She lost everything once… to move her again. But Autumn is done running—she’s built a life, has friends. And now she’s pregnant after an intense one-night stand with her sexy neighbor.
This time she’s not running…
Lincoln Jordan has been biding his time with Autumn, his talented, gorgeous neighbor. The attraction between them is undeniable, and after their one incredible night together he wants more. But she’s determined to keep him at arm’s length. When it becomes clear that someone wants her dead, he steps up to protect her. He needs to earn her trust, and fast. Because the enemy is closer than they ever imagined.
Author note: This may be read as a stand-alone novel.
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Another exciting visit to Verona Bay. When Ana Diaz (now Autumn Perez) witnessed someone disposing of a body, she was placed in WITSEC at the end of the trial. Having to move again, she was relocated to Verona Bay. Although trying to keep to herself as much as possible, she is very attracted to her neighbor, Sheriff Lincoln Jordan. She knows that a relationship between them is impossible, especially since he is a cop. A visit from her handler may mean that the threat against her life could be over, but then her home is broken in to and the nightmare continues. Lincoln is wildly attracted to Autumn and the result of their one passionate night together changes both of their lives. Will Autumn tell Lincoln about her past? If the killer is dead, then who is after her? A thrilling second book in this series…amazing characters and a story that will not let you stop reading. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
I loved this book! Katie Reus does romantic suspense so well!! This series is awesome!! Great characters and wonderful storylines makes for hours of enjoyment. Lucky for us as readers. We met both characters in Dark Memento. Lincoln is Lucas’ brother. I don’t want to give anything away about this story. Autumn and Lincoln are so great together even if it took them (well mostly her) some time to realize it. Neighbors for a while, one day they take it a little further and that leads to more than they had bargained for. Autumn is very hesitant because of her past and even her current situation. Because Lincoln is the sheriff, she is hesitant about telling him everything. Things got a little hairy there for a bit near the end, but luckily things have a way of working out when they are meant to be.
Can’t wait for more from Verona Bay and Katie Reus.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
The second book in Verona Bay, Deadly Past, is a well delivered romantic suspense. An intriguing story with compelling characters and a dynamic storyline, this is a keeper and a book I recommend you grab and read for yourself.
Deadly Past by Katie Reus
Verona Bay #2
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I picked it up, settled in to read, and looked up later having been entertained throughout. I missed book one in the series but had no trouble reading this story without having read the previous book.
What I liked:
* The prologue: sets the stage for why Ana became Autumn and made me know I liked her in both periods of her life
* Autumn: strong, smart, kind, conflicted, artistic, canine lover, and more. I really liked her and hoped she would find her way to a HEA with Lincoln.
* Lincoln: my oh my…meeting him and the morning after the night before…he seemed HOT and hardy and then I found out he was stable, kind, caring, and an all around good person perfect for Autumn.
* The supporting characters made me want to know more about the town and the series that will unfold
* That the many threads within the story were all tied up by the end of the story.
* Wondering about who would have their story told next…there were some intriguing women I wouldn’t mind hearing more about.
* That the bad guys were dealt with by the end of the story
What I didn’t like:
* The bad guys…the main ones and those providing support to them
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and KR Press, LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Deadly Past is book #2 in the Verona Bay Series by Katie Reus. This is Lincoln and Autumn’s story. It’s a great romantic suspense read that can be a standalone. I liked the plot which was good about overcoming your past experiences and learning how to love/trust again. The chemistry between Lincoln and Autumn is awesome. I liked Lincoln and he was a good alpha male while Autumn was someone who I really liked and could emphasize with. Her and Lincoln’s relationship had its issues but I was glad that all worked out. They had sizzling chemistry. I can’t wait for book 3.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
Deadly Past is the second book in the Verona Bay series. It pulled me in from the beginning and kept my attention until the end. It was a fast-paced, suspenseful read with wonderful characters. Lincoln and Autumn were a great couple who pulled me in and kept me pulling for them until the end. This is turning out to be another amazing series and I can’t wait to read the next book.
Second book in the Verona Bay series has several storylines going on. Katie is one of a few authors who can tell several stories at once, without taking away from the main storyline. Each story blends together seamlessly and gets me interested in the secondary characters that I may have normally just saw as scenery.
Autumn is brave in both love and life and Lincoln is just the guy to help her see that.
I like these Verona Bay residents. Hopefully Mac’s book is next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
4.25 stars–DEADLY PAST is the second instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult VERONA BAY romantic suspense series focusing on the people of Verona Bay. This is Sheriff Lincoln Jordan, and art teacher Autumn Perez’ story line. DEADLY PAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from several third person perspectives including Lincoln and Autumn DEADLY PAST follows the building romance and relationship between Sheriff Lincoln Jordan, and art teacher Autumn Perez. Thirty-two year old, Autumn Perez is in the witness protection program for testifying, ten years earlier, against a murderer with political connections. A local bank robbery in Verona Bay is about to reveal Autumn’s location to the people in charge but our heroine refuses to move one more time. Sheriff Lincoln Jordan has desired his neighbor, Autumn Perez, for as long as he can remember but a phone call from our heroine after witnessing a local bank robbery pulls Lincoln into the orbit that is Autumn Perez. One -night together finds Autumn pregnant with Lincoln’s child but Autumn is in no position to demand anything permanent. Knowing a life on the run is not in the cards for the man that will call to her heart, Autumn refuses to make plans with her father’s child but the past demands reparations, and is targeting our couple with deadly consequences.
The relationship between Autumn and Lincoln is one of immediate attraction but Autumn struggles with her past, and refuses to place Lincoln in the direct line of fire, regardless of his position as the Verona Bay sheriff. Lincoln Jordan knows only that Autumn is the woman he holds close to his heart but our hero has no idea about her past, and the possibility that Autumn’s life is constantly in danger. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic, language and text.
We are reintroduced to Serenity and Lincoln’s brother Lucas Jordan (Dark Memento #1); Easton Jordan; pet shop groomer and Autumn’s friend Adeline; Mac Collins; FBI handlers Derek Ryman and Erica ;and the requisite evil Rand and Tom Coventry, and Mark Cadman. There is definitely an attraction between Adeline and Mac.
DEADLY PAST is a story of vengeance and betrayal; murder and retribution; family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and edgy; the romance is provocative; the characters are dynamic and spirited.
This is book 2 in the Verona Bay series and it can absolutely be read as a standalone, although I recommend reading the first book as well just because it’s a great read! In this one we get Autumn Perez and Lincoln Jordan’s story. We first met both of them in the first book and Lincoln is Lucas’s brother. Autumn witnessed a brutal murder and gave up everything in order to do the right thing when she was 22. 10 years later witness protection has placed her in Verona Bay where she is teaching Art at the local high school. Her life is quiet until she is caught up in another event and has to worry about the Marshall’s moving her again. But she is done with running, especially after finding out she is pregnant after one night with her neighbor. Lincoln has been attracted to Autumn since she moved in and has just been hoping to move them to something other than just casual friends. And after their one night, he definitely wants more even though she tries to hold him at arm’s length again. But when someone is determined to hurt her, he is just as determined to protect her. Especially when it’s an enemy that they weren’t expecting.
I absolutely loved this one!! Lincoln has the patience of a saint with the sex appeal of a sinner! I loved everything about this man!! Autumn went through something that none of us have ever thought would happen to us, and she came through it like a champ with a heart of gold! She could have become hardened and bitter but the fact that she isn’t just made me love her even more! Throw them together? It’s like dynamite and I loved it!! This book just reminded me of all the reasons why I love this author in the first place!
Absolutely loved this suspense-filled story!
Lincoln has admired his neighbor Autumn for some time. Little does he know however that she has a past that is literally dying to enter her future.
Autumn has had a crush on her neighbor the Sheriff of the Verona Bay.
She has to keep him at arm’s length but can she?
Or can she find hope, and so much more within his arms?
I enjoyed this story very much.
Can’t wait to read the next one.
Deadly Past is the second book in the Verona Bay series. It’s been a while since the first Verona Bay series book released (be sure to check out Dark Memento!), so I was more than ready for Deadly Past to hit my Kindle. Katie Reus is one of my automatic 1-click authors and has been for a while. Her characters are easy to relate to and get to know (and I usually love them all). Her plots are always well thought out. And the mystery/suspense is always fresh. (She also writes some great PNR books, so if that’s your jam, be sure to check those out, as well.)
Honestly, though. Sometimes an author’s work just resonates with you from the get-go and you will snatch up every book they release, and that’s exactly how I feel about Katie Reus’s romantic suspense books. I tend to simply devour them. As in, I have to set aside several hours when I pick one up because I’m not putting it down until I’m done. And Deadly Past was no exception.
Full of romance, mystery, fast-paced action, and characters you can’t help but fall in love with (the Jordan brothers might just be my new favorites!), Deadly past is another checkmark in the win column for Katie Reus.
NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Deadly Past by Katie Reus 5 out of 5 stars!
3.5 stars
What you usually get with this author is a sweet, alpha protective, great guy hero who patiently waits for his lady love to realize love is inevitable between them. Then due to some graphic smexy scenes, we find out just how naughty this good guy can be. Sure, sometimes he can be a knucklehead for a little while, too, but that is definitely not the case here. Lincoln is a stand up guy, whether it be protecting Autumn or respecting her by giving her the space she needs. He’s like the perfect book boyfriend.
Regarding Autumn, her past, present predicament, and dramatic wrap up conclusion played out predictably for me. So at even only 271 pages, I breezed right through this book faster than usual. Likely because I found myself skimming several sections. Hanging onto every word didn’t always seem necessary. I was getting the gist of things, especially lengthy conversations with sub-characters, so found myself surfing waiting for something unexpected to happen. With a couple completely unrelated to the romantic plot events thrown in, I felt quite a bit of time was spent setting the stage for at least two future books. Time which may have been better spent focused on Lincoln and Autumn.
Overall, it is impossible not to love Lincoln. You also can’t help but want the best for Autumn. Together their relationship felt rather rushed. I’d say I felt their infatuation, attraction, and chemistry more so than undying, unwavering love. They simply hadn’t spent that much time together. No doubt they will get there soon enough and will live happily ever after.
Title: Deadly Past, Series: Veronica Bay (Book 2), Author: Katie Reus, Pages: 271, pub date: 10/20/20, stand-alone but part of a series, sweet alpha protective good guy sheriff hero, surprise you’re a daddy, some present and flashbacks of violence, infatuated, attracted to each other neighbors to lovers, romance safe, rushed relationship feelings.
Book 1 – Dark Memento
Book 2 – Deadly Past
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or PR firm.)
I read and enjoyable just about anything Katie Reus writes. I am partial to her paranormal series’ books but find her romantic suspense to be incredibly good. Deadly Past is the second in the Verona Bay series. The danger comes from without the area since Autumn Perez is living there now under the Witness Protection Program. As an art teacher she has settled into her life there.
This is a quick story to read, mainly because once you start you don’t want to stop reading especially after the hair raising prologue. Then comes the alarming event in the first chapter so keep reading you do. Deadly Past has mystery, suspense, danger, and steamy romance with a hot cop. Along with all of that is a few twists and turns in the story to round it all out. Sheriff Lincoln Jordan makes this story for me. Though in Autumn’s defense doing the right thing did not make her life easier, so of course, she has commitment and trust issues.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fantastic characters, fast paced, action packed story in a small town. I loved the close knit community and the story of Autumn and Lincoln was very interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review.
***4 Stars***
This book was a lot of. I was hooked from the start and while I liked how the whole mystery/suspense thing played out, I simply loved watching Autumn and Lincoln dance around each other and getting to hang out with their friends and family in Verona Bay.
I adored Autumn and Lincoln. Autumn is sweet, sassy and determined. She’s been through a lot, but has found a way to live her life, even if that life is restricted by some pretty stringent rules. Lincoln is simply a good man. Loyal, compassionate and protective. He’s sweet and charming and it was so easy to fall for him.
As for their journey to their HEA, I really enjoyed watching as they danced around and towards each other. The attraction was strong and I liked how they both simply reveled in who the other was. I must say that nudge that brought them that much closer was a surprise, a good one, and I loved where they were at when it was all said and done.
The funny thing about this book was that I loved watching Autumn and Lincoln become more to each other than just neighbors and I loved hanging out with the Verona Bay crew, but I wasn’t all that interested in the suspense part of the story. It was bad, in fact I did enjoy the simplicity of it and how it did add to the story ~ especially when it came to Autumn’s history ~ but it wasn’t what hooked me. It was the small town vibe that did it for me, so there was at least one tease about who may be up on the chopping block next (A & M) and I cannot wait to see if I’m right, because that one is going to be a lot of fun to experience!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
This is the second book in the Verona Bay series by Ms. Reus and unfortunately I haven’t read the first book. The blurb says it’s a standalone and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I don’t think my enjoyment was minimized by the fact that I haven’t read the first book yet. Having said that, I still like to read series in order and wish I would have read the first book! This is classic Katie Reus – romantic suspense with all the mystery, drama, surprises and angst that I hope for and enjoy in her books. Well-developed characters and a storyline that flows and is over much too quickly. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it for anyone who loves romantic suspense. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
Deadly Past was a very good read. Autumn has had a very hard life and doesn’t let anyone get to close. Lincoln is the sexy sheriff and has a one night stand with Autumn. A surprise pregnancy, a deadly past and falling in love, this is a book everyone will enjoy.
3-1/2 stars rounded up to 4
This book has all the elements of books I love: a surprise pregnancy, a dog, and some steam. My problem was I didn’t like Ana/Autumn. I thought she was too much of a martyr with her not wanting to get too close to anyone, including Lincoln who is the father to her child. And I thought he was too wimpy for not making a stand soon enough.
I’m ahead of myself here. Autumn is in the Witness Protection Program after not only witnessing a man dumping a body in a dumpster, but taking pictures of the bad guy, too and handing them over to the police. The guy who dumped the body had a rich daddy and had never had any sort of accountability…you get the idea. Autumn has been moved around and wants to stay in Verona Bay now. She’s got friends, a job, and is tired of being isolated and now she’s pregnant by the guy next door.
Lincoln is the sheriff in town and has had his eye on Autumn for quite awhile. He caught her at a weak moment and they spent the night together. It happens. When he finds out that she’s pregnant, I really was hoping that he’d go all alpha on her and demand to protect her, but that didn’t happen. Rather he eased her into the idea of being with him, which isn’t a bad thing really, but I didn’t get the feeling that he was excited about being the father to a child he was having with a woman he barely knew. I can’t blame him, but I still give him more than a thumbs-up for sticking with her. I have to admit that I thought she was so much of a martyr and so self-absorbed that she would’ve been okay with raising the child by herself. She caught me as the type that likes to be a hero.
I liked Lincoln. How could I not? He was a real stand-up guy, conscientious, and just an overall good person. I just wish he’d ended up with someone else.
As for the rest of the book, I didn’t feel these two falling in love. I saw the lust and the sex scenes were really hot, but I didn’t feel the love. I also didn’t get a look at Lincoln, either. There really wasn’t a physical description of him and I need that to connect with a character. There was more of a description of Autumn, but not much.
Regardless, the story is actually very good. It’s suspenseful, had some action in it especially toward the end, and a nice twist that I didn’t see coming. I liked Lincoln, tolerated Autumn, but loved the end despite it all.
This is book two in The Verona Bay Series and it is Autumn and Lincoln’s story and omg what a story it is. Anna loves taking photographs but what she didn’t expect was to take one of a man putting a women’s body into a dumpster outside her apartment and having to go into witness protection and to change her name to Autumn. Ten years later and Autumn now lives in Verona Bay and she is a teacher at the local school and she loved her job but when she went into the bank two robbers came in scarring Autumn and the people in there. Lincoln is a sheriff in Verona Bay and he decided to go and see Autumn to check that she is alright after her experience at the bank and also he is so attracted to her and it has been like that for a year when she moved in next door. Omg this book was amazing with all its twists and turns and it kept me on the edge of my seat and I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and it was so addictive. Katie Reus is an absolutely amazing author and writer and she is one of my favourite authors. I definitely recommend you read this book,series and other books by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this Amazing Book.
Deadly Past by Katie Reus
2nd book in the Verona Bay series. Spinoff from Redemption Harbor. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Autumn is in witness protection and still has a active threat after her.
Lincoln is the sheriff, her next door neighbor, and lover. When danger gets closer, Lincoln and her friends will protector her. She’s found a home in Verona Bay and wants to stay.
Immediately gripping and action packed. Multiple storylines and twists makes this a fast and engaging read. With Autumn and Lincoln moving their relationship from neighbors to lovers and friends, it includes some hot and steamy pages too.
Romantic suspense with all the feels.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.