A mother told her baby’s death was a lie.A daughter rocked by her true identity.A detective risking his life to protect them both. When Irene Turner learns the incomprehensible–that the stillborn she delivered 28-years earlier is alive, she takes the evidence to Major Crimes Detective Nate Paxton in Denver, Colorado. Nate can’t believe that the daughter stolen at birth is Kinsey Masters, a … is Kinsey Masters, a world-class athlete, raised by a prominent Denver family, and the unattainable woman he’s loved for years.
Irene, Nate, and Kinsey discover a sordid conspiracy, one that may get them all killed as they face past betrayals and destructive revenge.
“Betrayed is a tightly-plotted, edge-of-your-seat ride with fresh, vivid characters. I could not put this book down.” — Susan M. Boyer, Agatha winning author of the Liz Talbot Mystery Series
Donnell Ann Bell is an award-winning author of suspense novels, all of which have been e-book bestsellers. Currently she is working on a new suspense series for Bell Bridge Books. Donnell and her husband live in Colorado. You can visit her website at donnellannbell.com.
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Great story with so many unique characters! Ms. Bell has made several “main” characters in the telling of this novel, each with their own personality, and the readers do feel like we know all well. Irene Turner starts the book out by learning stunning news: The stillborn baby she delivered 28 years ago is actually alive in Colorado. Irene takes her evidence to Colorado to the police, and our whirlwind story begins. Finally learning who the “bad guy” is was totally unexpected, and I do love a happy ending.
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare—and Greatest Joy…If it Doesn’t Get Her Killed!
Discovering your child is alive sends your heart soaring. Unfortunately, it also brings out the worst in those who convinced you the child was dead. But a mother, being a mother, faces the danger and takes the risks—does what she must do to learn the truth. Facing the past, and vicious revenge makes this one tension-filled read!
Interesting and easy to read.
I started for an afternoon read and found I could not put it down until done.
Was a bit hesitant when I purchased the book but was pleasantly surprised.
I know when I start a Donnell book I am in for a great story that captivates your attention to the point you wanting to ignore everything else until the end of the book
The amount of the betrayal in this book is insurmountable. This book wasn’t normal in the fact that it didn’t have just two main protagonists. It’s an ensemble cast of many characters that get equal amount of time on the pages.
Irene Turner is still grieving the loss of her 15 year old son when she finds out that the stillborn daughter she thought she had 28 years ago is not dead. This means she was betrayed not only by the Dr. who delivered her baby but also by her husband who she promptly leaves and head to Denver to meet the daughter she had been denied all these years.
Kinsey Masters had a childhood many would have loved to have. She loved soccer from an early age and grew up to become a world class athlete known to the world as Special K. She has since retired and become a coach. Kinsey knew she led a charmed life, perfect parents who always supported her and a great relationship with her sister Lindsay and her brother Jay. The only thing missing was she didn’t get to have her high school crush, Nate Paxton who broke her heart many years ago.
Nate Paxton is a Detective with the Denver Police department. He and his partner were undercover vise officers until there cover was blown. Nate loves his job and is very passionate about trying to make the streets safe for others. His only regret in life is Kinsey that he will never be good enough for her and has to be content with just being her friend.
When Irene comes into town with her evidence that Kinsey is her daughter and was stolen from her 28 years ago, Nate who is now assigned to Major Crimes is given her case by his boss. Nate is shocked and skeptical of Irene’s claims at first until bad things start happening to Irene and Kinsey’s mother goes on the run after being confronted. There were so many people deceived and betrayed and when murder and attempted murder get added to the plate you are shocked at how far someone is willing to go to keep all the secrets buried.
This was an engrossing suspense story that holds your attention from start to finish. I personally didn’t want it to end. I look forward to reading many more books from this author.
I read this book with my Book Club. It was the best book I have read in a long time.
Kinsey reminded me of my own daughter, and my heart ached for Irene who had lost so many years with her wonderful daughter. I was cheering her on as she overcame each obstacle to gaining a relationship with Kinsey.
I also enjoyed the budding romance between Irene and the Police Chief that was playing out in the background.
I highly recommend this book and I plan to read more from this author.
The two strong women who carry this story, Irene Turner and Kinsey Masters, are some of the best characters I’ve read in a long time. And I’ve been reading some good books, so that’s says a lot. Irene is an original—independent, passionate, determined, and gifted with genuine humor. I want to know her and hang out with her. Kinsey is equally independent, deeply compassionate and loving. Both excel in their sports, Irene as a sharpshooter and Kinsey as a former soccer star, now a coach and teacher. The male characters are excellent also—especially the detectives Nate Paxton and Sammy Lucero—but the women steal the show.
The level of betrayal Irene endures is extraordinary. The mystery involves uncovering not only how her infant daughter was stolen from her at birth, but also murder and attempted murder—and another kidnapping. The intersection of Irene and Kinsey’s stories with Nate and Sammy’s efforts to take down a dangerous gang creates stay-awake-page-turning suspense. There’s also a touch of romance, believable and charming, perfectly fitted into the pace of the story, giving the reader a chance to catch her breath and even more reason to root for the characters.
My book club read this book and every one of us enjoyed it. It was a page-turner and wanted to read the next chapter (even if way past my bedtime!). Loved the characters and the plot and the location it was set it. I could identify with the people and enjoyed that it was Colorado-based. Got me hooked on Donnell Bell’s books most definitely.
Good characters. Attraction without too graphic detail.
Donnell never disappoints with her twists and turns. Great read.