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.

Wow, this book is amazing! I love that there is so much going on with the story between Vivian trying to figure out who killed her boss and then being placed in the crosshairs of The Watcher. I had a hard time putting this story down and getting things done! It's the perfect mystery to pick up and enjoy on a day or weekend when you have plenty of time to sit and read. I don't want to give anything away, but I felt so bad for a lot of the people who were in The Watchers clutches, since I just wanted to encourage them to come clean rather than allow themselves to be manipulated. Especially one character in particular. With having kids of my own, I want to let them know that there is no reputation worth selling yourself out for and that they are always loved despite a poor choice. But, I digress.
Pick up this book, if you like mysteries. You won't be disappointed!
I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Natalie Walters may be a relatively new voice to the Christian suspense market, but she's already proving that she's an author to look out for. Deadly Deceit is a nail biter that will have readers on the edge of their seats as they try and put together the complex mystery unfolding within its pages.

The reader was introduced to both main characters (Vivian DeMarco and Deputy Ryan Frost) in the first book in the Harbored Secrets series, Living Lies. In this particular title, Vivian has come back to Walton after losing her prestigious journalism position at a well respected newspaper. Kind hearted Harold had offered her a position at the local Walton newspaper, and she's decided to take him up on the offer. Most of the job has been pretty low key reporting, but all that changes months later when Harold dies after an allergic reaction as he's working on a new, top secret story. The death of her boss throws her back into the path of Deputy Ryan Frost, and soon the two find out there's more connected to Harold's death than anyone could have originally realized.

A new criminal mastermind has found their way to Walton, and it'll take Vivian and Ryan working together to put a stop to his ingenious ways. The criminal content is both old school and new age cyber bullying, and I actually hadn't put the mystery together by the time the final reveals happen. I remember loving Charlie in the first book in this series, and I felt the same way about Ryan in this one. He's selfless, determined to protect those he cares about, and willing to put his own life on the line in order to do so. I didn't expect to love Vivian's character, especially since at first glance she comes across as a stereotypical journalist. However, I'm happy to say she proved me wrong, and I adored the way her heart starts to soften as she learns to let Ryan and various other citizens of Walton come to mean something to her. Natalie Walters is truly amazing at writing strong female characters who come to learn that everyone's flawed, and no one can make it alone without His never ending grace.

With beautiful writing, a keep you on the edge of your seat mystery, a well developed budding romance, an emphasis on faith and following God's pathways, and an added bonus of fun superhero and other nerdy trivia bits thrown into the mix, Deadly Deceit delivers an amazing story, and is every bit as good as Natalie's first book was.

I've definitely found a new favorite author in the romantic suspense genre, and I will be anxiously awaiting the release of Silent Shadows, the third book in the Harbored Secrets series.

Thanks so much to Revell and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this upcoming title!


I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.

The Watcher is there - watching. Though discovered in small-town Walton, GA, he had a reach across the country as he tried to destroy people’s lives. It would take the coordinated work of Vivian DeMarco, writer for Walton’s local newspaper, and Deputy Ryan Frost, recently returned from a training course offered by the FBI, to gather the clues and piece together the evidence that would point to the man or woman responsible for the blackmail and murder which was becoming all too regular for this Georgian village.

Vivian had to learn forgiveness, a lesson she missed during her youth after discovering her father deserted his family and was a fraud as well. Her friend Lane would remind her --

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The right kind of love isn’t earned, Vivian. I can’t tell you how many years I’ve spent being someone else’s idea of perfect, trying to earn their love and affection only to be reminded—painfully—how imperfect I am. That’s the beauty of godly love. The kind that is forgiving, unwarranted, undeserving, and unconditional. (3314/5101)
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It would not be a lesson easily learned, but one she would need to grapple with if she were to discover real peace.

Written for those who enjoy Christian or romantic suspense, there are lessons that most believers need to hear repeatedly. The book will find a welcome spot in the public or church library. It might also find a welcoming spot under someone’s Christmas tree. The plot might make a great story for a Lifetime movie, though it would be a bit dark for a Hallmark feature.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

“All creativity left Vivian DeMarco in the face of small-town news.” - Opening line of Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters

The second in Natalie Walter’s Harbored Secrets’ series, Deadly Deceit focuses on Vivian DeMarco and Ryan Frost’s stories. We met them in the first story, Living Lies, and all the delightful townspeople return to this one as well.

With a dramatic opening, our leading lady, Vivian, finds her boss and friend, Harold, dying in his home with a story on his lips. Ryan is the deputy investigating and the two soon realise together they’ll achieve more. Using her investigative journalist skills, Vivian soon believes there is more to Harold’s death and when she is attacked at the office, Ryan begins to agree.

As in the first book, the mystery is complex and surprising. In addition to this, the characters are interesting and realistic. I love the way Natalie captures the trust issues both Ryan and Vivian struggle with and how they reconcile those issues with their faith in God,

“Trust [God] to do his job and care for them so you can do your job.” - From Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters

The relationship between Ryan and Vivian is the heart of the story and it’s a lovely journey to go on with them. It’s full of humour and sass! I’d taken to these two in the previous book so it’s great to spend time with them centre stage.

“Vivian had let him in. Trusted him. And he let her down. She didn’t need him to apologize. She needed him to show her that he would be there for her. No matter what. She needed him to fight for her and make her believe she was enough.” - From Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters

As I turned the last page, I saw the start of the next one in the series. I loved the first two and can’t wait for the next one! If you love suspense romance, don’t miss this great adventure! It’s five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale, I highly recommend it!

Deadly Deceit is a great addition to the Harbored Secrets series. We are back in small town Walton, Georgia where journalist Vivian DeMarco has been given a job with the local newspaper, The Gazette, by owner Harrold Kennedy after she lost her job with a larger paper. Harrold has been like a father to her, something that she has missed out on most of her life. So when Harrold is murdered she is devastated. Determined to find out who is responsible for his death and to fulfill a last request from him to find out the story about someone named Lauren, she sets out to investigate. Deputy Ryan Frost is drawn to Vivian and finally is able to get her to work with him and the Sheriff's office. What they find out is a complicated plot from someone to harm many people's lives and the culprit is impossible to find. Ryan has been trained by the FBI and is being sought by different agencies. He is able to call on the FBI for help but even they are having problems finding the person responsible.
With lots of danger and action, this is a real page turner full of suspense and mystery. I highly recommend this story.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Natalie Walters is my go to author for romantic suspense. I am loving her Harbored Secrets series. Deadly Deceit is the second installment. I love the small town southern vibes, and the fascinating characters. Her hero in this book is the perfect blend of swoony and nerdy. Plus, there are lots of Marvel references. The mystery was great as well. Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley for the purpose of review.

Vivian DeMarco planned to stay in Walton long enough to transition to a job at a large newspaper. Her goal of keeping people at a distance begins to unravel when a series of crimes with strange circumstances occur. As she works with Deputy Ryan Frost, she begins to see her original plans are not going to work.

Though romance is a strong component of the plot, there are other elements to that can appeal to a wider audience. The crimes and following investigations create suspense that will keep you wanting to read more. Each chapter ends with enough of a cliffhanger that you don’t want to wait to see what will happen next. Natalie Walters adds in several twists to keep you from being certain of the culprit at first.

As the two main characters work together, and realize how they feel about one another, they also have to deal with their pasts. The message that we all have value, especially to God, is woven into the story. Deadly Deceits is an entertaining book that gives you something to think about.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Deadly Deceit combines romance with solid investigation as a detective and a reporter work together to uncover the work of a deadly blackmailer.

Vivian found a second chance in Walton. Fired from her last position for refusing to release harming details in her article, the kind-hearted Harold offered her a position at his newspaper. But when Harold dies with his last words to Vivian to find the details on a big story, she knows she must uncover what he was talking about. Ryan Frost has returned from training at Quantico and resumed a position as Deputy on Walton’s force. He has offers from the CIA and FBI but he doesn’t want to leave his family, like his father once did. When Ryan responds to the death of Harold, he and Vivian cross paths. She isn’t the dogged reporter he remembers and he isn’t the scrawny police officer she recalls from their past run ins. But, if Ryan wants to keep Vivian safe, he will have to work with her.

Deadly Deceit is the second book in the Harbored Secrets series by Natalie Walters. While the setting and characters from the first book have carried over into this second instalment, the main characters and plot are complete and so the two books can be read as standalone titles.

I rather enjoyed Ryan and Vivian’s romance. While they might have annoyed each other in the past, now they can’t help but share a mutual admiration, especially for the changes each can see in the other. They are also both huge geeks, and I loved the superhero and Star Wars trivia and references scattered throughout the book. And despite a few hiccups and arguments, they work well together.

The death of Harold and his last words lead Vivian and Ryan to uncover a whole network of deceit, blackmail, murder and crime. There are misdirections, false leads and multiple suspects to keep readers guessing.

I enjoyed reading Deadly Deceit and look forward to the release of the third book int the series, which I’m really hoping will feature Vivian’s dramatic and loveable best friend Pecca.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

'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.

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.

“All it takes is a whisper to ignite a flame.”

With heart-pounding suspense and intense action, author Natalie Walters is sure to delight readers in Deadly Deceit, the second installment of her Harbored Secrets series. After the death of her boss, journalist Vivian DeMarco’s determination to find justice places her in close contact with Deputy Ryan Frost. Soon many people’s lives and reputations are in danger as The Watcher searches for his next victim, leaving behind a trail of destruction in his wake.

This is an incredible story of family, forgiveness, redemption, and love. Readers will fall in love with the handsome Deputy Ryan Frost, who has taken on the role of protector for his mother and sister and now bears a resemblance to a muscular version of Prince Harry. Since readers were last acquainted with Deputy Frost in Living Lies (book #1 in the series), he has spent the last nine months training in Quantico with the Advanced Tactical Response Task Force. When reading Living Lies, the secondary characters of Ryan and Vivian did not deeply capture my interest. However, in Deadly Deceit, I absolutely love Ryan’s and Vivian’s character transformations and their intense chemistry. Natalie Walters definitely knocks it out of the ballpark with this novel.

Deadly Deceit is highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense, and readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Irene Hannon. After reading the sneak peek of Silent Shadows, the conclusion to the Harbored Secrets series, which is included at the end of this novel, I can’t wait to read book #3 of this series. March 2020 can’t come soon enough!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Another fantastic book from Walters! This one was full of intrigue, suspense, and romance.

The crimes in this book were especially interesting because they were kind of a mix of old school and cyber crime. The plot kept me interested the whole time and I wasn't able to figure out the bad guy.

I did get a little bigger down by some of the Capitan America and Star Wars references, but that is good news for fans if those. They will probably love those references.

DeMarco is pretty much your stereotypical journalist and will do anything for her story. But I really loved Frost. I may not be a Capitan America fan, but I got the gist of the references to mean he was hero material. I Ioved his protective side and also loved his level of cyber intelligence.

Walters is a fresh new voice in Christian Fiction. Her stories so far have been unique and engaging. I'm looking forward to her third!

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

The second in the Harbored Secrets series proves be as suspenseful as the first book. This new author has found her niche in mystery and suspense. The characters are relatable and likeable. I love the small town atmosphere and closeness. The bad guy is not obvious which is always a plus. Looking forward to next in the series. This can be read as a stand alone but readers would enjoy Silent Shadows. Highly recommended!

Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walter is a romantic suspense that will keep you attention.
Natalie was able to create a jourlaist that I actually liked; that does not happen often. He boss tells her he has a marmalade dropper (I loved that). You will learn what it means in the story. This is what makes her agree to go to his house late at night. When she arrives he is almost unconscious.

There are so many secrets in this story and you try to unravel which ones matter and how are they tied together. Ryan was my favorite character. I enjoyed how they talked about him going away to training as Clark Kent and coming back Superman. They both had a plethora of superhero one liners to add some humor to the book.

Ryan and Natalie eventually work together to try to figure out who is causing such havoc. The ending was a little too predictable but not the culprit.

Quirky characters & surprising plot twists create a very fine story that is as unusual as it is entertaining. The secondary characters were well placed and added depth and enjoyment to the story.

Sexual content – kissing
Violence – deaths, blackmail, kidnapping

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.