In this continuation of Lia and Adrian’s story we get more of a look into their relationship, how they got together, their life, and what led them to where they were by the end of the first book. At first it started a little slow for me, but I think that’s because I was wanting to see what would happen next from book one and not the backstory but sticking with it does get more interesting and is details that we need for their story. Adrian blew me away with how his mind would work, attention to details, etc. I’m not sure about Lia she is fragile and at times jumps to conclusions, wanting to leave Adrian constantly and I get where she was coming from but at times, she got a little too annoying, she wanted Adrian to love her but always was making bad decisions at time. This story was a great in sight into their lives and minds. It’s full of mysteries, had me wondering what would happen next, and very steamy times. Overall, I really enjoyed it and it is imperative to the story so I can’t wait to see where they go from here. ( )

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.25

First Impressions
This is the second installment, but you need to read the first book for many things in this installment to make sense. This is a trilogy of plot complexities and character dynamics that I wasn't even expecting. I will say that this installment is the origins between Adrian and Lia. And it was really fascinating to see how they journey goes from when they actually first meet and the revelations that are unveiled at the end of book one. Rina Kent really blew me away with this one, I did enjoy this installment a bit more than the first book. And the author really elevated this couple in so many moments. But boy do they go through the wringer because the relationship angst in this one is unreal.

What I Loved
I think what impressed me the most with this one was how well-layered this story turns out to be. I honestly wasn't expecting it to have this type of depth to it and one of my favorite things about reading is reading an author you think you know what to expect and then she turns your world upside down. There is so much going on with this book and Adrian is not a simple alpha male. He is a thinker and researcher and he doesn't know how to deal with someone to love. He is really great with his son, but when it comes to romantic relationships, he definitely has a more challenging time. Seeing our characters find each other and figure out what their relationship is can be pretty combative at times, and sometimes I don't know I felt the BDSM was a bit too strong, but these moments were really important because that is where the emotional intimacy really builds in these scenes. I really adored these characters and even though they are all over the place, they have such real connection that you just want to cheer them on with and it really tore through my emotions. So heartfelt.

What I Struggled With
So this style of BDSM isn't really my thing, it really should be better developed. Sadism isn't something you can just easily place into a story and I do wish it was more fleshed out to be honest. And I do wish that we saw a bit more of sweet vulnerable moments between these two here.

Overall View
Tempted by Deception is a fascinating story that captured my heart and only added more mystery to what is being built for the finale!

Favorite Quote(s)

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Dancer
Themes: Angst, Tear Jerker, Kids/Children Involved, Danger Elements
Tropes: Forced Relationship, Forced Proximity

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of Both

Song This Book Inspires
Hurt Me Harder by Zolita

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, you must read these in order

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes. ( )

4.5 stars

I am not even going to lie and say that I didn't scratch my head, literally, as I tried to understand what was going on when this book started out. I expected it to pick up where the last book left off. It didn't. It took me a little bit to figure this out, in fact, I even had to go back and check the first book to make sure I remembered how the previous story had left off. Once I figured out that this portion of the book was from the past and how these characters came to be, it finally fell into place.

I won't give spoilers other than to give the heads up that this doesn't start where you expect the story to pick up again. Once I let that go, the story took off. The steam is off the charts, as is the connection between these characters. Some questions were answered but for the most part, it just added to the complicated relationship that these two characters have.

There is an additional depth in characterization and storyline that has this being my favorite of this author. I cannot wait for the last book to see how this all falls together. Knowing this author, I can expect a few surprises along the way. ( )

I'm laughing crazily because I just love this book even though I'm confused as hell. ( )