Deception and Lace

By: Katie Ross

Narrated by: Jean Gray

Length: 1 hr and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Leanne Wilson's life has gotten a bit complicated since learning she is indebted to one of New York City's most infamous crime families. Not only is she obligated to repay her late father's gambling debt, Leanne has also been responsible for raising her younger sister since his suicide. Things have been difficult for the two young women, but they've always had each other. Now Leanne is up against the impossible, time is running out and she has nowhere to turn.

Charismatic millionaire, Demarion Leonard Delvinci, is a self-made man. His family is corrupt, but he has always prided himself on his independence and integrity. When a woman he took a special interest in years ago finds herself in the crosshairs of his brothers' ruthless business tactics, he'll stop at nothing to save her. The trouble is, she's head-strong and determined to work it out on her own.

The last thing Leanne needs right now is a proposition from the handsome Demarion, a man she hates despite her inexplicable attraction and growing desire. With her and her sister's wellbeing hanging in the balance, she's forced to make a decision that will change her life for better or worse. When she finds out a secret Demarion has been keeping, will it bring the unlikely couple closer together or end up costing him everything he has ever dreamed of?

©2015 Katie Ross (P)2015 Katie Ross

Loved It!

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

I really loved this story and its characters. The narrator did an amazing job of bringing the story to life. I would read/listen to more from the author.

good story

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

good story and narrated very well.

Needs to be longer

-- I was given a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

This book had lots of promise. A decent storyline, interesting characters and a lot of hot love scenes. I loved that Demarion was so attentive and wanted to keep Leanne safe. The plot twist at then ending was a pleasant surprise.

I do wish the story was better developed. I think it felt rushed. The characters could have had a lot more depth and history shared to make it better.

Jean Gray does a good job narrating this book.

A decent short story romance

What made the experience of listening to Deception and Lace the most enjoyable?

The fact that he had money to lavish on her

What other book might you compare Deception and Lace to and why?

Not sure? I don't usually listen to this genre.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Some parts sounded really monotone, but for the most part, she was okay.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and it was short enough to do so.

Any additional comments?

Since this isn't my type of genre, I just fast forwarded through the sexual parts and it was still a good listen. The ending was great!

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange
for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

A great listen!

The narrator does a great job of distinguishing the characters in this steamy title! The fact she seems to have had fun with the reading added to my listening experience. I truly enjoyed it!

Deception and Lace

I enjoyed this book. I am not really that in to this type of genre, but it wasn't terrible. I'm not sure that I would listen to any more books by this narrator. She was too monotone and not so lively. I would give the author another try tho.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

Speedy Crime Family Romance

Would you listen to another book narrated by Jean Gray?

I don't think so, at least not in this style nor in this genre. This is the first book of hers that I have listened to. I listen to an audiobook a day or so and have heard a lot of narrators. It takes a lot of heart to put yourself out there for others to listen to, and I applaud everybody who is brave enough to do it.

That said, I have found two styles of audiobook narration: being read to verses voice acted. I would like to offer a constructional recommendation to switch to voice acting. Another reviewer used the term "monotone" when in reference to the narrator and I can see where they are coming from. There were times when Gray changed her tone to a heated one to match the character, to a deeper pitch for men, and so on, but she could have been reading to a circle of children at the library. Pleasant with enough voice differentiation to keep your attention but not my favorite style when listening to audiobooks. Rebecca Soler, Erin Mallon, Therese Plummer, Tanya Eby; these are great female narrators who really carry out a voice performance if you are looking to emulate a stellar style.
Jean Gray's voice is nice. Clear, well-pitched. There were no sharp screeches that caused me to rip my ear buds away to save my delicate inner ear workings, nor did she whisper so quietly I couldn't understand what she said. Her pacing was good also. I had a little trouble when it came to sex scenes -- her voice was not one that I would have paired for erotic readings. I could imagine her reading Inspirationals; she has that comforting voice.

All in all, this book will do when you have household tasks or a trip and need something to keep your mind occupied.

Any additional comments?

The title and cover caught my eye for this one. Nice, I thought.

This book is just under 2 hours long, and I was surprised that it wasn't serialized --- I am not a fan of serials, but that really isn't much time to weave a good story and I thought maybe I'd just missed where it said there would be a continuation. Because super condensed? That's a requirement in what is virtually a "novella length" romance where the characters don't (really) know each other yet. Yes, of course it can be done, but it takes a wicked special skill in order to do it WELL.

And this one? It went so fast you really don't have time to develop feelings for the story. I did however develop strong feelings for the characters; I wanted to kick Leanne (heroine) to the curb. Actually, I wanted Demarion (hero) to kick Leanne to the curb. And then find a new girl. Don't waste your time and your bajilillions on this one, Demarion.

Why does he like her again? No really, why does he LIKE her? I couldn't figure it out. In the situation she is put in, of course she has reason to be prickly. But she takes it about thirty steps farther than that and at points, you just sit back and go, "Ummm... he is NICE to you, offers you EVERYTHING - all your earthly desires PLUS he's gorgeous PLUS he's a stallion in bed PLUS he's kind and good and philanthropic and will protect you and you virtually just spit in his face? Again? And then she 180's and tries to jump him while she is drunk so of course he does the gentlemanly thing and tells her he'll be happy to take her offer when she is sober so she stomps off in tears. House staff tell him she is crying so she must be more hurt than drunk and he should have taken her up on the offer. Upon hearing this, he races after her and she is tear streaked, drunk, but totally consensually wants sex and he knows this because the staff told him thus they bang and it is fireworks and stars and instaluv... really? I am not trying to pick on this book because I have seen this plot device IN SO MANY - why?? When guys have hopped on review forums and share their impetus for picking up romance books, one of the most common reasons: they want to see what women find sexy. What do scenarios like this show them? That if it seems the girl is sloppy drunk but she is insistent, he'd better take her up on it because she'll be furious if he doesn't. Reverse the situation: guy is drunk and wants sex, girl thinks he's drunk and says no so he goes into a rage. To appease him, she jumps his sloppy drunk self. If that scenario occurred, he'd be the bad guy that pressured the girl, right??

Back to the story.

The end. Another chapter happened but really it was a tiny book. Demarion is likeable despite the fact that he is largely one-dimensional.

Was it a good time? It was okay. The length didn't lend itself to the characters resolving their issues in a fashion that was believable but if you're in the mood for a crime family romance in a speedy style, go for it.



***This audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher via Audioblast free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review ***