What do you think?
Rate this book
Deceived: A Black Raven Novel
Introducing the Black Raven romantic suspense series, Deceived is "a fast-paced mystery and a sizzling love story" that draws inspiration from the history rich setting of New Orleans, Louisiana. “Deceived brings history to life in a suspenseful, contemporary tale. Barcelona’s debut book brings an excellent author to the fore; the intrigue blends beautifully with the romance.” -Heather Graham, New York Times Bestselling Author "Deceived will have you working up a sweat as you unravel a mystery, follow some interesting plot twists, and revel in a steamy romance." - Tangi Lifestyles Magazine From the back Taylor Marlowe Bartholomew carries three of the most notable names in New Orleans society. She hoped to forge her own path in the world as an Assistant District Attorney, but that dream is dying as obligations pull her into the family shipbuilding business. In Taylor’s final days in the DA’s office, she receives a murder assignment that could unravel her perception of reality. Brandon Morrissey is haunted by demons that force him to keep his life simple and detached. He pours all of his energy into his thriving legal practice, until, overnight, he becomes the single father of an infant. For the sake of his son’s future, Brandon searches for a killer and faces the truth about his family’s unfortunate past. Someone is willing to kill to use the past for their own ends. Thrust together, Brandon and Taylor have different views of their families’ intersecting histories. As they confront a sea of uncertainty, one thing is sure…no one is safe until they discover where the truth lies. Their destinies have been set in motion by their ancestors. Ghosts of the past shadow every step they take. Together they have to find the truth…before it’s too late. “Stella Barcelona’s stunning debut, Deceived, has it all. Mystery—check. Action—check. Romance —check. A heart-pounding must read, Barcelona writes for those of us who want intelligent protagonists and an intriguing mystery.” - Cherry Adair, New York Times Bestselling Author
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2014
476 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Stella Barcelona
10 books254 followersStella Barcelona is now a full-time author but was previously an attorney and a history teacher. Her love of history and experience as an attorney influence her writing and provide a fertile backdrop for her romantic suspense stories.
Stella and her husband Bob split their time between New Orleans and Fort Lauderdale. In addition to faraway places, both Louisiana and South Florida provide inspiration for settings in Stella’s novels. When Stella is not writing, she is often reading. She also enjoys Pilates classes, loves Italian food, and has a thing for early mornings and sunrises. Stella and Bob’s two papillons, Sucre and Summer, are their “children.”
Stella's stories have romance, mystery, and action, as intelligent protagonists face dark adversaries. From her fertile imagination, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, the continuing character in her romantic suspense series, was born.
As Stella tells it, “Black Raven is introduced in Deceived and is featured in my other novels. The genesis for Black Raven was my experience with Hurricane Katrina. At the time, we lived in downtown New Orleans. Our condo was centered between the Superdome and the Convention Center, within easy walking distance of both. We evacuated for the storm, and lived in Memphis, Tennessee for the weeks that New Orleans was closed to residents. Before Katrina, I had imagined devastating hurricanes. I had also imagined floodwaters inundating the area. I had never imagined how quickly civilization would erode once a storm of Katrina’s magnitude hit, nor had I imagined the depravity that ruled the streets of my beloved city in the days following the flood. Because we did not stay for the storm, I was able to watch the news coverage of the horror that unfolded in New Orleans. I was glued to the television for days and nights.
“Later, I learned that individuals, business entities, and governmental agencies had hired private security contractors to protect people and assets to fill the void left by the inability of government officials to provide safety. When I returned home, I was the beneficiary of such protection. I started researching private security contractors, and from that research my fictional company, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, was born. Black Raven is called upon when there’s a wrinkle in time, when civilization has faltered. They handle problems that others can’t solve, and they do it capably, efficiently, and with confidence. They protect, when no one else can. It’s what they do.”
Stella and her husband Bob split their time between New Orleans and Fort Lauderdale. In addition to faraway places, both Louisiana and South Florida provide inspiration for settings in Stella’s novels. When Stella is not writing, she is often reading. She also enjoys Pilates classes, loves Italian food, and has a thing for early mornings and sunrises. Stella and Bob’s two papillons, Sucre and Summer, are their “children.”
Stella's stories have romance, mystery, and action, as intelligent protagonists face dark adversaries. From her fertile imagination, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, the continuing character in her romantic suspense series, was born.
As Stella tells it, “Black Raven is introduced in Deceived and is featured in my other novels. The genesis for Black Raven was my experience with Hurricane Katrina. At the time, we lived in downtown New Orleans. Our condo was centered between the Superdome and the Convention Center, within easy walking distance of both. We evacuated for the storm, and lived in Memphis, Tennessee for the weeks that New Orleans was closed to residents. Before Katrina, I had imagined devastating hurricanes. I had also imagined floodwaters inundating the area. I had never imagined how quickly civilization would erode once a storm of Katrina’s magnitude hit, nor had I imagined the depravity that ruled the streets of my beloved city in the days following the flood. Because we did not stay for the storm, I was able to watch the news coverage of the horror that unfolded in New Orleans. I was glued to the television for days and nights.
“Later, I learned that individuals, business entities, and governmental agencies had hired private security contractors to protect people and assets to fill the void left by the inability of government officials to provide safety. When I returned home, I was the beneficiary of such protection. I started researching private security contractors, and from that research my fictional company, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, was born. Black Raven is called upon when there’s a wrinkle in time, when civilization has faltered. They handle problems that others can’t solve, and they do it capably, efficiently, and with confidence. They protect, when no one else can. It’s what they do.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 7, 2018
Absolutely one of the best new suspense writers IN. THE. BUSINESS!! This story is everything that makes a fabulous thriller all rolled into one yummy read!
Read
September 18, 2017 DNF @ 25%
I just could not get into this book. Not really sure why.
I just could not get into this book. Not really sure why.
April 29, 2015
This was a really good debut by Ms. Barcelona. Taylor Bartholomew is the only child of wealthy businessman George Bartholomew, Jr. From the time she was born she was expected to work in her family's shipping company. That day has arrived and she's about to come on board as the general counsel. Enter attorney, Brandon Morrissey. His ancestor was once a partner in that same shipping company until he was arrested for and convicted of trying to sell a valuable boat design to the Nazis. While Brandon' s family has always proclaimed the man's innocence and that he was the true designer of the boat in question, their chances of proving it had been impossible until now. When a woman named Lisa decides to write her college dissertation on the scandal, she begins digging for information. Not too long after she starts asking questions, she's killed in an apparent mugging. She also happens to be the mother of Brandon' s infant son, a fact he wasn't aware of until a couple of weeks prior to her death. Now he's a full time father, working while trying to figure out what happened to Lisa. When it appears her shooting is connected to the scandal and there may be proof of it floating around, Taylor and Brandon begin working to find out the truth. Taylor specifically because the cover-Up could very well implicate her father, Brandon because it's a chance to find Lisa's killer and clear his ancestor' s name entirely. Unfortunately, there's a vicious murderer on the loose, bent on revenge and he has Taylor in his sights. While the suspense elements were enough to carry the story there's a nice touch of romance as well. Brandon' s wife and unborn child were killed in a car accident, something he's never completely recovered from. As a result he vows never to open himself up to that type of pain again. Then along comes Taylor, knocking down his protective walls, penetrating his heart, and making him feel things he hasn't felt in a long time. However, he realizes they come from totally different walks of life and she has a hard time standing up to her father, who would never approve of someone like Brandon. This book had my attention from page one and held it all the way to the end. The historical aspects were interesting as well but not over done in a way that would cause the plot to drag. If you're a fan of romantic suspense you'll definitely want to check this one out for yourself. Definitely recommend!
May 5, 2014
Suddenly becoming a father on the heels of learning about the murder of the baby’s mother, Brandon is a bit unsettled. With the arrival of an assistant district attorney Brandon knows he’ll be suspect number one. What he finds is an incredibly gorgeous woman who seems sure of herself and less sure about him.
Living in the shadow of her father is something Taylor would love to break away from. Yet her father is now calling her home to their ship building business and she is powerless to tell him no. Her self assured persona is a facade she is unwilling to let go of, especially to a supposed enemy of her family. Being with Brandon day after day is showing her more about herself and her family than she was prepared for and not for the first time, Taylor needs to hide her emotions for the greater good.
Taylor and Brandon have years worth of reasons not to act on their growing attraction. Their last names decree that they never be together. Yet the more time they spend together trying to solve a womans murder and uncover the secrets of the past, the more they can’t deny what they feel. With a murderer intent of finishing his plan and exposing the sins of another generation, everyone is in danger, but none more so than Taylor.
Debut author Stella Barcelona has written a romantic suspense that readers should enjoy. Combining her apparent love and knowledge of history and boats with an undeniable attraction between her characters add up to a winning combination. This really didn’t feel like a debut but more like that of a seasoned novelist. Her writing is crisp and clean but can be a bit long winded at times. You really must enjoy the history she talks about or you may find yourself zoning out for portions of the book since it’s heavily laden with it.
Even if the history isn’t your thing, the romance aspect was well done with a constant build up until the characters could deny themselves no more. Brandon and Taylor’s smoldering looks and forbidden caresses jump from the page. Barcelona does an excellent job crafting her characters and bringing them to life by giving them real world problems and insecurities. Taylor’s need to belong, to finally measure up in the eyes of her father is something a lot of people feel and can relate to. Her ability to be both strong and feminine sets her apart and makes her the perfect counterpart to Brandon’s need to help others and to find the killer of his sons mother.
I did find the story line to be a bit dry in between the more action packed sequences. The times when Taylor and Brandon weren’t together dragged a bit and the first half of the book moved a bit slower than I would have liked. The mystery surrounding the death of the young grad student (Brandon’s one night stand and surprising mother of his child) is woven tightly with the past and Brandon’s grandfather who was accused of selling government secrets. I would have liked the romance to heat up a bit quicker than it did as well. Once they succumbed to their growing attraction and some age old secrets are revealed, the story picks up speed and moves along nicely. The finale was laden with action and tied the story line up with conviction.
Barcelona is an author I’d definitely read again. If her debut selection intrigued me I can’t wait to see what she graces readers with next!
I give Deceived by Stella Barcelona 4 stars!
Living in the shadow of her father is something Taylor would love to break away from. Yet her father is now calling her home to their ship building business and she is powerless to tell him no. Her self assured persona is a facade she is unwilling to let go of, especially to a supposed enemy of her family. Being with Brandon day after day is showing her more about herself and her family than she was prepared for and not for the first time, Taylor needs to hide her emotions for the greater good.
Taylor and Brandon have years worth of reasons not to act on their growing attraction. Their last names decree that they never be together. Yet the more time they spend together trying to solve a womans murder and uncover the secrets of the past, the more they can’t deny what they feel. With a murderer intent of finishing his plan and exposing the sins of another generation, everyone is in danger, but none more so than Taylor.
Debut author Stella Barcelona has written a romantic suspense that readers should enjoy. Combining her apparent love and knowledge of history and boats with an undeniable attraction between her characters add up to a winning combination. This really didn’t feel like a debut but more like that of a seasoned novelist. Her writing is crisp and clean but can be a bit long winded at times. You really must enjoy the history she talks about or you may find yourself zoning out for portions of the book since it’s heavily laden with it.
Even if the history isn’t your thing, the romance aspect was well done with a constant build up until the characters could deny themselves no more. Brandon and Taylor’s smoldering looks and forbidden caresses jump from the page. Barcelona does an excellent job crafting her characters and bringing them to life by giving them real world problems and insecurities. Taylor’s need to belong, to finally measure up in the eyes of her father is something a lot of people feel and can relate to. Her ability to be both strong and feminine sets her apart and makes her the perfect counterpart to Brandon’s need to help others and to find the killer of his sons mother.
I did find the story line to be a bit dry in between the more action packed sequences. The times when Taylor and Brandon weren’t together dragged a bit and the first half of the book moved a bit slower than I would have liked. The mystery surrounding the death of the young grad student (Brandon’s one night stand and surprising mother of his child) is woven tightly with the past and Brandon’s grandfather who was accused of selling government secrets. I would have liked the romance to heat up a bit quicker than it did as well. Once they succumbed to their growing attraction and some age old secrets are revealed, the story picks up speed and moves along nicely. The finale was laden with action and tied the story line up with conviction.
Barcelona is an author I’d definitely read again. If her debut selection intrigued me I can’t wait to see what she graces readers with next!
I give Deceived by Stella Barcelona 4 stars!
June 3, 2015
Assistant District Attorney Taylor Bartholomew starts out as the quintessential "steel magnolia" in Stella Barcelona's Deceived, based in sultry New Orleans. She detours for awhile into weepy and bewildered, but then she finds her inner Lady Justice in an exciting, extended climax to this romantic-suspense novel.
Taylor: "Are you always rude, or are you intimidated by debutantes and carnival royalty?"
Brandon: "If life was a beauty pageant, she was Miss Universe, and she didn't need him to coddle her. The rest of the world did that."
As you can see, these two begin their relationship leery and suspicious of one another, despite the attractive packaging. Barcelona is very clear about the motivations of her main characters. Brandon is driven by the deep divide between the haves and the have-nots. His occupation as a plaintiff's attorney is only part of what makes him tick. His pursuit of justice for the little-guy has its roots in his childhood, and manifests itself with a very eclectic collection of "friends" who help with his investigations. "I love to find that person and make the bad guy pay."
Right off, Brandon understands Taylor: "Deep-seated curiosity was embedded in her nature and on-target questions bubbled out of her as naturally as water from a well." Taylor's inquisitiveness, matched with the motives of a deranged killer, propel the plot forward.
Just 27% of the way into the book, I had a hunch about the killer. But, to be fair, Barcelona is more concerned about building the level of dread and highlighting the insidious reactions of those around Taylor and Brandon than masking the identity of the murderer.
There was a lot I liked about this novel, and a few things that I didn't. The New Orleans atmosphere is great, along with the host of characters that lend personality to the story. High society and low society are all bundled together, and while trips to fund-raisers make Brandon's skin crawl, a walk through a low-income high rise makes Taylor distinctly uncomfortable. The friendships are very important in this book. The dialogue between the friends is natural and fun. The suspense plot has a historical twist, which is very interesting and pulls in multi-generational villains.
I really only had two dislikes, and each was a facet of the main characters. Taylor's personality started out so great, but through the middle she lost herself to uncertainty. I suppose that is a by-product of being deceived, but she was so audacious in the beginning it was hard to see her slide backward, and gee, be human? The bigger dislike was how Brandon reacted to his demons. It was overly dramatic and pulled too much of his personal past into the current story-line - to the detriment of the developing relationship with Taylor.
Overall, I liked this book. The historic-themed suspense plot was intriguing and the contemporary cover-up was despicable. Despite the generations of scheming, I wasn't lost for a second in the action or the machinations. It was truly absorbing. As an aside, Sebastian Connelly is introduced as Brandon's best friend. His book, Shadows, is even better than this one.
Taylor: "Are you always rude, or are you intimidated by debutantes and carnival royalty?"
Brandon: "If life was a beauty pageant, she was Miss Universe, and she didn't need him to coddle her. The rest of the world did that."
As you can see, these two begin their relationship leery and suspicious of one another, despite the attractive packaging. Barcelona is very clear about the motivations of her main characters. Brandon is driven by the deep divide between the haves and the have-nots. His occupation as a plaintiff's attorney is only part of what makes him tick. His pursuit of justice for the little-guy has its roots in his childhood, and manifests itself with a very eclectic collection of "friends" who help with his investigations. "I love to find that person and make the bad guy pay."
Right off, Brandon understands Taylor: "Deep-seated curiosity was embedded in her nature and on-target questions bubbled out of her as naturally as water from a well." Taylor's inquisitiveness, matched with the motives of a deranged killer, propel the plot forward.
Just 27% of the way into the book, I had a hunch about the killer. But, to be fair, Barcelona is more concerned about building the level of dread and highlighting the insidious reactions of those around Taylor and Brandon than masking the identity of the murderer.
There was a lot I liked about this novel, and a few things that I didn't. The New Orleans atmosphere is great, along with the host of characters that lend personality to the story. High society and low society are all bundled together, and while trips to fund-raisers make Brandon's skin crawl, a walk through a low-income high rise makes Taylor distinctly uncomfortable. The friendships are very important in this book. The dialogue between the friends is natural and fun. The suspense plot has a historical twist, which is very interesting and pulls in multi-generational villains.
I really only had two dislikes, and each was a facet of the main characters. Taylor's personality started out so great, but through the middle she lost herself to uncertainty. I suppose that is a by-product of being deceived, but she was so audacious in the beginning it was hard to see her slide backward, and gee, be human? The bigger dislike was how Brandon reacted to his demons. It was overly dramatic and pulled too much of his personal past into the current story-line - to the detriment of the developing relationship with Taylor.
Overall, I liked this book. The historic-themed suspense plot was intriguing and the contemporary cover-up was despicable. Despite the generations of scheming, I wasn't lost for a second in the action or the machinations. It was truly absorbing. As an aside, Sebastian Connelly is introduced as Brandon's best friend. His book, Shadows, is even better than this one.
May 24, 2014
Past and present involving something that happened during WWII collide in this suspenseful murder mystery. This debut author has her home state of Louisiana as the backdrop for this intricate web of lies that after all these years still has consequences on the 4 families that were involved.
The murder of a college student whose is a single mother starts the unraveling of a long held secret that someone is killing for. The backdrop is the 4 families that were involved in the making of a boat that was instrumental during the war. One of the 4 men was accused of treason and his family has suffered from that ever since. This story is about two of the children from those families.
Taylor Marlowe Bartholomew has a name she doesn’t want to live up to. Her father runs one of the famous shipping companies in New Orleans. Since birth her father has been grooming her to take her place by his side even though that’s the one place she doesn’t want to be. She loves her job as an assistance DA even knowing her father was just letting her bide her time until he said enough. One of the last cases she gets before she has to resign is the murder of the single mom.
Brandon Morrissey is the descendant of the man accused of treason. His life has not been an easy one but he’s fought his whole life to overcome that and is now a popular lawyer in New Orleans. He finds out shortly before the death of the college student that his short affair with her had produced a child that he didn’t know anything about until 2 weeks before her death. Now he is not only suddenly an instant father but also a person of interest in the murder.
From birth Taylor and Brandon have had preconceived notions about each other based on the history from WWII. Brandon has always felt his descendant was falsely accused and convicted and thinks Taylor is a spoiled princess who has had it easy. Brandon not only has a chip on his shoulder from the way his family was treated but he’s also closed himself off emotionally from losing the love of his life and their child a few years ago. Taylor at first thinks Brandon is trying to hide something and does her best to prove his alibi is false. But its not long before these two see that there is something more going on than just the random killing of a woman and that it looks too involved their families.
The author’s real life profession as a lawyer was evident throughout along with her love for her native New Orleans. This was a finely crafted written suspense that had us as readers clued in on some things but kept other’s close to the vest until the author was ready to reveal them. Overall this was a great debut suspense and I will be looking for future books from this author.
The murder of a college student whose is a single mother starts the unraveling of a long held secret that someone is killing for. The backdrop is the 4 families that were involved in the making of a boat that was instrumental during the war. One of the 4 men was accused of treason and his family has suffered from that ever since. This story is about two of the children from those families.
Taylor Marlowe Bartholomew has a name she doesn’t want to live up to. Her father runs one of the famous shipping companies in New Orleans. Since birth her father has been grooming her to take her place by his side even though that’s the one place she doesn’t want to be. She loves her job as an assistance DA even knowing her father was just letting her bide her time until he said enough. One of the last cases she gets before she has to resign is the murder of the single mom.
Brandon Morrissey is the descendant of the man accused of treason. His life has not been an easy one but he’s fought his whole life to overcome that and is now a popular lawyer in New Orleans. He finds out shortly before the death of the college student that his short affair with her had produced a child that he didn’t know anything about until 2 weeks before her death. Now he is not only suddenly an instant father but also a person of interest in the murder.
From birth Taylor and Brandon have had preconceived notions about each other based on the history from WWII. Brandon has always felt his descendant was falsely accused and convicted and thinks Taylor is a spoiled princess who has had it easy. Brandon not only has a chip on his shoulder from the way his family was treated but he’s also closed himself off emotionally from losing the love of his life and their child a few years ago. Taylor at first thinks Brandon is trying to hide something and does her best to prove his alibi is false. But its not long before these two see that there is something more going on than just the random killing of a woman and that it looks too involved their families.
The author’s real life profession as a lawyer was evident throughout along with her love for her native New Orleans. This was a finely crafted written suspense that had us as readers clued in on some things but kept other’s close to the vest until the author was ready to reveal them. Overall this was a great debut suspense and I will be looking for future books from this author.
December 8, 2017
I enjoyed this book and the mystery although I did figure out pretty early on who the murderer was. It had a great mystery, interesting historical aspect and a decent love story. I really didn't like Taylor though. The whole virginity thing seemed really stupid and unrealistic. It just added to the whole snooty, rich girl persona that I thought the author didn't want to portray Taylor as. I also really struggled to understand her firm and staunch belief in her father despite the evidence to the contrary and the way he treated her the whole book. It just seemed like a way to get Taylor and Brandon to fight which was so incredibly annoying. I love reading romantic suspense because straight romance is too over-dramatic, unrealistic, and irrational to me. With romantic suspense you get just a little bit of the romance that I crave, but a great mystery or murder mystery to go along with it and since the romance isn't the main point it's not silly and over-dramatized. This had just a little too many story telling elements from a romance novel for me to say I loved it. The murder mystery in this book somewhat made up for that, but I had a hard time with Taylor's character.
August 6, 2014
A good friend recommended this read and I'm thrilled she did. I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense.
I especially enjoyed the concept of the hero and heroin being from families that were enemies for many generations. The historical aspect was interesting, there was many twists and turns. I liked the different feel of this book.
The author started it off with the death of a new mom. Thrusting the 2 month old baby at the new dad, who has a painful past and the story from there continues to keep you on your toes.
With all the obstacles in there way Taylor and Brandon should not be together. But between the action, history, mystery and of course the romance, you get it all. I am looking forward to this authors next book. Great debut!
I especially enjoyed the concept of the hero and heroin being from families that were enemies for many generations. The historical aspect was interesting, there was many twists and turns. I liked the different feel of this book.
The author started it off with the death of a new mom. Thrusting the 2 month old baby at the new dad, who has a painful past and the story from there continues to keep you on your toes.
With all the obstacles in there way Taylor and Brandon should not be together. But between the action, history, mystery and of course the romance, you get it all. I am looking forward to this authors next book. Great debut!
April 28, 2014
I was gifted an advance copy of her debut novel and can honestly say that I am looking forward to more books by this author. The storyline follows an investigation into a seemingly simple murder of a young woman that leads back to three prominent families. Socialite Taylor Bartholomew becomes involved in the case in her last few days at the District Attorney's office. Brandon Morrissey a grandson to a man accused of treason during WWII is involved in the case in more ways then one and this leads to an attraction between him and Taylor.
For me the bad guy was easy to figure out but that was okay too, I wanted to see how the story unfolded and she was able to tie up any loose ends.
For me the bad guy was easy to figure out but that was okay too, I wanted to see how the story unfolded and she was able to tie up any loose ends.
January 11, 2015
A weaver of words, Ms. Barcelona creates a story that draws you in from page one, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and leaves you wanting more.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
August 2, 2015
This is Ms. Barcellona’s debut novel. I loved the way she kept the history of WWII interesting and the accuracy of New Orleans culture but still kept the quick pace of the relationships and storyline flowing.
I got invested in the characters and did not want their story to end. Loved it!
I got invested in the characters and did not want their story to end. Loved it!
May 1, 2015
This is a great first book for this author. Lots of mystery, suspense and romance. The characters were dynamic and the storyline was intriguing. Excellent beginning.
October 25, 2015
First book I've read by her. Truly excellent. So much going on, but easy to follow. Generations of family deception.
June 15, 2017
I am very excited to write this review. I was lucky enough to meet Ms. Barcelona and received a copy of her book for a fair and honest review. Stella Barcelona was a new author to me but I was very interested in reading her books because I am a huge fan of romantic suspense. With every new author I read, I am always wary of how well the book will be written and after reading this book, I have added a new series to my must read list!
I loved so much about this book it is hard to pick just one place to start, so I will start with Taylor. Taylor has all the markings of a Paris Hilton type heiress, however, she is none of the stereotypes associated with this status. While she likes her lifestyle, she is smart and caring and so likeable. I was definitely rooting for her throughout the book.
Brandon is such a complex character from his family history, to his personal history, to his integrity and what he now wants out of life. I absolutely loved the action and suspense in this book. The twists and turns keep you guessing. The secondary characters (both good and bad) are a great supporting cast to move the story along and keep you locked in this very believable world of Taylor’s and Brandon’s lives. This book was very well written and I am excited to recommend it to my family and friends and anyone who is a fan romantic suspense. With this debut novel, Ms. Barcelona would flawlessly fit in the with today’s best-selling suspense writers.
I loved so much about this book it is hard to pick just one place to start, so I will start with Taylor. Taylor has all the markings of a Paris Hilton type heiress, however, she is none of the stereotypes associated with this status. While she likes her lifestyle, she is smart and caring and so likeable. I was definitely rooting for her throughout the book.
Brandon is such a complex character from his family history, to his personal history, to his integrity and what he now wants out of life. I absolutely loved the action and suspense in this book. The twists and turns keep you guessing. The secondary characters (both good and bad) are a great supporting cast to move the story along and keep you locked in this very believable world of Taylor’s and Brandon’s lives. This book was very well written and I am excited to recommend it to my family and friends and anyone who is a fan romantic suspense. With this debut novel, Ms. Barcelona would flawlessly fit in the with today’s best-selling suspense writers.
November 22, 2017
This is the first book I’ve read by Stella Barcelona and I was truly impressed. It had everything rolled into one package. Romance between Brandon and Taylor. Mystery and intrigue which kept you guessing and on the edge of your seat till the very end. Friendship between all the characters not to mention loyalty to each other. The struggle to keep commitment to family and still doing “the right thing.” Above all being true to yourself and upholding your values. Taking responsibility for your actions as Brandon did becoming Michael’s true father. I like Stella’s style of writing and look forward to reading more of her books.
July 3, 2018
Mystery in Our Southern Son City !
A winner out of the gate ! Past wrongs , present hurts and romance in "Naw Orleans" . A lawyer who made his own way & his own money and one who inherited her wealth and status tackle past mysteries --- treason, fraud, murder, and love ! Ain't that great !!??
A winner out of the gate ! Past wrongs , present hurts and romance in "Naw Orleans" . A lawyer who made his own way & his own money and one who inherited her wealth and status tackle past mysteries --- treason, fraud, murder, and love ! Ain't that great !!??
September 26, 2020
A smart new District Attorney is only in office one day and already on a puzzling case when here Dad dictates must start work the next day in his very successful firm. She finds the case she is working on is related to her Dad's business and a person of interest in the case. She becomes very attracted to him and could be in a dangerous position when others are out to bury old secrets permanently.
May 27, 2017
Good NOLA landscape based mystery
Though the romance ending was a bit predictable, the mystery was well crafted. Good use of scene placements in the NOLA area. Speaking as a former resident, some things really are "only in Louisiana". Liked it enough to read more by the author.
Though the romance ending was a bit predictable, the mystery was well crafted. Good use of scene placements in the NOLA area. Speaking as a former resident, some things really are "only in Louisiana". Liked it enough to read more by the author.
June 12, 2017
Fantastic début novel.
It is hard to believe this is the author's first novel. This story is romance, action and mystery all rolled into one. It has a good plot and some interesting twists. I look forward to more novels from Ms. Barcelona.
It is hard to believe this is the author's first novel. This story is romance, action and mystery all rolled into one. It has a good plot and some interesting twists. I look forward to more novels from Ms. Barcelona.
July 22, 2017
3 1/2 stars. Descent Read
I enjoyed the book but it had a few quirks. The book was pretty predictable from the beginning. Some of the wording was a little off at times too. The description of the love making scenes were strange at times.
I enjoyed the book but it had a few quirks. The book was pretty predictable from the beginning. Some of the wording was a little off at times too. The description of the love making scenes were strange at times.
July 26, 2017
Couldn't put this one down
This book was amazing! I read it in one night - once I started I couldn't put it down. Not only did I immediately fall in love with the characters but I learned a bit of history that was downright fascinating!
This book was amazing! I read it in one night - once I started I couldn't put it down. Not only did I immediately fall in love with the characters but I learned a bit of history that was downright fascinating!
October 13, 2017
Tried a new author, not so sure if I like her. More romance than I like and the plot was not very feasible. The heroine is a D.A. in New Orleans but from a wealthy family who may have cheated others out of their inheritance.
January 8, 2018
Deceived
This book was mesmerizing from the first chapter. I could not put it down. I loved the way the author wound history into the modern day world. The romance as exciting as the intrigue. I will definitely be looking for more works by Stella Barcelona.
This book was mesmerizing from the first chapter. I could not put it down. I loved the way the author wound history into the modern day world. The romance as exciting as the intrigue. I will definitely be looking for more works by Stella Barcelona.
January 11, 2018
Great read with relatable characters!
I really enjoyed reading this book and looked forward to returning to it each time. The characters were genuine and the events well thought out. I’d definitely read more by this author.
I really enjoyed reading this book and looked forward to returning to it each time. The characters were genuine and the events well thought out. I’d definitely read more by this author.
December 3, 2018
This was a good read although the repetitive use of the eye color of the subject before giving their expression got EXTREMELY annoying. Otherwise, the story unraveled well and was only moderately predictable.
November 24, 2019
Amazing....
I can only say "Thank You" to Stella Barcelona for a wonderful Saturday afternoon. The plot was thrilling and the characters all came together like a beautiful puzzle. I can't WAIT to go on to the next!
I can only say "Thank You" to Stella Barcelona for a wonderful Saturday afternoon. The plot was thrilling and the characters all came together like a beautiful puzzle. I can't WAIT to go on to the next!
June 9, 2017
I loved this book, it was sexy, full of action and I couldn't put it down.
June 29, 2017
Exciting Story
This book has everything;, an exciting plot, attractive main characters, and a lot of twists and turns. A very enjoyable read!
This book has everything;, an exciting plot, attractive main characters, and a lot of twists and turns. A very enjoyable read!
June 23, 2017
Deceived A Page Turner
I really enjoyed this book for its history, it's location, it's characters. I could put it down. Thank you Stella Barcelona
I really enjoyed this book for its history, it's location, it's characters. I could put it down. Thank you Stella Barcelona
September 30, 2017
Most of the story was a bit of a stretch...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews