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The Bayou Secrets Saga #1
Deadline
Caroline’s life is on track.She’s about to get her nursing degree and she’s engaged to rich, handsome Trevor. But, before they get married, Trevor wants Caroline to spend the summer in Louisiana, getting to know her father, who’s never been in her life.She reluctantly agrees and heads south, deep into bayou country where she meets Cade.Hot and handsome, he’s pulling out all the stops to convince her that he’s the man for her, not Trevor.As she becomes frightened by a series of strange accidents that began after her arrival, she learns that the woman haunting her dreams is actually a long-dead family member come to warn her about the men in her life. Caroline soon realizes that if she doesn’t solve the mysteries from the past, they could permanently alter her future.
402 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
104 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Judy McDonough
7 books79 followersAuthor of The Bayou Secrets Saga, Judy McDonough, has a deep love for the South. After an enlistment in the U. S. Navy where she was stationed in New Orleans and met her husband, she has lived in Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, and now North Carolina. She and her husband are raising three teenage boys and dealing with an influx of hormones (boys get 'em, too), video games, gym bros, and new slang. Her most recent publications include: KRISTY'S RUNWAY, a novel about a couple of secondary characters in her Bayou Secrets Saga, and a novella titled THE ROYAL MUSE that was originally included in an anthology titled Love in the Time of Corona, Vol. 2.
Join her Bayou Krewe Facebook reader group for all things Bayou Secrets Saga. https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBa...
Visit her website: www.judy-mcdonough.com for more information.
Join her Bayou Krewe Facebook reader group for all things Bayou Secrets Saga. https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBa...
Visit her website: www.judy-mcdonough.com for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 13, 2014
So much better than the old version. I even surprised myself. :)
February 29, 2020
I'm very particular about the type of books I read. If you look at my "read shelf" you will notice a pattern in the types of books I devote my time to. I purchased a copy of this book intrigued by the paranormal aspect of it, the love story in Deadline was expected, but still caught me completely by surprise. I joked with a friend about my feelings for one of the characters, and she hinted at certain things and and I felt it upset me. I felt as if I was a part of the love story, I was a part of their lives, her decision would have an effect on me as well. I had picked a favorite and couldn't bear to think about what direction the story would take if it didn't end up that way. It was a genuine worry, like if the Sorting Hat had put Harry in Slytherin.
Thankfully I wasn't disappointed and I know without a doubt that I will gladly recommend this book to all I know that enjoys to read, and look forward to purchasing ANYTHING else that Mrs. McDonough puts on paper (or in this case digital). It's a tough job to compete with Stephen King, and J.K. Rowling, but this author has successfully placed herself amongst the greats.
Thankfully I wasn't disappointed and I know without a doubt that I will gladly recommend this book to all I know that enjoys to read, and look forward to purchasing ANYTHING else that Mrs. McDonough puts on paper (or in this case digital). It's a tough job to compete with Stephen King, and J.K. Rowling, but this author has successfully placed herself amongst the greats.
August 25, 2014
I was very much wanting to read this book! Once I started, I couldn't stop! Judy is such a talented author! This book has a wonderful flow to it! I can't wait to read the next books in the series! Awesome story! I'm extremely proud of my old friend! :)
September 22, 2015
The bare bones of this story has potential. Unfortunately, the writing tells you everything instead of showing, it tries to be a ghost story, mystery, romance, and suspense but it falls hugely flat. Caroline, the main character comes off as an utter nutter in the first few chapters going from normal person to emotional lunatic without the reader knowing why; but don't worry instead of showing the audience the author tells us leaving no way to connect with Caroline. Then there is the misspelling and terrible quotation marks randomly scattered, an editor either was not used or missed a lot. Finally, the story isn't actually embedded at the end if the book. I assume the author thinks this is a good way to entice readers to keep buying, but for me it was sloppy and a huge turn off. The reason big authors like Nora Roberts have huge series, is because they finish a story then move in to tell another about characters from the first they've piqued your interest with. This was not done in this book so only if you care about one of the villains, would you bother to keep reading.
June 27, 2017
Caroline really annoyed me. She was terribly naive and very much a tease. Felt sorry for Beau, she kept coming on to him and then kept telling him no, we can't do this....Well then she needed to get her act together. Geessss
December 28, 2017
And a nonending. Duh! A number of awkward spots. POV of a bad guy. It had decent moments but didn't pull it off overall. 2.5 star
August 1, 2014
So this is my first time ever leaving a review about a book... However...
THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!!
I just got it in the mail Saturday && spent most of my time reading it because I could not put it down. I am so excited to read the next book in this series. I absolutely love Cade!! I adore this series already && it has become one of my favorite books I have ever had the pleasure of reading! So THANK YOU Judy McDonough for writing such an incredible book! I am seriously looking forward to reading tons more by you (:
THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!!
I just got it in the mail Saturday && spent most of my time reading it because I could not put it down. I am so excited to read the next book in this series. I absolutely love Cade!! I adore this series already && it has become one of my favorite books I have ever had the pleasure of reading! So THANK YOU Judy McDonough for writing such an incredible book! I am seriously looking forward to reading tons more by you (:
October 19, 2016
I don't read many paranormal novels, but this one hooked me from the start. Great chemistry between Cade and Caroline. I loved the characters as the storyline kept me guessing and interested till the very end. An enjoyable, engaging read filled with emotion, mystery and promise of new love. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
March 14, 2012
One of the best books I have read in a very long time. Couldn't put it down and I can't wait for book #2!
June 13, 2014
can hardly wait for the next part of the saga-smile
August 22, 2014
what an interesting book i was completely hooked!
April 30, 2015
Proof that professional editors are absolutely crucial. Nothing made sense in this book. Not. One. Thing.
October 27, 2021
Great Author, Exciting book with very Interesting Characters.
Caroline was engaged to a very handsome, wealthy man. Trevor her fiancee insisted she go to Louisiana to meet and hopefully get to know her estranged father. Meeting her father was very scary for her, but his reaction is not what she expected. Caroline also did not expect to meet Cade, he was so easy to talk to, and she enjoyed hanging out with him, could she actually be falling in Love ?
Caroline was engaged to a very handsome, wealthy man. Trevor her fiancee insisted she go to Louisiana to meet and hopefully get to know her estranged father. Meeting her father was very scary for her, but his reaction is not what she expected. Caroline also did not expect to meet Cade, he was so easy to talk to, and she enjoyed hanging out with him, could she actually be falling in Love ?
October 13, 2018
Bayou Secrets are thrilling
I couldn't put this book down! Deadline was thrilling, with some great twists and turns! The characters are fantastic, especially the bad guys. They are so well written you just have to hate them. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read the second in the series!!
I couldn't put this book down! Deadline was thrilling, with some great twists and turns! The characters are fantastic, especially the bad guys. They are so well written you just have to hate them. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read the second in the series!!
August 16, 2019
I am not great at writing book reviews, but I really enjoyed the characters and can't wait to find out what April's deal is and what mess she finds herself in at the end. I am excited to find out more about Cade's past. I really enjoy these types of stories that bring in a little bit of real life mixed in with a little paranormal. Kept me on my toes!
April 21, 2023
Great Plot a Few Editing Issues
Great plot, but there were some editing issues. It was more obvious at the beginning of the book, things like switching between past and present tense in the middle of a sentence. But otherwise I really enjoyed the story. Wish it was less of a cliffhanger...
Great plot, but there were some editing issues. It was more obvious at the beginning of the book, things like switching between past and present tense in the middle of a sentence. But otherwise I really enjoyed the story. Wish it was less of a cliffhanger...
October 29, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was so easy to read and kept my attention. I found myself looking forward to my next opportunity to get back to it! I really liked the characters and the surprises along the way. The setting and background was unlike anything I’ve read before. I definitely want to read book 2!
May 15, 2018
Good book
As I live in Louisiana I always try to read books that have something about La. In them. What a wonderful surprise to find such a good book as this. I have already ordered the other two. I also will be following this author very closely
As I live in Louisiana I always try to read books that have something about La. In them. What a wonderful surprise to find such a good book as this. I have already ordered the other two. I also will be following this author very closely
January 4, 2019
Love love a must read. The story line is intense, you join st can't get enough.
Love love a must read. The story line is intense, you just can't stop reading . You are just transported to the location magic.
Love love a must read. The story line is intense, you just can't stop reading . You are just transported to the location magic.
November 6, 2021
Captivated !
This book had me captivated from the start! The characters, the setting, the storyline...all of it was great! Can't wait to read the next installment of the series! I'm doing that right now!
This book had me captivated from the start! The characters, the setting, the storyline...all of it was great! Can't wait to read the next installment of the series! I'm doing that right now!
July 11, 2024
Fantastic!
Love, loved this story! The suspension kept me wanting more and the sweet romance of someone out of reach…
Caroline’s character strength grows through the story. Can’t wait to read more of their saga.
Love, loved this story! The suspension kept me wanting more and the sweet romance of someone out of reach…
Caroline’s character strength grows through the story. Can’t wait to read more of their saga.
February 19, 2017
Deadlinage
This was a great book. As a young woman goes to meet her long lost father and finds a family. Hot man to make her rethink her past promises.
This was a great book. As a young woman goes to meet her long lost father and finds a family. Hot man to make her rethink her past promises.
August 19, 2018
This was a great book! Need to get the next one! Loved it!
October 24, 2018
I love this book, I’m a picky reader and I have to really enjoy a book to give it 5 stars and this book is definitely a a 5 star series.
June 21, 2019
Ghosts Romance Intrigue Suspense
This book has it all. Beautiful plantation, romance, ghosts and adventure. One of my favorite books. A must read for all.
This book has it all. Beautiful plantation, romance, ghosts and adventure. One of my favorite books. A must read for all.
April 28, 2023
GOOD
Anyone who likes mysteries and romance will surely love this novel. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Anyone who likes mysteries and romance will surely love this novel. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
July 31, 2024
Caroline is so DUMB!!! I don’t know if I can sit through 2 more books about her.
September 7, 2014
The characters were probably my favorite part of this story. Each was unique and different from the others. Caroline tackles her problems head-on, Trevor is the fiance with *something* up his sleeve, Cade is the charming Bayou boy she wasn't expecting to meet, and a cast of others including her long-lost father, a manipulative step-mother, two siblings, a best friend, and most importantly, the ghost of her gr-gr-gr grandmother.
The beginning starts off strong and pulls you right in! The first chapter definitely makes you want to keep reading. As the story moves along, you can't help but wonder what's coming next. The ending has a tiny cliffhanger, but not so much that you'll DIE waiting for the next in the series; this story still feels complete.
There were a couple of points I felt like things were too contrived. But did those things have a negative impact on the story? No, not terribly. It was more of an irritation than anything else. Just something I think the author could have tweaked a little better. (Times like this I wish I could ASK the author if it was researched and planned or not at all how I see it, etc, etc.)
I really enjoyed this story, and I'm glad it was offered free. I'm purchasing the second book in the series to continue the story AND support the author. Well done!
The beginning starts off strong and pulls you right in! The first chapter definitely makes you want to keep reading. As the story moves along, you can't help but wonder what's coming next. The ending has a tiny cliffhanger, but not so much that you'll DIE waiting for the next in the series; this story still feels complete.
There were a couple of points I felt like things were too contrived. But did those things have a negative impact on the story? No, not terribly. It was more of an irritation than anything else. Just something I think the author could have tweaked a little better. (Times like this I wish I could ASK the author if it was researched and planned or not at all how I see it, etc, etc.)
I really enjoyed this story, and I'm glad it was offered free. I'm purchasing the second book in the series to continue the story AND support the author. Well done!
April 28, 2020
This book was awesome!! As my son would put it. I purposely slow down in my reading on this one because I had hoped that my library was able to obtain a copy of Lifeline, the second book in this series. Who knows, maybe I will get a chance to review that book too. Hey! I can dream... can't I? But after a discussion with my local librarian it appears Judy's books will soon make an appearance upon my recommendation.
There are so many factors that I enjoyed about the story. The pace was quite steady with a suspenseful twist throughout the plot line. The on-going dream sequence between Caroline and Rachel was an interesting way to bring a touch of paranormal time traveling to the story line without bogging the whole book down.
It allows the reader to understand how the relationships between Caroline, Cade and Eddie, Caroline's estranged father. But then you there to also see the negative tension between Caroline with April and her Fiance - Trevor. And this all coming from Caroline's point of view as the events unfold over the time span of a couple of months in the summer. Judy bring the story, the characters and atmosphere right to you with a well balanced and well researched that is brings her knowledge forth in order to enrich the story.
I'm really sad to say that I finally finished this book and like I said earlier, I tried to draw it out for as long as I could.
That leaves me saying that I am giving this book 5 out of 5 possible stars.
Thank You Judy for writing a book that I just couldn't put down. I love it so much that I know that this book will be on my "Re-read" list. This one will be in my collection a long time as you took the time to sign it!
***Note*** Please know that I received this free copy from the author on Booklikes'. having said that my honest opinion of the book, is just that - my opinion and thoughts of the book.
There are so many factors that I enjoyed about the story. The pace was quite steady with a suspenseful twist throughout the plot line. The on-going dream sequence between Caroline and Rachel was an interesting way to bring a touch of paranormal time traveling to the story line without bogging the whole book down.
It allows the reader to understand how the relationships between Caroline, Cade and Eddie, Caroline's estranged father. But then you there to also see the negative tension between Caroline with April and her Fiance - Trevor. And this all coming from Caroline's point of view as the events unfold over the time span of a couple of months in the summer. Judy bring the story, the characters and atmosphere right to you with a well balanced and well researched that is brings her knowledge forth in order to enrich the story.
I'm really sad to say that I finally finished this book and like I said earlier, I tried to draw it out for as long as I could.
That leaves me saying that I am giving this book 5 out of 5 possible stars.
Thank You Judy for writing a book that I just couldn't put down. I love it so much that I know that this book will be on my "Re-read" list. This one will be in my collection a long time as you took the time to sign it!
***Note*** Please know that I received this free copy from the author on Booklikes'. having said that my honest opinion of the book, is just that - my opinion and thoughts of the book.
November 25, 2012
I bought this book after a childhood friend of mine recommended that I read it.(The author is a friend of hers) So I decided I would give it a shot and help out a new author by writing a review.
Sweet Caroline……..you had me at that! What a great beginning to a new series. I found that I totally related to the characters, I fell in love with Cade the minute that Caroline ran into his naked body! (OMG and what a body he has!) Kristy and Caroline have a great BFF relationship, it’s awesome to know that someone will have your back no matter what. Trevor was annoying from the beginning, but you can tell how much he truly does care about Caroline, but is it really enough? Through the whole book my mind was trying to process what was going on and figurin gout how it all would fall into place. It had a great story line and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. It was a great read that I totally recommend you pick up for some good holiday reading;)
Rating is a 4 of 5
Sweet Caroline……..you had me at that! What a great beginning to a new series. I found that I totally related to the characters, I fell in love with Cade the minute that Caroline ran into his naked body! (OMG and what a body he has!) Kristy and Caroline have a great BFF relationship, it’s awesome to know that someone will have your back no matter what. Trevor was annoying from the beginning, but you can tell how much he truly does care about Caroline, but is it really enough? Through the whole book my mind was trying to process what was going on and figurin gout how it all would fall into place. It had a great story line and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. It was a great read that I totally recommend you pick up for some good holiday reading;)
Rating is a 4 of 5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews