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Deception

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Never mix business with pleasure, they say. And I’m about to learn the hard way.

He’s the wrong man for me.

Gabriel.

Once my boss, now my lover. Beautiful on the outside, but inside, there’s a darkness waiting to be unleashed. A darkness that could destroy me.

Yet, I can’t seem to stay away.

One touch, and I’m addicted. Obsessed. I can’t deny my need for him, especially when he needs me, too.

But he has secrets. There are many lies.

They come between us, testing our love.

Is our intoxicating passion enough to make us last?



Deception is a steamy, boss-assistant romance, book 2 of a trilogy. Mature readers only.

Trigger warnings: Mild violence, discussion of sexual abuse.

Deception also contains explicit sex scenes and expletives.

243 pages, ebook

Published July 31, 2022

29 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Erika Bradley

4 books63 followers
Erika Bradley has been an avid romance reader most of her life, long before she was even allowed to read steamy novels. Recently, she decided to step to the other side of the world she loved and wrote her first romance novel, Intoxication.

Erika writes steamy, suspenseful plots with flawed, emotional characters that will keep readers turning each page. Her aim is to give each reader a satisfying escape.

When she’s not writing, you may find her curled up with a book or gardening. She also enjoys island trotting during her extended breaks.

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5 stars
31 (42%)
4 stars
24 (32%)
3 stars
13 (17%)
2 stars
3 (4%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Pearline.
378 reviews16 followers
October 26, 2022
This is the 2nd book in Zyon and Gabriel’s story and it took me some time to finish it but I’m glad I did.

At the heart of this story is the characters overcoming past traumas and how they navigate their professional and familial relationships along with their various friendships. For my review I’m just going to focus on the two main characters and not the multiple conflicts in the story.

So let me start with Zyon, she is a shining example of the power of therapy. You can really see her growth from book 1 to book 2. She’s not bottling up her feelings, using alcohol to self medicate. I loved how she’s now seeing things more objectively concerning her parents and realizing she deserves more. You even see her become a better and more supportive friend to Roshell too. The author is doing a great job of showing she’s growing but still very insecure. I’m hoping by the 3rd book she finds healing and a strength to stand up for herself when it comes to Gabriel.

Now the character of Gabriel doesn’t grow at all in this book in fact I feel like he’s regressing as a character. He’s a pushover for everyone in his life. He gaslights Zyon all throughout the book to the point where I felt like the other characters in the book who scream for sis to leave him. There’s a point in the book where Zyon is talking to her therapist about her issues with Gabriel and the therapist tells her that she needs to heal more from her past traumas and leave Gabriel alone because it’s messing with her healing. He never communicates with her will go hours and days without answering her calls, uses sex to manipulate her. He is not someone you want your friend with and I was so happy she left to get some peace.

Overall, I’m enjoying the series I hope to see more growth from Zyon but I’m on the fence about her relationship with Gabriel. While there is a lot of emphasis on Zyon getting mental help and overcoming trauma I hope the 3rd book focuses on Gabriel seeking that same help. It frustrating when these stories emphasis the woman getting her life together and not the man.
Profile Image for Isolette or (ICY).
503 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2022
First I have to say 🥵🥵
Omg this is my most day book and series I read. This is book 2. So, many things happeneing at once or in such a small time frame. Zyon has her insecurities and Gabriel just keeps pointing them out instead of listening to them. Incredibly written and had you on the edge of your set the entire time! Zyon preserver with everything thrown her way, all the emotions and demons she fought everyday was admirable. She struggled so much with trust in her relationship with Gabe and it made me so incredibly sad for her because she wanted to badly to not feel that way; having so many people against their relationship made it that much harder!
zyon and Gabe used sex to manipulate each other to get what they wanted (just gave me a slight ick) but the spice was incredibly written and it made you obsessed with their relationship / chemistry even more with how crazy they are about each other.
Do I need. More I recommend this book 5/5
Profile Image for Nelly.
333 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2024
The second book of Erika Bradley's damaged heart trilogy, "Deception," continues the disappointing trend set by its predecessor. Once again, the main character Zyon fails to live up to expectations and showcases a lack of character development. The secrets revealed in this installment are dragged out for unnecessary drama, making for a frustrating read.

As a reader, it becomes increasingly difficult to feel any sympathy or compassion towards the characters. Their chemistry is sorely lacking, and their issues could easily be resolved if they just communicated openly. However, they continue to struggle, making their situation even more pitiful.

One of the main issues that persists throughout the series is the weak portrayal of Gabriel. He is portrayed as a weak and unsupportive partner, making it difficult to fathom why Zyon would even want to be with him. His lack of effort and commitment to the relationship further diminishes any sense of chemistry between the two characters.

In "Deception," the characters become even more pathetic than they were in the first book. Their insecurities and struggles seem never-ending, and their inability to communicate effectively continues to hinder their progress as a couple. The repetitive nature of their issues and the slow pace of the story make it challenging for the reader to stay connected or invested in their well-being.

Ultimately, I am not convinced that these two belong together. Gabriel's weaknesses and lack of effort make him an unworthy partner for Zyon, who deserves someone who is more supportive and understanding. The chemistry between them is lacking, and it is clear that they are not compatible in the long run.

In conclusion, "Deception" is a mediocre continuation of Erika Bradley's damaged heart trilogy. The continuation of the same tropes and lack of character development further diminish my interest in the story. Zyon remains an insecure and pitiful character, while Gabriel is portrayed as weak and not worth the effort for a relationship.

The characters lack chemistry, and their issues could be easily resolved with a bit of effort. Ultimately, I am not convinced that these two belong together, as they simply lack the depth and compatibility required to sustain a meaningful relationship.
Profile Image for Beata Kovacs.
93 reviews
August 10, 2022
✨ARC review✨
What the actual fuck?!
Okay so first off… amazing book. I absolutely love the story. The characters are really good and everything.
What I didn’t like was how they always went back to the same old jealousy and stuff and never talked it through. But oh well.. insecurities….. we all have them….
So when I started reading I was like okay we have two psychopaths and one person to hate… But then Aaron turned out to be less crazy (less… he’s still a piece of shit) and Deacon got stupider as the story continued. We got crazy exes and I absolutely hate the mother’s. Yes both of them…. Like how could Dineo do that??????!!!!? Ahhh I’m so mad at her. And Gabriel’s dad?? Fuck him too.
And now everything went to shit and we got a cliffhanger.
At least there’s some serious growling in the cards for the third book. But oh my I’m soooo looking forward to it
43 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2022
Intense and spicy

I like an intense hero and Gabriel was that. Both characters were learning to trust each other but at times went about it the wrong way. It was a very good book and I can't wait for book 3.
Profile Image for Demi Snell.
150 reviews10 followers
July 27, 2022
*ARC Review*
4.5 ⭐️

This book was incredibly written and had you on the edge of your set the entire time!! It had me on a roller coaster of emotions with every page I read; I normally figure out plot twists as I read but I was surprised at every turn with this book. The spice was also so amazing 🙌🏼
I absolutely loved seeing Zyon preserver with everything thrown her way, all the emotions and demons she fought everyday was admirable. I admired how she learned to find her voice and start vocalizing her feelings. She struggled so much with trust in her relationship with Gabe and it made me so incredibly sad for her because she wanted to badly to not feel that way; having so many people against their relationship made it that much harder!

The only reason I didn’t rate this a 5 was because of the way both Zyon and Gabe used sex to manipulate each other to get what they wanted (just gave me a slight ick) but the spice was incredibly written and it made you obsessed with their relationship / chemistry even more with how crazy they are about each other.

Today I had a day off and did I spend most of the day reading this book start to finish? Absolutely! I cant wait to see what happens in the next book because that cliffhanger left me with so many questions!
Profile Image for Fern.
755 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2023
Of course this ends in a cliffhanger! I cannot wait for book three! Gabriel was being difficult in not recognizing that his childhood "friend", Nicole is a devious woman! Even though at the end of this book, she apologizes, etc., I would not put it past her to try to come between him and Zyon again! She shows him one face but to women, we see the truth! And his mother, is another character that is devious! It took him til the end of the book (just like another story I read by another author) to realize that he is in love with Zyon! He will have to search for her now and that will be good! I am glad that Zyon will be getting to know her Dad and maybe some truths about her Mom as well. THis was a really good read!
Profile Image for Centurymoon  Reviews.
119 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2022
I love Zyon and Gabriel so much. This book is so much! So, many things happeneing at once or in such a small time frame. Zyon has her insecurities and Gabriel just keeps pointing them out instead of listening to them. I love me a good smut book, but using srx to get your partner to say and do things you want from them is manipulative and boardline controlling behavior. My poor heart just doesn't know what to think about this book. Hang on to your seats its a bumpy ride.....and maje sure your holding tight when the cliffhanger comes barreling by. I love it! I can't wait for next book!
I received this book as an ARC!
Profile Image for Smuttybooks_geekystuff.
709 reviews46 followers
July 31, 2022
Deception follows on from where book one, Intoxication, ended on its cliffhanger.

We get to see how Zyon and Gabriel deal with the fallout from the events in Intoxication and how their relationship progresses with all the pressure from them.

Zyon has lot of insecurities (some justified) but Gabriel wouldn't listen to her which got very frustrating and also, I just wanted Gabriel to talk to Zyon about the things that were happening with him.

The spicy scenes are really well written which gave the characters so much tension and chemistry but I just didn't like that at times, both the main characters used sex to manipulate the other to get their way.

I really enjoy seeing the side characters stories evolve alongside the main characters, especially with Roshell.

I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next with this rollercoaster of a ride
457 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2022
Damaged Heart series continues with book two by Erika Bradley. The storyline picks up where book one left off with all of the repercussions. Gabriel and Zyon have so much to work through to make this relationship work. Zyon has insecurities and Gabriel is controlling. They both use sex to get what they want.
The emotional rollercoaster ride their story put me through has had me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The cliffhanger has certainly left me hanging alright. Erika Bradley has written a phenomenal series and I can’t wait for the need next book. Love these characters and want to see how they end up ASAP!!!
Author 1 book9 followers
August 23, 2022
Zyon and Gabriel are still together, but his father's history may soon make him lose everything he loves, while Zyon is still battling her own demons.

Bradley writes her characters consistently giving us a narrative that keeps us intrigued throughout. Although this can come under the genre of erotic fiction, one thing I love about this author is that she gives us a narrative we want to follow and are truly invested in.

I flew through this novel as Bradley's writing style is easy and enjoyable throughout and cannot wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Scarlett Leva.
Author 8 books64 followers
August 1, 2022
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and it didn't disappoint.

It's a steamy, page turner. The twist and turns kept me captivated until the end. Zyon and Gabriel's chemistry leaps off the page. A well written book.

Although Gabriel wants to take his time to build their relationship; Zyon is full steam ahead.
Zyon knows what she feels and wants. But will she drive Gabriel away?

It seems everything and everyone is working against them. Will they survive?

I'm loving this series and cannot wait for book three.

Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,423 reviews40 followers
August 1, 2022
OK, let's just say that this book completely killed me. I can't even begin to tell you the emotional roller coaster that this book took me on. And the cliff hanger, ugh. I loved Gabriel and Zyon. As Zyon struggles with her insecurities, Gabriel just keeps pointing them out and making things worse. I w3as not a fan of using sex to get what you want or trying to fix your problems though. Minus that, this book was great and I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Vivian Gunn Reviews.
14 reviews
August 6, 2022
Book 2 certainly did not disappoint! In fact, it was even better than part 1, which is saying a lot! The chemistry between Zyon and Gabriel is even hotter, there's steamy scene in the office I'm still thinking about!
Zyon and Gabriel's relationship had just begun and it was already facing the test of time: an obsessive stalker, a jealous best friend and a manipulative, scheming mother. Oh! The drama! I'm here for it!
But the question is, will they make it? Can't wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Reading_with_dani93.
317 reviews8 followers
August 6, 2022
This was a great book and I couldn't put it down. The story flowed really well and I had to keep reading to see what happened next. I absolutely can not wait for the next one to come out to see how the rest of Gabriel and Zyon's story goes. The first book should definitely be read before this one so you get the full story. Definitely recommend reading this!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lorna .
135 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2022
Deception is book 2 of the Damaged Hearts Series and follows on from the cliffhanger ending of Intoxication book one.
Gabriel and Zyon is still dealing with their issues and so much more. This very suspenseful and steamy relationship with its ups and downs had me on an emotional rollercoaster and once again glued to the pages until the cliffhanger.
😫 can't wait for book three!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
144 reviews
July 24, 2022
The book open w. A bang Aaron's back trying to get to Zyon. Gabriel is trying to help protect her but also has troubles of his own. His best friend needing rescuing. An employee out for blackmail. The jealousy and insecurities Zyon has about there relation. Jealousy flares its head many times. There relationship is tumultuous w. Ppl trying to break them apart

Can't wait for the next book!
7,160 reviews33 followers
July 31, 2022
This is the second book in this series Damaged Hearts. The story flows well, the characters are likeable and fit well together. This book continues from the previous one and you will need to read that to get the full background on the story and characters. It will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenna  Price.
1,225 reviews
July 31, 2022
Deception follows on from where book one, Intoxication, ended on its cliffhanger. We get to see how Zyon and Gabriel deal with the fallout from the events in Intoxication and how their relationship progresses with all the pressure from them. his book has so much going on it will leave you wanting more. I need more of Gabriel and Zyon’s story coming in book 3!
4,025 reviews
August 12, 2022
Deception: A Steamy Contemporary Romance
Book 2 of Damaged Hearts Series
Erika Bradley

The story and characters, Zyon and Gabriel, are wonderfully written and nicely developed. This is a very emotional story. I enjoyed the journey. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
286 reviews11 followers
August 1, 2022
**I received this as an ARC**

Once again Erika has left us with one crazy cliffy! This entire book was one big rollercoaster of emotions. Zyon and Gabriel have so much that they need to work through in order to make their relationship work. I cannot wait to see how the final book plays out.
22 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2022
The continuation of Gabriel's and Zyon's story is intense. So many secrets that have to be revealed, some were, but really good story.
The electricity and secrets between them are something that can destroy them both and their relationship too.
Love this author and both her books.
2,030 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2022
Deliciously dark and dangerous. Another fantastic instalment in the series. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,568 reviews19 followers
August 9, 2022
This story held my attention from start to finish, I read it in one sitting. This was my first read from this author but it will definitely not be the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather Carroll.
15 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2022
I was lucky enough to be an Arc reader of this book. This book left me speechless! From the roller-coaster ride to the twist that I just didn't see coming. Then it ended on a cliffhanger that has me counting down to the next book!!!!
Profile Image for June.
107 reviews
October 26, 2022
omg

Please release book 3 now. This is too good. I am way too invested in Gabriel and Zyon’s relationship. This cliffhanger is killing me. You told this story perfectly Ms. Bradley. I am officially your biggest fan
1 review
July 26, 2022
Love this second part!! i literally can't wait to see what's gonna happen !
Profile Image for Tania.
74 reviews
May 6, 2023
Seriously this book wasn't long enough.
Some people don't like the constant push and pull of the main characters, however I loved it in this book.
Gabriel has a lot of decisions to make and the amount of stress through every aspect of his life crushes his shoulders.
I was seriously depicting he'd have a heart attack and then series over, but he didn't.
There were a lot of 'you're an idiot' moments that flew out of my mouth.
Totally wrapped in Gabriel and Zyon's love story!

Zyon is struggling through the emotions of a 'flip-flopping' man and treading through the deep waters of their new situationship (as she puts it) and also has a lot going on to!
The trials and tribulations that the main characters share keeps you captivated.

*BEWARE* the story ends of a HUUUUUGE cliffhanger and I wanted to throw my Kindle.
Profile Image for Cheyenne (moumantai.bookish).
242 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2023
“There’s something growing inside me, and I can’t deny it’s deeper than her being under my skin.”

I thought Intoxication was suspenseful but it was nothing compared to Deception (PERFECT title). The characters are really trying to work towards their own development but the situations they find themselves in proves it to be much more difficult.

The cliffhanger did it’s job because I’m just hanging now, impatient to get my hands on the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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