Deadly by Design

Pressley-Coombes #2

by Paige Edwards

For up-and-coming Formula One engineer, Jack Pressley-Coombes, there is nothing better than the smell of rubber and the roar of a racecar engine. When he witnesses a crash at the first international grand prix of the season, Jack makes a shocking discovery. His design is on a competitor’s car.

To keep Davis Racing LTD, his British Formula One employer from closing its doors, Jack goes undercover for MI6 to ferret out the company saboteur. When the investigation interferes with his and Gillian Buchanan’s blossoming romance, Jack can’t extricate himself from the web of deceit. But he’s not the only one with something to hide. Gillian too carries secrets. With time running out for Davis Racing, the evil which walks its corporate halls turns in Jack’s direction and threatens all that he holds dear.

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Lds Fiction, Audiobook, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller

287 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2020

About the author

Paige Edwards is an award-winning and best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense novels. Due to her deep British roots, Paige’s books are often set in the UK, and she hops the pond whenever she gets the chance. When she isn’t writing, she and the hubs have converted their Sprinter van into a camper and are visiting all the US National Parks. Paige loves to connect with readers. You can reach her by visiting her website @authorpaigeedwards.com. Be sure to follow her on BookBub for the latest on sales:). [https://tinyurl.com/5n7euw68]

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Reviews

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read this book. I'm a big fan of suspense and romantic-suspense, and this book hit all right notes for me. Sometimes I like when the reader knows who the bad guy is at the beginning of a book, if it's done well, and this was. The fact that the guilty party worked with Jack made me wonder how long it would be before Jack figured it out or guy would slip up and be caught.

There was a lot to like about Gillian. She'd made a hard decision when she was very young, but she was dealing with it. She was working hard to get her degree in order to get the job she wanted, and when she thought Jack was dating someone else she handled it with grace and didn't make a scene.

Speaking of Jack, he may be super smart when it come designing Formula One race cars, but he's clueless when it comes to women. Having to keep his work with MI6 a secret from Gillian doesn't help their relationship. I loved that Jack's sister picked out all his clothes, of course she did.

This book had me up super late reading and took me on a thrilling ride through parts of England and Scotland. From the explosive car crash at the beginning through a couple of twists and then an edge-of-your-seat chase scene I didn't want to put it down. This is my first book by Paige Edwards and I really, really liked it. I haven't read the previous book Catherine's Intrigue yet, but it didn't affect how much I enjoyed this story.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times when reading a book that I would just like to scream! Deadly by Design was that kind of a book for me. Seriously, Paige Edwards lets us know from the beginning who the villains of the story are. She has the book told from several viewpoints, one of them, the bad guys. You know who they are, what they are planning, and you have no way to stop them, just go along for the ride until there is resolution.

I loved the characters of Jack and Gillian. They are both flawed and keeping secrets, mainly to protect the other. Their hearts are in the right place, but both are either clueless or a little too proud to pursue their relationship. There are a few snags, Jack has to go undercover to catch the bad guys and Gillian is fiercely protective of Thierry, an adorable little girl.

The book has a few heart-stopping moments. All of the good, bad, ugly, and misunderstanding I enjoyed!

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot to like about this book. The story grows steadily (although sometimes a bit slowly) and I could feel the tension and danger mounting. I happen to like the fact that I knew the "bad guy" from early on. It made each moment paths crossed even more nail biting. The last third of the book was my favorite as the story reached it's climax and all things came crashing together.

I really liked Gillian with her struggles and past. I loved her determination and her spunk. She was an easy character to root for.

Jack? I could take him or leave him, either way. He lacked in the personality department a bit. His integrity is probably his most redeeming quality and that is definitely something I value in someone. I didn't really feel that spark of chemistry thrumming between the characters because, well, Jack. He's not really a butterflies in the tummy kind of guy, I guess. But, Thierry made up for lots of things in the personality department. She was a great addition to this story.

I don't think I liked this book as much as the previous book (Catherine's Intrigue) by this author but it was still good. I enjoyed seeing Catherine and Nick and their bit of happily ever after thrown into this book. I don't think you need to read the previous book to enjoy or understand this book but it will probably help you enjoy the characters more if you do.

This book releases April 1st.

Content: This book contains religious content specific to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mild peril, death, kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute romance-suspense story about a formula one designer, Jack, and a young lady, Jillian, and their romance. Also, there is a storyline of suspense about missing /stolen Formula one designs and an MI-6 investigation. Several of the characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the plot is interwoven with subplots and stories related to Jillian's faith. Additionally, there are some not-too-surprising backstories and twists.

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

DEADLY BY DESIGN is a fun mix of romance, family, friendship, and suspense set mostly in England. Readers will fall in love with these characters and cheer them through to the climatic end! Recommended to LDS romantic suspense fans!

I had such high expectations going into this story after reading this author's companion book, Catherine's Intrigue, which I loved. I know what this author can do, and I was so happy that I loved these characters just as much as the characters in the first book. They definitely had plenty of chemistry and were great together, but they were also fantastic on their own. I loved the friendships and the family dynamics as well.

I also had some issues with this book. For some reason the dialogue was a bit jerky in places. It just didn't always flow like I felt it should. The scenes also didn't flow from one to the other all the time, so I felt like the transitions needed a bit more work. I also had issues with the situation (the way Jack's undercover work turns out) and pieces of the suspense. I felt like they needed to be a bit more realistic and complex. I wanted more development and for it to make more sense.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, I enjoyed reading this story. The story was fun with some intense moments, and the romance was swoon-worthy.

Content: Some violence pertinent to the story. Clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book led me on a suspenseful ride with nonstop action and swoony romance. Paige Edwards weaves a delicate balance between edge of your seat action and angsty romance where secrets threaten to destroy a fledgling relationship based on friendship and attraction. The setting is amazing and I loved the descriptions of Scotland and England. The characters are enjoyable and I especially loved how Thierry (a little girl in the story) was written.

Gillian is a sweet young woman who was forced to make some difficult decisions as a teenager. She’s anticipating graduating from design school and has a serious crush on her friend’s brother Jack. She wants to have a relationship with him if only he could see her as more than his little sister’s friend.

Jack is clueless when it comes to women. He often says the wrong thing and goes about things the wrong way, but he has a good heart and definitely wants to have a relationship with Gillian. He’s a famous race car engineer who discovers his patented design has been stolen. Working with MI6 to find out who the thief is, Jack is forced to assume an undercover identity that threatens his newly found romance with Gillian. Will he be able to find out who is threatening the company and all he cares about before it’s too late?

The mystery aspect is unique in that you know who the bad guy is early on. This doesn’t detract from the story, but adds to the suspense. The romance between Jack and Gillian definitely has those romantic moments but also those misunderstandings that adds some emotional tension. There are religious elements woven throughout the story and geared to an LDS audience, however I think any fans of Christian suspense would enjoy this.

The audiobook version was just okay for me. I wasn’t sold on the narrator at first, but he grew on me as the story progressed. I think the hardest thing for me was Jack is supposed to have a Southern accent and it seemed at times the narrator would slip in and out of it. Also, I wasn’t sure why Jack had a Southern accent but his siblings didn’t. All in all the narration was pretty good and I liked the way he expressed the characters’ emotions.

While this is the second book in the series, it definitely can be read as a stand alone. I accidentally listened to this book in the wrong order but felt like I really connected to the characters and enjoyed the story. If anything, it made me want to read the previous book in the series.

[Ellie Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Catherine's Intrigue, the first book in this series, and fell in love with Jack and Gillian in that, so naturally, I was so excited that Jack and his feisty girl, would be starring in their own book.

There was so much to love about Deadly by Design. Like the first book, you know who the bad guy is through out, but instead of killing the suspense, it built it. It was much like watching a film in that respect. The opening scene was amazing! I felt like I was there with Jack watching it unfold. So good.

And, of course, I loved the romance between him and Gillian. It was so adorable. And I loved Gillian's little side plot. It was sweet and poignant. This is just a great read, and I highly recommend it.

[Tracy Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, quick read. I didn't read Edward's debut novel,
Catherine's Intrigue, but that is no matter for this stand alone novel.

It was fun to follow the changing perspectives and cultures of the respective characters. The story moves at a good pace and keeps you wanting to read more. I enjoyed the characters and their development throughout the novel.

Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a good clean thriller romance!

[Sian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up for a wild ride through the English and Scottish countryside and into the world of corporate espionage. Filled with vivid description and engaging characters, Paige Edwards delivers a fast paced romantic suspense that will keep you furiously turning pages until you cross the finish line.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE books like this one! It combines romance with suspense. The author did such a great job with both.

This one picks up kind of where Catherine’s Intrigue left off. But it stands on it’s own. You don’t have to read that one first, but you might want to.

Gillian is Catherine’s best friend. She’s like Catherine’s brother Jack for a really long time, but thought he would never like her back. Gillian is such a character. She has secrets that she has hidden from Catherine for a really long time. I loved the way the reader knew the secrets, but everyone around her doesn’t. There are some really complicated things about her, but I don’t want to give anything away. So I’ll stop talking about her before I do.

Jack is an American. He lives in England and works as a race car designer. Jack ends up in the middle of a huge mess. His car design has somehow gotten to another race car company. He ends up sucked into MI6 with a contract. And things there don’t quite go how he’s expecting them too. Which causes heartache for both him and Gillian.

There were so many things that happened in this one that I didn’t expect to happen. I loved the way the plot was exciting and kept me interested through the whole book.

I really hope that we get to see more of these characters! And that some of them, Elise or Jack and Catherine’s brothers, maybe get their own stories.

I was sent an ecopy of Deadly by Design as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Paige Edwards! Just like her debut, "Catherine's Intrigue," this book was full of great suspense, page-turning adventure and clean romance. Be prepared to be transported with vivid descriptions to the English Cotswolds and Scottish hamlets and experience a bit of the fun cultural differences.

I loved the spunkiness of Gillian, as well as Jack's bewilderment when it came to women. They both felt real with unique talents and preferences. Although their romance picks up with great chemistry, events in both their lives come between to tear them apart.

I'm a huge spy nut, and so I loved the MI6 aspect to the story. There is also an adoption element, which was handled perfectly--and that's coming from someone whose life has been touched with adoption in more than one way.

You will not be disappointed with this read! I highly recommend it.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This fast-paced romantic suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and awake far past my bedtime. Jack is recruited by MI6 to uncover corporate espionage and not only does the situation test his new relationship with Gillian, but they find their very lives in danger. I love that the characters are multi-layered, solutions are not simple and easy, and that the characters make mistakes - makes them so relatable! The writing is crisp, the plot intense, and the romance is sweet and clean. Can't recommend this one enough!

I received a complimentary advanced copy but am voluntarily leaving a review of my own opinions.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Paige Edwards that I have read and I thought it was a great romantic suspense novel. I loved that I got an eduction in both race car terms and in British speech. I loved how she built the suspense so we weren’t sure what would happen next or who all was involved. I liked how she showed her main characters as imperfect people who had to overcome preconceived notions to be together. I thought she did a wonderful job and I would be interested in reading more by her.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Keri Loverofbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book! I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Paige's books thus far! This book was made even better for me because I had read Catherine's Intrigue. I loved learning more about Jack. As always, Paige engages the reader from the beginning. The relationship that builds between Gillian and Jack is wonderful, even with her little secret. I don't want to give anything away but this book is definitely worth the read.

[L.L. Standage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite page-turner! There's so much tension throughout. I loved the characters, especially Gillian. Fast-paced, emotional (literally, I laughed out loud and bawled my eyes out), exciting, swoony. I highly recommend! A great sequel to Catherine's Intrigue.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly by Design is a well-paced romantic suspense novel that will have you on the edge of your seat as you watch the mystery and romance unfold. This novel was such a fantastic read! I love that the author utilized multiple points of view to draw out her story. The reader actually knows early on who the master villain is, but the way in which the story unfolds, I found myself intrigued to see how he would be revealed to the main characters. It was like watching a movie so masterfully was the book written and the characters simply pulled you in. Jack is such a genuinely good guy. He has been "girl stupid" as the book puts it since letting a budding romance with Gillian Buchanan slip away the previous year. Gillian is his sister's best friend and as she pops in for Catherine's wedding preparations, Jack finally acts and starts up the romance he has been dreaming of. The only problem is timing isn't exactly on his side. Just prior to rekindling things with Gillian, Jack notices his Formula One design on another team's motorcar. Unable to place an asset within the company, MI6 recruits Jack to assist and he suddenly finds himself balancing his real girlfriend and an agent pretending to be his girlfriend. There was a great balance of romance and humor as poor Jack tried to do right by all parties, including his own heart. Not to mention his life is unknowingly in danger. I really enjoyed the secondary plot line with Gillian's secret and thought that was such a great unexpected turn in the story that added a lot of emotional depth.
Another great highlight in this novel was the authenticity the author brought to the characters’ culture and the areas in which the book takes place. I found myself learning fun Scottish terms and enjoying modern-day phrases that contrasted the British English and American English of the characters.
I really loved this book and definitely hope to read more by the author. Now I need the twins’ stories.

[Rachelle Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Deadly by Design" is a must read for any book lover of suspense, mystery, adventure, and clean romance. After finishing Paige Edward's debut novel "Catherine's Intrigue" I have been been so excited to read the companion novel, "Deadly by Design". It was wonderful to have Catherine and Nick pop in and out of the story and check in on how their lives are progressing, but if you haven't read their story yet "Deadly by Design" can be read as a stand alone. Within the first four pages I was completely hooked, it started off with an explosion, a death, and the start to a mystery. Even knowing who the bad guy was it didn't spoil the story. I read with anticipation to see how the story would play out and who else might be involved in the mystery. The romance between Jack and Gillian started in "Catherine's Intrigue" but because Jack was stuck in remedial dating 101 the romance didn't progress. I loved following the developing romance with the twists and misunderstandings that needed to be resolved. The book moved at the perfect pace, it developed the story-line while delving into each character's personality. I was introduced to new characters that I am now awaiting a book to be written about them. "Deadly by Design" doesn't disappoint, every book-lover needs a copy on their library shelf!

[Kristin Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of so many plot twists and turns. I was entertained from the beginning. It begins with a fiery car accident in which the driver dies. Jack Pressley-Coombes is the unlikely hero of this story. He has everything he could ever want: a dream job and a fancy England home, everything except a his own family. He regrets the missed opportunity at a relationship with Gillian a year earlier.

Gillian Buchanan is Catherine's (Jack's sister) best friend and a struggling design major. She lives in Scotland and goes to school there so she can live close to her extended family. When she gets an offer for a dream job in London she's excited at the chance to live closer to Jack, if only he would notice her.

From the car accident at the very beginning to the very end, this book keeps the reader engaged. I loved the different plot lines that all come together in the final pages. I came away from reading this book feeling that Paige Edwards didn't leave anything out.

I was given access to an advanced copy all opinions are my own. This novel also has a strong religious undertone specifically The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. What a super follow-up to Catherine's Intrigue! In fact I liked it even better! Great characters and character development, intrigue and non-stop turn of events, and beautiful settings, all put together marvelously. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good suspense story and Edwards did a fantastic job with this one! Immediately the action began on page one and didn’t let up until the very end. For me the mark of a good suspense means I am in suspense the majority of the time, and I was! I loved the characters from Jack to Gillian, all the way down to Elise and Thierry. The connection between Jack and Gillian was real and undeniable. Edwards succeeded in not only a great suspense novel but also a great romance and heart felt emotional story. There are so many layers to Deadly by Design and I enjoyed every moment of them! I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Emily Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was the perfect balance of mystery and romance. It was a fun escape when I think we all need one. I received a eARC and this is my review of Deadly By Design.

Poor Gillian needs a break. There is so much going on for this girl and she is trying to do it right. She has talent and a secret.

Jack stumbled across something he shouldn't have and now he is connected with MI6 and his life may be in danger.

These two come together in such an organic and fun way. These characters remained true to who they were even when things were not always as they seemed.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jack and Gillian's story. This story is part of a series even though it isn't listed as one. However, you can read this book as a stand alone. They make reference to the other book a little and those characters are in this book too, but I think you'd have no problem following the story without reading the other book. Jack is a wonderful character, even though he's clueless about women. Gillian is the perfect one for him. She knows this about him and still loves him. There are moments of suspense and peril as well as some wonderful heartfelt moments. I'm excited for more of this series.

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Edward’s style of writing. It’s like a story by your best friend. It’s relatable and you get wrapped up in it.

[Mashell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mystery, suspense, romance… it’s all there! This book was hard to put down and I enjoyed the storyline a LOT. I didn’t realize the amount of spiritual teachings that would be added though. I was only after a good story so the additional ‘church’ was too much for me and had me rolling my eyes a few times

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so glad that Jack and Gillian got their own story. So good!!! This is the second book in this series, but you could technically read them as stand alones. But I love getting all the background info I can and love starting at the very beginning. If you read the first book, Catherine's Intrigue, you'll see Jack and Gillian off and on. I loved the parts they played in Catherine's story.

Now they have their own struggles and mysteries to deal with. I loved the design aspects (a couple different types of designs that I'll let you read and figure out). The suspense was well written. I enjoy a good suspense story. One that keeps me waiting for reveals and twists and turns and has me guessing what's coming.

Paige Edwards has a fan in me!!! I've read the following book in this series, Danger on the Loch and absolutely loved it as well!!! Seriously, you can't go wrong with any of these three books.

Content: Clean. Suspense. Some death. Talk about a child born out of wedlock but nothing in detail. Some kisses but nothing more.

I listened to and read this one (my own personal copy). Loved the narrator!

Happy Reading!!!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Pressley-Coombes loves being an engineer for a Formula One racing company, what he doesn't plan on is, someone trying to steal his designs. Gillian Buchanan, is trying hard to finish her masters degree and has little to nothing to live on. Gillian also has a secret she is trying to hide. Jack is trying to hide the fact that he is spying on the company he works for and has signed a contract and can't let anyone know. Will both of their secrets, bring their relationship to a halt? At every turn life becomes more complicated. I loved this book so much!

[Sharon Hogenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't say exactly why I rated this book two stars. I do remember the basic plot but not the specifics. However, I remember enjoying it less that the first in this series (Catherine's Intrigue) and that one barely deserved 2.5 stars.

NOTE - in my personal rating system I'd give both books three stars indicating that there isn't anything wrong with them but are ones I don't want to read again. However, Goodreads doesn't "think" like I do.

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining romantic suspense novel. I don’t know too much about the racing world and this was a fun introduction. I especially love that you get both perspectives of our hero and the “bad guy”. It brought a fun twist to the story. The romance was sweet and I enjoyed that they had a knowledge of one another and not instant love.

[Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so this one I probably liked the least out of the whole series and it just happened to be the very last one I read. (Though I listened to it). It was still good! It just had a lot of tropes that stressed me out haha. But I love Jack. He had a super cool job. And I loved the Scottish brogue from one character. Lots of suspense and secrets galore.

SPOILERS and book notes:
Cool Jack works for a formula one racing car British company. He is an engineer for them. He sings horribly while in the shower and while he tinkers with cars. He restores old cars. They both already love each other. They had already met since Gillian is Catherine’s bff. Gillian has a secret baby!??!? Hmmm idk how I feel about that… they kissed and confessed their feelings at 10% of the book done!!! What else can happen!???? They counted freckles and kissed dimples!! I can just stop reading now I guess. The Elephant House is warm cheap and famous! Bc that is where jk Rowling wrote her first book!! I have been there!!! That is Gillian’s favorite place to eat! Ugh she is so prideful and stubborn. HE DIDNT KNOW. Gosh dang it forgive him. Long distance relationship. She lives in Edinburg Scotland and he lives in London. Ooo mI6 is asking Jack to spy on his coworkers to find out who sabotaged the racing car that crashed. Ok so he has to pretend a mI6 chick is his gfriend…. Oh so Gillian and him get to have Tyrian now. They are allll one happy family. Bc she is the real teenage mom of her. Sooooo many secrets in this book. Ugh that is what killed me the most. They both knew they loved each other the whole freaking book but there were just so many secrets and misunderstandings!!!

[Alysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book I couldn’t put down. Normally, when there are some slow parts I read the last page of the book to see if I’m going to like the ending and if it’s worth it to keep reading, but I didn’t do that with this book. The characters are flawed beings, the tension is gripping, and the romance is threaded throughout the story. There is a book that comes before this one, Catherine’s Intrigue, and although it is helpful to know the characters it’s not necessary to read that book first. I highly recommend this book and anything by Paige Edwards, both books I’ve read have been stellar.

Jack Pressley-Coombes is a Formula One Engineer based in Britain, at a race he witnesses a crash on the track and see’s that his design is on a competitor’s car. Because he is the upstanding person he is, he reports what he saw to his boss and get’s involved with sussing out the spy after the owner introduces him to MI-5. It’s terrible timing as he and his sister’s best friend, Gillian, have just started dating. But, Gillian also has secrets she is keeping from Jack. Will those secrets drive them apart or bring them together?