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Unbreakable #1
Beneath Deception
Award Winning Author of the Shattered Innocence Trilogy
Everyone has a story and for Xavier London, he preferred to keep his hidden. As ruthless as he was, he still had morals and those morals included betraying the one man who saved his life. He never thought that meeting one woman could change everything.
Tessa Sands never knew the truth about her life, nor did she ever question it. The only life she knew was the one she was taught, disciplined by the man who raised and groomed her to be only his. But, when another man entered her life, she slowly begins to discover that she had been deceived from the start.
Can she find true love or will his secrets get in the way?
Their love for each other will be tested. Only they can determine if love will win.
Contains adult situation, 18+
Everyone has a story and for Xavier London, he preferred to keep his hidden. As ruthless as he was, he still had morals and those morals included betraying the one man who saved his life. He never thought that meeting one woman could change everything.
Tessa Sands never knew the truth about her life, nor did she ever question it. The only life she knew was the one she was taught, disciplined by the man who raised and groomed her to be only his. But, when another man entered her life, she slowly begins to discover that she had been deceived from the start.
Can she find true love or will his secrets get in the way?
Their love for each other will be tested. Only they can determine if love will win.
Contains adult situation, 18+
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2018
About the author
A.L. Long
41 books358 followers Award-winning author of the Independent Press Award for Distinguishing Favorite. Recipient of the National Indie Excellence Award for Erotica Romance.
My love for writing began several years ago after an early retirement from a demanding job that I loved and hated because it consumed so much of my time. Now, I can focus my time on what I love. Writing romance has been a lifelong dream and to actually say that I am a published author is beyond what I would have ever expected.
Even though some may say I have a little naughtiness in my books, I look at it as an added bonus for my readers. After all, what is a romance book without a little spice?
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with friends either at home or out on the town. Mostly, I enjoy a relaxing night at home where I can enjoy a glass of wine in the company of a good book.
Out of everything, she enjoys driving in her little convertible with the top down.
WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
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My love for writing began several years ago after an early retirement from a demanding job that I loved and hated because it consumed so much of my time. Now, I can focus my time on what I love. Writing romance has been a lifelong dream and to actually say that I am a published author is beyond what I would have ever expected.
Even though some may say I have a little naughtiness in my books, I look at it as an added bonus for my readers. After all, what is a romance book without a little spice?
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with friends either at home or out on the town. Mostly, I enjoy a relaxing night at home where I can enjoy a glass of wine in the company of a good book.
Out of everything, she enjoys driving in her little convertible with the top down.
WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ALLongbooks.com
Instagram: http:// instagram.com/allongbooks
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2qIoqAY
BookBub: http://bookbub.com/authors/a-l-long
Readers group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/a.l.l...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 10, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first book I read by A.L. Long and unfortunately, this first instalment in her Unbreakable series left a lot to be desired. The only thing cheesier than the plot, was the underwhelming characters.
Xavier London is supposedly some ruthless and shady man. He’s faked his own death to get away from Manhattan and start over. Somehow, that leads him to work for Colin the master of bad guys when someone needs killing, he sends Xavier to do the dirty deed. This seems to be working right until it’s not. Turns out that Xavier is, I don’t know, saving(?) people, urging them to disappear so he doesn’t have to kill them. I don’t know why, but when I came to that part of the book it reminded me of Santa and I was howling with laughter. I kept thinking and singing to myself:
But when Colin’s young trophy girlfriend catches Xavier’s wandering eyes, he’s loyalty completely disappears. Especially, when he finds out that Colin is being a right bastard towards young Tessa. So, Xavier tries to help her and re-unite her with the family she never knew she had.
The entire plot and the characters, main and secondary, are so underwhelming its almost funny. Like when Tessa’s dad and Xavier tries to come up with a way to save him, Xavier has to convince him to sacrifice his beloved car. Seriously, who has to convince a father that it’s better for him and his daughter to be alive, than the car? I don’t know if this was some attempt at offering up some humour in the midst of it all, but if so, it fell flat.
Give it up for daddy dearest, the man that needs convincing that metal on wheels isn’t more important than his life. I think if I was in Xavier’s shoes I just wouldn’t have bothered.
And the main dude, oh Xavier, I pray to whatever god that may exist that my fate will never be in the hands of someone like him. Why? Well because for a contract killer he is pretty useless and downright stupid.
So, that’s how Colin’s goons knew to look for Tessa in Xavier’s penthouse, they SAW or HEARD her there. And yet, when they’re there to look through the place to find her, they look under the bed, but not in the enviously big walk-in closet. That is definitely not sense making at its finest. Actually, Xavier doesn’t have many fine moments. I think one of my favourites on the “why I dislike Xavier list” is:
I love food and books more than some people, so I get why Tessa would be against looking at a menu without being allowed to order food. I myself am not sure I could ever forgive such deception. Especially not if I was hungry. However, I’m not sure that food and family should ever compared. I love my brother dearly and I’d like to imagine that he means more to me than food and so, I’m not sure that the comparison is that heartfelt – and it is a bit concerning that Xavier London needs it explained at a child’s level.
I don’t even know why he would need it to be simplified for him, since he throughout the book know exactly what people think.
These telepathy tendencies occur a lot, especially considering that this is not a Paranormal Romance book.
I won’t be recommending this book and I certainly won’t be reading the rest of the series.
This is the first book I read by A.L. Long and unfortunately, this first instalment in her Unbreakable series left a lot to be desired. The only thing cheesier than the plot, was the underwhelming characters.
Xavier London is supposedly some ruthless and shady man. He’s faked his own death to get away from Manhattan and start over. Somehow, that leads him to work for Colin the master of bad guys when someone needs killing, he sends Xavier to do the dirty deed. This seems to be working right until it’s not. Turns out that Xavier is, I don’t know, saving(?) people, urging them to disappear so he doesn’t have to kill them. I don’t know why, but when I came to that part of the book it reminded me of Santa and I was howling with laughter. I kept thinking and singing to myself:
He’s making a list,
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice.Santa ClausXavier London is coming to town
But when Colin’s young trophy girlfriend catches Xavier’s wandering eyes, he’s loyalty completely disappears. Especially, when he finds out that Colin is being a right bastard towards young Tessa. So, Xavier tries to help her and re-unite her with the family she never knew she had.
The entire plot and the characters, main and secondary, are so underwhelming its almost funny. Like when Tessa’s dad and Xavier tries to come up with a way to save him, Xavier has to convince him to sacrifice his beloved car. Seriously, who has to convince a father that it’s better for him and his daughter to be alive, than the car? I don’t know if this was some attempt at offering up some humour in the midst of it all, but if so, it fell flat.
After explaining to him every aspect of the plan, he was more than on board with it. The only thing that bothered him was parting with his car. After a lot of convincing, he realized it could be replaced and his life was more valuable to him now that Tessa was back in his life.
Give it up for daddy dearest, the man that needs convincing that metal on wheels isn’t more important than his life. I think if I was in Xavier’s shoes I just wouldn’t have bothered.
And the main dude, oh Xavier, I pray to whatever god that may exist that my fate will never be in the hands of someone like him. Why? Well because for a contract killer he is pretty useless and downright stupid.
Waiting until it was dark, I swept my apartment, finding a total of seven bugs and eight cameras in the span of two hours. The person who bugged my place knew exactly where to hide them. I would have never thought to look for a camera hidden inside a throw pillow disguised as a button. Most of the other bugs, some of which were equally hidden, were found in the smoke alarms, doorbell, and of all places, on top of the shower door. A place I would have never thought to look. It was a comfort knowing where all the bugs were in case I wanted to remain unseen and unheard
So, that’s how Colin’s goons knew to look for Tessa in Xavier’s penthouse, they SAW or HEARD her there. And yet, when they’re there to look through the place to find her, they look under the bed, but not in the enviously big walk-in closet. That is definitely not sense making at its finest. Actually, Xavier doesn’t have many fine moments. I think one of my favourites on the “why I dislike Xavier list” is:
“How could you do that? Tell me that I might have a brother and then not tell me his name? That’s like telling someone they may look at the menu, but they can’t order,” she rationalized.
She was one hundred percent right.
I love food and books more than some people, so I get why Tessa would be against looking at a menu without being allowed to order food. I myself am not sure I could ever forgive such deception. Especially not if I was hungry. However, I’m not sure that food and family should ever compared. I love my brother dearly and I’d like to imagine that he means more to me than food and so, I’m not sure that the comparison is that heartfelt – and it is a bit concerning that Xavier London needs it explained at a child’s level.
I don’t even know why he would need it to be simplified for him, since he throughout the book know exactly what people think.
I knew exactly what she had been thinking, because I had been thinking the same thing.
These telepathy tendencies occur a lot, especially considering that this is not a Paranormal Romance book.
I won’t be recommending this book and I certainly won’t be reading the rest of the series.
June 10, 2018
she had been groomed by the same man for as long as she knew but when another appears she learns she has been lied too. now things will change but can they find the love they deserve? will there be a happy ever ending
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2020
I enjoyed Xavier & Tessa's story. There were lots going on that kept my interest. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.
June 11, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and BookBuzz for the free book for an honest review.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I absolutely devoured this book! So much so that I couldn’t put it down, I read this in one sitting and didn’t get to sleep till 5am.
Now, if you love a love story with a bit of a twist then this is book is for you!
It’s hard to give a review for a story like this and not give anything away.
Xavier and Tessa story will keep you on the edge of your seat and needing answers. It’s a thriller with a lot of deception, suspense, secrets and much much more. The chemistry between Xavier and Tessa is intense and I loved it, I couldn’t stop reading and the more I did the more i fell in love with the main characters, their love story and the deception and secrets. I love a good suspense and this is everything I love and more!
Sit back, hold on tight and get ready for a wild ride with Xavier and Tessa.
Can’t wait for book two! :D
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I absolutely devoured this book! So much so that I couldn’t put it down, I read this in one sitting and didn’t get to sleep till 5am.
Now, if you love a love story with a bit of a twist then this is book is for you!
It’s hard to give a review for a story like this and not give anything away.
Xavier and Tessa story will keep you on the edge of your seat and needing answers. It’s a thriller with a lot of deception, suspense, secrets and much much more. The chemistry between Xavier and Tessa is intense and I loved it, I couldn’t stop reading and the more I did the more i fell in love with the main characters, their love story and the deception and secrets. I love a good suspense and this is everything I love and more!
Sit back, hold on tight and get ready for a wild ride with Xavier and Tessa.
Can’t wait for book two! :D
June 26, 2018
I was super excited when I received an copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review. I had never read any of A.L. Long books but now I must read more!
This book is filled with secrets, lies, deception, mind blowing chemistry, and mouth dropping sex scenes! I was seriously addicted from the first chapter! Xavier and Tessa's story was amazing. I seriously believe that their stories just molded together like a puzzle! I definitely loved the way Xavier had a need to protect Tessa in this book! The ending made me feel there is going to be another book for these two lovers.... I am keeping my fingers crossed!!! Such a great twist that I certainly did not see coming.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a thrilling book that keeps you drawn in until the very last word!
This book is filled with secrets, lies, deception, mind blowing chemistry, and mouth dropping sex scenes! I was seriously addicted from the first chapter! Xavier and Tessa's story was amazing. I seriously believe that their stories just molded together like a puzzle! I definitely loved the way Xavier had a need to protect Tessa in this book! The ending made me feel there is going to be another book for these two lovers.... I am keeping my fingers crossed!!! Such a great twist that I certainly did not see coming.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a thrilling book that keeps you drawn in until the very last word!
June 13, 2018
The concept for this book was a good one. The characters are interesting and the story had all the makings of a good book.
However, the connection between the book and the reader wasn't there for me. I went back to review some areas of the book and finally realized that it was because everything was written from the main character's point of view. This might not have been a bad thing but it left out the nuances of what was really going on inside the heads of some of the other characters, especially Tessa's. The author left lots of clues about so many secrets that nothing seemed to be concrete. You are left to wonder if anything you've read is safe to believe. Jonathan lied about Kyle. Could he have lied about losing Tessa or was that true? Where was his determination to repay Colin for what he has done to her? Where is his outrage? Xavier's past is hinted at but it's so strange and convoluted that I can't understand why it would be important to Tessa other than the fact he lied. There were just so many things going on and without truly understanding how the other characters minds are working, the book didn't work for me.
However, the connection between the book and the reader wasn't there for me. I went back to review some areas of the book and finally realized that it was because everything was written from the main character's point of view. This might not have been a bad thing but it left out the nuances of what was really going on inside the heads of some of the other characters, especially Tessa's. The author left lots of clues about so many secrets that nothing seemed to be concrete. You are left to wonder if anything you've read is safe to believe. Jonathan lied about Kyle. Could he have lied about losing Tessa or was that true? Where was his determination to repay Colin for what he has done to her? Where is his outrage? Xavier's past is hinted at but it's so strange and convoluted that I can't understand why it would be important to Tessa other than the fact he lied. There were just so many things going on and without truly understanding how the other characters minds are working, the book didn't work for me.
September 7, 2019
Beneath Deception is an intriguing story I would categorize as a sexy, erotic suspense thriller. It is perfectly titled because there are layers of deception gradually revealed throughout the story. Xavier London is living under a false identity. He is first introduced as a stereo typical man whore, cold, callous and insensitive. After meeting the physically and emotionally abused Tessa, Xavier transforms into a truly decent human being. The chemistry between the leads is off-the-charts. I should mention that the book does contain graphic sexual language and situations in case that is outside of your comfort zone. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a good steamy suspense thriller.
June 11, 2018
He's the ultimate bad boy: he left his old life behind and created a new identity for himself as a club owner and occasional hit man.
Tessa seems like no other woman he's seen and the attraction between them is undeniable. Although she's with his 'boss' he cannot resist making her his.
The intrigue increases even more when Xavier realizes that his latest target is none other than Tessa's father.
So much heart-pounding action and drama on a whole other messed up level. The plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tessa seems like no other woman he's seen and the attraction between them is undeniable. Although she's with his 'boss' he cannot resist making her his.
The intrigue increases even more when Xavier realizes that his latest target is none other than Tessa's father.
So much heart-pounding action and drama on a whole other messed up level. The plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2018
A Really Enjoyable, Must Read Book
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. This is a really good book. “Beneath Deception” from A. L. Long is a great, well written story that kept me engrossed from start to finish, it really drew me in. The chemistry between the characters is great and I love the way they interacted with each other. This is an Enjoyable, Engaging, Page Turning Story and I really enjoyed reading it
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. This is a really good book. “Beneath Deception” from A. L. Long is a great, well written story that kept me engrossed from start to finish, it really drew me in. The chemistry between the characters is great and I love the way they interacted with each other. This is an Enjoyable, Engaging, Page Turning Story and I really enjoyed reading it
June 10, 2018
New author for me but had me hooked from the beginning
Tessa is owned by Colin and Xavier (Jack) is his go to guy when he needs things doing When Xavier falls for Tessa ll bets are off he will do whatever he needs to in an attempt to protect her from Colin even if that means putting a target on his own back. Will these two have a chance in the future This book ends in a cliffhanger so I am looking forward to future books
I was given a copy of this book but this is a true and honest review
Tessa is owned by Colin and Xavier (Jack) is his go to guy when he needs things doing When Xavier falls for Tessa ll bets are off he will do whatever he needs to in an attempt to protect her from Colin even if that means putting a target on his own back. Will these two have a chance in the future This book ends in a cliffhanger so I am looking forward to future books
I was given a copy of this book but this is a true and honest review
June 10, 2018
I read this with the feeling of a film noir, absolutely brilliant the way it unfolded the only downside of this was the ending so i look forward to book two. Xavier is a complete mystery and when he casts eyes on the BBC beauty Tessa who is with his boss he needs to know more, once a can of worms gets opened it cannot be sealed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2018
This was a really good read with great characters and plenty of twists and turn this book had me reading late into the night. I just loved the chemistry between Tessa and Xavier the heat between them cause for some really hot sex scenes. It was a really good read and I will be checking out more from this author in the future.
June 10, 2018
WOW the chemistry between Xavier and Tessa is so hot and heavy you can’t help but be pulled into their story. This story has deception and intrigue which keeps you so hooked in you can’t wait to get to the end. I found this book really hard to put down. Such a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2018
Suspense filled read
I wrote ed this book with the twists and turns keeping the pages turning. I usually don't notice spelling errors but this book had so many it kind of got irritating as you had to re-read for it to make a any sense. But all in all......good book. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I wrote ed this book with the twists and turns keeping the pages turning. I usually don't notice spelling errors but this book had so many it kind of got irritating as you had to re-read for it to make a any sense. But all in all......good book. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
February 1, 2020
wow what a series. from the first page you are curious about what is going to happen and you hold that until the end of the second part. I really enjoyed these books .. the excitement is good from the first chapter, the characters well described. from me therefore 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2018
this story is so engrossing and beyond dramatic in the best possible way. I loved all the intrigue and the complications in the plot. these characters needed to end up together, even if the road was hard
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2018
Deception and intrigue are what this book might be about, but it was also a very good romance that will keep you interesting all the way through it. I would definitely recommend it to others. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
June 10, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the story line and the two main characters this was the first that I have read from this author. After reading this book I will definitely be checking out more of their work.
I loved the story line and the two main characters this was the first that I have read from this author. After reading this book I will definitely be checking out more of their work.
June 15, 2018
This was a really interesting book to read. There is still so many unanswered questions that I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book! I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2018
This book is suspenseful, secrets, engaging, twist and turns romance. The characters are intriguing and well developed. I liked reading this book.
June 28, 2018
I bask in the story it was quite an experience reading it with steamy scenes and tender but creative scenario as hidden secrets unfurl and brings climatic conclusions.
August 3, 2019
In this book, we have the ultimate playboy Xavier – whom I didn’t really like at all. The way he treated women was stereo-typical bad boy, love ‘em and leave ‘em, lucky if he remembers their name. He somewhat redeems himself in this book after he meets Tessa, who is being brutalized and abused by a powerful man who is also Xavier’s “boss.”
There was a lot of twists and turns, and the chemistry between Xavier and Tessa was the glue that held this together. There was a bit of a disconnect for me with the book, as there seemed to be too many things that weren’t explained, or left me with even more questions. There were also some lost opportunities with the abuse of Tessa that wasn’t all that realistic. But at the end of the book, I did enjoy the story and would definitely recommend this book to romantic suspense lovers.
There was a lot of twists and turns, and the chemistry between Xavier and Tessa was the glue that held this together. There was a bit of a disconnect for me with the book, as there seemed to be too many things that weren’t explained, or left me with even more questions. There were also some lost opportunities with the abuse of Tessa that wasn’t all that realistic. But at the end of the book, I did enjoy the story and would definitely recommend this book to romantic suspense lovers.
June 1, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and BookBuzz for letting me read this book for an honest review!
My first time reading A.L. Long and I am not disappointed!
A sexy man with needs...
"The minute she turned and our eyes met, I knew this was going to be easy. There was hunger inside those emerald eyes that couldn't be mistaken... Watch out, LA, Xavier London is in town. "
A good story, never boring, things happen, deception, plot twist... And the chemistry between Xavier and Tessa is... steamy!
A book well written, you don't want to put it down! For adults!
Review shared online on NetGalley, Twitter, Goodreads...
My first time reading A.L. Long and I am not disappointed!
A sexy man with needs...
"The minute she turned and our eyes met, I knew this was going to be easy. There was hunger inside those emerald eyes that couldn't be mistaken... Watch out, LA, Xavier London is in town. "
A good story, never boring, things happen, deception, plot twist... And the chemistry between Xavier and Tessa is... steamy!
A book well written, you don't want to put it down! For adults!
Review shared online on NetGalley, Twitter, Goodreads...
June 3, 2018
A. L. Long is a fantastic Author. Loved this book and love the way she writes her Characters and story line. This book had me hooked from the first page and could not put it down until I read the last page. Apparently this book is the first book in a series due to the way it ended. Have you ever had secrets? Thought they would never get out? Xavier London has secrets and they are out. Bring in Tessa who is a woman who belongs to one man (so he thinks) and when she meets Xavier sparks fly. Tessa is wanting to find true love can she find it with Xavier or will his past keep them apart? This is a must read. Do not let this one pass you by.
December 18, 2018
The secrets, lies, and betrayals lead us to Xavier, who has escaped his old life, only to trade it in for a new life doing the dirty work for a bad man. While I liked a lot of the twists in the book, I had mixed feelings about the delivery. I expected there to be more violence, given Xavier's jobs for Colin, but I feel like everything happened a little too perfectly. Other than Tessa, I don't think I recall anyone else being punched. I loved the steamy scenes, but I thought the story was a bit flat. And Ryan's involvement left me with too many questions, which I hope we'll find out about since this ended with a cliffhanger.
July 19, 2018
Beneath Deceptions. This is the first book I have read from A.L. Long. I am impressed with the book. I was hooked with the suspense of the story. Xavier London has a true mystery on his hand. London is doing everything he can to help Tessa stay safe from a man that is forcing London to kill Tessa's father. All kinds of secrets come to life as London and Tessa get close. This was a great read! *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
June 7, 2018
Suspense, deception, secrets, and more. So many twist and turns. We have Xavier London, who faked his death and now using this name. Tessa Sands who is being abused by Xavier's boss. What will Xavier do to save Tessa? Will Tessa accept Xavier's secrets? Will their love survive everything? Is anyone keeping secrets? I received and Arc copy for my honest review.
September 2, 2018
The world that Xavier has created for himself is one that suits his needs, all of his needs, which is why when the story begins to change it is hard to understand why Xavier is seeking to change his life.
Read full review in the 2018 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 31, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, it’s a well written story with a few twists and turns. It’s hard to write a review with without giving anything away and you need to find things out for yourself. So all I’ll say is this it’s a love story, it’s a thriller, take no one at face value and enjoy
June 11, 2018
Long has out done herself again with this book. Strong characters and a great story line that will keep you entertained while reading this book. I so couldn't put it down once I started reading it either and neither will you. I can't wait to read more of the authors work either too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews