The Kiss of Deception

By Mary E. Pearson,

Book cover of The Kiss of Deception

Book description

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia's life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight - but she doesn't - and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with…

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Why read it?

3 authors picked The Kiss of Deception as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Probably one of my favorite reads of all time; I have read it more than once, if that tells you anything about my love for it.

The fantasy elements in this story are subtle and have a mythical legend vibe more than outright powers. But the world and story is so richly built it’s perfect. Told from various POVs with layers of secrets, deception, and assassination attempts, I love how you don’t quite figure out who is who until the end.

All this combined with the thick romantic tension happening in this story and it was over far too soon…

If you want a book that balances lush worlds, well-developed characters, romance, political intrigue, and beautiful writing, this is the book I will always recommend. 

After fleeing on her wedding day, Princess Lia begins a new life and identity as a tavern maid, but what she doesn’t know is that two young men who arrived also have their secret identities: one is the prince she jilted, the other an assassin meant to kill her. 

The reader is left in the dark as to which young man is which, with each character getting their own point of view chapters labeled simply…

From Christy's list on YA fantasy books to read in one sitting.

When I finished this book, I immediately wanted to go back and read it again! Princess Lia flees her home on the day of her arranged wedding, only to find herself falling in love with two handsome strangers. She has no idea one is her betrothed prince and the other is an assassin hired to kill her. In a masterful storytelling move, the reader gets into both the love interests' heads but has no idea which is the prince and which is the assassin.

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