4.02 AVERAGE

mrs_george's review

4.0

When I read the summary, I immediately thought of the show Revenge. Since I'm currently going through Revenge withdrawals as the series is on a break until March, I thought this would be a perfect quick fix. It was good and that cliffhanger has me ready for book 2.

shai3d's review

4.0

Now I don't usually read serial novel simply because I don't like to wait for the next installment. Boy am I glad that I broke my rule for this serial. Ms. Davis' DECEPTIVE INNOCENCE is extremely hot, sexy and all too plausible.



The reader is taken on a thrill ride where we are able to watch Bell integrate herself with the Gable family so that she will be able to take each down in their own way when the time comes. The only problem is that not all the Gable family are as she had pictured them.

I do recommend DECEPTIVE INNOCENCE to any of my readers who have a spare hour or so and want to read a hot story of revenge. I do want to insert a general warning to the fact that when I say hot, I mean hot. There are some sex scenes in the book that will have you fanning yourself or looking for your significant other. Or both.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

caligirlrae's review


Deceptive Innocence piqued my curiosity after I read the blurb. It kind of reminded me of the recently canceled Meagan Goode series Deception and I wanted to see how the author weaved a story of revenge with a developing romance. Well, it's not called an erotic thriller for nothing! The serial format that seems to be prevalent in 'edgier' sexy fiction these days makes it appearance here and although that didn't interest me much, I must say I do love the linked up covers for each installment.

Although I found the premise interesting, I couldn't really get into the book. The revenge aspect was interesting but the coldness of the main character Belle and her 'on the surface sexual chemistry' with revenge target Landers left me wanting more of an emotional connection to make me care for her journey. I felt bad for what happened to her mother and how she was treated but I would have loved to have more complexity to Belle's character rather than "turned on", "angry revenge mode" and "cool, calm cucumber mode" to showcase her character.

Deceptive Innocence may not be my cup of tea but readers looking for more edgier fiction with detailed sex scenes and dark characters will enjoy going on Belle's journey of revenge while battling her desire for her target.

pms's review

4.0

I couldn't get enough of this story! Bell and Lander have such chemistry and her revenge is so strong. I have to read the second part as soon as possible. This was a good read leaving me wanting more.
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jonetta's review

4.0

Bell Dantès is out to avenge her mother who was wrongly accused and convicted ten years ago of a brutal murder that involved the wealthy Gable family. She's been plotting and preparing for years and is now starting to execute her plan, beginning with youngest son Lander Gable.

This is the first of a three-part serial and it sets up the story and players extremely well. Bell has some serious issues and uses her rage, beauty and ruthlessness to seek her revenge on the seemingly unsuspecting Gable family. Told from her point of view, she's at times chilling and at others vulnerable. I'm not sure I even like her but at this stage it doesn't even matter because the story is intriguing. Her relationship with Lander is sizzling and he's an enigma himself. He appears to be a decent guy but you know there's a lot boiling under that surface, especially after what we learn at the end. I'm also not sure who's under who's control. No matter, I'm along for the ride. Bring on Part 2.
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ashliesydel's review

5.0

Christian Grey Who?? There are not enough words to describe the HOTNESS that is Lander Gable. I wanted to hang on every word that came out of that man's mouth. Then I wanted to bite his lips... Okay back to reality. I have always had mixed feelings about Kyra Davis. Although I read the entire Sophie Katz series I was NOT and will NEVER be a Sophie fan. BUT her stand alone So Much For My Happy Ending was incredible. I have yet to read her other series but was drawn to the pretty brown girl on this cover. YES I said pretty BROWN girl. There was something about her that screamed I'm sexy and dangerous. And let me tell you I am SOOO freaking glad that I started this series. Bell is a far cry from Lifetime movie vengence. NO she's Zoe Saldana Columbiana hardcore ride or die. I was hooked after the first three pages. Has anyone offered Kyra a movie deal yet?? I have never seen the series REVENGE but when I describe this book to my friends they instantly make a reference to that show. And the CLIFF HANGER!!! Why did Kyra have to do that to us?! Let's just say February 17th can't come fast enough. Even though it's my wedding anniversary I plan on spending it with Lander and Bell Part II.
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rosepetals1984's review

4.0

Initial reaction: I liked this story quite a bit. The heroine has a strong voice and motivation. The sensuality and tension radiates off the page and I found it hard to put down. I'm reading this as part of the full novel but I will review this individual section here.

Full review: Quick reflection for a quick read. This is the second serial series I've read from Kyra Davis (the first one compiled in the work "Just One Night"), and this started off with an intrigue I couldn't resist. Most would know my love for works like "The Count of Monte Cristo" (one of my favorite books) and TV series like "Revenge" (an alternate adaptation of the aforementioned work), so when I heard about a woman who's bent on getting revenge against a family that wrongly accused her mother of a crime she didn't commit (murder), I knew I was in for the whole ride. Even more when I realized this was erotic suspense. I certainly wasn't disappointed with this first installment into the series. It showcases the plight of Bell very well, working as a bartender while targeting Jonathon Gable, a member of the infamous and wealthy Gable family. The two leads have an undeniable chemistry - both in dialogue, personal and professional demeanor, as well as sexual dynamics. Davis's writing is vivid, electric, and compulsively readable. The writing here showcases her characters with levels of compilation that ramp up the respective tension as Bell seeks to infiltrate the ranks of the Gable family and use their weaknesses to her own manipulative means. This particular story ends on a nice cliffhanger that I somewhat expected would happen, but not as soon as it did. It definitely held my attention through the entire read, and I'm eager to read more.

Overall score: 4/5 stars.

octoberbabye's review

3.0

Erotic fiction. I gave it 3 stars because the main character's quest held my interest. Characters were a bit shallow and typical though. A good entertainment read. Will continue with the series to see how it ends.

booksuperpower's review

5.0

Deceptive Innocence: Part 1 by Kyra Davis is the first book in a new e-series- The Pure Sin Trilogy- published by Gallery Books/ Pocket Star publication set for a January 14, 2013 release.

Bell's mother died in prison for a murder she did not commit. Now Bell's sole purpose in life is revenge. She has hatched an elaborate plot against the Gable family.
The Gable family are international bankers who will step over, run over and crush anyone in their way of making a profit. The best thing Bell can hope for is to infiltrate the family. She starts by seducing Lander Gable and by getting a job working for his sister-in-law as an assistant.
Keeping Lander at an emotional arm's length is proving to be very difficult. She is having a hard time keeping herself focused on her goal because of it.
As Bell roots herself deeper into this family the more she begins to doubt how responsible Lander was for her mother's being sent to prison. But, he is a Gable and she must continue to remind herself of that fact. But, does Lander suspect the truth about who she really is?

This first installment will leave you on the edge of your seat, gasping for more, More, MORE!
This series is going to rock and roll. Tense, hot, and suspenseful the story starts off with a brisk walk and ends with a heart pounding run at full steam!
I can not wait for the next installment!!
This is an A+
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doris1310's review

3.0

3.5 stars

A vindictive woman.
An enigmatic man.
And a very interesting cliffhanger.