BOOKWORM REVIEW: The Deception by Nikki Sloane
If "don't send a man to do a woman's job" were a book, THIS IS IT.
The ultimate chess match was never between Macalister and Royce. It was between Macalister and Marist, and the game and the end result were done so well.
We pick up from where The Obsession ended: Marist is being rushed to the hospital. The tug-of-war between father and son continues over Marist's care, and ultimately she steps in and takes control. This becomes the overarching theme of the book.
This is also the book that made me Team Marist. I have always thought of her as indecisive in Books One and Two, and while she still somewhat struggles with her attraction to Macalister, she knows that she loves Royce and does what she can to help him. After all, she is the best match for the Hale patriarch. She is cunning and willing to do what it takes to win at all costs -- but on her own terms.
I still think Royce is not worthy of her, but he does work toward deserving her, which is the best we can ask of him.
I am still firmly on Team Macalister, though. The man clearly does not know how to love and I hope he gets that education in The Redemption (Book 4). But man can he seduce like a champ and I also hope he does not lose that touch. The scene with him, Marist, and the mirror is one of the hottest I've read this year.
I really enjoyed Royce and Marist's story. The twists and suspense flowed really nicely, and I liked that Marist's character arc is mirrored by her chess skills. Nikki Sloane's use of subtle but intricate details that become critical later on is just **chef's kiss.** She has an amazing ability to create empathy for even some of her darkest characters, and I love that.
The Deception is the third and final book of the Filthy Rich Americans trilogy and should be read following The Initiation and The Obsession.
ABOUT THE BOOK
