The Second Deception

Shadows of Deception, Book 2

One pregnancy. Two potential fathers. A web of lies that threatens to destroy everything.

Olivia Hart's world is turned upside down when she discovers she's pregnant – and the father could be either her husband Daniel or her obsessive pursuer, billionaire Ethan Sterling. As her high-risk pregnancy forces her to make impossible choices, Olivia finds herself moving into Ethan's mansion, ostensibly for her health.

Ethan's possessiveness intensifies, his manipulations becoming more intricate as he strives to claim both Olivia and the baby as his own. Meanwhile, Daniel struggles to hold onto his marriage and sobriety, fighting against Ethan's machinations and his own insecurities.

Caught between two men and two lives, Olivia must navigate a minefield of emotions, lies, and divided loyalties. As the truth about the baby's paternity looms, she's forced to confront her own desires and the devastating consequences of her choices.

In this gripping sequel, the stakes are higher, the emotions rawer, and the deceptions deeper. Olivia must decide not just who she can trust, but who she truly wants – all while protecting the innocent life growing inside her.

The Second Deception is a heart-pounding tale of love, obsession, and the lengths people will go to possess what they desire. In a world where every choice has life-altering consequences, will Olivia find redemption, or will the web of lies finally ensnare her completely?

Listen now to unravel the second deception today.

©2025 Melissa Marie Sovak (P)2026 A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC

The slow pacing and frustrating character decisions stood out most.

The first book hooked me with the “to be continued” ending, even though it was becoming frustrating to listen to how unbelievably naive and repetitive the main character was. I gave the second book a chance hoping it would improve, but unfortunately, it was even slower and less convincing than the first. The storyline dragged, character decisions felt forced, and by the time it ended with another “to be continued,” I felt zero curiosity about what happens next. Overall, this series ended up feeling like a waste of my time.

This book is so dumb!

I couldn't not even finish this book! What a ridiculous story line. The characters are so weak and it's beyond unrealistic. Please, don't waste your time. This author needs to do better!

Leaves you hanging

Olivia seems to gullible and dumb like she hasn’t a clue she is being taken . Decided to do things no sain person would do . They never give you the ending . Not even sure I want to endure to much more of their nonsense to find out what happened in the end and have to wait for the next book. Stupid

It should have been an email

Truly the worst book I’ve listened to and I have no one to blame but myself because I kept listening.

Enthralling to say the least

I enjoyed it as much as the first one. It’s a crazy psychological experience. The gaslighting that Ethan does makes me crazy! I am ready for the next episode.