Falling For The Mark by Dominique Davis is a new adult, contemporary romance that will have you rooting for a con artist!
Maya is the daughter of Nicole, a scheming swindler who’s been deceiving people for years. Together, they have perfected the art of scamming people without guilt.
Their most successful cons involve Nicole duping rich men into marrying her. Shortly after, Maya lures the mark to her bed, only to be caught by Nicole leaving a swift divorce and hefty settlement. The two disappear into the win and move on to the next mark, only this con doesn’t go according to plan.
Kennedy immediately feels something’s off when her father, Eric tells her his girlfriend and daughter are going to move in with them. She’s still reeling from the loss of her mother two years prior and doesn’t make it easy on anyone. She’s confident that Nicole is after her father’s money and will stop at nothing to prove it. Maya and Kennedy struggle with their developing feelings for one another, knowing they should never cross the line.
But when the truth is revealed, they stand to lose more than they ever could have imagined.
Writing
This book is written from both main characters’ viewpoints which helps readers get a sense of who the characters are as well as their feelings and emotions. I’m impressed by this author’s ability to create deep characters with strengths and challenges. The dialogue flows naturally and both Kennedy’s and Eric’s grief is handled with care. There are a couple of minor editing issues but nothing major.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Maya was abandoned by her father as an infant and to this day feels that she’s the reason why he left her and her mom, Nicole. As a child, Maya watched Nicole pull small cons to make ends meet and as she got older, she became a part of the cons. Maya didn’t think anything of it when she consistently seduced the men her mom married, enabling her mom to catch them in the act; leading to a quick divorce and healthy settlement for Nicole due to infidelity. Maya, never knowing anything different, does everything her mom asks, never questioning the fact that her mom should be the one protecting her.
Against all odds, Maya is an intelligent, compassionate woman who has a healthy outlook on life. As she gets closer to Kennedy, Maya’s courageousness and bravery really shine through because she’s able to put herself out there and finally let someone in.
Kennedy’s mom passed away two years ago and instead of allowing herself to properly grieve, she’s thrown herself into helping her dad cope and shut everyone out in the process. She’s less than thrilled to have Nicole and Maya living with them and isn’t afraid to make it known. Her dramatics in the beginning really shows her immaturity but as she gets to know Maya, her guard drops, and she’s able to not only grow but also begin to grieve for her immeasurable loss.
Heads Up
I found it difficult to feel okay about the fact that a mother would be fine with her teenage daughter seducing her husbands. Having said that, I was able to put that aside and enjoy the story for what it was.
There are trigger warnings for grief following the death of a parent to cancer, a minor instance of racial fetishization or objectification, and slut shaming.
The Conclusion
Readers know going into this story that Maya and Nicole are con artists who sit on a throne of lies but once you accept this, the story is really entertaining. I didn’t want to put the book down because I needed to know how everything was going to play out. Maya and Kennedy are delightful young women who are intelligent and relatable. I really enjoyed being a part of their journey!
Excerpt from Falling For The Mark by Dominique Davis
“Eric, did you get a chef to cook breakfast for us?” Nicole asked.
“That was all Kennedy.” Nicole looked at her.
“I didn’t know you cooked.”
“Guilty as charged.”
“I cook too. Maybe we can cook together one day.”
Kennedy responded with a nod. Maya could read that she was not interested in spending alone time with Nicole. Or with her.
“Let me show you upstairs.” He backed out of the room and led them up the stairs. While he showed his bedroom to Nicole, Kennedy took Maya down the hall and showed her the guest room that was now hers.
It was sparkling clean, with beige walls and some artistic paintings. A dresser, nightstand, and a television made up the rest of the room. It wasn’t anything unique, but it was enough space for Maya to make it her own. For however long she had it.
“Does this work for you?” Kennedy asked, standing in the doorway.
“Yeah, it’s great.”
“My father will bring your suitcases up. He can help you if you need anything.”
“Thanks. I’ll only ever ask for his help. I wouldn’t want to oppose on you or treat you like my own personal assistant.” The last thing Maya wanted was to make Kennedy feel like she was an employee in her own home.
“I’m glad to hear it. Since you are my father’s guest. Not mine.” Kennedy didn’t seem to be angry. She seemed irritated.
While Maya was glad that she wasn’t mad at her, she didn’t know what to say to ease her irritation. Kennedy responded before she could say anything.
“I’ll let you settle in.”
“Wait,” she called out. This was Maya’s opportunity to get on Kennedy’s good side. Earn some goodwill. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience we’ve caused by coming here.”
“Who said it was an inconvenience?”
“No one, but two strangers moving into someone’s home would disrupt anyone’s life.”
Kennedy lingered in the doorway, a silent pause stretching between them. Unease grew in Maya’s belly. “I just thought it was the right thing to say,” she offered, trying to explain herself.
“It was unnecessary. Things are what they are.” Kennedy tossed out before finally leaving.
Well, that didn’t go according to plan. Maya thought Kennedy would’ve appreciated her apology, but she was shockingly indifferent to it. She feared she may have aggravated the situation instead of improving it like she had hoped.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 979-8367769999
Publisher: Indie Author
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