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Flawless Deception

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A lifetime of friendship…
When my best friend of almost twenty years was involved in a car accident that wasn’t an accident at all, I dropped everything in my life thousands of miles away and came to his aid. Someone wanted him dead. The wreckage of his mangled custom-built Porsche and his equally broken body were testament to that. I had to move fast because his family agreed to unplug his life support hours after the attempted murder.
The truth isn’t always convenient…
I didn’t have legal grounds to stop it, and I didn’t try. Working behind the shadowy scenes, the way my mercenary father taught me, I stole his fractured body, a body his family thought was dead and cremated. At least, they assumed that it was his body they had turned to ash.
Now I must do whatever it takes to keep him hidden and alive. Not only are we friends and business partners, but he is also the man that I have loved for what feels like forever. I knew that he could never love me the way that I love him. How could he? He has only known me as his male best friend, Pax. Never suspecting that the boy he grew up with, rough-housed with, fought alongside, and even picked up women with, was not a male. Not only am I a female, but I am also an African Princess exiled and hiding from relatives who would want me dead if they knew I existed.
But then, the truth will always set you free…
I wish that had been the last of the deceptions, but I later found out that my best friend had secrets of his own. With twenty years of friendship between us, our deceptions shouldn’t have been so flawlessly executed.

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2022

151 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

D.M. Mortier

28 books160 followers
The first romance novel I ever read was Cinderella! I devoured Disney’s version of romance until I was eleven, and then I discovered Mills & Boons. In those days kissing was the most explicit intimacy disclosed: the hero and heroine went to bed and came out the next day with smiles! I had no idea what happened, but I was intrigued. My mom had shelves and shelves of them. Over the long summer breaks, I barely left my bedroom! My busy parent had no idea what I was up to. I’ve always been fascinated with love stories. I started writing in college, but I never expected anyone would ever read my whimsical musings. LOL! Now years later, after husband and kids, and a solid career in finance I’ve started publishing those early ideas.

I write my stories so that every woman would be inspired to find the other half of themselves. With every story I tell, my Caribbean sisters are highlighted. Our culture is a melting pot of all ethnicities, where love has no color. We love who we love and make no apology for it. These stories are also infused with my love for sports and action thrillers. I’m an avid sports fan. Tennis, football, track and basketball are my favorites. I devour dramas and action movies. So it’s to be expected that my books have a healthy dose of adventure.

Writing romance novels has been a dream I never knew I had. It was born out of suddenly having a little extra time with the kids out of the house. I absolutely love this creative outlet.

Author’s Creed
I like women strong, and my men stronger!
I like my sex raunchy but meaningful!

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5 stars
269 (64%)
4 stars
101 (24%)
3 stars
36 (8%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Bree.
472 reviews34 followers
December 9, 2022

There’s so much to unpack with this story. I think the initial storyline of someone trying to kill Rafa and Pax not quite being who they say they are would’ve been enough. When you add in the the forced marriage, the shadow group, drugs, secret family, it becomes a little muddled. Like what happened to the cousins? They really didn’t add or take away from the story. They were just there.
Also, I’m sorry the way we just “forgive”’or at least come to terms with Gianna is mind boggling. She wasn’t that important for them to have to keep her around. She filled in the dots a little but not enough in my opinion to get the pass she did.

Overall it’s an interesting story but just too much. Still check it out, you might feel differently.
1,066 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2024
*****Spoilers*****

So much happens in this book, a lot of it was eye rolling and just a bit too fantastical and easy. Pax aka Padma, was sent to military school in the guise of a young boy for her protection. She was also taking drugs to suppress her feminine hormones. While at the school she meets and befriends Rafael aka Rafa who is 5 years older than she is I think. Anyway, they become friends and stay in contact after they're both out except she never sees Rafa again in person because she's a she. They're business partners and share a lot and trust one another, but still Pax stays out of sight. Until she decides to attend Rafa's 30th birthday party as herself where she plans to reveal the truth. Only she doesn't and the deception continues through Rafa's marriage to another woman Giana. But not before Rafa and Padma have a night together that's unforgettable. Rafa never consummates his marriage so an annulment is obtained once Pax comes in to save him.

Pax gets a phone call from Rafa when one of the attempts on his life seems to succeed. But Pax gets to Rafa in time in the hospital while he's in a coma before his wife orders him off life support, and uses her resources to get him out of there and to her home in another country. From there, Pax cares for Rafa for over a year with the help of her father's discreet contacts, all while her dad Lucifer disapproves. After a while, I can't remember if it was 6 months or a year, Rafa awakes from his coma with no memory but comes to think Pax is his wife thanks to the doctor saying so. To aid in the recovery of his memory, Pax isn't supposed to reveal details to Rafa about his life but he's slowly remembering. Once he gets his memory back, he still wants Padma as his wife but she hasn't confessed her other identity at that point.

The rest of the book is a lot of hot and heavy lustfully spicy scenes coupled with revelation after revelation. Side note, I completely thumbs down Giana's relationship with Lucifer, just gross. From Lucifer claiming his throne as the king of an African nation to Rafa revealing his family mob connections, there's a lot to take in. While the pace of the book early is really good, once Rafa wakes up, the pace speeds so fast that it left my enjoyment for the story and where it was going in the dust.

This book needs an English major's very dear assistance to push it up a bit. Lots of errors peppered throughout, spelling, grammar, words.
126 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2022
Hard No!

To unbelievable! Someone tries to kill you more the once and you invite them to stay with you??? Your ex-wife who was heavily involved, gets a pass to live happily ever after with your new wife's father!!! I usually like the books by this particular author, but the story was just awful in so many ways. It was just way too much going on. The story should of just focused on Pax and Rafa and not the ridiculously added secondary characters!!
Profile Image for Nicole.
305 reviews
April 2, 2023
3.5⭐️

Very interesting! This is my first book from the author and while I enjoyed the plot of the book and getting to know the characters. The book was a bit long winded. However, I do appreciate the background to each situation. The middle towards the ending is when everything started to buildup.
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,156 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2023
They were best friends.

What a tangled mess we weave. But they were both guilty of lies of omission. But unknown to each other they loved each other very much and hid that fact very well. It wasn't until the untimely death of Raffa, did Pax pull out all effort to save the man she! loved. Unbeknownst to him, Rafael's best friend Pax was a male. They did and knew everything about each other since military school, which eventually lead them to be business partners. He had a hard time accepting who Pax/ Padma was. He could not accept the fact that she kept that information from him, even though it was arranged by her father Lucifer to keep her safe. She was equally angry with him for not being forthcoming with a lot of things he kept from her. She refused to be his battering ram to take his disappointment on and left.

Life without his BFF and wife was unbearable to Raffa. He did what was necessary to get and keep the woman he loved in his life. Despite all of the curveballs sent their way, they remained faithful to each other and the plans they put in place to eliminate those that tried to kill Raffa as well as any other future threats.

I just loved this story. It was full of mystery, intrigue, and action as well as passion. I love reading about a strong black woman who would not be undermined by anyone, whether it it were her crazy mercenary father Lucifer, or the man she loved since childhood. I loved that scene in the restaurant with Amelia. That had my heart in my throat. I'm just glad that Raffael and Padma were able to have their well fought for HEA.

This story was well executed. If I could give it ten stars I would. I see why this book made Facebook's BWSL's Best 2022 List. In my opinion, it should rank as #1 on that list along with some others.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,016 reviews154 followers
Read
May 20, 2023
Action. Drama. Intensity. Chemistry. Deceptions. Greed.

5-FLAWLESS DECEPTION
BOY/GIRL PRINCESS/BUSINESS PARTNER WIFE/FRIEND
Action. Drama. Intensity. Chemistry. Deceptions. Greed.

Friendship of twenty years will be put to the test. Do they really know each other? It's not until one almost dies, but to the world it was death, that truths start to unravel. And still things are not all that meets the eye of the beholder. There are still some things hidden in the background. Raffa and Pax were the best of friends in the circumstances they were set in. Both had a life that they did not share with the other, but outside of that they knew everything about each other. They had each other's back. Pax was the silent business partner of Raffa. Pax was the key to making sure the twists and turns did not completely drown them both. There were untold truths that will come back to bite them both in the am-scray. Marriage of advantage or convenience, whichever, does not always work out that way. When you fall in love the heart will never lie. The dedication of Pax/Padma was just steadfast. Lucifer was a trip, but I could understand his logic. There were characters to love, hate, and dislike.

I find picking up a new book from D.M. Mortier to be very much appreciated. I walk away very happy and ready to jump into a new one. She finds ways to make the worlds exciting, connection, alluring, and intriguing. I love the characters. I love the journey unfolding. I also think she has a thing for the name Padma.
1,015 reviews17 followers
November 30, 2022
Interesting 3.5 stars (contains spoilers)

The premise of the strong heroine with a twist was interesting. I enjoyed both Pax and Rafa.
However the book was unnecessarily long and repetitive at times.
As much as I enjoyed Pax, her attitude was ridiculous. You can’t lied to someone for 20 years and expect them to be ok with it within 5 minutes, no matter how wonderful you’ve been to them. They will question what’s real and what’s fake.
There were a few holes in the story. For instance, if Lucifer could reclaim his position so « easily «  why wait 40 years to do it? Why have him get together with Giana of all people ?
The lack of killer instinct from Rafa was also frustrating. Why let the situation get so bad?
With such technology at his fingertips, it seems strange that Everette for instance hadn’t discovered the plot in a full year.
The pink dust scene and restaurant scene felt unnecessary. The first one because I’m pretty sure they could have gone out of testing the drugs , the second one, where are the bodyguards?
Lastly, how come The Familia is suddenly interested in helping protect them?
504 reviews6 followers
December 12, 2022
Long....very long...really long

This was good. It was a little repetitive. So much explaining during Rafa's convalescent. It was boring. I kept reading. I like the way Pax and Rafa didn't take any crap from anyone. I didn't want Giana to win, but she did. All in all I love D.M. Mortier books, so complain as I might, I will still read them. Good story. All of the main characters were wealthy. I wish he had gotten rid of his mooching cousins. They really treated him badly along with their parents. I cried for the treatment Rafa and Pax endured. The cover was beautiful. Her daddy was crazy. Date rape drug? An audience? Rich folk. SMH.





Profile Image for Ann Miller.
46 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2022
Flawless Deception

Shoot I’m still trying to find the appropriate words to describe how great this book is! D.M. Mortier’s books are always Exceptional. This is no different. This book about, Rafael and Pax/ Padma. Pax was sent to an all boy school by her father. There she meets Rafael. Who was also there because of his father. Rafael thought Pax was a guy for 20 years. Pax did not know how to tell her best friend all she kept hidden. Rafael is keeping a secret of his own. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Cici.
286 reviews19 followers
December 9, 2022
Madness

I really appreciate unconventional romances like this, this book is insane but never boring. Although pax commenting on her dad's body was cringe inducing, she was an interesting character. The author really tried to romanticize Pax being a pathological liar, still this was a fun couple with a wild supporting cast. I enjoyed this adventure a lot. This author is a risk taker which is unique in a genre overrun in predictable tropes & telling the same stories over & over again. This author leaves you on the edge of your seat in a field where that's sorely lacking.
377 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2023
“No more secrets. No more deceptions.”

There were a lot of both secrets and deceptions in this very interesting and sometimes funny book. The love between Pax aka Padma and Rafa spanned over a 20+ year period as they started as best friends in military school for boys ( the first of many secrets and deceptions since Pax was a girl ) but evolved to lovers and spouses. A great read.
216 reviews
October 7, 2024
WOW!!! Just finished reading. It was nonstop intrigue, suspense and betrayal. Sometimes families can be more corrupt than your enemies. Rafa and Pax withstood a lot to be together, and I was glad that they finally became a loving couple. They deserved their ending after everything they went through. I have always believed that couples should build a friendship first. It makes it easier to weather the storms.
824 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2022
Pax and Rafa

Great read! I cried, I was hurt, and there were some funny parts to keep the reader continually turning the next page. The ruthlessness of these families and the lengths they would go through and kill for wealth and power. Very today and realistic but I loved Pax’s character! She was a bad as-!
Profile Image for Cammyjoe.
1,428 reviews8 followers
December 8, 2022
👍👍

Love all D.M. ‘s books and this kick*ss one is amazing!!
What can I say all the characters are fantabulous even the cray cray ones. Giana… my goodness! 😝
Pax and Rafa are dynamite 🧨
Ps Sabrina & Miguel,… what happened to them? I hope they paid the consequences of their actions and greed!
Great read!!
Profile Image for Victoria Ziglor-smith.
775 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2022
Another One That I Will Re-Read

This was mind blowing, I hated when I had to go do anything. I just want to stay in this book from beginning to end I feel in love with Rafa & Pax. I see myself re-reading this over and over. What a great story to read for the month of December. 💕💕💕💕
610 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2022
WOW JUST WOW

Ms. Mortier does it again I love her stories and this one did not disappoint. This was a great read and I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you will regret it. This story has all the things you need in a story heat lots of it and action. Great job Ms. Mortier please keep these wonderful stories coming and thank you. 👍🙏❤🔥
800 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2022
Great story!

I truly enjoyed this book and the characters were very entertaining. Loved the chemistry between Rafael and Pax it was smoking hot 🔥 and very intense. The story line was awesome full of drama and intrigue. I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Cass K..
263 reviews
December 21, 2022
wow

We all need a Pax in our lives. To have a love like that even when it appears we don’t deserve it.

That pixie dust is the thing of terror. Read until 3am last night and promptly went into a nightmare about it. Great writing, a story that stays with you hours after putting the book down.
66 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2022
What a awesome story well done

Read this book you want be disappointed. Pax and Rafa story is written in detailed from beginning to ending. I want tell the story, but I didn’t want the story to end. I wish it was a part 2. The only thing I would have wanted was more details with Rafa and his Dad. Read this book
Profile Image for Chavonne N Thomas.
31 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2023
Page turner, Master ful, action packed, love in full force

D. M Mortimer does it again with the strong independent woman and alpha male for an action, drama filled, interdependent love story. Live the depth, breadth, and complexity of the characters.

Pax, kickass, brilliantly beautiful and complex. Rafa an alpha with baggage and smarts.
4 reviews
February 17, 2023
Didn't see it coming!!!!

Wow!!!! Frist time reading this author. Flawless deception was right. I couldn't put this book down. Love the characters. Especially Padma. She didn't need for a man to rescue her. She was a badass in her own right. Definitely adding this author to my list.
Profile Image for Patricia H.
402 reviews7 followers
Read
March 7, 2023
What an amazing story😛🔥

I love the plot of and the setup of this amazing love story. Rafa and Pax , what a force to be reckon with?!!!! The way they met and grew up together as two best friends, and not knowing that one wasn't a guy. .flawless. This story and the characters are totally worth the read. Loved it! I want to see their children all grown up💕
Profile Image for Cre.
20 reviews
November 30, 2022
Pax and Rafa's story was so hot and touching, you could feel the heat coming off the pages. As always Ms. Mortier delivered a strong female heroine that met her match in a strong hero. Both were exceptional on their own but untouchable together. I couldn't put this book down!
69 reviews
December 3, 2022
Good read!

Pax and Rafa are the wrecking crew! Great book and you will laugh throughout it. The characters are a riot! Full of color and down right ruthless!! With these enemies who needs friends or in their case family!
178 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2022
Excellent Story

Loved Pax and Rafael's story. It enthralled you with all the twists, turns, excitement, romance and love. Touched a lot of emotions, well written. Great job D.M. another grand slam best seller book!
Darlene
61 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2022
Sexy, beautiful and gripping story

OMG, what a story. Captivating from start to finish. So sexy a book. The characters were exciting, the plot superb and the dialogues exquisite. Awesome job by the author. She never disappoints. I would highly recommend this book.
400 reviews2 followers
Read
December 13, 2022
Enjoyed so much

I absolutely enjoyed this book. The drama was perfect. The father has the perfect name (devil name) because he most surely was a times. Hopefully the baby girl will get a bit of a break. Looking for another of your books like this. I hope you do more
663 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2022
am here for this book

I like this book for its storyline and character development. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a hot and romantic story. Five star because it’s amazing!
25 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2023
Truly invigorating

D.M. Mortier has a way of empowering women in her novels.. Strong and independent, yet submissive enough to allow her soul mate to take charge. An invigorating and exciting love story.
39 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2023
The love

This book was so fun it has so much going on I couldn't even put it down It took me 2 days to finish it the characters the secrets the plots It just had everything it was such so fun and interesting you have a new fan I will be looking for your books
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