Some book reviews are a challenge to write. Like this one. Because the book was so good it’s hard to do it justice in a few hundred words. That’s why I’m adding a new author to my favorite author list: Natalie Walters. Deadly Deceit is the second book in her Harbored Secrets series and only her second published novel. I loved her debut, Living Lies, but Deadly Secrets is even better.

Vivian DeMarco is a journalist we met in Living Lies. Her choices in the first book land her as a reporter for the small town if Walton, Georgia in Deadly Deceit. When her new boss dies in her arms with a story in his lips, Vivian is determined to finish what he started.

Deputy Ryan Frost was a favorite side character in Living Lies, but a few months of FBI training has transformed him into a guy of both brain and brawn. I couldn’t wait to read his story and it didn’t disappoint. But will Ryan’s past ruin his chances at a happy future?

It’s hard to pick what I loved most about this story, but it might be the pace. It had heart-stopping parts, but overall, it simply sucked me in like a patch of quicksand. The characters were great, too. I’ve liked Ryan’s character from when he was first introduced. Reading Living Lies first would better inform the backstory of both Vivian and Ryan, but is not necessary to enjoy Deadly Deceit.

As I mentioned before, I liked Living Lies. So when the opportunity came to help promote Deadly Deceit, I jumped at the chance. Yes, it meant I got a free book, but I was so looking forward to this Harbored Secrets sequel, I would have found myself a copy to read no matter what. I highly recommend you snag yourself a copy, too. It was so good!

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I received this book free from the publisher in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”