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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Deadly Past is the second book in the Verona Bay series but it can easily be read as a standalone without fear of spoilers. I loved the setting of small town America where hidden secrets bubble just beneath the surface. The heroine Autumn, has the biggest secret of all where her very life depends on no one ever discovering just what she has to hide. Fortunately for her, Lincoln, her next door neighbour, is the town sheriff and has plans of his own involving Autumn.
As a whole this story itself has very little angst and drama between the characters and almost comes across as your basic Hallmark small town, friends to lovers love story if not for the opening chapters setting the stage for what is to come. There is an ominous air lurking in the background making sure the reader is left in no doubt that a dramatic showdown is coming, the question is who & when. I can’t wait to return to Verona Bay for the next book in the series which hopefully will feature Mac and Adeline
Deadly Past is an engaging tale of a brave young woman overcoming her past and learning to love. Autumn is a classic example of what happens when you are forced to give up the life you’ve built to protect yourself from those who seek to do you harm. She’s done everything right but it has come at a cost. She’s afraid to let anyone in. Maybe Sheriff Lincoln Jordan can crack the wall she’s built around her heart. I really enjoyed watching these two find
Another good, adventure filled story by Katie Reus! Great characters and lots of action. I’m really looking forward to the next book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Autumn Perez witnessed the dumping of a body that sent her into witness protection. Ten years later she is following the rules to a t and no one in Verona Bay knows she is hiding in plain sight.
Her neighbor, Lincoln Jordan, has been wanting to get to know his neighbor for some time, but the timing never seemed right. When she begins calling on him for help more often, he decides the time is right. After one hot night, Autumn is pregnant, so though she already had roots in Verona Bay, it was even more important she protect her ability to stay there so her baby could know it’s father.
There were parts of this story I really liked. Lincoln is a great hero in uniform. He is one of those guys just built to protect the people around him. Autumn is self-sufficient and involved in the community. As individuals I loved them both. Together, they had sparks and I loved what they became, but I also kind of wished there was more time together as their relationship evolved. I would have thought the protective streak would have kicked in harder when Autumn told Lincoln she was pregnant, but he led her lead the pace instead which made it harder to feel things building.
There was a lot going on in this story, with Autumn’s witness protection status, her pregnancy, and some scary events happening with the side characters. Parts of the suspense were given away early because of the multiple narrators, but there was enough left to wonder about that the pages kept turning. This was a quick read and though it wasn’t heavy on either romance or suspense, it was an entertaining page turner. I loved the little hints of Adeline and Mac in the background and can’t help but hope for more from this series in the future.
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I loved book 1 in The Verona Bay series, and those Jordan siblings don’t get any less sexy in book 2, Deadly Past. Again we have a little suspense and drama with all the added romance, but this time it’s with the youngest Jordan brother, Lincoln. Lincoln is the local Sheriff, and neighbour to Autumn Perez (aka Ana Diaz) who is living in Verona Bay in a witness protection programme, unbeknown to any of the small town residents, even the sexy Sherriff. After an extremely hot and heavy night with her sexy neighbour she finds herself pregnant, but being the stubborn girl she is, she is still unwilling to have a relationship with her secret crush and baby daddy, Lincoln, no matter how nicely he asks. Luckily for her, Lincoln is not going to bow out without a fight, he’s in it for the long haul, even more so when her past comes a calling, and all his protective alpha instincts kick in. Lots of drama in this sexy, sweet small town romance, wonderfully written, with great characters. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Ana’s life changed the night she witnessed a man throw a body in a dumpster. As a photographer using her camera as a weapin, she caught his face on film, then stood strong as a witness to put him behind bars. Now her name is Autumn Perez. She lives a quiet life in Verona Bay, teaching art at the local high school and picking up classes at the community center in the evening. One afternoon the quiet of the town is shattered and Autumn is caught in the middle of the situation. Instead of calling the police Autumn turns to the one person she’s tried hard to ignore, her sexy neighbor Sheriff Lincoln Jordan.
Lincoln has been watching Autumn from the time she moved in a year ago. While she was always friendly, she kept a wall between them, one he wanted to start tearing down. Autumn’s current situation gives him the opportunity to put some crack’s in that wall. When Autumn finds herself in the crosshairsonce again, Lincoln appoints himself her protector, a pisition he plans on keeping forever.
Ms. Reus has penned a story with just the right balance of suspense, emotion and angst. I enjoyed Autumn’s journey. While her character obviously has an inner strength, it takes her time to actualize that strength and grow into the woman who can love a man like her sheriff. This is the second book of the series, but the first I’ve read. I am heading back to read the first and will be waiting anxiously for the next book.
I was provided an ARC of this book from the author and voluntarily offer my review.
Katie always writes stories that are easy reads and I am done with the book before I know it. I love everything I have read of hers (all romantic suspense books). This story was a little off for me. While I enjoyed reading about Lincoln, I had a hard time with Autumn/Ana. I could not decide if this story was a suspense or even a true romance. I wanted more suspense with the villains. There were a few chapters from their point of view and at the very end but it was over too quickly and I needed to know the whys. The romance was not the forefront of this story. All of that being said, I still love Katie’s writing.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Deadly Past
Verona Bay Series #2
Katie Reus
https://www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor/
Release date 10/20/2020
Publisher KR Press
She lost everything once…
Autumn Perez was just twenty-two when she witnessed a brutal murder and gave up her entire life to put the killer behind bars. A decade later, witness protection has her settled in picturesque Verona Bay, teaching art at the local high school. It’s a quiet life…until she’s caught up in another harrowing event and she worries that the US Marshals will try 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.
Will her fears come between her and her happiness…
I have discovered the author with her paranormal romances, so when I saw this one listed to be released soon, I jumped on the opportunity.
I had no idea what to expect, yet I was surprised to have plural points of view other than the two main characters.
Both heroes are kind and caring persons, Lincoln is the epitome of the dream boyfriend, protective and understanding, not one to give up when he is certain to have met the right woman for him.
Autumn had most of her choices and dreams taken from her when she entered the witnesses protection program. Now a decade later, she has built a new life for herself, so she won’t budge and be moved elsewhere, whatever the risks.
So while the bad guys operate behind her back to exact their revenge, she must decide if a future of loneliness is one she really wants as she would have to let go of her past fears.
Their romance is sweet and long due, following its fated path once she faces the issues holding her back.
The suspense part was easy to see coming, and secondary to the plot.
There is also an insight about I suppose the couple who will be featured in the next book, I will definitively want to read.
In all, a nice and fast paced read.
4 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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What’s not to love? Sexy cop, an artist with a tragic past, a cute doggie, and a surprise pregnancy!
Autumn left her burgeoning photographic career behind when she entered Witsec. After testifying at a murder trial she had no option but to disappear. Now, as Autumn, she finally found the new life she wants in Verona Bay. She may be an art teacher now but she is happy and settles for daydreaming about her hot neighbour.
Lincoln is from a long-established family in Verona Bay. They are tight-knit but even he admits they can be a bit much sometimes. He never really gets to be off duty in this small town but his lovely new neighbour sure takes his mind off things.
But after one hot night together Autumn pulls the plug. That may have satisfied any other man but Lincoln knows there is more to them than one night, he just has to crack the shell around Autumn’s heart. But Autumn knows what damage a relationship can do to her cover identity. But now she has an added incentive to stay in Verona Bay. She’s pregnant and she refuses to let her baby grow up without a family!
Autumn could come across as a martyr but I felt that she was a really admirable character and just wanted to guard herself and her new identity. Lincoln is everything you want in a guy; loyal, brave, resilient, resourceful, and determined to be in his baby’s life.
Twists and turns aplenty, you never quite know where the danger is coming from next!
I loved Dark Momento and this is much on the same lines a story where the past catches back up to you even though you have rebuilt your life. it may be the second book in this series but it is a total stand alone story but do yourself a favour and read the first book as well you won’t be disappointed
Autumn Perez(Ana Diaz) has finally rebuilt her life after been a witness to a murder and body dumping by the son of a wealthy man who never had to answer for his actions up to this time She was placed in the witness protection system and now has a life in Verona Bay teaching art at the local high school. The trial may be over and she may have rebuilt her life but it all still has an impact on her as she refuses to let anyone get close including her hot next door neighbour Lincoln Jordan(yes Lucas’s from Dark Momento’s brother) she may be pregnant to him after a super hot one night stand but she has no intention of letting him get close. The only thing is that Lincoln is determined that she is the one for him and when danger from her past strikes again he will do whatever he needs to in an effort to keep her safe especially when she refuses to be relocated by witness protection Can they both survive and will she finally let her walls down You will have to read to see
A good addition to the Verona Bay series. Book was a fast well paced read. I had d trouble connecting with Autumn at first but she (& Shadow) won me over. Enjoyed watching Autumn and Lincoln getting to know each other. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC received via NetGalley.
Her past is deadly
Wow, I love this series and I’m so happy Katie decided to continue on with these charactersAutumn is the mysterious art teacher who catches the eye of none other than the sheriff, Lincoln However, he knows he has to be patient with her and play the long game. When a bank robbery occurs it throws Autumn off course and into Lincoln’s arms for a night of burning the sheets and ends with a ‘positive’ surprise
A very well done sequel to the first Verona Bay book with great characters and great supporting characters. I’m looking forward to more and hopefully a story for Adeline and Mac I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review
What a terrific book! Story line has suspense and mystery, along with strength and determination, growing love and a little surprise. The characters have great connections and interactions throughout. Enjoying this series and look forward to more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
DEADLY PAST (Verona Bay Book 2) by Katie Reus
Autumn Perez and Lincoln Jordan are next door neighbors. She is a witness protection survivor who has been in hiding for the last 10 years after witnessing a murder and inadvertently getting a picture of the killer dumping the body. He is the local town sheriff, who has no idea she is in the program. Lincoln has been intrigued by Autumn with a crush on her, but she keeps shutting him down when he tries to date her. She is afraid to let anyone get close to her. Lincoln is such a lovable character. This story has plenty of chemistry & heat, great story line, suspense, and drama. Katie Reus has such a strong talent for romantic suspense. This is a 5 star read.
Vernona Bay Florida gets a lot of deadly action in it for such a little town. But what a delight we get as readers when Katie Reus gives us another of her romantic suspense stories. This one is Autumn Perez formerly know as Ana Diaz before being in the Witness Protection Program. She witnessed rich boy Rand Coventry dump a woman’s body into a dumpster behind her mentor’s studio one night. Being a photographer she flashed pictures into his face to temporarily blind him so she could get away and hide. We pick up the story years later where she’s Autumn Perez, art teacher in the small town of Verona Bay.
Lincoln Jordan is Autumn’s next door neighbor and Sheriff of Verona Bay. He has a massive crush on Autumn but she maintains her distance because of her past. One evening when the town’s bank is robbed while she’s there, Lincoln comes over after everything to check on her. One thing leads to another when she needs comforting. Their chemistry is off the charts, lucky us and them. This starts their relationship that Autumn fights until circumstances change. That would be a spoiler and you’ll have to read to find out.
I love guardian protector heroes and Lincoln certainly is in spades. He had a hard time keeping his feelings in check with Autumn fighting their relationship so hard because of her past and being in Witness Protection. I enjoyed the crafting of their relationship and the family dynamics because Serenity from the first story is her close friend and Serenity’s sweetie is Lucas Jordan, Lincoln’s brother. Yippee, I love small town connections. It’s not a huge mystery in this story as to why Autumn’s life is in danger but what comes about is a surprise.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Autumn gave up her life and dreams as she had known at twenty three, now once again, in this small town of Verona Bay, she is saying no. A life here with friends, and a baby coming. A sexy neighbor is who she called after the incident, why not 911, and then that look of concern when he came, puzzled her. She had boundaries around her, and never called him by his first name. Checking on her later, a glass of wine, she was cold, and now wondering what she had done, no way, he was law enforcement. He had been wanting to get to know her better, and hope this would continue.
Her past comes back and threaten Lincoln and her, would she realize she needed him in her life. Good story of excepting love and protection from Lincoln. Given ARC from Net Galley and KR Press for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Once again, this talented author gives us a story that engages us from the first page to the last . Whether you are new to her stories, or a long time fan like myself you will not be disappointed with the latest story in the Verona Bay series.
Autumn Perez is the local art teacher, a talented woman whose childhood was heartbreaking and when she was about to start her career as a photographer ended up being at the wrong place at the wrong time and ending in the WITSEC program.
Ten years later, she has come to love her town and is fascinated by her neighbor, the local Sheriff.
Lincoln Jordan has been attracted to Autumn and has been bidding his time . A one night stand was not enough . He wants more , but Autumn’s secret past, keeps her away from romance. That is , until her past catches up with her, and her night with Lincoln resulted in an unexpected surprise.
What happens when her past puts her and others in danger? Will Autumn ever be free to have a full life?
I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us in the next story.
In the meantime, we got a chance to visit characters of the previous book and see how they were doing.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This is the second book in this series can be read as a stand alone. Well written storyline loved the characters Autumn has a tough time trying to keep Lincoln at arms length but as things progress and her life and past come back he will have to step up and help her so she doesn’t have to relocate again with the witness protection. I found it to be a quick read kept me reading until the end look forward to another .
Autumn Perez was twenty-two when she witnessed a brutal murder and went into witness protection. A decade later, she is living in Verona Bay teaching art at the local high school. Her quiet life quickly changes when a harrowing event puts her in danger. She is determined to stay in Verona bay, especially considering she is pregnant with her sexy next door neighbors baby.
Autumn and Lincoln’s story was very good. I really like next door neighbor romances and this one was great. Autumn is a kind and artistic person but she is terrified of forming a relationship with Lincoln since she is in WITSEC. She eventually realizes this might be her one chance at happiness and agrees to a relationship. I liked Autumn. She was smart, kind, and wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself when necessary.
Lincoln is local Sheriff. He was protective but not overbearing. I loved how he took care of Autumn and papered her all the time. He really was a great hero and a great partner. Autumn and Lincoln’s relationship started backwards with a baby first but I still can imagine these two having a HEA.
While this was a romantic suspense book it wasn’t as suspenseful as I thought it would be. There are very minor suspense points until the end when the bad guy is caught. I still enjoyed this story a lot though and look forward to book 3, which I assume is going to be Mac and Adeline’s.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
I just love books that are set in a small town setting. The more the characters to get to know and loves always seem to bring me into their lives more. That’s one of the perks of the Verona Bay series.
Lincoln is also a huge reason why I enjoyed Deadly Past. He’s the town’s sheriff and has had a thing for his neighbor ever since she moved in. As we get to know Lincoln, he proves to be a true gentleman who is also very protective. He hinted at being a pretty possessive guy but unfortunately we don’t get to see that side of him, only because he was holding back due to Autumn.
Autumn has had some pretty crazy and scary experiences in her life that has shaped her into being a cautious heroine. This is the big reason Lincoln had to tread a bit lightly around her. While I would have loved to see him more Alpha in this, it was a big reason we got to see how much of a gentleman he was. I’m just as drawn to that characteristic that seems to be rare in books these days.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. As Lincoln courts Autumn, we have her past catching up to her and a few mysterious things that creep in that keeps us on our feet. We’ve already got hints for the next couple in the book and I’m very curious about a few of those hints left behind.