Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason–to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian’s only hope for finding the truth–and the next big story — is small-town law enforcement’s lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake of a headline?
Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name — but no one knows your secret.
Natalie Walters is a military wife of 22 years and currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier husband and their three kids. She writes full-time and has been published in Proverbs 31 magazine and has blogged for Guideposts online. In addition to balancing life as a military spouse, mom, and writer, she loves connecting on social media, sharing her love of books, cooking, and traveling. Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is defined by their past.
My Impressions:
I love discovering new authors, and Natalie Walters is certainly one I will search out again. In fact, I already have another of her books ready to go for book club in a few months. I chose the audio version of Deadly Deceit for an online book club. Alas, I missed the discussion, but I enjoyed the book. This romantic suspense is the second in her Harbored Secrets series. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend you start from the beginning since characters from book 1, Living Lies, make an appearance and the mystery that was the focus of that book was mentioned a time or two. Main characters Vivian and Ryan have a great attraction, but clash when it comes to the case of murder and blackmail. Vivian is a reporter and Ryan is a sheriff’s deputy, and they don’t always see eye to eye on how the investigation should be managed. Both characters are portrayed in a realistic manner, and their romance develops naturally. The setting is a fictional small town in my home state of Georgia — what’s not to love?! The mystery kept me engaged as the villain, the Watcher, is revealed bit by bit. Both Vivian and Ryan have father issues and must learn to trust their heavenly father.
I am really glad I read Deadly Deceit and am anxious to return to Walton, Georgia for more romantic suspense.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Recent Comments