A softly whispered demand to wear red to an upcoming benefit.
When Investigator Katherine Collins discovers new evidence in a six-year-old murder, the significance is terrifying. Suspicious of ADA Stephen Chandler’s involvement, Kat succeeds in avoiding him until the night of the benefit, when Stephen’s biggest rival is the victim of an attempted murder.
Fighting against temptation...
Convinced the bullet was meant for her, Kat’s trapped in a deadly game of lies and deceit as Stephen’s relentless pursuit intensifies. Despite her attempts to discourage him, Kat struggles against an overpowering desire for a man she should never trust.
Fighting for the truth...
Captivated by Kat, Stephen’s determined to finish what began months ago. Discovering Kat’s hiding much more than she’s willing to reveal, he refuses to back down, never suspecting the truth has the power to destroy them both.
Deception is the first book in the Lies & Deception duology.
Heather Walsh writes sexy novels of romantic suspense, striving for that perfect balance between the two. Prior to beginning her writing career, Heather owned a successful accounting firm. Soon her love of numbers returned to her love of words, providing her with an opportunity to explore her creative side, because, as she would say, “Creative accounting is so not a good idea!”
Married with four wonderful children, Heather and her family live in an idyllic resort town in New York, where they enjoy skiing all winter and boating all summer. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from The College of Saint Rose and a Master’s in Educational Technology from Columbia University.
This was one emotional roller coaster ride. I am not still sure what to make of it all. I felt one way through it all then I was conflicted. I will easy I hope there is a second book with these amazingly intriguing characters. I need more.
But no matter what the outcome, I will blame you for tonight until the day I die.”
New York author Heather Walsh began her career as the owner of an accounting firm after earning a B.S. in Accounting from The College of Saint Rose and a Master’s in Educational Technology from Columbia University. Now she has turned to writing sexy novels of romantic suspense, striving for that perfect balance between the two. Or as Heather phrases it, ‘sinfully suspenseful.’
Heather’s writing style is spicy, flows with contemporary language that borders on naughty as well as pauses of pungent humor, but the main feeling is one of a terrific suspended novel well blended with romance. She know how to involve us from page one - ‘Stephen Chandler slammed on the brakes and rushed out of his car, abandoning it on the side of the street as he raced toward the shooting, flashing his badge at the officers securing the scene. Two Town of Windham deputies let him through the barricaded quarter mile stretch between Church and Main, rerouting traffic away from Char, a popular restaurant in the center of town. Heart pounding as he rushed east down Main Street, he flashed his badge again at the Greene County Sheriffs who were setting up another barricade, this one for crowd control. Police cars from three different agencies filled the street in front of the restaurant’s double glass doors, shielding ADA Ethan O’Rourke’s unconscious body from the growing crowd. As Stephen watched, paramedics surrounded him, lifting him onto a stretcher. Stephen huffed out a breath and bent at the waist, attempting to regain the air that had been knocked out of him as he watched Ethan’s unmoving body. Red and blue lights flashed from every official vehicle, lighting up the darkness of the unseasonably hot spring night, sirens eerily silent. Seconds after the ambulance pulled away, Char’s entrance was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape. Klieg lights were powered on, illuminating the area and with it, an incredibly large pool of blood. Ethan’s blood. “Single gunshot wound to the shoulder. O’Rourke was unconscious. Still had a pulse, although it was weak. We, uh, don’t know if he’ll make it.” But there was hope.’
But on to the plot outline – ‘A seemingly innocent meeting in a café. A slowly executed seduction. A softly whispered demand to wear red to an upcoming benefit. When Investigator Katherine Collins discovers new evidence in a six-year-old murder, the significance is terrifying. Suspicious of ADA Stephen Chandler’s involvement, Kat succeeds in avoiding him until the night of the benefit, when Stephen’s biggest rival is the victim of an attempted murder. Convinced the bullet was meant for her, Kat’s trapped in a deadly game of lies and deceit as Stephen’s relentless pursuit intensifies. Despite her attempts to discourage him, Kat struggles against an overpowering desire for a man she should never trust. Captivated by Kat, Stephen’s determined to finish what began months ago. Discovering Kat’s hiding much more than she’s willing to reveal, he refuses to back down, never suspecting the truth has the power to destroy them both.’
Well timed even if a bit too long, this is the work of a new author with style!
It took me way too long to finish part one of this story. Overall the story idea was good and had potential to become very good, solid, and gripping story. Unfortunately the execution is disappointing. There are few things that I found frustrating.
To begin with the writing style was just over the top, too descriptive, to the point it was just tiring. There is no need to describe every single action, feeling and move in poetic form. Also there was attempt to give both heroes POV through 3rd person narrative, it just completely ruined the reading experience.
The heroes now, half way through I just found Kat personality irritating, inexperienced and stubborn. And the habit of every single time wrapping her legs around Stephen waist annoying and unimaginative. Half of the story background is agonizing, for Stephen and the reader, foreplay that leads, eventually at the end of the book, to sex. By that time nobody is interested really. Ethan character although secondary plays important role but the reader never finds out what exactly is going on between him and Kat. Really what is he to Kat?His character is underdeveloped, and Kat’s relationship with him unclear.
The storyline needs definitely improvements, there are unanswered questions and holes in the story that are just ignored. From the beginning different facts are mentioned that are relevant to the story but there is no explanation how and why they connect to the story ( e.g. what happened months and weeks before the dramatic opening event, what photos Kat found, what happened with her mother and Stephen’s father and how did it affect Stephens family, why Ethan rescue her from the fire and why he should take care of Kat and her grandmother. The writer has merely mentioned events but their significance is unknown which is very frustrating. And at the end there is Stephen grandad who is suddenly to blame for Kat’s family death, which again out of the blue appears at the end without the writer giving any background information and explanation.There is no cliffhanger but the story finishes without really conclusion. There is book two to continue but I'm not that excited to continue. The whole story is too frustrating to continue.
Reading reviews with 5 stars I'm quite disappointed was I reading different book? This book definitely doesn't deserve 5 stars.
In Deception, the first in romantic suspense duology by Heather Walsh. While on a first date Investigator Katherine Collins is witness to a brutal assassination attempt where she may have been the intended target. Shaken and with her date Ethan now in the hospital Kat looks into the case and discovers evidence that may lead to an old murder, a murder that she has a personal stake in. Trapped in a tightening web of lies and deceit ADA Stephen Chandler is the only one she can turn to but Ethan was his biggest romantic rival. Does Stephen’s intensity hid a deadly undercurrent? Not sure who she can trust and still inextricably drawn to Chandler, Kat must sort out the facts and her feelings before it is too late. Told in dual points of view with both Kat and Stephen at the narrative healm, Deception by Heather Walsh does a good job of slowly amping up both the romantic suspension and and the tension of the case as it seems like everyone has a motive. Walsh's writing flows well and she crafts Kat as a plucky heroine who nonetheless has a good head on her shoulders. Stephen is a little harder to pin down. Kat seems to have a history with him, one mentioned vaguely enough in the beginning that for several chapters I was certain I was reading the second book in the series instead of the first. Because of the history her desire is mixed with trepidation and I wasn't certain if he was an unreliable narrator. Despite the initial confusion I enjoyed reading both points of view and Deception clips long at a fast pace. Fans of this debut author will be eager for her next book.
Suspense, romance, murder, mystery! What more can you ask for?!?
Heather Walsh has truly mastered the art of spinning a romantic suspense mixed with murder mystery thriller! From the moment I started this book I was completely engrossed in exploring the twists and turns and uncovering the connections between Kat and Stephen. Walsh gave her characters such personality that I felt like I knew them personally. I wasn’t expecting to be so captivated that I couldn’t bear to put this book down for a moment. On the rare occasions I had to put it down I couldn’t stop thinking about what was going to happen and I’d hurry back to read as much as I could again! The story moved so smoothly and I found myself looking for little tidbits that would lead me deeper into the thick of the story and shed more light on what really happened! I can’t even contain my excitement that this is just the beginning of a series! I truly can’t wait to see what else Heather Walsh has waiting for us!
Although this book begins with a bang, the first thing this reader happened to notice was the author’s amazing way with words. Her sentences flow perfectly and made me want to keep reading even when I didn’t have the time to. Of course, the action packed scenes will also suck you in and lead you on a thrilling trip that will make you want more. The author mixes in a touch of romance and eroticism to keep things fresh, but these elements aren’t so overpowering that you feel like you’re stuck in a Twilight novel. One of the author’s strongest points is her character development. She has whipped up several characters that feel like they could be real life companions. The dialogue is also something to be very proud of. I am excited to see that this author is making this book into a series as I think it will excite anyone who picks it up.
Deception (Secrets, Lies, and Deception #1) by Heather Walsh is a gripping romantic suspense thriller right from the start. The contemporary writing style mixed with a touch of the erotic makes for a great mix that entices the reader. There is a lot of action even from the opening scene and this tone stays consistent throughout until the end of the book. When Kat comes across new evidence in a six year old murder, the results are scary to say the least. With a lot of sexual tension between Kat and Stephen, and a high level of suspense, this novel is competently written by Walsh, and screams for a sequel; if this book is any indication, we are in for a treat. Highly recommend for a captivating, scintillating diversion.
Wow this is an amazing read! Kat, Stephan and Ethan are all untwined together even if they don’t want to be. Ethan has been protecting Kat for 6 years now and claims she is his while Stephan and Kat can’t deny the attraction and chemistry between them. This story is full of suspense, mystery and romance that keeps you hooked and turning the page to find out more. The characters are well thought out and developed. They complement each other and keep the story flowing. Even though this book ends on a cliffhanger it’s an amazing read you won’t regret picking up! I can’t wait to read the next book in this duet!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This amazing goodness is book one in the Secrets, Lies and Deception duet. Meet Katherine Collins, the rookie detective investigating a murder conspiracy. Meet Stephen Chandler, the ADA that is the focus of her suspicions. This book is just the beginning but it is chalked full of twists and turns resulting from the secrets, lies and deception that these characters create. An amazingly well written story that flows so smoothly, it is captivating as a reader. This book contains everything for a great read but the ending, I cannot wait to see what happens between Kat and Stephen and how the author brings everything together in book two. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an amazing suspenseful murder mystery romance that grips you from the beginning with a bang. I mean literally a bang. A gunshot that was meant for Kat, or so she believes. Her, Ethan, and Stephen are all embroiled in a twisted tale that gets more tangled as you read. It started with a murder six years ago of Kat's parents and now she doesn't know what to believe and who to trust. All she knows is she desires Stephen like a drug and can't trust anything about him.
This book will keep you engaged until you are dropped at the end! Then you will one-click the second book, Betrayal, because you will have to! Really Great Book!
Deep and meaty storyline filled with intense passion, action, adventure, intrigue, suspense and betrayals. Kat was like a rare tasty bone with Stephen and Ethan acting like two starving animals willing to fight to the death for her. I loved the sexual tension amidst the drama of murder, politics, and mayhem. The relational triangle between these three in addition to their connected and twisted history made this a real page turner. I hated that this was not a standalone, but I was warned so no points taken off from this well written super entertaining and riveting storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Deception is the first book in the Secrets, Lies, and Deception duet by Katherine Hawthorne. I have read several of this author's book so was interested to see what one of her earlier works would be like. The story of Katherine Collins and Stephen Chandler is intense, suspenseful, taut, dramatic, intriguing with a whole lot of sexy undercurrent swirling between and around these two. I liked this first book and am looking forward to reading the second to see where the story goes, as there are already a number of twists and turns.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
This was an extremely well written romantic suspense. The story had the right amount of mystery, tension, action, romance and passion. I enjoyed how the story gradually unfolded and kept me guessing throughout. The triangle (no, not a ménage) between Kat, Stephan and Ethan was brilliant! I’m still not entirely certain of Ethan’s place in the big picture – I think he’s hiding something. I’m looking forward the second book – Betrayal. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First time in reading this author but content drew me to it on what it could hold. The temptation proved to be excellent in delivery as the pages starting flying. Katherine leads you in this with lots of scandal along with murder in the pages. You will be intrigued but also determined to see what the answers really are. There will also be a bit of a war you are in the middle of. Relationships that heat the night but also tingle the toes. The twists in this also keep you in with not giving any mercy. Thrilling find to be sure.
A romance with a twist of deceit and a touch of thrill
This is a fast paced romantic thrill rude designed to take you on a journey of love, deceit, fear, and many other emotions. Great character development and the plot was awesome. This is a edgy fun writing style with potential to be a great author. This book has everything a romance should have and there is an underlying sexual attraction that drives Kat and Stephen. Would reccomed this one for a night of relaxation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. this is a book that really pulls you in and keeps you dancing right on the edge as the story unfolds. A compelling and captivating blend of suspense, romance, drama, emotion, secrets,, mystery, twists, steam and what seems to be a never ending supply of questions that need answers will keep you entertained and up past your bedtime. The characters are interesting, appealing and engaging. This is my frank, freely posted review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Secrets, lies and deception explains this book well. Just add some steam and spice and you are set! Well written story line as well as well rounded characters. I really enjoyed this book and would happily recommend!
I enjoyed this book and in my opinion this author has a bright future. A couple of suggestions. Proof the finished product as there were quite a few errors where the wrong tense was used and condense your plot as this book got a little long in some spots. Overall a really good piece of work!!
This is the 4th book I've read written by Katherine Hawthorne; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow this was a fantastic read! Some what if a MMF romance between Katherine, Stephan and Ethan. Absolutely fantastic storyline with so much going on so many lies and half truths, a real keep you on the edge of your seat read. I’d most definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Deception is the first book in the Secrets, Lies, and Deception Series by Katherine Hawthorne and features Katherine Collins, a rookie detective, and Stephen Chandler, assistant district attorney. This trilling novel has a suspenseful and intriguing plot is extremely well written, has phenomenal characters with steamy chemistry,, and is full of surprises and unexpected twists which will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this phenomenal romantic thriller which is a perfect read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great story, the book had me gripped from the beginning. The author builds the tension nicely (sexual and otherwise!). It centres around Kat, Stephen and Ethan (at odds with each other, both professionally and personally). I really liked this book, hurry up Heather and write the sequel!
These characters were so real and their drama so heartbreaking. Kat and Stephen were made for each other, but what about Ethan? He seems to genuinely love Kat as well...The twist at the end was great. Can't wait to read the next book.
I was a little disappointed but then again I read the Sinful Surrender books first under her other name and the stories are similar. I probably will not read the 2nd book because the first didnt pull me in and make me have to know how the story ends.
The characters are great and engaging with undeniable chemistry. The storyline has a great flow with plenty of suspenseful twist it had me turning the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line was good, the character work was terrific, and the book had a smooth flow to it. This was a good start to a series, I look forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.