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Heroes Rising #1
Desperate Deception
She’d only be safe if she got away…
Lainie Taggert needed to break away from her abusive relationship before it killed her, but Sonny Fitzgerald had all the keys to controlling her. Until she landed in the hospital with bruises and broken bones. And her friend, Drea Halstead, convinced her they had to spirit her away.
His life was in limbo…
Zane Halstead was rootless after three tours with the SEALs, medically discharged and not sure what to do with himself. When Sheriff Alex Rossi in Montana reached out to him with an offer to join his staff, he thought, what the hell? A house came with it along with two horses he could work with. But then his sister pleaded with him to take a battered woman with him and keep her safe. How could he say no?
But the best laid plans and all that…
They never expected to fall for each other, Zane with his determination to stay single and Lainie with her nightmares and a vicious bully after her. And a rich one at that. But chemistry and emotions have their own plans, and when Zane gets word Lainie’s ex is on her trail, he realizes he’ll do anything to keep her safe…and for himself. With the help of Sheriff Alex Rossi, he is ready to take on the enemy for his woman.
Lainie Taggert needed to break away from her abusive relationship before it killed her, but Sonny Fitzgerald had all the keys to controlling her. Until she landed in the hospital with bruises and broken bones. And her friend, Drea Halstead, convinced her they had to spirit her away.
His life was in limbo…
Zane Halstead was rootless after three tours with the SEALs, medically discharged and not sure what to do with himself. When Sheriff Alex Rossi in Montana reached out to him with an offer to join his staff, he thought, what the hell? A house came with it along with two horses he could work with. But then his sister pleaded with him to take a battered woman with him and keep her safe. How could he say no?
But the best laid plans and all that…
They never expected to fall for each other, Zane with his determination to stay single and Lainie with her nightmares and a vicious bully after her. And a rich one at that. But chemistry and emotions have their own plans, and when Zane gets word Lainie’s ex is on her trail, he realizes he’ll do anything to keep her safe…and for himself. With the help of Sheriff Alex Rossi, he is ready to take on the enemy for his woman.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2019
334 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Desiree Holt
321 books1,276 followersA multi-published, award winning, Amazon and USA Today best-selling author, Desiree Holt has produced more than 200 titles and won many awards. She has received an EPIC E-Book Award, the Holt Medallion and many others including Author After Dark’s Author of the Year. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The London Daily Mail. She lives in Florida with her cats who insist they help her write her books, and is addicted to football.
“Get out the ice water and fan…Desiree Holt delivers smoking hot alpha heroes and red hot romances.” Lea Franczak, USA Today Happy Ever After blog
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“Get out the ice water and fan…Desiree Holt delivers smoking hot alpha heroes and red hot romances.” Lea Franczak, USA Today Happy Ever After blog
Learn more about me and read my novels here:
www.desireeholt.com
www.desiremeonly.com
www.facebook.com/desireeholtauthor
www.facebook.com/desireeholt
Twitter @desireeholt
Pinterest: desiree02holt
Google: www.desiree02holt
LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/desiree01holt
To stay in touch sign up for my newsletter here:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 26, 2019
She needs to break away from her abusive relationship before it killed her, but Sonny Fitzgerald had all the keys to controlling Lainie Taggert until she landed in the hospital with bruises and broken bones and her friend convinces her they had to spirit her away. Zane Halstead was rootless after three tours with the SEALs, medically discharged and not sure what to do with himself. Now he’s headed to Montana with a battered woman in tow hoping to keep her alive and make changes to life at the same time. They never expected to fall for each other, but chemistry and emotions have their own plans.
A suspenseful and engaging romantic suspense that grabs readers’ attention right from the start and keeps them glued to the pages until the very end. The chemistry and attraction between Lainie and Zane is undeniable and quite powerful as they struggle with the growing feelings and their respective issues. The heroine suffers from nightmares and has a vicious bull after her while Zane is determined to stay single which has lots of emotional turmoil flowing from the pages.
The plot is fast paced and full of thrilling suspense and adrenaline pumping excitement as Zane drives across the across to a new start while trying to keep the injured Lainie safe and comfortable, not only physically but emotionally as well. The author brings her story to life with vivid imagery and makes her hero ‘lifelike’ and ‘real’ making it easy for readers to fall for sexy military man and making hearts pound with desire for their own hero in this exciting and passionate romance.
A suspenseful and engaging romantic suspense that grabs readers’ attention right from the start and keeps them glued to the pages until the very end. The chemistry and attraction between Lainie and Zane is undeniable and quite powerful as they struggle with the growing feelings and their respective issues. The heroine suffers from nightmares and has a vicious bull after her while Zane is determined to stay single which has lots of emotional turmoil flowing from the pages.
The plot is fast paced and full of thrilling suspense and adrenaline pumping excitement as Zane drives across the across to a new start while trying to keep the injured Lainie safe and comfortable, not only physically but emotionally as well. The author brings her story to life with vivid imagery and makes her hero ‘lifelike’ and ‘real’ making it easy for readers to fall for sexy military man and making hearts pound with desire for their own hero in this exciting and passionate romance.
November 27, 2019
I know you hear this from me often, but reviewing romantic suspense and/or mystery books always leaves me floundering. I have SO MUCH I want to share, but in a fabulous story like Desperate Deception, revealing certain things can spoiler some absolutely delicious twists that you really need to experience for yourself.
Let's start with a quick intro into our female lead, Lainie. This lady is one tough cookie and basically defines the word "survivor." She's in a relationship that may kill her. Sonny is extremely wealthy, extremely powerful, and extremely influential. Not to mention extremely abusive. When another one of his rages lands her in the hospital a-frickin-gain, Lainie runs into an old friend. One that Sonny had cut her off from. And Drea knows after one look at Lainie that her friend needs her help. That help comes in the sexy shape of her brother, Zane.
And please let us all rise to welcome the entrance of our studly hero because, folks, I am all about Zane. He has all the markings of the kind of man I adore. He is a broken boy (somewhat literally) who has been discharged from his position as a Navy SEAL (yup, I was swoooooooning imagining all of this hotness wrapped up in a uniform) and has now traded in life saving missions for a badge in a sleepy Montana town.
But the hero in him rises up following a frantic call from his sister begging him to save her friend.
Okay now here is where I need to pause for one moment. This is something I need to highlight because I really appreciated the care Zane took with Lainie. He recognized her pain physically, mentally, and emotionally, as she recovered from the trauma Sonny inflicted upon her and he took extra special care when advancing their intimate relationship. That absolutely touched my heart and was so well done. Now you can see why I am 100% #TeamZane... amirite?
And the thing is, as I mentioned above, Zane is broken in his own way. Battling the demons that came attached with his time as a SEAL. I love how they balance each other and manage to offer a modicum of healing for the other.
Before I end, I'd like to simply say, Sonny is evil. There literally aren't words to describe how much I hated this man through my entire read of Desperate Deception. I am fairly certain I ground away about five layers of enamel from my teeth just reading the man's name throughout the book.
If you love romantic suspense with a strong looming threat of danger that never lets you rest, Desperate Deception is the book you need in your life and the perfect distraction from the holiday stress and family drama weighing you down at this time of year.
Let's start with a quick intro into our female lead, Lainie. This lady is one tough cookie and basically defines the word "survivor." She's in a relationship that may kill her. Sonny is extremely wealthy, extremely powerful, and extremely influential. Not to mention extremely abusive. When another one of his rages lands her in the hospital a-frickin-gain, Lainie runs into an old friend. One that Sonny had cut her off from. And Drea knows after one look at Lainie that her friend needs her help. That help comes in the sexy shape of her brother, Zane.
And please let us all rise to welcome the entrance of our studly hero because, folks, I am all about Zane. He has all the markings of the kind of man I adore. He is a broken boy (somewhat literally) who has been discharged from his position as a Navy SEAL (yup, I was swoooooooning imagining all of this hotness wrapped up in a uniform) and has now traded in life saving missions for a badge in a sleepy Montana town.
But the hero in him rises up following a frantic call from his sister begging him to save her friend.
Okay now here is where I need to pause for one moment. This is something I need to highlight because I really appreciated the care Zane took with Lainie. He recognized her pain physically, mentally, and emotionally, as she recovered from the trauma Sonny inflicted upon her and he took extra special care when advancing their intimate relationship. That absolutely touched my heart and was so well done. Now you can see why I am 100% #TeamZane... amirite?
And the thing is, as I mentioned above, Zane is broken in his own way. Battling the demons that came attached with his time as a SEAL. I love how they balance each other and manage to offer a modicum of healing for the other.
Before I end, I'd like to simply say, Sonny is evil. There literally aren't words to describe how much I hated this man through my entire read of Desperate Deception. I am fairly certain I ground away about five layers of enamel from my teeth just reading the man's name throughout the book.
If you love romantic suspense with a strong looming threat of danger that never lets you rest, Desperate Deception is the book you need in your life and the perfect distraction from the holiday stress and family drama weighing you down at this time of year.
October 8, 2019
Lainie has finally taken the step to leave her abusive fiance. She has taken one beating too many and now she has managed to get to the ER without any of his cromies in the vicinity. A lucky meeting with an old friend, who had been cut out of her life by Sonny the Sleazebag, and Lainie has an ad hoc road trip to a possible new start in Montana. Oh, and an ex Neavy SEAL as a bodyguard!
When Drea asked Zane to care for her friend, he didn't expect the feel so connected to her immedately. Sure he expected to be protective, angry about the injuries she had, but not the instant spark of attraction. The woman in rocking a body covered in bruises, he should not be looking at her like he's a horny teenager!
He has the chance of a new career in law enforcement with a fellow ex SEAL and newly minted Sheriff. If he can just convince Lainie that now all men are scum and that he tuly does care for her.
Lainie may think she is coward and a horrible judge of men, but she finally takes a gamble on Zane and finds herself a rough diamond. He will help her, calm her, assist her - all without passing judgement on Sonny the Sleaze. Well, except to say that he wants to kill him for what he did to her! Zane and Lainie both have injuries, mental and physical, and they are just what each other need to recuperate.
Hoping that we see more of Drea at some point!
When Drea asked Zane to care for her friend, he didn't expect the feel so connected to her immedately. Sure he expected to be protective, angry about the injuries she had, but not the instant spark of attraction. The woman in rocking a body covered in bruises, he should not be looking at her like he's a horny teenager!
He has the chance of a new career in law enforcement with a fellow ex SEAL and newly minted Sheriff. If he can just convince Lainie that now all men are scum and that he tuly does care for her.
Lainie may think she is coward and a horrible judge of men, but she finally takes a gamble on Zane and finds herself a rough diamond. He will help her, calm her, assist her - all without passing judgement on Sonny the Sleaze. Well, except to say that he wants to kill him for what he did to her! Zane and Lainie both have injuries, mental and physical, and they are just what each other need to recuperate.
Hoping that we see more of Drea at some point!
October 8, 2019
This was an interesting story. I loved Zane, a damaged hero trying to find his place and still jumping into action when someone needs him. He is not perfect and that's make him even a better character. Lainie is a courageous character, she got damaged emotionnally as well as physically but she isn't giving up on the contrary she still want to try to protect others with her silence.
The rythm was a bit fast....yes vilains have lot of money and big means to get their way but i kind of would have prefered if it took longer considering the romance part of the story. There are steamy scenes for sure, well written but somehow i felt it was too soon after what Lainie lived, survived.
I also would have loved if we saw more of the bad guys get what they deserved.
a good fast and steamy romance suspense that can be read as stand alone without knowledge of the rest of the series.
The rythm was a bit fast....yes vilains have lot of money and big means to get their way but i kind of would have prefered if it took longer considering the romance part of the story. There are steamy scenes for sure, well written but somehow i felt it was too soon after what Lainie lived, survived.
I also would have loved if we saw more of the bad guys get what they deserved.
a good fast and steamy romance suspense that can be read as stand alone without knowledge of the rest of the series.
October 8, 2019
My heart is still racing from the ending! This is another welcome return to the Brotherhood Protectors world, and a great meet-up with Micki and Sheriff Alex Rossi. But this book is about courage ... And this time it's Lainie who's helped to escape vile abuse, and she's helped by her friend's brother, himself injured and hurting. Zane is the kind of character readers dream of - gentle, honorable, and tough as steel. I didn't see the twist at the end coming, I feel in need of a drink after it, and I recommend this book with all my heart.
October 12, 2019
Not great
I just didn't get into it. It was anticlimactic and I couldn't connect with the characters. I've read others by Desiree that were better.
I just didn't get into it. It was anticlimactic and I couldn't connect with the characters. I've read others by Desiree that were better.
April 13, 2023
Dnf. I’m over halfway through, and nothing is happening.
I’m really sorry but this book is boring. It started off really well, but nothing is happening. The plot at times is really bad, and doesn’t make sense, and there’s a lot of spelling mistakes.
When Lainie’s boyfriend beats her so badly that she ends up in hospital, her friend who is a nurse, helps her to escape. Her friends brother Zane is an ex navy seal, who was badly injured in the navy, and is going to work with Alex the sheriff. The plot gets a bit silly at this point. They dress Lainie in scrubs so she’ll look like she works there. She’s got a badly swollen eye, so swollen that she can’t open it, a dislocated shoulder that’s in a sling, she can barely stand up, never mind about walking, and they pretend that she’s a nurse??? 😂😂😂😂😂 Oh so funny.
Zane and Lainie spend five days driving, and in that time Lainie is constantly thinking; Zane must be looking at me and thinking I’m a sad loser. And when I say constantly, she’s stuck on flaming repeat!!! Of course they start to develop feelings for each other as they’re in such close proximity for five days.
I’m over halfway through and her ex is still trying to find her, and find out who is helping her. Lainie is still thinking Zane must think she’s weak, and a loser. It’s just boring. Oh and one more thing. Lainie is so badly beaten that she can barely stand or walk, but she can sit in a car for five days. 🤔 I think not!
I’m really sorry but this book is boring. It started off really well, but nothing is happening. The plot at times is really bad, and doesn’t make sense, and there’s a lot of spelling mistakes.
When Lainie’s boyfriend beats her so badly that she ends up in hospital, her friend who is a nurse, helps her to escape. Her friends brother Zane is an ex navy seal, who was badly injured in the navy, and is going to work with Alex the sheriff. The plot gets a bit silly at this point. They dress Lainie in scrubs so she’ll look like she works there. She’s got a badly swollen eye, so swollen that she can’t open it, a dislocated shoulder that’s in a sling, she can barely stand up, never mind about walking, and they pretend that she’s a nurse??? 😂😂😂😂😂 Oh so funny.
Zane and Lainie spend five days driving, and in that time Lainie is constantly thinking; Zane must be looking at me and thinking I’m a sad loser. And when I say constantly, she’s stuck on flaming repeat!!! Of course they start to develop feelings for each other as they’re in such close proximity for five days.
I’m over halfway through and her ex is still trying to find her, and find out who is helping her. Lainie is still thinking Zane must think she’s weak, and a loser. It’s just boring. Oh and one more thing. Lainie is so badly beaten that she can barely stand or walk, but she can sit in a car for five days. 🤔 I think not!
November 26, 2020
It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up!
I love this book, seeing both Lainie and Zane heal and grow together, both are emotionally and physically damaged but they sense a bond with each other, that allows them to trust and heal.
That doesn't mean they relax and their defenses are down, they know Sonny will never give up looking but they also need to battle him on their term, not his! Montana is the place for that battle, where they have the backing of Alex Rossi and the Brotherhood Protectors. I haven't read Alex and Micki's book but I will be reading it after reading this one, which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
I love this book, seeing both Lainie and Zane heal and grow together, both are emotionally and physically damaged but they sense a bond with each other, that allows them to trust and heal.
That doesn't mean they relax and their defenses are down, they know Sonny will never give up looking but they also need to battle him on their term, not his! Montana is the place for that battle, where they have the backing of Alex Rossi and the Brotherhood Protectors. I haven't read Alex and Micki's book but I will be reading it after reading this one, which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
June 24, 2021
This is Lainie and Zanes love story. She's running for her life from a boyfriend that has beaten her numerous times, his sister is her friend and knows her brother a Navy SEAL medically released because of injuries is leaving the state and talks him into taking her with him.
I would recommend this book for mature readers only (sexual content) that enjoy stories that are a combination of being funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic. Once you start reading you won't be able to stop.
I would recommend this book for mature readers only (sexual content) that enjoy stories that are a combination of being funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic. Once you start reading you won't be able to stop.
May 15, 2022
I loved the story and how Lainie and Zack's story developed.
She was on the run from an abusive a-hole and he's putting his life back together after an injury that caused an honorable discharge from the SEALs.
They built their lives back together and eliminated some arrogant scum and there are people who helped them along the way.
There were scenes fraught with sexual tension until finally they were both ready to act on it. They made love in a tender and passionate way and I like how it was written.
The suspense was always there but the novel has a guaranteed HEA.
She was on the run from an abusive a-hole and he's putting his life back together after an injury that caused an honorable discharge from the SEALs.
They built their lives back together and eliminated some arrogant scum and there are people who helped them along the way.
There were scenes fraught with sexual tension until finally they were both ready to act on it. They made love in a tender and passionate way and I like how it was written.
The suspense was always there but the novel has a guaranteed HEA.
January 15, 2021
3.5 Stars I loved the words of wisdom quotes that introduced each chapter.
The basic storyline is common theme for the romantic suspense genre- former Navy Seal plays hero to a damsel in distress. Zane isn’t a typical alpha male, as he is in as much distress as Lainie. They are two battered souls thrown together and somehow heal each other.
The cover illustration is all wrong for this book, which for some reason bugged me. It doesn’t portray this soulful couple correctly.
The basic storyline is common theme for the romantic suspense genre- former Navy Seal plays hero to a damsel in distress. Zane isn’t a typical alpha male, as he is in as much distress as Lainie. They are two battered souls thrown together and somehow heal each other.
The cover illustration is all wrong for this book, which for some reason bugged me. It doesn’t portray this soulful couple correctly.
July 16, 2021
Lainie is in the emergency room again. This is the fourth time this year but this time is different. She got herself here this time.
Zane was injured and is now medically discharged from the Seals. He has received a request from Alex Rossi to come to Montana.
Right as Zane was heading out, he receives a call from his sister. He is now taking an abused woman with him.
Will her ex find her? Will her and Zane finally be able to move on from the lives they have been living?
Zane was injured and is now medically discharged from the Seals. He has received a request from Alex Rossi to come to Montana.
Right as Zane was heading out, he receives a call from his sister. He is now taking an abused woman with him.
Will her ex find her? Will her and Zane finally be able to move on from the lives they have been living?
July 20, 2021
Exciting to read
Great story: beautiful, abused woman rescued from her abuser, but the rest of the story is not the usual trope. Interesting dialogue, good friends, and unsettling situations, oh, my! Don't forget the chemistry between the characters and the romance that develops from their situation. Good read!
Great story: beautiful, abused woman rescued from her abuser, but the rest of the story is not the usual trope. Interesting dialogue, good friends, and unsettling situations, oh, my! Don't forget the chemistry between the characters and the romance that develops from their situation. Good read!
July 24, 2021
Desperate
Truly enjoyed reading this book. It’s amazing how so many men think about abusing women like it their right and women are property and human beings. Glad to read about VICTORY for the victim this time. Lainie & Zane were able to help each other healed from trauma. Love the ending especially the engagement & their future.
Truly enjoyed reading this book. It’s amazing how so many men think about abusing women like it their right and women are property and human beings. Glad to read about VICTORY for the victim this time. Lainie & Zane were able to help each other healed from trauma. Love the ending especially the engagement & their future.
January 29, 2022
Loved the romance and heat in this story!
I love stories that have me turning pages and this one certainly did. Being from Montana I love reading stories set in my home state. Loved the slow burn with Zane and Lainie, and can't wait to read more stories in the Brotherhood Protectors World.
I love stories that have me turning pages and this one certainly did. Being from Montana I love reading stories set in my home state. Loved the slow burn with Zane and Lainie, and can't wait to read more stories in the Brotherhood Protectors World.
February 22, 2021
Another winner from Desiree Holt; I always look forward to her books. I loved seeing Alex and Micki from a previous book. would have liked to have his sister Drwa mentioned in the epilog; anyhow great read.
March 2, 2022
Recovered Deal's funding useful places in Society
Great plot with a lot of education about what injured SEAL'S options are. So glad there are law positions and work similar to what they are used to when they recover from their injuries. !
Great plot with a lot of education about what injured SEAL'S options are. So glad there are law positions and work similar to what they are used to when they recover from their injuries. !
May 7, 2022
This had a most amazing "meet-cute" though it wasn't exactly "cute." This dealt with a disturbing subject matter that was handled with respect. Well done. I loved the resolution! Too bad it can't happen that way more often in the real world.
January 4, 2021
Love this series so far.
July 19, 2021
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
August 20, 2021
Review of Desperate Deception
I absolutely loved this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is an amazing writer.
I absolutely loved this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is an amazing writer.
May 7, 2022
loved
I loved this book by Desiree Holt. I also loved the characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of Desiree’s books.
I loved this book by Desiree Holt. I also loved the characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of Desiree’s books.
October 20, 2019
This is the first novel that I have read from this author. I found her when she popped up on another author's page that I follow on Facebook. I have read Elle James' Brotherhood Protector series and I thought this story sounded intriguing.
Zane Halstead is at loose ends. He is a former SEAL who was discharged from the teams when injuries proved to be too much for him to return. He received and email from another former SEAL asking him to come to Montana to see about a job as a deputy sheriff. He is unsure but he is willing to check it out and then he gets an emergency call from his sister Drea. Things are about to change dramatically as fate steps in.
Lainie Taggert needs to escape from evil. Lainie's ex is a rich and powerful attorney used to getting what he wants. Lainie wouldn't become what he wanted her to be and after four trips to the ER in one year this one would be her last. Drea is her old friend at least she was before Lainie's ex cut her off from Drea. She happens to be at the hospital that Lainie stumbles into and she knows she has to help. She calls her brother because she knows he can protect her and he cannot refuse to help someone in trouble, he is a SEAL after all.
The story is action packed and Lainie's ex is pure evil. He pulls out all the stops to find her but she has left no trace. If you hire the best though, there is always a trace or a thread to be pulled. When he finds her he plans to bring her back to Hell.
There really isn't much mention of The Brotherhood Protectors and they are not involved in the story in any way. I was a little surprised by this only because I thought there would be more interaction with the characters from Elle James' series.
The chemistry between Lainie and Zane is hot and he is very careful with her because of where she is mentally and physically. He doesn't want to scare her off and she has been through hell. She is one tough lady even though she feels like a fool for being taken in by her ex. She is beaten down both physically and mentally but then so is Zane. He has his own demons to deal with due to the injuries he suffered as a SEAL. He has pretty much become a loner trying to find his bearings again. The two of them heal each other in a way that is slow, steady and sweet.
I loved the quotes that Ms. Holt used before every chapter, they were poignant and fit in perfectly with each chapter. I want to know more about the secondary characters in this story, Alex and his wife Micki. I would suggest reading "Unmasking Evil" first only because part of their story is mentioned in this one. I will say that not reading their story first was not a problem, it didn't confuse this story for me as sometimes happens with other stories like this. I will be reading more from this author in the future.
Zane Halstead is at loose ends. He is a former SEAL who was discharged from the teams when injuries proved to be too much for him to return. He received and email from another former SEAL asking him to come to Montana to see about a job as a deputy sheriff. He is unsure but he is willing to check it out and then he gets an emergency call from his sister Drea. Things are about to change dramatically as fate steps in.
Lainie Taggert needs to escape from evil. Lainie's ex is a rich and powerful attorney used to getting what he wants. Lainie wouldn't become what he wanted her to be and after four trips to the ER in one year this one would be her last. Drea is her old friend at least she was before Lainie's ex cut her off from Drea. She happens to be at the hospital that Lainie stumbles into and she knows she has to help. She calls her brother because she knows he can protect her and he cannot refuse to help someone in trouble, he is a SEAL after all.
The story is action packed and Lainie's ex is pure evil. He pulls out all the stops to find her but she has left no trace. If you hire the best though, there is always a trace or a thread to be pulled. When he finds her he plans to bring her back to Hell.
There really isn't much mention of The Brotherhood Protectors and they are not involved in the story in any way. I was a little surprised by this only because I thought there would be more interaction with the characters from Elle James' series.
The chemistry between Lainie and Zane is hot and he is very careful with her because of where she is mentally and physically. He doesn't want to scare her off and she has been through hell. She is one tough lady even though she feels like a fool for being taken in by her ex. She is beaten down both physically and mentally but then so is Zane. He has his own demons to deal with due to the injuries he suffered as a SEAL. He has pretty much become a loner trying to find his bearings again. The two of them heal each other in a way that is slow, steady and sweet.
I loved the quotes that Ms. Holt used before every chapter, they were poignant and fit in perfectly with each chapter. I want to know more about the secondary characters in this story, Alex and his wife Micki. I would suggest reading "Unmasking Evil" first only because part of their story is mentioned in this one. I will say that not reading their story first was not a problem, it didn't confuse this story for me as sometimes happens with other stories like this. I will be reading more from this author in the future.
March 17, 2020
Such a great book, characters are well written. I didn't want it to end
June 22, 2021
Desperate Deception is by Desiree Holt. This book is wonderful as are all Desiree Holt’s books. This one deals with physical abuse and the fact that few people are around who care and will do something about it.
Lainie Taggert was on the run. Her fiancé, Scott Fitzgerald, had beaten her for the last time. She fully intended to get away from him somehow before he found her in the hospital. The only good thing about being in the hospital this time was she was reunited with her friend, Drea Halstead. When Lainie told Drea she wanted to get away, Drea took it upon herself to help her. Drea’s brother Zane was an ex-SEAL and she knew he would help her. She knew he was leaving Tampa for a new job but not where he was going. He agreed to take Lainie with him and help her.
Zane Halstead was recovering from the wound he received which caused him to be out of the military. He would always limp and he had no idea what he wanted to do. Another SEAL got his name and invited him to Montana to consider a deputy’s job. Zane thought he would just go learn about the place and then make up his mind. It was the day he was leaving that Drea asked him to take Lainie with him.
He was programmed to always help the downtrodden women or children and he knew that he would protect Lainie to the last. Could he keep her from Scott and keep her alive?
Lainie Taggert was on the run. Her fiancé, Scott Fitzgerald, had beaten her for the last time. She fully intended to get away from him somehow before he found her in the hospital. The only good thing about being in the hospital this time was she was reunited with her friend, Drea Halstead. When Lainie told Drea she wanted to get away, Drea took it upon herself to help her. Drea’s brother Zane was an ex-SEAL and she knew he would help her. She knew he was leaving Tampa for a new job but not where he was going. He agreed to take Lainie with him and help her.
Zane Halstead was recovering from the wound he received which caused him to be out of the military. He would always limp and he had no idea what he wanted to do. Another SEAL got his name and invited him to Montana to consider a deputy’s job. Zane thought he would just go learn about the place and then make up his mind. It was the day he was leaving that Drea asked him to take Lainie with him.
He was programmed to always help the downtrodden women or children and he knew that he would protect Lainie to the last. Could he keep her from Scott and keep her alive?
January 31, 2020
Life Savers!
Desperate Deception: Loved this story! Great suspense and surprises. Fantastic writing. Loved all the characters. I liked how Zane and Laine were through an together. They what they both needed. Great job!
Desperate Deception: Loved this story! Great suspense and surprises. Fantastic writing. Loved all the characters. I liked how Zane and Laine were through an together. They what they both needed. Great job!
November 4, 2019
When LainieTaggert heard her name being called at first she was afraid that Sonny was going to finish the job.But then she recognized the voice it was her old friend Drea Halstead. Dre a told her to wake up then she said youve got to get away from him hes going to kill you.BulImia didn;t know where she could go. Then Drea said let me make a call them can you walk enough to get out of here.?Lainie said that shes gonna do whatever she needed but that there was no where to go.Then Drea said that her brother was a Navy Seal until he was injured in his last mission so now hes leaving to get a job in Montana an he could keep her safe.Zane wasnt sure what he was getting his self into but he was a protector but he felt worthless after he was injured an had to leave the Seals so maybe this is what he needs something to make his life worthwhile.There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and you can feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see whats next by this multi talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2019
Desperate Deception is a fantastic romantic suspense by Desiree Holt. Ms. Holt has once more delivered a well-written book populated with outstanding characters that readers won't be able to put down. Lainie is beaten and abused by her fiance and lands in the hospital for the fourth time in a year. Her best friend slips her out of the hospital and sends her off to Montana with her ex-SEAL brother, Zane. Zane is recovering from his wounds from his last mission with his SEAL team and is on his way to Montana when his sister asks him to take her friend and keep her safe. Zane and Lainie's story is packed with drama, humor, steamy sex, action and suspense. I loved this book from cover to cover and can't wait to read my next book by Desiree Holt. Desperate Deception: Brotherhood Protectors World is book 1 of the Heroes Rising Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
November 5, 2019
Another brilliant book in the Brotherhood Protector world and also the start of a new series by this very talneted author
Lainie Taggert knows that she is an abusive relationship but she can't break away from Sonny Fitzgerald he totally controls her that is until the latest incident places her in hospital and her best friend Drea Halstead convinces her she needs to escape and she has the perfect way for her to do it. Drea's brother Zane Halstead is totally adrift after he is medically discharged from the Seals and he doesn't know what he will do with his life until he is offered a job by Sheriff Alex Rossi to work with him in Montana and now his sister has convinced him to take a battered woman along with him. What he didn't expect was the connection that formed between him and Lainie as they travelled together. When Sonny follows her to Montana to claim he back it will be up to Zane and Alex to keep her safe and in doing so give them a chance at a life together.
Lainie Taggert knows that she is an abusive relationship but she can't break away from Sonny Fitzgerald he totally controls her that is until the latest incident places her in hospital and her best friend Drea Halstead convinces her she needs to escape and she has the perfect way for her to do it. Drea's brother Zane Halstead is totally adrift after he is medically discharged from the Seals and he doesn't know what he will do with his life until he is offered a job by Sheriff Alex Rossi to work with him in Montana and now his sister has convinced him to take a battered woman along with him. What he didn't expect was the connection that formed between him and Lainie as they travelled together. When Sonny follows her to Montana to claim he back it will be up to Zane and Alex to keep her safe and in doing so give them a chance at a life together.
January 23, 2020
Emotional and fascinating!
This book is steamy and amazing and will push your boundaries and leave you breathless!
I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing, and the ability that the author had to tell me a story - all of it had me wanting this book to go on and on.
The chemistry between the H and h is great plus their attitudes and events going on make the story even richer.
I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
This book is steamy and amazing and will push your boundaries and leave you breathless!
I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing, and the ability that the author had to tell me a story - all of it had me wanting this book to go on and on.
The chemistry between the H and h is great plus their attitudes and events going on make the story even richer.
I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
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