Change has come to Lantern Beach: a new police chief, a new season, and . . . a new romance?
Austin Brooks has loved Skye Lavinia from the moment they met, but the walls she keeps around her seem impenetrable. Skye knows Austin is the best thing to ever happen to her. Yet she also knows that if he learns the truth about her past, he’d be a fool not to run.
A chance encounter brings secrets bubbling to the surface, and danger soon follows. Are the life-threatening events plaguing them really accidents . . . or is someone trying to send a deadly message?
With the tides on Lantern Beach come deception and lies. One question remains—who will be swept away as the water shifts? And will it bring the end for Austin and Skye, or merely the beginning?
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.
I was totally captivated by this story. It was fun to read about characters from Christy Barritt’s Lantern Beach Series. I was so happy to find out they got their own story, and BOY is it a story! We saw tiny bits of interest between Austin and Skye in the other series, so it’s a treat to read of how their lives intersect. They both seemed to have secrets they kept close to their hearts, but one secret surfaced and caused them lots of problems. I love the suspense, action, and intrigue Christy Barritt puts into all of her stories. This one is no different. It is so full of suspense I had no idea which person was the true bad guy. Wow! It kept me on the seat of my chair and I just couldn’t put it down. I actually read it in one day! Now, I can’t wait for the next one to come out! At least I hope there’s another one coming out! I was given this book by the author to give an honest review and I highly recommend it!
I have read all of the Christy Barritt's Lantern Beach series and enjoyed all of them. I really enjoy how Barritt brings back familiar characters and even some side characters who are allowed to share their story. If you have read the series, then you are familiar with Austin and Skye. I really enjoyed seeing their love blossom and watch more of their past to see how they are made into who they are today. As for the mystery, it was pretty easy to figure out. As a side note, this story is eighty percent filled with romance versus the mystery that Barritt usually fills her story with, so the story focuses more on the emotions between Austin and Skye than worrying about the mystery affecting both of them. The writing is top-notch, and I really loved seeing more characters I'm familiar with. Overall, Tides of Deception by Christy Barritt is a wonderful addition to the Lantern Beach series filled with familiar characters and a twist from Skye's past to throw a mystery to the pages. I can't wait to see whose story Barritt allows us to see next.
TIDES OF DECEPTION is the first book in Ms. Barritt's newest series Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense which is set on the island off the coast of the Carolinas that was made wildly popular in her Lantern Beach Mysteries series.
The book is about Skye and Austin who both appeared often in the Lantern Beach Mysteries series. Skye owns a produce stand and has a boatload of secrets that she hasn't told a soul. Then a child almost drowns and Skye seems to recognize him, but her past has reared its ugly head and she may never know the truth... Or survive to tell it.
Fans of Ms. Barritt will absolutely love this newest book with a most adorable cover and will have to keep flipping pages to find out... Did someone attempt to kill Austin? Who broke into Skye's RV? Who is the boy?
I knew who the "Bad guy" was pretty much from the start and there were no surprises. I did have to keep reading to find out what would happen next and how it would end. If you like romantic suspense you will love TIDES OF DECEPTION.
It was nice to continue on Lantern Beach with some of the side characters from the first series. This one wasn’t quite as suspense-driven as the former series. It was more about past secrets and current trust.
I’d almost say it was more about romance than mystery, though there was that, too. The romance is pretty consistent in Christy’s books: feelings linked to kisses, physical attraction, wanting to protect/always be with the other person, etc. She does paint very admirable and consistent men in her stories.
I noticed more praying in this book and a few more references to God. In my opinion, It’s kind of sad, there are perfect places in which the author could insert a solid message of Scriptural hope, but instead, the focus is more on the characters and how they’ve changed. There are mentions of “by the grace of God” and being a “new creature in Christ,” but it doesn’t go any deeper than that. I wish some Scripture was quoted, as that solidifies the message.
Skye Lavinia has worked hard to put her painful past behind her and live the kind of life that she now knows is the right kind. Re-locating to the Outer Banks of North Carolina has proven to be the best decision she has ever made; she lives a quiet life, makes barely enough money to support herself, and has a wonderful group of friends. When the best of her new friends, Austin Brooks, pulls a drowning boy from the powerful surf, everything about Skye's life spins out of control, for suddenly her past has washed ashore upon the sands of Lantern Beach.
Enjoy this beginning episode of Christy Barritt exciting new series, where familiar characters play a crucial role in determining who it is that is dead set on spoiling Skye's new life and perhaps her second chance at love.
This was a quick, easy and suspenseful read. I really liked Skye and Austin and enjoyed learning their backstories. Good mystery as well. Looking forward to forward to the next book in the series. Lantern Beach is definitely worth a return visit!
I had loved the Lantern Beach Mysteries and had been sad to see it end, so the fact a new series set there was coming was very exciting. Plus, seeing Austin and Skye finally get together, and find out Skye's backstory was something I was really looking forward to.
For the most part I had enjoyed this story.
There was just one part I was uncomfortable with, and one I truly hated.
The uncomfortable part: Due to Skye's life being in danger, the hero and heroine stayed overnight together alone - this was rather a red flag for me because of their strong feelings for each other. I can understand it if there is no other option, but there was. Ty and Cassidy had offered to have her at their house and Austin insisted that she needed to be at his. Aside from the fact a police officer and a former Navy SEAL have more protection skills than Austin, I was really disappointed that they didn't call out Austin on how inappropriate that would be and insisted on either both coming to their house, or both of them staying at Austin's.
The part I hated: The ending! Please, oh please Christy Barritt, change that ending!!! It just left an incredibly bad taste in my mouth, and is the main reason the rating has dropped all the way from a 3 or 4* rating to 1*.
“Even though she knew God’s grace had made her a new person, not everyone would view her as God did. Nor did God’s grace exclude her from the penalties of her actions. Her decisions had consequences.”
“Relationships are about two imperfect people coming together and fighting to make things work.”
After thoroughly enjoying the Lantern Beach Mystery Series (and everything Christy Barritt writes), I thought I would take a shot at the Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense series. Hoping it would not be too mushy, I was pleasantly surprised that the romance angle was about the same as most Christy Barritt books...a nice blend of mystery, faith, enjoyable characters and scenery, and romance. What made this book stand out wasn’t the mystery angle (though that was pretty good), but was the vulnerable characters who reveal their true selves, flaws and all. This one had some great emotional aspects and I very much enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters more as they take more of a center stage over Cassidy and Ty. Christy Barritt does a good job with both male and female characters, which is a plus for any gender to enjoy her books. Onto her next book and can’t wait to plunge into her Lantern Beach PD books.
I am thrilled that I get to hang out on Christy Barritt’s Lantern Beach a little bit longer. Over the course of the six book Lantern Beach Mysteries, Cassidy, Ty, and the rest of the gang have become like friends. And in Tides of Deception, Barritt gives readers a peek into the lives of Austin and Skye.
Austin fell in love with Skye the moment he met her, but the exotic beauty who runs the fruit stand has some walls built around her. Instead, he spends his time with her as a friend—one she can always count on to help her when she’s in a bind.
When someone from Skye’s past shows up, her carefully rebuilt world shifts on its foundation. Now Skye must decide whether to run and start again or fight for what she wants.
Cassidy and Ty make appearances (yay!), but this story is all about Austin and Skye. True to Barritt’s style, the stakes are high, the action intense, the suspense nail-biting, and the romance sigh-worthy.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I read the first Lantern Beach series not too long ago (I know, I'm late to the party -- there are so many Lantern Beach spin offs now!) Anyway, I saw a deal for a boxed set of the first three books in this series on Audible so I grabbed it because I really enjoyed my time on Lantern Beach with Cassidy and company.
Tides of Deception is a friends to more romance fraught with emotional landmines and unexpected danger. Loved the way the romance progressed. Skye comes from a rough background and her backstory both saddened and angered me. But, she's come a long way, eking out a living on Lantern Beach as she heals from the past among the kind of friends that always have your back (and that includes Cassidy!)
And Austin, who has been in love with Skye practically since they first met. But he's the kind of guy who reads people well and he's aware that Skye isn't ready for anything but friendship. He's been okay with that...until stuff happens -- action, adventure, danger -- and emotional barriers come crashing down. Great blend of romance and suspense with a punch of raw emotion.
Tides of Deception is the first book in a spinoff of the Lantern Beach Mystery series. I was so excited to start reading it. It was great being back in Lantern Beach and learning more about Skye and Austin, getting to know their stories, and finding out their secrets.
I didn't think it'd be possible, but Tides of Deception was just as compelling and fast paced as the Lantern Beach Mysteries. The intrigue started right off the bat, making it impossible to put down. It was just the book I needed at the time, transporting me straight to Lantern Beach and right into the action making the real world fade away.
If you're a fan of romantic suspense, don't miss out on this exciting read! I can't recommend it highly enough. And if you haven't read the Lantern Beach Mystery series yet, don't let that stop you from picking up a copy of Tides of Deception. It stands alone just fine.
Christy Barritt gave me this book in exchange for an honest review. This time she features the Happy Hippy Produce owner, Skye Lavinia, and handyman, Austin Brooks. They each have feelings for the other, but haven't expressed them aloud. Strange things happen. Skye's RV has been broken into and Austin's scaffolding was vandalized, causing him a fall that could have been fatal! More mystery happens when Austin saves a boy from drowning. When Skye sees the boy, she thinks he could be the baby she gave up for adoption under duress, eight years ago. Read this to find out the trouble and danger they both get into. Cassidy is now the Chief of Police for Lantern Beach. She runs the department with skill and compassion. Ms. Barritt' books are always suspenseful with a touch of romance. I enjoyed this book very much. The ending is hard to guess. You might if you catch a clue or two. Have fun!
Austin and Skye's story: Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense#1
A spontaneous happy dance ensued when I learned of the Lantern Beach spinoffs! Austin and other characters did not have much airtime in the original series, so it's a great surprise to have them featured now. No worries for new readers, either. This book is a standalone read. However, once you enjoy this installment, you will want to start from the beginning.
For such a small island, big trouble shrouded in mystery seems to be the norm. And to think, before book one, this was supposedly a low crime, peaceful place to be.
Then again: "No one came to Lantern Beach by accident."
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Come back to Lantern Beach for an emotional journey!
Skye has been enjoying her quite beach life, and spending time with her small group of friends. Just when things feel like a new normal to Skye, all of her hurtful past shows up in town.
Austin knows Lantern Beach is the perfect place to settle down, and raise a family. Ever since Skye moved to town, Austin has secretly been hoping that she will be the one to make those dreams come true. However, when Austin is on lifeguard patrol and makes a daring rescue, the incident seems to devastate Skye. Now more than ever Austin is determined to get Skye to trust him, and open up about the dark past that haunts her.
If you have already read the Lantern Beach mysteries, and didn't get enough.... now you can come back and enjoy getting to know more about Cassidy and Ty's closest friends.
It’s great to go back to Lantern Beach for this spinoff series. This suspense novel features Austin Brooks and Skye Lavinia, friends from the original series. And, yes, Cassidy and Ty, are still involved. Secrets, danger, and fast-packed action are trademark Christy Barritt qualities. This book will not disappoint and it can stand alone. The people and the place add to the enjoyment, but I did miss Elsa the Ice Cream Truck. The plot keeps you guessing until the conclusion. I look forward to more in this new series from a favorite writer. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Skye has been enjoying her simple life in Lantern Beach until one day she sees someone from her past. Ian, her old boyfriend, and his family are in town and the boy her friend Austin just saved from drowning looks really familiar. Could it be the baby she was coerced into giving up for adoption? Will her potential relationship with Austin be ruined when he finds out about her past? Who is responsible for all of the "accidents" that have been happening to Skye and Austin?
I enjoyed getting to read more about the Lantern Beach crew. I speculated about who might be guilty of the bad things that were happening. I look forward to the next book!
I love that, even though the original Lantern Beach concluded after six books, we could revisit Lantern Beach through the eyes of some of the secondary characters. Skye and Austin have been good friends, but both carry some baggage from their past and are just beginning to realize that maybe they have something more than friendship. As they are discovering awakening feelings, people and relationships from the past pop up and threaten their relationship and even their sanity. Will the past ruin their future? I love that all of Christy Barritt's books are fun, romantic, and suspenseful without any bad language or immorality that is so common to many novels today.
For such a short book, I think the author did a good job with story. We do have a background story for the characters, which is more than other stories offer. The faith content was simple, but present. And, at first, the romance seemed to be complicated, but it actually ended up being quite cute and simple. After the secrets were out, the relationship just seemed to flow naturally. The suspense or thriller was also interesting. I had my suspects since the beginning and I have to say that I wasn't disappointed with how the story unfolded.
Go Christy Barritt!! With the start of a new series, this author never fails to win me over! I thought I wouldn't be won over to a new series without Cassidy as the main character, but I was WRONG. This book was so good. It was just as mysterious and suspenseful with the right amount of romance. The best part was the ending--I probably should have guessed it but I didn't. It was a page-turner until the end! Once you start be prepared to not want to stop--yep, it's that good!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Danger lurks as love unfolds in Lantern Beach. Skye has tried her best to let go of her past. She’s made so many mistakes it’s hard for her to move forward. Just as she’s ready to really invest in a new life, her past catches up with her. Her best friend, Austin and her both seem to be in danger, but, why? As the mystery unfolds Skye and Austin become closer, but can they outrun the danger surrounding them. Loved this book and all the Lantern Beach mysteries.
Tides of Deception is book 1 of the Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense series by Christy Barritt. It was so good to be back in Lantern Beach with familiar characters from the Lantern Beach Mysteries series.
There's one thing about Christy Barritt books, you know from the very beginning until the end you'll be in for a whirlwind ride and not be able to put it down. I really enjoyed getting to read about Austin and Skye's stories and can't wait for Lisa's.
I hate it when I read about just plain evil people who act so inhumane toward others. I saw this this story and it repulsed me. The story, “Tides of Deception” was most interesting in many ways and was the beginning of a great love story. I was following all the conversations and reasons why the lady was feeling unworthy, and my heart was broken until the end of the book.
Tides of Deception is aptly named. Christy Barritt continues her Lantern Beach series with this tale of Skye, owner of the local fruit & vegetable stand, and Austin, local contractor and erstwhile lifesaver. Each has multiple layers of secrets in their past that not only threaten their relationship, but their lives. As secrets unfold, they manage to grow closer rather than apart. Worth reading, especially as it is part of z series.
I was very happy to read a continuation of Lantern Beach in the story of Austin and Skye. It was a good romance that dealt with forgiveness including forgiving yourself. The suspense worked well and kept your interest. It definitely was hard to put down since I wanted to find out how it ends. This book was a gift from the author however the thoughts and words in this review are my own.
Never a dull moment on Lantern Beach! Now that Ty & Cassidy are married & she is chief of police attention has turned to other favorite residents. This is a dramatic story with tense action plus a sweet story of love, forgiveness & of good & evil. I love my escapes to Lantern Beach!
I loved hearing Austin and Skye’s stories. Not what I would have expected at all but in a good way! It’s crazy how sometime our past comes back to haunt us but it is what we can take from it and learn that is important. I loved this one so much. I really love the people of Lantern Beach. I can’t wait for more.
here was no meat in this book. No depth. Everything wrapped up way too easily. Have fewer books with more focus on the actual story. Love the series, love the characters but give them depth.
There was no depth to this book. Love the characters but the need a little meat. Fill them out a lot more. This could be a great series.
Every book she writes is an inspiration. Each character has flaws and inner turmoil, each of us have made mistakes in our lives causing shame, fear, loss of trust. Her characters speak to the agony of that and the hope we have through our faith and hope of redemption. And they are great mystery stories, too!
I really enjoyed this book. Skye is trying to escape her difficult past by living a simple life. She has her produce stand and a good circle of friends, including Austin.. But her past comes to haunt her. Will she be able to overcome her feelings of inadequacy and escape the very real danger in which she finds herself? A satisfying read, hard to put down!