This is a fine Christian mystery, and a much better one in my opinion than the previous installment in the series! The idea is intriguing and the characters are so, too. I mean, the mysterious Watcher who is stalking, harassing and blackmailing the victims? I was sold. And the execution is good for the most parts - towards the end the story has lost its steam and the psychology of the perpetrator should be more complex in my opinion - but overall the story is good. The message of forgiveness and letting go is well-played, too (and I am a fan of Russell from now on!)

Unfortunately I was not a huge fan of this novel. 3 out of 5 stars. I felt it was a bit disjointed on the subjects and I didn’t feel a lot of character connections. I felt there were too many subjects the author was trying to put together that didn’t work. And the main “bad guy” played a very little role as the watcher. The premise under why he was doing what he was doing everything he was doing was poorly thought out.

While it was a somewhat enjoyable read it did take me a while to get through.

Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is book 2 in the Harbored Secrets series. I read this author's debut novel, the first book in this series entitled Living Lies and I was really interested in seeing the how the next book in the series would progress. That being said, this novel can be read without reading the previous book first. Vivian and Ryan— I love this duo. I think her past and the problems she quickly finds herself in are both really interesting. The suspense and danger never stop throughout the novel, so the first plot flows well and you just can’t put this book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone loves romantic suspense. It is one of the best that I’ve read this year. In my opinion, this second book in the series is my favorite so far. I received a copy of this book from the publisher Revell with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

In the last couple years I have become a big fan of christian suspense books and I'm always thrilled to come across an Author that I like in that genre. Natalie Walters has just made my list!

Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is the second book in the Harbored Secrets series. It makes a great stand alone book, but I think it is more enjoyable to have read the first book in the series. You'll have a deeper connection with the characters and feel more invested in the story.

Vivian DeMarco is a journalist and when her boss Harold calls and wants to meet with her to give her the details of a big story she heads to see him, but when Harold dies unexpectedly the only thing Vivian has is the name he gave her in his dying words. She knows that she needs to figure out what he was trying to tell her.

Ryan Frost has returned to the town of Walton after training in Quantico, he now works as a deputy. He responds to the death of Harold where he reconnects with Vivi. They begin to work together, but the more they uncover the more they see that there is a whole lot more going on than meets the eye...deceit, blackmail, murder.. He is determined to protect Vivi no matter the cost.

What a fun romance between Ryan and Vivi. Their playful banter and connection was so enjoyable. The thing I loved most though is the mystery. I love a story that keeps me guessing and this one did just that. Every time I thought I had it figured out, there would be a new twist that left me guessing.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Deadly Deceit was a suspenseful read. I was pulled into the story nearly right away and some of the things that happened were crazy! The Watcher was a creepy villain and I found myself trying to figure out who he/she was throughout the book.

The main characters were nice. I liked how Vivian and Ryan's relationship developed...it felt authentic and I loved their banter. ;) The ending was really good and left me anticipating the next book.

All in all, this was a great read and I recommend it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Outstanding hard to put down mystery that was so wonderful and kept you on the edge of your seat! Highly recommend.

This is book two in the Harbored Secrets series, even though it is a stand alone book I wondered if I missed history of some of the characters by not reading book one, Living Lies. If book one is as well written and entertaining as book two I also missed a great read. I guess I'll have to go back and read it.
This is my first book by this author but will not be my last. It is full of mystery, Suspense, surprises, Romance and so much more. I enjoyed getting to know the small town of Walton, GA.
Vivian and Ryan have fun personalities and some issues to overcome. I loved the sparks between them and all the superhero puns in this novel. I look forward to reading book three.

In the sequel to "Living Lies", we learn more about reporter Vivian DeMarco - reviled in book one, but with some redemption and understanding to be found in book two.

Vivian is back in Walton with a specific plan in mind. She has changed her ways and is determined to see her goals through. She will not get attached to anyone or any place, so don't even try....but when her boss Harold dies under suspicious circumstances, she can't ignore the possibility of foul play. Vivi is determined to find out what happened, no matter the cost.

Deputy Ryan Frost has recently returned from training at Quantico, and is being pursued by the big agencies. He's pretty sure he is going to stay a hometown boy, though - because who else will take care of his mother and sister? But between possible foul play in Harold's death, blackmail, and the intriguing reporter, his life in small town Walton has grown exponentially more exciting.

Ryan and Vivian soon find out that there is far more behind the scenes than they could imagine. Just who is The Watcher? Who is he blackmailing, and why? When the villain strikes far too close to home, Ryan and Vivian must work together to solve the mystery.

With plenty of twists and turns and some surprising answers, the author's sophomore effort does not disappoint. I am looking forward to the third book in the series!

I receive a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

I was unable to download this book to my kindle. I tried but couldn't get it to work. This would have been the first I've read by this author. The cover was intriguing and the premise interesting. But again I was unable to download this book to my kindle.

This story had me from the first few pages and I knew this would be a great book. Vivian is a journalist who receives a call from her boss to meet him. You could feel the uneasiness in Vivian who thought it was odd he wanted to meet her. When she gets to her destination she finds her boss dead. What did he want to tell her? Her instincts kick in as she starts to dig into his death.

Ryan is a detective who is serious about his job. When he teams up with Vivian the intrigue heightens. I liked how the author showed how two characters work together as they slowly develop feelings for each other. It was nice to have the focus on the mystery more than the romance.

The author doesn’t disappoint suspense readers as the investigation finds Vivian and Ryan in danger. The twists in the story are unexpected which makes for an exciting read. I have found a new to me author who can write intriguing stories that are clean, adventurous and filled with wonderful characters.

I received a copy of this book from the Librarything Early Readers Program. The review is my own opinion.

Plenty of fast-paced action in this one! I love this small town and how it deals with kicking out crime. I really loved Living Lies and knew I needed a copy of this one, because I really enjoyed the writing in the first.

This crime kept me glued to the pages as the Watcher’s misdeeds seemed to have tumor-tentacles in almost everything. I really enjoyed Ryan and Vivian as characters and liked the way they worked together on the case as a policeman and a reporter.

There wasn’t as much Christian content as the previous book, which didn’t necessarily bother me but I’d have preferred to be left with a stronger idea of what Vivian’s faith means to her.

I really loved Pecca as a side character and can’t wait to read her story in a few months. The teaser in the back with her first chapter was almost cruel because it made me want the book so badly!

I’d say 18+ because of the stalker aspect of the crime and the drugs/sex involved in the crime (pretty low key overall)

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

“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.”

When her newspaper editor and boss dies suspiciously, Vivian DiMarco searches for the truth. He was like a father to her and now she has to solve the mystery surrounding his death. As she searches for answers in this small-town community she starts to realize she is more than who she used to be. Her desire for the truth isn’t about a headline it’s about saving a small town from criminal intent and finding a killer. A truly refreshing crime and mystery novel with characters you can’t help but love.

Meanwhile, recently returned Quantico graduate, Deputy Ryan Frost realizes the danger that Vivian is in and tries to solve the crime while keeping her alive. As the sparks fly between them, their romance blooms with a lot of fun references to superheroes. Their interactions kept me engaged from start to finish from witty to funny, while dealing with serious issues. I loved the Captain America references and who he sees her as was just really cool by the end. Walters takes a very serious subject and adds just enough romance and humor to make it a wonderfully, balanced read.

This is a story based in reality of what the FBI, CIA and local police departements are battling against. There are some hard areas addressed that might be difficult for younger readers. However, the story is gripping with masterfully woven suspense. High praise to Natalie Walters… She hit the story out of the park. I believe this is the best story she has written and I’m looking forward to more from her. I love how she took a reporter without a great reputation, went into her struggles, and brought out a beautiful woman growing and changing into a better person. When you can take a hardened reporter nobody liked and turn her into someone you hope for her happy ending, that is fantastic writing. As she starts letting her guard down, she learns “Forgiving someone is not saying what they did to you is okay. Forgiving is saying you will no longer allow what they did to you to control your life.” I also loved the change in Ryan from a geeky, kind of quiet guy to a strong, confident character that everyone, including the FBI wants to hire. Taking side characters and turning them into a crime fighting duo really paid off in this rollercoaster of a read. If you love suspense, romance and superhero references, you’ll love Deadly Deceit.

I was graciously given an advanced copy by the publisher Revell through NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Vivian is just trying to work her way back to a big city paper. Then she finds her boss struggling to breath. As he dies he whispers a word to her. That sets her on a collission course with Deputy Ryan Frost. He just wants to unravel the threads of the mystery to find the truth. In the process he finds himself spending more and more time wiht Vivian. A page turning romance that was a really good read. I enjoyed every page.

This second novel in the Harbored Secrets series seals the deal. Walters is a writer with a gift, and one you should add to your “must read” list.

Vivian, a reporter with one goal, and Ryan, a nerdy small-town deputy are our dream team couple of this novel. Walters bring a banter to this relationship that in unparalleled. It’s hard to create a playful relationship, but she does it with ease.
Walters is a breath of fresh air in a genre I didn’t know needed it. I love all things romantic suspense, but Walters writing reminds me of why! She.Is.So.Good.

The crimes and suspense of this story were so unique and kept me guessing until the very end. Blackmail, murder, and cover-ups, this story has it all! I loved that two unlikely characters cross in this charming small town. As you get to know each of them, I knew there would be a happy ending (because hello, we just know!), but I didn’t see how it was going to work out until the end. I loved that Walters was even able to write a believable (and non-trivial) relationship strain that provided it’s own line of suspense.

I can’t wait to go back to Walton, Georgia in Silent Shadows.
I was given an early copy of this manuscript through NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions expressed 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.

Deadly Deceit is the second book in Natalie Walters' series Harbored Secrets. Walters is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books are suspenseful but not gory; light on Christianity and romance. The reader does not have to read book 1. It is good as a stand alone novel.

Someone called The Watcher is blackmailing people for money or favors in exchange for not revealing their deepest secrets. When Vivian DeMarco finds her boss has been killed, she is drawn into a complex plot of intrigue and danger.

Any fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, or Terri Blackstock will enjoy Deadly Deceit.

I must admit that the first book in Natalie Walters' Harbored Secrets series- Living Lies has been sitting in my to read pile pretty much since it's release... but unfortunately I hadn't gotten around to reading it quite just yet. After reading Deadly Deceit, it has certainly moved it's way up to the top of the pile! If you haven't read that one, I would highly suggest going back and starting with it first. You won't be lost if you don't... but this book was so fantastic, that I'm certain you'll want to read the entire series. While there are no major spoilers that would keep you from enjoying the stories out of order, there are several references made to book one that I imagine will mean more if you've read them in the proper order.

From what I have gathered, our lead characters in Deadly Deceit- Vivian and Ryan- are first introduced in book one. It references this initial meeting and impression, but it is in this story that we really get to know them better and more important get to see their romance take off. I loved the romance aspect of this story, and found the banter between the two was very well written and enjoyable to read. They were both a little bit nerdy with references to superheroes and Star Wars thrown in throughout. This to me really set these characters apart from those we typically read about in romance novels. Their relationship was believable and I enjoyed their chemistry.

If romance isn't your thing... well, I'll be honest this truly does fall into the romantic suspense category with the perfect blend of both... but there is still plenty of action and suspense to keep you invested in the story! From the very beginning, I was drawn into the suspense. In many ways the idea of this villain- The Watcher- who has discovered people's secrets and used it to his advantage- reminded me of another Christian thriller novel that came out earlier this year--- The String. But that's about where the similarities end! I feel like that one was a much darker read, and this one to me was just much more enjoyable. I loved that we were introduced to such a wide variety of characters and victims, keeping me guessing who the bad guy could possibly be. It took quite some time to figure out the who, and ever after that it took longer to put all the pieces together. Woven in with the romance and the suspense, there were also some really great messages about truth and abandonment...and the effects of both. It was a beautifully written story, and one that I would certainly recommend. I cannot wait to read more in this series!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

I love Natalie Walter's Writing. I just do. She is one of my must reads. It took me several chapters to really get into this book, partly because I couldn't remember what had happened in the first book in the series! But once I did, I could not put it down and read it in a day and a half. I love that she didn't make us wait the entire book for the characters to fall in love and get together. I love how she can write real romance, but in a tasteful way. Christian Women and girls need to see clean, and wholesome romance, and Ms. Walters does an excellent job of pulling your heartstrings, but keeping it very appropriate. Love her!

Vivian DeMarco is working for a newspaper in Georgia. She is weary of the stories she's writing and misses the past pace and action stories of her previous job. One evening, her boss, Harold calls her and insists she come to his home. Now. He said he has a 'marmalade' story, which means BIG. Upon arriving at his home, Vivian finds him struggling to breathe in an allergy attack. She quickly locates his Epi-pen and administers it while calling 9-1-1. Unfortunately, Harold didn't make it. And, he was unable to tell her what his big story was, only able to give her a name.
Later, it becomes apparent that Harold's death was no accident when peanut oil was found on his hands and the door handle to his car. Why would anyone want to harm Harold?
Vivian, along with detective Ryan Frost, try to uncover who is behind the crime.
Also, there is someone who calls him/herself The Watcher and is sending threatening/incriminating videos to individuals and then blackmailing them for money to keep the videos quiet. Who is The Watcher and how does he choose his victims? Do they all have something in common?
The action was fast paced and it was nice to see how Vivian and Ryan deal with their mutual attraction to each other while trying to solve the mysteries.
I was given a copy of this to read by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Persistent journalist Vivian DeMarco finds herself in small town Walton, Georgia and she has one thing on her mind—getting out of town fast. That plan is thwarted when she finds her boss dead under suspicious circumstances and she’s thrust into a twisted mystery. All she has to do is stay alive.

Deputy Ryan Frost is tasked with finding out the truth around the murder, but when false facts lead to more questions, he’s baffled not only by the case but by his growing feelings for Vivian.

The closer Vivian and Ryan get to solving the mystery, the more danger they uncover. They fight not only the suspect but their feelings for each other. Will they figure it out before it’s too late?

Natalie Walters does it again! Another amazing story with Deadly Deceit. I was captured from the first page and surprised by all the twists along the way. This writer knows how to tell a tale!

The tension and conflict in this story were well placed. Just when you think they were safe, something else happens. This puts the reader right into the story, holding their breath. The author’s use of sensory is done effectively. It brings the words on the page to life.

The characters jumped out at me and I cheered Ryan and Vivian on as they raced to solve the puzzle. The secondary characters were well-rounded and served the purpose of the plot nicely.

I give Deadly Deceit five stars. The story will grab the reader from page one and stay long after the last page.