Everything about me is a sham. I've been living with my own lies for so long, I don't even know who I am. This role I've been playing is becoming boring and the man I'm turning into feels like a stranger. With each deception I dole out, another five are needed to keep the truth hidden, and it's all teetering on a weak foundation. My life is like a house of cards, and the wind blows pretty strong here in Whitsborough, constantly threatening to scatter my fragile façade. With the sudden appearance of someone from my family's past, everything comes into focus, and I'm tempted to exhale the breath I've been holding in my chest. Just to watch those cards land where they may.
I have missed the world of Whitsborough. Especially Saxon. I Love his cameo in this book. I couldn’t help but laugh at his dry humor and his mother, Ember. C.A. Rene did not disappoint.
Did Gabriel’s meet my expectations? Hell to the yes, it did!
Great World Building ✔️
Created a world that draws you in✔️
Dark and suspenseful ✔️
Steamy ✔️
Phenomenal character growth✔️
Steamy ✔️
Dry humor ✔️
Lies and betrayal ✔️
Age gap ✔️
Plus so much more. Gabriel is an old soul, wise beyond his years. He is Saxon’s cousin. Adri, Emmett, and Travis’s Son.
Daniel is a delightful and delicious surprise. Daniel returns to Whitsborough after an extensive time away. With an intense, dark back story. Now sprinkle a taboo factor into the mix, and it's a masterpiece.
The author has a way of holding that exceptional grip on you, and you can’t put the book down. I read this book in one sitting and didn’t want it to end. The ending is pure perfection. Overall, this book is utterly amazing.
What a heartfelt love story between Gabriel and Daniel "Kane," newly arrived older guy to the Whitsborough scene. And between them, from the first moment, sparks fly, their attraction tangible. And aside from Kane's exploratory sexuality, he is successful, resourceful, but has secrets. There is a reason he has returned to his childhood beginnings. At the same time, Gabriel, at first appearance, is content, but disguises his personal pain, desiring to demonstrate a placid persona rather than his truth. He is more than his life shows.
Elements I always enjoy in this author's stories are the not-so-perfect, sometimes troubled, but well-accepted characters. They are portrayed realistically in their differences, their flaws with a natural acceptance. I also enjoyed how nicely the plot line was wrapped in mystery and turmoil but also with appreciable, contrasting humor. And my favorite element which the author always nails, grittiness.
Because of Gabriel's sensitivity and frankly, for me, open vulnerability, he was be one of my favorite characters in the series. Kane, clandestine assassin, struggled with his feelings, particularly of belonging, but was protective of Gabriel in his own coping way.
Get ready to revisit some of the familiar and favorite Whitsborough characters, including lethal but loved Saxon; Saxon's sweet, but maybe not so innocent Dahlia -- also Gabriel's close friend; Ember; Vin; and many other family members. I loved non-traditional, naturally represented, familial groups. While this series is best read after the preceding progeny stories, this book can be enjoyed as written. It is told is multiple first, person singular points of view.
Medium pace with angst-inducing reveals as the story unfolded, this was romantic suspense that set in after some initial build up. Low spice, this was a plot driven storyline; still the attraction was undeniable. I was a fan of Gabriel and Daniel’s relationship. Theirs was an age-gap romance with complications. I really wanted Daniel to work for it with a hurt Gabriel.
A bittersweet conclusion to an epic saga, intrigue, justice, love and laughter, Black Slaughter and family cleared the path to a legacy of good.
Omg what an amazing return to Whitsborough. Gabe's story is so perfect and the twists and surprises of this book had me devouring this story. I just love everyone of these characters and they feel like family.
Gabriel's Deception is the final book in the Whitsborough Progenies . I hate to admit, This is my first book from the Whitsborough Chronicles. It was seriously easy to follow. Although, it is a standalone, WORD OF WARNING: there's a quick rundown of the previous books. So it's best to read all of the previous books first. However, if you're like me and really don't mind spoilers, it won't ruin this intense ride. It actually makes me really want to go back to where it all started. The instant connection that Danny and Gabe had was literally everything. Of course, there's bitter secrets and dark history betweenthe two (and in the small town in general) , but that makes it even more exhilarating and delicious. As always, I am NEVER disappointed by C.A. Rene's writing. I was hooked by the suspense, emotional, full of twists and turns, full of hot MM, age gap action and it literally had me at the edge of my seat. I seriously need to find the time to go back to the very beginning. This is sooooo good!!
The final book in the Whitsborough Progenies , leaves a bittersweet feeling .
Gabriel Greene was so much more than I expected . .my heart ached for him especially when it came to his feeling of not finding that one love .
Danny Edwards pushed out years ago only to return to a town he hardly knew anything about . Evil always comes to the light ..
I honestly loved everything about their story and how the connection these two had was immediate . It's like they were each others missing pieces to each puzzle . Now Gabe, Saxon, & Danny's relationship was everything . I swear I laughed so much through out the story , even Dahlia was amazing . Ugh it's so sad to know the series has ended but I wouldn't have this story any other way .
This is such a bittersweet ending to the series. I feel like I have been watching a family grow and prosper. CA Rene has created such an engrossing world and I can’t help but become completely immersed with everything that’s happening.
I don’t know if I love the story or seeing glimpses of my favorite characters more. I feel like I was invested but would become equally excited when someone I knew was brought in. I say that like I know them but it has been a very long ongoing series so you will begin to feel this way.
I don’t know what more to say other than to read both of the series. There’s pretty much a bit of everything that you could want, just read your trigger warnings and enjoy.
Gabriel's Deception by C.A. Rene is a MM age gap romance standalone in the Whitsborough Progenies series.
This is the fourth book in this spin-off series from Whitsborough Chronicles. I would highly recommend recommended reading that series first for full context. But it is set up to read as a standalone.
I absolutely love C.A.'s books! I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Gabriel and Danny. It was messy but you couldn't but root for them. I really enjoyed getting Gabriel, Danny, Travis, and Dahlia's points of view. It really brought the story to life.
I would highly recommend this book if you like MM romances, age gap romances, dark romances, or romantic suspense.
"If love was simple, it wouldn't be its own reward"
Gabriel had the weight of the world on his shoulders and he felt he couldn't talk to anyone about it so carries it all on his own. Gabriel feels like he is just existing and not really living.
Gabriel's story tore at my heart strings, a broken man that believed he wasn't good enough and I was cheering for him the whole way. A special mention must go to Saxon, his quick wit and humour is beilliant. Another great read by Chrissy, it was so good to be back in Whitsborough.
Can I just say first and foremost I absolutely love Saxon and his dry humor, add in Ember and it’s a blast.
I have loved this series and it was a perfect end with this book. Gabe was unlike the rest of his family, and I loved getting to see that more emotional and vulnerable part of the family. He has his demons to fight, and Daniel is perfect for him.
Both characters were amazing, and I love the tie in with the Desecrated Duet. I had wondered what this book could bring us, and it was gold. I just wished it was a bit longer. Both characters were though out well and had a great development. I didn’t expect Daniel to have the background he did so that was a welcome surprise. I had also forgotten he was Vin’s best friend so that was a great refresher. I love the dynamic these two had. It gave a different feel to the series. Which I loved, and after Saxon it was much needed and welcome to get that more sensitive emotional aspect.
I love how the family stay grounded. Yes, the things they do is questionable, but they still stay true to themselves. They don’t do what they do for money or power they do it for their family and its beautifully twisted. That ended had me teary. Absolutely love the status they give ember. She well and truly is the glue that brought them all together.
This book world got a little less dark as the remnants of the corrupted were eradicated and by a surprising character none the less. I was blown away by that and so glad we ended with her POV to see it unfold and get her thoughts on what and why she did what she did. It was the perfect end to an amazing legacy.
I’m sad to see this series end but now it just means I get to reread from the beginning and binge all the way through. Amazing job Chrissy. You blew me away with Gabe and Daniel and the little gems throughout. Ill be sure to keep stalking to see what else you have coming for us.
The return to Whitsborough and damn, C.A. Rene has masterfully brought us another torrid web of lies, betrayal and disloyalty. Gabriel's Deception did not disappoint! I was hanging onto every word. I just love the character development of Gabriel and Daniel. C.A. Rene manages to bring us a drama and action packed story that will have you on the edge of your seat one second and caught up in an emotional battlefield the next always amazes me. I can't recommend the Whitsborough series enough.
I honestly wasn't sure where I'd be at the end of this one. Ivy was one heck of an introduction to the Progenies series and following her was going to be a trek for those after. Carmelo certainly stood his ground, and Saxon has always been and more than likely will always be my favorite, but this series really makes it hard to pick and stick to favorites. I mean, once upon a time Travis had NO equal.
But that's another note entirely. There's nothing out there that compares to anything written by C.A. Rene and it never will. Each element of the stories is always released at a phenomenal level. Characters, plot, setting, EVERYTHING is to perfection. It makes it impossible not to snatch up these books and cherish them.
Cherish. THAT is such a word of relevance here. This book shows how important it can be to feel cherished. Gabriel felt like an island in a place that we all know can pull at it's dwellers like a riptide. His own father had an excruciating journey paddling through and his entire family has felt the wrath of it's waves. Whitsborough has always been out for blood but this family has plenty to give. And to take.
The relationship between Gabriel and Danny was pretty intense on several spectrums and I loved it. I loved that beyond the struggle of finding themselves they were looking for each other. I loved that even if they felt alone the book still created a strong sense of family. Humor and intellect really held it all together and made it something beautiful.
I'm truly going to miss this series as a growing one, but I don't think it could haven been done any differently. It's ended in the best way it could and it will be one for the ages. An absolute treasure to be cherished.
Another masterpiece by such an amazing author! How she continues to weave together the characters of Whitsborough, is nothing short of incredible. Receiving updates on this family is always fun and welcomed with every turn of the page. Saxon’s dry humor is always entertaining, along with his mother, Ember! And that twists at the end, omfg!!
I absolutely loved Danny and Gabriel’s chemistry!! Their fierceness for one another was felt through the words on the page. And their connection was absolutely perfect, regardless of their age gap, Gabriel’s old soul was Daniel’s missing piece. Of course after Gabriel and Daniel’s dark past came back to unexpectedly haunt them.
Chrissy has a shocking way of grasping her readers attention and not letting it go until the very last word. Definitely cannot wait for more of these characters, hopefully she’ll begin another spinoff but at least all evil has been eradicated!
Gabe used to be the playboy and star athlete in high school until he went to New York which changed everything for him. Daniel can see that Gabe is sad and has secrets he’s hiding but Daniel is straight and has secrets of his own too. I loved Gabe’s vulnerability in this book. His character really drew me in right from the start. Ember and Vin went to school with Daniel so their teasing of him mixed with Saxon’s hilarious ways had me laughing several times.
This book is not as dark as some of the other books in this series but I still couldn’t put it down and finished it in one night. I loved seeing all the family in this book and their interactions. They are a bit crazy but the family loyalty is strong for all of them. I was a bit surprised with the epilogue and wish we were getting more of this family!
The world that C.A. Rene has created drags you down deep and refuses to let go. We finally get Gabriel’s story and it has been well worth the wait. C.A. does dark like no one else and I can’t get enough. This story has angst, darkness, steam, humor, and everything else thrown in. But it doesn’t get so repetitive that you wish it would have less. It gives you the right amount of everything. Rene is able to weave a tale and give details so intricate you don’t even realize how they will come into play later. Gabriel was such an amazing character to read about. How much pressure he felt and how alone he felt was tugging at my heartstrings. Then Danny comes along and everything begins to change. I loved reading their story and getting to see how much each of the characters continued to grow and change. Anyone who has read the rest of this series needs to read this final installment.
Gabe and Danny's story is fast paced, MM, age gap with off the charts chemistry I could feel from a mile away! I was so excited to start their story but my heart breaks because this is the end of Whitsborough. Danny quietly moves back home after being gone for 30 years when he first catches sight of Gabe at his absolute lowest point. With one look, the energy between these two can be felt between the words spoken. But nothing is ever easy when it comes to Whitsborough and the deprived secrets it holds. Deception amd obstacles seem to be in the way at every turn and with each uncovered secret comes more questions, and ones you never saw coming. I absolutely loved this final book and the closure it brought to the saga.
The conclusion to the Whitsborough Progenies series was outstanding. I laughed so hard at everyone’s crazy antics, comebacks and sass – then I melted over the intense passion that continually pulled Gabe and Danny together.
Here we get another amazing emotional love story with twists and turns woven in, keeping us on the edges of our seats and biting our nails with anticipation of which family member was going to go off the rails this time! It was a crazy way to end the series but I freaking loved every second of it.
Fantastic writing with loads of hilarious moments, bloody and violent moments, emotional and vulnerable moments and some super steamy and very titillating moments, leaving me feeling satisfied and a bit shocked at the end.
Highly recommend anything that this amazing author writes!
I love getting to go back and visit Whitsborough. This second generation has been just as amazing as the first.
Even though some of the kids did fall prey to the monster's that Ember and her family have spent their life trying to eradicate, they have shown their strength and willpower in overcoming those situations.
The dynamic between the two generations is great. I love the banter between them all and how close their relationships are. Saxon's form of humor is incredible. He is the best.
As usual in Whitsborough, this book is pretty steamy. But throw in the MM and age gap aspect, and yes, please! Danny and Gabriel's chemistry is perfect. Just what we needed here.
I am sad this series is over I've loved every single story. I really enjoyed Gabe and Danny's tortured love story I usually like a little more relationship building especially with Danny has always been straight but there was so much going on that it didn't bother me. I think this book highlights how certain predators can take advantage of your trust, love and vulnerability. I am so happy Danny finally got the peace he deserves and most importantly Gabe got the love and happiness he needed. But the one character I will truly miss is Saxon his no fu*ks attitude and sarcasm is the highlight of every book! He is crazy in the best way! Now that this series is complete I can order all the PB to add next to the Chronicles series!
I love, love, love, love, love CA Rene’s WHITSBOROUGH books, but this was my least favorite of them. Although it was definitely the best proofread of any of them, there was something about the execution that felt restrained. Although I have absolutely no way of knowing whether my assumption is accurate or not, it felt like this book had been revised and rechecked too many times - like CA had gone with her initial gut reaction in the other books but unfortunately second guessed herself with this one. Basically, it just didn’t flow as well or have as much of the snarky edge I’ve grown accustomed to finding in this series.
Gabriel’s story is emotional and dark. His romance with Danny will suck you in. Danny is someone who has a bucketload of secrets that will intrigue you. Their interactions are electrifying. The chemistry is top notch.
It wouldn’t be a Whitsborough book without the appearances of some of my favorite characters. Saxon is still his sociopathic self and Dahlia surprised me and now I wish she would get a book all to herself.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
As if the end of Whitsborough wasn't painful enough, sweet Gabe has to be put through the ringer. As always, count on Saxon for comedic relief. Baby Greene and Little Greene take care of each other and hopefully that never changes. This entire Era was wrapped up beautifully, as only Chrissy can do. I found her in the middle of this series and quickly became obsessed with everything she writes. This will definitely be a series I revisit often.
This was so good. There's not much I can say that won't be a spoiler, but this gritty, age gap MM romance, sucked me right in and didn't let go. It was fantastic. Its well paced, incredibly well written, pulls all kinds of emotions out of you and the twists and turns had my head spinning. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Gabe and Danny’s story is dark intense and emotional it’s full of twists and turns and off the charts chemistry that had me completely glued to the pages I couldn’t look away this was fast paced and super spicy I really love this authors stories and this one is the final book in the Whitsborough Chronicles spin-off series Whitsborough Progenies and I have to admit I’m a little sad that it’s over but I’m happy with how it ended I love everything this author writes and can’t wait for what else she has in store for us!
Jumping back in the Whitsborough world is like coming home🖤 I love everything about this series. Freaking everything! I've always been curious about Gabe and finally getting his story!! I honestly didn't think I'd have such a soft spot for him but he is so precious! The world building in this series is phenomenal and this book is the perfect cherry on top!
What a perfect ending to the Whitsborough Progenies! I love seeing the pieces of the parents (and grandparents sometimes) in this generation. This had some fantastic twists, beautiful love and spicey heat. Absolutely loved it.
You got Age Gap, MM Romance, a dash of secret society, a pinch of sports romance, the vibes of grumpy sunshine, A Daddy, praise, and a whole family of lovable dysfunctional serial unalivers. If this is your cup of tea then you are in for a good time.
Perfect wrap up for the series! Suspenseful, dark, steamy. Everything I needed and wanted! Love the cameos. Always excited to read a book from C.A. Rene!