and Ava was promised to him as payment of a debt 14-years previously. Ava is feisty and strong, and she moves to New York for a fresh start, and she certainly did not expect to be kidnapped by Xander.
This is a well written story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with danger, suspense, intrigue, angst, family, friendships, and is a dark romance, which is an entertaining, tragic, unpredictable, twisted, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Xander is complex. mysterious, and a mafia boss who has an obsession, and Ava was promised to him as payment of a debt 14-years previously. Ava is feisty and strong, and she moves to New York for a fresh start, and she certainly did not expect to be kidnapped by Xander.
This is a well written story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with danger, suspense, intrigue, angst, family, friendships, and is a dark romance, which is an entertaining, tragic, unpredictable, twisted, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
December 2, 2023
Get ready for a roller coaster with the mafia boss and his kidnapped debt. Ava moves to New York for a new start however she knows nothing of the danger that is lurking. Xander was promised Ava as a debt 14 years ago, a debt Ava knows nothing about until she she has been kidnapped by Xander. What happens when feelings become involved on both sides but neither want to give in. The danger is not over however and Xander and Ava must fight to find a HEA. If you like your heroes a little dark and your heroines strong and willing to fight this is your book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2023
What a hot and steamy read! The sparks from Ava and Xander set my kindle on fire! Loved the plot and all the characters.
Great story, well written with loads of spice and suspense. Overall a great entertaining read and I can’t wait to read more!
Great story, well written with loads of spice and suspense. Overall a great entertaining read and I can’t wait to read more!
December 16, 2023
This is one of my new favorite authors. The stars of the book work well together. Cole makes sure that everything goes well and the story is written well.
December 17, 2023
This one took me a bit to get into but when I did, hold on for the ride. Couldn't put the book down. Definitely recommend!- Tasha
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews