Secrets can get you killed in this latest riveting release in the SCVC Taskforce romantic suspense series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Misty Evans.
He killed my best friend when we were only girls…but I got away. Now he’s hunting me again.
Well-renowned anthropologist and religious studies expert, Dr. Brooke Heaton, came face to face with evil as a ten-year-old, barely escaping a vicious, ritualistic serial killer. Now The Reverend, her childhood attacker, is hunting her once more, determined not to let her get away this time—and there’s only one man who can keep her alive.
Homeland Security agent Roman Walsh wants two things: to end The Reverend’s reign of terror, and to get the sexy Dr. Heaton into his bed. When the two goals collide, can he keep his own deadly secrets buried?
Agreeing to consult on The Reverend’s case, little does Brooke realize the emotional chunk it will carve out of her soul and the burning need Roman will ignite inside her. She’ll have one last chance to stop the killer, or the ghost from her past will get his cold-blooded revenge—on her and everyone she cares about—once and for all.
Books in the Taskforce series: Deadly Pursuit Deadly Deception Deadly Force Deadly Intent Deadly Affair Deadly Attraction Deadly Secrets
If you enjoy the SCVC Taskforce series, check out the bestselling Super Agent and SEALs of Shadow Force Romantic Suspense Series by Misty Evans! Books in the Super Agent Series: Operation Sheba Operation Paris Operation Proof of Life The Blood Code The Perfect Hostage
Books in the SEALs of Shadow Force Series:
Fatal Truth Fatal Honor Fatal Courage Fatal Love Fatal Vision Fatal Thrill (coming 2018)
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Misty Evans is celebrating her 100th published novel in 2025. She loves writing urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and mystery/suspense. Under her pen name, Nyx Halliwell, she also writes supernatural cozy mysteries.
When not reading or writing (which is most of the time), she enjoys music, movies, and hanging out with her husband, twin sons, and three spoiled rescue dogs. She’s a crafter at heart and has far too many projects to finish.
Brooke and Roman, talk about hot and sexy Dr's sizzling. Brooke comes across as a buttoned up teacher in the beginning but you could tell that was just a front to keep people away, she might love her job but she is an introvert at heart and is not keen on being around people much, well not until the sexy Dr Roman Walsh walks into her life....lol
Normally it's the guy falling to his knees when he meets the woman of his dreams and he did, he even fell over his tounge a few times to lol but Brooke also fell to her knees as often as she could and loved every minute of it.
I really loved all of the references to Operation Sheba they cracked me up but I totally love that book as much as Brooke does and it made her character feel more real for me.
Roman is hot, he is sexy and he really is a genuine good guy and hero how could any woman not swoon for this guy.
Stalkers, serial killer, mass murders, oh my talk about action packed and the ending well now your just going to have to read it for yourself it is so worth it.
Wow! LOVED this book! This is fast paced romantic suspense at its best! Roman is the sexy and hot investigator that is investigating a series of bizarre killings, Brooke is the expert Roman convinced to help him, and wow, when the two of them get together the heat practically singed my kindle! I loved especially loved how, despite being a tough guy, Roman gave Brooke the tools to protect herself.
This is a must read for fans of the genre. Then add in the fun references the author put in to herself and one of her earlier books (Operation Sheba - another winner), and you got a great read that I just loved. The author is on my must read authors' list.
Brooke, an anthropologist, assists the SCVC Taskforce as needed due to her education and expertise in religious studies. As such, she and Roman, a Homeland Security agent, have crossed paths from time to time over the last couple years.
Though their attraction is mutual, neither have acted on it, but when Roman's current case coincides with Brooke's area of knowledge, the two begin working together, which strengthens their desire, while loosening their ability to resist.
However, as the two begin to draw closer, Brooke's past does as well. It seems as if her worst nightmare, the tragedy she survived, has come back for her, and this time it doesn't intend to let her get away. Roman though, will do everything in his power, and then some, to ensure Brooke is safe, and by his side for their rest of their lives.
What happened to Brooke? How is the worst day of her life connected to Roman's case involving a man dubbed "The Reverend"? Can Roman and Brooke, seemingly opposite in almost every way, begin building a relationship while investigating numerous murders? Will Roman be able to protect Brooke? When the killer is caught, what will that mean for this newfound couple? Is there a HEA in their future? Or will they let go of what they've found, left to feel incomplete the rest of their lives?
One-click now and follow along as pasts are confronted, fears are conquered, evil is destroyed, and love grows eternal.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
This book is part of Ms Evans series titled Southern California Violent Crimes Taskforce. Once again, the author gives us a story filled with strong characters, a complex plot, that is filled with suspense, dangerous circumstances, evil individuals, edge of your seat, biting your nails moments, and of course romance. Both Brooke and Roman are characters you will love and want to have them succeed. Another winner from this talented author. I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Deadly Secrets by Misty Evans is another fantastic romantic suspense full of mystery, passion, and lots of secrets. In this book we are not privy to the villain's point of view, which allows us try to solve the mystery along with the characters.
Roman and Brooke are interesting characters, however I didn't fall in love with the right away. They slowly grew on me which was a nice twist. Perhaps it was Brooke's cautious nature or Roman's polite assertiveness that made them more "real" and not like traditional romance characters. Whatever it was I finally fell in love with them about the time the clothes started coming off because boy can they make love! It was hot and sexy and real at the same time. It was cerebral sex, as Brooke talks about in the story when referencing her romance novels.
Speaking of romance novels, Evans' brilliant use of the heroine comparing her "real life" to that of a romance novel heroine was extremely fun. The fact that Evans used her own book - Operation Sheba - which happens to have my favorite romance couple was icing on the cake!
The ending to the mystery and learning the secrets all the characters harbored was nothing like I imagined (because I was coming up with plenty of explanations in my head!). When you read a lot of books you like to be surprised and I was in Deadly Secrets. If you are looking for a well written story with sexy characters, mystery, action and suspense, give Deadly Secrets a read.
Brooke had a secret from when she was a child. Roman needed her help to find a serial murderer. Could they be one and the same? Clues that lead to that deduction, but a connection wasn't seen. What were they missing? Could she trust him with her secret...was he telling her everything? Working together brings out emotions that need to be explored. This and looking for the reasons of the murders has you turning on the light to read it into the wee hours of the morning.
‘Deadly Secrets’ started out very well for me, reading like a suspense thriller with a little bit of the Da Vinci Code thrown in. Put in ancient symbols, the occult and folklore and I’m sold on the creepiness factor. There’s loads of action, good pacing and dialogue—there isn’t a bored moment, especially for a sub-genre like romantic suspense—and it all went very well for me, up to a point.
I do realise that that is the typical Misty Evans read for me: it’ll all go swimmingly until a certain point when something goes awry with the characterisation or plot which will throw off the entire experience. I’d completely dug both Brooke and Roman till then as well, more the latter though, as he seemed more like a stable character than the former.
The Brooke Heaton of the first half of the story seemed like a completely different person from the one in the second half—she seemed a wee bit more TSTL, more headstrong and became a seductress to boot as the ‘frumpy’ academic, detached and closed-off appeared to have had a personality transplant.
But Brooke is also the meta-figure for the romance reader, as I soon found out, and I wasn’t too sure how I felt about that, especially when Evans used her own book as an example (that was just bloody strange) of how readers start to compare their own situations (sometimes fancifully) to what real life is, only to get disappointed. While it was cute to start with, it popped up too frequently though, even being mentioned as part of the conflict between Brooke and Roman, which got annoying.
The mystery of the serial killing also turned out to be something more ‘mundane’ than I’d expected too, as the theories that Evans built up from the start were simply put to the side when the conflict came down to Brooke’s past. Without revealing too much, I found myself bewildered and not entirely convinced by the ‘revelations’ at the end and even much less so by the quick resolution and the even quicker proposal.
I do think that ‘Deadly Secrets’ could have been much more for me; unfortunately, the last half—despite the great action—fell flat in a way that made it hard to get behind the characters, much less their abrupt HEA.
Deadly Secrets by Misty Evans grabbed me by the hand and drug me from the first page. I can always count on Ms. Evans to write a book that is totally enthralling for me with suspense, action, hot romance and dialogue that reveals each character layer by layer.
I admit that I admired Brooke a lot in this book. In spite of her childhood trauma and obsession with religious studies (for a purpose), she had a positive outlook and a great sense of humor. I also could totally relate to her choice in books. Ms. Evan's references to her book Operation Sheba as Brooke's favorite book had me giggling. Roman was a perfect Alpha in my book. He is smart, handsome, physically fit and open to Brooke about his attraction to her. A fast paced plot with plenty of twists that kept me turning the pages. Oh, and the ending was both swoon worthy and fun.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Deadly Secrets: SCVC Taskforce Series, Book 7 is the ultimate romantic suspense read! Ms. Evans has penned another top shelf book that I absolutely loved! Although this is part of a long running series, don’t let that deter you from starting with this one, as there is just enough history to fill in the blanks for new readers, but not to be redundant for series fans. As usual, Ms. Evans has blended just the right amount of romance, intrigue, and suspense into the perfect combination to create a unique story that pulls the reader right into the action. This story starts off with intense action and continues until the very end, with thrilling twists and turns readers won’t even see coming. Roman Walsh, Homeland Security agent and former pro boxer, has been trying to persuade Dr. Brooke Heaton, an anthropologist and religious studies expert, to consult on his Domestic Terrorism Taskforce for some time. Much to his frustration, even though she consults for Cooper Harris’ SCVC Taskforce, she continually denies his requests until they are thrown together into the hunt for The Reverend, a ritualistic serial killer that Brooke barely escaped as a child. Working closely on the intense, and for Brooke very personal investigation, makes it impossible for them to deny their long simmering attraction for each other any longer. What follows in a fantastic story with everything a reader could want, not only in a romantic suspense book, but any good story. Ms. Evans combines steamy romance with plenty of sexual tension, exciting action with mounting suspense, injustice, betrayal, murder, and long held family secrets. Secrets that both Brooke and Roman will have to learn to share through trust, not only to build a lasting relationship, but to survive. One of the many things I love about Ms. Evans books is that she has such a wonderful way of crafting her characters so that their perspectives reflect their professions and life experiences. There are no cookie cutter characters in a Misty Evans book, ever. Each character’s unique personality comes through in her writing and remains consistent throughout the story. For me, a true escape read is one that engages my mind to imagine the different character’s lives, along with drawing me into the suspense and action as the story progresses and plays out like a movie in my mind. I can always depend on Misty Evans to deliver such a read. An aspect unique to this book that I really enjoyed is that Ms. Evans pokes a bit of fun at romance novels, at least through Roman’s point of view, as Brooke compares him to the hero in Ms. Evan’s book Operation Sheba, and refers to plot devices, and constants such as the grand gesture. So next, I’m going to reread Operation Sheba, another great story, and visit with Conrad and Julia. All in all, Deadly Secrets is a fantastic, well rounded story that I highly recommend to not only romance fans, but to anyone who enjoys a good story with engaging characters and a well devised plot. This is yet another keeper from one of my very favorite authors. Deadly Secrets is my new favorite in the SCVC series, but I recommend them all, as each is a great story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this title.
This is the 6th book of the series. I read one of the other series first. I would start with this series if I were a new reader.
If you want to read what the book is about, read above the reviews.
This book is based upon a group of alphabet agencies working together as teammates who fall in love while working cases.
Our hero is determined to get the heroine to work for him. For some reason she keeps backing away or ignoring him which is making him only more determined. Of course the chemistry they have probably has something to do with it. However, solving this case before more innocents are killed is more important at the moment. Too bad the only one with the knowledge he needs is the heroine. Besides maybe she’ll help him after he just saved her life when she got among another case where she shouldn’t have been.
Our heroine is brave but her memories when she was growing up are blank in parts due to an attack. Now the attacker is hunting her down once again. She’s very attracted to the hero, but wants to concentrate on what she can control. Besides, her schedule is backed up for months between the speaking engagements and the dig she’s to be starting right after this round of lectures.
The plot is different and I thought it was going to be boring, but the stalker area made it seem like it was more exciting then what it sounded. I liked how the author gave the hero and heroine both weaknesses but mixed it in with their childhood and family.
Deadly Secrets is one more proof that Misty Evans knows how to create characters who reach out to grab the reader. Of course that high action start isn't hard to take either. The growing connection between the leading characters is, as always, hot and a hilarous and is always the focus of the story for me. I love those two! Dr. Brooke Heaton's childhood nightmare has formed the career path she has chose and has influenced the person she is today. Now, the evil that haunts her may have returned. She agrees to set aside a Smithsonian dig so she can work withHomeland Security's Domestic Terrorist Taskforce to find the monster who killer her best friend and may be killing again. The big twist to this one was both off the wall and perfect.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I swear if I read the word sigil one more time I was going to put the book down, not something I do with her books very often and I don't mean permanently! It is a very specific word with little to substitute and it played a key part in the investigation so Ms. Evans had no choice but some words just do that!
I requested and received an ARC copy of the book from the author whose work I love. I always review books that I enjoy as well as any books that I request. The opinion stated is mine and has not been influenced by receiving the ARC.
Brooke Heaton is a brilliant anthropologist who is highly regarded in her field. She has even been called to consult for the SCVC. Dr. Roman Walsh, a Homeland agent, is interested in her. He's attracted to her personally and wants to work with her professionally. He should be careful what he asks for! Now Brooke is being targeted by a killer from her past. She's never gotten over the terror that she suffered. Roman is determined that he won't let anyone hurt her. She's everything he wants in a woman. Brooke and Roman are an amazing couple. They work well together and have each other's back. Their snarky and sassy dialogue adds to the story's drama. The passion between them is explosive. Misty Evans has outdone herself with Deadly Secrets. Her characters caught my attention, the suspense is non-stop and the twists were shockers. Brooke's description of her perfect hero made me laugh. This author has a wicked sense of humor. I'm a fan of this series. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Oh, wow, Deadly Secrets is GOOD! Fast-paced, action-filled, and scorching-hot-romance. It simply is PERFECT!
I gotta admit though that I was kinda didn’t like the characters in the beginning, both Brooke and Roman. She’s came off as stuck-up naïve woman, while Roman came off as an arrogant jack-**s. They grew up on me though. Their layers of characters were peeled off along the story and we got to know and love the core person.
The story itself was very fast and full of action, right from the start. There’s almost no quiet introduction, it just started with a bang, figuratively. It sucked you in the story and never let you go, and you already at the end of the book when you realized it. It’s that captivating. Not a lazy cosy read as it made my heart beat faster, but extremely enjoyable if you love RS genre like I do.
Very recommended!
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
This is a great book; this is the seventh book in the SCVC Taskforce series and is written by Misty Evans. Well-renowned anthropologist and religious studies expert, Dr. Brooke Heaton, came face to face with evil as a ten-year-old, barely escaping a vicious, ritualistic serial killer. Now The Reverend, her childhood attacker, is hunting her once more, determined not to let her get away this time--and there's only one man who can keep her alive. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Deadly Secrets is the seventh book in Misty Evans’ Southern California Violent Crimes Taskforce series. This was a terrific story that kept me on the edge of my seat. Both Roman and Brooke each had events from their pasts that haunted them. Brooke’s being the loss of her best friend while Roman’s centered on the death of his brother. Both Brooke and Roman learned that they could trust in one another as they searched for and located the man that traumatized her life. True to Ms. Evans’ form, the reader was kept in the dark as to who the killer was until the last moment when it completely took me by surprise. I enjoyed the ending watching these two characters come to terms with their pasts and find their love for one another. I’d like to disclose that I received an advance copy of Deadly Secrets. I voluntarily read and reviewed it and this is my true and honest opinion.
OMG! If you want a story that puts you on edge then this is the book for you.
The story of Brooke and Roman is truly twisting, romantic and dangerous at times. I love how these two interact with each other. Both are doctors who definitely fall for each other.
Misty did a truly amazing think in this book - she incorporated two of her other series (Operation Sheba & Shadow Force International) books in to this book! Loved both of these series so it was amazing to see these two mentioned here. This is truly one of the best book I have read of Misty's series so far! FANTASTIC job Misty! I would highly recommend this book!
4.5 Stars This book sucked me right in from the beginning. It's full of twists and turns. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down because I had to know what was going to happen next. It gives a different twist on how religion can be used in the mind for evil intentions. It really got my mind thinking. I really liked Brooke and Roman. They have great chemistry. If you're looking for a book to suck you into the book and keep you there then give this book a read you won't be disappointed.
Misty never disappoints! I loved Roman especially. The way they first encountered each other in the bar was a fantastic opening scene. Seems a lot of books this summer have dealt with mothers returning to their children in one way or another. This was a good resolution to a challenging adoption story. Add the seriel killing and a task force some great romance and all in all a wonderful summer escape! Write On.
Wow. Did not expect the ending revealing the heroine's family connections. I love this author's originality in the professions and the events that shape their lives and how they handle those events. The title is very accurate and it's these secrets which lead to all the action in this SCVC Taskforce book. The Reverend is a very illusive killer and his motives are not completely clear. Misty Evans ties up everything at the end and gives Dr. Brooke Heaton and Roman Walsh their own HEA.
This book puts you on the edge of your seat from the start and keeps you there until the very end! It is full of action, suspense and mystery both inside the bedroom as well as outside. The characters and story line are amazing and I really loved it. Another hit!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
Great read ! Loved this entire series ! Brooke and Roman ,especially Roman(sigh) were an interesting couple. Full of suspense,romance,twists and turns. Especially loved bringing in Operation Sheba, one of my favorite of Misty's books, to this story ! Another great addition to the series
Brook is being stalked by a killer from her past. Roman is trying to catch a serial killer. He wants her religious knowledge, she wants him. Great story such a good romance and suspense too
Mason has finally gotten Brooke to work on his team – little does he know that the real reason the Reverend is doing the killings – what an adventure this book leads us on – and we get a love story thrown into it to boot.
I did a fist pump in the air at the mention of the Great Conrad Flynn! This needs to be made I to a. Movie. Sexy, thrilling, funny it had it all. Loved it.