What do you think?
Rate this book
Hawk Creek #1
The Beauty in Deception
After years of tangled sheets with a series of one-night-stands and living under a whiskey-induced haze, Detective Dex Preston is constantly trying to cope with the pain and guilt of his past. His perpetual state of denial is interrupted by a disturbing string of horrific murders, thrusting him into a very bizarre case. Dex struggles to bring justice to the murdered women because every lead uncovered is tied to the women in his life.
As the bodies pile up, Dex realizes his life will never be the same when he has an unexpected run-in with Trina Hayes, a snarky blonde who possesses the potential to break down the walls of his hardened heart. She alone can bring Dex face to face with two things he fears most—love and death. For the first time in years, he finds himself concerned about someone else, but she could be next on his killer’s list.
Dex knows he needs to find the killer even if he isn’t prepared for what unfolds next.
As the bodies pile up, Dex realizes his life will never be the same when he has an unexpected run-in with Trina Hayes, a snarky blonde who possesses the potential to break down the walls of his hardened heart. She alone can bring Dex face to face with two things he fears most—love and death. For the first time in years, he finds himself concerned about someone else, but she could be next on his killer’s list.
Dex knows he needs to find the killer even if he isn’t prepared for what unfolds next.
406 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2015
About the author
Felicia Starr
15 books278 followersAuthor Felicia Starr lives five miles from her favorite Jersey Shore destination with her amazingly supportive family. She loves to spend time creating special memories with her husband and two young boys
Everyone expected her first publication to be a cookbook, but her love for writing has surpassed her love for cooking.
Felicia graduated magna cum laude from Kean University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a post baccalaureate in elementary education. She is a licensed real estate sales person, a certified yoga instructor, and most importantly, a stay-at-home mom.
Everyone expected her first publication to be a cookbook, but her love for writing has surpassed her love for cooking.
Felicia graduated magna cum laude from Kean University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a post baccalaureate in elementary education. She is a licensed real estate sales person, a certified yoga instructor, and most importantly, a stay-at-home mom.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 30, 2015
Ignorance is bliss even if only for a moment in time.
Wow. The beauty in deception is that ignorance is bliss even if only for a moment in time.
Two lovers meet at a crime scene and more deaths follow shortly after...
This book starts with an intriguing prologue. (the prologue is a separate book on Amazon as well.) A relationship is formed between a detective who spends his nights drowning in whiskey and in the beds of countless faceless strangers and a school teacher with a dangerous secret. Clues are littered throughout the novel as you read allowing for "Ah-ha" moments at the conclusion of this gripping novel. Spellbinding, amazing and well-written. I can't wait until the next book in the series! Felicia's characters are fleshed out perfectly. Detective Dex's no nonsense straight to the point dialogue and Trina's snarky comebacks were well-written. The book is peppered with a few steamy scenes adding a bit of romance without drowning the reader with cheesy come on lines. Throughout the entire book I was interested, confused (in a good way) and entertained.
The shocking twists and turns in this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more!
Wow. The beauty in deception is that ignorance is bliss even if only for a moment in time.
Two lovers meet at a crime scene and more deaths follow shortly after...
This book starts with an intriguing prologue. (the prologue is a separate book on Amazon as well.) A relationship is formed between a detective who spends his nights drowning in whiskey and in the beds of countless faceless strangers and a school teacher with a dangerous secret. Clues are littered throughout the novel as you read allowing for "Ah-ha" moments at the conclusion of this gripping novel. Spellbinding, amazing and well-written. I can't wait until the next book in the series! Felicia's characters are fleshed out perfectly. Detective Dex's no nonsense straight to the point dialogue and Trina's snarky comebacks were well-written. The book is peppered with a few steamy scenes adding a bit of romance without drowning the reader with cheesy come on lines. Throughout the entire book I was interested, confused (in a good way) and entertained.
The shocking twists and turns in this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more!
May 29, 2015
I really liked this book. I've been afraid that I've been dancing on the edge of a potential reading slump but luckily I had this book to read and I think it has pulled me back from the brink. The whole review is on my website and it is much better than what I'm typing here and ooh it has pictures. This is a great read that is sure to appeal to Allison Brennan fans since it isn't all about the crime the cop's trying to solve and not all fixated on the romance side of things.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/the-b...
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/the-b...
May 23, 2015
This is a fast paced suspenseful story. It takes a very unique turn in developing a romance story with a real suspenseful plot. This psychological thriller is a fast read as you want to find out who dunnit!
Perpetual bachelor and manwhore Dex falls hard for the beautiful teacher Trina. Little does he know how appearances can be so deceiving.
All I'm going to say is "never judge a book by its cover".
Highly recommend it, and I only wished the story was longer.
Perpetual bachelor and manwhore Dex falls hard for the beautiful teacher Trina. Little does he know how appearances can be so deceiving.
All I'm going to say is "never judge a book by its cover".
Highly recommend it, and I only wished the story was longer.
June 8, 2015
I received an ARC of The Beauty in Deception by Felicia Starr in exchange for an honest review. OMG WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK!! Felicia did a wonderful job on this story the characters,the plot,the flow of the story and keeping it very interesting. 2 girls end up murdered in a small down and Dex and Johnny are the detectives that have to solve the case. Dex is a little to close to the case but he manages to stay focus.
April 16, 2016
Title: The Beauty in Deception: A Hawk Creek Novel
Author: Felicia Starr
Publisher: Rockti Publishing
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: May 17, 2015
Genre(s): Murder Mystery, Police Drama
Page Count: 408 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 3 Stars
Review Copy of The Beauty in Deception: A Hawk Creek Novel provided by the Felicia Starr and Pure Textuality PR for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Felicia Starr
Publisher: Rockti Publishing
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: May 17, 2015
Genre(s): Murder Mystery, Police Drama
Page Count: 408 pages
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
After years of tangled sheets with a series of one-night-stands and living under a whiskey-induced haze, Detective Dex Preston is constantly trying to cope with the pain and guilt of his past. His perpetual state of denial is interrupted by a disturbing string of horrific murders, thrusting him into a very bizarre case. Dex struggles to bring justice to the murdered women because every lead uncovered is tied to the women in his life.
As the bodies pile up, Dex realizes his life will never be the same when he has an unexpected run-in with Trina Hayes, a snarky blonde who possesses the potential to break down the walls of his hardened heart. She alone can bring Dex face to face with two things he fears most—love and death. For the first time in years, he finds himself concerned about someone else, but she could be next on his killer’s list.
Dex knows he needs to find the killer even if he isn’t prepared for what unfolds next.
Review:
Well this book surprised me. It didn’t end the way that I thought it would. It isn’t often that I am totally off base, but I didn’t see this coming. Be prepared to be surprised. I really enjoyed this book. I am hoping that there will be more.
Plot-Dex finds himself smack in the middle of a murder investigation. He is one of the lead detectives trying to solve a case that keeps getting more confusing. With little to go on, Dex and his partner Johnny start their investigation. Dex meets Trina at the diner where the body was found. They have an instant connection. Something that Dex has not had or let himself have in a long time. There is something special about Trina. She just may be the one.
Instant chemistry between Dex and Trina has you pulling for this sexy couple from their first meeting. This book, even though it is over 400 pages, reads really fast. I think it is the suspense and drama that keeps you flipping the pages. As I mentioned before, I didn’t see this ending coming. Even as I was reading it I kept thinking no, this can’t be it. The only thing I felt lacking was the character development. I feel that we didn’t really get to know Dex or Trina. They both seem to have interesting backstories, and I would love to know more about them.
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 3 Stars
Review Copy of The Beauty in Deception: A Hawk Creek Novel provided by the Felicia Starr and Pure Textuality PR for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
July 6, 2015
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
I am a huge fan of Author Felicia Starr and although this book is a bit different than the others that I have read by her, it was no less amazing! This one was a major nail biting, tension filled, edge of your seat, what happens next kinda book and I loved it! She had the reader frantically turning the pages to see what was going to happen and not once did the reader figure it out. This story took the reader on a looping, curving, twisting, roller coaster of a ride and she didn't ever give them a chance to catch their breath as they raced through this one!
Dex is a detective, a "manwhore" and he likes to drink. He has decided to never give into love and likes his one-night stands. Trina is battling her own demons and isn't looking for love either until they run into each other at the diner. From that moment on nothing is what they expect and nothing is going as planned. The author makes the reader fall in love with Dex and with the idea of Dex and Trina....but nothing goes as planned.
The plot of this book is so quick moving and so action packed that the reader can't put it down. There is no stopping point that seems acceptable for the reader to take a break to continue with their day....nope....they must keep reading. The author pulls the reader into the town of Hawk Creek and never lets them out. The reader will run through a ton of emotions when reading this story as well. You will laugh, sigh, swoon, yell and at times just have your mouth wide open in a state of shock. The characters are so well developed that the reader feels like they have made a whole new set of friends....but how well can you really know someone?!?
This is an amazing read and one that you shouldn't miss out on!!! I am already looking forward to book 2 in the series and I don't even know what it is about! Make sure you add this to your TBR list and add it quick! I know that anyone that picks this book up will love it!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
I am a huge fan of Author Felicia Starr and although this book is a bit different than the others that I have read by her, it was no less amazing! This one was a major nail biting, tension filled, edge of your seat, what happens next kinda book and I loved it! She had the reader frantically turning the pages to see what was going to happen and not once did the reader figure it out. This story took the reader on a looping, curving, twisting, roller coaster of a ride and she didn't ever give them a chance to catch their breath as they raced through this one!
Dex is a detective, a "manwhore" and he likes to drink. He has decided to never give into love and likes his one-night stands. Trina is battling her own demons and isn't looking for love either until they run into each other at the diner. From that moment on nothing is what they expect and nothing is going as planned. The author makes the reader fall in love with Dex and with the idea of Dex and Trina....but nothing goes as planned.
The plot of this book is so quick moving and so action packed that the reader can't put it down. There is no stopping point that seems acceptable for the reader to take a break to continue with their day....nope....they must keep reading. The author pulls the reader into the town of Hawk Creek and never lets them out. The reader will run through a ton of emotions when reading this story as well. You will laugh, sigh, swoon, yell and at times just have your mouth wide open in a state of shock. The characters are so well developed that the reader feels like they have made a whole new set of friends....but how well can you really know someone?!?
This is an amazing read and one that you shouldn't miss out on!!! I am already looking forward to book 2 in the series and I don't even know what it is about! Make sure you add this to your TBR list and add it quick! I know that anyone that picks this book up will love it!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
June 12, 2015
** I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **
Dex Preston is a detective who is working alongside his partner to solve a murder in their small town. Trina Hayes is a sweet school teacher who catches his eye. As another body is found, Dex fears there is a serial killer in the town. But, how will he react if he believes this killer is after the important women in his life?
To be honest, I had intended to give this book a 3 star rating as I was reading it. But, by the time I had finished reading it, I decided that it was more deserving of a 4. In the beginning, the story seemed a little slow to me (but everything made sense at the end). I was rooting for Dex and Trina from the start. I never saw the ending coming. In fact, I thought the ending would be quite different. This book may not have “had” me from the beginning, but by the end it did. This book is not all about romance but rather the suspense of solving the crime. This was honestly a breath of fresh air for me (who wants to read the same genre with similar plots over and over again? This story was a nice break from the romances I normally read).
I am anticipating the next novel in this series and hope it is a continuation of this novel. There are some questions I have that I hope are answered in subsequent novels.
Dex Preston is a detective who is working alongside his partner to solve a murder in their small town. Trina Hayes is a sweet school teacher who catches his eye. As another body is found, Dex fears there is a serial killer in the town. But, how will he react if he believes this killer is after the important women in his life?
To be honest, I had intended to give this book a 3 star rating as I was reading it. But, by the time I had finished reading it, I decided that it was more deserving of a 4. In the beginning, the story seemed a little slow to me (but everything made sense at the end). I was rooting for Dex and Trina from the start. I never saw the ending coming. In fact, I thought the ending would be quite different. This book may not have “had” me from the beginning, but by the end it did. This book is not all about romance but rather the suspense of solving the crime. This was honestly a breath of fresh air for me (who wants to read the same genre with similar plots over and over again? This story was a nice break from the romances I normally read).
I am anticipating the next novel in this series and hope it is a continuation of this novel. There are some questions I have that I hope are answered in subsequent novels.
July 22, 2015
So much potential...
Dex Preston is a cop stuck in a rut of drinking and meaningless sex. It takes a series of horrific murders to make him start to climb out of the hole he's buried himself in. Those murders, and a certain blonde that doesn't fall at his feet the way some many others have, that is.
I really wanted to like this book. It had several things going for it in the first few chapters. The scene was set, the mystery of the murder was starting, and the main characters were being introduced. There was humor amidst the horror the cops had just seen and the dialogue was interesting.
Somewhere around chapter eight the book seemed to lose momentum for me. I began to find it very hard to connect with the characters. Some of the characters begin to behave and react in ways that made no sense and made the story flow slow. Honestly, by chapter 14 it was all I could do to finish it but I still wanted to know how it ended. It does have some redeeming qualities, which is why I gave it three stars. Most of the characters do seem well thought out, there was some interesting dialogue, and the storyline had the potential to be a page turner. After all of the buildup and hints, the final scenes just felt a bit flat and predictable to me.
I received this book free for a fair and honest review. All opinions are true, honest, and completely my own.
Dex Preston is a cop stuck in a rut of drinking and meaningless sex. It takes a series of horrific murders to make him start to climb out of the hole he's buried himself in. Those murders, and a certain blonde that doesn't fall at his feet the way some many others have, that is.
I really wanted to like this book. It had several things going for it in the first few chapters. The scene was set, the mystery of the murder was starting, and the main characters were being introduced. There was humor amidst the horror the cops had just seen and the dialogue was interesting.
Somewhere around chapter eight the book seemed to lose momentum for me. I began to find it very hard to connect with the characters. Some of the characters begin to behave and react in ways that made no sense and made the story flow slow. Honestly, by chapter 14 it was all I could do to finish it but I still wanted to know how it ended. It does have some redeeming qualities, which is why I gave it three stars. Most of the characters do seem well thought out, there was some interesting dialogue, and the storyline had the potential to be a page turner. After all of the buildup and hints, the final scenes just felt a bit flat and predictable to me.
I received this book free for a fair and honest review. All opinions are true, honest, and completely my own.
July 10, 2015
The prologue of this book will suck you right into the story.
Right away we meet Dex, who is being called into the scene of the crime. The leaves his latest one night stand to meet his partner at the scene of a murder. Even though Dex seems like a player throughout the story you see him struggle with pain and guilt from his past. As the story progresses you see him try to decide what he wants in the future. Trina is a sassy women who goes after what she wants and she wants Dex. You really get to know Trina very slowly throughout the story.
The story does start out slow but don't let that deter you because as it progresses you will be in for a wild ride and the ending will blow your mind. I spent most of the book without a clue who was the murderer, and I love a good mystery that I can't figure out. Towards the end I thought I had an idea but then Ms. Starr throws a curveball and leave you saying what!!!
If you want a good mystery with a dose of romance from a hot detective then I suggest this book. The suspense and twists and turns will keep you guessing and turning the pages.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.
Right away we meet Dex, who is being called into the scene of the crime. The leaves his latest one night stand to meet his partner at the scene of a murder. Even though Dex seems like a player throughout the story you see him struggle with pain and guilt from his past. As the story progresses you see him try to decide what he wants in the future. Trina is a sassy women who goes after what she wants and she wants Dex. You really get to know Trina very slowly throughout the story.
The story does start out slow but don't let that deter you because as it progresses you will be in for a wild ride and the ending will blow your mind. I spent most of the book without a clue who was the murderer, and I love a good mystery that I can't figure out. Towards the end I thought I had an idea but then Ms. Starr throws a curveball and leave you saying what!!!
If you want a good mystery with a dose of romance from a hot detective then I suggest this book. The suspense and twists and turns will keep you guessing and turning the pages.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
March 14, 2016Pleasantly surprised in many ways! Loved it!!!
This is not the kind of book I typically read and I really wasn't expecting to be grabbed and pulled in the way I was. From the very first page to the very last word word....I WAS HOOKED!!! And it's no wonder really, it's a wonderfully written story that has everything you could want in a book. The characters are well written and developed, you just can't help but love them. This book really got my blood pumping in more ways than one. It's intriguing and suspenseful, romantic and sexy! What's not to love!
The Beauty in Deception kept me guessing at every turn. It's a fast paced read and it has a little something for everyone. So no matter what genre you normally prefer, I think you will love The Beauty in Deception!
This is not the kind of book I typically read and I really wasn't expecting to be grabbed and pulled in the way I was. From the very first page to the very last word word....I WAS HOOKED!!! And it's no wonder really, it's a wonderfully written story that has everything you could want in a book. The characters are well written and developed, you just can't help but love them. This book really got my blood pumping in more ways than one. It's intriguing and suspenseful, romantic and sexy! What's not to love!
The Beauty in Deception kept me guessing at every turn. It's a fast paced read and it has a little something for everyone. So no matter what genre you normally prefer, I think you will love The Beauty in Deception!
April 17, 2016
I was given this book in return for a honest review.
This book was a major challenge for me, No matter how much I tried I could not get into the story, It felt like it took me forever just to get through the chapters. By the last chapter I had figured out who had done it, however was a little surprised at the end. This book would be okay for a teen who is just beginning to start reading suspense.
This book was a major challenge for me, No matter how much I tried I could not get into the story, It felt like it took me forever just to get through the chapters. By the last chapter I had figured out who had done it, however was a little surprised at the end. This book would be okay for a teen who is just beginning to start reading suspense.
June 10, 2015
Ignorance is bliss in the beauty in Deception. WOW! Trina is truly a beautiful deception that know one would've seen coming. Dex is a guy who really don't know what he has to offer, but when their two lives come together all the feelings they think the have each other comes to a sad ending.
August 12, 2016
#ReviewToFollow
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews