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Maximum Security #2
The Deception
When missing turns to murdered, one woman's search for answers will take her to a place she never wanted to go...
After searching for her sister for two long years, Kate Gallagher is devastated when she's called to the morgue to identify Chrissy's body, the runaway teen the victim of a brutal attack. Guilt and grief send Kate into a tailspin. She failed Chrissy once...she won't do it again. Even if finding her sister's killer means following a lethal bounty hunter into the heart of darkness, placing both their lives in danger.
Working at Maximum Security has taken Jason Maddox down some dangerous paths, but never for a client he's so drawn to, or for a case so monstrous. As clues lead them deeper into the city's underbelly, connections to human trafficking draw them closer and closer to peril, but even Jase's warnings can't convince Kate to walk away. As the deadly operation puts a target on their backs, they'll have to decide what matters most: the truth...or their lives.
After searching for her sister for two long years, Kate Gallagher is devastated when she's called to the morgue to identify Chrissy's body, the runaway teen the victim of a brutal attack. Guilt and grief send Kate into a tailspin. She failed Chrissy once...she won't do it again. Even if finding her sister's killer means following a lethal bounty hunter into the heart of darkness, placing both their lives in danger.
Working at Maximum Security has taken Jason Maddox down some dangerous paths, but never for a client he's so drawn to, or for a case so monstrous. As clues lead them deeper into the city's underbelly, connections to human trafficking draw them closer and closer to peril, but even Jase's warnings can't convince Kate to walk away. As the deadly operation puts a target on their backs, they'll have to decide what matters most: the truth...or their lives.
379 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2019
552 people are currently reading
2611 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
188 books3,172 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
September 5, 2019
The Deception was another great installment in the Maximum Security series with a suspenseful plot and an incredible romance.
Kate Gallagher has been searching for her missing younger sister for two years. She never imagined finding her would involve identifying her body at the morgue. Kate failed Chrissy once and she’s determined not to do it again leading Kate to hire Jason Maddox to locate Chrissy’s killer and bring him to justice. With Kate insisting she be involved in the investigation, Jase knows he’s got his hands full trying to keep her safe while hunting a killer. But when their investigation leads to human trafficking and puts a target on their backs, the pair will have their work cut out for them if they hope to make it through the investigation alive.
The investigation into Chrissy’s death was interesting and there were definitely a few surprises uncovered along the way. Kate knew nothing about her sister’s life from the past two years and her death provided little information to find a starting point. It was interesting watching Jase make connections and find leads, the man is definitely good at what he does. After the pair made the human trafficking connection, the suspense element definitely ramped up and the pacing picked up as well. I thought the ending to the investigation was well done and I was happy with the way everything wrapped up. One of the nice things about these books is how the author incorporates the other characters from Maximum Security. The dynamics between all the characters is well done and it’s nice getting to see characters from previous books pop up.
Kate and Jase’s relationship starts out as mutual attraction and quickly develops into something more. As the two begin working together on Chrissy’s case, they try to set their attraction aside believing it will be a distraction from the task at hand. Eventually the pair aren’t able to fight it anymore and give in leading to some fantastically done scenes. One of my favorite things about their relationship was that they developed a wonderful friendship while working together. Jase is initially hesitant for Kate to be so actively involved in the case but Kate refuses to be sidelined leading to Jase accepting her involvement. At times Jase could still become overprotective, but given the circumstances and the people they were chasing, that made sense.
Overall I really enjoyed The Deception and I’m looking forward to reading more books in the series in the future. I highly recommend the series if you’re in the mood for some great romantic suspense.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Kate Gallagher has been searching for her missing younger sister for two years. She never imagined finding her would involve identifying her body at the morgue. Kate failed Chrissy once and she’s determined not to do it again leading Kate to hire Jason Maddox to locate Chrissy’s killer and bring him to justice. With Kate insisting she be involved in the investigation, Jase knows he’s got his hands full trying to keep her safe while hunting a killer. But when their investigation leads to human trafficking and puts a target on their backs, the pair will have their work cut out for them if they hope to make it through the investigation alive.
The investigation into Chrissy’s death was interesting and there were definitely a few surprises uncovered along the way. Kate knew nothing about her sister’s life from the past two years and her death provided little information to find a starting point. It was interesting watching Jase make connections and find leads, the man is definitely good at what he does. After the pair made the human trafficking connection, the suspense element definitely ramped up and the pacing picked up as well. I thought the ending to the investigation was well done and I was happy with the way everything wrapped up. One of the nice things about these books is how the author incorporates the other characters from Maximum Security. The dynamics between all the characters is well done and it’s nice getting to see characters from previous books pop up.
Kate and Jase’s relationship starts out as mutual attraction and quickly develops into something more. As the two begin working together on Chrissy’s case, they try to set their attraction aside believing it will be a distraction from the task at hand. Eventually the pair aren’t able to fight it anymore and give in leading to some fantastically done scenes. One of my favorite things about their relationship was that they developed a wonderful friendship while working together. Jase is initially hesitant for Kate to be so actively involved in the case but Kate refuses to be sidelined leading to Jase accepting her involvement. At times Jase could still become overprotective, but given the circumstances and the people they were chasing, that made sense.
Overall I really enjoyed The Deception and I’m looking forward to reading more books in the series in the future. I highly recommend the series if you’re in the mood for some great romantic suspense.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
July 30, 2020
This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy, romantic suspense novel. It has likable, engaging characters, a hot hero, a strong and capable female protagonist, suspense, action, intrigue, and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading the next novel, "The Ultimate Betrayal", in Ms. Martin's outstanding "Maximum Security" series with great anticipation.
September 12, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
A steamy almost one night stand turns into a search for a killer. As always, Kat Martin delivers a fantastic romantic-suspense that has you weeping and cheering. Lots to love about this book and nothing to hate. The characters come together and learn to respect each others strengths and work together to find not only a killer, but to take down a trafficking ring operating throughout Texas. Then on to the corporation that was the top of the food chain.
Kate Gallagher hasn't seen her sister, Chrissy, since she ran away at age 16 two years ago. She is devastated when she receives a call from the morgue with a request to identify her body. The police have just written her off as a runaway prostitute who died at the hands of an over zealous john. Kate wants the killer found and goes to Maximum Security to hire a PI to do just that.
Jason Maddox normally works as a bounty hunter for Maximum Security, but when the woman he almost bedded the night before walks in, he puts on his PI hat to help her. What he didn't expect was that he would be so attracted to Kate that he would actually let her assist him in the hunt for her sister's killer. The battle against their mutual feelings didn't take long. The battle to keep Kate safe from what looks like a well connected human trafficking ring was a lot tougher. But Kate proves very resourceful and helpful in ways Jase never expected.
A steamy almost one night stand turns into a search for a killer. As always, Kat Martin delivers a fantastic romantic-suspense that has you weeping and cheering. Lots to love about this book and nothing to hate. The characters come together and learn to respect each others strengths and work together to find not only a killer, but to take down a trafficking ring operating throughout Texas. Then on to the corporation that was the top of the food chain.
Kate Gallagher hasn't seen her sister, Chrissy, since she ran away at age 16 two years ago. She is devastated when she receives a call from the morgue with a request to identify her body. The police have just written her off as a runaway prostitute who died at the hands of an over zealous john. Kate wants the killer found and goes to Maximum Security to hire a PI to do just that.
Jason Maddox normally works as a bounty hunter for Maximum Security, but when the woman he almost bedded the night before walks in, he puts on his PI hat to help her. What he didn't expect was that he would be so attracted to Kate that he would actually let her assist him in the hunt for her sister's killer. The battle against their mutual feelings didn't take long. The battle to keep Kate safe from what looks like a well connected human trafficking ring was a lot tougher. But Kate proves very resourceful and helpful in ways Jase never expected.
November 5, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kate Gallagher is devastated when she has to identify a teen's body. The teen, Chrissy, was a victim of a brutal attack. This sends Kate into a frenzy. For one thing she has been looking for her sister for a couple of years. With this girl's death, Kate works even harder to try and find her sister's killer.
She gets the help of Jason Maddox, from the Maximum Security Agency in this 2nd book to the series. Starting off with smaller clues only leads to even bigger ones, and major danger for both Kate and Jason. Shockingly, they run smack into a human trafficking situation and the danger comes far too close to Kate. Jason would rather she step back from the situation, especially when they both end up with a target on their backs.
I read this book with bated breath. The horrors of human trafficking were difficult to read of, but then the element of danger made this book impossible to put down. Add in the romantic element that was born from friendship, and this was simply a wonderful book.
The next book in the series, is The Betrayal, and will be out in July. A long wait, and I very much look forward to reading it.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to Edelweiss for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Kate Gallagher is devastated when she has to identify a teen's body. The teen, Chrissy, was a victim of a brutal attack. This sends Kate into a frenzy. For one thing she has been looking for her sister for a couple of years. With this girl's death, Kate works even harder to try and find her sister's killer.
She gets the help of Jason Maddox, from the Maximum Security Agency in this 2nd book to the series. Starting off with smaller clues only leads to even bigger ones, and major danger for both Kate and Jason. Shockingly, they run smack into a human trafficking situation and the danger comes far too close to Kate. Jason would rather she step back from the situation, especially when they both end up with a target on their backs.
I read this book with bated breath. The horrors of human trafficking were difficult to read of, but then the element of danger made this book impossible to put down. Add in the romantic element that was born from friendship, and this was simply a wonderful book.
The next book in the series, is The Betrayal, and will be out in July. A long wait, and I very much look forward to reading it.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to Edelweiss for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
October 5, 2019
Suspenseful, steamy, and action packed!
Another adventure-filled, entertaining tale in the Maximum Security series!
Another adventure-filled, entertaining tale in the Maximum Security series!
October 3, 2019
This is the second book in the Maximum Security series by Kat Martin, but not reading the first one did not cause me any issues following or enjoying this story. It seems they are standalone stories involving various employees of the company.
Kate Gallagher has been searching for her missing younger sister for two years. She is heartbroken to "find her" by identifying her body at the morgue. Kate feels like she failed Chrissy when she was a teenager, so she is determined to find out who killed her sister. She hires Jason Maddox, an employee of Maximum Security, to locate Chrissy’s killer and bring him to justice. Kate doesn't just hire him, but insists she be involved in the investigation. Jase is determined to keep her safe, as well as find Chrissy's killer. It turns out that there is a lot more involved in this case than finding Chrissy's killer.
Both Kate and Jase were great characters. They were both smart, determined and perseverant. They wanted to bring Chrissy's killer to justice, but when they found out that there were other victims, they were determined to protect and save them as well, even putting themselves at risk. The beginning of the book almost put me off, with the accidental meeting of Kate and Jase and his chauvinistic attitude towards the attractive woman he observed in the bar, but it was short lived as the story picked up. I liked that even though Jase was the investigator, he allowed Kate to take the lead a few times and this wisely got them some information to help them along. As the case went along and the human trafficking storyline became evident, the story moved along quickly. It was tense as I listened nonstop, to see what was going to happen. They were in danger and the suspense kept the story moving quickly. This was a well-written story that ended well, with great characterizations, an interesting plot, and some romance and sizzle. I will definitely go back and read the first story in this series.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by James Anderson Foster. This audiobook was basically read to me with expression and intonation. James Anderson Foster did not try to use female voices, but when a female character was speaking, his voice did soften a bit. Having said that it was still an enjoyable listen, but I will not be putting him on my favourite narrator list. The publisher, Harlequin Audio, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Kate Gallagher has been searching for her missing younger sister for two years. She is heartbroken to "find her" by identifying her body at the morgue. Kate feels like she failed Chrissy when she was a teenager, so she is determined to find out who killed her sister. She hires Jason Maddox, an employee of Maximum Security, to locate Chrissy’s killer and bring him to justice. Kate doesn't just hire him, but insists she be involved in the investigation. Jase is determined to keep her safe, as well as find Chrissy's killer. It turns out that there is a lot more involved in this case than finding Chrissy's killer.
Both Kate and Jase were great characters. They were both smart, determined and perseverant. They wanted to bring Chrissy's killer to justice, but when they found out that there were other victims, they were determined to protect and save them as well, even putting themselves at risk. The beginning of the book almost put me off, with the accidental meeting of Kate and Jase and his chauvinistic attitude towards the attractive woman he observed in the bar, but it was short lived as the story picked up. I liked that even though Jase was the investigator, he allowed Kate to take the lead a few times and this wisely got them some information to help them along. As the case went along and the human trafficking storyline became evident, the story moved along quickly. It was tense as I listened nonstop, to see what was going to happen. They were in danger and the suspense kept the story moving quickly. This was a well-written story that ended well, with great characterizations, an interesting plot, and some romance and sizzle. I will definitely go back and read the first story in this series.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by James Anderson Foster. This audiobook was basically read to me with expression and intonation. James Anderson Foster did not try to use female voices, but when a female character was speaking, his voice did soften a bit. Having said that it was still an enjoyable listen, but I will not be putting him on my favourite narrator list. The publisher, Harlequin Audio, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
October 18, 2024
D For Dissapointing
This book had an interesting premise and the promise of the "forced proximity" trope that I enjoy in these types of books that mix romance with mystery or thrills. However, this book was a lengthy let-down.
The Writing Style
The author chooses to "tell" instead of "show" a lot of the time. Which makes what might have been an interesting story rather dull. We end up getting a list of things going on instead of descriptions of the actions and emotions involved. I also think the book suffered from a lack of editing and direction. It gets repetitive with both Kate and Jason's perspectives telling us the same thing over and over. The ending was...weird? *yawn.
The "Brave" Heroine
This story sufferers a lot for me from a "brave" h who insists on constantly putting herself in danger and then getting angry at the men around for trying to protect her. This was an ongoing argument throughout the book, happening almost every single time there's another clue in the case. She insists on tagging along.....every...friggin...time. Even when it was dangerous. Her reasoning? "You don't need to worry about me", or "I need to see this through". Umm, ok...any reason why you can't "see things through" from the safety of your office or apartment?
What drives me bananas about this type of character is that they do not see the danger that their own presence has on the situation as a whole. If Jason goes alone into a dangerous place, he knows what he's doing and how to respond. If he's dragging around someone like Kate that sticks out like a sore thumb and draws attention, she isn't helping. Now when things go wrong, Jason will have both his butt and hers to protect and, you guessed it, worry about. Her insistence on being right there was dilutional and annoying.
And to make it worse, Jason and any other men involved didn't try to make her understand why it was dangerous for her to be that involved, they just told her "you shouldn't come with us", she said "hell to the no", and they usually said, "sigh, ok fine".
Then after a ridiculously drawn-out "ending" Kate decides she's
"Perfect" Characters
The author throws the word "perfect" around to describe both Kate and Jason far too often for my taste. It's one thing to have attractive leads, but these 2 were too much. I also thought that Kate did some rather odd things. I know people grieve differently, but it felt like an odd choice given the circumstances. It also made the romance aspect feel rushed and forced. I prefer stories that build tension until the 2 leads can't fight their attraction anymore. And that brings us to "the romance".
The Romance
This was not what I look for in a book with a romance element. It felt rushed and forced with our H & h Usually in these kinds of books one aspect of the story is stronger, and here I felt both the mystery and the romance were weak. I didn't care enough about either to feel compelled to pick this book up after each chapter.
All in all, I found myself shaking my head and checking to see how much more of this book there was far too often for me to enjoy it. So I don't plan on picking up any more in the Max Security series. It just isn't what I look for.
This book had an interesting premise and the promise of the "forced proximity" trope that I enjoy in these types of books that mix romance with mystery or thrills. However, this book was a lengthy let-down.
The Writing Style
The author chooses to "tell" instead of "show" a lot of the time. Which makes what might have been an interesting story rather dull. We end up getting a list of things going on instead of descriptions of the actions and emotions involved. I also think the book suffered from a lack of editing and direction. It gets repetitive with both Kate and Jason's perspectives telling us the same thing over and over. The ending was...weird? *yawn.
The "Brave" Heroine
This story sufferers a lot for me from a "brave" h who insists on constantly putting herself in danger and then getting angry at the men around for trying to protect her. This was an ongoing argument throughout the book, happening almost every single time there's another clue in the case. She insists on tagging along.....every...friggin...time. Even when it was dangerous. Her reasoning? "You don't need to worry about me", or "I need to see this through". Umm, ok...any reason why you can't "see things through" from the safety of your office or apartment?
What drives me bananas about this type of character is that they do not see the danger that their own presence has on the situation as a whole. If Jason goes alone into a dangerous place, he knows what he's doing and how to respond. If he's dragging around someone like Kate that sticks out like a sore thumb and draws attention, she isn't helping. Now when things go wrong, Jason will have both his butt and hers to protect and, you guessed it, worry about. Her insistence on being right there was dilutional and annoying.
And to make it worse, Jason and any other men involved didn't try to make her understand why it was dangerous for her to be that involved, they just told her "you shouldn't come with us", she said "hell to the no", and they usually said, "sigh, ok fine".
Then after a ridiculously drawn-out "ending" Kate decides she's
"Perfect" Characters
The author throws the word "perfect" around to describe both Kate and Jason far too often for my taste. It's one thing to have attractive leads, but these 2 were too much. I also thought that Kate did some rather odd things. I know people grieve differently, but it felt like an odd choice given the circumstances. It also made the romance aspect feel rushed and forced. I prefer stories that build tension until the 2 leads can't fight their attraction anymore. And that brings us to "the romance".
The Romance
This was not what I look for in a book with a romance element. It felt rushed and forced with our H & h Usually in these kinds of books one aspect of the story is stronger, and here I felt both the mystery and the romance were weak. I didn't care enough about either to feel compelled to pick this book up after each chapter.
All in all, I found myself shaking my head and checking to see how much more of this book there was far too often for me to enjoy it. So I don't plan on picking up any more in the Max Security series. It just isn't what I look for.
September 6, 2019
She searched for two long years, but now Kate Gallagher has been called to the morgue to identify her sister’s body. Guilt and grief send Kate into a tailspin but she won’t fail her sister again, even if finding her sister’s killer means following a lethal bounty hunter into the heart of darkness, placing both their lives in danger. Jason Maddox has been down some dangerous paths before, but never for a client he’s so drawn to, or for a case so monstrous. The deeper into the city’s underbelly they go, the deadlier the operation becomes, placing a target on the backs and they will have to decide what’s matters most…the truth or their lives.
This ‘Maximum Security’ suspense story is an intense, emotionally gripping and riveting tale. The characters stand out and speak to readers as they dive deeper and deeper into a world of horror while dealing their vivid sizzling chemistry and magnetic attraction. The romance between them is full of danger and emotional angst due to situation, but it is obvious to readers that these two are belong together and readers can’t help but become caught up in their story as they empathize with what they are going through.
The story is set at a steady pace with the suspense building continuously and some fast paced and adrenaline pumping excitement happening as Jason and Kate’s mission draws them closer and closer to the answers they seek and the target on their back becomes exponentially more deadly. Lots of unexpected twists keeps readers on the edge and the heroine of the story is strong with some surprising attitudes that makes her a perfect fit for a lethal bounty hunter. Once again, the author has given her fans a juicy, gut clenching and riveting suspense that they can take their eyes off of.
This ‘Maximum Security’ suspense story is an intense, emotionally gripping and riveting tale. The characters stand out and speak to readers as they dive deeper and deeper into a world of horror while dealing their vivid sizzling chemistry and magnetic attraction. The romance between them is full of danger and emotional angst due to situation, but it is obvious to readers that these two are belong together and readers can’t help but become caught up in their story as they empathize with what they are going through.
The story is set at a steady pace with the suspense building continuously and some fast paced and adrenaline pumping excitement happening as Jason and Kate’s mission draws them closer and closer to the answers they seek and the target on their back becomes exponentially more deadly. Lots of unexpected twists keeps readers on the edge and the heroine of the story is strong with some surprising attitudes that makes her a perfect fit for a lethal bounty hunter. Once again, the author has given her fans a juicy, gut clenching and riveting suspense that they can take their eyes off of.
March 25, 2020
Insta lust ...like page 5...not my cup of tea
April 5, 2019
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've heard a lot of good things about this author, so I came into this book with a lot of high hopes. I was definitely not disappointed.
The book was a good plot and well-developed characters.
The characters drive the story and the story firmly grabs your interest.
It's a very high suspense book so if you enjoy that, then this book is for you.
I will be looking out for more books by this author for sure!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've heard a lot of good things about this author, so I came into this book with a lot of high hopes. I was definitely not disappointed.
The book was a good plot and well-developed characters.
The characters drive the story and the story firmly grabs your interest.
It's a very high suspense book so if you enjoy that, then this book is for you.
I will be looking out for more books by this author for sure!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2019
This is only my second book by Kat Martin and I'm still trying to figure out what took me so long to pick up her novels!! Love this series - can't wait for more!! Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
September 11, 2019
Summary
The Deception by Kat Martin is a romantic suspense book in the Maximum Security series. I am a huge fan of Kats; she wrote one of my favorite romantic suspense books.
In The Deception, I’m having a very hard time liking the main character Kate. She’s stupid; she makes stupid decisions. I hate that in the female character. You need to be smart enough to know when you need to get involved and when you need to let the professionals handle it. She even gets herself in bad situations and the people taking care of her bad situations and continues to do it. It’s not being a male chauvinist when you’re working these situations and you make the unqualified person stay back.
With all that said; Jace is a great character and I cannot wait for Bran’s story. Kat did a great job at giving us the intrigue behind Bran that I cannot wait for his book. Jace is a good character; he’s likable and totally hero material.
Their relationship seemed more physical than emotional; this could be because I didn’t like Kate.
Kat writes about the tough subject of human trafficking. The book opens with the body of Kate’s sister and the story is of them trying to find her killer.
Sexual content - 4 several physical scenes, they were more physical than emotional
Violence 3.5 - Human trafficking, drugs, deaths, physical abuse,
drugs - not the main characters but they drugged the girls, dealing drugs
alcohol - both characters were drinking
language f-word 12 times, d@mn - 24, sh!t - 10 times
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
The Deception by Kat Martin is a romantic suspense book in the Maximum Security series. I am a huge fan of Kats; she wrote one of my favorite romantic suspense books.
In The Deception, I’m having a very hard time liking the main character Kate. She’s stupid; she makes stupid decisions. I hate that in the female character. You need to be smart enough to know when you need to get involved and when you need to let the professionals handle it. She even gets herself in bad situations and the people taking care of her bad situations and continues to do it. It’s not being a male chauvinist when you’re working these situations and you make the unqualified person stay back.
With all that said; Jace is a great character and I cannot wait for Bran’s story. Kat did a great job at giving us the intrigue behind Bran that I cannot wait for his book. Jace is a good character; he’s likable and totally hero material.
Their relationship seemed more physical than emotional; this could be because I didn’t like Kate.
Kat writes about the tough subject of human trafficking. The book opens with the body of Kate’s sister and the story is of them trying to find her killer.
Sexual content - 4 several physical scenes, they were more physical than emotional
Violence 3.5 - Human trafficking, drugs, deaths, physical abuse,
drugs - not the main characters but they drugged the girls, dealing drugs
alcohol - both characters were drinking
language f-word 12 times, d@mn - 24, sh!t - 10 times
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Want to read
August 1, 2019Jase and Kate make a great couple in this romantic suspense. They are united behind a common goal, to stop the sex-trafficking ring that ended Kate's sister's life. Jase is a tough bounty hunter. Kate runs a consulting firm but in working with Jase discovers she can be tough too. There is a lot of action, a lot of bad guys, some violence that is inevitable but all is handled genuinely. Kate is determined to work the case to the end which frustrates Jase as he works to protect her, which makes for some interesting interactions between the two. The story flowed well and the ending was very satisfactory.
September 9, 2019
I finished The Conspiracy undecided about whether I would continue with this series and remained on the fence until I read the blurb for The Deception, which convinced me to give it a try. This one has good suspense and action, but there are also several similarities between it and the first book in the series, so it has its good and bad points.
There is more of the same in Martin's characters here. The good guys are all pretty people, for lack of a better way to say it. I'll save the lengthy descriptions on both sides, but suffice it to say the bad guys are all the opposite of the good guys. Basically, in the Maximum Security world, there are no attractive bad guys and vice versa, or that's the impression it gives. All that accomplished for me was to make the characters almost caricature-like. That's not including our romantic couple, who of course, are both sexy and hard to resist. I did like that Kate is a strong woman, and she even though she does sometimes need rescuing, she can also take care of herself.
As far as the romance, there is a lot of back and forth about where things are going for both Kate and Jason, which is common in romance. However, the angst comes from the 'I'm not good for you, so I'm letting you go to protect you,' a trope that is tired at best. Kate and Jason do have good chemistry, and I liked them together, but I lost some of that when the romance is tested in that way. The story has some good intrigue, and there is plenty of danger for this couple so that extra angst just felt unnecessary.
All in all, The Deception had its pros and cons for me, but I did like it better than the first in the series.
There is more of the same in Martin's characters here. The good guys are all pretty people, for lack of a better way to say it. I'll save the lengthy descriptions on both sides, but suffice it to say the bad guys are all the opposite of the good guys. Basically, in the Maximum Security world, there are no attractive bad guys and vice versa, or that's the impression it gives. All that accomplished for me was to make the characters almost caricature-like. That's not including our romantic couple, who of course, are both sexy and hard to resist. I did like that Kate is a strong woman, and she even though she does sometimes need rescuing, she can also take care of herself.
As far as the romance, there is a lot of back and forth about where things are going for both Kate and Jason, which is common in romance. However, the angst comes from the 'I'm not good for you, so I'm letting you go to protect you,' a trope that is tired at best. Kate and Jason do have good chemistry, and I liked them together, but I lost some of that when the romance is tested in that way. The story has some good intrigue, and there is plenty of danger for this couple so that extra angst just felt unnecessary.
All in all, The Deception had its pros and cons for me, but I did like it better than the first in the series.
September 4, 2019
Kate's little sister Chrissy disappeared when she was 16 and now, two years later, Kate's been asked to identify her body. She then goes to a bar and almost takes a guy home. Imagine her surprise when she decides to hire a private detective and it turns out to be that guy. Jason/Jace/"Hawk" is a bounty hunter and PI who works for Maximum Security and he's a smart one. He's also a vet. I didn't read the first book in this series and it didn't matter because the series is about different people who work at the company and the novels are linked only a little. In this case, the hunt for Chrissy's killer takes the two of them- because Kate feels she has to be directly involved- into the topical horror of sex trafficking. It's a well done plot with good characters. Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC. A page turner.
September 22, 2019
3.5 stars for me. Liked it but didn’t love it.
Felt it dragged a bit in the middle
Felt it dragged a bit in the middle
January 2, 2022
3.5 stars
June 24, 2024
4.5/5. This was such a quick read for me and I loved it!
October 24, 2024
This book was hard to get into. It had a little spice in it but it just felt very disconnected. The storyline was straightforward but it just didn’t give that excitement to keep turning the page.
March 29, 2024
Kate Gallagher is a successful business woman who hires Jason Maddox to help find her sister’s killer. It leads them into increasing danger as they prod the underbelly of prostitution, drugs, and sex trafficking. This seemed really long, perhaps because I’d just read 2 novellas. Either way, it went on and on. I’m having trouble maintaining motivation to finish the series, but I’ll keep going since I don’t have any Susan Stoker books lined up. I read the ebook. 3.5/5
September 11, 2022
Truly awful writing. Every stupid gendered trope. Pass.
August 30, 2019
It's been a while since I've read a book by Kat Martin and once I got started I wondered why. This was non-stop action with suspense, romance, mystery and heart stopping scenes! It was hard to put down but I went to bed and got up to finish it in the morning
Excited to go back and read book one in the series about Chase and Harper while waiting for book 3. Great characters and relevant (believable) storyline about sex trafficking in the United States.
I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest opinions.
Excited to go back and read book one in the series about Chase and Harper while waiting for book 3. Great characters and relevant (believable) storyline about sex trafficking in the United States.
I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest opinions.
September 10, 2019
The Deception by Kat Martin is the 2nd book in her Maximum Security series. We meet our heroine, Kate Gallagher, when she must identify her sister’s body in the morgue. Kate has not seen her sister for over two years, when she left home at the age of 16, and after viewing the body, she goes to a bar to bury her pain, grieving that she wasn’t there for her sister. Though she owns her own successful business, Kate is determined to find out who did this to her sister; when the police do not have any clues, she will take matters in her own hands, and hire a private investigator.
Jason Maddox (Hawk), is a bounty hunter, who works for Maximum Security, and when Kate comes to the office trying to hire someone, Jason recognizes her as the hot girl in the bar the night before. He immediately offers his service to help Kate find out the truth, and warns her that from what he sees, this could be drug and sex trafficking related. Kate wants to find the culprits who murdered her sister, and doesn’t care how dangerous it is. She also tells Jason that she wants to work with him on the case; something he isn’t too happy about, since it is very dangerous.
The chemistry between Jason and Kate was off the wall steaming hot; though they both try to fight off their attraction to each other and concentrate on the case. But best plans do not always work out. They were such a great and sexy couple together.
What follows is an exciting, suspenseful adventure where Jason and Kate find themselves in intense and dangerous situations as they get closer to finding the people behind the murder. Each discovery may have brought them closer, but they were also stymied as to who killed Chrissy (Kate’s sister). Some of the Maximum Security team, would come to help Jason, when they expected violence.
The last half of the book was not only exciting, but had us on the edge of our seats, worried that our heroes would not survive. When the evidence begins to point out that there was another group more deeply involved in the sex trafficking and drugging of young girls, Jason is determined to keep Kate away, for fear of her getting hurt. Kate was a smart and strong heroine, but she was also stubborn, and determined to kill those responsible. I did loved Kate and Jason together, and they were an awesome team.
The Deception was an intriguing, suspenseful, exciting story line that was also very intense throughout. The wonderful romance between Jason and Kate was perfect, as we rooted hard for them to stay together, despite Jason belief that his life is too dangerous to be with Kate. I also liked the secondary characters who make up Maximum Security and look forward to future books showcasing them. Once again, Kat Martin gives us another exciting thriller. If you enjoy action, suspense, romance and intense crime thrillers, you should read anything by Kat Martin.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Jason Maddox (Hawk), is a bounty hunter, who works for Maximum Security, and when Kate comes to the office trying to hire someone, Jason recognizes her as the hot girl in the bar the night before. He immediately offers his service to help Kate find out the truth, and warns her that from what he sees, this could be drug and sex trafficking related. Kate wants to find the culprits who murdered her sister, and doesn’t care how dangerous it is. She also tells Jason that she wants to work with him on the case; something he isn’t too happy about, since it is very dangerous.
The chemistry between Jason and Kate was off the wall steaming hot; though they both try to fight off their attraction to each other and concentrate on the case. But best plans do not always work out. They were such a great and sexy couple together.
What follows is an exciting, suspenseful adventure where Jason and Kate find themselves in intense and dangerous situations as they get closer to finding the people behind the murder. Each discovery may have brought them closer, but they were also stymied as to who killed Chrissy (Kate’s sister). Some of the Maximum Security team, would come to help Jason, when they expected violence.
The last half of the book was not only exciting, but had us on the edge of our seats, worried that our heroes would not survive. When the evidence begins to point out that there was another group more deeply involved in the sex trafficking and drugging of young girls, Jason is determined to keep Kate away, for fear of her getting hurt. Kate was a smart and strong heroine, but she was also stubborn, and determined to kill those responsible. I did loved Kate and Jason together, and they were an awesome team.
The Deception was an intriguing, suspenseful, exciting story line that was also very intense throughout. The wonderful romance between Jason and Kate was perfect, as we rooted hard for them to stay together, despite Jason belief that his life is too dangerous to be with Kate. I also liked the secondary characters who make up Maximum Security and look forward to future books showcasing them. Once again, Kat Martin gives us another exciting thriller. If you enjoy action, suspense, romance and intense crime thrillers, you should read anything by Kat Martin.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
August 2, 2019
*•*ARC copy was provided by netgalley.*•*
•I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.•
What a thrilling read!
I seriously enjoyed this book. I wasn’t that surprised though cause I love me some Kat Martin!!!
There was never a dull moment in this book.!
Kate Gallagher is a smart , funny, sexy girl on her way to the top. She owns her own company and for anyone looking in she fits right in with the lavish lifestyle. Her company is growing and everyone can see she is going to make it. She has ambition! She sets a goal and she will do whatever it takes to make it there.
She is well put together and modest or at lease that’s what people see. What they don’t see is how alone she is yes she is taking control of her life but she also has lost her mother, her sister ran away when she was just a baby, age 16 and her dad left to start a whole new life with his new family. Currently she is alone and she feels it. She was dating a control freak (Andrew) who only cared about their image. Finally that relationship is done! But that’s when she gets the call... the call that flips everything upside down! Her sister is dead. She will not stop till she figures out how her sister got to where she was and why someone killed her.
Jason Maddox is a sexy alpha male that you just can’t help but love! Oh and he is hot sooo hot! very caveman as well!!
He works at maximum security as a bounty hunter he also has his P. I license but doesn’t use it that often he is a retired vet and he loves the fact that he gets to get the scum off the street plus he gets a pretty penny for it as well! Jason or hawk as other people call him is known for being able to locate just about anyone. He is pretty much alone he doesn’t have any family except for his friends he adopted as family. He is the guy that won’t settle down. his life just doesn’t fit for a relationship believe it or not the bounty hunting and pi life is pretty dangerous you deal with the lowest of the low. That’s why he was shocked when the sexy blonde that he almost hooked up with walked into the office “just Kate” as she said did things to him he didn’t even no how to explain. He can see her she is beautiful and has a smile on her face but pain in her eyes. She briefly mentioned her sister getting killed but he didn’t know to much about it. If she is hiring anyone he is making sure it’s him.
That’s how this adventure gets going! Wow the suspense the back and forth! This is a great book and I’m sure you will love it just as much as me. Kate and Jase are a strong team with even stronger attraction, a fire you can’t put out. They will do what ever it takes to get their men! They are stubborn and it’s hilarious seeing what they can’t deny.
•I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.•
What a thrilling read!
I seriously enjoyed this book. I wasn’t that surprised though cause I love me some Kat Martin!!!
There was never a dull moment in this book.!
Kate Gallagher is a smart , funny, sexy girl on her way to the top. She owns her own company and for anyone looking in she fits right in with the lavish lifestyle. Her company is growing and everyone can see she is going to make it. She has ambition! She sets a goal and she will do whatever it takes to make it there.
She is well put together and modest or at lease that’s what people see. What they don’t see is how alone she is yes she is taking control of her life but she also has lost her mother, her sister ran away when she was just a baby, age 16 and her dad left to start a whole new life with his new family. Currently she is alone and she feels it. She was dating a control freak (Andrew) who only cared about their image. Finally that relationship is done! But that’s when she gets the call... the call that flips everything upside down! Her sister is dead. She will not stop till she figures out how her sister got to where she was and why someone killed her.
Jason Maddox is a sexy alpha male that you just can’t help but love! Oh and he is hot sooo hot! very caveman as well!!
He works at maximum security as a bounty hunter he also has his P. I license but doesn’t use it that often he is a retired vet and he loves the fact that he gets to get the scum off the street plus he gets a pretty penny for it as well! Jason or hawk as other people call him is known for being able to locate just about anyone. He is pretty much alone he doesn’t have any family except for his friends he adopted as family. He is the guy that won’t settle down. his life just doesn’t fit for a relationship believe it or not the bounty hunting and pi life is pretty dangerous you deal with the lowest of the low. That’s why he was shocked when the sexy blonde that he almost hooked up with walked into the office “just Kate” as she said did things to him he didn’t even no how to explain. He can see her she is beautiful and has a smile on her face but pain in her eyes. She briefly mentioned her sister getting killed but he didn’t know to much about it. If she is hiring anyone he is making sure it’s him.
That’s how this adventure gets going! Wow the suspense the back and forth! This is a great book and I’m sure you will love it just as much as me. Kate and Jase are a strong team with even stronger attraction, a fire you can’t put out. They will do what ever it takes to get their men! They are stubborn and it’s hilarious seeing what they can’t deny.
September 15, 2019
[I received a physical copy from @harlequinpublicityteam for an honest review]
To be honest I was a bit nervous to start The Deception by Kat Martin because I did not enjoy the first book in the series. Yet, when I saw the cover and read the synopsis for the second book in the Maximum Security series , I decided to give the author a second chance. This book has won me over and I will be definitely looking out for future releases in the series.
"You've never disappointed me, Jason. The day I walked into your office and you agreed to help me was my lucky day."
The Deception is the story of Kate Gallagher's pursuit of tracking down her sisters' killer and seeking out justice for girls who have found themselves in similar situations. To accomplish her goals she teams up with PI / Bounty Hunter Jason Hawk Maddox. They work side by side to uncover what happened to her sister, and she finds herself digging into a world filled with drugs and human trafficking. It isn't long before the bad guys set their sights on them, and they have to catch them before they get caught.
"No man had ever kissed her the way Jason did, as if he couldn't get enough, as if she were part of him, as if he could go on kissing her forever."
Kate and Jason have intense sexual chemistry and work just as well in the sheets as they do out of it. This book has a lot of hot and heavy scenes that were executed perfectly in my opinion. Yes they are trying to find her sisters killer and their lives are at risk but their intimacy is a way to relieve stress and remind themselves that they are still alive. I really enjoyed both characters, Kate was beautiful and smart, and completely steps up and holds her own when things get dangerous. Jason is rough and handsome, charming and protective of Kate without being controlling. He supports her independent streak and it was refreshing.
"Couldn't Kate see he was trying to protect her? Or maybe he way trying to protect himself."
The story line was entertaining from beginning to end. It had action, high stakes scenarios, heart stopping moments, and passion. The details of their investigation seemed to go deeper and deeper but it flowed consistently, there was no point where I thought 'this is ridiculous'. Overall, I am completely satisfied with The Deception by Kat Martin and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
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To be honest I was a bit nervous to start The Deception by Kat Martin because I did not enjoy the first book in the series. Yet, when I saw the cover and read the synopsis for the second book in the Maximum Security series , I decided to give the author a second chance. This book has won me over and I will be definitely looking out for future releases in the series.
"You've never disappointed me, Jason. The day I walked into your office and you agreed to help me was my lucky day."
The Deception is the story of Kate Gallagher's pursuit of tracking down her sisters' killer and seeking out justice for girls who have found themselves in similar situations. To accomplish her goals she teams up with PI / Bounty Hunter Jason Hawk Maddox. They work side by side to uncover what happened to her sister, and she finds herself digging into a world filled with drugs and human trafficking. It isn't long before the bad guys set their sights on them, and they have to catch them before they get caught.
"No man had ever kissed her the way Jason did, as if he couldn't get enough, as if she were part of him, as if he could go on kissing her forever."
Kate and Jason have intense sexual chemistry and work just as well in the sheets as they do out of it. This book has a lot of hot and heavy scenes that were executed perfectly in my opinion. Yes they are trying to find her sisters killer and their lives are at risk but their intimacy is a way to relieve stress and remind themselves that they are still alive. I really enjoyed both characters, Kate was beautiful and smart, and completely steps up and holds her own when things get dangerous. Jason is rough and handsome, charming and protective of Kate without being controlling. He supports her independent streak and it was refreshing.
"Couldn't Kate see he was trying to protect her? Or maybe he way trying to protect himself."
The story line was entertaining from beginning to end. It had action, high stakes scenarios, heart stopping moments, and passion. The details of their investigation seemed to go deeper and deeper but it flowed consistently, there was no point where I thought 'this is ridiculous'. Overall, I am completely satisfied with The Deception by Kat Martin and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
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September 13, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Maximum Security series by Kat Martin. It is another great episode of the series. It is one I couldn’t put down once I dove head first into it.
Kate Gallagher has just identified the body of her baby sister, Chrissy at the morgue and to quell the growing river of tears inside her, she goes dancing at a local bar where Jason “Hawk” Maddox is waiting to meet a client. He works for Maximum Security as a private investigator and bail enforcement agent. Things get hot and heavy between the two of them. But before they get much past the kissing stage, Kate bolts never revealing her name to Jason.
Quite coincidently they meet days later when she is looking for someone to investigate her sister’s death. She wasn’t sure the police were spending enough time on the case. Jason wants to do that for her.
Jason had decided from the very beginning that being in a relationship isn’t for him and spends most of the book trying to talk himself out of the fact he has feelings for Kate. Kate, on the other hand, spends most of the book trying to either get herself killed or give Jason a heart attack.
I felt like the act of them getting together and acknowledging their relationship took so much longer than it should have given the length of the book. Despite that, I thought this book was great. It kept me interested the entire time and all the characters were well crafted and I could see them appearing in another book in the future, especially the undercover FBI guy Mark.
I have yet to read book one in the series called THE CONSPIRACY. Some how I have acquired two different paperback copies of it. There is no doubt I will get to it eventually. I have read the novella
SHADOWS AT DAWN and thought it was wonderful too. Book three in the series already has a title but doesn’t have any info on Goodreads yet. It is titled THE BETRAYAL. I am already totally curious about that one.
This is a great romantic suspense series that you will want to follow from the beginning… so hop into it now!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the Maximum Security series by Kat Martin. It is another great episode of the series. It is one I couldn’t put down once I dove head first into it.
Kate Gallagher has just identified the body of her baby sister, Chrissy at the morgue and to quell the growing river of tears inside her, she goes dancing at a local bar where Jason “Hawk” Maddox is waiting to meet a client. He works for Maximum Security as a private investigator and bail enforcement agent. Things get hot and heavy between the two of them. But before they get much past the kissing stage, Kate bolts never revealing her name to Jason.
Quite coincidently they meet days later when she is looking for someone to investigate her sister’s death. She wasn’t sure the police were spending enough time on the case. Jason wants to do that for her.
Jason had decided from the very beginning that being in a relationship isn’t for him and spends most of the book trying to talk himself out of the fact he has feelings for Kate. Kate, on the other hand, spends most of the book trying to either get herself killed or give Jason a heart attack.
I felt like the act of them getting together and acknowledging their relationship took so much longer than it should have given the length of the book. Despite that, I thought this book was great. It kept me interested the entire time and all the characters were well crafted and I could see them appearing in another book in the future, especially the undercover FBI guy Mark.
I have yet to read book one in the series called THE CONSPIRACY. Some how I have acquired two different paperback copies of it. There is no doubt I will get to it eventually. I have read the novella
SHADOWS AT DAWN and thought it was wonderful too. Book three in the series already has a title but doesn’t have any info on Goodreads yet. It is titled THE BETRAYAL. I am already totally curious about that one.
This is a great romantic suspense series that you will want to follow from the beginning… so hop into it now!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
July 24, 2019
THE DECEPTION follows Jase (Jason) and Kate (Kathryn) as they work her sister's case together and find a partner in each other. Kate's sister, Chrissy, ran away from home when she was 16, never to be heard from again- until now, two years later, when Kate was called to ID her body at the morgue. Chrissy was murdered, but since she was a prostitute, the police are not making her murder a high priority case.
Kate decides to hire a private investigator to look into the case. When she shows up at the firm, she is surprised to find a guy she almost hooked up with at the bar after she found out about her sister's death. Jase is a professional, and he is willing to help her look into her sister's murder. As they work the case and find out what happened to her sister and where she has been the last couple years, they learn of a much bigger problem that can upend a whole organization.
Following down the clues, Kate and Jase are a top-notch team. As they spend more time together, their physical attraction grows into something deeper- if only they are willing to admit it. The romance was fast but really well done- Kate and Jase were very clearly well suited for each other. However, I did wish they would quit the bickering about Kate going with him just about every time they were going to do anything. I get the reason behind it, but it started to feel a little patronizing. I would have liked more of a clear partnership from the get-go and to let some of the protection go. There was also push-pull on the relationship due to these same fears that seemed a little much at times.
The case was interesting also, and really kept the plot going. I liked how they navigated the clues and worked in law enforcement as necessary. The satisfying conclusion was also perfect for the story. I really enjoyed watching them follow the case and seeing how it all turned out.
Overall, I would recommend for people who like romance with some suspense/mystery. This is an interesting and fast-paced series that holds good appeal for romance lovers. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Kate decides to hire a private investigator to look into the case. When she shows up at the firm, she is surprised to find a guy she almost hooked up with at the bar after she found out about her sister's death. Jase is a professional, and he is willing to help her look into her sister's murder. As they work the case and find out what happened to her sister and where she has been the last couple years, they learn of a much bigger problem that can upend a whole organization.
Following down the clues, Kate and Jase are a top-notch team. As they spend more time together, their physical attraction grows into something deeper- if only they are willing to admit it. The romance was fast but really well done- Kate and Jase were very clearly well suited for each other. However, I did wish they would quit the bickering about Kate going with him just about every time they were going to do anything. I get the reason behind it, but it started to feel a little patronizing. I would have liked more of a clear partnership from the get-go and to let some of the protection go. There was also push-pull on the relationship due to these same fears that seemed a little much at times.
The case was interesting also, and really kept the plot going. I liked how they navigated the clues and worked in law enforcement as necessary. The satisfying conclusion was also perfect for the story. I really enjoyed watching them follow the case and seeing how it all turned out.
Overall, I would recommend for people who like romance with some suspense/mystery. This is an interesting and fast-paced series that holds good appeal for romance lovers. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 11, 2019
The Deception: Maximum Security Book 2 is by Kat Martin. This book is definitely one of Kat’s best books. This book deals with prostitution and sex-trafficking. It also deals this those who try to work to try to stop this problem.
Kate Gallagher has searched for over two years for her little sister who ran away when she was sixteen. Kate had left the search up to the police for the first two years; but now took it upon herself. Then, she received the call she dreaded, her sister was dead and she was asked to come down and identify the body. It wasn’t something Kate wanted to do; but she had to. Now she was determined to find the person who beat her sister to death. She had failed to find and help Chrissy; but she wouldn’t fail now. She set out to hire help and went to Maximum Security. Here she met Jason Maddox. She realized she had met him at the Sagebrush Saloon the night she identified Chrissy’s body and had almost gone home with him. Now, she was to work with him? To find Chrissy’s murderer, she knew she had to. However, she would be fully involved in the investigation.
Jason Maddox, also known as Hawk, had gone to the Sagebrush Saloon and had seen Kate. He was completely taken with her and ended up making out with her in his SUV. Unfortunately, they were interrupted by others going to their cars and his intention of having her in his bed was thwarted. He knew he might have a second chance when she entered the Maximum Security offices. That was, until she hired him to find her sister’s murderer. Use to working alone, he was not thrilled to find she wanted to be completely involved with the investigation and was stubborn enough to keep on until she won. Although it made his job harder since he had to worry about her, he was glad it gave them more time together to get to know each other. Could he find her sister’s murderer and win over the lady at the same time?
Kate Gallagher has searched for over two years for her little sister who ran away when she was sixteen. Kate had left the search up to the police for the first two years; but now took it upon herself. Then, she received the call she dreaded, her sister was dead and she was asked to come down and identify the body. It wasn’t something Kate wanted to do; but she had to. Now she was determined to find the person who beat her sister to death. She had failed to find and help Chrissy; but she wouldn’t fail now. She set out to hire help and went to Maximum Security. Here she met Jason Maddox. She realized she had met him at the Sagebrush Saloon the night she identified Chrissy’s body and had almost gone home with him. Now, she was to work with him? To find Chrissy’s murderer, she knew she had to. However, she would be fully involved in the investigation.
Jason Maddox, also known as Hawk, had gone to the Sagebrush Saloon and had seen Kate. He was completely taken with her and ended up making out with her in his SUV. Unfortunately, they were interrupted by others going to their cars and his intention of having her in his bed was thwarted. He knew he might have a second chance when she entered the Maximum Security offices. That was, until she hired him to find her sister’s murderer. Use to working alone, he was not thrilled to find she wanted to be completely involved with the investigation and was stubborn enough to keep on until she won. Although it made his job harder since he had to worry about her, he was glad it gave them more time together to get to know each other. Could he find her sister’s murderer and win over the lady at the same time?
September 5, 2019
I read a free ARC from NetGalley.com and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I have been a fan of Ms Martin's books for years- action, alphas, romance- what's not to like? Although this is the 2nd book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone- but why would you want to? Go back and read the first book.
Kate Gallagher, business owner of a management consulting firm, is called to the Dallas morgue to ID her younger sister Crissy, who she had not seen in two years, since Crissy ran away from home. Needing some human contact, she goes to a country-western hang out that night, where she meets PI and bounty hunter, former marine, 6',4", 210 pounds, Jason Hawkins Maddox. But they are interrupted in the parking lot, much to Kate's relief, since this is not her character, but to Jason's chagrin. Kate and Crissy weren't close, as there is a huge gap in ages, but after speaking to the homicide detective police, who did not put the murder of a druggie prostitute at the top of his file of cases, she goes to Maximum Security to hire someone to find Crissy's killer. As soon as she walks in the door, Jason, who has been thinking about her since the night they met, talks her into hiring him. They agree to fight their attraction at least until the case is closed, but as the danger escalates with Kate insisting upon being in on all the action, they are forced to share quarters, and they give in to "the chemistry". Is that all it is? Will Jason do that stupid male thing when he realizes that he loves her, to sacrifice their love because he thinks he isn't good for her? Whoever said "If You Love Someone, Set Them Free" is an idiot, if they meant it to mean to push them away.
Great characters, action packed age turning story make this a hard to put down exciting read.
I have been a fan of Ms Martin's books for years- action, alphas, romance- what's not to like? Although this is the 2nd book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone- but why would you want to? Go back and read the first book.
Kate Gallagher, business owner of a management consulting firm, is called to the Dallas morgue to ID her younger sister Crissy, who she had not seen in two years, since Crissy ran away from home. Needing some human contact, she goes to a country-western hang out that night, where she meets PI and bounty hunter, former marine, 6',4", 210 pounds, Jason Hawkins Maddox. But they are interrupted in the parking lot, much to Kate's relief, since this is not her character, but to Jason's chagrin. Kate and Crissy weren't close, as there is a huge gap in ages, but after speaking to the homicide detective police, who did not put the murder of a druggie prostitute at the top of his file of cases, she goes to Maximum Security to hire someone to find Crissy's killer. As soon as she walks in the door, Jason, who has been thinking about her since the night they met, talks her into hiring him. They agree to fight their attraction at least until the case is closed, but as the danger escalates with Kate insisting upon being in on all the action, they are forced to share quarters, and they give in to "the chemistry". Is that all it is? Will Jason do that stupid male thing when he realizes that he loves her, to sacrifice their love because he thinks he isn't good for her? Whoever said "If You Love Someone, Set Them Free" is an idiot, if they meant it to mean to push them away.
Great characters, action packed age turning story make this a hard to put down exciting read.
September 10, 2019
If you’re looking for a fun romantic suspense series to read, I highly recommend the Maximum Security series by Kat Martin. I loved the first book in the series (THE CONSPIRACY) so I couldn’t wait to read the second book.
THE DECEPTION focuses on Jason “Hawk” Maddox, a private investigator at Maximum Security, and his client, Kate Gallagher. Kate has hired Jason to help her find the person – or persons - who brutally killed her sister, a runaway teen. “As clues lead them deeper into the city’s underbelly, connections to human trafficking draw them closer and closer to peril, but even [Jason’s] warnings can’t convince Kate to walk away. As the deadly operation puts a target on their backs, they’ll have to decide what matters most: the truth…or their lives.”
Even though I didn’t like Jason and Kate as much as I liked the main characters in THE CONSPIRACY (Chase and Harper), the plot of THE DECEPTION was equally interesting, suspenseful, and fast-paced. I liked how the author balanced serious topics - the murder of a sibling, teenage prostitution, human trafficking, etc. - with a lighter-hearted writing style that made the story fun to read. I found myself envisioning modern-day Jason and Kate as characters in one of my favorite shows, “Walker, Texas Ranger,” where the good guys are all hot, successful, multi-talented, butt-kicking justice seekers while the bad guys are bumbling doofuses living in crummy apartments in the shady parts of town just hoping to make a couple hundred dollars as pimps. The story also has a positive philanthropic message scattered throughout and highlights ways rehabilitation centers help turn the lives of teenage runaways around. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a finished copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
THE DECEPTION focuses on Jason “Hawk” Maddox, a private investigator at Maximum Security, and his client, Kate Gallagher. Kate has hired Jason to help her find the person – or persons - who brutally killed her sister, a runaway teen. “As clues lead them deeper into the city’s underbelly, connections to human trafficking draw them closer and closer to peril, but even [Jason’s] warnings can’t convince Kate to walk away. As the deadly operation puts a target on their backs, they’ll have to decide what matters most: the truth…or their lives.”
Even though I didn’t like Jason and Kate as much as I liked the main characters in THE CONSPIRACY (Chase and Harper), the plot of THE DECEPTION was equally interesting, suspenseful, and fast-paced. I liked how the author balanced serious topics - the murder of a sibling, teenage prostitution, human trafficking, etc. - with a lighter-hearted writing style that made the story fun to read. I found myself envisioning modern-day Jason and Kate as characters in one of my favorite shows, “Walker, Texas Ranger,” where the good guys are all hot, successful, multi-talented, butt-kicking justice seekers while the bad guys are bumbling doofuses living in crummy apartments in the shady parts of town just hoping to make a couple hundred dollars as pimps. The story also has a positive philanthropic message scattered throughout and highlights ways rehabilitation centers help turn the lives of teenage runaways around. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a finished copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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