Deception's Web

Deizian Empire #3

by Crista McHugh

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.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Science Fiction, Erotica, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance

280 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

Crista McHugh is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY BESTSELLING author of fantasy and romance with heroines who are smart, sexy, and anything but ordinary.

She also writes fantasy with less kissing and a lot more action as C. A. McHugh.

She currently lives in the Tesla-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician on the weekends.

Reviews

[♥ Rebecca ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found on my blog: A Match Made in Heaven

I enjoyed this one more than Poisoned Web, and almost as much as Tangled Web. The thing I loved so much about this book was the tension and level of danger in Galerius' mission. The scene in the tunnels at the end really had my heart racing.

Galerius and Claudia were as strong characters as the previous leads, and I cant really say who my favourites are. I love them all. I think I may have a soft spot for the brooding Galerius though. I am so happy that he got his HEA. He deserved it. So did Claudia. Its hard to believe that she is the same person who was trying to steal the Emperor from Azurha in book one.

The story in this one was well developed and I loved seeing Galerius' slowly unraveling Hostilius' plot. And the romance was perfectly paced. At first I was thinking it was all just sex, but before I knew it I could see their relationship developing into something so much deeper. It may have been too long since I read Tangled Web (exactly one year ago), but I think perhaps the relationship between Galerius and Claudia is my favourite of the series. They make a perfect pair.

I absolutely adore the beautiful world Crista McHugh created for this series, and although I think the story is done being told, she could always write more set in the Deizian Empire, and I would not be apposed to that. :) A story about Marcus would be nice.

I would like to thank the authors for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Grisette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 stars

So, third instalment of this beloved series! Another win for CM! I found the story in this one as gripping as Tangled Web and Poisoned Web. The writing remained atmospheric and sharp, creating characters with flesh and blood. A little less cameos from Titus and Azurha unfortunately this time, but it was to be expected.

To be frank, I was a bit hesitant to delve into this one because my recall of Claudia's behaviour in Book 1 was not the most kind and I thus had low interest to see her HEA. But somehow, CM was able to spin credible character development to lend my empathy towards Claudia. Even Galerius had always appeared quite staid before, so seeing passion flare in him was an interesting angle. I did found their romance in the first half a bit too insta-lusty, esp. given how I remembered Claudia to be haughty and classist while Galerius had only shown stoicism. There was also some slowish indecision phase in the middle part that bogged a bit down the pace of the book, but the story picked up magnificently in the last third, what with romance, action (top notch!) and thrill.

I may not still be fully a fan of Claudia, but I did admire the way she delicately played the cat and mouse game with her father and even Galerius. This is called real wiles! This book was a bit lower in the mythology that I loved in the first two books, but I guess that is only because the main characters were not directly connected to the Imperial household. I think it was still meant to have the fate element to rationalise the passion between Galerius and Claudia but the lack of mythos tempered a bit down that aspect unfortunately. Instead, the writing should perhaps have weighted more on the childhood traumas of Galerius and Claudia to provide more depth to their emotional connection.

Only one book remaining in the series, and I am a bit sad that the author has not so far continued it. The Deizian Empire universe is fascinating and I want so much more of it!

[Sherry Christenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can not get enough of this author or this series! When I heard this was Galerius and Claudia's story I was really skeptical that Crista could make me care about Claudia, I was already a Galerius fan but after the way Claudia treated Azurah I didn't think I could every accept her. I should have known better then to to doubt Crista Mchugh as it was only a few pages in and I quickly realized she was a victim in her own right. As with all the books in the Deizian Empire series the characters just walk off the pages and into your life. The story of this Empire continues to grow and becomes more involved with each book and you can't help but care and worry for these people more and more with every page. I couldn't book the book down and loved the way the way it ended I can't wait till the next one. I hope somewhere down the line we see Varro's story, I've enjoyed watching his character grow with each book.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book


After surviving their courtship and an attack of poison, life should be better for the King and his bride.. but there are still those out to get him. And now more than ever Titus worries about their safety. Azruha is pregnant and he knows there will be those who do everything they can to stop her from having a child. There are those who remain in the past where Alpirians remain slaves and Deizians rule the world. In Book Three of Crista McHugh's Deizian Empire things just keep getting better and better!

Someone has been sending Titus mysterious notes. Telling him about a plot to do something.. to destroy something.. and to ruin his rule. While a name is given no one is quite sure what he is trying to do. Titus knows the plot must be uncovered and the mysterious informant protected. Knowing the only way to discover this is by stealth he calls in Galerius, once Deizian's greatest Captain. Sending him in undercover as a disgruntled member of the guard looking to put his past behind him and live a life without that "Alpirian Whore" on the throne. As a plan it is brilliant, now they just have to convince Galerius that he is truly the only man for the job.

Claudia, the Black Widow, a beautiful woman known for marrying and becoming a very rich widow. A Woman whose father once gave her to Titus to become his concubine. A woman who was actually so spoiled while in the harem she threatened Alzurha.. yeah bad choice. In short a woman betrayed, a woman desperate to get out. After years of living under her father's thumb. Of watching him manipulate her, use her and destroy her over and over again. Claudia has finally found a sticking point. She knows her father's desire to rule to empire would only destroy it. Now that he is in the final stages of something.. Claudia knows she must find a way to help.Since she has so very little power of her own, Claudia acts out in the only way she can.. she begins sending anonymous notes to Titus. Warning him of a great danger.

Galerius has left his post. Not because he is ashamed of his king and his bride.. No because he is shamed by his own lack of action. His former king died by poisoning and Titus almost suffered the same fate. All on his watch. A true Captain would have discovered this and saved his king. A True Captain would have known something was wrong. A True Captain would never have let this happen. But since it did.. Galerius knows he is no longer fit to serve. So he resigns his post and attempts to move on. If practically living in bars and taverns, constantly drunk, is moving on. But when his king calls.. Galerius knows he truly has no choice. Because life the mafia (ok maybe a Muskateer), there is really no getting out of the guard. Because he has lived the past few months in "shame" Galerius is the perfect foil. Send him to Lucrilia to uncover the plot. Discover the informant and well, save the day!

What a splendid book.. a story of redemption. A story of revenge and most importantly, a story of love. Two lost souls finding their way to each other. Claudia, who has a less than stellar reputation is discovered to be a desperate woman but a woman of morals. A woman who stands for her country and is willing to take a chance, for her country, for her freedom. She never expected to find a man like Galerius. Galerius, on the other hand has lost everything. His faith, his self respect, his very essence of who he is. And yet these two people discover a passion that rivals the kings.. A meeting of broken souls, merged to become stronger than any two seperate individuals can dream of. Together they fight the evil that desires to destroy an empire.

Another fabulous book in Ms McHugh's Deizian Empire! Action packed.. strong but unique in it's story. I love how Ms McHugh has found a way to give redemption to those who so very desperately need it. How she finds a path of light in the darkness for these two. How Claudia learns to stand for herself. How Galerious must learn he is more than a title. That he is more than his past. How he must discover the man beneath before he can re become the man of honor he always thought he was.

Seriously people, if you haven't read this series, you are missing out on a brilliant adventure! A chance to escape to a place where a world is being righted and wrongs are being destroyed. My only worry is that Ms McHugh will not continue with this brilliant series.. Please don't stop there are still people who need to find love in the Deizian Empire! And because each book is so brilliantly written, she could have stopped with book one and had a wonderful ride.. Yes the battle is ongoing but the overall arc is a thing of infinity, will peace ever come to the Deizian Empire? I am selfish, I hope it won't come for a very long time!

Interested? If so you can find my reviews for books one and two HERE...

But even if you don't read the reviews, READ. THE. BOOKS!!

Shauni


This review is based on the ARC of Deception's Web, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 9, 2013

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sinfully seductive, breathtaking erotic fantasy…

‘Deception’s Web’ {book 3 in the Deizian Empire series} is set within a spectacular science-fictional world, containing elements that reminded me of Star Wars; such as the politics and the Empire that domineered the social hierarchy of civilization. It also has a distinct Roman feel to it with the clothing, chariots, swords and stone pillars. Christa Mchugh deftly interweaves a mix of genre; from fantasy, paranormal romance with erotica making this a most atypical and original read.

Claudia is a striking blonde, blue-eyed beauty and daughter of the ambitious Hostilius Deizian. Three-times widowed as part of her father’s political plans in climbing up the social ladder, she is ignorant of intensely felt passion and true love having to endure such condescension from family members. Her horrid brother, Asinius is as poisinus as his father and both will stop at nothing to overthrow the current Emperor and claim the throne. Hostilius looks upon the Empress Azhura {who is an Alpirion} with derision, despite her having dual identity’s as “The Rabbit” – a skilled assassin and wielder of magic.

Galerius, a retired Elymanian soldier of the Imperial Army is called upon to uncover the truth behind all the riddles and aid the Empress who is with child. Neither Claudia nor Galerius expect to fall into a heated romance that could compromise not only their futures, but the entire Empire and political structure of leadership…

This is a tale of cryptic riddles, lies and deception wherein at some point each character will fool another to the point of lying to themselves. The main characters eventually have to make the ultimate decision and decide whose side they are really on…before it is all too late! Unlike any fantasy story I have encountered this spectacular story is wrought with heated fervent passion amid a tangled web of tantalizing temptation. This romantic story with its memorable characters is engaging, deliciously addictive and a true guilty pleasure! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a riveting read. 4.5 stars!!

*I won a copy of ‘Deception’s Web’ {book 3 in the Deizian Empire series} by Crista McHugh through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway *

To find out more about The Soulbearer trilogy, The Elgean Chronicles, The Kavanaugh Foundation, The Kelly brothers and other novels go to…

www.cristamchugh.com

{I am also very interested in the author’s new ‘Fairy tales & ever afters’ books!}.

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).

(This review may contain spoilers).

I particularly liked the world and characters that were created in this book. The plot was one that pulled me in almost straight away - and although I wasn't sure what to make of Claudia at first, she quickly grew on me.

I was really able to empathise with Claudia and how awful things were for her with her family. I felt that the author did a really good job of showing her struggle to do the right thing and the strength of her character even despite the fact that she wasn't in a position of power.

I did also like Galerius. I was able to believe in the relationship that formed between him and Claudia - even though it was particularly graphic right from the start. How their relationship developed seemed quite realistic and, I have to say, certain scenes really pulled me in and made it easy to experience the emotions of the characters.

I liked the other characters as well - with the exception of Claudia's father and brother. They were good villains, but I felt they were rather lacking in what makes a villain truly interesting - there weren't any glimpses of humanity or good things that they did. I really hated them for the way they treated Claudia.

I saw the fate of one of the characters coming during the particular scene, but I was really disappointed that it happened. I know that there was no other way for it to go - but it was something that really affected me.

I found the world itself to be really interesting, though I'm not sure I really understand the (three?) different races and their relationships with each other. I did find the book to be quite well-written and it was easy to see most of the events happening in my mind. However, I did notice quite a few errors in the writing - nothing really major, but there were a few missing words; or words in the wrong order. A couple of times, I thought that the language was a bit too modern for a fantasy world.

I definitely do intend to read the other books in this series and check out other books by this author. I definitely enjoyed this book and would recommend it to people who like fantasy romances.

[Vanessa theJeepDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment of Crista McHugh’s Deizian Empire series takes readers outside of the Deizian palace and to a neighboring providence. Titus and Azurha have tasked Galerius with some investigative spying work. Someone in Tivola has been sending anonymous letters with accurate information involving plots against the empire. Titus and Azurha need the people behind the nefarious plots stopped. They also need to know who is behind the anonymous letters. They see Galerius as the perfect man for the job even though he has his own doubts about his abilities to protect the Imperial Majesties.

Due to her father’s scheming deceptions for more power and money Claudia has become known as the black widow. Claudia knows that she is nothing more than a means to an end for the man that fathered her. She knows that she is one of the expendable people in his life. She also knows many of his secretive plots to gain power and his desire to overthrow the ruling bodies of the empire. Claudia is about to do something courageous and selfless. She wants freedom, her desires to no longer be a pawn in his games has pushed her to take a stand and reveal him for the traitor he is.

I love reading the villain turned hero, or in this case heroine. Readers first meet Claudia in Tangled Web. While she is not really a villain she is also not someone you can like as a human. She is being used by her father for his political gains and shoved into Titus’s harem. Flash forward many months and she is trying to protect Titus’s empire. Galerius is doing the same thing when their paths cross and he must figure out if she is in on her father’s plots or if she is the informant he has been sent to find.

Galerius and Claudia work well together. They both have some confidence issues due to how their fathers treated them. They also have this ability to give each other compassionate love that each has never dreamed of experiencing much less actually finding in one another. As with all the books in the Deizian Empire, Poisoned Web needs to be read in order. This series has a great blend of futuristic sci fi, steamy romance, and elements of some far off ancient era of times far gone.

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception's Web by Christa McHugh really surprised me. It is a clever story and grabs your attention. The characters are depicted well and are believable. It touches on racial bigotry. In that there are slaves and upper crust people and the the working class. There are mixed individuals too who are looked down upon the the rich, governing upper class. The story centers around Claudia, the black widow. Thrice married and thrice widowed. She is considered less a person. Her father sells her off to the highest bidder, then murderer the suitors. Her father Hostilius is plotting to overthrow the emperor. He hares the Empress Azhura because she was an assassin who fell in love with her victim and she was from the slave race. He's afraid Emperor Sergius is tainting his blood line and will eventually free the slaves.Sergius sends former Captain of the Legion, Galerius, to investigate Hostilius after receiving letters that declare his treachery. Claudia, unbeknown to the emperor is the author of the letters. Claudia wants to be master of her own life and not subject to the degradation of her father and brother. The Dezian or upper class control magic. Galerius is half Dezian and half Elymanian or middle class. He can control magic too. He looks Elymanian brig dark with the eyes giving way to his Dezian heritage. When Galerius pays homage to Governor Hostilius he meets Claudia. Her father orders her to seduce Galerius and find out what he is doing there? Sparks fly between Claudia and Galerius. Each are afraid to trust the other. They must learn to trust in order to defeat Hostilius.
This is a first read win and I have given my honest opinion.

[Eva Millien · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Deizinan Empire is a thrilling and mesmerizing read.

A former captain of the Legion, Galerius is honored to be given a chance to redeem himself by discovering the traitors planning the downfall of the Empire. Having spent years as her father’s political pawn, Claudia longs to be free of his rule, even if it means betraying him to the emperor. As time runs the two must find a way to trust each other and their hearts.

This steady to fast paced plot is full of magic, intrigue and plotting that keeps the reader guessing. The author brings this riveting story to life with vivid pictures and enchanting characters that capture the reader’s imagination and doesn’t let go until the very end. The plot flows smoothly from scene to scene making it easy to follow the intricate political web as well as the romance building between the two main characters.

The chemistry between Galerius and Claudia is hot and steamy and the well written sex scenes leave the reader scorched. The author conveys the emotions of the characters with intense detail making it easy for the reader to understand their motivations and relate to them.

The author has created a bewitching fantasy world that keeps the reader’s attention from beginning to end and ensures that they come back for more. The setting is enticing cross between historical and futuristic with a charm all its own adding lots of depth and interesting elements to the stories. I have yet to be disappointed in a book written by this author and I highly recommend this book to anyone that like fantasy romance.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review, Lovers of Paranormal.**

I have absolutely fallen in love with this series. I love the world of the Deizian Empire. I love what Emperor Sergius and Empress Azurha are trying to accomplish with their reign and I love their loyal friends for the mass entertainment they are providing.

Former Captain Galerius was a great addition, definitely a story I did not expect so soon. Even more surprising was Claudia Pacilius, I went from hating her...to LOVING her character.

It was a very emotion filled journey. I could not get over how her brother and father treated her, it made up for all of the ill will I might have felt towards her in the beginning.

I can't believe what happened to Kafi! :(( I had such high hopes for him, it definitely pulled on my heart strings.

Galerius and Claudia were great together and I love how they decided to live their lives at the end, it was perfect!

Another great story in the Deizian Empire by Crista McHugh :)) LOVED IT.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this as part of a goodreads giveaway**

I really liked this book. I was intrigued by the summary of the book, because normally this might not be something I would pick up (a book with a mainly "sci-fi" aspect to it) but I really enjoyed it! I liked how Claudia played here role as daughter and informant. I also liked the spicy relationship between Claudia and Galerius. I like how she challenged him to look at his feelings more and vice versa. I disliked the characters of Claudia's father and borer very much, I felt like even though they were not supposed to be "good guys" they could have still been a little bit nicer to her, but thats just my opinion. Overall I liked this book very much. I now want to go find the first two books!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the story...the characters were well developed, the story was entertaining, the villains were easy to hate.

I had only one qualm... lots of grammatical errors, repeat words, incorrect words. Sometimes it detracted from the flow of the read because I would have to re read and try to make sense out of an incorrect declarative... like would instead of wouldn't.

The book, even though it was apparently part of a trilogy, stood well on its own. Beautiful work, author. The editor needs a bit more practice.

[Destiny Unlocked · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book i really want to read the others!! This was a huge page turner and grabbed your attention and kept it from go. A must read for romance with action readers. This will fulfill your desires for a great read. The story line is wonderful and refreshing. I love all the characters and the way she so wonderfully painted all the scenes in this book so you can easily see what she wanted you to see for yourself. Thank you for such a remarkable story!!!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a goodread give away. I received the book very fast.I really enjoy the read. It has action, hate and love along with caring and learning to trust again. It is hard to believe a father would treat his daughter this bad. But it happens every day. It was worth the read.

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked seeing the characters in this novel from a new perspective. I didn’t like Claudia in the first novel and I didn’t feel like I got to know Galerius well enough to have an opinion of him. Both characters were multifaceted in this novel and I found that I enjoyed reading about them. This series has been a nice surprise.

[JG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception's Web is the third book in Crista McHugh's The Deizian Empire and although its part of a series it can actually be read as standalone (but reading the previous books is prefered). And like the books before them we have a gem of a story. With a former antiheroine as the main character it leads into a fascinating tale of adventure, mystery, sensual delights and strong romance. Truly the world building is great for this series however its the great main characters that truly takes this story line into something fantastic. Claudia and Galerius are both strong characters that just take flight. The sensual erotic scenes, the tightly woven plot, complex and multidimensional characters make Deception's Web worth reading.

*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*

[Ayana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy reading this one. I had some difficulties with the characters and to be honest, it bored me. I skipped a lot and I found it lacking in actions, intrigue and dangers that the previous two books had. Sure it had some of those but it got overshadowed by the heavy romance and seductions throughout the entire book. Besides, I found the bad guys were disgusting more than anything.

2 sorry stars.

P/S; Do not let yourself stop reading this book because of my review. This is purely my thoughts and entirely subjected to only me. Your thoughts and opinions might be different. =)

[Emma Ludlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story of deceit, betrayal, honour, loyalty, lust, romance, love, murder and politics. There is something here for everyone. Claudio is fed up of being treated as a pawn in her fathers evil political plans, she writes to galerius former captain of the guard to help stop her father and protect the empire. Couldn't put it down!

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very tense moments in this one. While I was happy that Claudia was able to put her archery to good use, I really wanted her to deal with her brother and his obsession with her.

[Chriscilla Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! this book was just AWESOME! Thank you, Crista, for the awesome reads. Now, on to Shattered Web. I'm so hooked on this series, that I know I'm gonna be sad when I'm done with it.

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Loved it.