Review & Giveaway: Deceptions by Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Dutton
Series: Cainsville #3
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 18, 2015
Challenges: Finishing the Series
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit* |  iTunes | Barnes & Noble
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Blurb from goodreads:

Olivia Taylor Jones's life has exploded. She's discovered she is not only adopted, but her real parents are convicted serial killers. Fleeing the media frenzy, she took refuge in the oddly secluded town of Cainsville. She has since solved the town's mysteries and finds herself not only the target of its secretive elders but also her stalker ex-fiancé.

Visions continue to haunt her: particularly a little blond girl in a green sundress who insists she has an important message for Olivia, one that may help her balance the light and darkness within herself. Death stalks both Olivia and the two men most important to her, as she desperately searches to understand whether ancient scripts are dictating the triangle that connects them. Will darkness prevail, or does Olivia have the power to prevent a tragic fate?

Bea's Thoughts:

I have been anxiously awaiting this installment but also dreading because it brings us that much closer to the end of the series. There are two left after this one and I'm wondering what's going to happen. A lot occurs in this book in a relatively short time.

Two big things happen, specifically: Gabriel undergoes major emotional growth, yes, he has emotions, and we get answers as to the guilt or innocence of Olivia's biological parents. Yes, we get answers, many answers and certain story lines are wrapped up. The story took some unexpected directions and I spent an afternoon and evening reading. I hardly stopped to eat or, worse, feed the cats. :D (They've forgiven me.)

The fae in this series are sneaky and devious, as Olivia is reminded to her dismay. I actually felt a little sorry for them, they're just trying to survive, but then they'd do something rotten again and I'd stop feeling sorry. I like Armstrong's take on the fae, they really are other, foreign. Armstrong makes effective use of old myths, bringing them into the modern world with a hint of fate but free will plays a part too. I was less thrilled with the love triangle but I'm not a fan of them in general. I did like how mature and reasonable Olivia was about it. It's an essential part of the story but I hope it doesn't get dragged out.

"Deceptions" was twisty, fast-paced, and layered. There's mystery, action, romance, mythology, humor, family drama, and family love. Heck, there are even bikers! They're hot now in the book world but Armstrong has managed to tie them into mythology. And what Olivia's parents did for her was amazing, though I don't recommend it. "Deceptions" is another stellar story and now I'm counting down the days until the next story.

The publisher sent me one hardcover copy to give away. I'll mail it to any US resident. No purchase necessary. VOID where prohibited. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. Please read my privacy policy and giveaway policy.

To enter, comment below and leave an email address for me to reach you at. Giveaway ends Saturday August 8th, at 11:59PM EST.

THE GIVEAWAY IS OVER. The winner is comment #7, Katherine P.