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Dìleas Security Agency #4
Fatal Misstep
He wants revenge.
She’s the bait.
Can they work together to bring down a common enemy?
Or will they make a Fatal Misstep?
After a lethal street drug claims his mother’s life, former Green Beret Caleb Varella returns to Arizona to honor her final wish. But the scars of his childhood still haunt him. Once she’s buried, he plans to cut ties with his past and never return. His exit plan falls apart when he rescues a woman from a violent abduction.
Gianna Barone is keeping a perilous secret and trying to stay one step ahead of the drug lord determined to get her back. She’s rebuilding her life among the Navajo, using her skills as a doctor to help her adopted community. Her new protector is both danger and temptation, and the chemistry between them shakes her already fragile world.
Caleb suspects Gia knows more than she admits. And when he learns she’s fleeing the man he holds responsible for his mother’s death, he makes a brutal use her to draw out the enemy. But the deeper he gets, the harder it is to separate duty from desire.
Love might not be enough to save them as threats close in, and trust becomes the deadliest risk of all. To stop a killer, Caleb must face the past he tried to bury—and fight for the woman who could be his future.
She’s the bait.
Can they work together to bring down a common enemy?
Or will they make a Fatal Misstep?
After a lethal street drug claims his mother’s life, former Green Beret Caleb Varella returns to Arizona to honor her final wish. But the scars of his childhood still haunt him. Once she’s buried, he plans to cut ties with his past and never return. His exit plan falls apart when he rescues a woman from a violent abduction.
Gianna Barone is keeping a perilous secret and trying to stay one step ahead of the drug lord determined to get her back. She’s rebuilding her life among the Navajo, using her skills as a doctor to help her adopted community. Her new protector is both danger and temptation, and the chemistry between them shakes her already fragile world.
Caleb suspects Gia knows more than she admits. And when he learns she’s fleeing the man he holds responsible for his mother’s death, he makes a brutal use her to draw out the enemy. But the deeper he gets, the harder it is to separate duty from desire.
Love might not be enough to save them as threats close in, and trust becomes the deadliest risk of all. To stop a killer, Caleb must face the past he tried to bury—and fight for the woman who could be his future.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
36 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Smith
5 books88 followersC.S. Smith writes steamy romantic suspense featuring current and former special operations soldiers. She admits to having a thing for alpha males. The bigger and badder they are, the harder they fall!
Sign up for her newsletter to get the prequel background novel, The Mission, to her romantic suspense series Dìleas Security Agency for FREE! (And get access to the latest news and other cool giveaways.) Go to HTTP://cssmithauthor.com and click on the Newsletter tab on the top menu.
While earning a Master's in National Security Studies, she worked in and around the Pentagon surrounded by good-looking men in uniform, including the one she eventually married.
Her career as a writer took off in 2018 when her youngest child learned to drive, and her days of micromanaging a family of five were coming to an end. Now she manages her husband of over thirty years and the family rescue dog - a supposed Golden Retriever that DNA tests revealed is really a lab, chow, boxer mix.
Her debut award-winning romantic suspense series, Dìleas Security Agency, focuses on three former elite special operators in a brotherhood forged by betrayal, blood, and death. If you enjoy hot alpha men and feisty women wrapped up in storylines full of danger and intrigue, be sure to look for Near Miss (Book 1), Missing in Action (Book 2), and Missed Opportunity (Book 3), coming in 2023.
Sign up for her newsletter to get the prequel background novel, The Mission, to her romantic suspense series Dìleas Security Agency for FREE! (And get access to the latest news and other cool giveaways.) Go to HTTP://cssmithauthor.com and click on the Newsletter tab on the top menu.
While earning a Master's in National Security Studies, she worked in and around the Pentagon surrounded by good-looking men in uniform, including the one she eventually married.
Her career as a writer took off in 2018 when her youngest child learned to drive, and her days of micromanaging a family of five were coming to an end. Now she manages her husband of over thirty years and the family rescue dog - a supposed Golden Retriever that DNA tests revealed is really a lab, chow, boxer mix.
Her debut award-winning romantic suspense series, Dìleas Security Agency, focuses on three former elite special operators in a brotherhood forged by betrayal, blood, and death. If you enjoy hot alpha men and feisty women wrapped up in storylines full of danger and intrigue, be sure to look for Near Miss (Book 1), Missing in Action (Book 2), and Missed Opportunity (Book 3), coming in 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 10, 2025
I am new to C.S. Smiths books. I am gonna put it out there that I am pleasantly surprised. The twists and turns had me hook and couldn't put this book down. It's definitely a page turner for sure. Great storyline and excellent character chemistry.
July 1, 2025
“Fatal Misstep” is the fourth book in the “Dìleas Security Agency Series.” Caleb Varella has returned home to Gallup, New Mexico for his mother’s funeral. Her wish was to be buried next to her own mother, his grandmother, on the Navajo reservation. Caleb was bracing himself to face the family he hadn’t seen since he was twelve. Including his grandfather. President of the Navajo Nation. Caleb protected high value individuals and got paid handsomely for it. He’d made sure his mother wanted for nothing…except himself. He had left the reservation when he was twelve, joined the Army after high school and had not been back since. Now it was too late.
After a long day from escorting his mother’s body from Phoenix to the Navajo reservation, he stops at a local bar. Then in walks Ginna Barone, aka Gia, the substitute doctor for the reservation. He notices how tense she is, her careful sweeping gaze looking for threats - he knows that look oh so well! “He knew that look. Had seen it too many times during his deployments in war zones, and even now, protecting people whose money, status, or celebrity made them targets.” She is obviously in danger, but from what or from whom?
“Dark brown hair fell in waves just past her shoulders, brushing a burgundy hip-length leather jacket. Blue jeans molded long legs ending in brown ankle boots. The woman tucked a strand behind her ear. A diamond stud winked in the light.
Classy. Too classy for a place like this.
Her voice - low, husky - vibrated through his chest, easing some of the pressure there.”
Behind those eyes are secrets, she is scared for her life. On leaving the bar, Gia, is attacked by two men and Caleb comes to her rescue. With the help of his cousin, whom he grew up with and his best friend until they left when he was twelve, Zach, is part of the Navajo Police Force on the reservation and his teammates from Dileas. Can they protect her from her ex, Vincente Lopez Garcia, who wants her back and does not care how he does it or who he kills? His father is head of the Espina Negra cartel, an extremely dangerous man.
This is a business arrangement …. but deep down, they both know it is more. Slowly they let their barriers down - they have a connection and they have chemistry. The story will captivate you - it is full of drama, sexual tension, passion, danger and a few other twist and turns that you do not expect …. I will not ruin the story for you except to say, it will keep you will be totally engrossed and captivated at the same time!
A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Caleb and Gia as they push each other’s buttons mentally and physically. The sexual tension between them is off the page! Caleb is use to controlling his emotions, but around Gia …… he lets the barriers down and into his heart. To be quite honest, you will not be able to put this book down. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
After a long day from escorting his mother’s body from Phoenix to the Navajo reservation, he stops at a local bar. Then in walks Ginna Barone, aka Gia, the substitute doctor for the reservation. He notices how tense she is, her careful sweeping gaze looking for threats - he knows that look oh so well! “He knew that look. Had seen it too many times during his deployments in war zones, and even now, protecting people whose money, status, or celebrity made them targets.” She is obviously in danger, but from what or from whom?
“Dark brown hair fell in waves just past her shoulders, brushing a burgundy hip-length leather jacket. Blue jeans molded long legs ending in brown ankle boots. The woman tucked a strand behind her ear. A diamond stud winked in the light.
Classy. Too classy for a place like this.
Her voice - low, husky - vibrated through his chest, easing some of the pressure there.”
Behind those eyes are secrets, she is scared for her life. On leaving the bar, Gia, is attacked by two men and Caleb comes to her rescue. With the help of his cousin, whom he grew up with and his best friend until they left when he was twelve, Zach, is part of the Navajo Police Force on the reservation and his teammates from Dileas. Can they protect her from her ex, Vincente Lopez Garcia, who wants her back and does not care how he does it or who he kills? His father is head of the Espina Negra cartel, an extremely dangerous man.
This is a business arrangement …. but deep down, they both know it is more. Slowly they let their barriers down - they have a connection and they have chemistry. The story will captivate you - it is full of drama, sexual tension, passion, danger and a few other twist and turns that you do not expect …. I will not ruin the story for you except to say, it will keep you will be totally engrossed and captivated at the same time!
A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Caleb and Gia as they push each other’s buttons mentally and physically. The sexual tension between them is off the page! Caleb is use to controlling his emotions, but around Gia …… he lets the barriers down and into his heart. To be quite honest, you will not be able to put this book down. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
October 21, 2025
Fatal Misstep is a perfect blend of gripping suspense and steamy romance! Like the first three books in this series, Book 4 grabbed me on page one and never let go. I hope the author never stops writing, because each of her novels is a creative gem.
This story takes the reader to the Navajo Nation, which covers over 27,000 square miles in the Four Corners region of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. This sovereign nation has its own executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its own law enforcement, which plays a significant role in the plot.
We meet our hero, former Green Beret Caleb Varella, when he returns to the Navajo Nation to bury his mother, who died from a fentanyl overdose. He intends to leave after the funeral, but those plans change when he rescues Gianna Barone (our heroine) from the clutches of men sent by her ex fiance Vincente Garcia--a Miami drug lord who wants her back. Gia had fled from Miami to Arizona after Vincente murdered a DEA agent, and she was too terrified to testify against him. She feels safe living among the Navajo, where she works as a doctor at a medical clinic.
When Caleb learns of Gia's connection to Vincente--the man he blames for his mother's overdose--he decides to use her to achieve his own revenge. But things get complicated when he falls in love with Gia, and he'll do anything to keep her safe. Vincente has connections with powerful drug cartels, but Caleb gathers support from his cousin Zach--a Navajo Nation Police lieutenant--and from the highly skilled men of Dileas Security Agency.
Fatal Misstep is a twisty tale that kept me glued to my Kindle. As always, kudos to the author for likable characters (except the villains), immersive settings, flawless proofreading, and for her extensive research about the Navajo Nation. I look forward to reading Danny Mayhew's story in Book 5!
This story takes the reader to the Navajo Nation, which covers over 27,000 square miles in the Four Corners region of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. This sovereign nation has its own executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its own law enforcement, which plays a significant role in the plot.
We meet our hero, former Green Beret Caleb Varella, when he returns to the Navajo Nation to bury his mother, who died from a fentanyl overdose. He intends to leave after the funeral, but those plans change when he rescues Gianna Barone (our heroine) from the clutches of men sent by her ex fiance Vincente Garcia--a Miami drug lord who wants her back. Gia had fled from Miami to Arizona after Vincente murdered a DEA agent, and she was too terrified to testify against him. She feels safe living among the Navajo, where she works as a doctor at a medical clinic.
When Caleb learns of Gia's connection to Vincente--the man he blames for his mother's overdose--he decides to use her to achieve his own revenge. But things get complicated when he falls in love with Gia, and he'll do anything to keep her safe. Vincente has connections with powerful drug cartels, but Caleb gathers support from his cousin Zach--a Navajo Nation Police lieutenant--and from the highly skilled men of Dileas Security Agency.
Fatal Misstep is a twisty tale that kept me glued to my Kindle. As always, kudos to the author for likable characters (except the villains), immersive settings, flawless proofreading, and for her extensive research about the Navajo Nation. I look forward to reading Danny Mayhew's story in Book 5!
June 13, 2025
The author delivers another winner in this series.
Caleb Varella member of the Dileas Security Agency and a former Green Beret, had a childhood no child should experience.
With the unexpected death of his mother, whose cause of death he questions, Caleb is back in the Navajo Reservation where his mother wanted to be buried.
There is a lot of hurt, as he believes her family turned their backs to her. Especially his grandfather, an important man in the reservation.
Whom he didn’t expect to meet the day before his mother’s funeral, was Ginna Barone. Gina is the current substitute doctor for the reservation, and a woman full of secrets and obviously in danger.
The moment these two meet, the attraction is evident but too many secrets are being held by Gina.
It seems danger has found Gina. Will Caleb, his cousin Zach, and his teammates of Dileas be able to keep her safe?
This is a story about family, or lack thereof. It’s also a story of overcoming the past, and second chances in life and love.
A story with a complex and engaging plot and well developed characters.
Looking forward to the next story in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Caleb Varella member of the Dileas Security Agency and a former Green Beret, had a childhood no child should experience.
With the unexpected death of his mother, whose cause of death he questions, Caleb is back in the Navajo Reservation where his mother wanted to be buried.
There is a lot of hurt, as he believes her family turned their backs to her. Especially his grandfather, an important man in the reservation.
Whom he didn’t expect to meet the day before his mother’s funeral, was Ginna Barone. Gina is the current substitute doctor for the reservation, and a woman full of secrets and obviously in danger.
The moment these two meet, the attraction is evident but too many secrets are being held by Gina.
It seems danger has found Gina. Will Caleb, his cousin Zach, and his teammates of Dileas be able to keep her safe?
This is a story about family, or lack thereof. It’s also a story of overcoming the past, and second chances in life and love.
A story with a complex and engaging plot and well developed characters.
Looking forward to the next story in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 15, 2025
Wow! I loved this story and the characters in it. The storyline is filled with danger, suspense, and tension caused by the danger that surrounds Gianna, as well as sexual tension whenever Caleb is around her. There is also loss and sadness that were caused by past and present events in Caleb's life. The unexpected loss of his mother brings Caleb back to his roots with his Navajo family. Gianna has found a safe place to hide out from her deadly ex on the reservation as a temporary doctor, but once she is found, danger closes in quickly. Caleb, a bodyguard with the Dileas Security Agency, steps in to save her and soon realizes she is hiding many secrets. As Caleb unravels the truth about his childhood, evil is coming for Gianna. With the help of his Dileas family and his Navajo family, he is in a race to save Gianna and take down a threat to her as well as his community and country.
June 15, 2025
Oh I loved this book! I liked the Navaho aspect to the story as well as the team spirit.
When Doctor Gia is saved from being abducted outside a pub but Dileas operative Caleb, they didn't know what that danger would bring.
Caleb was from Navaho upbringing and in town to bury his mother on the Rez but saving Gia and getting involved in family and danger want what he was there for. But every protective instinct he had was there for Gia.
Their connection and chemistry was hard won for Caleb as Gia wasn't giving it up so easy. But their attraction wins out.
So well done. I wanted to dive into this world and never leave. A brilliant book and I highly recommend this book and the series!
When Doctor Gia is saved from being abducted outside a pub but Dileas operative Caleb, they didn't know what that danger would bring.
Caleb was from Navaho upbringing and in town to bury his mother on the Rez but saving Gia and getting involved in family and danger want what he was there for. But every protective instinct he had was there for Gia.
Their connection and chemistry was hard won for Caleb as Gia wasn't giving it up so easy. But their attraction wins out.
So well done. I wanted to dive into this world and never leave. A brilliant book and I highly recommend this book and the series!
June 11, 2025
Buckle Up. A wild ride full of emotion. Caleb brings his moms body back to the Navaho Nation as promised. My heart hurt for the whole family. Gianna Barone left home and jumps from the frying pan into the fire. A book of action, love, family, steam, bad guys and Native Americans. This just did it for me. It changed up some of the aspects of a Security Agency giving it some freshness. This is book 4 and I have not read the previous 3 books, but you can bet your bippy I am going to go get them.
Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #FatalMisstep
#DileasSecurityAgency #C.S.Smith #JugEndMediaLLC #Bookfunnel
Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #FatalMisstep
#DileasSecurityAgency #C.S.Smith #JugEndMediaLLC #Bookfunnel
June 13, 2025
Wonderful romantic suspense:
I enjoyed every moment of this book. There was a really good mix of action, meaningful dialogue and romance. The setting was particularly interesting and I enjoyed learning a little bit more about the Navajo culture. Whilst part of a series, it could nevertheless be enjoyed as a standalone. It was however nice that characters from previous books made an appearance here too.
Caleb and Gianna were well suited and I was so glad that they found healing and belonging in one another.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I enjoyed every moment of this book. There was a really good mix of action, meaningful dialogue and romance. The setting was particularly interesting and I enjoyed learning a little bit more about the Navajo culture. Whilst part of a series, it could nevertheless be enjoyed as a standalone. It was however nice that characters from previous books made an appearance here too.
Caleb and Gianna were well suited and I was so glad that they found healing and belonging in one another.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 21, 2025
CS Smith writes another taut mystery with an excellent dash of spicy romance thrown in for good measure! There is no meandering in the storylines nor in developing the characters. Each line is precise, driving the plot to its conclusion. Where can we find a man like Caleb? A knight in shining armour when you need one! But that is a common trait among the men of the Dileas Security Agency. Tall, dark, handsome- not only can he protect you but he can even heal you. I wonder if he ever gets tired of “what’s up Doc?”
This is a great addition to this series, I read it in a single sit down - not because it was short but because I didn’t want to put it down.
This is a great addition to this series, I read it in a single sit down - not because it was short but because I didn’t want to put it down.
June 21, 2025
Excellent Read!!!
If you are looking for a book that will have your attention and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, this is the book to read! Ms. Smith had captured my attention from the very beginning! The characters in this book are so real and full of life! You can't help falling in love with all of them! She made live and made their life a truly wonderful experience! I highly recommend this book! A warning though, it is not a book for the timid of heart! Once you start reading you won't put it down until the very end!!!! ❤❤❤❤
If you are looking for a book that will have your attention and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, this is the book to read! Ms. Smith had captured my attention from the very beginning! The characters in this book are so real and full of life! You can't help falling in love with all of them! She made live and made their life a truly wonderful experience! I highly recommend this book! A warning though, it is not a book for the timid of heart! Once you start reading you won't put it down until the very end!!!! ❤❤❤❤
June 14, 2025
Ms. Smith continues to wow us with her Dileas Security Agency Series. Caleb Varella has taken a few days off to bury his mother on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Dr. Gianna Barone is on the run after witnessing her cartel lover ‘at work’ and is hiding out on the reservation. Once he finds her, he is determined to bring her back at any costs but he has to go through Caleb and his ‘res and Dileas family’ first.
June 10, 2025
Caleb & Gia grab our attention & lead us on an exciting journey. The battle of the hearts, wants, needs & family definitely keep things interesting & thrilling. Chemistry was sultry & steamy between Caleb & Gia. Fast paced action, laughter, camaraderie & family thrills you as we see them fight for love & justice.
June 17, 2025
Caleb has just buried his mom on the reservation. But he meets Gia and senses that she is in danger. He senses that she is in danger and hiding something, but his Green Beret instincts want him to protect her. Can he protect her from the danger, and can he protect his heart from her? This ia an action packed read.
July 11, 2025
These two were hot. Caleb and Gianna had all the heat. Seeing Caleb struggle and evolve had my heart going pitter patter. Gianna trying to make amends the only way she feels she can. It was so good. This whole series had me. This series was my first C.S. Smith experience, and she has quickly become a favorite.
July 18, 2025
Unique!
The setting was different than most of these types of stories. I like learning about different cultures so the Navajo setting was very interesting. The transformation of the main male character from anger and resentment to the recognition of what constitutes family was very believable.
The setting was different than most of these types of stories. I like learning about different cultures so the Navajo setting was very interesting. The transformation of the main male character from anger and resentment to the recognition of what constitutes family was very believable.
June 16, 2025
Engaging blend of drama, suspense, action, and romance, with plenty of twists to keep you on your toes. I really enjoyed the storyline and complex characters. Well written and entertaining read. Looking forward to CSS’s next book!
June 24, 2025
Absolutely Love This Story!
This is such an awesome story, it grabs you from page one until the end. Caleb and Gia’s story is something and the whole series of Dileas Security Agency is one of the best!!!!
This is such an awesome story, it grabs you from page one until the end. Caleb and Gia’s story is something and the whole series of Dileas Security Agency is one of the best!!!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews