Review: Irresistible Deceptions by Mackenzie Crowne

Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Knowing he was making a mistake was no match for the surge of pleasure that slammed into him and threatened to bring him to his knees. He tightened his arms, crushing her close. When Nicky slid her hand over his shoulder to grip the back of his head, all through of mistakes and consequences disappeared. She pressed closer, and the gentle shudder of her body stroked him down to his soul.

Nicole Guimond Everson left her husband five years ago and has been on the run ever since. She's been careful to keep her distance and not to draw attention, but the sudden death of her beloved father has her unable to resist being there to say one final goodbye to the man who always tried to protect her. Without knowing it, she's on the radar of someone working for her ex-husband and when it becomes clear that Nicky and her son Alex are no longer safe, she runs to those she can trust. The appearance of security specialist Rhyder McLean, however, has her wary and she doubts the man's ability to keep her and Alex protected. But Rhy is good at what he does and learning that Nicky's ex-husband played a role in the death of his oldest brother has given Rhy reason to hunt him down, even if it means having to use Nicky as bait.

Irresistible Deceptions is a standalone romantic suspense novel from author Mackenzie Crowne and based on my one-time experience reading something from this author a few months ago, I knew I had to pick this title up. The story was well-paced, making sure that the feeling of anticipation is always there. The reader feels as if they're trying to stay one step ahead of Nicky Guimond Everson's ex-husband along with our feisty heroine. Empathizing with her is easy and I certainly found myself just as distrustful of Rhy McLean in the beginning. You'll find out why when you read the book (which you should!), but he does earn that trust bit by bit, even when he does act like a judgmental jerk who lets his emotions and past get the better of him. I was on the edge of my seat each time I thought it was safe to relax. There's never a dull moment!

I loved Nicky, even when she may have appeared to be overly paranoid, because after what she went through with her ex and being forced into hiding for five years, being that way becomes second nature. She doesn't immediately trust Rhy, nor should she, and she doesn't take any of his pronouncements or orders like a docile female. She stands up to him and speaks her mind when she feels the need to do so and her protectiveness of Alex goes above and beyond anything else. Her love and loyalty toward her son, her father, and those she considered family is what strengthened her resolve to seek justice and face her demons rather than weakened her. Nicky isn't perfect and she makes her share of missteps in this story, but those missteps were often brought about by her need to protect her son or out of love for her father.

There was so much to love about this story, but one of the things I most appreciated about it was the slow burn romance between Nicky and Rhy. There was a lot going on and they needed to always be on the go when it came to keeping Alex safe, so whatever feelings they were beginning to have for each other had to be put on the back burner. I do think that all that time focusing on other things equaled to a heck of a lot of foreplay and when they finally do come together, the wait feels so worth it. There was never any doubt that this was a romantic suspense story and it ticked off all my requirements when it comes to both the romance and the suspense. I was left, however, with one question by the time I got to the end: What happened to Charlie?! ^.^ Charlie aside, I'm highly recommending Irresistble Deceptions. Five-plus stars. ♥

Release Date: 09 November 2015

Date Read: 09 November 2015

Learn more about Mackenzie Crowne.

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