Crista McHugh – Deception’s Web- Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Posted on by

Crista McHugh – Deception’s Web- Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Deception's Web Banner 2

Deception’s Web
The Deizian Empire series
 Book #3
 Release Date: December 9, 2013

Deception's WebLinks to order Deception’s Web:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The BookDepository

Description:
 A soldier looking for redemption falls into the arms of the empire’s Black Widow… Galerius, former Captain of the Legion, is honored to be given a chance to redeem himself by discovering who is behind the failing barrier. A series of anonymous letters all point to Hostilius, governor of Lucrilia, but Galerius thinks he’ll learn more about the plot by seducing the governor’s thrice widowed daughter, Claudia. Although he warns himself not to fall into snare of the empire’s most deadly temptress, one kiss leaves him begging for more. Claudia has spent years as a pawn in her father’s political games and longs to break free of his rule, even it means betraying him to the emperor. When Galerius arrives in Tivola, she’s not sure if he’s there to aid her father or stop him. She willingly submits to his seduction, despite their class differences, in order to find the truth. What she doesn’t expect to find is a man who indulges her secret fantasies, satisfying her in a way none of her previous husbands did, and treats her as something more than a conquest. As time runs out to thwart her father’s plans, she must decide if she can trust Galerius not only with her life, but her heart

Review:

Deception’s Web by Crista McHugh begins with more threats against the Emperor and the Empress and the empire that Titus and Azurha are working ever so hard to bring together.  Someone is trying to sabotage the barrier that protects their planet from the barbarians and they both know that they will need someone that they can entrust such secrets with.  And to add to the secrecy, we discover that Azurha is pregnant and Titus will do anything to keep the love of his life and his unborn child safe.

 

When Galerius is summoned to the palace, he’s not quite sure what to make of it.  After all, he failed the emperor and resigned his post as Captain of the Legion, even though Titus and Azurha protested, he felt he had no other choice.  Once he is brought up to speed regarding the new threat to the empire, he still doesn’t feel that he is the one for the job.  But, once Azurha plays him like a fiddle and gets him riled, he jumps at the chance to redeem himself in their eyes and to himself.  However, when he finds out that he will have to interact with the empire’s notorious Black Widow…………  Gods help him…

 

To say that Claudia has been a pawn in her father’s quests to take over the empire is like saying that Moby Dick was a sardine.  She has bore the brunt of her father’s ire as well as her brother’s.  But, once she realizes that her father is planning something big and strike at the Emperor and seize control of the empire, she knows that she can no longer be his pawn.  And, once she realizes that Galerius is there to stop her father, she sets out to aid him without his knowledge.  The one thing that Claudia didn’t count on was Galerius making her wish for things that she dared not to ever wish for.  Could they place their trust in each other and, just maybe, find happiness together?  Well my friends, you will have to read to find out.

 

Oh my sweet Jesus, where to begin?!  McHugh has once again left me astounded with her storytelling skills.  Everyone knew that Galerius was being too hard on himself when he left the Legion, which made us love him even more.  And, when Titus and Azurha played good cop/bad cop in order to have him help them once again, the pride with which he embarked on this mission made your heart swell.  BUT, how in the world would McHugh make us accept Claudia?  After all, she had made a play for the Emperor and was horrid to Azurha.  Seems Azurha knew there was more to Claudia than met the eye and Crista McHugh did a fabulous job in letting us see even more than what Azurha seemingly already knew.  The absolute disdain that Claudia’s father and brother had for her will make your heart break, but once she knows she can no longer accept her role in her father’s machinations, she holds her head high and does what she has to do to right the atrocious wrongs reaped upon their people by her father.

 

Crista McHugh has once again written an awesome story full of political intrigue and steamy romance.  There is also a wonderful path of self discovery after a life full of self doubt for both Galerius and Claudia.  One that will absolutely leave you wanting more from this wonderful world that McHugh has so effortlessly created.  Very well done Crista McHugh, very, very well done……  Oh, and, by the way, there will be more, right?!?!?!!?  =D

 

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

Deizian Series

 

 

Guest Post-White and Aqua

The Isle of Capri, Tiberius, and Caligula

crista picture 1

When creating my fictional setting of Tivola (in the province of Lucrillia) , I turned to the Isle of Capri for inspiration. In addition to being the home of the beautiful Blue Grotto and other amazing scenery, it was also home to several emperors during their reigns. This was where young Caligula spent his formative years under the care of Emperor Tiberius (who was fond of tossing people he didn’t like off the cliffs). And when I decided to create a power-hungry villain and son, I didn’t have to look much further than that pair.
Crista picture 2

Completed in 27 AD, Villa Jovis was where Emperor Tiberius basically ruled the Roman Empire during the last ten years of his reign. Rumors of sordid behaviors, from the aforementioned executions for entertainment to the orgies that last for days, filtered back to Rome. The people were so appalled by Tiberius’s behavior that they publically rejoiced when his ward, Caligula, smothered him in his sleep. But of course, we all know about Caligula’s reign… If you could set a story in any place, where would it be?

Giveaway
Crista has graciously offered to give one lucky member of The Reading Café a copy of her first two books in her Deizian Empire series, Tangled Web & Poisoned Web.

Deizian Series 2

1.  Please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open Internationally

4.  Contests runs from December 10 to December 14, 2013

Share

40 thoughts on “Crista McHugh – Deception’s Web- Review, Guest Post & Giveaway”

  1. Vickie, your review was wonderful. Crista told me to tell you and all our members that she is away this week on vacation with her family. She will try to stop by when she gets home on Saturday. Good Luck to all of you for this wonderful Giveaway!

  2. Terrific review, Vickie. I started this series from your earlier reviews, and love it. I plan to read Deception’s Web soon. Enjoy your vacation, Crista, we’ll be here when you return. Great giveaway, though I have the first two books.

  5. Amazing review Vickie. It is always a pleasure to read one of your reviews for Crista’s books.

    Thank you Crista for the wonderful guest post. Interesting topic and premise 😉

  6. Wonderful review Vickie. Crista knows what a big fan you are of her storylines.

    Thank you Crista for the amazing guest post . It is always our pleasure to host you and your books. Looking forward to many more visits.

  25. Moby Dick = Sardine! BAHAHAHA! best comparison ever Vickie! LOL

    I have never heard of this series or this author … it sounds different and intriguing! Your review most certainly has stirred my interest … well done! 🙂

    Rachel 🙂

Leave a Reply