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Deception in Calusa Cove

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In a town this small, everyone knows your name. The dangerous ones know a lot more than that.

Sterling Fox left the CIA with a clean record, a new job, and a small Florida town that was supposed to be the quieter chapter of his life. He's good at reading people, better at keeping secrets, and smart enough to know that coincidences don't exist in his world. When a familiar face shows up in Calusa Cove, Sterling doesn't buy the vacation story for a second—but he can't prove a thing. What he can't figure out is why the woman behind the bar is suddenly a lot more interested in his past than a bartender has any reason to be.

Juniper Solstice pours whiskey, remembers every face, and misses nothing. She's been in Calusa Cove long enough to know the rhythms of the town, the regulars, and the man who sits at the end of her bar like he owns it. Her job is simple—watch, listen, and report. Getting involved with Sterling was never part of the assignment. Neither was caring what happened to him.

In a town with no strangers, everyone is hiding something.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2026

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About the author

Jen Talty

237 books519 followers
Jen Talty is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. In the fall of 2020, her short story was selected and featured in a 1001 Dark Nights Anthology. She is currently contracted to write in the With Me in Seattle series by Kristen Proby with Lady Boss Press, as well as Susan Stoker’s Special Forces: Operation Alpha and Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors.

Regardless of the genre, her goal is to take you on a ride that will leave you floating under the sun with warmth in your heart. She writes stories about broken heroes and heroines who aren’t necessarily looking for romance, but in the end, they find the kind of love books are written about :).

She first started writing while carting her kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. Her first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 she helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where she ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

Jen is currently enjoying the next phase of her life…the empty nester! She and her husband reside in Jupiter, Florida.

Grab a glass of vino, kick back, relax, and let the romance roll in…

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Patty Duplechin.
848 reviews9 followers
July 21, 2026
Calusa Cove is a small town where everyone knows everyone and their business. Juniper Solstice has been there for five months. She bought at the bar there. No one knows that she’s undercover for FBI. She just watches, listens and reports to her FBI handler. She’s there to watch Sterling Fox. He use to work out of the CIA. He’s called the Librarian because he remembers everything. A blessing and a curse. He walked away after he loss two men on mission gone wrong. He now loves the peace and quiet. He also works for the Aegis Network. Sterling finds Juniper beautiful. He’s asked her out several times but she always says no. Juniper finds that she’s attracted to Sterling but doesn’t want to mix business with pleasure. Juniper loss her husband after an undercover mission went wrong. She was devastated. It took a while to get her life back in order. The two start dating, when things start to take a turn. Strange things are happening. Old team mate shows up and offers him a job. Why? He already has one. That’s no coincidence. Is Juniper and his team mate both keeping an eye on The Librarian. Something doesn’t add up, so Juniper confesses. Now they just need to figure out if it’s Juniper or Sterling that they are after. Come to find out all of their lives are entwined. With the help of Aegis Network members, surely they will be able to help figure out who and what’s going on. Can they protect everyone? Will someone die again. The characters are wonderful. They all have each other’s back in the end. Lots of action. Even townspeople have their back. They stick together. I didn’t want to put it down. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
2,680 reviews42 followers
July 16, 2026
Another twisted romantic suspense by one of my favorite authors. Once you start reading, you won’t want to stop until the exciting end! Juniper Solstice has purchased the local bar in Calusa Cove and has caught the interest of Sterling Fox, former CIA Agent. She has also expressed an interest in Sterling, but he begins to wonder if there is more to her than what he sees on the surface. Where did she come from and why here? Juniper is supposed to be keeping watch for anything happening in town per her FBI advisor. She finds herself attracted to Sterling and wonders if he is the one who she is to be watching, and if so, watching for what? Sterling is careful who he spends time with as leaving the CIA didn’t erase the many projects that he dealt with while in service. Nor did leaving the CIA wipe away information stored in his eidetic memory and he is aware of those who would use him for his knowledge. When a former teammate arrives in town, asking for his assistance with a project not related to the Aegis Network, he has a decision to make. Uncomfortable with the teammates request, what will happen if he chooses not to assist him? When the attraction between him and Juniper becomes physical, can he trust her feelings? When her life is on the line, there is only one choice…save her at all costs! Exciting from beginning to end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
1,155 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2026
Suspense at its finest!! Well written with a cast of amazing characters.

Calusa Cove is a lively and exciting place to live but pub owner Juniper Solstice isn’t who everyone thinks she is. She wasn’t supposed to fall in love with the town or its people. She was there to do a job, so she definitely wasn’t supposed to feel like she belonged in Sterling Fox’s arms, but she did.

Sterling Fox is a year out of the CIA and five months in Calusa Cove working with the Aegis Network. With an eidetic memory there are a lot of organizations that would love to get their hands on him for the government information locked in his brain. As his feelings for the beautiful pub owner increase, his concerns about who she really is weigh on him.

As Juniper and Sterling, along with his team, begin to put the puzzle pieces together, their pasts begin to cross and they won’t know who to trust.

I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
2,210 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 13, 2026
Deception in Calusa Cove brings us action, romance, banter, and laughter when you least expect it. Sterling is your serious, stoic hero who keeps his emotions tucked away or at least he did until Juniper. I loved watching him fumble while being so refreshingly honest with her.

Juniper is sexy, smart, and confident. I loved that she didn't fight her feelings for Sterling and was just as honest with him. Together, despite their half-truths, they simply made sense. When danger comes knocking and the truths come out, everything is handled in a steady, sensible way with all the cards finally on the table.

I loved having Nick thrown into the mix, which brought even more fun and laughter. The Calusa Cove team adds to the banter and, more importantly, showcases the camaraderie that comes from always having each other's six.

Exciting, fun, and so much more.
3,702 reviews40 followers
July 14, 2026
We are back in Calusa Cove with another fast paced, suspense romance. This time the story belongs to Sterling Fox, a former CIA officer who was happy to leave it all behind for a new life. One in the Everglades working for the Aegis Network.
Juniper Solstice is in Calusa Cove working at a bartender, but to the keen observer in Sterling, there is more to it than what she claims. A woman interested in his past.
It seems he’s right as she’s in town on a mission.
What she shouldn’t be doing, is considering getting involved with Sterling.
The author grabs the interest of the readers from the first page. Delivering another action packed , suspense romance filled with bad guys , good hunky ones, and a strong female character.
Another winner . I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Donna Goretski.
120 reviews
July 15, 2026
This book is another strong entry in The Aegis Network, Everglades Division series, and Jen Talty continues to blend suspense, character dynamics, and Florida‑wildlife‑mayhem in the best possible way, including strong MMC and MFC with Sterling and Juniper.

The banter among the entire cast is one of my favorite parts—smart, playful, and full of personality. It gives the story a lived‑in feel, like you’re dropping back in with people you already know and enjoy.

And the Everglades setting shines. The wildlife isn’t just scenery; it’s woven into the tension and atmosphere, reminding you that the swamp has teeth… and attitude.

Fast pacing, engaging characters, and a setting that practically breathes on its own. A fun, suspenseful read that keeps the series moving forward with style. Cannot wait for Cullen and Harley's story next.
6,732 reviews27 followers
July 15, 2026
Jen Talty delivers another fast-paced, action-packed suspense romance that I couldn't put down. The chemistry between Sterling, the former CIA officer with the memory that never forgets anything, and Juniper, the mysterious bartender, who seems to be more than she appears is fantastic.

What really elevates this book is the setting and the cast. The Everglades practically breathes on its own—the swamp has teeth and attitude! Plus, the smart, playful banter among the entire crew gives the story a great, lived-in feel. Throw in the fact that you get people from his past popping up and you know that more is afoot than appears

Fast, suspenseful, and full of personality. I absolutely cannot wait for Cullen's story next!
863 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2026
After leaving the CIA, Sterling Fox moved to Calusa Cove hoping for a quieter life working for The Aegis Network. He knows there are bad people out there that would like to know what all he has stored in his head as he has seen a lot and has a photo type memory. Juniper Solstice owns a bar and works as the bartender too. Sterling has a huge crush on her but she keeps refusing to go on a date with him. Both are not who they seem nor is she just working the bar. When men start arriving and asking for Sterling to do work that doesn’t feel right, will they find they need to tell each other secrets to protect them both. This has drama and keeps you on your toes as to who is good and who is bad.
171 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2026
Jen Talty always delivers action and suspense. Love this continuation of the Aegis Network in Calusa Cove. This town always seems to have many secrets. Sterling settles in Calusa Cove after retiring from the CIA. Juniper owns Junipers Pub. Unbeknownst to Sterling, Juniper is actually assigned to keep track of Sterling to make sure no one tries to go after him to obtain top secret information from his incredible mind that retains everything. Loved all the twists and turns as both Sterling and Juniper escape various threats to them. Also liked reading about people you have come to know in previous books that call Calusa Cove home. Cant wait to read more adventures from Jen!
1,371 reviews
July 24, 2026
Sterling Fox former CIA agent now works for The Aegis Network.
Juniper Solstice is an FBI agent undercover and bar owner of Juniper’s Pub.

Sterling and Juniper meet in the small town bar in Calista Cove.
There is an attraction and chemistry from slow burn to explosive.
Can Sterling and Juniper get through the obstacles of people their to draw on Sterlings former life?
Can they have a Happily Ever Adter?

This book is fast paced action, suspense, danger banter , laughter.

Great Job. Jen Talty!!!
359 reviews
August 5, 2026
Sterling has left the CIA and moved to Florida to start the next chapter of his life, one he hopes will be quieter. He has started working for the Aegis Network. Juniper came to Calusa Cove for a job but fell in love not only with the town, but the people in it. She especially should not be falling in love with Sterling. With his eidetic memory, there are always opportunities for danger around Sterling. But when danger does hit, Sterling and Juniper are forced to work together and share their secrets with one another. Another great addition to this series!
Profile Image for Teresa Reitnauer.
1,011 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2026
An action-packed, page-turner suspense set in Calusa Cove. Juniper Solstice, aka Junie Stratton, owns a pub and is attracted to Sterling Fox. Sterling left the CIA and settled in Calusa Cove and started working for The Aegis Network. A slower pace to life and has been eyeing Juniper. Nothing is as it seems. There are lots of secrets. Who can be trusted? Find out who the good guys are by reading this book by Jen Talty.
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,569 reviews32 followers
July 24, 2026
Another exciting and intriguing tale in Calusa Cove.
Sterling Fox with the Aegis Network is former CIA, seeking the quieter life with less bullets flying.
Juniper owns the local pub, only she has other reasons for being there.
The chemistry between these two was sizzling. Hidden agendas by certain people in their world would soon make this awesome suspense novel turn dangerous.
A fantastic story, I couldn't put it down. Good people were bad and vice versa, what a twisty ride.
Profile Image for Ela La1978.
730 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy
July 12, 2026
Their is a saying that you will always met at least twice in live, and that the world is smaller than you think. And that hits the nail on the head in this story in more ways than one. Life is short and especially working for the agency. Finally having peace he is smack dab in the middle of a caseload.
Action packed, funny, and emotional.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,738 reviews30 followers
July 18, 2026
Deception in Calusa Cove is book 3 in the Ageis Network: The Everglades Division by Jen Talty and oh my…

Another spellbinding story filled with suspense, action, romance, chemistry and more. You don’t want to miss Sterling and Juniper’s story!

I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
920 reviews12 followers
July 19, 2026
Deception in Calusa Cove
The Aegis Network: The Everglades Division
Book 3
Jen Talty
Another great book in a highly suspenseful series. Characters who care about each other and are determined to make sure they are protected from the enemy that is coming. As always a story that is a late night read.
Profile Image for Just Read and Imagine.
577 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2026
Former CIA agent Sterling Fox’s mind never forgets and some of those he worked with are afraid of what may trigger one of those memories to come forward in this fast paced romantic suspense. FBI undercover agent Juniper Solstice is there to make sure they don’t in this small Everglades town where everybody knows everything.
Profile Image for Delaine Mclafferty.
538 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 13, 2026
I don’t think I could live in the Everglades with mosquitoes, gators, and other creepy crawlies. Whether they are animal-kind or humankind. To have someone after you for your memories that are stored in your brain. This book will lead you on and keep you reading. I highly recommend this book.
1,373 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2026
Sterling is now living in Calusa Cove since leaving the agency and finds living here is to his liking along with a certain bartender Juniper. But there's more to her then meets the eye. Danger, action, romance, gators and finding that special person and place where you belong.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,648 reviews66 followers
July 15, 2026
👀Holeeee Guacamole…Who do you trust when all things seem to point to secrets, lies & manipulation. Even ones that you know! Can Sterling and Juniper navigate the rocky road of deception or will they lose it all to greediness? Loved it!!
6 reviews
July 18, 2026
This book is full of intrigue. Everyone is hiding something and it’s not what you think . The twists have you thinking about what’s to come. This book keeps you guessing. I won’t spoil it for everyone except to say you won’t want to put it down once you start reading
607 reviews11 followers
July 19, 2026
Excellent!

This is the first book by Jen Talty that I have read. I throughly enjoyed it and it will not be the last one! I loved the characters, the plot and the setting. More please?
Profile Image for Demi.
1,522 reviews32 followers
July 24, 2026
What a fantastic book! The whole series. is romantic and full of action and intrigue. Sterling and Juniper are both attracted to one another yet Sterling hasn’t quite figured out her deal and Vise Versa. So many secrets in Calusa Cove and they are all exciting!

Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
11.2k reviews40 followers
July 28, 2026
I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. I liked the action and romance in the story. I was really glad when Sterling and Juniper fall in love. I liked how the Aegis Network helps them unravel the danger that comes knocking.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,451 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2026
Excellent story. Edge of seat reading and plenty of action. This series has been great to read. HEA.
3,548 reviews13 followers
July 18, 2026
I loved, loved, love this book. I, myself, fell for Sterling; he's one of the good ones.
608 reviews
July 20, 2026
Can't wait for the next one to come out in this series of books 📚
Profile Image for Cheryl A.
683 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2026
I love reading Jen Talty’s books. They are fast paced with lots of mystery, suspense, and hot romance. I have enjoyed reading this new series. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews