sreyn's review
5.0
I DID NOT EXPECT TO LIKE THIS AS MUCH AS I DID BUT IT WAS PHENOMENAL AND ABSOLUTELY MIND-BLOWING
manicpixieghost's review
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
lifeinmybook's review against another edition
5.0
What an emotional story. I can't wait to review this on my YouTube channel. I loved the writing style & the story itself was absolutely incredible. 5 stars!
aduchene's review
5.0
The author's style was a simple, fast moving narrative, with a mysterious edge that made you want to read the whole book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. The way she weaved other character's point of view and was vague enough to leave you wanting was thrilling. The storyline itself was interesting and he characters were lovable.
jostyard's review
4.0
i feel a little stupid for not seeing that twist coming, but at the same time HOW COULD I HAVE SEEN THAT COMING??
elliebean's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
raenovels's review
4.0
Read this review and others on my blog: https://thriftybibliophile.com
When Lia flees her home to avoid an arranged marriage to a prince, she does expect the attentions of not one—but two—guys in the small village she settles in. Shelving her life as a princess, she takes up the role of a barmaid and falls in love with the quiet life. As Rafe and Kaden vie for her attention, news from her brother has her resigned to returning home and facing her duty. But Rafe and Kaden are not what they seem, and Lia’s trip home is soon diverted.
The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson was fantastic! From the characters to the storyline, I loved it. As soon as I finished the first book, I immediately started the next book, The Heart of Betrayal, so I could continue the journey.
So what did I like?
Lia. Lia is a fantastic heroine. She’s brave, clever, and honorable. She flees an arranged marriage because she wants to be married for love. What’s more aw-worthy than that? As the book hints, she’s more gifted than she knows and people speak of her gift and rise to power in long-buried books. When she was born, hope was born.
Rafe. I absolutely love Rafe. For the longest time I thought he was the assassin, so I didn’t want to like him, but he’s a very likeable character. I was very surprised to find out he was the prince towards the end of the book.
Storyline. While the story concept is not a new one, I like how it’s executed in this book. The constant banter between Lia, Rafe, and Kaden keep the book fresh and interesting.
What didn’t I like?
Slow pace. At times I felt as though the story was dragged out longer than it needed to be. This is a minor dislike though, because overall I thought the book was great.
When Lia flees her home to avoid an arranged marriage to a prince, she does expect the attentions of not one—but two—guys in the small village she settles in. Shelving her life as a princess, she takes up the role of a barmaid and falls in love with the quiet life. As Rafe and Kaden vie for her attention, news from her brother has her resigned to returning home and facing her duty. But Rafe and Kaden are not what they seem, and Lia’s trip home is soon diverted.
The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson was fantastic! From the characters to the storyline, I loved it. As soon as I finished the first book, I immediately started the next book, The Heart of Betrayal, so I could continue the journey.
So what did I like?
Lia. Lia is a fantastic heroine. She’s brave, clever, and honorable. She flees an arranged marriage because she wants to be married for love. What’s more aw-worthy than that? As the book hints, she’s more gifted than she knows and people speak of her gift and rise to power in long-buried books. When she was born, hope was born.
Rafe. I absolutely love Rafe. For the longest time I thought he was the assassin, so I didn’t want to like him, but he’s a very likeable character. I was very surprised to find out he was the prince towards the end of the book.
Storyline. While the story concept is not a new one, I like how it’s executed in this book. The constant banter between Lia, Rafe, and Kaden keep the book fresh and interesting.
What didn’t I like?
Slow pace. At times I felt as though the story was dragged out longer than it needed to be. This is a minor dislike though, because overall I thought the book was great.
mbublik's review
4.0
I liked the concept of prince or assassin, you don’t know which is which. Honestly it wasn’t too descriptive and kind of hard to follow at some points so I wasn’t a huge fan of the dialogue and descriptions but what I did like was the plot, so 4/5 stars in my opinion.
alexrenee's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I will always love a badass female character. I also love that we don't really find out which one is the assassin and which one is the prince till the end. I mean I kind of guessed it. But I love different povs. So it was interesting reading the princesses, the prince, and the assassin's povs.
ashleysonlin's review
4.0
I fell for this book slowly but completely. Wonderful world building, characters, and what fantastic suspense! How refreshing. Loved it.