Deceived

by Kathi Oram Peterson

A storm rages outside the unassuming Los Angeles house, while within, something sinister lurks. A murderer stalks their victim, unaware of a witness to the horrific awakened from a deep, drug-induced slumber, Tara Kelly hears voices in the next room. Struggling to focus through her sleep medication, the young woman helplessly observes her aunt’s murder. Now she’s a loose end the killer cannot ignore . . . A family friend helps Tara as she does the only thing she disappear. Fleeing to the security of a remote Idaho ranch, Tara finds herself under the guard of handsome rancher Joseph White Eagle. Her unwitting protector takes his role seriously, going as far as claiming that Tara is his fiancée. But even as their relationship deepens, Joseph struggles to see past Tara’s similarities to his late wife. When a series of accidents threatens Tara’s life, it becomes clear that her attempt to outrun danger has been in vain. The killer will stop at nothing to find her, and Joseph will do anything to protect her—even if it means unraveling secrets that will have devastating consequences for them both.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Lds

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

Kathi Oram Peterson is the Whitney Award winning author of TREACHEROUS LEGACY (2021 )A STRANGER WATCHES (2019), and A FAMILIAR FEAR (2018).

Kathi's heart-pounding suspense novels make readers double check door locks and sleep with a flashlight. Her YA Time Travels bring readers to historical events as if they are there. Her novels have richly-drawn characters and plots that hook readers and make setting the book down nearly impossible.

Keep connected with Kathi--and stay informed about special deals, new released, and other reader perks--by signing up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cE52Y1

Visit Kathi at:
Her website http://authorkathiorampeterson.com/
Bookbub: : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathi...
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y65rlqtj
Tweeter: https://twitter.com/KathiOPeterson
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Oram-Pet...
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkathip/


Romantic Suspense:

Shifting Sands (2023)
Danger Unknown (2022)
Treacherous Legacy (2021)
A Stranger Watches (2020) Whitney winner
Bloodline (2019)
A Familiar Fear (2018) Whitney Winner
Breach of Trust (2017)
Star Struck (2016)
Deceived (2014)
Wanted (2013)
Cold Justice (2012)
River Whispers (2011)

Novella: An Angel on Main Street (2009).

YA Time Travel Novels:

Reluctant Warrior (2017)-Previously published as The Forgotten Warrior (2009)
Stripling Warrior (2017)
Guardian of the Stone (2017) Previously published asThe Stone Traveler (2010)
Chasing the Star (2017)

Stories included in other books:

A Christmas to Remember (2011)
Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith (2013)
Remembering the Joy of Christmas (2015)

Concept and Biography Books for Children:

I Want to Be a Mathematician Like Archimedes
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Thomas Edison
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek
I Want to Be a Scientist Like Alexander Von Humboldt
Tyrannosaurus X 1
How Did the Chicken Cross the Road
Yangshi’s Perimeter
Lightning Bells
The Beginning of Numbers

Reviews

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deceived was the first book of Peterson's that I've read, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Like any good suspense novel, there was a mystery (Tara couldn't remember how her aunt died), plenty of danger, suspense in not knowing who the villain is or when he/she will appear, and a climatic ending when almost all was lost. There was also an element of romance and a religious slant to this one.

I did have a few issues here and there. One was how quickly the two main characters fell in love. There were also a few inconsistencies in the characters. Then the ending didn't completely feel realistic and it tied up almost too perfectly.

There were also several things that I liked. I really liked Joseph. I liked how his background and experiences melded together to make him into the man he was. I liked how vulnerable and mixed up Tara was because it felt authentic. She would act that way after all she had been through and the other things influencing her. I loved Digger and Bear and Joseph's dog, Scrap. I liked that I wasn't completely sure who was behind everything until a certain phone call towards the end, although I had my suspicions.

Suspense novels should hold the reader in suspense until almost the end and this one definitely did that. Deceived was overall a sweet, suspenseful, inspirational, and enjoyable read.

Content: Some expected violence, but clean.
Source: I would like to thank Covenant for my complimentary review copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

[Jacque · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love stories!?!? They can have such a good story line, but then add in these stupid little comments that just make me crazy, Tara didn’t know if she could live on her own maybe she should try it, or something similar and then 5 pages later she is wearing a veil. Please. I should just not. Some lady at a book store compared this author to one of my favorites, however the genre was all wrong. Okay plot, clean novel, stupid love story.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book until the end where they are having the fight on the ledge. That part was a little unrealistic and kind of a let down to how the drama was building. But enjoyed reading about ranching and riding horses and the cattle drive. Joseph's statement about Tara being his fiancee was out of the blue but their relationship developed and their love for each other was realized when the shack caught on fire. I was glad the book ended the way it did - with who got killed, who stayed alive, Tara getting to reveal who she really was, and Irene finding love with someone else. The parts about the Nez Pearce Indians and Irish folklore were kind of out there but that was ok. I'd read it again.

[M Larsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book hard to keep reading even with the mystery going on. It seemed a bit ridiculous that after barely learning to ride a horse that Tara could be comfortable enough to saddle her horse, go searching by herself for a missing person and not get lost in mountains she had never been in before, especially since she had so many other emotional and mental issues going on. I found her more annoying than likeable. There were just too many far fetched circumstances that didn't seem realistic to me that it made the book not so fun to read. I've liked other books by this author so was a bit disappointed this one didn't measure up. I do appreciate the clean language though.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was well written and flowed well. The main characters were well defined. Some of the supporting characters were not as much. It had enough suspense and just a touch of romance. I recommend it.

Language: NONE
Sex: NONE
Violence: Low to moderate. Nothing gory or detailed.

[Susan]

Tara Kelly is a witness to a murder, but is in a drugged state. She is sent to an Idaho ranch to protect her and is under the guard of Joseph White Eagle, who isn't thrilled to have her there. But their relationship develops, causing problems with a woman he dated and his daughter who is emotionally attached to her. Things get even more crazy with what Tara really saw or thought she saw.

[Braylin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a great story with fantastic potential. The characters were cute and made you laugh, and want to cry. But I feel like the author got rushed on some of the big important scenes. Especially the last confrontation. The book could have been twice the size just on adding details alone. But I still rather enjoyed it. It just disappointed at the end unfortunately.

[Gena Lott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise, great twists and quick transitions keep readers engaged. However, the narration is not always the best, and truthfully, some of the metaphors and similes are the corniest I've ever read in a non-comedic story.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for the 52 books in 52 weeks reading challenge. I used the 2021 prompt read a book with a cover that has a woman who is facing away. It was a neat cozy mystery. I enjoyed it and found it entertaining. With just enough suspense to keep me going.

[Kay Sagers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenceful

The story was well written with a lot of twists that were unexpected enjoyed reading it very much recommend it

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on the way to and from work. I loved my car rides!

[Mindie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good mystery and romance combined. Clean and well written.

[Lewestover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars Interesting characters, plenty of action and mystery, a little sweet romance, family loyalty, misplaced trust -- this book has a lot going for it.

[Betty Ann Baer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of things happen to scare Tara while she is in protection. She also can't get past the fact of her aunts murder. There are some twists and surprising turns to keep you reading.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read by Mrs. Peterson, the more I like! She does amazing plots and keeps me in suspense. Plus, a romance! You cannot go wrong with mystery and romance!

[Lauren Perotto · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it. So it at least kept my attention. But 🙄.

[Ranee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up- was a solid 4 stars until the ending, which was choppy and has awkward phrases like“she had a look if eternal love in her eyes”. Overall a good whodunnit and clean romance.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot of this story was very weak with so many far-fetched, unbelievable twists and turns that it was painful. I would give it 1 rating, but appreciated that it was clean, and wholesome.

[MiraFals · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little weak story line. But listen to pass the time.

[Shellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Ranette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the author could have done a little more research to make this novel more beleivable. A woman is drugged by her aunt and sent to a mental hospital.

[Morgan McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing could have prepared me for the way that this book went. I had suspicions but man that was one good plot twist. Great time.

[Becky Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very suspenseful! The ending was so completely unpredictable. Usually books give you more clues as to the guilty parties, but this one was very surprising.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I was able to really sit down and take the time to delve into this book, I really enjoyed it. I did think the romance between Tara and Joseph was a bit rushed, they did have to play the part of an engaged couple, and I only worried about that since Tara was in such a fragile state. That being said, the characters were made for each other, and perfect for each other in many ways. Tara and Joseph both had tragic events happen in their lives, until they find themselves together to protect Tara. Joseph makes up an engagement to get those on the ranch to not ask too many questions about Tara. Some do not take this engagement well, including Joseph's daughter. Besides the struggles that Tara is having trying to remember what happened on the night of her aunt's murder, someone is making Joseph's life on the ranch difficult. Between shot animals, getting shot at themselves, and putting the lives of everyone at the ranch in danger, are the two situations connected? The author does a great job of building the suspense and planting seeds throughout the book. The other characters in this book are written well and through all the suspense, there is a heart-felt love and the feeling of family, and a great example of love and guidance from Heavenly Father through prayer. I also want to add, the ending was shocking and so page-turning, it was well past my bed time when I finished reading.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book title is PERFECT!

There are SO MANY lies and deceptions going on in the story line...Mostly to protect someone's life, but there are some CRAZY mixed-up lies in there too :)

Tara Kelly is a famed children's author...She is also a witness to her aunt's murder.

Witness protection is for criminals and so Tara opts for just plain hiding.

Finding herself on an Idaho ranch, Tara must change her name, change her location, change her occupation, and change her marital status.

Joseph is willing to help Tara...but when asked why she is there the first thing that comes to his mouth is "she is my fiancée."

Now they are stuck playing the part.

But when cattle are found shot and brake lines are cut and a kidnapping takes place, Tara and Joseph start to realize...

"The killer will stop at nothing to find her,
and Joseph will do anything to protect her—
even if it means unraveling secrets that will
have devastating consequences for them both."

A very fun mystery/suspense with a love triangle thrown into the mix.
LOVED this one!
A GREAT READ FOR THE UPCOMING WEEKEND :)

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super excited to sign on for this blog tour with Covenant Communications. Kathi Oram Peterson is one of my favorite LDS fiction writers. She really knows how to capture light suspense and romance together in the perfect way for me. I am a bit of a chicken so light suspense is about all I can handle!

This book kept me interested and engaged from beginning to end. I enjoyed the mixture of Native American and Irish customs thrown in that added a bit of extra flavor. The plot is nothing new or mind blowing but a good story is a good story. The characters were developed and felt real to me. I loved the ranch setting and a handsome cowboy is always a great perk. :) Joseph is a protector and I loved that most about him.

Another thing that I love is that this book is clean. No swearing or sexual situations. I knew that going into this because I've read this author before and because it is LDS fiction. This book does talk about God and has religious elements to it.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deceived opens up with a pretty intense scene that caught my attention right away, and Tara's fuzzy memory about what happened kept me guessing. What really happened to her aunt? Had Tara pulled the trigger?

The romance was also a bonus to the story. Even though the novel only covers a short amount of time, with so much going on the romance felt natural instead of the "insta-love" you get in a lot of novels.

The characters, especially Tara, Joseph, Bear and Digger, were fun to get to know. The ranch setting mixed with the suspense of hiding out from a rogue cop, and someone trying to shut the ranch down held my attention. The inclusion of Indian and Irish tales also made for an interesting story.

Sadly, the resolution didn't do it for me. I didn't mind at all that the bad guy wasn't who I suspected (that surprise was great), but the motives and how things were executed were a bit over the top. Plus, in the intensity a few things only felt partially explained.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this last night about 9:30 or 10, and could not quit until I had read the whole book (1-ish am). I had not expected much and was relieved that I liked the story. However, I felt there were some holes in the plot--at keast from a reader's perspective--that showed up toward the end. Perhaps to preserve the surprise factor, the ground work had not been laid so the reader could even adequately suspect any guilty parties--and that is a pet peeve of mine. Tara was also someone I did not completely take to right away but I liked her eventually.

[A.L. Sowards]

I won’t give this one a rating because I read a pre-edit version. It’s a good one for fans of LDS romantic-suspense. I enjoyed the mystery part best—like a good mystery, it kept me guessing until the big reveal, but I didn’t feel cheated when I found out who the bad guy was. There were clues, they just weren’t obvious. Great secondary characters, and I enjoyed Tara’s Irish heritage and Joseph’s Native American heritage—making the heroine and hero different from the average romantic lead.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season I often opt for a book that is quick and easy, one that is fast paced and plot driven that I can just get lost in reading. This book fit the bill. It is a mystery that kept me guessing until near the end. When I thought I had it figured out new clues would cause me to question my conclusions. The romance is clean, with an emphasis on family. It was an entertaining way to spend a few hours. The writing is adequate.