Lethal Deceit

Hightower Security #2

by Jorgia Yates

He swore to destroy her.
Now he'll die to protect her.

After being set up and nearly killed in a terrorist plot, US Coastguardsman Mick Weston isn't waiting for justice—he's hunting it down. The woman who humiliated him holds the answers he needs, and on live television, he vows to drag her in.

She can't be trusted.
He can't let go.
Love is the deadliest con of all.

Samantha Duke has made a career out of fooling men and vanishing before the bill comes due. But when her face floods every screen in America, there's nowhere left to run. The enemies who used her are closing in, and her only hope is the man she betrayed.

With his judgment clouded, Mick turns to Hightower Security for one desperate gambit:

Dangle her as bait.
Lure out the real enemy.

Genres: Romance

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2025

About the author

Falling in love shouldn’t be this dangerous—but Jorgia Yates wouldn’t have it any other way.

She writes Christian Romantic Suspense with protective heroes, courageous heroines, and a faith that holds strong when everything else falls apart.

Jorgia married her teenage sweetheart twenty-five years ago (after a truly cringe-worthy meet-cute in 1990), and together they’re raising two amazing children on the spectrum.

Living with chronic illness means her world is a little smaller—but her imagination is anything but. So while real life includes rest, resilience, and lots of grace, her characters chase danger, dodge bullets, and fall hard for the kind of love that protects—body and soul.

✨ Grab a free Hightower Security prequel at www.jorgiayates.com and start falling for heroes who never back down.

Reviews

[Janine Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast past plot from beginning to end. I absolutely loved this novella such an heartwarming story he falls hard enemies to lovers . banter between fmc and mmc such a cinnamon roll. I love the closed end books and the Christian side is awesome cause I can relate to it. it quick and intense. Made me feel all the feelings will definitely recommend it of you love Christian romances.

Received as an ARC on booksirens

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jorgia Yates has done it again! Lethal Deceit is Book 2 in the Hightower Security series.
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own. **
Lethal Deceit grabbed my attention immediately and was a book I couldn’t put down until I finished it from cover to cover.
Lethal Deceit is a story that falls into the Christian Suspense Romance category, and it:
- offers a Suspense story that the ending isn’t obvious. (A pleasant surprise after reading others that you can guess the ending well in advance.)
- is a Romance story, that builds from beginning to end, & surprises the characters.
- is a Christian story, one that shows the faith but isn’t preachy.
- is a well balanced, well written novel.
Bottom line, this book proves that everything & everyone is not what it/they seem. Love, love, love this book & series. Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense that feeds the soul:
What a wonderful Christian romantic suspense novel! I loved how there was a top notch plot with plenty of intrigue and action, plus a Christian message that was neither preachy nor over the top. It was unpredictable and all of the twists and turns kept guessing throughout.
This is the second book in the series and they definitely need to be read in order as there was carry over from the prior book. Even though I had read this beforehand, I still found myself trying to piece it all together and recall what had previously transpired.
Samantha and Mick made an unlikely couple yet I was glad that they found each other. The side characters were equally as compelling and I look forward to discovering their stories too.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Catherine Perschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jorgia Yates' Lethal Deceit is so edge-of-your-seat, can't-wait-to-read-what happens-next fantastic that I couldn't put it down! I could so relate to Samantha... always hiding behind masks and trying to be what others expected. Working and performing to gain love and acceptances, only to finally realize that if you had to earn it, it wasn't love... that true love is freely given! I could also relate to Mick, whose decisions and actions don't always match what he says he believes. With Samantha and Mick's stubbornness, the tension between them, and the high-stakes, life-or-death race against evil, I was all in! Jorgia Yates unfolds Jesus's love, mercy, grace and redemption in a real and beautiful adventure! I was so excited to be gifted Lethal Deceit to read and share! My only disappointment is that I now have to wait for Deadly Force, the next Hightower Security book in the series!

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

This turned out to be a fast paced action plot that has Mich & Sam stumbling & overcoming obstacles. Super big emotions get tossed in & venerabilities are out in the open to navigate. You hold your breath as the team fight to over come evil with lots of faith & smarts. You cheer on & root for Mick & Sam to find a new beginning & love. Enjoy the laughter, banter & camaraderie.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jorgia Yates has done it, AGAIN!!! Lethal Deceit took me on a chase where the heart stopping action never ceased!! Samantha never knew any kind of life other than living for the next con. As a child, she never knew real love, nor the love only God can give. She lived the life of a con artist, because that's all she knew from earliest memories.
Mick, a Rescue Swimmer for the U.S. Coast Guard, tried to live a life of honor, integrity and faith. But, in his recent past, he had been led like a lamb to the slaughter house. Due to his trauma and anger, Mick added in some revenge to his daily life.
Once he and the Hightower Security Team find their prey, he begins to see into the heart of the woman who left him for dead. As Mick's heart begins to soften, alongside the hearts of the Hightower Team, Samantha begins to experience real love and her actions begin to firm and be real. As love begins to bloom in her heart, she knows that her past actions have caused anger, hatred and self-doubt. She begins to seek redemption in the eyes of those she's beginning to trust and also Salvation. I loved this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars! This book was gifted to me by the author for an honest opinion and no requirement of a positive review.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is good. I enjoyed reading it and I know you will too. So I highly recommend that you read Lethal Deceit.

This is a good clean story of two people who start out hating each other and by the end of the book that might have changed. Samantha Duke is a con artist and she got Coastguardsman Mick Weston right in her web and it almost cost him his life. So now she is on the run and Mick is chasing her. He ends up getting the guys at Hightower Security to help him and Mick has promised that he will bring her in.

In the meantime we have a terrorist leader that is in the area and he will stop at nothing to right what he did wrong and is looking to kill Mick too. They get the idea from Samantha to use her as bait and she will go in wearing a camera so they can see how many men at in their safehouse.
Her plan worked to get her in but when she did not have the answers he wanted one of the thugs beat her up.

This books has lots of twists and turns but will the good guys win in the end? And what will happen with Mick and Samantha?

[It's Sunrise Again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Deceit is an epic, action-packed, must-read novel. Following on the heels of the previous story in this series, Collison Course, Lethal Deceit is Mack and Samantha's story. It also sets up the next novel, which is Caleb's story, and I can't wait to read it!

Samantha was a fascinating character, a con-women who took the wrong job. Her backstory is heartbreaking, yet somehow Jorgia pens a tale of God's grace and redemption. Mack's interactions with Sam aren't the beginning of a typical romance. However, this unexpected couple has an untraditional story.

This is a true 5-star novel, and I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys Christian romantic suspense and books by Susan May Warren, Lynette Eason, and Lynn H. Blackburn.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Deceit is an action packed emotional rollercoaster ride full of so many twists and turns that you need to hold on to your seat to keep up. Since this is the second book in The Hightower Security series and characters appear in more than one book I highly recomnend you read Collision Course which is the previous book. This author has written storyline that is enticing, intense and succinct. If you love mystery, suspense, good versus evil, Christian romance that just doesnt stop this book and series are for you. I love character driven stories that have a story and lesson to teach and Mick and Samantha and the rest of the team definitely hold up their end. The trauma and abuses discussed are handles with tact and discretion. This book really opens up many moments for reflection. I enjoyed this book..well done.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful followup to the premiere to the series, Collision Course. That's where we we're introduced to Mick, though it's not necessary to have read it before reading this book (but you still want to don't you😉). He and Samantha (Sam) are stuck together, and they'd better come to terms with it fast! This book is high energy, high action, high octane from the first page to the last. Packed with terrific characters (the whole Hightower crew makes an appearance), powerful storyline and solid writing. This is shaping up to be an excellent series. Make sure to get in at the beginning!

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and want to read more of this series. The characters are very real with realistic doubts and struggles. This story addresses a true struggle with Samatha having been abandoned by her parents and taken by someone that raised her to be a criminal all the while telling her she was worthless. A child in that situation has no one to turn to and as an adult will still flounder.

MIck has been raised in a Christian home but still lets his emotions get the best of him and over reacts. He forgets and doesn't trust God. HIghtower is there and helps them both through their mistakes. They are fighting a terrorist cell and really don't know it. Success comes through faith.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this had more stars to check, I would have done so. How do you describe a book that hits all the right notes? Samantha was abandoned and shuffled from one home to another as a child. Now a con artist, trained by Mona, she is the one who drugged Mick. (story in Book 1)
When Mick tries to find Samantha, he finds her in trouble and surprise, surprise, they fall in love. Falling in love with someone who has harmed you a real twist for any book!
This is a wonderful book. I have read the prequel and Book 1. Can hardly wait for Book 3.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Deceit by Jorgia Yates is a well-written suspense romance based on Christian principles. I had never read a book by this author before and am pleasantly surprised. The book is full of emotion and has wonderful characters that you get to know well. The story is very exciting and captivating until the end. It is a story that builds faith. And it makes you think about where you are in your own life. I hope to read more books by this author.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is very intense. Samantha has been told since she was little that she wasn't worth anything. Was taught and used to con men out of money her whole life. Now she's in deep trouble and it's going to take Hightower Security and Mick who is a Coast Guardsman to keep her alive if she will let them. It's hard to trust when you've never had anyone to depend upon. This is a clean Christian story. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha and Mick, super suspenseful, not knowing what to expect. Grat characters a security firm involved with super hot men and women. A very disturbing upbringing from one of the characters and a kind of second chance. A lot of action and suspicious behavior. I loved it. The only thing i didn't like was the chapter heads i still don’t know what they meant.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Hightower Security series by Jorgia Yates.
Mick and Samantha encountered each other before. She duped and embarrassed him almost got him killed. Now they meet again and discover things aren’t exactly as each of them believed.
Things get very intense.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series. It was an amazing debut novel, and have been looking forward to this sequel ever since I read Collision Course. It was worth the wait.

The author came up with two great and likable characters. Mick was an amazing hero of the story, and Samantha was extremely easy to like, despite her past and her frequent mess-ups. The suspense was non stop, and the plot was easy to follow, and was extremely interesting.

All of the characters from the first book were back, some having more appearances than others. The vibes and back and forth between Mick and Samantha were entertaining, and I liked how that all played out.

Yates didn't shy away from Christian content and sharing the Gospel through fiction, and I liked the fact that Mick wasn't perfect, and how he struggled to forgive Samantha.

The book had a great ending, and I was guessing right who the next book would be about, and am looking forward to reading it.

Yates is one of the best new Christian suspense authors to come along recently, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
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[Peachy 105 · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, Lethal Deceit hooked me with its raw, compelling characters— Samantha, a woman shaped by neglect and self-destruction, and Mick, an innocent man ensnared in a conspiracy. Their collision course of revenge and unexpected attraction kept me riveted.
Explosive Chemistry: The enemies-to-lovers arc felt believable, with tension that sizzled off the page.
Perfect Pacing: The story unfolded over a tight, one-week timeline—no filler, just relentless momentum.
Powerful Themes: The exploration of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness moved me deeply. The way faithful characters (Mick’s sister, the High Tower community) guided others toward redemption felt organic and uplifting.

This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about second chances, both divine and human. The author wove spiritual lessons seamlessly into the plot, showing how miracles can emerge from even the darkest pasts.

✓ Fast-paced romance

✓ Faith-based themes that enhance (not preach) the story

A rare gem that delivers heat, heart, and hope in equal measure. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and I'm leaving an honest review.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a face paced, hang-on-tight kind of story. It picks up where the previous installment left off. Most of the characters are familiar but the focus has shifted. We learn more about Hightower Security too. My favorite thing about this book is that the author makes it clear that no one is beyond God’s grace while the individual still draws breath. It’s a gritty story that doesn’t shy away from the truth of the high cost of casual living, maybe especially for those who know better. Grace is described in such a way that it exposes the reader’s pseudo piety and the desperate grab for high moral ground, leaving one to ponder the fabulous saving grace of God. I found myself hoping for more than a romantic happily ever after; I wanted to see the seeds of salvation harvested. When I finished this book I was emotionally wrung out but also at peace. I was VERY invested in the story! While this is a standalone story, it’s so much better for having read the previous books. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed this author through a few pen names, and feel she has reached her niche with fine aplomb. Her journey has been an inspiration to me changing many genrés to one where I feel blessed throughout with the journey of faith through fiction.
This is one where I could dive into Mick searching for Samantha. For what she initiated by means of subterfuge in the first book in this series, Collision Course, left me wanting to know how he landed up there.
By the time I had finished reading, I felt like I was reading from an author with years of experience in the Christian Romantic Suspense genré and slots perfectly into the top writers in this category. This series has set a high standard of intrigue, background planning and plotting of a team led by the best inspiration and guidance.
Although I received a copy, I have also pre-ordered the final edition.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was a real thrill ride and emotional. A fast pace read.

When Samantha a fraudster who got Coast Guard rescue swimmer Mick in trouble, gets caught, all of the Hightower Security team steps up to protect them.

Samantha is hard to like initially until you get to know and understand her back story. Mick wants to protect her despite what she had done but there is retribution in her and that is what the Hightower team and Mick sees in her. Even if she had trouble seeing it in herself, she goes on a journey of self discovery throughout the book.

It was inspirational with the faith how that was gradually introduced throughout the story.

So well written. It was a great story and these guys are just make for a tremendous read. I can't wait for the next. Fantastic book!!

[Carolyn Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster! A tight, fast-paced, well-written book from a new to me author. You know when you read a book and you dislike the main character so much you're tempted to DNF it, but you know you'll find out there's a reason she's such a jerk and if you just hang in there, her redemption arc will be worth it? Yeah, that happened. You get a rough start with both Samantha and Mick.
Samantha is a con artist, and Mick fell for her. But this was no simple con. Samantha discovers she's in way over her head, and soon they're both in the crosshairs of the baddies. Thank goodness Mick's got Hightower Security on his side. Great tension, high stakes, chemistry, redemption arcs for both MCs. And the supporting characters were engaging. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent suspenseful romantic Christian story. Enjoyed main characters Mick, Coast Guard serviceman and Samantha a misjudged lifelong abused young lady who appears to be bad. Plenty of suspense from beginning to end between these too characters. Coming into the story and their characters are Caleb, huge and muscly young man with Luke’s help and women Adena, Verity and Delilah all employees of Silas Hightower. Also enjoyed Brooke’s character, as Mick’s sister and who shared and showed her faith while captured.

Enjoyed the Christian base, Bible, as being their logo or theme as to their actions and behavior. This was all at a reasonable level for reality.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Racheal Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced narrative that will keep you hooked. It continues where the previous installment left off. The majority of the characters are familiar, but the focus has moved. We also learn more about HighTower Security. My favorite aspect of this book is how the author emphasizes that no one is beyond God's grace as long as they are alive. It's a rough story that doesn't sugarcoat the reality of the expensive cost of casual living, perhaps especially for those who understand better. Grace is depicted in such a way that it exposes the reader's false piety and frantic grasp for moral superiority, leaving one to ponder God's miraculous rescuing grace. I've received an advanced copy of this book and I'm willingly leaving this review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense, intrigue, romance and faith. What's not to love. Jorgia lays it all out in between the pages. Carries me on a suspenseful ride, a thriller. Shows Mick, the coast guard after "justice" and Samantha doing wrong. My heart cracked with Samantha's past. There is a twist I didn't see coming which is always a benefit and a heart that felt the love when I closed the book. I highly recommend buying book 1 (or checking your library) its .99c right now, Collision Course. Though this is a series you might want the paperback to hold and reread. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #LethalDeceit #HightowerSecurity #JorgiaYates #Booksirens

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so Mitch and Samantha’s story continues. All is not what is seems. A few surprises in this one. This series just get better and better. It is so engaging. I am drawn in right from the beginning and I just can’t put it down until I have read the very last word. Looking forward to Brooke and Caleb’s story next it should be a fun one given their personalities. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by book sirens.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of an interconnected series with characters that overlap throughout multiple books. He was almost killed the first time they met. Now he's determined to find her so justice will be served. Having to work with the security company though isn't sitting well with him. Things went sideways during her last job. Now everyone is looking for her to either arrest her or kill her? Who can she trust and will she be able to get the full truth out in time?

[Edmundo Bravo · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book!!

While it was very interesting, I had more trouble staying focused on this one, it didn’t draw me in like the first. I also still didn’t see the natural progression from mick being soo angry with her to 2 seconds later kissing her and saying he’d protect her…. Just didn’t seem too real… still good book overall 😁

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO GOOD! I love the action and suspense. Great reminder of God's redeeming power. Great characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a story.I liked it very much. Kept me captivated until the end.