Official Review: Of Love and Deception by Kayla Lowe

[Bertha Jackson]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Of Love and Deception" by Kayla Lowe.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Of Love and Deception by Kayla Lowe is Book 1 of the Tainted Love series. Sarah and Addison are cousins, who were born around the same time, and have always been best friends. Addison is a Duranies (Duran Duran fan) and Sarah is a Phan (Phantom of the Opera fan). They go away to a college close to a military base and live in a dorm where they have internet access for the first time. Both girls have always been excellent students, and they go home every other weekend. They set up their first social media accounts on their new laptops. Neither of them uses their real photos or names. Sarah gets an email from a 30-year-old man from Florida who identifies himself as “YOUR PHANTOM LOVER.” He always types in all caps and calls her “HIS PHANTOM ROSE.” They start communicating daily via email, and he talks her into roleplaying with him. Sarah tells Addison about Bruce and finds out Addison has met someone online too. What does a 30-year-old man have in common with an 18-year-old girl? What are their parents going to say about them meeting men online?

I like multiple things about this book. Firstly, the character development allows the reader to picture the characters and get to know them personally. Secondly, the author interspersed humor within the seriousness of the topic. I laughed when Hammy, the hamster, got loose and ran around Sarah and Addison’s dorm room. I could see it happening. Thirdly, the book made me think about things I did not tell my parents. Are omissions of information lies? I did not think so at the time, but I probably would if my children did the same to me. Finally, I liked that Bruce’s emails were in caps and Sarah’s were in italics. These different fonts made it easier for me to keep track of who was typing what.

The only thing I disliked about the book was the ending. I will not be specific about what I disliked about the end because it would be a spoiler but suffice it to say that I wish things had turned out differently. Now I need to read the second book.

The book has several errors that a professional editor would have found. Other than these errors, this is a well-written book that is full of suspense and drama. Overall, I enjoyed the book and will give it 3 out of 4 stars. If it were not for the errors, the book would warrant the maximum number of stars.

I recommend this book to teenagers and older, who like romance novels full of suspense and drama. The non-borderline profanity content will only offend the most sensitive of readers.

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Of Love and Deception
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[GreatReviews]

Almost everyone has done this: omissions of information. It's true that we would like to call it smart communication. Even me, I believed it's wisdom to be quiet or omit an information when I don't wanna lie. "Are omissions of information lies?" this takes thought. thanks for the review.

[Pluma]

This sounds like an intriguing read. I like how the book makes you think of aspects of your own life, as books that do this are always more interesting. Thanks for the great review!

[Kennedy NC]

Two girls who are excellent students meeting a random guy online. What happens next? Would surely want to find out. Great review.

[Heidadela]

I would love to read this fascinating story. As a parent, i am always concerned too about my children omitting details in their recounts of their lives. Thanks for an amazing review.

[Vogan]

I can't wait to start reading this, errors don't really bother me. Thanks for the review.

[Amrita B]

Wow ! What a great review . Your review surely provoked me to wonder what actually have happened in the end between that girl of 18 and a man of 30 . Very excited to read this book . Thank you for this wonderful review once again .

[onyii_review]

This is a book a teenager would love to read. Thanks for the review.