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Deception #1
Taken
Kayla Sheridan had longed for love, marriage and a family. Now, after a miraculous whirlwind courtship with the man of her dreams, she is his wife. But on their wedding night, he vanishes, leaving Kayla with the bitter realization that her desire has made her an easy mark for deception.
Nick Granville has an ingrained sense of honor and an intense desire to succeed in building the world’s most challenging high-tech bridges. But when he crosses paths with a ruthless con man, he’s robbed of everything he values, including his identity. With nothing left to lose, he’ll risk any danger to clear his name and reclaim his life.
Thrown together by fate, Kayla and Nick embark on a desperate journey toward the truth — to uncover the mysterious motives of an ingenious and seductive stranger who boasts he can’t be caught … and to reveal the shocking secrets of their own shattered pasts.
Nick Granville has an ingrained sense of honor and an intense desire to succeed in building the world’s most challenging high-tech bridges. But when he crosses paths with a ruthless con man, he’s robbed of everything he values, including his identity. With nothing left to lose, he’ll risk any danger to clear his name and reclaim his life.
Thrown together by fate, Kayla and Nick embark on a desperate journey toward the truth — to uncover the mysterious motives of an ingenious and seductive stranger who boasts he can’t be caught … and to reveal the shocking secrets of their own shattered pasts.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 6, 2006
707 people are currently reading
1011 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
153 books2,692 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
September 19, 2018
I have many mixed feelings about this book. This was my first book written by Barbara Freethy and I will probably also read some of her others.
I really like the plot, I mean the suspense part. It is engaging and complicated with lots of action and twists. It would make a good TV series. I like that the situation changes with every page and that there are so many layers of this story, the mystery to be solved. I also enjoy the idea of Kayla going for her revenge after being coned into loving a man she doesn't know.
Unfortunately, I didn't like the romance part as much. It is too strange and improbable in my opinion. I can understand the reasons Kayla wants to get involve with Nick, after her great failure she needs some reassurance that she is still an attractive woman worth more than just a clock. At least, this is how I see it. But Nick being imminently attracted to her out of nowhere? This is over the top. And they are talking about love knowing each other just a few days and being under the pressure all the time. Well, at least they don't decide to marry soon.
There are also some completely illogical things that were driving me crazy. Like their mobile phones! Sometimes they use them and sometimes they completely forgot about them when they could actually use them to call for help. Like when they are left on the island. And here is another irrational thing.
As I said this probably not my last book by Barbara Freethy, the suspense was highly entertaining.
I really like the plot, I mean the suspense part. It is engaging and complicated with lots of action and twists. It would make a good TV series. I like that the situation changes with every page and that there are so many layers of this story, the mystery to be solved. I also enjoy the idea of Kayla going for her revenge after being coned into loving a man she doesn't know.
Unfortunately, I didn't like the romance part as much. It is too strange and improbable in my opinion. I can understand the reasons Kayla wants to get involve with Nick, after her great failure she needs some reassurance that she is still an attractive woman worth more than just a clock. At least, this is how I see it. But Nick being imminently attracted to her out of nowhere? This is over the top. And they are talking about love knowing each other just a few days and being under the pressure all the time. Well, at least they don't decide to marry soon.
There are also some completely illogical things that were driving me crazy. Like their mobile phones! Sometimes they use them and sometimes they completely forgot about them when they could actually use them to call for help. Like when they are left on the island. And here is another irrational thing.
As I said this probably not my last book by Barbara Freethy, the suspense was highly entertaining.
August 21, 2025
Loved it. Kayla's new husband disappears on their honeymoon. Nick comes back from a job in Africa to find someone has stolen his identity. They work together to uncover the motives of a con man. There is a 2nd book "Played" that continues with FBI agent, J.T.'s story. The book has a good combination of suspense, mystery and, of course, romance.
June 25, 2016
Bu kadar geçe bıraktığım için çok üzgünüm ancak bu kitap bitmemiş devamı varmış..İkinci kitap neden yayınlamadı Bilge Kültür Sanat?
December 19, 2016
I actually want to read more about Evan (the bad guy/con man) and if the author redeems him for a HEA with Jenny. Otherwise, the book and story were ok. 3 stars.
September 29, 2021
Kayla Sheridan is madly in love. After a whirlwind, two-week courtship, she has married Nick Granville. On their wedding night, Nick says he’s going out for ice. He never comes back. Kayla is beside herself trying to find him. After trolling by his apartment for weeks, she finally sees a light on in his apartment, only the man who answers the door and who says that he is Nick Granville, is not the man she married. Thus, Kayla and the real Nick Granville are thrown together and start searching for the man who stole her heart and robbed Nick of thousands of dollars. They discover that the man was Nick’s former college roommate, Evan Chadwick, a hustler, who Nick’s sister, Jenny, had once been in love with. He targeted Kayla because she had something he wanted, an antique pocket watch. Kayla is determined to find out why. Her love for Evan turns to hate pretty quickly. This was a pretty good mystery-thriller that was very well thought out. I enjoyed it so much that I will be looking for the next book in this series, Played.
August 27, 2013
This is my second book by this author and had the same major flaw as the first one I read:
There is a big suspense build-up but the solution falls flat and fails to make complete sense. There is a lot left unexplained. Very annoying to enjoy a book and then in the last 10% be cheated out of a proper solution to the questions that have been raised.
In this story the romance is more prominent and some of it is a bit cheesy. I would have preferred more focus on the suspense.
The writing is easy, a style that appeals to me, although the constant use of clichés -- hearts skipping beats and beginning to race in particular -- can start grating after a while.
It's such a shame that the author has not delivered better on the aspect of fully resolving the mystery, because she does a great job in building up the suspense.
There is a big suspense build-up but the solution falls flat and fails to make complete sense. There is a lot left unexplained. Very annoying to enjoy a book and then in the last 10% be cheated out of a proper solution to the questions that have been raised.
In this story the romance is more prominent and some of it is a bit cheesy. I would have preferred more focus on the suspense.
The writing is easy, a style that appeals to me, although the constant use of clichés -- hearts skipping beats and beginning to race in particular -- can start grating after a while.
It's such a shame that the author has not delivered better on the aspect of fully resolving the mystery, because she does a great job in building up the suspense.
December 16, 2011
The writing and relationship between characters was so cheesy, I couldn't even finish the book. I read half of it and could bear it anymore. It's the first book that I happily deleted from my kindly. I'll definitely not choose a book from this author again.
July 12, 2025
another solid story by this author. a bit of insta love but good mystery and side characters.i enjoyed the give and take with the MFC & MMC. but dang, they missed quite a bit when asking folks questions...
July 7, 2017
A wonderfully written story.
November 18, 2017
I like it. Just like it.
June 24, 2017
The plot seemed very familiar, however the book got off to a good start. The idea of a stolen identity and missing groom were very intriguing. But as the book went on, the villain seemed unbelievable and the hero and heroine's relationship lukewarm.
January 4, 2012
This was a fun and fast read from the beginning. Kayla and Nick had just gotten married. On their wedding night, Nick disappears without a trace. Heartbroken and confused, Kayla goes home. When she stops by Nick's house there is another man there, claiming that he is Nick. The story quickly moves forward with lots of twists and turns. The villain is cunning and always one step ahead of Kayla and the real Nick. It turns out Nick and the villain met in college. There is a lot of mystery in this book, with some romance. It ends with you wanting more and needing to get the second book to find out if the villain is ever caught. I will definitely pick up Played to find out what happens. A very enjoyable read.
April 20, 2015
Writing style feels a bit clunky, though the idea initially was interesting, and kept me reading on.
Half a star removed when I got to the end to find things aren't resolved properly and actually there's a series of these books, the next instalment costing $5. I hate that!!!
I have no problem paying $5 or more for a great stand alone book. What I do object to is all these "freebies" which are really just free to draw you in and get you to buy umpteen books.
Deleting this and any other series I find in my iBooks.
Half a star removed when I got to the end to find things aren't resolved properly and actually there's a series of these books, the next instalment costing $5. I hate that!!!
I have no problem paying $5 or more for a great stand alone book. What I do object to is all these "freebies" which are really just free to draw you in and get you to buy umpteen books.
Deleting this and any other series I find in my iBooks.
August 13, 2010
This books is boring. I forced myself to read it yet did not care at all for the characters. Kayla was a complete imbicile. Nick was boring, just a typical alpha guy. The characters felt fake, forced. Evan was vaguely interesting and unique, because I wasn't sure how he ticked or how far he would go, but other than that, I was falling asleep reading this. Some parts were all right, but mostly, it's nothing special.
January 31, 2021
This is an interesting who-done-it with a story that really got your attention. Kayla Sheridan thought she had found the perfect man. He listened to everything she said and remembered everything she liked to make her happy so she agreed to marry him so quickly that even she as surprised. Nick Granville showered her with his attention so when he went out for ice after they got married and did not returned, Kayla called the police. Great story you will enjoy.
March 22, 2023
new author to me, love her books, stores are very real
August 6, 2012
Just getting into the story, but writing style is simple, lots of clichés and predictability is high. Promises to be a light and amusing read.
July 2, 2013
Very exciting book from a great author. If you like mystery and some love then you'll like this book!!
July 15, 2013
WOW.......
August 11, 2014
Rushed and incomplete ending....totally left me feeling let down and a ploy to get you to read the next book.
October 16, 2018
Not one of her better works. Rushed, too many stories, too many ghosts, a treasure hunt. Too much.
June 12, 2020
I love Barbara Freethy writing, just not this book. I always have a problem when characters don’t seem very bright and keep make dumb decisions repeatedly like these characters.
July 9, 2017
Kayla Sheriden feels as if her whole life has been spent waiting. Waiting for her father to return and then waiting for years for her commitment shy boyfriend to be ready for marriage. Neither of these things happen so Kayla doesn't think twice about marrying a man she has known for three weeks. On their wedding night her husband Nick goes down the hall to get ice and once again, Kayla is left waiting. He doesn't return and she has no idea what has happened but this certainly isn't the worst! She discovers that her husband isn't Nick Granville and he has taken more than her dignity and her late grandfather's prized watch. He has taken the real Nick Granville's identity and stolen more than just his bank account. Suddenly, two people who had no idea that the other even existed are thrown together to find this con man and also figure out why they have become his targets.
Barbara Freethy has written an exciting, action packed story full of questions and just when you think you have an answer, there is a complication and once again, you are left wondering. This is labeled romantic suspense and even though I enjoyed the suspense, I was a little disappointed in the romance. I would have preferred that Nick and Kayla become deeply attracted to each other as they worked to solve the mystery but not to have fallen into immediately becoming intimate and constantly having sex. Yes, I know that many readers enjoy these situations but I prefer to have a relationship build before the characters fall into bed.
This being said, I still would like to learn more about the con man Evan Chadwick who left Kayla on their wedding night and to finally learn who he is working for and what they are really after. I am hoping to have my questions answered in the book Played, the second book in Barbara Freethy's Deception series.
I was given a complementy ebook copy of Taken but I wasn't obligated to post a review.
Barbara Freethy has written an exciting, action packed story full of questions and just when you think you have an answer, there is a complication and once again, you are left wondering. This is labeled romantic suspense and even though I enjoyed the suspense, I was a little disappointed in the romance. I would have preferred that Nick and Kayla become deeply attracted to each other as they worked to solve the mystery but not to have fallen into immediately becoming intimate and constantly having sex. Yes, I know that many readers enjoy these situations but I prefer to have a relationship build before the characters fall into bed.
This being said, I still would like to learn more about the con man Evan Chadwick who left Kayla on their wedding night and to finally learn who he is working for and what they are really after. I am hoping to have my questions answered in the book Played, the second book in Barbara Freethy's Deception series.
I was given a complementy ebook copy of Taken but I wasn't obligated to post a review.
July 21, 2017
Very few authors can manage to cross genres but Barbara Freethy bridges the gap between contemporary romance & romantic suspense quite well. Taken is book 1 in the Deception series. The suspense, the buildup to the drama & the timing are all masterful.
Kayla Sheridan is ready for the fairytale - the courtship, the wedding & the marriage. She was the perfect pawn for Nick Granville. Everything went the way she expected it up to the moment Nick went to get ice & never came back. Was it foul play? Did he disappear on purpose?
Nick Granville came back from spending months out of the country to find that someone has been living in his home & has assumed his identity. When Kayla shows up claiming to be married to Nick, the real Nick realizes his old friend/now adversary Evan is the one behind it. Now they are in a race against Evan & others to figure out what's going on.
From the first page, Barbara Freethy managed to pull me into the story & keep me fully involved. The characters are perfectly described & realistic. The relationships are built slowly with purpose. The interactions between Evan & the others gives the reader insight into his mind & actions. The journey Nick & Kayla went on to each learn to trust the other & open themselves up to the relationship was enthralling. I really enjoy the way the author sets the scenes & using descriptive terminology & narrative to give the settings life & color. This is a great start to the series.
Kayla Sheridan is ready for the fairytale - the courtship, the wedding & the marriage. She was the perfect pawn for Nick Granville. Everything went the way she expected it up to the moment Nick went to get ice & never came back. Was it foul play? Did he disappear on purpose?
Nick Granville came back from spending months out of the country to find that someone has been living in his home & has assumed his identity. When Kayla shows up claiming to be married to Nick, the real Nick realizes his old friend/now adversary Evan is the one behind it. Now they are in a race against Evan & others to figure out what's going on.
From the first page, Barbara Freethy managed to pull me into the story & keep me fully involved. The characters are perfectly described & realistic. The relationships are built slowly with purpose. The interactions between Evan & the others gives the reader insight into his mind & actions. The journey Nick & Kayla went on to each learn to trust the other & open themselves up to the relationship was enthralling. I really enjoy the way the author sets the scenes & using descriptive terminology & narrative to give the settings life & color. This is a great start to the series.
July 29, 2017
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.**
"Taken" is written by Barbara Freethy, and it is the 1st book in her Deception series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. It features Nick Granville and Kayla Sheridan.
One thing that I love about Barbara Freethy's books is that she's able to tell a story that has a good balance of both romance and suspense. Her books keep you on the edge of your seats. "Taken" was no different. It kept you guessing.
Kayla and Nick get married in the beginning. Kayla thinks everything is going well until Nick leaves her on their wedding night. But to her surprise when she goes to his house, the Nick she thought she married isn't him. The real Nick Granville has returned to town. It turns out she was conned by someone Nick knew from his college days, Evan.
This starts the story. Nick and Kayla try to figure out why Evan impersonated him and why Evan was only interested in the watch Kayla gave him, which was a present her grandmother gave to her to give to the guy she loves. "Taken" has so many twists and turns. When you think you figured this story out, you really didn't. All the secondary storylines and secondary characters meshed well with Nick and Kayla's storyline. And while this book is a stand-alone, it's also somewhat of a cliffhanger due to what happens at the end. You want to know what will happen next! Great job by Barbara!
"Taken" is written by Barbara Freethy, and it is the 1st book in her Deception series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. It features Nick Granville and Kayla Sheridan.
One thing that I love about Barbara Freethy's books is that she's able to tell a story that has a good balance of both romance and suspense. Her books keep you on the edge of your seats. "Taken" was no different. It kept you guessing.
Kayla and Nick get married in the beginning. Kayla thinks everything is going well until Nick leaves her on their wedding night. But to her surprise when she goes to his house, the Nick she thought she married isn't him. The real Nick Granville has returned to town. It turns out she was conned by someone Nick knew from his college days, Evan.
This starts the story. Nick and Kayla try to figure out why Evan impersonated him and why Evan was only interested in the watch Kayla gave him, which was a present her grandmother gave to her to give to the guy she loves. "Taken" has so many twists and turns. When you think you figured this story out, you really didn't. All the secondary storylines and secondary characters meshed well with Nick and Kayla's storyline. And while this book is a stand-alone, it's also somewhat of a cliffhanger due to what happens at the end. You want to know what will happen next! Great job by Barbara!
July 10, 2017
Kayla Sheridan had fallen n love with Nick Granville and married him in u see a month. This was not how she would normally act. On her wedding night her husband left to get ice and never returned. Two weeks later after no word and driving by his house every day, she saw a light on in his house. She stopped and knocked on his door and the man that came to the door was not her Nick. Unfortunately for her, he was the true Nick and the other guy had assumed his ID. After Nick saw a picture of the fake Nick, he knew exactly who it was.
This was an exciting and intriguing book that I did not want to it down. There is a big mystery to solve besides finding the evil man that impersonated Nick. Kayla's grandmother is involved in the mystery that took place 50 years ago. Kayla is shocked to find out some of the things her grandmother did when she was young. I loved how Nick and Kayla grew closer as they tried to solve the mystery. They were good for each other. Their story ends here, but the mystery still goes on to the next book. I loved the story and strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given this book and voluntarily read it and left a review.
This was an exciting and intriguing book that I did not want to it down. There is a big mystery to solve besides finding the evil man that impersonated Nick. Kayla's grandmother is involved in the mystery that took place 50 years ago. Kayla is shocked to find out some of the things her grandmother did when she was young. I loved how Nick and Kayla grew closer as they tried to solve the mystery. They were good for each other. Their story ends here, but the mystery still goes on to the next book. I loved the story and strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given this book and voluntarily read it and left a review.
November 16, 2016
Kayla Sheridan has longed for love, marriage, and a family. Now, after a miraculous whirlwind courtship with the man of her dreams, she is his wife. But on their wedding night, he vanishes, leaving Kayla with the bitter realization that her desire has made her an easy mark for deception.
TAKEN BY SURPRISE...
Nick Granville has an ingrained sense of honor and an intense desire to succeed in building the world's most challenging high-tech bridges. But when he crosses paths with a ruthless con man, he's robbed of everything he values, including his identity. With nothing left to lose, he'll risk any danger to clear his name and reclaim his life.
TAKING BACK THEIR LIVES...
Thrown together by fate, and endangering their hearts, Kayla and Nick embark on a desperate journey toward the truth–to uncover the mysterious motives of an ingenious and seductive stranger who boasts he can't be caught...and to reveal the shocking secrets of their own shattered pasts.
A real nail biter. Seems to end hanging in the air. Maybe book 2??? If so, i'll be waiting for it. 5 stars.
TAKEN BY SURPRISE...
Nick Granville has an ingrained sense of honor and an intense desire to succeed in building the world's most challenging high-tech bridges. But when he crosses paths with a ruthless con man, he's robbed of everything he values, including his identity. With nothing left to lose, he'll risk any danger to clear his name and reclaim his life.
TAKING BACK THEIR LIVES...
Thrown together by fate, and endangering their hearts, Kayla and Nick embark on a desperate journey toward the truth–to uncover the mysterious motives of an ingenious and seductive stranger who boasts he can't be caught...and to reveal the shocking secrets of their own shattered pasts.
A real nail biter. Seems to end hanging in the air. Maybe book 2??? If so, i'll be waiting for it. 5 stars.
October 31, 2017
This review is of Taken by Barbara Freethy.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Kayla thought she had found the perfect man in Nick. He was perfect, the perfect con artist out to get the pocket watch Kayla was going to give to the man she loved. And of course Nick wasn’t even his real name. Little did she know that the pocket watch would draw her into a tale of bank robberies, murders, and secrets that are fifty years old. The good news is she isn’t alone. The real Nick joins with her to find the con man because he lost a lot more than a pocket watch!
As Kayla and Nick race to find the other 3 watches con man Evan seems to be one step ahead or watching their every step. In a race against time and Evan, will Kayla and Nick survive car crashes and gun fights? Will they find the missing coins? And who else is involved? Who is the mystery woman Evan talks to?
I hope you enjoy this action packed romance as much as I did! Now you have to read it to find the answers!
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Kayla thought she had found the perfect man in Nick. He was perfect, the perfect con artist out to get the pocket watch Kayla was going to give to the man she loved. And of course Nick wasn’t even his real name. Little did she know that the pocket watch would draw her into a tale of bank robberies, murders, and secrets that are fifty years old. The good news is she isn’t alone. The real Nick joins with her to find the con man because he lost a lot more than a pocket watch!
As Kayla and Nick race to find the other 3 watches con man Evan seems to be one step ahead or watching their every step. In a race against time and Evan, will Kayla and Nick survive car crashes and gun fights? Will they find the missing coins? And who else is involved? Who is the mystery woman Evan talks to?
I hope you enjoy this action packed romance as much as I did! Now you have to read it to find the answers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2017
Kayla, happy in love in a world wind romance. She marries the man of her dreams and then on the night of her wedding he goes and gets ice and never returns. She's worries and then as circumstances unfold, finds out he's a con artist. Nick Granville is his name. Meanwhile, Nick returns home after being away for work. He looks around his apartment and things are not right, especially the sports car in his garage. There's messages from Kayla and she's pretty upset, married? What is going on! Pretty soon he finds out who Kayla is as she shows up at the apartment. She looks at him and asks where Nick is? He's Nick, the real one! Both are scammed and as they try to track down the con artist we find out it's Evan from Nick's past. As they investigate further, more stories of corruption and lies surface. Lots going on in this story so it keeps you intrigued.
October 18, 2021
As many of Barbara's novels/series I've read in the past, I find it hard to believe I missed her 2 BOOK DECEPTION SERIES! TAKEN, BOOK 1, was written back in 2006 & was another stellar novel!
This time she wrote a rapid paced good guy vs. bad guy novel and you won't know who thinks he's won until the cliffhanger ending!
Thus, with a cliffhanger ending, it was imperative that I continue onward! I've just started PLAYED, BOOK 2 and I'm only a few pages into it and I know that I'm going to have trouble putting it aside tonight and going to bed.
I'm stopping here, so I don't leave any clues to which guy (good/bad) thought he had won in BOOK 1!
If you're a fan of Barbara's, then purchase TAKEN & PLAYED for less than $10 @ AMAZON & see a much different style, than her usual romantic norms!
This time she wrote a rapid paced good guy vs. bad guy novel and you won't know who thinks he's won until the cliffhanger ending!
Thus, with a cliffhanger ending, it was imperative that I continue onward! I've just started PLAYED, BOOK 2 and I'm only a few pages into it and I know that I'm going to have trouble putting it aside tonight and going to bed.
I'm stopping here, so I don't leave any clues to which guy (good/bad) thought he had won in BOOK 1!
If you're a fan of Barbara's, then purchase TAKEN & PLAYED for less than $10 @ AMAZON & see a much different style, than her usual romantic norms!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews