The Masquerading Twin

Secure One #5

by Katie Mettner

She thought her sister was dead…

But the danger is far from over.

After discovering the twin sister she killed eight years ago is still alive, Selina Colvert once again is forced to run. The only person she can trust is Efren Brenna, the wounded veteran turned bodyguard tasked with protecting the injured ex-cop. Nothing will stop Efren from helping Selina bring down the Mafia kingpin who’s gunning for her. But can they stay one step ahead of the woman who won’t rest until she spills her sister’s blood?

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the Secure One series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:

Book 1: Going Rogue in Red Rye County
Book 2: The Perfect Witness
Book 3: The Red River Slayer
Book 4: The Silent Setup
Book 5: The Masquerading Twin
Book 6: Holiday Under Wraps

Genres: Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

Katie Mettner wears the title of 'the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill' and loves decorating her prosthetic leg to fit the season. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and spends the day writing romantic stories with her sweet puppy by her side. Katie has an addiction to coffee and dachshunds and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.

Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
Come chat with Katie on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiemettner/
Are you a Pinner? Pin with Katie
https://www.pinterest.com/katie_mettner/

Reviews

[Amanda Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reinventing her life with Secure One, Selina is faced with the harsh reality of a past she thought she had escaped. When her past catches up to her, Efrin is there to help and to protect her. Great story and writing

[Barbara Lack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Selina and Efren’s book and finally learn what Selina was hiding. Boy was that surprising. There is lots of action and suspense. The chemistry between the two characters was strong. The book is masterfully written. I’m excited for the next book in the series.

[Patricia Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliantly written story by Katie Mettner including characters with permanent physical limitations.

Selina has been part of Secure One for a while working in the medical bay. Suddenly she finds out the twin sister she herself killed is actually alive and out to seek revenge. Efren is the new guy on the team who Selina resents because he came in as an operative instead of her being promoted to Operative. But he was assigned to protect her. She had to trust him. He had to trust her.

Their fight for survival is exciting and suspenseful. Their wounds almost play a character in the story. That is what makes Katie's Mettner's Intrigue romances so good. She leaves nothing to the imagination. If you read a good portion of her books you will learn about what people who are amputee's (like the author herself) go through.

[Bella Crooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Katie Mettner as an author and as a human! This is the 5th book of the secure one series and it was THE BEST ONE YET😭 LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!! the suspense kept me intrigued. I loved getting to know Selina’s background that was a treat. I could give this book a billion stars 😍

[DebM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie has done it again! In this book in the Secure One series we find out Selina’s dark secrets she has kept from the group. Can you say Mafia?? And a “undead twin sister”?

Cal has her working with Efren as her bodyguard and protector. But Selina wants to prove herself to the group that she can take care of herself. Efren understands why she wants to take care of herself and he’ll let her make decisions but he’s all in and they will do it together. Efren is an above-the knee amputee and also dealing with ptsd and they wind up helping g each other

This isn’t a wild ride that will keep you on your toes. We will learn about her twin, her dad the “Snake”. It’s a must read !

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: The Masquerading Twin (Secure One, Book 5)
Author: Katie Mettner
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publication Date: November 26, 2024
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Favorite Quote(s): “‘Is this contrary banter supposed to convince me to leave?’ She raised a brow as an answer. ‘You’ll have to try harder. I’ve protected kids with more game than you’ve got.’”

“‘Just your mindset. I already know you’re a fighter, Selina, so keep fighting. Don’t let a Loraine bullet be the bullet that takes you down, physically or emotionally. They don’t deserve to hold that kind of power over you.’”

“‘I’m okay.’ The words were huffed, and he knew she wasn’t okay, but she would be. ‘I’m real sick and tired of these guys popping up like Whac-A-Moles.’”

“He tossed the guy in front of their feet and knelt. ‘This can go one of two ways,’ Cal told him. ‘I can finish you off and leave your corpse to rot in the woods, or you can tell me how many more of you undertrained, uneducated, technology-reliant infants are out here, and I’ll give you a fighting chance with that gut wound.’”

Selina Colvert lay in her hospital bed, recovering from a gunshot wound inflicted by the ruthless Randall Loraine Jr. The attack has left her shaken and vulnerable, but she refuses to show any signs of weakness, especially as Efren Brenna, a constant thorn in her side with his overbearing ego, hovers over her, serving as her acting bodyguard. The two exchanges their usual sarcastic banter, their words laced with a familiar tension that had defined their relationship since they met.
Just as Selina was growing weary of Efren's constant presence, a mysterious woman appears at the nurses' station, inquiring about Eva Shannon - a name hauntingly similar to the one Randall had uttered before shooting her. The chilling truth was about to be unveiled. The woman that the Secure One team knows as Selina Colvert is in fact Eva Shannon. The woman seeking her out? Her own flesh and blood, returned from the grave – her twin sister who Selina had buried eight years prior. Selina tries desperately to maintain her composure, denying any knowledge of Eva's existence, but Efren sees right through her façade instantly. The web of deception is about to unravel, exposing a shocking family secret that has been buried for nearly a decade.
Before Selina can tell her side of her past, Efren senses the grave danger the woman possess to Selina. In order to keep Selina safe, they have to escape from the hospital, and fast, but going back to Secure One would only put the team at risk and going into hiding may be their only way of survival. For years, Selina had kept her true identity hidden, but now her past was catching up to her with a vengeance. Because of her family's sordid history, Selina's uncle, Medardo Vaccaro, the ruthless mafia kingpin known only as "The Snake" - wants her dead. And Ava, her own twin sister, is more than willing to carry out The Snake's chilling orders. With their agendas aligning Selina's life is in even graver peril.
With danger closing in from all sides, Efren, with the help of Secure One, must navigate a world where trust is scarce and betrayal is the common currency. Can Selina survive when her past and present collide in a lethal game of cat and mouse? And in her world where family ties are tangled in treachery, who will emerge victorious when the final secrets are laid bare?
Katie Mettner is a skilled author who excels at crafting rich, vivid characters. In her writing, she pays meticulous attention to the physical mannerisms and movements of her protagonists, Selina and Efren. When Selina is wounded, Katie Mettner follows her character's actions with a cinematic level of detail, only relying on Efren's assistance when it is truly necessary. This allows the reader to visualize the events unfolding on the page with movie-like clarity.
Moreover, Katie Mettner demonstrates her creativity by devising unique and clever ways for Selina and Efren to overcome specific challenges they face. In one instance, the solution Katie Mettner provides is so ingenious and unexpected - it was so MacGyver. Through these thoughtful character portrayals and innovative problem-solving scenarios, Katie Mettner transports the reader into a vibrant, immersive narrative world.
Katie Mettner writes her characters in a way that would resonate with her readers, giving them a strong bond and encouraging readers to root for the characters as individuals and as partners. Selina is reluctant to let Efren know the full extent of her physical pain and how accurate his concerns are about her reliance on pain medication. Although taking the medication is the typical course of action for her well-being, Selina doesn't want Efren to perceive her as weak, vulnerable, or insignificant. While she blames Efren for Secure One overlooking and discarding her as an operative, she simultaneously viewed him as the enemy yet still felt drawn to him. Selina needs to stop being afraid of being afraid when it comes to opening up to Efren, dealing with her twin sister and her uncle - the very people who took away her sense of control, and even the Secure One team. Efren understands that Selina craves a restored feeling of control, which she must harness to end the cat-and-mouse game she was forced into.
Efren is acutely aware that his primary job is to protect Selina at all costs. However, this duty is complicated by the fact that he feels a deeper need to shield her due to what she represents - everything that Efren himself believes he can never be. Yet, Efren also grapples with the realization that his disability poses a genuine disadvantage, one that could leave the vulnerable Sadie open to the machinations of her uncle Vaccaro. The insights that Katie Mettner provides into Efren and Selina’s mindset allow readers to witness the internal struggles they face. Efren has already endured more than his fair share of heartbreak, and he dreads going through such anguish again. He knows that being with Selina cannot be a casual, no-strings-attached relationship so he is reluctant to confront the reality that he has developed genuine feelings for someone who, except when she is at her most vulnerable, often treats him as less than. Ultimately, Efren will have to make a difficult choice.
Katie Mettner skillfully utilizes a technique of interspersing flashbacks throughout the story to gradually reveal Selina's backstory, as well as other important memories and experiences from the characters' pasts. These brief glimpses into the characters' histories are strategically woven into the narrative, just enough to pique the reader's curiosity and keep them invested in uncovering the full backstory. The selective use of these flashbacks leaves the reader questioning how the characters' pasts are intertwined with and will ultimately shape the future events of the story. This narrative device was particularly effective, as it created an emotional pull that will resonate powerfully with the reader, evoking a sense of aching and longing on multiple occasions. Katie Mettner's masterful handling of these flashbacks was a standout element of the story, drawing the reader deeper into the lives and experiences of the characters.
The Secure One series is known for its complex and relatable characters who grapple with a range of personal challenges within the context of their evolving relationships. The protagonists in these stories frequently confront their own fears, vulnerabilities, and disabilities, both as individuals and within the dynamics of their growing partnerships. These internal struggles are further complicated by the dynamics at play within the larger team structure. The latest installment, The Masquerading Twin, follows this same thematic pattern, delving into the unique difficulties faced by its central characters.
While the Secure One books share this overarching exploration of the human condition, each novel offers its own distinct narrative and cast of compelling personalities for readers to connect with. This consistent yet diverse approach encourages fans to continue following the series, as evidenced by the upcoming release of Holiday Under Wraps. The multilayered character development and relatable emotional journeys make the Secure One books a consistently engaging and rewarding reading experience.
The Masquerading Twin will kept readers on the edge of their seats with its masterful plot twists and an ending that can only be described as nothing short of perfection. Katie Mettner skillfully wove a captivating narrative that subverted expectations at every turn, leaving the audience in awe of the sheer brilliance of the story's resolution. From the very first page, the book will draw readers in with its compelling characters and meticulously crafted howcatchem mystery, building towards a climax that was both surprising and deeply satisfying. Undoubtedly, this is a work that will linger in the minds of all who experience its brilliance.

[Darin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up where the action in Secure One Book 4 (The Silent Setup) left off, Selina Colvert is recuperating in the hospital from a gut shot that nearly took her life. She dreads being fully debriefed by her team at Secure One which will entail divulging things from her past that have long been buried—and she would prefer they stay that way. To make matters worse, irksome Efren Brenna is sticking to her like glue, acting as her bodyguard until she is reunited with the team. Selina resents Efren for being given more leadership responsibility within Secure One despite the fact that she is equally capable and has been there longer. For his part, Efren is determined to make Selina realize that he is not the enemy she thinks he is.

The stage is fully set when a mysterious woman arrives at the hospital looking for her sister, a woman by the name of Eva Shannon. It’s the same name Efren heard Selina’s assailant utter just before shooting her, and what’s more, the woman is a dead ringer for Selina herself. Selina’s fear is palpable as the woman is sent away, fully understanding the ramifications of what she’s just witnessed. You see, Selina Colvert has been living under an assumed identity since faking her own death as Eva Shannon. It was her only chance at staying alive after presumably murdering her own psychopathic twin, Ava, and unleashing the wrath of the despotic kingpin of the Chicago Mafia, Medardo “The Snake” Vaccaro. Somehow, Ava has survived, and she’s out for blood…

The action kicks in from the onset in this exciting entry, as a recuperating Selina and Efren take it on the lam to avoid being gunned down by an adversary who seems to have the upper hand with unlimited financial and technological resources at his disposal. He very well may also have a mole planted somewhere in Secure One’s own team…

With remote support from all the players we’ve come to know and love over the course of the series, Selina and Efren are stuck in a deadly game of cat and mouse where only one sister will emerge victorious.

By the fifth entry in Mettner’s Harlequin Intrigue series, I’m starting to get the hang of how this whole thing goes—forgive me for being a little slow on the uptake, but romance isn’t my usual thing. Each book features a pair of fractured souls who must learn to trust each other and work together in order to survive—and odds are more than fair they’ll fall in love along the way. That is NOT to say that these books are repetitive—in fact, they’re anything but. Mettner’s characters are sharply drawn, and each has scars from the past to overcome while dealing with nefarious adversaries whose activities have thus far included human trafficking, prostitution, serial killers, and organized crime.

I can’t wait to see what’s next. Fast-paced and fun!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of the Secure One series, I highly recommend! It is not needed in order to read and enjoy this book, but the previous book in the series alludes to this story and well, all the books are awesome!! If you like mafia themed, forced proximity, bodyguard trope romance....this is your book!!

This is Selina and Efren's story. At the end of the previous book's mission, Selina was shot in her gut and those around her questioned her true identity because of a comment made from one of the bad men before he was killed. Book 5 starts out with her in the hospital recovering with Efren as her bodyguard. A "ghost" from her past shows up....her "dead" twin sister and it was clear that Efren and Selina had to go on the run right from there. Did I mention that Efren is amazing bodyguard all while protecting her when he himself is an amputee? You would never know by the way he moves and protects but I thoroughly respect Ms. Mettner educating readers of life and challenges after becoming disabled - and in this case, a military hero. I admired Efren so much with all he did and sacrificed - even for Selina. He constantly put her needs and mental health before his own. Total swoon worthy -- I was going to kick Selina in the butt if she didn't come to realize it. Selina is strong and a fighter. Although she has always been one to only look out for herself and her survival from her past, there is another level of herself that gets brought out and shows an inner strength one can only hope to have in the face of adversity.

Masquerading Twin is filled with many twists and turns and on the run action sequences. You will be turning the pages so quickly to find out how each situation pans out and be able to finally put all the pieces together. The book not only engages you with all the action but also emotionally for the Secure One team as a whole as well as for both Selina and Efren learn to be vulnerable and trust with one another and overcome past guilts, traumas and hurts. Their chemistry is off the charts, and tastefully written as well.

Some of my favorite lines --
* He sat next to her and leaned into her ear. "You can pretend that kiss never happened, but it did, and I'm not going to pretend that I didn't feel the connection between us. Fair warning."

* His finger came down on her lips to hush her. "He may have an army of soldiers, but they protect him for money. We protect you for love. That's why he will fail and you won't. Never forget that."

I received an advanced copy of this book and all my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb says it all. She thought her sister was dead... but the danger is far from over. I did not see that one coming. Selina Colvert has been a bit of a mystery from the beginning of this series. She has finally settled into her life and now her past has come back to haunt her. Poor Selina cannot catch a break at this point. She is recovering from a gunshot wound when her twin sister shows up to finish her off. A twin sister (evil twin) that Selina killed, or so she thought.

Efren Brenna has been assigned as her bodyguard. When he realizes the danger Selina is in, they go on the run. A run for their lives. Efren and Selina rub each other the wrong way in every way possible, but it is also impossible not to see the sparking chemistry between these two. Both are stubborn and also more vulnerable than they want others to see. Several times I wanted to bop Selina up side the head and give her my advice. Come on girl. Give it up. Efren is everything you need.

This is another fantastic installment in the Secure One series, which is one of my favorite mystery series. I am fascinated with all of the technology used by Secure One as it makes the story even more intriguing. I also enjoy the characters in this book. Katie Mettner knows how to make the characters seem so real showing strengths and weaknesses, and building on those things. Selina and Efren are both heroes who have suffered trauma in their lives, but it has only made them stronger.

The ending was explosive, which I have come to expect in the Secure One series. These guys and gals know how to leave their mark everywhere they go. They are definitely the kind of people that people in danger need in their corner. If you enjoy mystery and intrigue, you will love this book and this series. You do not have to read the other books, but I highly recommend that you read all of them.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

💻 Contemporary
💻 Romantic suspense
💻 Harlequin mystery
💻 Military
💻 Protector - bodyguard
💻 Mafia ties
💻 Undead twin sister
💻 "Forced" to work together
💻 On the run
💻 Forced proximity
💻 Badass heroine
💻 Wounded veteran turned bodyguard
💻 Page turner
💻 Gripping / raw / suspenseful
💻 Fun cast of supporting characters

The Masquerading Twin is the fifth book in Secure One series. This book offers a thrilling combination of intrigue, romance and suspense keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the end. This Harlequin Intrigue combines a roller-coaster ride of emotions, danger and a swoon-worthy love, maintaining an intriguing and captivating story about the bond between two wounded people. All these books are standalones, but better enjoyed when read in order.

Selina Colvert thought her sister was dead, but eight years later, a shocking discovery revealed she's still alive. With her twin sister's return, Selina is forced to go on the run once again, leaving the only person she trusts - Efren Brenna, a wounded veteran turned bodyguard - to protect her. Efren vows to protect Selina at all costs and to help her bring down the Mafia kingpin who is targeting her, but their journey puts them directly in the crosshairs of new danger and revenge. The beautiful dynamics and mysterious plot unfold throughout the narrative. Attraction between them is undeniable, and it's clear that they have a strong chemistry. As they begin to reveal vulnerabilities, their bond deepens, making their partnership / relationship more believable and meaningful. I enjoyed watching their development and growth.

This story perfectly intertwines intrigue, twists and turns with the characters' emotional highs and lows. A perfect addition to this series.

[Jessica Bryant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I've not read the previous books in the series, I found this book in a free little library and was intrigued by the premise (I like twisty books of duplicity), and hoped it'd stand alone. While it did, it WOULD have obviously been helpful to read the prior books first. I had trouble at first remembering who the multiple characters were and what they'd done, and it'd have been nicer to have read the books about all the history there rather than just have it recapped for people like me who hadn't read them.

That being said, it really wasn't all that twisty. The whole time everything was laid out pretty clearly and the only time I really wondered what was going on was when they realized they were being tracked somehow (and how they were, was never addressed.) Being a Silhouette title, I should have realized there would be so much romance intertwined with the action. I was able to stand it, but not being a fan of romance novels, I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit. For Efren to be so emotionally aware of his feelings AND to voice them so honestly and eloquently seemed unrealistic, but I told myself that most people read romance for escapism from a world where men like that just don't exist. This is not meant to be an insult to the author for writing Efren this way, or to romance fans who melt reading about guys like that; it's just not my cup of tea at all.

All in all, this was a good read for the airport and plane, and I was interested enough to finish it after returning home, so that's a good sign. I likely won't seek out other books in the series, but am more than happy to pass it on to another reader in another free little library! :)

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth installment of the Secure One series is one we as readers have been waiting for. Selina Colvert has been a character that we knew little about her past. She always had a bad attitude when it came to Efren Brenna. Always wondering what her beef was against her co -worker. Discovering her twin sister didn't die came as a shock to Selina, but she was always ready to run as she did before. Efren becomes her bodyguard until it is safe for her return. Once the team learns of her past, it is a time crunch to stay one step ahead. The chemistry between these two is a slow simmer, but well worth the wait. Why didn't Selina trust the team? Why did she have a hard time asking for help when the team is like family? The ending was a twist I wasn't expecting but so well done!
Katie Mettner has built on this series where you become so invested in these characters that we can't wait to see what comes next for our favorite people. Each book has shown us skills of these special individuals and how they work together like a well-oiled machine. Highly recommend this series (they can be stand-alone reads) and can't wait for the next one. Thanks to the author the e-arc.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Dance! You know when you are looking forward to something, i.e. a favorite dessert or a new book and its not as wonderful as you had hoped. So *not* the issue here. The Masquerading Twin delivered and then some. It picks up where The Silent Set Up lets off, but its explained so you are not lost. I highly recommend treating yourself and reading the series in order. Selina is complicated, vulnerable, tenacious, intelligent and what a back ground! Efren has his own issues, ex service and committed to keeping Selina safe. Things keep happening at every turn and its not necessarily what you would expect. Had me flipping pages, but not wanting it to end. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #TheMasqueradingTwin #SecureOne #KatieMettner #HarlequinIntrique #Bookfunnel

[Kristin Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and non-stop action. I loved hearing Efren's story, and more in-depth details about Selina. Selina is an integral member of Secure One and although her strengths and contributions have been noticed often by the team, she feels like no one notices when Efren is brought in and given a spot as an operator that she wanted. She lashes out at him every chance she gets, even though none of it is his fault. When her past comes back to haunt her, Efren is the one there to keep her safe and work by her side. The team works together to keep her safe and bring the two of them back. The sparks and flames that fly are intense, and Selina is finally able to see what the team has always seen. She is necessary for them to operate properly and she is given the chance to shine.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Secure One series and have been waiting for Selina's story. It did not disappoint. It pulled me into her story from the very beginning and kept me turning the pages. This is my favorite of the series!

I love the complexity of Selina and all of her layers. Efren's need to protect her is so endearing. He knows she can take care of herself and she has always kept him at arm's length but he never gives up on her.

Being a dog lover, I also loved the part of the story about Zeus. Even though it was a small part, the affection behind it was really the icing on the cake of this exciting read.

I can't wait for Holiday Under Wraps coming up next.

Thank you for another amazing story in the Secure One series. I really enjoyed this story and read it all in one sitting!

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've watched the tension between Seline and Efren and now we get their story. Selina has things from her past that she's kept hidden from the members of Secure One with the exception of Cal knowing part of what happened to her. One thing she knows for sure, she either makes a stand now or she runs for the rest of her life. But as her feelings for Efren come to the surface, she knows there is only one answer.

I love, love, love this series - from the complex relationships to the team loyalty, the way the new partners support each other and help them through their difficulties, and how their physical/mental challenges don't stop them from being their best selves. This story is also full of danger, suspense, trust, and romance.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Katie's continuous and fast-paced action from the very first page of the book. Selina, who has spent a considerable amount of time evading a relentless tormentor and murderer, recognizes the urgent need to get help from her former boyfriend, Efren, and Secure One.

With the help of the Secure One team, Selina and Efren must find her twin sister and eliminate the threats to Selina's life. Efrin will defeat anyone who threatens his former love Selina, even the mafia and Selina's sister, if necessary.

I loved how Katie had the relationship between Selina and Efren slowly rekindled over the course of their mission as they supported each other in healing from past experiences. This is another great must-read from the Secure One Series and could be read as a stand-alone.

[Lindzanne1_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selina thought her evil twin sister was dead. She had the shock of her life when she discovers she’s alive and out for revenge…

Like all of the books in the Secure One series I was invested in the story right from the start. It’s such a page turner and it’s packed with suspense. I loved the enemies to lovers vibe between Selina and Efren. Their forced proximity adds another very entertaining layer and the chemistry between them can’t be stopped! They are in hiding and fighting for their lives and it’s a race against time to take down the bad guys. Get ready for a suspenseful and action packed story that will keep you flipping the pages!

Thank you so much Katie for the gifted copy!

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally worth the read! Such a page turner you won’t want to put down! This book is full of mind blowing events. Selina and Efren in my opinion try to fight their feelings for each other, but can they really fight them being in such close quarters. They are on a mission of not getting caught by Vaccaro. It seems danger is around everywhere they turn. Selina also learns some disturbing news about her twin sister. What could that be? Wait til you hear the story behind Selina and her twin! Mind blowing! Im the end, will Efren and Selina end up together or will they be hunted down? Will Selina’s sister reappear and what may happen upon her return? Wait til you find out.

[Darla Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review:
The Masquerading Twins by Katie Mettner Author

This series is so amazing, it always keeps me on the edge of my seat. The suspense mixed with the romance is so beautiful but thrilling at the same time. Selina and Efren are running for their lives because her past is coming after her and he is there to try and keep her safe. She told no one her true identity at Secure One, so she is fighting for her future and possibly the man at her side. Will the team get to them in time to help save them? When all is said and done if they make it thru this, will Selina and Efren be able to make it past all the lies that have been told?! I love this series Katie. I give it 5 stars 🤩

[Michelle Cornish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Masquerading Twin is a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster from start to finish! Selina Colvert’s world is turned upside down when she discovers the twin sister she believed to have killed eight years ago is still alive. From that heart-pounding revelation, the pace only accelerates as Selina and her determined protector, Efren Brenna, fight to stay one step ahead of a relentless Mafia kingpin and Selina’s vengeful sister. I love a good evil twin story, and this one was fabulous! The chemistry between Selina and Efren adds depth to the fast-paced action, providing readers with moments of tenderness amidst the chaos.

[Barbara Waloven · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I read a Harlequin Intrigue book so I was looking forward to dipping my toes into this one. This book is filled with action, twin drama, romance, and mafia criminal activity.

Ex-cop Selina believes her twin sister (who is deeply embedded in the mafia) is dead but when she discovers that she’s very much alive she has to do a ‘fight or flight’ to remain alive. Efren, who works for Secure One (who perform security for high-profile people) is her assigned bodyguard. Together they go through hiding, planning, risking, hating, escaping, running…and much more.

Great story. Love the strong minded female protagonist.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selina Colvert works for Secure One, but she’s been keeping secrets. Efren Brenna also works for Secure One and has been assigned to be Selina’s bodyguard. She’s resented him since he became a part of the team because she feels she’s been overlooked and has a lot to offer herself, but even she realizes she needs help. When she can no longer escape her past or hide her secrets any longer, she and Efren are forced to go on the run. The team is there to help but can only do so much.

Fast paced, twists and turns, action, danger at every turn, and a killer ending, literally!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my new favorite suspense romance from Katie Mettner. This book takes you on a heart pounding adventure from the first to last word.

Selena is still running from her past, needs help but there are only a few people she can trust. One of those people is Efren.

Efren is an amazing human, has his own wounds he’s trying to live with and is fiercely protective.

Selena and Efren are amazing team - they have great communication, ideas to get ahead of the “bad guys” and are determined to find justice.

As always, I learn so much from Katie’s stories about people living with disabilities and the challenges they face each day.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in The Secure One Series definitely did not disappoint. Secure One is a security company and often times find themselves having to use their individual skills and knowledge to keep one safe. Selina has a ghost from her past that is determined to come back from the dead and take Selina to her grave. This book is full of action and intrigue and and once again, I love the team members and love getting to know Selina and Efren on a more personal level as they have to put their differences aside and focus on living

[Red Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Masquerading Twin is the fifth book in the Secure One series and this one is Selina's and Efren's story. This one is well written just like the author's other books and it has so much action but also suspense. The book will captivate you and have you turning pages until the very end. I loved all of the characters in this but I especially loved the chemistry between Selina and Efren. This is one I loved and would recommend it to any reader and the series. Thank you to the author for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review of The Masquerading Twin.

[Tracy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two troubled people, who work together, are found in a situation that allows them to make amends with their past and each other. Selina and Efren never really got along, or at least Selina didn't like Efren and was always a bit standoffish with him. Efren wondering why. When the two of them are facing danger, they forget all that, and work together. Working against the mafia! Selina grew up with the mafia, this gives her a bit of an advantage of what steps will be taken next. This is the perfect addition to the Secure One Series!

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘We protect you for love.’

Secure one book 5 starts up in the aftermath of where the previous book left us with the cliffhanger that was dropped when Selina was shot moments after the fact that she was living under an assumed name was revealed during an op. We jump head first into her drama when her dead twin shows up at the hospital looking for her in her quest to kill her sister before Selina can kill her again. This one lives up to the Harlequin imprint and is definitely intriguing and my favorite in the series, so far!

[Caroline Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Ms Mettner writes, I always love reading her books.
Selina has hated Efren from the moment he started at secure one, he has no idea why though.
When Selina's sister seems to turn up from the dead, she's scared.
Efren has been put on bodyguarding duty until things get sorted with Selina.
The storyline is gripping like all the rest of the series, it grabbed me from the first page with all the actions, adventure and excitement in struggled to put the book down. This whole series has been amazingly addictive.
I've thoroughly enjoyed them all.

[Belinda]

What an awesome read. This book picked up right where the previous one had ended.
Selina in the hospital and Efren with her.
Things starting going rough when her twin sister shows up. That is when everything starts getting bad for the two.
As they hide out and she tries to heal, Selina and Efren get to know each other more. She has always treated him badly.
Can Selina get rid of her sister and the snake? Will she risk it all just to take them down?
This is a must read book in this series! I had a hard time putting it down as I had to see what happened next! This series has been awesome!