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Law of the Lycans #8
Deceit can be Deadly
Gwyneth has no use for Lycans but a string of dead bodies has brought one of the dogs right to her door. Can he be trusted or is he merely accomplished at deception? And why do the murders seem to lead right to the heart of the Universal Coven to which she belongs?
Meet Gwyneth O’Donohue – a powerful witch with an attitude, Matthias Bendov – a soft-hearted werebear, and Dante Esparza – a Lycan and soldier of fortune who has a score to settle.
Love clashes with an ancient curse in the latest instalment of the Law of the Lycans.
Meet Gwyneth O’Donohue – a powerful witch with an attitude, Matthias Bendov – a soft-hearted werebear, and Dante Esparza – a Lycan and soldier of fortune who has a score to settle.
Love clashes with an ancient curse in the latest instalment of the Law of the Lycans.
420 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2017
129 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Nicky Charles
22 books2,875 followersNicky Charles is an independent writer/publisher who became an author quite by accident. She always saw herself as a ‘reader not a writer’ and can thank—or blame, depending on the day—her friend/editor and fellow author, Jan Gordon, for the career she now finds herself immersed in. The tale goes something like this:
In January of 2009, Nicky penned a fanfiction for an old TV series, “Scarecrow and Mrs. King”, and soon became ‘hooked’ on story telling. She joined a fan-based group for the show and through there met Jan Gordon. It was an idle comment made by Jan during a review of Black Silk (Jan’s newly published book) that inspired Nicky to write her first original story. Over the course of the next two months, she hastily scribbled down a suspense driven romance entitled Forever In Time and presented it to the world in August of 2009. Soon after, she wrote The Mating, a paranormal romance and followed it up with The Keeping and The Finding. The three stories formed a loose paranormal trilogy called The Law of the Lycans. Nicky continues to expand the Lycan series and has a long list of possible plots waiting in the wings.
Nicky works full-time and writes in her off-hours, few though they may be! In the next few years she hopes to retire from her day job and concentrate more of her energy on her new passion of writing.
When she writes, Nicky sees the story unfolding in her head like a movie and tries to include enough detail so that readers can ‘see’ the story just as she does. The sights, sounds, smells and sensations of a scene are almost as important to her as the actual plot.
Creating main characters that are ‘real’ is also something she strives for. Nicky tries to make each character different, to give them an interesting back story, to make their actions and feelings logical and to hopefully make the reader actually care what happens to the people in the story.
Nicky lives in Canada and tries to stick to Canadian spelling and punctuation in her work, in support of her country. She is an avid supporter of animal shelters, nature conservancy, food banks and a variety of other charities. Currently she has two ‘inside’ cats and one official ‘outside’ cat though a number of strays seem to take up residence in her garden each year.
When not writing, Nicky enjoys reading – though she often bemoans that she seldom has time for it any more. Her favourite authors are Elizabeth Peters, S.C. Stephen and Cherise Sinclair. She also enjoys spending time out in nature, gardening, taking day trips and eating dark chocolate.
In January of 2009, Nicky penned a fanfiction for an old TV series, “Scarecrow and Mrs. King”, and soon became ‘hooked’ on story telling. She joined a fan-based group for the show and through there met Jan Gordon. It was an idle comment made by Jan during a review of Black Silk (Jan’s newly published book) that inspired Nicky to write her first original story. Over the course of the next two months, she hastily scribbled down a suspense driven romance entitled Forever In Time and presented it to the world in August of 2009. Soon after, she wrote The Mating, a paranormal romance and followed it up with The Keeping and The Finding. The three stories formed a loose paranormal trilogy called The Law of the Lycans. Nicky continues to expand the Lycan series and has a long list of possible plots waiting in the wings.
Nicky works full-time and writes in her off-hours, few though they may be! In the next few years she hopes to retire from her day job and concentrate more of her energy on her new passion of writing.
When she writes, Nicky sees the story unfolding in her head like a movie and tries to include enough detail so that readers can ‘see’ the story just as she does. The sights, sounds, smells and sensations of a scene are almost as important to her as the actual plot.
Creating main characters that are ‘real’ is also something she strives for. Nicky tries to make each character different, to give them an interesting back story, to make their actions and feelings logical and to hopefully make the reader actually care what happens to the people in the story.
Nicky lives in Canada and tries to stick to Canadian spelling and punctuation in her work, in support of her country. She is an avid supporter of animal shelters, nature conservancy, food banks and a variety of other charities. Currently she has two ‘inside’ cats and one official ‘outside’ cat though a number of strays seem to take up residence in her garden each year.
When not writing, Nicky enjoys reading – though she often bemoans that she seldom has time for it any more. Her favourite authors are Elizabeth Peters, S.C. Stephen and Cherise Sinclair. She also enjoys spending time out in nature, gardening, taking day trips and eating dark chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 18, 2017
Well, I'll be the lone dissenter. I haven't even finished the book yet, but I'm so disappointed that I'm not sure I'll bother. First, it's a very slow beginning. I was actively getting bored and found myself fighting the urge to skim. Second, I haven't found either the Hero or the heroine to be particularly great people. I haven't enjoyed either of them, and I'm really not rooting for them, not separately and not together (whenever they finally do get together). Third, I'm thrown off and don't like when either the H or h in any story I'm reading is having sex with other people after meeting the person they're supposed to be with - it completely pulls me out of the romance and ruins it for me. Finally, the plot just moves too slowly - there's building and then there's just boring, and what’s there isn’t really all that engaging. Certainly not on the level of previous books in the series.
I've been a faithful Nicky Charles fan for years, patiently awaiting her new books which have been few and far between. I buy all of them. I was so excited when Deceit can be Deadly was finally released, but now I'm not sure that I'll continue to bother. I seem to be in the minority with this opinion, but I’m honestly just really disappointed – we waited so long for THIS? I gave it 2 stars because structurally and grammatically, I have no complaints. I considered 3 stars because overall my reaction was just “meh” but then I realized that I’m actually not enjoying the story at all. Others clearly disagree, but for me, this wasn’t a winner.
I've been a faithful Nicky Charles fan for years, patiently awaiting her new books which have been few and far between. I buy all of them. I was so excited when Deceit can be Deadly was finally released, but now I'm not sure that I'll continue to bother. I seem to be in the minority with this opinion, but I’m honestly just really disappointed – we waited so long for THIS? I gave it 2 stars because structurally and grammatically, I have no complaints. I considered 3 stars because overall my reaction was just “meh” but then I realized that I’m actually not enjoying the story at all. Others clearly disagree, but for me, this wasn’t a winner.
April 21, 2017
Awesome read!
Throw in a curse, a spell, one cold hearted witch, an irresistible lycan, a bear shifter with a soft side, a malefic witch, a Magisassa and four well meaning lycans and you have the perfect mix for Deceit Can Be Deadly. The latest installment in the Law of the Lycans series starts out slow but builds to an exciting crescendo.
Lycan Link contracts soldier of fortune Dante Esparaza, aka Dante Salazar, to find out where the local witch coven will convene in an effort to expose a malefic witch. Of course Dante has his own agenda for his assignment and decides to stalk good witch Gwyneth O'Donahue. Gwyn has sworn off love and lycans and wants nothing to do with Dante--who of course does not know the meaning of the word no, and is up for the challenge. Of course the two fall for each other and spend the majority of their encounters fighting the attraction and the banter begins. Hottie bear shifter Mat Bendov is Gwyn's "friend" but lately he finds himself restless and wanting more. What's he going to do about this Dante fellow encroaching on his territory?!
Lycan Link orders Reno Smith to keep an eye on Dante. Since Dante has not checked in with the local pack alphas, Sam Harper and Damien Masterson...and the fact that Dante's reputation precedes him, Reno prepares to make a trip to Chicago to find out what's really going on. Reno's mate Brandi tags along to visit with her pregnant friend Sam to help her shop for baby things, all the while trying to keep her emotions in check about her own maternal desires.
New friends say hello and old friends say goodbye. There is some degree of predictability along with a few "ah-ha" moments. Many twists, turns and revelations, but all will be well...eventually!
Nicky Charles has done it again with this fun and enticing read. On my Were Scale of Hotness, 5 stars.
Throw in a curse, a spell, one cold hearted witch, an irresistible lycan, a bear shifter with a soft side, a malefic witch, a Magisassa and four well meaning lycans and you have the perfect mix for Deceit Can Be Deadly. The latest installment in the Law of the Lycans series starts out slow but builds to an exciting crescendo.
Lycan Link contracts soldier of fortune Dante Esparaza, aka Dante Salazar, to find out where the local witch coven will convene in an effort to expose a malefic witch. Of course Dante has his own agenda for his assignment and decides to stalk good witch Gwyneth O'Donahue. Gwyn has sworn off love and lycans and wants nothing to do with Dante--who of course does not know the meaning of the word no, and is up for the challenge. Of course the two fall for each other and spend the majority of their encounters fighting the attraction and the banter begins. Hottie bear shifter Mat Bendov is Gwyn's "friend" but lately he finds himself restless and wanting more. What's he going to do about this Dante fellow encroaching on his territory?!
Lycan Link orders Reno Smith to keep an eye on Dante. Since Dante has not checked in with the local pack alphas, Sam Harper and Damien Masterson...and the fact that Dante's reputation precedes him, Reno prepares to make a trip to Chicago to find out what's really going on. Reno's mate Brandi tags along to visit with her pregnant friend Sam to help her shop for baby things, all the while trying to keep her emotions in check about her own maternal desires.
New friends say hello and old friends say goodbye. There is some degree of predictability along with a few "ah-ha" moments. Many twists, turns and revelations, but all will be well...eventually!
Nicky Charles has done it again with this fun and enticing read. On my Were Scale of Hotness, 5 stars.
November 12, 2017
We learn the whole truth of the story behind the mysterious Dante. I suspect that the next book will be about a bear shifter and a little witch that lives in Chicago. Also I want readers to be aware that in real life there is no such thing as a demi-witch. The witches this author writes about are totally fiction. But the part about honey being an antibiotic salve is real.
I love Nicky Charles' writing and if you love shifters you'll love this series. She has a prequel to the entire series coming out in December. Preorder for 99⍧.
Kane: I Am Alpha
I love Nicky Charles' writing and if you love shifters you'll love this series. She has a prequel to the entire series coming out in December. Preorder for 99⍧.
Kane: I Am Alpha
February 5, 2017
I have read all the books in this series and this one did not disappoint me. I liked visiting characters from previous books, it was not too overpowering as it often is when authors want to go through ALL their previous couples.
One thing I really like about her books is that Nicky Charles makes all her characters very different from each other - their "inner voice" is distinguishable.
This book had a more "mature" romance than her previous books, both main characters had had an exciting life and previous relationships before meeting each other.
One thing I really like about her books is that Nicky Charles makes all her characters very different from each other - their "inner voice" is distinguishable.
This book had a more "mature" romance than her previous books, both main characters had had an exciting life and previous relationships before meeting each other.
January 25, 2017
A little slow
A little slower then what we are use to but no less better I always love her books.. thanks for the great read can't wait for the next book.. an please can we make these into movies already
A little slower then what we are use to but no less better I always love her books.. thanks for the great read can't wait for the next book.. an please can we make these into movies already
February 10, 2017
Deceit Can Be Deadly by Nicky Charles
Law of the Lycans Series Book Eight
Dante Salazar has long been considered a loner and rogue in the Lycan community. He is considered untrustworthy and is known to stoop to any level to accomplish his goal.
Gwyneth O'Donohue is a witch who owns a bar for Others. Many years ago Gwyn chose to give up love in exchange for a longer life. Now she's starting to feel the loneliness of having to move on every so many years to hide her secret. One thing in all of her centuries is this—she hated Lycans back then—and she hates them still.
Now Dante needs to get information about the witch who is practicing black magic. He starts his search with Gwyn but no matter how charming he tries to be, in her eyes he was only one of those lousy dogs. Little do they know that if they just work together...
**Sexual content and language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Law of the Lycans Series Book Eight
Dante Salazar has long been considered a loner and rogue in the Lycan community. He is considered untrustworthy and is known to stoop to any level to accomplish his goal.
Gwyneth O'Donohue is a witch who owns a bar for Others. Many years ago Gwyn chose to give up love in exchange for a longer life. Now she's starting to feel the loneliness of having to move on every so many years to hide her secret. One thing in all of her centuries is this—she hated Lycans back then—and she hates them still.
Now Dante needs to get information about the witch who is practicing black magic. He starts his search with Gwyn but no matter how charming he tries to be, in her eyes he was only one of those lousy dogs. Little do they know that if they just work together...
**Sexual content and language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
January 6, 2018
This is the 8th book in the Law of the Lycans series. The author attempts to add background story, but without the first seven books, this story that ties them all together will be confusing.
For those following the Law of the Lycan books, this will give you all the background story for Dante, Gwen, some of Damien's and Club Mystique. We meet a few more characters from the club and the Universal Coven. There are a lot of plot twists to keep you guessing who is telling the truth, who is lying and what their purpose is for the deceit. It ties up a lot of loose strings in the series and we get to visit with some favorite lycan couples.
For those following the Law of the Lycan books, this will give you all the background story for Dante, Gwen, some of Damien's and Club Mystique. We meet a few more characters from the club and the Universal Coven. There are a lot of plot twists to keep you guessing who is telling the truth, who is lying and what their purpose is for the deceit. It ties up a lot of loose strings in the series and we get to visit with some favorite lycan couples.
February 5, 2017
I can't stop
More I need more!!!
Okay so I would never had known about this series if it was for my friend. But dang I'm so glad she told me about this series!!! It's addictive.
I did not see that coming. There was so many twist and turns in this you start talking to the book. My husband had to tell me shut a couple of times( he's reading the book also)
My suggestion to people who are about to read the book please remember the previous book.
Nicky Charles I can't wait for the next book!!!!
Happy Reading!!!!
More I need more!!!
Okay so I would never had known about this series if it was for my friend. But dang I'm so glad she told me about this series!!! It's addictive.
I did not see that coming. There was so many twist and turns in this you start talking to the book. My husband had to tell me shut a couple of times( he's reading the book also)
My suggestion to people who are about to read the book please remember the previous book.
Nicky Charles I can't wait for the next book!!!!
Happy Reading!!!!
April 8, 2017
A heart can be repaired
A long awaited book continues the saga of The Law of the Lycans. Nicky Charles again writes with panache and continues that world. A Must read!
When very young, Gwyneth constructed a spell for closing her heart for a long life instead, because of a unscrupulous Tomas married another. After centuries the circle comes full turn. She meets his great great great grandson, Dante. There are forces at work to change the outcome. But will they survive a magnetic witch and the machinations.
A long awaited book continues the saga of The Law of the Lycans. Nicky Charles again writes with panache and continues that world. A Must read!
When very young, Gwyneth constructed a spell for closing her heart for a long life instead, because of a unscrupulous Tomas married another. After centuries the circle comes full turn. She meets his great great great grandson, Dante. There are forces at work to change the outcome. But will they survive a magnetic witch and the machinations.
June 16, 2020
The plot on this was a bit slow, it required a bit more patience on my part to get through it. I am a sucker for a happy ending so for me the end result was nice.
I always suspected that there was more to Dante than met the eye. It was nice to experience things coming full circle and him getting some peace as well as Gwyneth. Unanswered personal questions can be a bugger to deal with it was good to see Damien found the answers he was looking for. It was definitely one of those "be careful what you wish for" kind of resolution.
I always suspected that there was more to Dante than met the eye. It was nice to experience things coming full circle and him getting some peace as well as Gwyneth. Unanswered personal questions can be a bugger to deal with it was good to see Damien found the answers he was looking for. It was definitely one of those "be careful what you wish for" kind of resolution.
June 11, 2022
The gap is filled
While this book is not all about Damien and Sam, or even Reno and Brandi, they are some of the most prominent characters that stand out to me. Damien stole my heart and never gave it back. Dante was the one I wanted to hate but ended up feeling broken for.
This book gives just a little bit more to Damien and he deserves it! It’s the perfect series. Most of all I like that we are getting to see different shifters and now witches and fea. I can’t wait for more!! Nicky is a total wicked writer!!
While this book is not all about Damien and Sam, or even Reno and Brandi, they are some of the most prominent characters that stand out to me. Damien stole my heart and never gave it back. Dante was the one I wanted to hate but ended up feeling broken for.
This book gives just a little bit more to Damien and he deserves it! It’s the perfect series. Most of all I like that we are getting to see different shifters and now witches and fea. I can’t wait for more!! Nicky is a total wicked writer!!
June 16, 2017
Another completely enjoyable book by Nicky Charles!
To say things came full circle in this book would be putting it mildly. There are many questions readers may have had that are answered in this book. Why Dante is the way he is. Who Damien's parents are. And a couple of others.
This is an author I always know I can count on to give me a good story with some interesting twists, and she did not disappoint!!!
To say things came full circle in this book would be putting it mildly. There are many questions readers may have had that are answered in this book. Why Dante is the way he is. Who Damien's parents are. And a couple of others.
This is an author I always know I can count on to give me a good story with some interesting twists, and she did not disappoint!!!
September 19, 2017
Lycan love
5 stars!! I love Nicky's writing style. She lets you see other peoples point of view. It make the story seems more real. I really do enjoy the world she has created with witches, lycans,werebears, and fae. I highly recommend anyone that loves JR Ward, will love Nicky Charles.
5 stars!! I love Nicky's writing style. She lets you see other peoples point of view. It make the story seems more real. I really do enjoy the world she has created with witches, lycans,werebears, and fae. I highly recommend anyone that loves JR Ward, will love Nicky Charles.
January 12, 2018
I started this series several years ago, and was pleased to see a new installment - actually, two - this was #8, I also purchased # 9.
This was like a visit to old friends, but it helps to have read the previous books so start there... you'll be happy you did.
I did forget a few things from previous stories, but this story wrapped up quite a lot, it was well written, and exciting.
I'm a fan.
This was like a visit to old friends, but it helps to have read the previous books so start there... you'll be happy you did.
I did forget a few things from previous stories, but this story wrapped up quite a lot, it was well written, and exciting.
I'm a fan.
February 2, 2017
Deceit can be deadly
Excellent. Enjoyed every minute, plot was tight,well edited. have read every book and enjoyed the addition of the other shifters. Hope you will do more(working alone). Recommend and urge shifter lovers to try.
Excellent. Enjoyed every minute, plot was tight,well edited. have read every book and enjoyed the addition of the other shifters. Hope you will do more(working alone). Recommend and urge shifter lovers to try.
February 16, 2017
So much happened in this book. Learned about Dante and Damien, also Gwyn's past. Loyalties are tested, truths are revealed and curses are broken. A really great book!! I have to say that the first book in this series is what got me into paranormal romance. I absolutely love this series!!
March 22, 2017
Lycan Love
I started this series when I first found a short novella and as this is the newest book obviously never stopped. Law of the Lycans series drew me in has me pulling hard for each character and their life as it grows. This book had me laughing, crying and seething and I loved it. Answers about Dante and seeing Damien, Reno and Sam as well as Brandi. Definitely looking forward too more. Hope to see lots more of the past characters as well as new of course. So o worth it!
I started this series when I first found a short novella and as this is the newest book obviously never stopped. Law of the Lycans series drew me in has me pulling hard for each character and their life as it grows. This book had me laughing, crying and seething and I loved it. Answers about Dante and seeing Damien, Reno and Sam as well as Brandi. Definitely looking forward too more. Hope to see lots more of the past characters as well as new of course. So o worth it!
May 7, 2017
Since i got your books i am in love with them, and this one is no different.
All the story lines well connected, and allways some connections from previous books and love lives.
Really love this one.
All the story lines well connected, and allways some connections from previous books and love lives.
Really love this one.
July 21, 2017
I do not want to spoil this series of books for any new readers of the series of books. Suffice to say this is another mighty fine read and all my favourite characters are mentioned in this book. Bring on book number nine
July 30, 2017
I consider myself a Nicky Charles fan and I loved this book. Four stars because it started out at a slower pace than previous books in the series. Finally, we learn what happens to Dante and also get a check in on past favorites. Can't wait for the next one. Hopefully, it will be Matt's story!
June 23, 2019
Loved the story
Nicky Charles is an exceptional weaver of shifter tales. I am never disappointed by her stories.. So glad I was finally able to discover Dante's true character and learn about his past. He's always been shady, but now I know why.
Nicky Charles is an exceptional weaver of shifter tales. I am never disappointed by her stories.. So glad I was finally able to discover Dante's true character and learn about his past. He's always been shady, but now I know why.
August 2, 2017
I've read all the books in this series. I hope there will be more.
August 8, 2017
An other great book from NC. She's one my favorite author.
August 20, 2017
Oh how I wish these came out faster.. I want to hear more about all of the characters.. Very good read. Loved Gwyn and Dante's store..
September 7, 2017
Another great story by Nicky Charles!
June 2, 2018
Another amazing read
Nicky Charles is a master writer . I have loved each and every one of her books. If to read the next.
Nicky Charles is a master writer . I have loved each and every one of her books. If to read the next.
September 27, 2018
This world keeps growing bigger and bigger. I liked both MCs but I particularly enjoyed the revisiting of old friends.
May 31, 2019
Great story
Loved the father and son combination. The twist on the bad person to good was a good one. Can't wait for more.
Loved the father and son combination. The twist on the bad person to good was a good one. Can't wait for more.
July 17, 2019
I love the Law of the Lycan series, it’s really amazing. Each book reveals more about our characters and storyline. I love Nicky Charles and will read anything she writes.
September 3, 2019
Excellent!
A great story! Tied up lots of loose endings! This was a re-read for me, but it was just as good as the first time I read it! Good read!
A great story! Tied up lots of loose endings! This was a re-read for me, but it was just as good as the first time I read it! Good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews