A Lesson in Deceit

Mystic Riegan Duet, Book 1

By: Allie Shante

Narrated by: Alex Knox, Oliver Greystone, Miranda Jay

Riley Monroe has a pretty normal life, well, as normal as it gets being a human living in a world where magic can exist freely.

She's been surrounded by magic users her whole life to the point that she hardly notices anything abnormal in her quaint suburb. She didn't expect her world to change the night she meets River St. James at a bar. He's charming, confident, and just so happens to be able to read her mind.

The tattooed telepath piques her interest, even when he tells her he's a student at the institution where her father works: the notorious Mystic Riegan University, a school that caters to both humans and magic wielders.

When a mysterious tragedy strikes, Riley's world is turned upside down and she is left with more questions than answers. She'll have to take matters into her own hands to find the truth, starting with enrolling at Mystic Riegan. However, flying under the radar won't be as easy as Riley hoped when she catches the attention of not only River's best friend, Grayson but also his older brother, Asher.

Riley begins to unravel secrets within the seemingly prestigious university, discovering that some puzzles are better left unsolved. As truths began to surface, Riley will begin to question her new university friends while seeking help from others… including the three men that don't mind sharing.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2025 Allie Shante (P)2026 Podium Audio

Critic reviews

"Allie Shante weaves mystery, magic, and scorching romance together to create a fresh and fun paranormal 'why choose' story that will suck you in and refuse to let you go." —Brynne Weaver, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ruinous Love Trilogy

" A Lesson in Deceit had all of the supernatural dark academia vibes one could want. And yes, yes, it’s a Why Choose, but I am the Captain of Team Asher." —Nikki St. Crowe, USA Today bestselling author of The Never King

why choose?

What was that ending!! My mind is blown!

Riley Monroe attends Mystic Riegan University after her father's unexpected death. Secretly, she wants to find out what happened to him. In her down time, she is literally gettin' down with her boyfriend, River...and River's best friend, Grayson...and her hot professor/River's older brother, Asher. Oh, River and Grayson also enjoy doing stuff with each other! I really enjoyed the spice in this book!

I'm excited to see where this story goes in book 2 because, like I said, that ending left my speechless!

WOW

I don't even know where to begin with my review for this book. riley, River, grayson, and Asher are an interesting group dynamic that I didn't know that I would love so much. the elements of magic and being at a magic/human college was an interesting concept that I have it dove into before. the spice level was perfect in this book and the ending just about destroyed me. I cannot wait to listen to the second book.

Well damn!

5⭐️ 4🌶️
This book just kept pulling me in further and further! It kept getting better. World building was quick and easy just how I like it, characters were pretty easy to learn and follow along with, the twists and ending were omg! This was the perfect blend of story/plot and spice!

Wow

The passion, the plot, the Smex …. This book was amazing and full of twists and turns that I did not see coming! I will be picking up book 2 immediately!!!

I truly don't know what people were talking about

I had to DNF this at Ch 8. I just couldn't do it anymore. I LOVE paranormal romance, but the characters just felt flat and cliche. I realized 1/3 of the way in I just didn't care or want to care about any of the characters. For reference, I'm not usually a quitter, this is the 2nd book I've ever DNF'd.