Mallory Baldwin is a survivor. A former victim of human trafficking, she’s been given a second chance, yet not a night goes by that she doesn’t remember being a slave to weapons dealer Dante Torres. Despite being afraid of the dark and wary of strangers, Mallory is trying to rebuild her life by turning her tragedy into redemption. To former Navy SEAL Tennyson Walker, Mallory seems nothing like the shattered woman he rescued two years ago, and he can’t help but be inspired by her strength and resilience. So when a stalker suddenly makes Mallory vulnerable once again, Tennyson steps up as her bodyguard to keep her safe. Mallory and Tennyson’s mutual attraction can’t be ignored, but neither can Mallory’s suspicion that Tennyson is keeping a terrible secret about her past. As the nightmare closes in, it’s not only Mallory and Tennyson’s love that comes under fire but their very lives as well. Will their faith sustain them? Or will the darkness win once and for all?
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
Wow! This might be my favorite of Barritt's. The story was very interesting and suspenseful, and the characters were fabulous. The theme of human trafficking was very well done, and while Barritt doesn't shy away from the topic, she also doesn't give too many nitty-gritty details, which I greatly appreciated. The romance was very sweet and well done also. All in all, another great read from Christy Barritt!
"Through the grace of God, I'm a victor not a victim."
There's just something special about Barritt's writing that PULLS you in, makes you love the characters, keeps you turning the pages even when you promised yourself it was bedtime after this one finished, AND makes you sympathetic to fictional characters going through a horrendous experience that's not fictional. She does it effortlessly all the while being respectful and authentic to a cause that requires sensitivity and awareness.
Mallory was sold into slavery for a year, living with a terrorist who was obsessed with her. Even though she finally gets rescued, her healing has only just begun when the book starts. Tennyson is part of the elite SEAL Team 6, he always gets the job done, he always gets the bad guy. However, something goes wrong on one mission and the woman he loves gets killed. Now he seeks her murderer and he won't stop until the guy has been captured.
I truly enjoyed every moment of Mallory and Tennyson in this story, from the moment they met I was intrigued and was eager to see them both succeed. Mallory has Tennyson on a pedestal the whole time, but I couldn't help but agree with the hero she sees him to be no matter what brokenness he has inside. I love how he protects her, comforts her, and helps her deal. I never once thought she was crazy and loved how determined she is to help others and bring awareness to human trafficking.
One of my fave parts is when Tennyson teaches her self defense. Didn't trust Grant at all. Absolutely hated the ex boyfriend, just wow to that character! Really enjoyed how every part of the plot is explained at the end and there are no loose ends. So enjoyed Mallory and Tennyson's faith.
I'm a sensitive reader and really love Barritt's writing style, she really understands how to write an action packed book without gory details and sweet romance. It was a pleasure experiencing Mallory and Tennyson's story :)
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
I think I can relax now that I’ve finished this latest action-packed thriller from Christy Barritt.
Maybe.
The action rarely slows, and even when it is granted a brief reprieve the aura of danger stays electric in the air. When you think you’ve got it figured out, Barritt skillfully throws another curve into the mix, muddying the waters just enough to cast a good dose of doubt on your theories.
Tennyson and Mallory have a backstory together that is as layered as their characters. When they meet again in the present day, that complex history between them makes it complicated for them to act on their romantic attraction. I really appreciated the authenticity with which Barritt crafted this aspect of their story while still giving them enough chemistry and genuine friendship to keep the romance angle alive and well. And Tennyson… #swoon.
Mallory is the kind of heroine you want your teenage daughters and nieces and granddaughters to read about. She’s been through the unimaginable, the terrifying, and it’s left scars behind. Literal scars as well as emotional ones. Yet, as she says at one point in the novel, “Through the grace of God, I’m a victor not a victim.” She has leaned in to the only One who can redeem those scars and bring true healing. Not only that, but she’s bravely invested her life post-trauma to help other women who have been through the same nightmare. She still experiences the effects of the trauma – day and night – but it’s her bravery in the face of fear that you’ll remember.
Bottom Line: Distorted is an excellent non-stop thriller, yes, but it’s so much more than that too. Mallory Baldwin IS a survivor, and Barritt weaves into the core of her fictional story a victim-turned-victor who reflects the not-so-fictional atrocities and evils of human trafficking … as well as the grace of God that heals. This latest book set in the Cape Thomas universe is not to be missed!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Distorted: To give a misleading or false account or impression of.
Distorted delves into the disturbing world, and aftermath for a survivor, of human trafficking. It's a very real issue that doesn't get the attention that it needs. This novel brings to light the fact that human trafficking doesn't just happen to poor girls from foreign countries, it could happen to anyone.
Tennyson is “one of the good guys”. I mean, how could anyone not like him. Mallory's a survivor. She's very relatable and even though she went through something so terrible, she's working hard to overcome it. I really admired her courage and the fact that “she could take her heartache and redeem it by helping others...”
The pace never let up. I was hooked from the very first sentence and did not want to put it down. It's one of those books where I was constantly telling myself, “Just one more chapter.” I couldn't, didn't want to, stop, even when I had to. I never knew what was going to happen next. I didn't know who to trust or the motives of a few of the characters. Were they good, bad, only in it for themselves? Did they have Mallory's best interests in mind? I was constantly kept guessing, which is what I love in a great suspense novel.
There were many times when the action was so intense and the suspense so great, when my heart was racing and I was holding my breath that I forgot I was reading about fictional characters. I felt like I was right there with them, praying everything would turn out okay.
Distorted is a must-read for any fan of romantic suspense. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
The subject of human trafficking has been coming up in our home quite a lot recently and I must confess I wasn't in a hurry to have another discussion or reminder that such a horrendous evil is so prevalent in our modern day world. Nevertheless I decided to jump right in as I both trust and enjoy Christy Barritt's writing. What a delight. Such a hard subject tackled with great care and hope. The story has SO much more than just the "big" issue. My favourite genre is romantic suspense and I was not at all disappointed in the twists and turns of this story. I enjoyed the dialog and interaction of the characters. The growth in both the main characters was so satisfying to see. Tennyson is quite the hunk and very sensitive and alert to Mallory's needs. Mallory is a trouper who is determined to move on and encourage as many people as she can along the way. The message of hope and restoration while dealing with fear and overcoming the past (while simultaneously trying to deal with the threats of the present) is what I like most about this book. I definitely recommend this book. If you like suspense, mystery, fast paced action, a good thought provoking subject which ignites all our emotional triggers, romance, smooth storytelling which melts away the pages and leaves you feeling refreshed (not an easy thing to accomplish with such a tough topic, yet done superbly), then this is a book you will want to invest in.
3.5 stars "You're worth saving . . . . . .however many times it takes."
Mallory Baldwin never had the opportunity to properly thank the warrior SEAL who rescued her from a year of captivity under the brutal thumb of a dangerous international arms dealer; having been seized during a horrible kidnapping incident, during which her parents were brutally murdered. When he stands before her two years later, Tennyson Walker has just been hired by her manager as a bodyguard. Vile threats have recently surfaced and it's Tennyson's job to to keep Mallory safe. Unsolicited attraction to his new client is definitely not written into his contract.
"Distorted" lives up to its title, with its many twists and turns, and blurred view of exactly who is stalking Mallory Baldwin; giving Mallory and Tennyson time and opportunity to make all things new, for "like water, love has the power to sustain life or to devastate it".
Barritt deals with the subject of human trafficking in a velvet steel manner. She treats it delicately but real and doesn't shy away from the subject.
She is kidnapped from a Caribbean resort after her parents are shot after two years she is rescued. Another two years of therapy and a book release; she is out on tour to promote awareness.
Her manager hires one of the men who rescued her, Tennyson. We see their relationship grow, but yet mysterious and dangerous things start to happen. Can he protect her again and who is behind making sure she doesn't continue?
I am astounded by all the 5 star reviews for this. I had difficulty getting through it and wanted to put it down several times. I found the dialogue stiff, the scenes contrived, and the characters not endearing . Plus, it was Jesus-y (which I didn't realize going in, but makes sense when I read at the end that her husband is a pastor). Kudos to Christy Barritt for her success. I wish her well. This book simply wasn't to my liking.
Reading a Christy Barrit novel is like eating a delicious piece of cake, you want to immediately devour it, but yet you want to savor every tiny bit of it. Then when you are finished you keep thinking about how good it was and how amazing the next one is going to be.
Distorted's main character is Mallory Baldwin, a stunning young socialite who was snatched from a life of luxury by the hand of a madman, Dante Torres, a weapons dealer who kept her enslaved until the fateful night she was rescued by a brave Navy Seal.
Tennyson Walker, was on a mission to end the life of Dante Torres and he was not expecting to find Malory Baldwin huddled in a dark closet when he raided Torres' Caribbean Estate. Tennyson had heard Torres had a new girlfriend, but no knew it was Mallory. After both of her parents had been killed by terrorists and found at sea, everyone thought Mallory had met the same fate, no one thought she was a victim of Human Trafficking.
Two years later Mallory, after lots of counseling, therapy and drug rehab, was set to start a thirty city tour of speaking engagements to encourage other woman who had also been victims of abuse or trafficking. At her first stop, Mallory notices a man standing at the back of the room listening to her speech. Her first thoughts are she knows him from her year in captivity, which brings back flashes of her horrific ordeal. After composing herself Mallory makes her way to the stranger and confronts him, and after a brief exchange she realizes he is her rescuer.
Mallory's manager hires Tennyson to be her bodyguard for the rest of the tour, after an over-zealous fan sends her some disturbing emails. As more and more terrifying things start to happen, Mallory and Tennyson begin to think a part of her past has come back to haunt her.
Even though Mallory's story is not one anyone would want to experience first hand, Ms. Barrit has such a way of bringing her characters to life it seems like you can feel the gamut of emotions Mallory is put through. I love that all of her characters were believable, and that the plot pulled in me from the very beginning, with the suspense holding me until the very intriguing end! Once again I applaud Ms. Barrit for another job well done!
Thank you to Water Fall Press and Net Galley for giving me a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion!
Distorted is a thrill ride from beginning to end! The reader gets drawn into the action and suspense from the very beginning. Mallory, the main character in the book is a survivor of human trafficking. While vacationing in the Caribbean, her family was murdered and she was held captive for over a year. After her rescue, she took some time for herself and received counseling and has now written a book and is getting ready to head out on a speaking tour to encourage other survivors. Now that she is back in the public eye, she starts receiving threatening emails from an anonymous stalker and weird events start occurring in the cities she is visiting. So, former Navy Seal Tennyson Walker is brought in to protect her. However, this is not the first time they have met. He is the man who rescued her from her captor. It is a race against time for Walker to keep Mallory safe and get to the bottom of who is after her. The reader will be on the edge of her seat with lots of questions of who is behind all this. Just when you think you have it all figured out of who is after Mallory, the author throws you another curve ball and you just keep reading! In my opinion, Christy Barritt handled the very difficult and heartbreaking issue of human trafficking very well in this novel. I appreciated her approach of having Mallory striving to become a victor and not a victim through the grace of God. I would definitely recommend this book. It is full of suspense and just the right amount of romance for me. I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Human trafficking is real in our world and Barritt has done a fabulous job in shedding some light onto this horrific practice. This book is fast paced with lots of twists and turns will keep you up reading till the end.
Socialite, Mallory, was taken and kept by a horrible man for a year before she was finally rescued. A victim of human trafficking, she's spent the past two years trying to recover and learn to live again. But she is still broken. Taking her story out into the world is the only way to try to help other victims and bring awareness to this worldwide problem. As she begins her tour, she finds that something isn't right. Threats, emails and murdered women who look like her force Mallory to hire a body guard but not just anyone will do, she needs the man who rescued her from her captor.
Tennyson, a former SEAL, found Mallory two years ago broken, frighten and hiding in a closet. Seeing her now has him convinced she's a much stronger woman than she thinks she is. Can he keep her safe this time? Can either of them ever find peace from their pasts and learn to trust again...love again?
I received this book from the author. This review is my own.
Distorted is a suspense-filled story that kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages. It captured my interest immediately, and the numerous twists and turns kept me guessing. Christy Barritt is a master at setting the scene and creating realistic, complex, and memorable characters. Although the subject of human trafficking is a tough, gritty subject, she handled it very well. This is a primarily a novel of suspense, but there’s also romance and a thread of forgiveness and redemption. I will definitely be reading more of Christy Barritt’s books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed it and all opinions are my own.
Wow! I really liked this! This whole series was good. Well-developed main characters, tight plotting, nicely-paced tension. I enjoyed Christy Barritt's earlier books, especially the Squeaky Clean series, but this new series is even better. Ms. Barritt's writing has matured from "entertaining" to "enthralling."
Wow! This story truly will keep you on the edge of your seat not wanting to put it down. It's so full of suspense, action, intrigue and gripping drama. It also brings sweet redemption and love into the story of Mallory and Tennyson. From the very first moments in the book to the very end, I was captivated by it's fast moving pace. This book held my attention so much I couldn't put it down. I continued to think about it even while I was going through my everyday routines, which made it hard on my husband because dinner was sometimes a bit late. This story presented current issues in our society, issues some just want to ignore. Yet the issues of human-trafficking is so prevalent now that it saddens me. Christy Barritt has done a wonderful job with this story. She shares the hope others can have to be a, "victor not a victim" through the grace of God. I highly recommend you reading this book. I received this book from the author and all opinions are my own.
Both long-time and new fans of Christy Barritt will welcome this mystery. Distorted is the perfect and accurate title for this drama involving human trafficking. When people and situations are not what they appear, knowing whom to trust is a lethal risk. Join Mallory on her quest to healing and purpose as she devotes her life to helping other survivors. Meet Tennyson, on his journey of protection duty and detective work. Both work to navigate life after tragedy and into a deeper level of faith.
I received a free copy of the book without obligation. This review is my own opinion.
Mallory is learning how to live in freedom again, after being a victim of human trafficking. Two years after being rescued, she starts a nonprofit to bring awareness to the fact that such evil can happen anywhere. At the very first tour stop, Mallory is surprised to see Tennyson there. The Navy Seal that rescued her from a madman. As soon as Mallory is in the public spotlight, she begins to receive emails from a stalker. She also keeps imagining that she sees the madman that held her captive... or is it real? When Tennyson learns of the threats against Mallory, he agrees to hire on as her bodyguard. Together, through faith, they must learn who they can trust. Tennyson also carries very deep secrets from the past, including the night of the rescue. He desperately wants to tell Mallory the truth about that night, but fears she would no longer view him as a hero. Both of their lives have been greatly affected by the same evil man. When the past comes back to haunt them, will they both manage to survive... again?
Favorite quotes:
"I have to do something to turn this tragedy around. I don't want to think that all of the... the trials, the heartache, the pain... that it all happened for nothing."
"Failure isn't an option."
"... another form of water ... saved her - Living Water. Jesus ... helped her see beyond the temporary struggles of this world and into the eternal."
"It’s your choice. Today and every day. Through the grace of God, I’m a victor not a victim."
I have to admit that I am a hopeless lover of any book that has a good love story but one of the things I loved about this book was that Christy Barritt had the ability to convey the relationship and emotions of the two main characters without getting raunchy. Mallory is a very likable character and I found myself getting sucked right into the story (I even stopped in the middle of work so I could get another chapter in) and while I can't related to everything that happened to Mallory we can all admit that we deal with insecurities and fears. I enjoyed seeing how both Mallory and Tennyson worked through those struggles on an individual and spiritual level. The plot was constantly moving and I can honestly see the twist that came at the end. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of romance, suspense and books that keep you guessing. I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
I wasn't sure whether I was going to enjoy this book, the main character having been a victim of human trafficking. But, Christy Barritt handled this storyline well!
You could tell she was traumatised by it, was still dealing with it, but it was never described what it was she went through, nor were the flashbacks detailed. A lot was inferred, and yet it wasn't glossed over. I appreciated that.
The male lead's history in having been her rescuer from her captor gave him the position of being a man our heroine felt safe with. That seemed believable to me - and the only way this story would have worked. Not sure if the romance side would have happened as quickly in real life as it did in this story, but I could see how it could have.
While characters from previous books appear in this story, they only play a small part, so this works well as a stand-alone.
Favourite Quotes
“I remembered that if Christ could conquer death, I could conquer anything in my life as well. We’ve only got one chance to make the most of each day, right? So whenever I got scared, I remembered that fear was robbing me of the joy of the moment. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But it really did help.”
“Sometimes changing our mind-set is the only thing we have control over.”
“Darkness can blind you. But one flicker of light drives away the night and changes everything. The smallest flame can help us see what we couldn’t see before.”
You must have focus in order to overcome. You can control your thoughts. Your emotions. Or you can let them control you.
Our most desperate times could lead to the greatest reliance on our Savior.
“Someone once told me you can’t be a victor and a victim at the same time. I choose to be a victor. I choose not to ask ‘Why me?’ and make the best of things.”
Dedicated to my Lord Jesus Christ. I couldn’t have gotten through this without You.
“That’s the beautiful part about life—the ability for second chances.”
Lord, please help me. I’m a mess. I’m broken. But I’m yours. Let me rest in that alone.
I’m not who I used to be. I’ll never be that person again. Instead, I’m stronger. I’m a fighter. I’m more determined than ever to be an agent of change in this world. I have the power to do this. And so do you. It’s your choice. Today and every day. Through the grace of God, I’m a victor not a victim.
I've read a lot of Christy's books and I feel like she only gets better as she continues to write. This is book is full of suspense and keeps you guessing throughout. The entire story is captivating.
What is it about Christy Barritt's stories that keep me coming back to them again and again? I'm not normally a fan of mysteries! But Ms. Barritt continues to hook me in every single time and I can never say no to one of her books. :) Per my usual, this one is no different. I was a goner from the first chapter until the last, every pulse-pounding minute of it!
First, let's talk about Mallory. I cannot even imagine going through a tenth of what this girl has endured! The sheer terror of her life before the story begins permeates everything in her present day. Which is only to be expected, because I don't think one just "gets over" that sort of thing. Human trafficking is a terrible and awful evil, but I absolutely loved her determination to survive despite it all. She is so fiercely driven to live, as well as make sure no one else experiences what she did. To face all the emotions and "stuff" she has to in order to become hope for someone else? That takes a tremendous lot of strength, of which Mallory has in spades. Can you tell I liked her? I really, really wanted to jump in her story (at the very end, of course, after all the action, because hello, I'm a wimp! ;), hug her tight, and give her someone else to lean on. Not that Tennyson isn't enough for her though. Because wow, that man!
Tennyson is certainly hero material. I loved how he knew just the right amount of caring and encouragement that Mallory needed. Plus he's just really good at keeping an eye on her. For more reasons than one. He's not perfect, but goodness is he ever perfect for her! For all the tension due to the constant threats, Ms. Barritt also created some serious chemistry between these two people, I swooned fairly often as they grew closer. Her ability to keep both the romantic tension and the whodunit balanced is so well done! Definitely a big reason I'm a fan of her writing. :)
There's simply no way to sit down with this story and not devour it all in one sitting. I read much too late in the night (jumping at all the creaking noises in my house, so....not recommended for late night reads if you're a scaredy-cat like me! ;), and closed the final pages with a happy sigh. A thrill ride from start to finish, I remain a huge fan of Ms. Barritt's after this story! And happily anticipate her next one, whenever it comes out...
**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Tennyson is on his final mission as a Navy Seal when he sees the end of a notorious terrorist, but also saves the life of a missing heiress. Everyone assumed that when Mallory and her family disappeared from their hotel rooms, and then when her parents bodies washed ashore, that they are all dead. But little did they know Mallory was kidnapped by Torres due to her uncanny resemblance to his first wife. When Tennyson rescues her, everyone is amazed she is still alive, and some people are happier than others, such as her dad's former step daughter who assumed she would inherit all the money until Mallory appeared. Now 2 years later Mallory is on a book tour, but with impending threats on her life her manager Grant hires Tennyson as her bodyguard. Tennyson is one of the few people she trusts, even though she hasn't seen him since the day he rescued her. With the threats becoming more and more real, and bodies turning up where ever they go, Mallory is starting to wonder if she's getting paranoid, or is she really seeing the man who held her captive for a year? This was one of the those don't want to put it down books, but I did have a couple of comments. One, this site calls this book, Disillusioned, and Dubiosity a series, called Cape Thomas. It makes sense to group them together, because they all end up back at the same house as the first book and the characters are used again, so in the first book its Savannah and Jack who get help from their friend Kade. In the second book Nikki and Kade, who hide out in Savannah and Jack's house for a time, get help from Kade's employee Tennyson. Now in this book it's Tennyson and Mallory who re-meet at Savannah and Jack's house and Kade is still his employer. However, the books themselves are classified as standalone novels in the front cover. Two, in every book, the girls have strawberry scented shampoo and the boys have woodsy cologne. I'm not saying they don't all have the same scents, it just seems unlikely. Yes, I know that's being picky, but I would still recommend this book, and previous 2, to anyone who wants a good read.
Phew. I had to wipe a bit of sweat off my forehead by the time I got to the end of this book. And although it has a little length to it, I read it in one day. It was that good, and I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep without finishing. The book really captured my attention from the very first chapter, well the prologue actually, with the swoon worthy Tennyson. I'm not sure who the author pictured in her mind as the inspiration for him, but I was picturing Channing Tatum.
Swoon worthiness aside, this was a fantastic suspense book. Here's the thing about Christy Barritt - she is great at making you take a second thought of what you think is coming. There is such a great mystery that you really have your decision on the who and why going in about ten different directions by the time you find out the answer. She will keep you on your toes and make you want to just ignore the world until the book is finished.
I have to say that I loved Mallory's character. The world thought she had herself together, but the reality was she still struggled on the inside. Even with those struggles, she still knew what she wanted and for the most part would not back down from her beliefs. And when she and Tennyson started interacting, it wasn't like some books where Tennyson would have saved her, kissed her, and promised to protect her while proclaiming his love for her. Instead they had a slow relationship that focused on the main storyline first, and dealt with feelings second. And although some may feel the slow progression is unnecessary, I disagree. It added more depth and emotion to their feelings. It made them second guess if these feelings were something they truly wanted to act on. And it allowed me to focus on the situation at hand - finding the one responsible for all that had happened.
This is a great read for suspense readers. Just make sure you have some time on your hands when you begin. I think you'll find that you don't want to stop! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.