When Carl Lockhart rekindles a friendship with Jessica, his high-school crush, he soon forms an easy-going relationship with her 15-year-old daughter, Rianna.

Until the moment she kisses him.

Taken aback, Carl rejects her advances, but despite his reluctance to admit it, Rianna’s right when she points out he has feelings for her that go far beyond friendship.

With a grudge against Carl and a taste for all things pure, Carl’s boss, Stephen, views Rianna as an irresistible opportunity. Delighted to shower her with the affection she craves, he systematically seduces her, tormenting Carl and cunningly driving a wedge between them.

Consumed by his fear of losing Rianna, Carl becomes increasingly possessive. When Rianna witnesses his aggression toward Stephen, she quickly concludes that spending time with Stephen is a great way to make Carl jealous.

If you require a trigger warning then this book isn't for you. I enjoyed it.

Deceivious by Darcy Daniel was an interesting although disturbing read. The storyline was indeed taboo and the first book that I have read of this genre. Of all of the characters I felt most for the young, innocent girl. She so clearly had trauma from being raised without a father and having an emotionally distant mother. She like many girls like this find themselves in this type of situation not because they want to be in an adult relationship but because they are longing for love. To be honest the subject matter sickened me. This child needed therapy not a sexual relationship with a man old enough to be her father. I loved the way Stephen was not allowed to get away with all of his dirt in the end but I did not find the ending to be a happy one. Again everyone needed therapy not the facade of a happily ever after. I would recommend this book to those that are unopposed to tackling this subject matter.

Deceivious is a dark, taboo romantic suspense novel that explores complex relationships and the consequences of obsession. The story revolves around Carl Lockhart, who rekindles a friendship with Jessica, his high-school crush. As their relationship develops, Carl becomes entangled with Jessica’s 15-year-old daughter, Rianna.

When Carl reconnects with Jessica, he finds himself forming a bond with her daughter Rianna. Their relationship takes an unexpected turn when Rianna kisses Carl, leading him to confront feelings he has long suppressed. Despite rejecting her advances initially, Carl struggles with the realization that his emotions for Rianna extend beyond mere friendship.

Complicating matters further is Stephen, Carl’s boss, who harbors a grudge against him. Seeing Rianna as an opportunity to get back at Carl, Stephen begins to seduce her while simultaneously tormenting Carl. As Rianna seeks attention and affection from both men, she inadvertently plays a dangerous game that escalates tensions between them.

As the story unfolds, Carl becomes increasingly possessive of Rianna in response to Stephen’s manipulations. When Rianna witnesses Carl’s aggression towards Stephen, she decides to make him jealous by spending time with Stephen. This decision leads to a series of events that force all characters involved to confront their darkest secrets and motivations.

The narrative delves into themes of predatory behavior and the complexities of forbidden love while keeping readers on edge through unexpected twists and turns. Ultimately, “Deceivious” presents a gripping tale that challenges perceptions of morality and consent within its darkly woven plot.

This novel is not for the faint-hearted and comes with numerous trigger warnings including predatory behavior, possessive behavior, explicit sex scenes, sexual assault, voyeurism, degradation, humiliation, violence, and graphic language.

I'm so...shocked? No, more like...disturbed? Yeah that has it be it.

I really still am not quite sure what I just read to be honest, but <i>what</i>?!?! I saw the reviews, and yes, I knew this was a dark romance, but the ending shocked me, truly. I would like to say that I saw it coming, but I didn't. After reading the bonus epilogue, I'm even more disturbed. I think that's why I couldn't rate this any higher.

So, about the plot. Honestly, the plot was giving, I can't lie. The book seemed to drag at the beginning, but about halfway in- talk about juicy. The two MMCs are disgusting, and not in a good way. Steph is... think of the people that Zade Meadows kills. Carl is probably worse, though. Ugh, I have such mixed feelings about this, but I will say, the ending made me question everything I read in this book. Finally, Rhianna, girl, you have issues. I have no other words for her.

I think that I liked this book, but I still feel like I have no idea what just happened. I will probably be thinking about this book for a while because what kind of world do these people live in. Jess is the only normal one, which is a crazy statement.

Thank you NetGalley and Naomi Lamont for the copy!

This book is not in my top 10 of my list , I'll say that. this book will be right up your alley ,If you are into dark, taboo and gap age romance. The writing was done very well and the pages kept turning.

This was a nice quick paced read. I don’t have any triggers; however, there may be some for others. Definitely check the trigger warnings. The twist in this book literally had my jaw to the floor, but then i read the bonus epilogue & i literally screamed bc wtffff ! My mind is blown! I can’t wait to read more from this author.

This gripping page-turner delves into the depths of human psychology and relationships, exploring dark themes with an unflinching gaze. The shocking plot twists and disturbing undertones keep readers on the edge of their seats, unable to put the book down. The author skillfully navigates sensitive subjects such as abuse and trauma, presenting them with both gravity and complexity.
The characters in the story are not mere caricatures but multifaceted individuals with their own flaws and struggles. Jess, in particular, stands out as a nuanced character whose emotional journey and strained family dynamics resonate long after the final page is turned. Her complex portrayal adds layers of depth to the narrative, enriching the storytelling experience.
What sets this book apart is its ability to provoke thought and incite introspection. The unexpected ending leaves readers with more questions than answers, encouraging them to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of actions taken in the name of love or survival.
While this book offers a compelling and immersive reading experience for fans of dark and gritty thrillers, it's important to approach it with caution due to its graphic nature. The exploration of challenging themes may not be suitable for all readers, so it's advisable to be aware of the potential triggers before diving into this intense and thought-provoking narrative.

Wow! This book had me in the first chapter. This story is about Jessica, Carl and Riannas relationship. Rianna is a 15 year old who wants a relationship with one man and ends up in a horrible relationship with another. I did read the trigger warnings before hand so I knew what to expect. Stephen said and did a lot of things I did not like,but it added definite suspense to the story. I would definitely recommend this book! The ending was not what I expected,but that makes for a great read!

A deeply compelling dark romance that blends passion and danger. The storyline is unpredictable, and the characters are richly developed. An enthralling read for sure!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC. if you like dark romance with a genre that includes taboo /age gap , then this is the book gor you. I would highly recommend checking trigger warnings before reading this book. I enjoyed the story and I really like that the author incorporated suspense with romance.. I was really surprised to find out that in Australia. The age of consent is 16. Knowing has helped me except the taboo age gap theme throughout this book. I will be looking forward to reading more from this..

This page-turner grips you with its shocking plot twists and disturbing undertones. Despite the heavy trigger content and pedophilic themes, the story is undeniably captivating. The characters are complex and flawed, particularly Jess, whose disconnection from her daughter leaves lasting consequences. The ending is unexpected and thought-provoking, leaving questions lingering. If you're seeking a dark and gritty thriller, this might be for you, but proceed with caution due to its graphic nature.

Thought this book was great! I loved how it flipped between a variety of characters. I thought the storyline with the infatuation was a little weird and far fetched. It still made for a good story and I enjoyed the twists

Sexy, smutty, and seducing! I loved this story even though it was full of trigger warnings. The writing kept me invested in the book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars.

This gripping narrative blends dark romance and suspense, exploring forbidden themes from the perspectives of a predator, their prey, and a supposed protector. It keeps readers on the edge, questioning reality and wondering if everything will eventually make sense.

The story delves into thought-provoking themes surrounding the concept of "legal age" and its implications, prompting deep reflection. While some moments may be cringe-worthy, considering the dark nature of the tale, such instances were expected.

A definite page-turner, the book had me staying up late into the night once I reached the halfway point - I simply couldn't tear myself away.

I received this book as an advanced reader copy voluntarily and recommend reviewing trigger warnings before diving in.

please read Trigger Warnings and remember that this takes place in Australia where the age of consent is 16!

that was a bit hard to get past and got a bit weird at times

Quick read. Lots of triggers which I didn’t have a problem with. Age of consent is 16 in Australia. And things happen once that age is reached. Bad, sick, perverted men. Young impressionable girl. It was a 4 star read…..but went up to 4.5 after reading the bonus epilogue. I’d recommend this book.

Title: Deceivious by Darcy Daniel

Release Date: March, 31st, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Deceivious is a dark, taboo, romantic/suspense - please read Trigger Warnings.

When Carl Lockhart reconnects with Jessica, his high-school crush, he develops a friendly rapport with her 15 year old daughter, Rianna. However, their relationship takes an unexpected turn when Rianna kisses him, complicating their dynamic.
Despite initially rejecting Rianna's advances, Carl is forced to confront his true feelings when she suggests that his emotions for her extend beyond mere friendship.
Carl's boss, Stephen, holds a grudge against Carl and sees Rianna as a vulnerable target. He takes advantage of her craving for affection by systematically seducing her, using her to torment Carl and create division between them.

As Carl's fear of losing Rianna grows, he becomes more possessive. When Rianna sees Carl's aggression towards Stephen, she decides to make him jealous by spending time with Stephen. This decision sets off a dangerous chain of events that forces Carl and Stephen to confront their deepest secrets.

Rianna's dangerous game pushes Carl and Stephen to their limits, leading them to reveal their darkest secrets.

"Deceivious" by Darcy Daniel is a gripping tale that ventures into dark, taboo themes of age gap romance and predatory behavior. The narrative is compelling, keeping readers on edge, I most certainly could not put this down.

While the ending left me uncertain, the book undeniably captivated me with its page-turning plot, rife with obsession and deceit from various characters. From its twisted inception to its spiraling conclusion, this book delivered an intense and enthralling experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of dark, taboo and suspenseful storytelling.


Thank you to The Publisher Naomi Lamont, The Author Darcy Daniel & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Deceivious by Darcy Daniel
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 31 March 2024

This book is a thrilling blend of dark romance, obsession, and deceit, interwoven with suspense and taboo themes—a recipe for an exhilarating read.

I was completely hooked! With its narrative told from three different points of view, it keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly questioning every twist and turn. It's undeniably a page-turner.

This Australian-set taboo romance truly caught me off guard. It unfolded like a gripping romantic suspense, keeping me engaged from start to finish. As the story delved into forbidden territory, things heated up down under, with Carl rekindling a relationship with his high school sweetheart, pushing boundaries along the way. But when her daughter makes a bold move, the plot takes a turn towards the not okay. Add in Carl's unhinged employer, hell-bent on possessing the daughter, and you've got yourself one wild rollercoaster of a ride.

Please ensure you're mindful of trigger warnings before starting this book, as it delves deeply into taboo and dark themes.

Thank you so much to Naomi Lamont, and the author, Darcy Daniel, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. Oh my goodness, what did I just read!! This book is absolutely full of triggers so be advised before reading it. I found it utterly disturbing but completely compelling at the same time. I literally could not put this book down and I read it in one sitting. So many plot twists that were brilliant! A truly dark story that will leave you lost for words. Highly recommended. 5 stars from me.

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
𝙳𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜
𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚢 𝙳𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚎𝚕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

•𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚘 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
•𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 / 𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚐𝚊𝚙
•𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚜𝚞𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚎
•𝙼𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝙿𝙾𝚅

🛑 READ TRIGGER WARNINGS FIRST 🛑
🛑 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 🛑

Whoa. What did I just read?! Talk about intense, dark, and totally taboo. Did I love most of it? Yes, I did. Have I started questioning my sanity? Too late for that 😬 Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC and to for writing this absolutely insane, couldn’t put down novel. I was consumed.

Most definitely surprised throughout this taboo, age gap romance set in Australia. It read like a romantic suspense and I was here for most of it. Things down under got hot, heavy, and borderline *not okay* when Carl reignites a relationship with his high school sweetheart. But what happens when her daughter kisses him? Throw in his bat shit crazy employer willing to do anything to have the daughter and you have one hell of a ride.