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Three years ago, Alec McClane and Raegan Devereaux lived every parent’s worst their one-year-old daughter, Emma, was abducted from a park when Alec turned his back for just a moment. Emma was never found, and presumed dead. The crushing trauma, plus Alec’s unbearable guilt, ended the couple’s marriage.
Now a four-year-old girl matching Emma’s profile is found wandering a local park. Alec and Raegan are heartbroken to discover she’s not their daughter but are newly motivated to find closure…and each secretly feels desperate to be in the other’s presence again.
Alec suspects his vengeful biological father is behind Emma’s disappearance. But as Raegan investigates other abductions in the area, she sees a pattern—and begins to wonder if Emma’s kidnapping is actually linked to something more sinister.
As Alec and Raegan race to uncover the truth, a long-burning spark rekindles into smoldering passion, and they realize they need each other now more than ever.
Now a four-year-old girl matching Emma’s profile is found wandering a local park. Alec and Raegan are heartbroken to discover she’s not their daughter but are newly motivated to find closure…and each secretly feels desperate to be in the other’s presence again.
Alec suspects his vengeful biological father is behind Emma’s disappearance. But as Raegan investigates other abductions in the area, she sees a pattern—and begins to wonder if Emma’s kidnapping is actually linked to something more sinister.
As Alec and Raegan race to uncover the truth, a long-burning spark rekindles into smoldering passion, and they realize they need each other now more than ever.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2017
972 people are currently reading
1381 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Naughton
75 books3,158 followersBefore topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—award winning author Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Elisabeth now writes full-time.
Though primarily known for her romantic suspense work, Elisabeth has penned over thirty books and continues to write in multiple genres, including paranormal romance and contemporary romance. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have earned several award nominations, including three prestigious RITA® nominations from Romance Writers of America. In 2017, REPRESSED, the first book in her Deadly Secrets series, won the RITA® for best romantic suspense.
Elisabeth's work has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as being filled with "deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion.” Kirkus calls her "a writer talented enough at weaving a yarn to get her readers ensnared in it.” When not dreaming up new stories, Elisabeth can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home, wrangling two cats, or chasing after one very rambunctious Dalmatian.
Learn more about Elisabeth and her books at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.
Though primarily known for her romantic suspense work, Elisabeth has penned over thirty books and continues to write in multiple genres, including paranormal romance and contemporary romance. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have earned several award nominations, including three prestigious RITA® nominations from Romance Writers of America. In 2017, REPRESSED, the first book in her Deadly Secrets series, won the RITA® for best romantic suspense.
Elisabeth's work has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as being filled with "deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion.” Kirkus calls her "a writer talented enough at weaving a yarn to get her readers ensnared in it.” When not dreaming up new stories, Elisabeth can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home, wrangling two cats, or chasing after one very rambunctious Dalmatian.
Learn more about Elisabeth and her books at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
September 8, 2019
I have been reading this book alongside another. But this book broke through my reading scale more and more as I wanted to continue it, I needed to know the next event.
I hadn’t read book 1, and you know what, not once did I lose my way.
Tragedy can either bring you close together or if not careful, can push you far apart.
That’s what happened with this couple.
Their daughter had disappeared and couldn’t be found. Kidnapped.
Three years later a sighting of who appears to be their daughter......
This is a well crafted book that leads down many a mysterious path.
I hadn’t read book 1, and you know what, not once did I lose my way.
Tragedy can either bring you close together or if not careful, can push you far apart.
That’s what happened with this couple.
Their daughter had disappeared and couldn’t be found. Kidnapped.
Three years later a sighting of who appears to be their daughter......
This is a well crafted book that leads down many a mysterious path.
January 1, 2019
What a piece of a wimpy coward!
Ugh! C.O.W.A.R.D.!
Weak, pathetic piece of a male protagonist.
I guess they wrote him handsome to justify his whiny and weak behaviour. Coz we all know *insert rolling eyes break*, that a good-looking man will always find an understanding and forgiveness for all his mistakes. Because, come on, handsome and tortured it's how they're selling the best...
He abandoned her after disappearance of their daughter, he didn't do anything during 3 years but to wallow in self-pity. Yeah. Such a sweetie! 🙄
He repeated told his daughter was dead, and only his ex-wife didn't stop believing in her kid being still alive.
Good woman, but her constant pining for a man, who left her when she needed him the most and her overwhelming hormones, and silly jealousy incl. bashing OW aka slut-shaming made her look pathetic.
Of course her only attempt to date wasn't a good guy, and why to give a woman any chance to move on, when she needed to reconnect with her whiny ex, who was of course handsome and had beautiful eyes.
Ugh!
He said he was celibate during 3 years separation. He said he dated many women, but couldn't have sex with them.
Was it
a) she: let's have sex and he: hmm, let me think about it, hmm, nope.
Or was it
b) base 1 to 3, she went down on him, he went down on her, but the 'snake' was still limp?
Coz it makes a big difference IMO.
The ONLY reason I finished the book - I wanted to know, if they find their daughter alive and what actually happened. I even wanted to DNF 3 times and I read all reviews, but no one revealed the truth.
I tell you *warning huge spoiler* -
Rant over!
Ugh! C.O.W.A.R.D.!
Weak, pathetic piece of a male protagonist.
I guess they wrote him handsome to justify his whiny and weak behaviour. Coz we all know *insert rolling eyes break*, that a good-looking man will always find an understanding and forgiveness for all his mistakes. Because, come on, handsome and tortured it's how they're selling the best...
He abandoned her after disappearance of their daughter, he didn't do anything during 3 years but to wallow in self-pity. Yeah. Such a sweetie! 🙄
He repeated told his daughter was dead, and only his ex-wife didn't stop believing in her kid being still alive.
Good woman, but her constant pining for a man, who left her when she needed him the most and her overwhelming hormones, and silly jealousy incl. bashing OW aka slut-shaming made her look pathetic.
Of course her only attempt to date wasn't a good guy, and why to give a woman any chance to move on, when she needed to reconnect with her whiny ex, who was of course handsome and had beautiful eyes.
Ugh!
He said he was celibate during 3 years separation. He said he dated many women, but couldn't have sex with them.
Was it
a) she: let's have sex and he: hmm, let me think about it, hmm, nope.
Or was it
b) base 1 to 3, she went down on him, he went down on her, but the 'snake' was still limp?
Coz it makes a big difference IMO.
The ONLY reason I finished the book - I wanted to know, if they find their daughter alive and what actually happened. I even wanted to DNF 3 times and I read all reviews, but no one revealed the truth.
I tell you *warning huge spoiler* -
Rant over!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
Before I read this book, I checked out the first in the series so I wouldn't be lost. That actually wasn't necessary. The characters are connected, but still separate. The main characters in the first make a few appearances in this one, but just as supporting characters. I actually preferred this one over Repressed, but the first is still worth a read. Considering the series seems to be staying in the family, who is next? I'm thinking the next book may revolve around Kelsey!
A four year old girl is found wandering in a park. Alerted by authorities, Alec and Raegan rush to the hospital... hopeful that the girl is their missing daughter. She isn't. They're crushed... and no longer have each other to lean on. The aftermath of their child's abduction led to their divorce. Raegan continues to hope that Emma will return one day. Alec thinks that their daughter is dead and hit the bottle hard after her disappearance. She vanished while under his care, and while Raegan has never blamed him, he's not so kind to himself. He is sober now, but still struggles years later to hold onto it.
Their meeting at the hospital has a profound effect on them both. There we have the classic story of two people that are pretty clearly supposed to be together but fail at communication. Raegan talks Alec into helping her investigate the disappearance of other children and how they may be related to Emma... hoping to find answers once and for all.
This was a very engaging story, kept my attention really well and cemented my interest in the series. I will be looking out for the next! Quick, enjoyable read. I like the way the author connects the books. You can certainly read them alone, but it was great to get little glimpses at the characters from the first, as they're connected in a big adopted family. A nice mix of romance and mystery.
I was given an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Montlake Romance, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
A four year old girl is found wandering in a park. Alerted by authorities, Alec and Raegan rush to the hospital... hopeful that the girl is their missing daughter. She isn't. They're crushed... and no longer have each other to lean on. The aftermath of their child's abduction led to their divorce. Raegan continues to hope that Emma will return one day. Alec thinks that their daughter is dead and hit the bottle hard after her disappearance. She vanished while under his care, and while Raegan has never blamed him, he's not so kind to himself. He is sober now, but still struggles years later to hold onto it.
Their meeting at the hospital has a profound effect on them both. There we have the classic story of two people that are pretty clearly supposed to be together but fail at communication. Raegan talks Alec into helping her investigate the disappearance of other children and how they may be related to Emma... hoping to find answers once and for all.
This was a very engaging story, kept my attention really well and cemented my interest in the series. I will be looking out for the next! Quick, enjoyable read. I like the way the author connects the books. You can certainly read them alone, but it was great to get little glimpses at the characters from the first, as they're connected in a big adopted family. A nice mix of romance and mystery.
I was given an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Montlake Romance, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
November 26, 2018
Second book by an author I'd only recently discovered (but was sort of familiar with ages ago). Pretty good.
I did skip over most of it, not because the mystery and suspense was bad - I'm sure they were great. It's just that I was more interested in the romance. I'm a sucker for people who love each other, screw up and find each other again, never having stopped loving each other in the interim. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, esp. when the premise was so sad - parents losing their only daughter, and just at 1 year old. It's the nightmare no parent should ever have to go through. And since I read book 4 before reading this one, I knew already that everything would turn out fine.
What makes this a great book for me is the heroine. She's smart, tough, loyal, resilient, and she never gave up on the H. She really is a winner, and it's hard for a h to be a winner in my book. I always read for the Heroes, and as a result, my expectations for the h are usually low, I just don't want them to annoy me. But she was a very empathetic h I can root for. And I am SOOOOOO glad that they never "cheated" on each other despite their 3 year separation!! I knew that was the case with the h, even just 20% in I knew enough about her to know that. But I wasn't sure if H would live up to my hopes. He did. Not without "trying" to let me down, but he did the right thing by his "wife" even when he wasn't married to her.
So 5 stars. I have nothing much to pick at :)
I did skip over most of it, not because the mystery and suspense was bad - I'm sure they were great. It's just that I was more interested in the romance. I'm a sucker for people who love each other, screw up and find each other again, never having stopped loving each other in the interim. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, esp. when the premise was so sad - parents losing their only daughter, and just at 1 year old. It's the nightmare no parent should ever have to go through. And since I read book 4 before reading this one, I knew already that everything would turn out fine.
What makes this a great book for me is the heroine. She's smart, tough, loyal, resilient, and she never gave up on the H. She really is a winner, and it's hard for a h to be a winner in my book. I always read for the Heroes, and as a result, my expectations for the h are usually low, I just don't want them to annoy me. But she was a very empathetic h I can root for. And I am SOOOOOO glad that they never "cheated" on each other despite their 3 year separation!! I knew that was the case with the h, even just 20% in I knew enough about her to know that. But I wasn't sure if H would live up to my hopes. He did. Not without "trying" to let me down, but he did the right thing by his "wife" even when he wasn't married to her.
So 5 stars. I have nothing much to pick at :)
January 19, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, Mountlake Publishing and Elizabeth Naughton for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon from today. On Goodreads under my name of Karen Whittard and on Amazon under K.e.whittard.
This is the second booon in the Deadly Secrets series. But don't worry if you haven't read the first in the series. Because you can read this mostly as a stand alone.
The series starts with every parents worst nightmare your child gone snatched from under your watchful eye as you turn your back for a few seconds. Alec lives with the pain every day and is haunted every day with the events that happened afterwards being things that he could have possibly prevented.
When Alec receives a call to say that a child matching his daughters discription has been found he doesn't know what to do.
Alecs ex wife receives the call too and when she rushes to the hospital to check it out. It is the first time she has seen Alec since the ordeal. When they find out that the child isn't their daughter. Together they decide to investigate missing accurences in children and together discover lots of patterns and the ending is hard hitting and emotional.
The writing style in this book is really good and easy to read. It is a very hard hitting subject. But there are bittersweet moments in it too. Altogether a pretty good book. In my opinion better than the first in the series.
Happy reading everyone
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon from today. On Goodreads under my name of Karen Whittard and on Amazon under K.e.whittard.
This is the second booon in the Deadly Secrets series. But don't worry if you haven't read the first in the series. Because you can read this mostly as a stand alone.
The series starts with every parents worst nightmare your child gone snatched from under your watchful eye as you turn your back for a few seconds. Alec lives with the pain every day and is haunted every day with the events that happened afterwards being things that he could have possibly prevented.
When Alec receives a call to say that a child matching his daughters discription has been found he doesn't know what to do.
Alecs ex wife receives the call too and when she rushes to the hospital to check it out. It is the first time she has seen Alec since the ordeal. When they find out that the child isn't their daughter. Together they decide to investigate missing accurences in children and together discover lots of patterns and the ending is hard hitting and emotional.
The writing style in this book is really good and easy to read. It is a very hard hitting subject. But there are bittersweet moments in it too. Altogether a pretty good book. In my opinion better than the first in the series.
Happy reading everyone
December 15, 2016
4 stars
WOW, what an emotional roller coaster this book was.
I was so involved in this book, it had me sitting on the edge of my chair.
The author's book WAIT FOR ME is one of my all time favorites. So I already knew I would love the writing and how well the author wrote suspense novels. But I still wasn't prepared for the intensity nor how much the topic would captivate me.
Alec McClane and his ex-wife, Raegan struggled with the horror of child abduction. In their case it tore their family apart. Alec chose to drown his sorrows in alcohol while Raegan refused to give up on finding their child. She believed their daughter Emma was still alive. For Alec, believing she was dead was the only way he could deal with the nightmare their life had become and survive the aftermath.
Years later, Alec and Reagan were pushed back together while investigating similar abductions, and their attraction rekindled. Since their divorce neither had really moved on. They tried, but deep down they knew that no other individual could replace them.
Alec carried massive guilt and doubt on his shoulders that influenced all his interactions with Reagan. His concern that he would turn into his father, an abusive and horrible human being, colored most of his decisions since the abduction. He didn't feel that he deserved Reagan nor Emma.
Reagan struggled with the thought she was an inadequate mother. But nevertheless she believed that her daughter was still alive and kept on searching. For one she wanted to help other families that went through the same horror and for another she hoped she would eventually find a clue about the whereabouts of Emma.
As the plot thickens and it becomes clearer that there was indeed a pattern and that other abductions in that area could be connected. Alex and Reagan found themselves working together. The close proximity and the danger both found themselves in, brought a togetherness that both had missed. The attraction never left, and both acknowledge that they needed each other in the most ardent way.
This book was a nail biter for me. The topic alone had me on constant alert. I couldn't put it down. The authors way of writing highly suspenseful novels kept me turning pages like crazy. There were twists and turns that I never saw coming. The book was fast paced but not hurried. It had wonderful characters that had fantastic chemistry and felt authentic to me. The emotional struggles the characters went through and the topic of the book were very well researched and genuine. I had a great time reading this book and I'm glad I didn't miss out on such a fantastic novel.
ARC generously provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Happily Ever After
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WOW, what an emotional roller coaster this book was.
I was so involved in this book, it had me sitting on the edge of my chair.
The author's book WAIT FOR ME is one of my all time favorites. So I already knew I would love the writing and how well the author wrote suspense novels. But I still wasn't prepared for the intensity nor how much the topic would captivate me.
Alec McClane and his ex-wife, Raegan struggled with the horror of child abduction. In their case it tore their family apart. Alec chose to drown his sorrows in alcohol while Raegan refused to give up on finding their child. She believed their daughter Emma was still alive. For Alec, believing she was dead was the only way he could deal with the nightmare their life had become and survive the aftermath.
Years later, Alec and Reagan were pushed back together while investigating similar abductions, and their attraction rekindled. Since their divorce neither had really moved on. They tried, but deep down they knew that no other individual could replace them.
Alec carried massive guilt and doubt on his shoulders that influenced all his interactions with Reagan. His concern that he would turn into his father, an abusive and horrible human being, colored most of his decisions since the abduction. He didn't feel that he deserved Reagan nor Emma.
Reagan struggled with the thought she was an inadequate mother. But nevertheless she believed that her daughter was still alive and kept on searching. For one she wanted to help other families that went through the same horror and for another she hoped she would eventually find a clue about the whereabouts of Emma.
As the plot thickens and it becomes clearer that there was indeed a pattern and that other abductions in that area could be connected. Alex and Reagan found themselves working together. The close proximity and the danger both found themselves in, brought a togetherness that both had missed. The attraction never left, and both acknowledge that they needed each other in the most ardent way.
This book was a nail biter for me. The topic alone had me on constant alert. I couldn't put it down. The authors way of writing highly suspenseful novels kept me turning pages like crazy. There were twists and turns that I never saw coming. The book was fast paced but not hurried. It had wonderful characters that had fantastic chemistry and felt authentic to me. The emotional struggles the characters went through and the topic of the book were very well researched and genuine. I had a great time reading this book and I'm glad I didn't miss out on such a fantastic novel.
ARC generously provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Happily Ever After
Facebook Blog Page
Subscribe to Blog
February 6, 2017
I received a copy of Gone in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Gone is the second book in a series by Elisabeth Naughton called Deadly Secrets. The first book is Repressed. Reading the description of the first book, I don’t think you need to read them in order. They appear to be connected more by shared characters than by plot as Repressed follows a different set of main characters that appear as minor characters in Gone.
Three years ago, Alec and Raegan McClane’s daughter, Emma, was abducted from a local park. Alec was consumed by guilt because she vanished on his watch - he turned his back briefly to help another child and that was all it took for someone to snatch Emma. The stress and trauma destroyed their marriage and they have had no contact in the years since their split. They are forced into each other’s presence when they both receive calls that a little girl, matching Emma’s description, has been found wandering alone in a park. They rush to the hospital to see if it could be true - that Emma has been found alive and safe. Unfortunately, it’s only more heartbreak because the little girl is not their daughter. Seeing each other again awakens feelings in both but they push them aside initially.
Alec’s guilt was one of the main factors that ended their marriage. Though Raegan does not blame Alec, he blames himself and that guilt consumed him leading him to push Raegan away. It also caused drinking issues and other destructive behavior. Raegan has tried to put her life back together and does a better job of it than Alec but the sadness and devastation are still with her. After the little girl and another abducted child are found unharmed, Raegan can’t stop thinking about these children and the similarities surrounding their abductions. She starts to look into other child abduction cases and asks Alec for help. Reluctantly, he agrees to assist her in researching other cases and meeting with other families who have lost children. It’s a pretty sad and emotional investigation for everyone involved.
As they work together, Alec and Raegan find the attraction for one another to be hard to ignore. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to discuss their relationship as the book description mentions their smoldering passion. I don’t mind romance or sex in books, as long as it’s not over the top or excessive, but for many chapters Gone stalled because it was page after page of Alex and Raegan thinking about each other. Then some sex. Then more thinking about each other. More sex. Though the story is emotional and raw at times, I feel the romance portion to be overwhelming. It’s fine to have that element but, in this case, I feel it detracts from the mystery. It really dampened my enthusiasm for Gone.
I felt more of a connection to Alec than to Raegan. Not only is he lost in his guilt and sadness but he is haunted and tormented by his despicable father. There is more emotion surrounding him and it really affects you. Though Raegan, too, is heartbroken and desperate to find out what happened to Emma, I just didn’t connect with her. I think it’s because Alec is written more fully and it’s easier to feel his pain. He’s a very interesting and well-drawn character. Raegan feels a little more average, nothing out of the ordinary so she didn’t really pull me in.
I did like the storyline and the investigation into the child abductions but the romance just didn’t do it for me but for fans of romantic suspense, it’s probably a good choice. It was just too much for me.
Gone is the second book in a series by Elisabeth Naughton called Deadly Secrets. The first book is Repressed. Reading the description of the first book, I don’t think you need to read them in order. They appear to be connected more by shared characters than by plot as Repressed follows a different set of main characters that appear as minor characters in Gone.
Three years ago, Alec and Raegan McClane’s daughter, Emma, was abducted from a local park. Alec was consumed by guilt because she vanished on his watch - he turned his back briefly to help another child and that was all it took for someone to snatch Emma. The stress and trauma destroyed their marriage and they have had no contact in the years since their split. They are forced into each other’s presence when they both receive calls that a little girl, matching Emma’s description, has been found wandering alone in a park. They rush to the hospital to see if it could be true - that Emma has been found alive and safe. Unfortunately, it’s only more heartbreak because the little girl is not their daughter. Seeing each other again awakens feelings in both but they push them aside initially.
Alec’s guilt was one of the main factors that ended their marriage. Though Raegan does not blame Alec, he blames himself and that guilt consumed him leading him to push Raegan away. It also caused drinking issues and other destructive behavior. Raegan has tried to put her life back together and does a better job of it than Alec but the sadness and devastation are still with her. After the little girl and another abducted child are found unharmed, Raegan can’t stop thinking about these children and the similarities surrounding their abductions. She starts to look into other child abduction cases and asks Alec for help. Reluctantly, he agrees to assist her in researching other cases and meeting with other families who have lost children. It’s a pretty sad and emotional investigation for everyone involved.
As they work together, Alec and Raegan find the attraction for one another to be hard to ignore. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to discuss their relationship as the book description mentions their smoldering passion. I don’t mind romance or sex in books, as long as it’s not over the top or excessive, but for many chapters Gone stalled because it was page after page of Alex and Raegan thinking about each other. Then some sex. Then more thinking about each other. More sex. Though the story is emotional and raw at times, I feel the romance portion to be overwhelming. It’s fine to have that element but, in this case, I feel it detracts from the mystery. It really dampened my enthusiasm for Gone.
I felt more of a connection to Alec than to Raegan. Not only is he lost in his guilt and sadness but he is haunted and tormented by his despicable father. There is more emotion surrounding him and it really affects you. Though Raegan, too, is heartbroken and desperate to find out what happened to Emma, I just didn’t connect with her. I think it’s because Alec is written more fully and it’s easier to feel his pain. He’s a very interesting and well-drawn character. Raegan feels a little more average, nothing out of the ordinary so she didn’t really pull me in.
I did like the storyline and the investigation into the child abductions but the romance just didn’t do it for me but for fans of romantic suspense, it’s probably a good choice. It was just too much for me.
January 2, 2017
GONE (Deadly Secrets, #2) by Elisabeth Naughton
It is a good thing I didn't know a thing about this book when I started reading it. If I knew this was about an abduction of a child, I know I would have skipped this one. I am so glad I read it because it wasn't depressing or bleak. I ended up loving this book. There is so much more to this book than children being abducted. Having two likable parents for main characters really gave this book many dimensions. By adding the narrative of Alec and Raegan as the parents, along with the way they both love each other really helped make for an uplifting story. I will explain how this book stands out from your typical missing child story. The story also incorporates the themes of deep love, understanding, forgiveness and the power of two adults who can turn towards each other to help them deal with their loss.
This book was very enjoyable despite the child abductions because of all of the positive dynamics. Alec, in the beginning of the book is closed off to his emotions because he was the one who turned his back for a second and his daughter Emma disappears. Alec blames himself for many reasons and instead of turning toward his wife for love and support turned to the bottle. Raegan who is Emma's mother is a very positive person who never gives up hope. When Alec realizes that he still really loves Raegan and looks to her for strength and support he realizes that the alcohol just temporarily numbed the pain. Raegan and Alec discover that relying on each other and being able to be there for each other helps them endure their loss. When Alec and Raegan turn towards each other for love and support they begin to search for Emma.
I really loved Raegan and Alec's ability to grow as individuals and as a couple. Their ability to get back together enriched this story. This story had elements of love, trust, forgiveness and stability. It was very suspenseful and a pulse pounding read. I stayed up all night to read it because I couldn't put it down. I hated to reach the end of the book. It was written very well and I know when I am mesmerized and not saying to myself when is the book going to end, that the book is well worth reading. This was the second book in a series. It can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book so much I am going to read the author's other work. This story was interesting and has many positive messages.
Thank you to Net Galley, Elisabeth Naughton and Montlake Publishing for providing me with my digital copy for a fair and honest review.
It is a good thing I didn't know a thing about this book when I started reading it. If I knew this was about an abduction of a child, I know I would have skipped this one. I am so glad I read it because it wasn't depressing or bleak. I ended up loving this book. There is so much more to this book than children being abducted. Having two likable parents for main characters really gave this book many dimensions. By adding the narrative of Alec and Raegan as the parents, along with the way they both love each other really helped make for an uplifting story. I will explain how this book stands out from your typical missing child story. The story also incorporates the themes of deep love, understanding, forgiveness and the power of two adults who can turn towards each other to help them deal with their loss.
This book was very enjoyable despite the child abductions because of all of the positive dynamics. Alec, in the beginning of the book is closed off to his emotions because he was the one who turned his back for a second and his daughter Emma disappears. Alec blames himself for many reasons and instead of turning toward his wife for love and support turned to the bottle. Raegan who is Emma's mother is a very positive person who never gives up hope. When Alec realizes that he still really loves Raegan and looks to her for strength and support he realizes that the alcohol just temporarily numbed the pain. Raegan and Alec discover that relying on each other and being able to be there for each other helps them endure their loss. When Alec and Raegan turn towards each other for love and support they begin to search for Emma.
I really loved Raegan and Alec's ability to grow as individuals and as a couple. Their ability to get back together enriched this story. This story had elements of love, trust, forgiveness and stability. It was very suspenseful and a pulse pounding read. I stayed up all night to read it because I couldn't put it down. I hated to reach the end of the book. It was written very well and I know when I am mesmerized and not saying to myself when is the book going to end, that the book is well worth reading. This was the second book in a series. It can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book so much I am going to read the author's other work. This story was interesting and has many positive messages.
Thank you to Net Galley, Elisabeth Naughton and Montlake Publishing for providing me with my digital copy for a fair and honest review.
February 7, 2017
I almost love the story of Alec and Reagan.
Alec and Reagan used to be married and absolute happy with their life and their daughter. Until one day they lost the ground out of their feet when their daughter got missed.
After 3 years we saw Alec and Reagan separate and complete strangers with each others.
Alec has very serious issues with his life .
1st of all he feels guilty for the disappearance of his daughter.
2nd he has serious issues with his father.
3rd he has a drinking past.
4rth he is madly in love with his ex-wife.
5th he is 100% sure that his daughter is dead.
But Reagan is 100% sure that their daughter is still alive and she never stop to hope and looking for her. So 3 years after of missing Emma (their daughter) she decide to research all the cases of missing childrens in the area in hope to find a link or a pattern about what or who is behind.
And Alec agreed to help her...
The story of its own is very strong because here we are talking about missing child. The character of Alec is strong too because we are talking about a man who had serious issues of his past and present that needs solutions.
The only think that I didn't like it was the process of their relationship. I found it a little steep depending on the circumstances!
4.5 star for this story ....
P.S. The book was sent by the publisher of netgalley.com for an honest review
Alec and Reagan used to be married and absolute happy with their life and their daughter. Until one day they lost the ground out of their feet when their daughter got missed.
After 3 years we saw Alec and Reagan separate and complete strangers with each others.
Alec has very serious issues with his life .
1st of all he feels guilty for the disappearance of his daughter.
2nd he has serious issues with his father.
3rd he has a drinking past.
4rth he is madly in love with his ex-wife.
5th he is 100% sure that his daughter is dead.
But Reagan is 100% sure that their daughter is still alive and she never stop to hope and looking for her. So 3 years after of missing Emma (their daughter) she decide to research all the cases of missing childrens in the area in hope to find a link or a pattern about what or who is behind.
And Alec agreed to help her...
The story of its own is very strong because here we are talking about missing child. The character of Alec is strong too because we are talking about a man who had serious issues of his past and present that needs solutions.
The only think that I didn't like it was the process of their relationship. I found it a little steep depending on the circumstances!
4.5 star for this story ....
P.S. The book was sent by the publisher of netgalley.com for an honest review
December 15, 2016
I can't even begin to know where to start. Gone by Elisabeth Naughton is just amazingly great. It's the second novel in her Deadly Secrets series. I could not put it down. I had to force myself to adult the last couple of days instead of just reading it straight through. I firmly believe Mrs Naughton has another Best Seller in her future with Gone. After reading both Repressed, book one and Gone book two of her Deadly Secrets series I feel safe to say she has another award winning series to her name. Her characters are so real. You get drawn in right from the start. You become part of the story. Alec and Raegan are so true to real life. Their story will grab you by the heart and hold you captive till the very last sentence. Life isn't perfect and neither are the people that live it, Gone shows us that that is okay. Gone is full of heartbreak, loss, love, family, grit and realism. I've been an avid reader for over forty years and I don't think I've ever read a more realistic set of characters. I'm hooked completely on this series.
I was given an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley. I've chosen to write my honest review.
I was given an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley. I've chosen to write my honest review.
November 28, 2016
Alec and Reagans one year old child was abducted 3 1/2 years ago. The abduction ended their marriage. Alec dove straight into a bottle, convinced their daughter was dead and blaming himself for her abduction. Reagan holds onto hope that she is alive and will be found one day. When a 4 year old child matching their daughters description is found wandering in a park Alec and Reagan are thrown together. Both are heartbroken that it is not their child. Emma has been researching missing children since her daughters disappearance. Now she has found a pattern of missing children that she thinks could be connected to their daughters case. She wants Alec to help her.
Alec and Reagan are 2 broken people who have not been able to pick up the pieces of their lives since the abduction. Both are dealing with it in different ways. This is an emotional book filled with heartbreak, suspense, romance, and hope. It is extremely well written, I didn't want to put it down! It is the 2nd book in a series but it could stand on its own. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
Sent from my iPad
February 7, 2017
Alec and Raegan had their little girl abducted and the horror tore them apart. Alec suspects that his biological father is responsible, but when other little children are abducted Raegen wants to investigate in her official capacity as a tv journalist. They want closure- but are scared what might be uncovered.
I took a little while to settle into this book- but absolutely loved the second half of the book and was gripped with the storyline. I'm now keen to read more by Elisabeth Naughton and the books in this series.
I took a little while to settle into this book- but absolutely loved the second half of the book and was gripped with the storyline. I'm now keen to read more by Elisabeth Naughton and the books in this series.
February 18, 2017
Reviewed by Gemini
Gone is the second book in Elisabeth Naughton’s Deadly Secrets series. Although I did not read the first book, Repressed, I did not feel like I was missing anything. Gone describes how two parents/journalists attempt to move on with their lives after their daughter goes missing from a park several years prior. The emotional turmoil that Alec McClane and Reagan Devereaux endured eventually ruined their marriage and sent Alec into a drunken stupor. To add insult to injury, Alec was sure that his estranged father John Gilbert had something to do with Emma’s disappearance.
As is generally the case, Alec and Reagan are occasionally called in to identify a missing girl that fits the description of their daughter. This time, their encounter appears to set off a chain of events that sets them on a path to possibly find their daughter after all of these years. More importantly, Alec and Reagan get an opportunity to be honest with each other and possibly rekindle the romance and love that neither of them truly wanted to let go of in the first place. Their journalistic powers allow them to notice that there may be some connections between the rash of missing children that has occurred in town over the past few years and their daughter. As they put more and more pieces together, Alec is certain that John Gilbert is a large piece of the puzzle. As they get closer to the truth, Alec and Reagan find themselves in harm’s way more often than not.
Without giving too much away, I will say that Gone was an emotional roller coaster. It was painful to watch all of the parents deal with the fact that they may never see their children again. Alec was always one step closer to hiding inside a bottle of alcohol. And Reagan was constantly having her heart tugged in all directions as she struggled with trying to hold back her feelings for Alec. It was impossible not to hope that they had a happy ending that included them locating their missing daughter. I applauded their persistence and the fact that they refused to deny their love for each other again. I intend to go back and read the first book in this series as well as any books to follow. Gone was an excellent Romantic Suspense.
**Received a copy from Montlake and voluntarily reviewed.**
Gone is the second book in Elisabeth Naughton’s Deadly Secrets series. Although I did not read the first book, Repressed, I did not feel like I was missing anything. Gone describes how two parents/journalists attempt to move on with their lives after their daughter goes missing from a park several years prior. The emotional turmoil that Alec McClane and Reagan Devereaux endured eventually ruined their marriage and sent Alec into a drunken stupor. To add insult to injury, Alec was sure that his estranged father John Gilbert had something to do with Emma’s disappearance.
As is generally the case, Alec and Reagan are occasionally called in to identify a missing girl that fits the description of their daughter. This time, their encounter appears to set off a chain of events that sets them on a path to possibly find their daughter after all of these years. More importantly, Alec and Reagan get an opportunity to be honest with each other and possibly rekindle the romance and love that neither of them truly wanted to let go of in the first place. Their journalistic powers allow them to notice that there may be some connections between the rash of missing children that has occurred in town over the past few years and their daughter. As they put more and more pieces together, Alec is certain that John Gilbert is a large piece of the puzzle. As they get closer to the truth, Alec and Reagan find themselves in harm’s way more often than not.
Without giving too much away, I will say that Gone was an emotional roller coaster. It was painful to watch all of the parents deal with the fact that they may never see their children again. Alec was always one step closer to hiding inside a bottle of alcohol. And Reagan was constantly having her heart tugged in all directions as she struggled with trying to hold back her feelings for Alec. It was impossible not to hope that they had a happy ending that included them locating their missing daughter. I applauded their persistence and the fact that they refused to deny their love for each other again. I intend to go back and read the first book in this series as well as any books to follow. Gone was an excellent Romantic Suspense.
**Received a copy from Montlake and voluntarily reviewed.**
November 27, 2016
Alex McClane struggles with more than disappointing his wife and family; he also battles a severe drinking addiction and the notion that his erratic, violent behaviour might be genetically inherited from a man whom he calls his biological father. This much—along with the overwhelming guilt—bring him to end a short-lived marriage that died when his daughter goes missing. Three years later, he isn’t in a better place until a call from the FBI brings his ex-wife back into his life, who incidentally, seems to be compiling research on child-abductions that indicate their daughter’s disappearance is anything but a coincidence.
I’d always wondered how Elisabeth Naughton was going to continue the ‘Dearly Secrets’ series, and ‘Gone’ seemed to be a good indication that the books would be about the adopted family members of the McClane family, with Alex’s story being the second book—and completely unrelated to his brother’s one. It works well as a standalone and quite possibly lies on a trigger fault-line for some as it deals with child abduction and addiction and the devastating effect it could have on a marriage.
The protagonists were clearly flawed in some ways that left narrative space for character growth: Alex’s constant denial and guilt—which devolve into self-pity after a while—destroying people and relationships around him, while Reagen seemed to be a bit of a spineless twit and a damsel in distress from the start (admirable as her determination not to believe her daughter is dead) as she pined for a man who’d not only walked cruelly away from her but also called for the divorce as he sought comfort in alcohol. It eventually did get better though, with some twists that hinted at a bigger conspiracy which still stretched my ability to suspend disbelief even as the plot trundled along from time to time.
‘Gone’ is a decent read nonetheless, and I’d be interested in knowing who’s (or what’s) next in this series.
*ARC by netgalley
(every grateful, mind)
I’d always wondered how Elisabeth Naughton was going to continue the ‘Dearly Secrets’ series, and ‘Gone’ seemed to be a good indication that the books would be about the adopted family members of the McClane family, with Alex’s story being the second book—and completely unrelated to his brother’s one. It works well as a standalone and quite possibly lies on a trigger fault-line for some as it deals with child abduction and addiction and the devastating effect it could have on a marriage.
The protagonists were clearly flawed in some ways that left narrative space for character growth: Alex’s constant denial and guilt—which devolve into self-pity after a while—destroying people and relationships around him, while Reagen seemed to be a bit of a spineless twit and a damsel in distress from the start (admirable as her determination not to believe her daughter is dead) as she pined for a man who’d not only walked cruelly away from her but also called for the divorce as he sought comfort in alcohol. It eventually did get better though, with some twists that hinted at a bigger conspiracy which still stretched my ability to suspend disbelief even as the plot trundled along from time to time.
‘Gone’ is a decent read nonetheless, and I’d be interested in knowing who’s (or what’s) next in this series.
*ARC by netgalley
(every grateful, mind)
February 4, 2017
***ARC provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
3.5 Stars
This book started in a different place than I was expecting...which is not a bad thing, but it did mean that I went into it not sure what I thought was going to happen, which was a fun surprise.
I liked the characters, and I liked the storyline. And, I am not really able to say much more about the plot itself without revealing what can only be considered as spoilers, especially in a romantic suspense, where things I thought were obvious will surprise others, and vice versa.
Alec and Reagan were compelling and 3 dimensional. You see them as people, as parents and as romantically involved, all at the same time, so you really are left with the idea that you have gotten to know them, which is both great and a risk as an author, as when your readers feel they know the characters, there will also be more opportunity to have them act out of character, which was not an issue with this book.
The only issue I had is that I thought the first 25% was a little slow and then it picked up, which made it a little difficult at first to fully engage with the book and the events. However, once the book got going, it was an excellent and believable ride.
I do recommend this book.
3.5 Stars
This book started in a different place than I was expecting...which is not a bad thing, but it did mean that I went into it not sure what I thought was going to happen, which was a fun surprise.
I liked the characters, and I liked the storyline. And, I am not really able to say much more about the plot itself without revealing what can only be considered as spoilers, especially in a romantic suspense, where things I thought were obvious will surprise others, and vice versa.
Alec and Reagan were compelling and 3 dimensional. You see them as people, as parents and as romantically involved, all at the same time, so you really are left with the idea that you have gotten to know them, which is both great and a risk as an author, as when your readers feel they know the characters, there will also be more opportunity to have them act out of character, which was not an issue with this book.
The only issue I had is that I thought the first 25% was a little slow and then it picked up, which made it a little difficult at first to fully engage with the book and the events. However, once the book got going, it was an excellent and believable ride.
I do recommend this book.
June 3, 2020
Alec and Raegan lost their one year old daughter three years ago, the loss was too much and brought an end to their marriage. An anonymous call about a missing child found near the area where Emma went missing will bring Alec and Reagan together once again. Both are well versed in the art of investigating and this missing child will spur them to investigate other similar missing child cases. What they find could kill them or bring them the answers about their daughter that they’ve been looking for.
Gone by Elisabeth Naughton was a thrilling read. I had trouble putting this one down and so will you. The story has a few twists and turns that you just don’t see coming. This was my first read of Naughtons and I’m hooked. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Gone by Elisabeth Naughton was a thrilling read. I had trouble putting this one down and so will you. The story has a few twists and turns that you just don’t see coming. This was my first read of Naughtons and I’m hooked. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
I give Gone 4 stars
April 4, 2018
Wonderful book
Really loved this book. It was very fast paced and I couldn't put it down. Loved Alec and Reagan and was very involved in their story and what happened after they divorced. You could feel their pain and their love. Their search for their missing daughter was sometimes hard to read but it kept me glued to the story. I had to know what happened. It was very touching. Would definitely
recommend.
Re-read
Loved it the second time too.
For Safety people, it said that neither one of them had sex with anyone else for three years while apart although they both dated. He said he wasn't a saint and tried to have sex many times but couldn't do it. I did not like that. But hey I am a freak.
Really loved this book. It was very fast paced and I couldn't put it down. Loved Alec and Reagan and was very involved in their story and what happened after they divorced. You could feel their pain and their love. Their search for their missing daughter was sometimes hard to read but it kept me glued to the story. I had to know what happened. It was very touching. Would definitely
recommend.
Re-read
Loved it the second time too.
For Safety people, it said that neither one of them had sex with anyone else for three years while apart although they both dated. He said he wasn't a saint and tried to have sex many times but couldn't do it. I did not like that. But hey I am a freak.
January 1, 2018
I do love romantic suspense and Elisabeth Naughton is a guaranteed top read for me and a trusted “go to” author for this genre. Saying that, I hadn’t realised until I started this that this is the second in her new Deadly Secrets series but it can totally be read as a standalone novel. The series follows a group of adopted siblings and each features one of the siblings as the main focus but there are no spoilers, just a curiosity to discover more about this intriguing family! Alec and Reagan were a gorgeous couple and my heart went out to them, not only for the loss they had suffered when their daughter had disappeared, but also for their relationship which had broken down in the aftermath of that tragedy. Elisabeth Naughton brings their pain to life with her wonderfully emotive narrative and I came to care very deeply for them both whilst desperately hoping for some sort of happy ending not just for them but for their family as a whole. I spent most of the book unsure which way it would proceed as one parent was convinced Emma was still alive whilst the other refused to accept that it could be a possibility, preferring death to the other possible fates for their abducted daughter. I already have the next book in the series on order and look forward to catching up with them all again soon.
August 1, 2017
3.5 Stay Strong Stars.
Every parent’s worst nightmare is turning around for a split second and then finding out your child is gone. This is what happened to Alec McClane and since then he struggles every day. After all this time it isn’t much better. He. Lost. Everything. And most of it was his fault no not losing his daughter but everything else that came after that.
Alec received a call from the FBI that a child has been found, a child that resembles is missing daughter Emma. It isn’t Emma.
Imagine experiencing that hope of a phone call every time and then it being torn away from you.
Raegan McClane lost everything that her daughter was missing. All she wanted was for her husband to choose her and not the bottle. Raegan never doubted that Emma was killed. She still firmly believes that Emma is alive.
Although three years have passed they still have strong feelings for one another. Receiving the call from the FBI she runs to the hospital and finds out that it isn’t Emma. But she sees Alec. The feelings are still the same and in the end she digs deep with other missing kid cases. Alec helps her and patterns start to develop. They see that there was more to everything. The outcome at the end? Cracked me heart open a bit.
I enjoy Ms. Naughton’s books very much and this worked very well for me even though it is a second chance romance under these conditions of their main characters split and them getting back together is bittersweet. The rollercoaster ride of emotions and for the fact is that being tasteful about writing about missing children isn’t always a feat but in this case it is perfect.
IMO better than the first one in the series. But different strokes and all that.
Review can be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
Book received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Every parent’s worst nightmare is turning around for a split second and then finding out your child is gone. This is what happened to Alec McClane and since then he struggles every day. After all this time it isn’t much better. He. Lost. Everything. And most of it was his fault no not losing his daughter but everything else that came after that.
Alec received a call from the FBI that a child has been found, a child that resembles is missing daughter Emma. It isn’t Emma.
Imagine experiencing that hope of a phone call every time and then it being torn away from you.
Raegan McClane lost everything that her daughter was missing. All she wanted was for her husband to choose her and not the bottle. Raegan never doubted that Emma was killed. She still firmly believes that Emma is alive.
Although three years have passed they still have strong feelings for one another. Receiving the call from the FBI she runs to the hospital and finds out that it isn’t Emma. But she sees Alec. The feelings are still the same and in the end she digs deep with other missing kid cases. Alec helps her and patterns start to develop. They see that there was more to everything. The outcome at the end? Cracked me heart open a bit.
I enjoy Ms. Naughton’s books very much and this worked very well for me even though it is a second chance romance under these conditions of their main characters split and them getting back together is bittersweet. The rollercoaster ride of emotions and for the fact is that being tasteful about writing about missing children isn’t always a feat but in this case it is perfect.
IMO better than the first one in the series. But different strokes and all that.
Review can be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
Book received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 4, 2017
4.5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 10, 2017
Three years ago, Alec and Raegan McClane lived every parent’s worst nightmare: their one-year-old daughter, Emma, was abducted from a park when Alec turned his back for just a moment. Emma was never found, and presumed dead. The crushing trauma, plus Alec’s unbearable guilt, ended the couple’s marriage.
Now a four-year-old girl matching Emma’s profile is found wandering a local park. Alec and Raegan are heartbroken to discover she’s not their daughter but are newly motivated to find closure…and each secretly feels desperate to be in the other’s presence again.
Alec suspects his vengeful biological father is behind Emma’s disappearance. But as Raegan investigates other abductions in the area, she sees a pattern—and begins to wonder if Emma’s kidnapping is actually linked to something more sinister.
As Alec and Raegan race to uncover the truth, a long-burning spark rekindles into smoldering passion, and they realize they need each other now more than ever.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars--GONE is the second installment in Elisabeth Naughton’s DEADLY SECRETS romantic suspense series. This is divorced couple Alec and Raegan McClane’s story line. GONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Dr. Ethan McClane and his fiancé Samantha (Repressed #1) play secondary and supporting roles.
Told from several third person perspectives including Alec and Raegan McClane GONE focuses on the search for the truth. Raegan has never given up hope that their now four year old daughter Emma is alive. Three years earlier Alec and Raegan’s then one year old daughter was abducted and in the ensuing time our couple’s marriage and relationship was destroyed. Fast forward to present day wherein Alex’s biological father begins to play a deviously, sick mind game with our story line couple that pushes Alec and Raegan to reopen the investigation into their missing daughter, and the whereabouts of several other missing children. What ensues is the hunt for Alec’s father, and the discovery that their daughter was targeted from the very start.
GONE is a heartbreaking, emotional and profound story line about loss, betrayal, revenge, and fear. A parent’s worst nightmare and the ensuing guilt that leads to the destruction of their marriage; two broken people who have never stopped loving one another; who will rekindle their relationship as the truth is finally revealed.
Elisabeth Naughton writes from the heart; a tangible, suspense filled, and intense story of loss and hope. The premise is complex and exciting; the characters struggle to live in the moment; the romance is a second chance love story. GONE is a romantic tale of betrayal, intrigue and suspense; of recovery and a happily ever after.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 10, 2017
Three years ago, Alec and Raegan McClane lived every parent’s worst nightmare: their one-year-old daughter, Emma, was abducted from a park when Alec turned his back for just a moment. Emma was never found, and presumed dead. The crushing trauma, plus Alec’s unbearable guilt, ended the couple’s marriage.
Now a four-year-old girl matching Emma’s profile is found wandering a local park. Alec and Raegan are heartbroken to discover she’s not their daughter but are newly motivated to find closure…and each secretly feels desperate to be in the other’s presence again.
Alec suspects his vengeful biological father is behind Emma’s disappearance. But as Raegan investigates other abductions in the area, she sees a pattern—and begins to wonder if Emma’s kidnapping is actually linked to something more sinister.
As Alec and Raegan race to uncover the truth, a long-burning spark rekindles into smoldering passion, and they realize they need each other now more than ever.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars--GONE is the second installment in Elisabeth Naughton’s DEADLY SECRETS romantic suspense series. This is divorced couple Alec and Raegan McClane’s story line. GONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Dr. Ethan McClane and his fiancé Samantha (Repressed #1) play secondary and supporting roles.
Told from several third person perspectives including Alec and Raegan McClane GONE focuses on the search for the truth. Raegan has never given up hope that their now four year old daughter Emma is alive. Three years earlier Alec and Raegan’s then one year old daughter was abducted and in the ensuing time our couple’s marriage and relationship was destroyed. Fast forward to present day wherein Alex’s biological father begins to play a deviously, sick mind game with our story line couple that pushes Alec and Raegan to reopen the investigation into their missing daughter, and the whereabouts of several other missing children. What ensues is the hunt for Alec’s father, and the discovery that their daughter was targeted from the very start.
GONE is a heartbreaking, emotional and profound story line about loss, betrayal, revenge, and fear. A parent’s worst nightmare and the ensuing guilt that leads to the destruction of their marriage; two broken people who have never stopped loving one another; who will rekindle their relationship as the truth is finally revealed.
Elisabeth Naughton writes from the heart; a tangible, suspense filled, and intense story of loss and hope. The premise is complex and exciting; the characters struggle to live in the moment; the romance is a second chance love story. GONE is a romantic tale of betrayal, intrigue and suspense; of recovery and a happily ever after.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
February 14, 2020
Liked this one a lot more than the first one, the idea behind this series is somewhat odd but not too bad of course, as always, I don't care for the sex scenes but was able to easily skip them and I found them a lot less annoying in this book? not sure if there were less or I just liked the story so much I didn't notice when I skipped them but looking forward to the rest of this series.
March 4, 2017
Disclosure: I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Winners are encouraged, but not required, to review the books they win. Here we go.
So this book was GOOD. It's #2 in a series and I have just enough CDO* to read #1 in a series before #2. Book #1 was good. This one was better. If there's a third, and if this trend continues, book #3 should be phenomenal. Here's hoping. Based on these two books, I'm definitely reading #3, when/if it comes out.
*For those who don't know, that's obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but with the letters in alphabetical order AS THEY SHOULD BE.
So this is a rip-roaring crime thriller. The crime is the abduction of children. The solution is telegraphed, but it's done in stages and it isn't completely revealed too early in the book. Some of you are thinking, "abduction of children, too sick, no thanks". But I tell you truly, it isn't nightmare-inducing. But it is pretty tense. It's a good thing I didn't have anything truly pressing to do today because I couldn't put this book down. I don't usually reach the point of no return until about 75-80% through the book. This book? I was hooked at about 10%.
This is also a bodice-ripper and I could have done without the sex scenes. Yes, I hear some of you out there thinking, "Are you a prude?" Well, no, not really. Actually the sex scenes were pretty tame compared to some I've read. But in this case, they were really just something I skimmed through in order to get back to the topic at hand: who's kidnapping these kids and why? And it isn't as though it was unrealistic for our hero and heroine to indulge. The emotions rang true.
Romance novels aren't really my cuppa, but if they're yours, you'll probably wish our author hadn't spent so much time on all that cops-and-robbers stuff and focused more on the romance. Me, I wish there had been a little less romance and a lot more focus on the whodunit. But hey, different strokes for different folks. It's a good book. You should read it. And by the way, you don't necessarily have to read book #1 in the series before you read this one. Just so you know.
So this book was GOOD. It's #2 in a series and I have just enough CDO* to read #1 in a series before #2. Book #1 was good. This one was better. If there's a third, and if this trend continues, book #3 should be phenomenal. Here's hoping. Based on these two books, I'm definitely reading #3, when/if it comes out.
*For those who don't know, that's obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but with the letters in alphabetical order AS THEY SHOULD BE.
So this is a rip-roaring crime thriller. The crime is the abduction of children. The solution is telegraphed, but it's done in stages and it isn't completely revealed too early in the book. Some of you are thinking, "abduction of children, too sick, no thanks". But I tell you truly, it isn't nightmare-inducing. But it is pretty tense. It's a good thing I didn't have anything truly pressing to do today because I couldn't put this book down. I don't usually reach the point of no return until about 75-80% through the book. This book? I was hooked at about 10%.
This is also a bodice-ripper and I could have done without the sex scenes. Yes, I hear some of you out there thinking, "Are you a prude?" Well, no, not really. Actually the sex scenes were pretty tame compared to some I've read. But in this case, they were really just something I skimmed through in order to get back to the topic at hand: who's kidnapping these kids and why? And it isn't as though it was unrealistic for our hero and heroine to indulge. The emotions rang true.
Romance novels aren't really my cuppa, but if they're yours, you'll probably wish our author hadn't spent so much time on all that cops-and-robbers stuff and focused more on the romance. Me, I wish there had been a little less romance and a lot more focus on the whodunit. But hey, different strokes for different folks. It's a good book. You should read it. And by the way, you don't necessarily have to read book #1 in the series before you read this one. Just so you know.
January 11, 2017
When their child had gone missing three years ago, Alec McClane and Raegan Devereaux parted ways and took matters in their own respective hands differently. While Alec's faith faltered and wavered, Raegan didn't lose faith and still held on to that tiny hope that their daughter Emma was still out there, alive.
After three excruciating years, another girl was found in the park where their daughter was taken, and Alec's biological father John Gilbert was about to be freed from prison. Alec knew his evil father was involved in his daughter's abduction, all he needed was to prove it.
As the case developed and progressed, the estranged couple found themselves cooped up under one roof during a snowstorm. Alec's and Raegan's feelings seemed to blossom again, but both were still haunted by their divorce.
With Alec and Raegan's situation, everything was pretty messed up in the beginning, until they thought they finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel, only to get to the detour and realized, there's still another tunnel they needed to unearth. Deadly secrets abound this novel indeed!
First thing that always come to my mind when I see a new book from Elisabeth Naughton?
"If it's from Elisabeth Naughton, it must be great!"
And this latest offering from the Deadly Secrets series is another accomplishment! Gone was well-written, action-packed and teemed with scenes only Naughton can deliver. Issues about alcoholism, abduction, syndicate and revenge were discussed heavily in this book and it was all intense. Had to keep my eyes from shutting down, what with all the mystery and suspense in this book.
Elisabeth Naughton weaves stories that are compelling and thrilling and definitely unpredictable. Just when you thought you've already know the story after a few chapters, you'd be shocked once you get to the succeeding pages and you realized there's still more. And the twists and turns will blow you away. This is definitely a must-read!
After three excruciating years, another girl was found in the park where their daughter was taken, and Alec's biological father John Gilbert was about to be freed from prison. Alec knew his evil father was involved in his daughter's abduction, all he needed was to prove it.
As the case developed and progressed, the estranged couple found themselves cooped up under one roof during a snowstorm. Alec's and Raegan's feelings seemed to blossom again, but both were still haunted by their divorce.
With Alec and Raegan's situation, everything was pretty messed up in the beginning, until they thought they finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel, only to get to the detour and realized, there's still another tunnel they needed to unearth. Deadly secrets abound this novel indeed!
First thing that always come to my mind when I see a new book from Elisabeth Naughton?
"If it's from Elisabeth Naughton, it must be great!"
And this latest offering from the Deadly Secrets series is another accomplishment! Gone was well-written, action-packed and teemed with scenes only Naughton can deliver. Issues about alcoholism, abduction, syndicate and revenge were discussed heavily in this book and it was all intense. Had to keep my eyes from shutting down, what with all the mystery and suspense in this book.
Elisabeth Naughton weaves stories that are compelling and thrilling and definitely unpredictable. Just when you thought you've already know the story after a few chapters, you'd be shocked once you get to the succeeding pages and you realized there's still more. And the twists and turns will blow you away. This is definitely a must-read!
January 8, 2017
An edgy, chilling, romantic suspense that is a must read! I enjoyed the first book of the Deadly Secrets series, but this one is so much more. It had the perfect blend of intrigue, suspense, mystery, passion, and romance, which created a fantastic story. I was pulled in right from the start, and it kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end. This is a book that you won't want to miss!
Alec and Reagan have been through an unimaginable hell, a parents worst nightmare, since their child was kidnapped 3 years ago. They each choose to believe different outcomes, because it was the only way they could survive and stay somewhat sane. Because of this, and other things, they ended up in divorce shortly after the kidnapping, but neither of them are happy, nor have they stopped loving one another.
When they see one another for the first time in a while, they can't seem to forget about the other. Reagan has been looking into other child abductions, hoping that it will lead her to their daughter, but what she finds is a whole lot more. Finally getting Alec to agree to help, they start investigating, and are shocked at what they uncover. However, others are determined to make them stop their investigation, no matter the cost.
What will they discover, and will it lead them to the truth about what happened to their daughter? Did Alec's real father have something to do with her abduction, like Alec has always believed? Will Alec be able to keep them both safe while they look for answers of what happened to those children? And will Alec and Reagan get their hearts broken again, or will they finally get the HEA they both deserve? You'll have to read it to find out!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and great author.
I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Alec and Reagan have been through an unimaginable hell, a parents worst nightmare, since their child was kidnapped 3 years ago. They each choose to believe different outcomes, because it was the only way they could survive and stay somewhat sane. Because of this, and other things, they ended up in divorce shortly after the kidnapping, but neither of them are happy, nor have they stopped loving one another.
When they see one another for the first time in a while, they can't seem to forget about the other. Reagan has been looking into other child abductions, hoping that it will lead her to their daughter, but what she finds is a whole lot more. Finally getting Alec to agree to help, they start investigating, and are shocked at what they uncover. However, others are determined to make them stop their investigation, no matter the cost.
What will they discover, and will it lead them to the truth about what happened to their daughter? Did Alec's real father have something to do with her abduction, like Alec has always believed? Will Alec be able to keep them both safe while they look for answers of what happened to those children? And will Alec and Reagan get their hearts broken again, or will they finally get the HEA they both deserve? You'll have to read it to find out!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and great author.
I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
January 3, 2017
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed the first book in this series so much, I was excited to jump into Alec's story. Ms. Naughton once again did not disappoint! I am a self professed wuss when it comes to romantic suspense, but this one kept me reading longer than most. (I usually chicken out when things get dicey and have to put the book down!)
This is a second chance romance for Alec and his ex-wife Raegen. Three years ago, their world was ripped apart when their daughter was taken from them and never found. The stress of everything left little time to heal each other. As new information comes to light, they agree to work together again in hopes of finding their daughter.
The emotional roller coaster this book takes you one will leave your head spinning! So much pain and love and hope! Really heart wrenching at times to see Alec and Raegen struggle to find themselves again. Oh so sweet when they realize their love never ended, just got put on the back burner.
I enjoyed catching up with the rest of Alec's adoptive family members. Looking forward to seeing where life leads them all. Fabulous epilogue!!!
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
I enjoyed the first book in this series so much, I was excited to jump into Alec's story. Ms. Naughton once again did not disappoint! I am a self professed wuss when it comes to romantic suspense, but this one kept me reading longer than most. (I usually chicken out when things get dicey and have to put the book down!)
This is a second chance romance for Alec and his ex-wife Raegen. Three years ago, their world was ripped apart when their daughter was taken from them and never found. The stress of everything left little time to heal each other. As new information comes to light, they agree to work together again in hopes of finding their daughter.
The emotional roller coaster this book takes you one will leave your head spinning! So much pain and love and hope! Really heart wrenching at times to see Alec and Raegen struggle to find themselves again. Oh so sweet when they realize their love never ended, just got put on the back burner.
I enjoyed catching up with the rest of Alec's adoptive family members. Looking forward to seeing where life leads them all. Fabulous epilogue!!!
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
August 7, 2018
This book broke my heart, and yet was so well written I couldn’t set it down.
A parent’s worst nightmare comes true when young Emma disappears during a father-daughter excursion to the park. Alec and Raegan’s marriage buckles under the stress and they go their separate ways.
Three years later, another missing child suddenly appears at a nearby park, and though it’s not their daughter, Alec and Raegan are drawn to the case. Using their connections as reporters they chase a series of leads, desperate to believe Emma might be found.
I was chilled by the realism of this story, and could easily imagine the heartbreak this couple had to live with every single minute their baby was gone.
A couple of my favorite lines:
hope was a dangerous thing. It was a mirage in the distance, flickering in the fading light and dragging a person forward like water draws a parched man. Only, when you got there, all you found was sand. Dry, grainy, throat-clogging sand that could kill you if you gave it the chance.
Naughton, Elisabeth. Gone (Deadly Secrets Book 2) (p. 6). Montlake Romance. Kindle Edition.
He’d been wrong. He did still have a heart. A shadow of one that twisted so hard in the center of his chest it felt as if it were ripping in two.
Naughton, Elisabeth. Gone (Deadly Secrets Book 2) (p. 88). Montlake Romance. Kindle Edition.
I give Gone 5+ lovely kisses- This is a must read!
A parent’s worst nightmare comes true when young Emma disappears during a father-daughter excursion to the park. Alec and Raegan’s marriage buckles under the stress and they go their separate ways.
Three years later, another missing child suddenly appears at a nearby park, and though it’s not their daughter, Alec and Raegan are drawn to the case. Using their connections as reporters they chase a series of leads, desperate to believe Emma might be found.
I was chilled by the realism of this story, and could easily imagine the heartbreak this couple had to live with every single minute their baby was gone.
A couple of my favorite lines:
hope was a dangerous thing. It was a mirage in the distance, flickering in the fading light and dragging a person forward like water draws a parched man. Only, when you got there, all you found was sand. Dry, grainy, throat-clogging sand that could kill you if you gave it the chance.
Naughton, Elisabeth. Gone (Deadly Secrets Book 2) (p. 6). Montlake Romance. Kindle Edition.
He’d been wrong. He did still have a heart. A shadow of one that twisted so hard in the center of his chest it felt as if it were ripping in two.
Naughton, Elisabeth. Gone (Deadly Secrets Book 2) (p. 88). Montlake Romance. Kindle Edition.
I give Gone 5+ lovely kisses- This is a must read!
July 23, 2017
I never read the first book of this series, but that didn't matter. It did not take away the enjoyment of this book and i couldn't turn the pages fast enough. So much suspense! As always, i do refrain from writing what the story is about, as i would only be repeating much of which others have written. Plus i do not wish to spoil for others. I can highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 2, 2017
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3.5/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4)5
Characterisation: 3.5/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4)5
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November 25, 2018Dnfed @ 20%
December 31, 2016
I received a free copy and voluntarily reviewed it.
Gone is another gripping romantic suspense by Elisabeth Naughton. This is the second book in her “Deadly Secrets” series. However, even though the first book is an intriguing and riveting suspense novel, it is not necessary to have read that book to enjoy this one. Each book can stand alone, although I would highly suggest that you eventually read the first book, Repressed.
Gone is a gut-wrenching romantic suspense about a couple who face one of the worst ordeals that could happen to any parent. Three years ago, Alec turned his back on their one year old daughter, Emma, at a park and, sadly, she was abducted.
Although, Reagan, Alec’s wife, never blames him, Alec is never able to forgive himself. Another problem is that Alec believes Emma is dead and will never be found. On the other hand, Reagan refuses to give up and always believes that Emma will be returned to them. These two differences cause their marriage to fall apart.
In the beginning of this novel, a young girl has been brought into the hospital, and the police notify Alec and Reagan to see if it is Emma. They are both upset that it is not. In spite of that, Reagan maintains her belief that Emma is alive, and begs Alec to help her investigate. Since they obviously both still love each other and Alec worries about Reagan’s physically safety and mental health, he agrees to help her. But, because Alec believes that he doesn’t deserve Reagan, he warns her that he will never remarry.
This novel has so many twists and turns, I could never figure out what was going to happen next. In fact, not only was I unable to figure out who kidnapped Emma, I wasn’t even sure if they would ever find Emma, or, if they do find her, would she be dead or alive.
I love both Reagan and Alec. Reagan never gives up on finding Emma alive. She also refuses to give up on their marriage in spite of Alec’s stubborn insistence that he would never come back. Another thing I love about Reagan is that she never blames Alec for her daughter’s abduction. She believes that every parent has done the same thing at least once. Reagan is a very strong woman
Even though I love Alec, he is definitely not perfect. He blames himself for Emma’s abduction and deals with it by abusing alcohol. He leaves the marriage immediately and forces Reagan to deal with her loss alone. He also, stubbornly, refuses to return to Reagan even though he is madly in love with him.
However, in spite of that, he worries about Reagan and is very protective of her. The only reason he stays away from her is because he feels she is better off without him. In fact, if this were not a romance, I would have a hard time trying to figure out if they actually do get together at the end.
Fortunately, these two very realistic characters, is spite of being involved in a very emotional, suspenseful and highly complex plot, finally admit their deep love and need for each other and become a couple.
I highly recommend this fantastically written novel.
Gone is another gripping romantic suspense by Elisabeth Naughton. This is the second book in her “Deadly Secrets” series. However, even though the first book is an intriguing and riveting suspense novel, it is not necessary to have read that book to enjoy this one. Each book can stand alone, although I would highly suggest that you eventually read the first book, Repressed.
Gone is a gut-wrenching romantic suspense about a couple who face one of the worst ordeals that could happen to any parent. Three years ago, Alec turned his back on their one year old daughter, Emma, at a park and, sadly, she was abducted.
Although, Reagan, Alec’s wife, never blames him, Alec is never able to forgive himself. Another problem is that Alec believes Emma is dead and will never be found. On the other hand, Reagan refuses to give up and always believes that Emma will be returned to them. These two differences cause their marriage to fall apart.
In the beginning of this novel, a young girl has been brought into the hospital, and the police notify Alec and Reagan to see if it is Emma. They are both upset that it is not. In spite of that, Reagan maintains her belief that Emma is alive, and begs Alec to help her investigate. Since they obviously both still love each other and Alec worries about Reagan’s physically safety and mental health, he agrees to help her. But, because Alec believes that he doesn’t deserve Reagan, he warns her that he will never remarry.
This novel has so many twists and turns, I could never figure out what was going to happen next. In fact, not only was I unable to figure out who kidnapped Emma, I wasn’t even sure if they would ever find Emma, or, if they do find her, would she be dead or alive.
I love both Reagan and Alec. Reagan never gives up on finding Emma alive. She also refuses to give up on their marriage in spite of Alec’s stubborn insistence that he would never come back. Another thing I love about Reagan is that she never blames Alec for her daughter’s abduction. She believes that every parent has done the same thing at least once. Reagan is a very strong woman
Even though I love Alec, he is definitely not perfect. He blames himself for Emma’s abduction and deals with it by abusing alcohol. He leaves the marriage immediately and forces Reagan to deal with her loss alone. He also, stubbornly, refuses to return to Reagan even though he is madly in love with him.
However, in spite of that, he worries about Reagan and is very protective of her. The only reason he stays away from her is because he feels she is better off without him. In fact, if this were not a romance, I would have a hard time trying to figure out if they actually do get together at the end.
Fortunately, these two very realistic characters, is spite of being involved in a very emotional, suspenseful and highly complex plot, finally admit their deep love and need for each other and become a couple.
I highly recommend this fantastically written novel.
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