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.
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Having already read—and adored!—Natalie Walters’ debut novel Living Lies, I was eagerly waiting for book two in the Harbored Secrets series, Deadly Deceit. Now be prepared for my exuberant gushing because—I LOVED IT! Seriously, this story had everything I look for when it comes to a novel.
Pacing in a book is huge to me. If the story lags, I tend to get bored and skim. That was NOT the case with Deadly Deceit. I savored each page leading up to the satisfying ending.
Character depth is another kinda big deal to me. And this one totally met my must-be-layered criteria. Now I must confess that I didn’t like Vivian DeMarco in Living Lies, BUT she totally redeemed herself. Her insecurities, her flawed reasoning, and her impressive knowledge of Marvel characters all helped sway my opinion of her. I found myself rooting for her, wanting her to get her happily ever after. Now let me chat a while on Deputy Ryan Frost. I loved him in the first book for he had some of the best lines. I judged him kinda nerdy, but big-hearted. Fast forward to his center stage role in Deadly Deceit, and we have ourselves a one-of-a-kind hero. He still has the good-natured attributes from book one, but this time add in swooniness of Captain America proportions! But what really made me sigh was his tenderness toward Vivi (his sweet nickname for the heroine).
The plot was intricate but easy to follow. Which is important to me because it’s irksome when I have to break the reading flow to reread portions to ensure I understand. None of that here. The storyline was twisty-turvy, leaving me in suspense of the Watcher’s identity.
What I loved the most—besides the awesome romance—was the spiritual theme: that in God you are enough. That we can live chosen because He loved us before we even drew our first breath. And I’m thankful for that beautiful reminder in Deadly Deceit.
**I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
I read Ms. Walters debut novel which is the first book in this series. I really enjoyed the first book and couldn’t wait to read the second. She continues to write superbly with this latest suspense novel. Deadly Deceit is absolutely fantastic and will keep you reading to discover what happens next. This book focuses on Vivian (who you meet in the previous book) who is a reporter that likes to write the truth so that justice can prevail. As Vivian realizes that there is more to the death of her boss than an accident, she begins to investigate to determine what really is going on in the small town of Walton, Georgia. Deputy Ryan Frost has just returned from training and is contemplating where he might want to work. Different agencies are recruiting him due to his cyber skills. Ryan wants to keep Vivian safe and does not want her investigating. There are many twists and turns to this book. Once I started the book, I didn’t want to put it down! I highly recommend this book and know that you will not be disappointed! This book can be read as a stand-alone book, but I recommend both books in this series.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
Journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia. She is there to do a job and then move on to bigger and better places. Until her boss dies suddenly and it looks pretty suspicious. Deputy Ryan Frost gets involved as he seeks to find out what happened. Is Vivian just looking for the next big story–or is she seeking more than the answers in her small town life and relationship with Ryan?
I so loved Vivian and Ryan in Deadly Deceit. I enjoyed their lighthearted banter and their relationship all the way through the book as they worked together to find someone called the Watcher. I wanted to pace myself with this book because I knew I would want book 3 in the Harbored Secrets series. However, both the romantic relationship and the plot kept me turning pages. I didn’t have it all figured out and it kept me guessing until close to the end. I enjoyed all of the characters and getting to see Lane and Charlie again. I also liked the small town vibes in Deadly Deceit and how people came together to encourage each other and to form friendships–something we need more of in real life. I also liked that theme of forgiveness and learning to love each other in spite of some flaws. There was one small thing that didn’t work for me in Deadly Deceit–I couldn’t understand why Ryan’s Mom kept her romantic relationship a secret without telling her son until he came back from FBI training. There is a reason given but I still thought she should have told him. Again, that was a minor thing and I truly enjoyed Deadly Deceit as a whole. Now I am once again anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, Silent Shadows. We get a brief glimpse at that book at the end of Deadly Deceit.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author. All opinions are my own.
In “Deadly Deceit” Natalie Walters takes us back to Walton, where friends are true, family is important, and danger may be just around the corner.
She seamlessly weaves together romance, and suspense in a novel that also takes a look at the hurts that drive us.
Each of us face the disappointments from the past in different ways. But what happens when they come in conflict with what could be a different future than we could ever imagine?
Ryan turned his father’s abandonment at age twelve into a mantle of protectiveness. He gave up his dreams for his family. When he gets an offer that’s hard to refuse, will he be able to break free? Does he want to?
Vivian let her father’s lies spur her to prove she could be enough. Enough in her job, enough in her successes, but could she ever be enough for someone to love? Can she love herself?
With the Watcher destroying lives, and a murder to solve, this story had enough suspense to keep me guessing, and authentic interactions that made me want to read until the early morning hours. Great book!
I received an ARC courtesy of Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. This review reflects my honest thoughts on the book.
I’m kind of a hard sell on romantic suspense because I either find the romance too corny or the suspense not suspenseful enough. This book had a good balance with some fan humor thrown in. I liked the cyber crime angle and it’s not done as much in fiction and really showcased the hero’s brainiac skills. Fans of romantic suspense should really pick this book up! It won’t disappoint
Wow! Natalie Walters has blown me away again with this book! Not only is is an entertaining read, it also has some deep truths to it. The characters were so relatable with their flaws. They were so cute together. I couldn’t resist the Marvel comments. This book left me feeling all of the feelings. There was a great message about forgiveness and not having to prove yourself to anyone, including yourself. I loved it! I read it in one day! I highly recommend this book!!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is a non-stop tension driven novel with a hint of romance. Romantic suspense can go one way or other. Either too much romance or too much suspense or a nice balance of both. With Walters newest novel, the story leans more to the suspense side, which is my taste anyways. The romance is there and hinted at, but it doesn’t take over the whole hunt for the Watcher. The idea of the Watcher has been done before and quite predictable, but I had a hard time buying who the Watcher was at the end of the novel. While the reality of the bad guy had me shaking my head, Walters is a fabulous writer who gives fans of the romantic suspense genre what they are looking for. The romance kept beating on just like the suspense and came to its predictable ending. Overall, Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is a romantic suspense novel just right for the fans of the genre. With transformation characters, a good dose of suspense, and a budding romance, Deadly Deceit will definitely fit onto the shelf alongside DiAnn Mills, Irene Hannon, and Colleen Coble.
I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I absolutely loved Deadly Deceit! This was one that I didn’t want to put down! I was guessing until the end and completely interested to see how it would conclude! This book was well balanced in plot and pacing and the characters were amazing! Vivian and Ryan have great chemistry. It was such fun to read their interactions! There was plenty of action sprinkled throughout this book and the conclusion is pretty intense! I am definietly a fan of this latest release from Natalie Walters!
Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is the second book in the Harbored Secrets series.
After reading her debut novel, Living Lies, I have thoroughly jumped on the Natalie Walters bandwagon. Ms. Walters crafts believable characters, puts them in jeopardy and helps them resolve the mysteries, all within the kind of home town I really want to visit.
Vivian DeMarco is a journalist who is trying to recover from a job loss. She lands in Walton, Georgia at a small newspaper headed by Harold Kennedy who explains the purpose of The Gazette: “God gave us the gift to bring light out of darkness… As a reporter, I have two choices. I can report on the darkness in the world or I can write the news in a way that restores hope.”
The catchphrase for the book is: “Where everyone knows your name- but no one knows your secret.” But The Watcher is targeting some whose secrets must stay hidden at any cost.
Vivian undertakes an engrossing journey to uncover The Watcher and get the story. This story has become personal. Because of the closeness of the people in the town, she has many to help her, including deputy Ryan Frost. The story is not limited to the deceitful mystery of The Watcher, there are light moments, too. I loved the banter between Ryan and Vivian, especially references to Marvel heroes and Star Wars. Neighbor and friend Pecca is a great sarcastic foil for Vivian to interact with. It was lovely to get to know the owner and workers in the Way Station Cafe.
Bring on book number three please!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This is the second book in this series, and yes, it is as good as the first, but it can be read alone, previous characters do play a part in this story, but you won’t be lost.
A cyber-crime that is destroying lives, and where will it stop, and who will be next, and who is responsible? Answers are forthcoming, but past hurts have to be dealt with in order to get there.
We are also offered a sweet romance, but will either of these individuals be able to accept what is offered. Also, will they make it to the end, there are some hold your breath times ahead here.
I see we are given a teaser at the end and another friend is about to get their own book! Yes!
You don’t want to miss these captivating books!
I received this book through the Revell Reads Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
Thank you in advance to Revell Books and author Natalie Walters for sending me this gift copy (along with the goodies – bookmarks and bookplates). A positive review was not required at all; all words and thoughts are my own and given without payment or compensation.
“Deadly Deceit” is Natalie Walters second book of the Harbored Secrets series in the small town of Walton, Georgia.
Readers returning from “Living Lies” will remember reporter Vivian DeMarco who first visited Walton to cover the case of a murdered teenager (Sydney Donovan). A case that Deputy Ryan Frost also investigated. This is a standalone read and reading the previous book isn’t required. However, in reading “Living Lies” it does make “Deadly Deceit” far more enjoyable and the reader will understand some of this book’s references.
After the events of “Living Lies”, Vivian is now living in Walton because of losing her job at a big newspaper. She failed to cover a juicy “tabloid” story in which Lane Kent stated she was responsible for the death of her husband – which was actually a car accident and Lane was not responsible at all.
But, that isn’t Vivian’s current worry or her next big story.
Harold Kennedy gave the former star reporter a second chance. But, that soon ends when Harold dies.
At first it looks like a case of anaphylactic shock from an allergy. But, Vivian soon learns Harold’s death is anything but an accident, in fact there’s good evidence it was intentional.
Despite the death of her friend, Vivian is focused on the truth. But, in getting to the truth, Vivian will have to rely on Deputy Frost. And, in that pursuit, he also has to keep her safe when she continues to run into trouble.
Vivian stumbles on a video with Harold and a mystery woman – along with a demand for money. Now, Vivian is trying to locate the woman and find out why Harold was with her. As other people come into play, Harold’s accident is only part of a bigger deceit, deadly as it is. As Frost investigates, he also finds he has to make a career choice, and one that might tear him away from Walton.
Her previous novel, Walters creates a wonderful story with unique characters that could be or might be people we know. She brings back some of the characters from “Living Lies” to make the town come alive. With such vivid writing, I could almost see this town and the people in it.
There was so much going on in this book it is hard to catch your breath. But, it is worth the ride. Vivian’s past is also revealed which is absolutely heart-breaking. I hope to see a bit more of Vivian and Ryan in the third and final installment of this series.
Extortion, fire, accidents, family secrets, intrigue, romance – Walters really got this book to sizzle. At one point near the end I couldn’t stop reading – I was hooked, and found my heart beating a bit faster to see what was going to happen. The bible passage “live chosen” was beautiful and a loving reminder.
As to who killed Harold … you have to read this book.
Watch for “Silent Shadows”, the third and final installment in the “Harbored Secrets” series coming in 2020.
You can also pick up “Living Lies” now at Amazon or a local retailer.
A report, a hint of a story, an unexpected death (within the first pages), and blackmail are all pieces to the puzzle that is Natalie Walters’s sophomore release.
Deadly Deceit returns readers to Walton, Georgia with a couple of crimes, plenty of twists and turns, and some lively banter between Vivian and Ryan. Plus, the added bonus of these two characters from book 1 of the Harbored Secrets series in the spotlight.
Walters balances the suspense and romance (rife with superhero references, comparisons, and compliments) well while keeping readers guessing who is behind the crimes. Just when you think it’s all worked out, a curveball is thrown and you’re back to square one.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
When it comes to romantic suspense, Natalie Walters is now one of my absolute “go to” authors. This one is book 2 in the Harbored Secrets series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. You see the characters from book 1 in this one (and it’s good to see how they are doing!), but you won’t miss out on anything if you start with this one. This book follows Vivian DeMarco, a reporter who has found herself in the small town of Walton, Georgia. When she gets a call to her boss’s house to get the information on a big story, she finds him dying with just a name on his lips. As she works with police to figure out what story killed her boss, she gets more than she bargained for.
Natalie Walters is known for her small town mysteries, deep intense story lines, and quirky romances. This book absolutely fit that bill. The crimes are intricate and in-depth. I was absolutely appalled at the Watcher in this book, particularly as it related to the high school girl on his “list”. The faith thread was solid as the characters sought where God was in all of this. The romance was fun with banter that alluded to all things geek (don’t worry – if you’re not a Marvel or Star Wars fan, she spells it out nicely, but doesnt overdo it if you do “get it”). The characters were completely relatable with their abandonment issues and flaws. I loved how they worked through those things together to grow stronger – both individually and as a couple. Basically, this story did all things right. Great characters, great story, in-depth mystery that had me guessing till the very end, and even though I’m not keen on the romance aspect in most books, I enjoyed the romance in this one. I highly recommend this one to fans of romantic suspense!
Special thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. I was under no obligation to post a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Natalie Walters wrote such a phenomenal first book, I had doubts that she could do any better—but if possible, I liked this second book even more! The plot moves at a perfect pace, balancing the suspenseful action with the relationships and friendships that are developing throughout the story. I liked the banter of the characters and their nerdy references to comic book characters. I often think that the background of character growth gets lost in the action of suspense novels, but that is not true of this book as it has plenty of both! I liked the development of the romance too as it ebbs, flows, and progresses realistically. The action was well written and really kept me guessing. The ending brought together a satisfying conclusion of the building suspense. I really liked the thread of faith, forgiveness, and truth throughout the story as well. I could not put the book down! I cannot wait to see what this author pens next! I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I don’t even know where to start with this review. How about the bottom line first? Go. Buy. This. Book. I loved it! I was sucked in from page one and I did not want this story to end! I loved everything about it! There’s humor – the scene involving a “monster” had me laughing out loud – great banter, great characters, a murder mystery that totally kept me guessing, a wonderful romance, and some fun references to super heroes- namely Captain America.
I absolutely loved Vivian and Ryan! Their banter added so much fun to the story. Their relationship progressed so naturally and felt so real. The action was perfectly paced and believable. The secondary characters really added to the story and I can’t wait to read Pecca’s story next! This book is excellent from the cover till the very last page! With this story, Natalie Walters has become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors -right up there with Lynn Blackburn and Lynette Eason!
‘It didn’t matter how much she dressed up on the outside….it wasn’t enough. She wasn’t enough.’
I thought Natalie Walters’ debut novel was good. But she has done an even better job this time around! Seriously, this book is just good. Walters takes us back to Walton, Georgia, and we get to meet up with Deputy Ryan Frost again. The same Deputy Frost who was so geeky in book one. BUT…Ryan has changed. He is a rather swoon worthy hero this go round. And Vivian is so very likeable now. And the banter between her and Ryan is so refreshing and precious. I loved every minute!
The suspense is great. Walters ramps it up with each chapter until you are hanging on, wondering who in the world this culprit is! I never once guessed, either. A cyber criminal is targeting people and no one has any idea what is even going on, or how, much less who this person is. Vivian is determined to find out, being an investigative reporter, no matter if it puts her life in danger. Ryan decides the best way to keep her safe is to let her work with him. That doesn’t stop the bad guys, though.
All through the novel, we see the spiritual theme woven delicately that we are all worthy in God’s eyes. He loves us, plain and simple, and we are worthy of His love. Well done! Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.