Tender Deceit (Tender #1) (2024)

I have to begin my review with telling you that this is more of a mystery-action novel then a romance one...sure the romance is there but if you start reading it expecting a sex scene then you'll be waiting a while because the main focus of this novel is on the mystery behind the death of Leah's father and the death threat that Toran is facing.

A thing I really liked about this book is the fact that it's set in Singapore and the author describes the city and the places in such detail that you actually think you are there with the character.

The writing is very good and the author is able to keep up the suspense but I had a few frustrating moments with this book. For example why doesn't Leah read the letters her father left her? He was murdered...there might be some clues in there for Gods sake. Or why doesn't she and Toran discus what happened between them all does years ago? They just tip toe arund the subject...that was frustrating.

There is no HEA (yet) because this novel is part of the series and this one ends with Leah living...Really? Who would willing leave that hot piece of a man when he discharges himself from the hospital to come to the airport after you...Leah are you nuts?

Of to the next novel...I'm curios to see what happens next :D

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review* ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>

Published: 16/06/2014
Author: H.Y Hanna
Recommended for: fans of crime and romance
Edition: Kindle

I saw this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a try. This book is a good mix of crime and romance, set in Singapore which the main character Leah returns to when her father mysteriously dies. This is a novel that is full of suspence, you wont even realise just how hooked you are on it. If you like a novel that is packed full of action and suspense than this is definately the book for you. I wont saw much about the plot so I dont ruin it, but it is one that will defiantely capture your attention, it is incredibly well written.

Gripping, romantic and I so loved it!!!

This book had me at just the first quarter, it was so suspenseful I didn't realized I was gripping my Kindle so tight I'm surprised I didn't crack the screen. ;) It's a non-stop action, from a mysterious man trailing Leah from UK Heathrow Airport all the way to exotic Singapore.

Leah's father's mysterious death brought her back to Singapore where she spent most of her time being chased, kidnapped, beaten and most of all, being lied to by the one man she felt safe with and thought she could trust. The same man she ever loved, her first love, the dashing handsome, Toran.

I love that it has fleeting flashback of Leah and Toran's spent youth, it gives you a better view of their exciting, young and innocent puppy love that ended with Toran, making full promises the night before the day Leah was sent to UK by her father to break them apart. What makes it even better was that it was told from both their point of view.

Combined with the vivid exotic description of the beautiful Singapore, the wild chase at the train track station through the endless connecting underground shopping center, and getting cornered by the thugs who's hell bent in getting the damning evidence they thought Leah had. It was truly heart pounding I wasn't able to put this book down until the very end. This is so well written I recommend it highly, I'm excited and looking forward to reading the next book. So hurry, please, Ms. Hanna!

***** An arc was provided by NetGalley ***

RETURNING HOME TO SINGAPORE
This story kept me captivated and on the edge of my seat as the events unfolded. I felt for Leah as she gets the news of her estranged father's death, traveling back to Singapore and everything that happens to her while she is there. Reuniting with her childhood sweetheart, Toran James, a reporter now, with no contact in more than a decade. The plot is loaded with twist and turns, deceit, betrayal, murder, sabotage, kidnapping and fighting to stay ahead of the evil while fighting to uncover the truth. The story taking us back to a younger Toran and Leah and tying it into modern day was very well done. The dialogue was entertaining and the characters were resourceful. Lots of history and interesting facts about Singapore was shared in the story. HY Hanna has a wonderful talent for spinning a story and sucking the reader right into the storyline. Her descriptions of the sights, sounds, smells, foods and people are done in such an artful way, you feel as if you are there, inside the story with the characters.

2019 grade B

Hanna sure is a varied writer- fantasy, mystery, and now a romantic thriller. If she keeps up she might become one really great writer. She is pretty damn good now. This story is not a great novel and there were places where I skipped over mental musings, but it is quite good and interesting. A lot of the musings were about the past, many of which were followed by long flashbacks. I learned to skip those after one or two. Skipping them had no negative affect on the thriller. In fact, it might have made it better because it added a little mystery as to why the characters were behaving that way.

The thriller part of the story was resolved by the end. I suppose the villain could return, but it was good enough for me. The romantic part was not resolved though. That is not acceptable to me and I don't plan to read the remaining two. Besides I'm not a thriller, romance, or flashback fan. It must have been good if I rated it a B anyway.

Leah and Toran went to school together in Singapore, where they had a secret relationship. Leah's father, an attorney, discovered the relationship, and sent Leah off to England for boarding school. Leah tried to keep in touch with Toran, but he never responded to any of her communication through Leah's friend, Julia. After 12 years, Leah has to return to Singapore for her father's funeral, a suspicious hit and run. Toran is rumored to have been killed in a yacht explosion. Leah and Toran meet up and share some intimate time when they are not fighting for their lives. The evil businessman responsible for Leah's father's death, is uncovered and brought to justice. The ending of this book left me wanting. This is the first book I have read by H.Y. Hanna, and I honestly don't think I will be reading anymore. The story was OK. The characters weren't all that great, and some of the story left more questions than answers (which may be revealed in the next book). I just didn't find it intriguing enough to want to read a second book about these two.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Leah had a father who had just been hit by a car and died in Singapore, so she had to go sort his stuff, arrange his funeral and see his lawyer. She had a flatmate named Aimee. Toran James was Leah's first lover and heartbreak. When her dad found out about them, he whisked her away to boarding school in the UK. She was 14 at the time. 12 years later, Aimee had sent Toran a friend request. When Leah went to shut her laptop down, she saw he had accepted and wanted to have a drink with her the next night. She had already re-connected with her best friend in Singapore, Julia. Shen called Julia after meeting with Toran, talked to her about meeting with him, but Julia told her it wasn't possible because he had been killed the day before from an explosion.
Leah was a caring woman, but she was also scared of being hurt again. Toran was a true man: Brave, Loyal, Strong and Smart. He also refused to let go of something once he decided to do it.
I truly loved this mystery/romance. I loved the twists and turns. I'd advise anyone who likes a good mystery with a side of romance to try it.

Vanilla mystery

This is the first book of a trilogy, but the natural ending of this book would have obviated the need for a sequel. It was only by ending the book with unnatural behavior by the heroine that a sequel could be justified.

The book itself was far less intense and complicated than the majority of such books and movies that are available today. That said, the story progressed smoothly and rapidly and was certainly enjoyable.

There’s some potential here, and it’s nice to read a book set in Singapore… but I’ve got some issues.
Why would she come to Singapore and stay in a hotel? Her father’s house is right there. With maids and drivers and gardeners waiting for her. She’d go to the house, even if she and her father have had issues. His firm would probably ask his driver to collect her from the airport. His staff don’t disappear when he dies; they live at the house, and have nowhere else to go.
Wait… her father’s house has been broken into and his study ransacked. She thinks about calling the police but doesn’t when she KNOWS his death is suspicious. Then she leaves the house unsecured and open when she knows there’s someone there and it’s also full of valuable antiques. Stupid girl. [oh, it leaves the place unlocked so Toran can get inside chapters later. Too contrived]
And by the way, WHERE are the staff who live in the house?
Why doesn’t she tell Toran her father may have been murdered, too? While he’s talking about murder.
There’s a lot of hand wringing here. Of course he’s not like the boy he was when he was fifteen. *rolls eyes*
She is now saying she doubts Toran but she still believes everything he’s told her; that the guy following her is Warne’s security, and so on. Believe him or don’t; but don’t do half and half.
Wiping a USB doesn’t remove the data. And why on earth would they kidnap her and take her to her father’s house?
She’s giving me whiplash: she likes Toran, she doesn’t trust him, she does, she doesn’t, he shouldn’t have kissed her, she wants to kiss him, …
Oh come on… if her father only had one client (Warne) surely the police can put that together with the death of a journalist who met with him before he was run over?
It also seems remarkably silly for a man who carries a distinctive and very valuable kris knife to use it to murder someone. Plus Singapore is pretty against people carrying knives around.
It’s also bloody obvious that her jealous no-friend Julia never sent the messages on. She stole his valentine ffs. Why does Leah trust her now?
More contrived conflict when she sees a woman in his hospital room and runs away. She’s not supposed to be fourteen now so she can stop behaving like it. He was engaged and broke it off months ago. She’d be some kind of heartless thing if she didn’t show up to make sure he was okay after he got stabbed. Besides, she’s not even sure this woman IS his ex-fiancee.
Plot holes: the keys are still gummed to the house, and they never got to the zoo locker to find the murder weapon.
And chewing gum is banned in Singapore. He couldn’t use it to stick the keys to the wall.
The romance was a little shallow to carry over to a second book and the mystery a bit too weak.
2 stars

Leah Fisher returns to her childhood home of Singapore for her father's funeral and meets her childhood friend who now seems a stranger. Leah has to unravel the mysterious circumstances behind her father's death and find out who is Toran James the man she once loved. The book is full of suspense and I could not put it down. You will want, immediately, to get the next book in the series, Tender Treachery to see how the story continues to unfold. This is the first book in the Tender series and another great series by H.Y. Hanna.

GREAT STORY

This is really an enjoyable story! The characters are great and very well defined, the plot is interesting and fully developed, a mystery which keeps the y reader guessing. The story has great flow with a tease to it that keeps you expecting.

Another great “mystery”

Although you discover early on “who done it” the tale of proving it winds through Singapore and romance in H Y Hanna’s light and easy style. Another good read!

I preferred the action and thrill to the romance. The back and forth between the characters felt more forced than natural especially with all the commentary about it just being "old feelings " resurfacing.. but otherwise not a bad read

Quick read

Enjoyed this book the author held my attention. Really hated to put it down. Page afer page keep me reading on.

I enjoyed not only the story, but the the descriptive writing. I have started book 2, and can not wait to finish it.

Did you ever wonder what happened to your 8th grade boyfriend? Yeah, me either.

Always great to read a Hanna book !

Love the book count put it down

This was a fun mystery suspense novel with a dash of romance. I really like the main character Leah. It was a good book and I really enjoyed it

Good book

You people should just read this book yourself and write your own review on this book and I really enjoyed reading this book very much. Shelley MA

3 book book! Ugh!

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The gist: Leah grew up in Singapore and moved to London when she was 14. Toran was a boy she went to school with in Singapore. Her first love, per se. When Leah's father is killed, she returns to Singapore to settle his affairs and whatnot. She reunites with Toran only to discover her father had been killed to silence him and now his killer is after her.

Hmmm.... So.... I'm not real sure how I felt about this book.

Leah was kind of all over the place. She didn't really seem to have a personality at all. She did human things, but they were mostly just random behaviors. It was almost like she was a robot programmed with a few different personalities. I didn't get her AT ALL.

Toran was kind of the same. He did have one predominate personality, but I still couldn't get a real good 'read' on him.

Julia, Leah's friend, was an Asian chihuahua on crack. She seemed like, possibly, one of the worst friends ever...

The backstory seemed half-hearted to me and it didn't make a lot of sense. I still don't understand why Leah's dad sent her to boarding school in London as soon as he found out she was interested in Toran when she was fourteen. And he left letters for her in his safe that she found after he died. They were letters he (her dad) wrote to her after he sent her away, but she doesn't make an effort at all to read them. She's not the least bit curious what her father wanted to say to her??? Especially since he seemed to have almost written her off when he sent her away as a teenager...?? That was super curious. Just one of the many un-humanlike things Leah did/didn't do...

The whole murder plot was weak to me, as far as motive and stuff goes. And it really didn't make any sense for the murderer to be coming after Leah. Also, it was all wrapped up a bit too neatly for the seeming complexity of the situation.

The writing style was irritating as well. I'm not talking about the whole British style of writing. I've read other books by British and Australian authors and I can deal with the different terms and phrases. What I mean is that there were some instances when the author would go into an unnecessary amount of detail about a room or building, which is one of my pet peeves. I don't need to know the color of the draperies and carpet in EVERY room. Granted, it wasn't EVERY room, but it was more than necessary. And the architectural descriptions of the buildings and street names. I don't need all that.

Also, I was very much TOLD the story instead of EXPERIENCING the story. And it was almost in a scene-to-scene kind of way. For instance, it would be afternoon and then next thing I know, it's morning and Leah is thinking about what happened the night before and I'm being told how she felt about it. Why not just experience it? Or it's evening and she's recapping her morning instead of the morning 'scene' actually being played out. If it wasn't important enough to play it out, I don't need a summary of how she spent her day. I also don't need to know everything she eats and drinks.

The story just seemed chaotic. It was a good premise, but the writing just wasn't there for me. I digress. Others, I'm sure, will enjoy it.

The lack of a HEA would make my sister happy since she wants a romance to be written WITHOUT a HEA, but I prefer a HEA in my romances. Maybe they'll get it in the sequel... I'm not sure of I'm interested enough to find out, though...

This review was originally posted at Crazones Literarios... This book was provided by the author via BBT exchange of a honest review...

This was a pleasant read, good characters, great plot and well constructed mystery, but that didn’t full me totally as I expected.

Tender Deceit tells the story of Lea, British girl who had lived since baby in Singapore but for love problems, her father send her to a boarding school in her natal England. She’s back to Singapore for her father surprising death and she’ll find out that there’s more than what people are telling her about it. Then is Toran, a journalism who life consist in expose the outrageous of a particular wealthy and respect man into the public, but that become very dangerous.

What I like?

The plot and the mystery. This two was well constructed and caught me since the beginning. I like this original idea by the author. The story is lovely; imagine a child love, those whom can’t be forgetter, fighting against time, bad peoples and death. All the pieces were put together and there’s not a missing point, everything fix very well.

And the mystery is very intriguing. We know who is the bad guy since the start but what he did? What Leah’s father had to do with that? How the two of them can stop him? Through the book few question release and at the final with get the answers of alls. But even so, there’s still a link to the upcoming books whish make you want to read the others.

And I also like the romance. But the interest about it is that there isn’t any. Both leads try to do what they have to do to salve themselves, but don’t go hooking up everytime and everywhere. This is a soul love, the kind of love that you more than willing to see developing and growing strong and pure through the series.

They love each other but they’re also hurt and they want to takes the thing slow before jump into a relationship. But here’s not a casual thing, nothing about a lazy girl who open her legs to the guy or a man who work his way to the girl bed. Nothing like that, I as said, this is a soul love. Pure, sweet and lovely.

What I didn’t like?

The characters. I try very hard to find something likeable to them but they weren’t for me. Toran wasn’t real for me; he’s not an Alfa male, and I wasn’t looking one, maybe I like how he’s a good guy and little soft, but I felt like his personality wasn’t defined. We could think that when at the bar taking a drink he’s a hot, conffident guy, but them he turn out to be something completely different.

And Leah, it wasn’t that disgust me a lot but, I also could defined her. Sometimes she was brave, other a coward. Sometimes she was standing her points, and then she was willing to accept what others said to her. Sometimes I celebrated her decisions, others I want to push her in the face. I never knew if she was going to start a fight or cry.

Overall… this book was entertaining. The mystery is great, the romance wonderful, and a plot full of excitement, but lacking of good characters that ride the story good enough.

This is my first read by H.Y. Hanna and it will not be my last. I wasn't sure what to expect when I was asked by my fellow book reviewer to review this book. I am very happy that I said yes. The story is a mix of romance, suspense and mystery.

Leah and Toran met when they were children in elementary school. Leah's mother died after giving birth to her and her father was a wealthy lawyer. Toran's parents were from a not so wealthy background. Status is everything to Leah's Father and when the kids start up an innocent romance he ships her off to boarding school in London. She promises to write to him, and he promises never to forget her. They agree to keep in touch via their mutual friend Julia but life doesn't turn out the way they had hoped.

Leah is now a grown woman and on her way back home after her father is killed. This is where the mystery comes in. It looks like he was deliberately hit by a car. The local police can't provide proof that someone set out to hit him. Leah's father has some secrets in his closet. Leah agrees to meet Toran when she arrives back home. Her flatmate in London sent a friend request via Facebook for Leah before she left to come home.

Mystery and Suspense about how her father was killed and what he was really doing in his line of work keep Leah and Toran on an adventure to find out what really happened. This is a romance where two people meet as adults and are thrown together by their past and what is going on now in the future. I'd like to say more but I really would like you to pick this book up and read. it. I couldn't put it down. 5 out of 5 stars.

Tender Deceit starts with Leah Fisher being notified of her father's death in Singapore, where he was the victim of a hit and run. She leaves for Singapore with the feeling of a man following her and it turns out she is right. Her roommate contacts her junior high boyfriend, Toran James on Facebook and he sends a private message to meet him when she gets to Singapore the next day.
The mystery starts to pick up when she finds out Toran is supposed to be dead when a boat exploded in the harbor, her father's study has be ransacked and then she is kidnapped, shot with drugs and begins to follow the clues left by her father. Tender Deceit is a repeating theme during the story where misunderstandings continue to build between Leah and Toran when they fail to communicate. The suspense builds as Toran and Leah put together the clues left by her father and they make a daring move to trap the murderer of not only her father but another victim found in the Singapore River the day before her father's death. I loved the mystery, how Toran and Leah worked together and the developing romance but I didn't like the cliffhanger ending, which sets up the second book in the series. Series are fine if each ends with a happy ending not a cliffhanger, which is a personal dislike of mine.

I enjoyed Tender Deceit – to the point where I forgot it was the first book in a series. Arrgh, I wanted to know more, more, more at the end. Patience was never a prominent aspect of my personality. Sigh.
Forced to leave Singapore by her father, our heroine, Leah, was shunted off to a boarding school in England at the age of fourteen, when she refused to stop seeing her first love, Toran. Why such a drastic measure, you ask? IDK. Toran was a nice young man, smart, polite, gorgeous as the day is long….oh, maybe that’s why Daddy intervened. Even so, seems excessive. Regardless, Leah has made a life for herself in London, but she’s forced to return to her childhood home on receiving news of her father’s death – a death that may have a suspicious cause. Once back in country, it doesn’t take long to Leah to see Toran again, but what are the chances something between them may be rekindled? Before they can seriously consider the question, they find themselves in the line of fire of a very important, very ruthless man.
The writing is strong, the characters well-drawn and likeable. It was a pleasure to read this book, and I look forward to the next in the series.
Well done.
A complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

I'm rounding up from 2.5 stars because there were elements that I enjoyed a great deal. The descriptions of the food and buildings and vegetation were very well done and added immensely to my enjoyment of the story. The main characters were reasonably well-drawn for the first book in a series, and both fairly likeable.

Unfortunately, the secondary characters were little more than stereotypes or even caricatures. The plot was so-so, but predictable and (especially in the dénouement) rather too implausible for my tastes. The repetitious repetition was repetitive and annoying and repetitive. There are only so many times I can stand variations on "I'm drawn to him because of our past but I don't know if I can trust him when he's little more than a stranger now" and "I'm drawn to her because of our past but I don't know if I can trust her not to hurt me again".

There are apparently two more books in the series. I have the feeling that, if they follow the pattern set in this one, they could be combined into one longer, genuinely good, book if all the hand-wringing were cut out.

The author's other series is better, this one was just painful with adults reliving teen romantic angst and the inability to have serious conversations.

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

I really enjoyed this book! Most of the action in the book takes places in Singapore, which I found really interesting. Toran and Leah were childhood sweethearts, but their relationship ended when Leah was sent to boarding school and Toran never responded to her letters. She returns to Singapore for her father's funeral and meets up with him again...only to find out he was supposedly killed the day before! This book had a great mix of mystery, suspense, and romance. I loved Toran and Leah...but I think there's more to Julia than meets the eye. I thought there were just enough flashbacks to learn more of their history, but not too many where I was waiting to get back to the present. While this didn't really end in a "cliffhanger" exactly, it didn't provide full resolution. Can't wait to read book 2!

I liked the book but felt short-changed by the unfinished story. Standalone books are best for me, as my attention wanders and I may never get back to the author's next book in the series.

The plot is good and refreshing being set in Singapore with ties to Australia however, I did think it lacked a little in the suspense area not due to the plot but to the lack of positive, punchy words in the manuscript. I did feel there was too much passive writing and too much introspection on the part of the heroine. She was not too stupid to live, but she did make some silly assumptions along the way. I thought between a 3 and a 4 would be best ratings but of course can't do this. The hero is luscious - aren't they all? - but thank goodness for it!

I may get the next in the series, but only if remember it when I can afford another purchase. My TBR list is 1500+ long, I kid you not!