Betrayed

by Donnell Ann Bell

A mother told her baby's death was a lie.A daughter rocked by her true identity.A detective risking his life to protect them both. When Irene Turner learns the incomprehensible--that the stillborn she delivered 28-years earlier is alive, she takes the evidence to Major Crimes Detective Nate Paxton in Denver, Colorado. Nate can't believe that the daughter stolen at birth is Kinsey Masters, a world-class athlete, raised by a prominent Denver family, and the unattainable woman he's loved for years.Irene, Nate, and Kinsey discover a sordid conspiracy, one that may get them all killed as they face past betrayals and destructive revenge. "Betrayed is a tightly-plotted, edge-of-your-seat ride with fresh, vivid characters. I could not put this book down." -- Susan M. Boyer, Agatha winning author of the Liz Talbot Mystery SeriesDonnell Ann Bell is an award-winning author of suspense novels, all of which have been e-book bestsellers. Currently she is working on a new suspense series for Bell Bridge Books. Donnell and her husband live in Colorado. You can visit her website at donnellannbell.com.

Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2013

About the author

I grew up in the 4-Corners area, in the city of Farmington, New Mexico. I love New Mexico, and am influenced by its rich Hispanic and Native American culture, and will bring some of this knowledge to future work. I also love Colorado of which I was a resident for thirty plus years.

Since my debut in 2010, I've added five more books and am currently hard at working on number seven.

I'm passionate about suspense and storytelling. I hope you'll join me as I write around the theme *SUSPENSE TOO CLOSE TO HOME*

Reviews

[Amber Foxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two strong women who carry this story, Irene Turner and Kinsey Masters, are some of the best characters I've read in a long time. And I’ve been reading some good books, so that’s says a lot. Irene is an original—independent, passionate, determined, and gifted with genuine humor. I want to know her and hang out with her. Kinsey is equally independent, deeply compassionate and loving. Both excel in their sports, Irene as a sharpshooter and Kinsey as a former soccer star, now a coach and teacher. The male characters are excellent also—especially the detectives Nate Paxton and Sammy Lucero—but the women steal the show.

The level of betrayal Irene endures is extraordinary. The mystery involves uncovering not only how her infant daughter was stolen from her at birth, but also murder and attempted murder—and another kidnapping. The intersection of Irene and Kinsey’s stories with Nate and Sammy’s efforts to take down a dangerous gang creates stay-awake-page-turning suspense. There’s also a touch of romance, believable and charming, perfectly fitted into the pace of the story, giving the reader a chance to catch her breath and even more reason to root for the characters.

(Note: Goodreads defaults to Kindle edition, and it’s too much trouble to change it, but as always, I read the Nook edition.)

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with so many unique characters! Ms. Bell has made several "main" characters in the telling of this novel, each with their own personality, and the readers do feel like we know all well. Irene Turner starts the book out by learning stunning news: The stillborn baby she delivered 28 years ago is actually alive in Colorado. Irene takes her evidence to Colorado to the police, and our whirlwind story begins. Finally learning who the "bad guy" is was totally unexpected, and I do love a happy ending.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!! Donnell Ann Bell has gained my respect as a suspense writer. In fact, she sets the bar high for all writers of suspense. With a tagline that reads "Irene Turner may become Mommie Deadest," who wouldn't be tempted to delve into this book? Betrayed kept me riveted from beginning to end. The characters were well developed and believable, and I laughed out loud several times at the witty cop banter that transpired between two of the key characters throughout the book. There wasn't an over abundance of swearing which I appreciated, just what might be expected in a book that contains drug runners and police officers. If you're looking for a great book that's full of suspense and a dose of humor that compliments your reading experience, Donnell Ann Bell's BETRAYED fits the bill. You won't be disappointed.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read my first Donnell Ann Bell book this past summer, and loved it. Then I discovered she's friends with one of my very favorite authors (Annette Dashofy). Through social media, I was able to grab this book on sale recently. Oh my goodness...it's worth every penny paying full-price! What a complex and intriguing story. The characters are wonderful and Donnell really brings them to life. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and it drove me nuts when I couldn't find extra time to read - I couldn't wait to get back to it. I'm looking forward to reading many more from this author.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow have really enjoyed this ladies writing, books are soooo good

[Debbie Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was exactly what I was looking for in a book! it had so many moving parts yet it wasn't confusing at all.

[Jeanette Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Read

I really enjoyed this book. Although the basis of the storyline annoyed me. No-one asked where her clothes or money were, nor did they ask how her injuries occurred as both clearly supported her version of events. Glad I'm an Aussie if that's how the american justice system works. However, I loved the book and have since read a second....

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know when I start a Donnell book I am in for a great story that captivates your attention to the point you wanting to ignore everything else until the end of the book

The amount of the betrayal in this book is insurmountable. This book wasn’t normal in the fact that it didn’t have just two main protagonists. It’s an ensemble cast of many characters that get equal amount of time on the pages.

Irene Turner is still grieving the loss of her 15 year old son when she finds out that the still born daughter she thought she had 28 years ago is not dead. This means she was betrayed not only by the Dr. who delivered her baby but also by her husband who she promptly leaves and head to Denver to meet the daughter she had been denied all these years.

Kinsey Masters had a childhood many would have loved to have. She loved soccer from an early age and grew up to become a world class athlete known to the world as Special K. She has since retired and become a coach. Kinsey knew she led a charmed life, perfect parents who always supported her and a great relationship with her sister Lindsay and her brother Jay. The only thing missing was she didn’t get to have her high school crush, Nate Paxton who broke her heart many years ago.

Nate Paxton is a Detective with the Denver Police department. He and his partner were undercover vise officers until there cover was blown. Nate loves his job and is very passionate about trying to make the streets safe for others. His only regret in life is Kinsey that he will never be good enough for her and has to be content with just being her friend.

When Irene comes into town with her evidence that Kinsey is her daughter and was stolen from her 28 years ago, Nate who is now assigned to Major Crimes is given her case by his boss. Nate is shocked and skeptical of Irene’s claims at first until bad things start happening to Irene and Kinsey’s mother goes on the run after being confronted. There were so many people deceived and betrayed and when murder and attempted murder get added to the plate you are shocked at how far someone is willing to go to keep all the secrets buried.

This was an engrossing suspense story that holds your attention from start to finish. I personally didn’t want it to end. I look forward to reading many more books from this author.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betrayed was a book that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I was enthralled from the beginning all the way until the end of the book. I really liked the main characters, Nate and Kinsey, and enjoyed seeing them find their way to one another. I also enjoyed the character, Irene.

Irene Turner comes to Denver and approaches Detective Nate Paxton when she learns that the daughter she believed was stillborn is famous soccer player Kinsey Masters. As Nate begins to investigate, deceptions, betrayals, and danger come quickly to light.

Betrayed is suspenseful, and it kept me guessing. I liked the fast pace, and was happy with the romance between Kinsey and Nate. I look forward to more by this author.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered to what lengths you would go if you found your child had been stolen? In Betrayed by Donnell Ann Bell, Irene Turner gets to find out when she learns that the baby she thought was stillborn is alive and well; more to the point has turned into an international soccer star. Interested only in meeting the child she thought lost, Irene travels to Denver to get to the bottom of the mystery only to find that there are those that don’t want the past to come to light. Full of twists and turns this is a fun mystery. There are light romantic elements for those that need a little romance with their mystery. Readers of Allison Brennan, Alafair Burke, and Kate Carlisle will thoroughly enjoy this fast paced mystery.

[Liesa Malik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an intriguing premise--a baby stolen at birth, while the mom was told the child died. When mom discovers the swindle 20 years later, her daughter has become a famous athlete. In the course of the telling, readers are exposed to drug lords, high school lost loves, new romances, and mystery. Good read, for sure.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my book club. I read this entire book in 24 hours. It was so exciting that I couldn't put it down! The story moved quickly and was so well organized and the characters lives came alive throughout the novel. It had the right amount of suspense. I usually read historical fiction so this is not my typical genre. Now I'm excited about reading Donnell's other books.

[Theresa Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read a ton of mysteries, but this one kept me captivated. The characters were interesting, and the story well-researched and well-written. Kudos to Ms. Bell for an all-around engaging mystery!

[Judy-Sug · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman learns that a child she thought died at birth was in fact stolen from her. Irene learns the truth later in life after losing a son and divorcing. She goes in search of the truth and her daughter. All this gets tied up with the police and a drug cartel. This book is a page turner.

[Kerri P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and story. Read it with my book club and we all thought it was interesting and a page turner. Now, I want to read all of Donnell's books! She has another one coming out soon.

[Pat Ownbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

lots of twists and turns. couldn't put this read down. just didn't finish putting away all the bad guys. look forward to reading New book coming this fall.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story line! Usually I can figure everything out before getting half way through a book. NOT THIS TIME!!! Well written!!!!

[Scott Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this book in that it was an enjoyable, suspenseful read. It is the kind of book which provides for an enjoybale, relaxing read.

[Judi Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty-eight years later, Irene Turner has been told that the daughter she thought was still born, is alive. Her whole life is about to crumble as she finds out that her husband was part of this deception. Now, the only thing that Irene wants is to find her daughter and let her know that she is her real mother.

What happened to make Irene believe that her daughter was born dead? As you read, you will find out all the secrets and lies. Now Irene is on the way to find her daughter and try to get her back. But, is it too late and will all these secrets keep her in danger.

[Shannon Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling premise. A woman discovers the baby she thought was stillborn is alive and well, stolen in a conspiracy involving someone close to her. The Big Bad Guy was well drawn and sympathetic, in that the reader gets an understanding of his past and how he's ended up in his life of crime. Two simultaneous romances. Great characters and intrigue. A great read!

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was super entertaining...but I would classify this as a thriller pulp fiction. A story circling around violence, kidnap, politics, and the Mexican drug cartel. It was a fun quick read that provided me with a ton of entertainment but the plot was weak as was the character development. If you need a fun read on the treadmill I would recommend it but not if your in for a serious read.

[Night Runner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars for me!

I liked this story although it was a bit far-fetched. I fully understand about finding out that you have a child that you didn't know about but this caper was pulled off and hidden for decades.

The ending was more fun than thrilling and the ending left off what happened to original bad person.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and exciting romantic suspense. Lots of family issues and back stories. A few surprises. A wide variety of characters from FBI agents to artists to soccer players. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart-pounding, edge of your seat read with the backdrop of a family drama. The plot was complex, yet easy to follow, and everything wrapped up at the end. I would like to spend more time with these characters.

[Flint J Brenton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can’t recommend

Silly, unrealistic. I finished this book, but only because I was too lazy to decide on another book. The romance. Was the most absurd aspect.

[Margaret I. Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

Had it all. Mystery, twists, surprises, and a little romance. Well written and not too over the top as some are. ReAlly enjoyed it.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get into it. Didn't finish. May try again later.

[Janet Reeves]

Not in Library

[Sarah-Jane Bourne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know it’s just a book but it infuriates me that they never seem to do DNA tests as soon as there is any question of parentage!
Good book nonetheless.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This storyline is full of twists and turns. It captivates attention and maintains interest. It is such a well written book. Enjoy!