Tells the story of 1 womens love for a man that turns into a nightmare and how she beats it. I did not see that ending coming. Great read, beware not for the faint hearted.

A new to me author and as usual, I had no idea what to expect and what I would find with this title.
I read a lot of dark romance books so I have no triggers whatsoever. This story touches a lot of hard topics but I think it deals decently with them at all times.
The interaction between the main characters was great and the chemistry was intense at all times. Conflicted feelings from her part are very understandable given the situation but he shows her that there’s more to life than what she’s living now.
Great story overall.

I always love finding new author's, and this was no different! For a first book, it pulled me into the story from the start and left me wanting to read more! This book does have a lot of triggers-so be warned before you start it! It deals with some dark things! Jenna is the victim of domestic violence and is trying to get herself out of that situation, but everything is escalating and spiraling out of her control. Damian owns a gym that teaches self defense and boxing and such. And he wants to help Jenna get Colton out of her life for good. But the more time they spend together, the more they start to feel for each other. Which causes Colton to escalate even further than he already has.

My emotions were all over the place with this book. And it is definitely one of the reason why i liked it so much. When an author can get you to feel so much just from reading a story, especially a new author, then they have done something right! There were little things about Jenna that I didn't like, but I really feel like that was a me issue and not anything with the story itself. Their story plays out in a way that I didn't really expect but was perfect for the story. And then you throw in her brother and best friend? Definitely a great read and I will be reading more by this author when they come out!

Deadly illusions by Kathy Lockheart.
Secrets and the City Book 1.
Jenna was determined to leave her dark past behind her and build the life she’d always wanted, but just when she thought all her dreams were finally coming true, a shocking incident shattered her fairy-tale life, and now she’s hiding a terrible secret—a secret that could cost her everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read In one sitting. I loved Jenna and Damian. Can't wait for next book. 5*.

Omg... what did I just read! Deadly Illusion has joined the list of my favorite books this year. It was so freaking good I couldn’t put it down. I was completely engrossed. It has everything I look for in a romantic suspense. One thing I didn't expect was to cry… but I did.

A little dark and dangerous, but an interesting beginning to this series. Jenna Christiansen moved to Chicago and away from her hometown and parents as soon as she could. The loss of her sister, when Jenna was a toddler, negatively and permanently changed the dynamics of her home life. Her brother had joined her in Chicago, but might be moving to New York. Meeting Colton was a turning point in her life as she felt the first stirrings of love. When his darker side is revealed, she agrees to give him a second chance, but at what risk? When she injures her ankle at Sticks and Stones gym, she meets the owner Damian Stone. Damian is an MMA fighter and becomes aware that there is a concern with her relationship with Colter. When her brother is attacked and hospitalized, Damien is there to comfort her. Can these two wounded souls find a way to overcome their pasts as he vows to protect her from the ongoing threat? Warning: If you would rather not read a book that contains acts of domestic violence, then this may not be the book for you. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

5 Stars for this suspenseful romance!

WOW ,,, what a great debut for this author! In the first half, the author sets up the characters and story to perfection. In the last half, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the next twist or turn. I normally can guess what is going happen ... but not in this case. My jaw hit the floor seceral imes. I just wanted Jenna to run from Colton, but I know how hard that can be when you love the person and believe that they can change. The whole book is from Jenna's POV and it would have been nice to have the odd chapter from Colton and Damien to get their POV and see what was running around in their heads. This story broke my heart and the ending ,.. well let's just say I didn't expect that ... at all!

Jenna wanted her fairy tale romance and when she met Colton, she was positive she was going to have it. That is until Colton's jealousy morphs him into someone she doesn't recognize. She knows it's not right, but she feels sorry for Colton and takes him back ... believing him when he says it will never happen again. But it doesn't take long for his dark side to come out again, only this time Jenna lands up in the hospital. She realizes that he isn't going to change so she breaks up with him ... and that's when Jenna become terrified for her life.

Damien saw the bruises Jenna tried to cover up and all he wanted to do was protect her. He's a MMA fighter and everyone thought he was dangerous and that Jenna should stay away from him. All Damien wanted to do was protect her ... from the real abuser.

I received an early copy courtesy of Rosewood Literary Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

I received an arc through NetGalley. This book was a really amazing suspenseful read that deals with very important topics. it was hard to read at times but an amazing read all the same . I loved Jenna and Damian. I can’t wait to read more books from this author

This book had me on the edge of my seat for the entire read -- I read the blurb on NetGalley and immediately requested a copy because it sounded so interesting. Interesting is an understatement for this book - heart-pounding, nail-biting, blow-your-mind suspense is more like it! Wow, this is a very well written debut novel. I'm surprised this is Ms. Lockheart's debut because it reads like it was written by a well-seasoned writer. Let me say that this book may have some triggers for some readers so beware. The mystery, the intrigue, the twists and turns makes for an excellent romantic suspense novel, while also being quite enlightening and informative. This was an intensely emotional read for me as well - the tragedy and heartbreak brought me to tears. If you choose to take a chance on it, I suggest you buckle up and have some tissues ready, but in my honest opinion, it is well worth the time and emotional fortitude to read this novel. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is a book that will stick with you. Complex characters that you become completely invested in. This story deals with real life issues and it is so well written. And while a lot is difficult, it's also has a beautiful love story. An excellent read.

Trigger warnings concerning: toxic and abusive relationships, domestic abuse, addictions, violence and death.
"It's heartbreaking how long a human will hold on to hope, even as evidence mounts against it, even as months turn into years"
"This was so confusing. I thought it would feel black and white, but this was nothing but gray"
This book got me into a major spiral of sadness and awakening about issues a lot of people use to deal with but find really hard to admit, both to themselves and to the world.
I grew fond of these characters who were there facing their own war while clinging to the people they love for support, actually finding out that some of them are their worst enemies.
Appearances are not always what they seem and it's useless to try and save someone who is beyond our reach.
Despite all this though I felt like I could relate to our main character in more ways than one and while it made it more painful to get through this book, it also made me aware of how many things need to change in this world to make it better.
Our past shapes us but it doesn't define who we are or who we will be. I think this is probably one of the most powerful messages this author could give. As well as the idea that we cannot fight. a war that it's lost from the beginning. Especially if it involves dedicating our existence to correct other's mistakes and accept blindly other's wrong gestures.
Sometimes love itself is not enough despite how much power we give it.
"True love should be able to overcome anything"
"And a life without the magic of true love seemed a depressing shell of an existence"
"I don't want to become the person I've spent my whole life fighting"
But at the end of the day, despite feeling like they're the only one to blame, it's hard for the victims to believe that they deserve happiness. That they actually weren't asking for what happened to them. They didn't ask to believe an abuser and their story.
At the end of the day , they need to know that IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT.

Wow this book brought all the goods out… suspense, love, terror, angst, heartbreak, and love. Very emotional and an awesome book.

Totally unexpected, wickedly engrossing and emotionally draining, this love story has so many twists and turns you will need a moment in a dark room when you finish it.

So many stories including stories of abuse start from a point when it’s come to a head and then the hero can come in and save the day. This story has two love stories, and only one has the real happy ever after.

One a traditional boy meets girl scenario, the other a stealth meeting that turns into a rescue and love story along the way.

I loved how all the characters, even the side characters developed over the storyline, how the story reflected the impact of these relationships shatter friendships and drive lies and unconscious estrangements. The internal monologue whilst trying to choose what to do and eventually making the stay/go decision was well written.

As much as I feel I’ve gone through the wringer with this book, I’d read it again and adored both main characters.

This arc was provided in exchange for my honest opinion

This book is one that I could not put down. Kathy Lockheart is new to me, but I will definitely be searching for more of her titles. I don't want to give away the plot, so let me just say lots of people find themselves trapped by life choices. You'll have to read "Deadly Illusion" to find out how this turns out.

This is my first experience with this author. While I applaud her writing about an important topic, I found the dialogue to be childish at times. The story went on longer than it had to and the finale was rushed. While I disagreed with the fate of one of her characters, how her other characters reacted made no sense to me. The story was an important one to tell, but came up short in my opinion.