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Rogue Security #2

Deadly Deception

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2020 International Digital Awards Finalist

When her mother disappears, Jessica Hargrove's life begins to unravel. And her problems are only just beginning. A horrible secret has been revealed, threatening to destroy three generations of her family, and the one person who may be able to help her is the man she's never stopped loving, the man who once broke her heart....

LAPD Detective Sean Burke is back in his small hometown, pondering if his career in the big city is what he really wants anymore. As painful as it is to see Jess again, she needs him. He can't walk away when she's about to lose everything she holds dear. But will what he discovers ruin their second chance at love?

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read

About the author

Marissa Garner

10 books270 followers
I’m Marissa Garner. I’m a wife, writer, chocoholic, and animal lover, not necessarily in that order. As a little girl, I cut pictures of people out of my mother’s magazines and turned them into characters in my simple stories. Now I write sexy paranormal romantic suspense, steamy contemporary romance, and edgy romantic thrillers. I live in sunny Southern California with my husband, but enjoy traveling from Athens to Anchorage to Acapulco and to many locations in between.

I write romance to titillate your mind as well as your libido. My stories appeal to romance readers who:

•Choose French Silk over vanilla

•Don’t always color inside the lines and don’t like being told no

•Think some rules are made to be broken

•Have the courage to push the envelope when they’re passionate about something

•Believe fiction should be as unpredictable as real life

If this sounds like your kind of romance, have fun exploring my website and stories.

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5 stars
22 (46%)
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12 (25%)
3 stars
8 (17%)
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4 (8%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Maureen Bonatch.
Author 15 books318 followers
October 6, 2020
The characters drew me into the story and the suspense kept me turning the pages. A fabulous story that had me staying up late to read just one more chapter.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,173 reviews23 followers
January 16, 2018
Received in exchange for a honest review.

This will be a difficult book to read if you have any triggers. It was difficult for me with one of the topics because it is so hard to hear of something like what happened happening to young ones. Other than the hard topic which was handled in a delicate way that helps with reading it, this was a really good book.

Sean is at a crossroads. He loves his job but when he sees Jess, he has his feelings crop up once again. He has always loved her and was hurt by her when he left for LA. When Jess’s mom goes missing, it is Sean that goes to help out even when he didn’t have to. Overall I loved him. He was strong, determined and sweet. He was very protective of Jess and her daughter. I loved how he got to the bottom of things and discovered the truth of what was going on but also to the truth of his past with Jess. I swooned at the end with the incident with Jess’s ex.

Jess is strong but also stubborn. She is a good caring mom. Coming home after her ex was a douche, she is now adjusting to it all. Suddenly her world is turned upside down. Her mom goes missing, her ex is threatening to take the daughter and everyone she loves is a suspect. And now Sean is there and he broke her heart or did he? As the danger to her ratchets up so does Sean’s protectiveness and the tension between them. When they act on that insane chemistry whoa nilly does it get steamy. Only Jess doesn’t want to move on from the pain of the past and she holds Sean’s job against him. She does do something stupid but Sean doesn’t accept it. her world goes down the rabbit hole as secrets and deceptions are revealed. And what deceptions those secrets are. Jess though truly shows mama bear with what she does to protect her daughter.

the story is strife with tension, family love and deception, danger and twists and turns. We see Sean slowly unravel the truth and what is seen is really heartbreaking. I love how he protects that family and also realizes what is important-his love for Jess and protecting her daughter and her.

The writing is fast paced, the chemistry between Sean and Jess is smoking, and the story is filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat as we learn what happened to Jess’s mom, the past is unraveled, secrets and deceptions revealed, healing begins and love wins a second chance for Sean and Jess.
Profile Image for Heather 123.
955 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2018
LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED

What an incredible story! It starts out with Jessica's mother going missing, but you get a tiny hint that she suspected something was happening right before she disappeared. Then Jessica reaches out to a friend who happens to be with her ex boyfriend, for help. The ex boyfriend of course shows up with the friend much to Jessica's dismay as she never wanted to see him again. Jessica's stepfather blows off her mother's disappearance but Sean and Luke take her concern seriously.

In addition to dealing with her missing mother, Jessica's ex husband comes into picturing suddenly demanding split custody of their daughter whom he previously wanted nothing to do with.

What happened to Jessica's mother and the reason it happened was not at all what I expected. It came as a complete surprise which was a nice change. All too often in these books you can always tell who did it and why. This time the who did it became clear but the why was a HUGE shock.

The only thing that prevented me from giving this 5 stars was that I felt that the situation with her ex husband didn't get enough closure. We didn't really find out why he was so suddenly so desperate for split custody of his daughter. I felt like we needed that before the story ended.

But overall I absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend it to others.
Profile Image for Melinda.
900 reviews
January 16, 2018
This is one full packed action, adventure and intrigue story that I absolutely loved reading from start to finish. The author has done such an outstanding job with this book and totally deserves the 5 stars I’ve given, just wished I could have given more as it really deserves more. Fantastic storyline that really grabs your attention, the amazing characters that keep you turning the pages, the action and adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat and the romantic that makes the whole story come together such beautifully that’s its impossible to put down once your start and leaves you wanting more when you finish. One spectacular story by a very talented and amazing author who deserves all the fantastic reviews I’m sure this book is going to get. I couldn’t recommend a better book out there at the moment and that’s saying something as there are quick a few out there and that all down to the author and what she has done with this story/book. Well done Marissa Garner.
Profile Image for Tami .
1,123 reviews32 followers
January 11, 2018
OK I enjoyed reading this book, so author please don't get discouraged. Just pick one plot and run with it. You had good WIPs to start a few more stories, instead of piling them all into one book and distracting readers from a nice read.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Brenda Whiteside.
Author 24 books311 followers
April 3, 2021
Do you believe a nasty family secret can be hidden by some ignored by other family members for decades? It can and it does in Deadly Deception. Ms. Garner tackles an issue in this thriller in a most compelling way. I don’t want to give away the zinger, so I’m not going to go into what that issue is. In addition to the suspense, she’s thrown in a great romance. This is the second book in a series but you don’t have to read the first to enjoy this book.
1,105 reviews
February 6, 2018
deadly deception picks up detective sean burke's story (we met him in book one of the rogue security series, risky redemption). unlike the first book, the events in deadly deception are told in a more straightforward manner. but there are plenty of twists and turns with the central mystery.

sean burke is back in ramona, ca as part of a mandatory leave of absence after his off the book actions in risky redemption. the last thing he expects is to run into jessica hargrove, the woman who shattered his heart eight years ago. even more bizarre is the fact that everyone seems to be angry with him, when she was the one who dumped him.

but jessica's family is in trouble. her mother is missing. her brother is less than reliable. her stepfather is behaving strangely. her ex-husband is back in town and demanding custody of their daughter. and sean's presence is unwelcome except for the fact that he seems to be the only person interested in searching for leads in her mother's disappearance.

as the story unfolds different pieces of the puzzle are revealed. and sean and jessica realize that things haven't been as they seemed for a long time. and that there's a chance—beyond all the insanity in their lives at the moment—for happiness. and spilling any more of the plot wouldn't do the book justice, so just trust me when i say it was an enjoyable romantic thriller.

**deadly deception will publish on january 16, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.
733 reviews9 followers
January 16, 2018
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This is not your typical romantic suspense story as there are some pretty heavy subjects that are dealt with as the story unfolds. There really is just so many things that poor Jess has to deal with that if I was her, I would be curled up in the fetal position and not want to leave there.

First, Jess finds out that her mother is missing, she overhears her stepfather and Sean talking and learns that Hal lied to both of them which resulted in them each believing the other person broke things off, not to give away any spoilers, but she also has to deal with child pornography, murder, and her daughter is abducted.

I love that in the end Sean makes Jess's dream come true and doesn't let her push him away. If Jess had learned from the first time, she would realize that she needs to TALK to Sean and not wallow in self pity and feel like she is not good enough. During the whole book with each dire situation, she deals with it but when it comes to a second chance, she just gives up.

The book kept my interest and was non-stop drama so it was an engaging book but there were times that I really wanted to smack Jess and get her to deal with her issues and not run away! I have not read book one, but now I am intrigued about the story behind Angela and Jake!
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews41 followers
January 11, 2018
I have mixed emotions about this one. This book had a LOT going on. Maybe a little too much at times. It did however keep my interest all the way through. Some of the twists the story took I could see coming, some where real surprises. There isn't a ton of action in this one. It's more mystery than suspense, not that there's anything wrong with that I just expected more action and adventure. Sean and Jessica have a past. One that has left Jessica bitter but she knows that Sean is her best bet in getting to the bottom of the current events. Working together forces them to face the past and deal with it. When they do secrets are revealed that will rock both of them. Overall it was a good story and as I said it kept me interested so I would recommend it.
Profile Image for BoxerLover2.
267 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2018
Second chance romantic suspense with (trigger warning) child pornography.

Jessica mother is missing. Her ex-husband is demanding custody of their daughter. Into this chaos walks the high school boyfriend who broke her heart. Sean is an LAPD cop who is reevaluating his career choices. Into his life walks the high school girlfriend who broke his heart. Sean is back in his hometown and decides to help Jessica. They begin to unravel her twisted family history and rebuild their relationship. They solve the mysteries with help from Jack Stone’s Rogue Security firm, bury the past in concrete and begin their HEA. This is the second book in the Rogue Security series (Risky Redemption is Book 1), but it can be read as a standalone.

4 stars
1,596 reviews12 followers
January 18, 2018
This book completely took me over as soon as I started reading with memorable characters who showed real emotions, mystery, deception, family drama, second chance romance and so much more. This fast-paced plot had me flipping pages faster than ever to find out what was going to happen next.

I really liked the chemistry, dynamic and sweet love story between LAPD detective Sean Burke and single mother Jessica Hargrove. Even though this is the second book in the Rogue Security series by new-to-me author Marissa Garner, I had no problem reading it as a standalone. If you enjoy suspenseful romance that makes you think and keeps you on your toes, you should read Deadly Deception.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review. I liked the book so much, I purchased a copy of both the first and second book in this series.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,671 reviews7 followers
April 8, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is a new author for me. I loved the book. I was completely enthralled right from the beginning. There were so much intrigue and suspense going on with this book. I had a hard time putting it down. I just kept thinking just to the end of the chapter. HA HA no, I HAD to keep reading. The characters were delightful (especially the little girl Callie!!!) I just wanted to hug her.

If you love suspense and intrigue alone with your romance, then this is a definite must read. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat until right at the end. You will go through so much roller-coaster of emotions here. I so hope there is more to this series. I hope the secondary characters get a chance of having their chance at love!!!
2,867 reviews8 followers
February 1, 2018
I love a good second chance romance, and it was great to see Jessica and Sean find their way back to each other. This was a really interesting book with a lot of action to keep things interesting. The romance was my favorite part, and the ending was so satisfying!

The plot definitely felt fresh and unique, and I was very invested in finding out the truth. Yes, there was a lot going on, but I wouldn't say it was too much. It definitely touches on some tough topics and ended up being a little darker than I expected, but it was a very enjoyable read. I plan to read more in this series!

*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Casi McLean.
Author 38 books674 followers
November 11, 2020
A fast-paced thriller with second chance romance

What if you woke up one morning and discovered a horrible family secret? When Jessica Hargrove’s mother vanishes, she uncovers deception that threatens her entire family. And LAPD Detective Sean Burke, her ex-flame, is the only person who can help.

Marisa Garner weaves a fast-paced thriller in Deadly Deception with twists and turns that will hold your attention from page one and keep you reading to the end.

If you love gripping thrillers with hot, second chance romance, the chemistry and tension between Jess and Sean will warm your heart and leave you wanting more.
2,354 reviews14 followers
February 12, 2018
While I can't say that I didn't enjoy it, there was so much stuff thrown at you, we had a lot of different subjects and story lines. I get it the author wanted are attention, but maybe focus on one and avoid so much repetition. I am not going to bash the author, I mean as I said it did capture my interest and I continues to read. I liked Sean and he showed his devotion.now Jess, mmmm wasn't so sure about, yes she was going thru a lot, that is a given but she should have fought harder for Sean..
Profile Image for Sharon Buchbinder.
Author 37 books2,723 followers
September 15, 2020
Jessica Hargrove's mother vanishes and her life begins to unravel. At every turn, there are family secrets and deception. Can the man she once loved and lost be the person to help her find truth, justice, and redemption? Or will they fall down the rabbit hole of despair. A gut-wrenching, fast-paced tale that will make you hold your loved ones tighter. Five shiny stars and a big box of tissues for this story.
3,577 reviews40 followers
December 29, 2017
This is not an easy book to review. In trying to make the plot interesting, the author ended up with not one but multiple plots moving at the same time. She tried to make the story a suspenseful romance, but it had plots upon plots. E.I. A murder, suspense, maybe a second chance at love, deceit, child pornography, dometic abuse, an evil ex, dysfunctional family etc, I felt as if I was on a merry go round that never stopped. One I truly wanted to depart promptly.
The one positive note was the male protagonist.,Sean.
Sadly, I don’t think I will read more stories in this series.
I would give it a 2 star, but knowing that writing is a difficult craft, I will give it a 3 star.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews79 followers
January 6, 2018
3 1/2 stars out of 5

Deadly Deception plot was all over the place to the point readers might wonder what the point of the story is. Marissa Garner has the ability to write a well crafted story but gets loss in the details. Murder, Child Pornography, family lies, kidnapping, second chance romance, secrets and that is just a few themes that float in and out of the story. Having read others by this author I know she is able to create a story but she throw everything into them and you almost wonder if the kitchen sink might make an appearance.

Deadly Deception needs more focus and less stories to have been a 5 star reading.



Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Your Publishing for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,089 reviews13 followers
March 8, 2018
A good suspenseful story and a second chance romance. When Jess's mother goes missing, her old flame is the one she needs for help, especially since her stepfather insists his wife is just off pouting. There is some serious subject matter in the story that is thought provoking. The pace was good and Sean is a good and strong hero. Jess is a stressed out woman trying to raise a daughter because her ex is a spoiled entitled jerk. She knows something is terribly wrong and is a good protective mom and daughter. I didn't always like how she treated Sean at times, but things changed as her family's secrets come to life. I never read this author before, but I know I would enjoy more from her.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews79 followers
January 6, 2018
3 1/2 stars out of 5

Deadly Deception plot was all over the place to the point readers might wonder what the point of the story is. Marissa Garner has the ability to write a well crafted story but gets loss in the details. Murder, Child Pornography, family lies, kidnapping, second chance romance, secrets and that is just a few themes that float in and out of the story. Having read others by this author I know she is able to create a story but she throw everything into them and you almost wonder if the kitchen sink might make an appearance.

Deadly Deception needs more focus and less stories to have been a 5 star reading.



Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Your Publishing for the advance copy.
190 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2018
The story starts off as a mystery about where / why / and what happened to Jess's mother, Molly. The reader is left in the dark, about what really happened to her, and the author slowly gives us information. We learn that Molly's car breaks down and she decides to walk home, after her husband of 26 years doesn't show up to help her...... she hears noise in the backyard - noise she heard before but thought she would never hear again. Jess questions her stepdad about where her mom is.... and never receives believable response from him. Hal has always hated police ...pigs to him... as the story goes along the reader starts putting pieces together. I don't want to give the ending away, so you should read the story to the end... it is well worth missing sleep to finish the book.
1,396 reviews11 followers
December 27, 2017
I have mixed feelings about, Deadly Deception. For most of the book I felt as if the author was repeating too many points. Okay we get it, stop already and move on. And the ending left a lot to be desired. It wasn't so bad that I wouldn't finish it, but I will not be rereading it.
733 reviews8 followers
February 4, 2018
Whoa. This book is intense. The subject matter of child pornography caught me by surprise. The events as they unfold in the story kept me riveted, from the mysterious disappearance of Jessica’s mom to wondering what happened to Jessica’s daughter. The budding relationship between Jessica and Sean is sweet. This is one of those books that led me to sacrifice sleep for reading time. Five big stars.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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