He didn't just break her heart, he broke her soul.
When a bomb exploded at her college, Caitlyn Carlson's life changed in an instant. Ten years later, she's no longer a vulnerable, trusting girl, but a tough, ruthless, FBI agent. But her hard exterior covers a deep, aching hole in her heart.
Quinn Kelly has changed his life, too, trying to make up for the horrific mistakes of his youth. But some mistakes can't be outrun or forgiven. Some feelings don't stay buried, no matter how hard you try.
An explosion at a local university takes them back to the past, to the one place they never wanted to go again…and to each other. They barely survived loving each other the first time around. The secrets and lies almost killed them. Will this be their second chance, or will this be the end of everything?
Barbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
I'm such a huge fan of this series and I don't want it to end. The 9th installment did not disappoint.
Caitlyn is an FBI agent who is haunted by the memory of a bomb blast that took her unborn child. She has been trying to find the terrorist for 10 years. Another bomb goes off at the same building and it feels too familiar. She requests to be assigned to the case as she believes she may input that can help the case. She arrives on the scene and all of those old memories start to surface. She soon recognizes a familiar face and is in pursuit to confirm her suspicions. She catches up to another memory from her past, her old love, Quinn. She never thought she would see him again as she used her resources to locate him and found nothing, but he has reappeared under an alias. She feels anger, confusion and other feelings she can't quite understand. Quinn disappeared after the first bombing and she always believed there was a secret. Quinn thought he would never see Caitlyn again. He was forced to leave her 10 years ago, but she doesn't know why, and he does have a secret.........a big one. Caitlyn needs Quinn's help as he knows the potential suspects. They believe that not only are the two bombings are tied together, but something bigger is coming. They rush to uncover clues and will discover some difficult and unexpected truths. The time together is also breaking down walls that were cemented around their hearts for years. Can the two trust one another again?
What I love about a Barbara Freethy suspense novel is that you are propelled into the storyline by the first chapter and then it is full speed ahead after that. You just don't want to put down the book because the stories are addictive. I'm so glad that more is on its way for this series.
Just finished this gem by Barbara Freethy...I can honestly say it was one of the best books I have read this year.
This author is a genius at creating authentic characters, characters that you root for, you believe in and what th to overcome whatever is thrown in their way, and boy did Freethy put a whole load of obstacles in their way!
Caitlyn was a phenomenal women, strong minded, determined but also vulnerable, stubborn and unable to let go off the past. She’s haunted by what has happened and has made it her life’s mission to see those responsible pay
Quinn has turned his back on his past, but when a bombing brings him and Caitlyn back together, he has to grapple with what his role was in the tragic events ( I really don’t want to give anything away) Quinn was a fantastic match for Caitlyn, he allowed her to take the lead, to protect him and was secure in himself that he didn’t feel the need to be the hero.
The action was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat! Barbara freethy is an amazing writer who captures the readers attention from the very first sentence, so much so, I read this book in one sitting.
Standing in the shadows of love, you can't help but feel the heartache to come. Daring Deception paints a thrilling picture of a dangerous love story. Quinn and Caitlyn pull emotions into a maze that is powerful, intriguing and neverending. With Freethy there is always a twist to tie emotions up in knots and leave readers feeling breathless.
Freethy’s 9th book in her Off the Grid FBI Series is a second chance love story intertwined with an action-packed FBI chase to find the person(s) responsible for bombings at Bolton College (the second such bombing in 10 years). Are they related? Quite possibly.
If you’re a fan of page-turning drama and intrigue, romance meshed with the chilling thrill of suspense, then your interest should be piqued by the twists and turns offered here.
I felt there was an over abundance of repetitive material and dialogue going back and forth. It got a little monotonous and I skimmed more than I like to admit.
I’ve not read the entire series – just the ones where the blurb grabbed my attention. It doesn’t really matter as each book stands on its own. I am looking forward to #11 Perfect Target scheduled for release on July 19, 2022.
DARING DECEPTION. Barbara Freethy Caitlyn and Quinn didn’t see eye to eye, with the new environmental center ribbon cutting, assuring her there wouldn’t be protestors. Her father was head of Carleton Industries, the head of many companies, funding the project, instead of coming it was her brother. Caitlyn at thirty one and a FBI agent, seeing on the monitor a bomber again at the college. Ten years ago he almost took her life, could she get the answers she had looked for. Quinn was a scientific diver working close to San Fransisco bay doing research. Hearing of the bomb and a reminder of all he lost and how it changed him. Now this again involving people he knew, wanted answers. She’s back at Bolton, to investigate, a base ball cap was that Quinn, or her imagination. He left and never looked back ten years ago. Good flowing plot of the dynamic of family, of first love and loss. A story that builds on revenge, kidnapping , and forgiveness. A definite winner in this series. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
I LOVED this book!! Exciting action, great suspense, heart twisting emotion, and oh so swoony romance! Caitlyn is a completely badass heroine! She thought she was seeing a ghost when her ex, Quinn Kelly walks back into her life just as she is investigating a bombing incident that is eerily reminiscent of an incident that tore them apart.
“Over the years, I would only allow myself to remember the way you left me and not the way you loved me.”
Daring Deception is a stand-alone story in the Off The Grid: FBI series. I’ve started reading this series completely out of order with no problem. But I’m thinking these books might be starting to be an addiction so I’m going to start at the beginning so I can read them all. ;) -5 Stars!-
Daring Deception, part of Barbara Freethy’s exciting FBI Off the Grid series, certainly is an adrenaline rush for readers. Agent Caitlyn was injured ten years ago in a bomb blast while attending college. When another building is bombed at her alma mater, Caitlyn gets herself assigned to the case. Could the attacks be related? Past and present begin to merge as Caitlyn finds herself working with Quinn, her former love. The story has a fair amount of angst as both Caitlyn and Quinn question the decisions that drove them apart, but it doesn’t slow down the action as they follow each clue. Fans of Ms. Freethy know the book will be well written with characters, dialogue and a twisting path that will make it difficult to close the book unfinished. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.
This is the 9th book in the Off The Grid FBI Series. I've read all of them and each one is better than the last. Great story, great characters. Barbara Freethy kept me glued to the page. Suspense and romance blended perfectly.
Caitlyn Carlson is FBI agent who almost lost his life 10 years ago when a bomb exploded in a building to be opened at her college. After that explosion she lost the great love of her life. Quinn Kelly he lost his girlfriend and the life they would have together after that explosion. They changed their lives but did not forget the past or the trauma of the explosion and losing each other. Now 10 years later a new explosion at their college takes Caitlyn back to San Francisco where she finds out where Quinn was... With some strange coincidences between the explosions of the past and the present, Caitlyn and Quinn decide to help each other and talk about everything ... About the past, about secrets, about life apart and end up meeting again. Another wonderful book by Barbara Freethy who knows how to write mysteries in a surprising way. I love this series, its characters, its mysteries ... I'm already looking forward to the next book.
Trigger warning: miscarriage due to violence (bomb).
I love Barbara Freethy but I had a hard time loving this book. Part of it was the loss of the fetus, which was traumatic for both of the main characters (as well as for me) and brought up throughout the book. I also was very frustrated with Caitlyn, who acknowledges that after the loss of the baby, she shut down and pushed Quinn away and was angry with him and suspected him and all that, but still can’t get over the fact that he made the decision to leave her (and any other decisions) without consulting her. Lastly, it felt completely weird and unauthentic to think this now badass FBI chick would use her ex boyfriend and make him help her investigate. Like, that’s not what an FBI agent would do.
Things I liked: excellent writing, and I thought the bad guy (or guys, no spoilers!) was brilliant and fascinating and kept me guessing. I also really liked the culminating scene near the end.
I received an ARC of Daring Deception by Barbara Freethy as a member of her review team for an honest review. I can truly say that I absolutely loved Daring Deception, it is an incredible second chance at love r0mantic thriller. It is the ninth book in Barbara Freethy’s Off the Grid: FBI series. Barbara Freethy has once again delivered an incredible romantic thriller with Daring Deception. Each book in Barbara Freethy's Off the Grid: FBI series continues to get better and better. I have loved each book in the series. Barbara Freethy has once again provided her readers with amazing characters. I love all the characters in Daring Deception! Who doesn't love hot, sexy men and strong, passionate women? Barbara Freethy continues to deliver all that and so much more, I absolutely loved Daring Deception. Daring Deception had me guessing throughout the story as to who was behind the bombings at Bolton College and the other thrilling events that took place in this story. It was truly a surprise villain that I did not see happening. I could not put it down. I loved every page. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. Barbara Freethy has once again proven that she is a master storyteller. Daring Deception is the story of Caitlyn Carlson, FBI Special Agent and Quinn Kelly, oceanic scientist. Caitlyn and Quinn were college sweethearts at Bolton College. A bomb goes off at Bolton College similar to one that exploded ten years prior, forever changing the lives of Caitlyn and Quinn. Caitlyn heads to Bolton College following the most recent bombing. When she arrives at the location of the bombing, she thinks she sees a familiar face. Upon further investigation she discovers that it is her college sweetheart, who she has not seen in ten years. Caitlyn and Quinn work together to uncover who was behind bombings ten years apart. They are reaching out to members of a saving the environment group, LNF that Quinn was a member of in college. After multiple attempts on their lives, the relationship between Caitlyn and Quinn changes. Caitlyn fights her feelings for Quinn because she does not want to be hurt from him again, she was almost destroyed the last time. Could Caitlyn learn to trust Quinn again? She knows that he is keeping secrets from her. I loved how the relationship between Caitlyn and Quinn changed, from hate and mistrust and that Caitlyn was willing to give Quinn another chance. Caitlyn works with the San Francisco office to help solve the recent bombing; she has been warned about investigating the bombing from ten years ago. I love how Caitlyn gets the answers from Quinn about their past relationship and why Quinn left without saying goodbye and disappeared. I love the surprise plot twists that fill this page turner which Barbara Freethy includes in all her stories. I really enjoy the poignant and bittersweet moments, the plot twists and the surprises that I have come to love and expect in Barbara Freethy's books and Daring Deception did not disappoint. One of my favorite parts of the story are the poignant moments when Caitlyn and Quinn discuss their former relationship and the death of their unborn child, and the guilt that Quinn felt over his role in the bombing and leaving Caitlyn. I loved all the secrets that Caitlyn and Quinn shared with one another. I love how all the loose ends got tied up and how the bombing from ten years ago was tied to the recent bombing. I love all the characters and the way Barbara describes the locations in and around San Francisco. It was really an incredible romantic thriller and I loved every page.
Romantic suspense is my favorite genre, Barbara Freethy is one of my favorite authors. Put the two together and I'm a happy reader! Daring Deception is the ninth addition to the FBI off the Grid Series. Each book is a standalone and you can jump right into the series with this book with no problem.....but you will want to go back and read the rest of the series! Ten years ago a bomb exploded at Bolton College and Caitlyn and Quinn's lives were never the same. They haven't seen each other in all that time. Caitlyn is now a tough, experienced FBI agent and when another bomb goes off at Bolton she gets on the task force investigating the current incident. She believes that there is a tie to the previous bombing and needs to discover who was behind both bombings...she KNOWS there is a connection. Quinn has also reinvented himself after losing the woman he loved 10 years ago, and when he hears about the current bombing he heads to Bolton too. He needs to put his past to rest. He and Caitlyn team up to finally find the truth of what happened all those years ago...and if the present is tied to it. What follows is an exciting, edge of your seat chase to prevent more destruction and chaos. Along the way Caitlyn and Quinn find their way back to each other. Old secrets and pain are exposed and healed, and they rediscover the love they had. Barbara Freethy knows how to write a beautiful, believable love story....with just the right amount of heat. My thanks to the author for a chance to read an early copy of Daring Deception in exchange for an honest review.
This is such an exciting book. I was on the edge of my seat through a lot of the book. Somehow it is usually hard for two people to be together when one has money and the other doesn’t. Especially is the female’s parents have dominant personalities. Add to the fact that Quinn is part of a group that has protests because of the environment. It was so sad to see Caitlyn and Quinn so in love in college, but lose that connection and their baby when Caitlyn gets caught in a blast at school. Especially when Caitlyn is not sure if Quinn’s group was responsible and he knew about it. Ten years later there is another blast at the college. I was glad to see that Caitlyn was an FBI agent and able to investigate the bombing as well as what happened ten years earlier. I can’t imagine the shock Caitlyn felt when she sees Quinn at the second bombing. Especially since she hasn’t seen or heard from him in ten years. There are so many lies and subterfuge from the people in the past that has to be waded through. Caitlyn and Quinn have to come to terms with their past while trying to figure out what is happening now. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Wow. Every time I think I can’t enjoy a book in this Off The Grid series any more than the ones I’ve already read, Barbara Freethy proves me wrong. This latest installment is full of twists and turns and two great main characters. Caitlin & Quinn met and fell in love in college and were planning a life together. But a bomb blast on campus tore them apart and they’ve not seen each other in 10 years. Now an FBI special agent, Caitlin returns to her old school when another bomb is detonated, still searching for answers from the original blast & sensing the two must be connected. When she sees Quinn at the crime scene, she realizes she’s going to need the man who broke her heart to help her get the answers she’s been searching for. As they work together to uncover the truth, maybe these two can also find their way back to each other. Freethy’s mix of suspense and romance is always a must read for me, and I think you’d enjoy this book as well. Every book in this series is a stand-alone so you’ll be fine if you start with this one. They are just SO Good you’ll probably want to read the others too!
Barbara Freethy is a master a romantic suspense, and DARING DECEPTION, the ninth book in her Off the Grid: FBI Series, is no exception.
The romance comes as a second-chance story for Caitlyn Carlson and Quinn Kelly. The suspense comes as they race to discover the truth of a bombing on a college campus with eerie parallels to the explosion that ripped them apart 10 years earlier.
Both Caitlyn and Quinn are complex, intriguing characters, and I enjoyed watching them get to know each other again — as we readers also got to know them. Their lives in the present are very much forged in the choices they made in the past.
The mystery that they race to solve is engrossing, and the final reveal shocked me. And isn’t it fun NOT to figure out the villain within the first one-third of the book?
Barbara Freethy is on my short list of go-to authors; I haven’t found any book of hers that I didn’t enjoy. If she’s a new author for you, I encourage you to jump into DARING DECEPTION. I promise it won’t ruin any earlier books in the series.
CatiLyn and Quinn were serious in college but from two different sides of the tracks with differnt goals but new they wanted to spend there life together.Quinn was part of a group that opposed company's that harmed the environmentCatiLyn's father's company did that but also donated to help the cause for improvement.There college was opening a environmental centre the day the bomb was set and changed so many lifes.Dreams change CatiLyn became a strong dependable FBI agent and Quinn just disappeared. TEN years later another bomb at the same school and CatiLyn knows in here gut there is a connection.Working on the new case she runs into Quinn and needs his help. Will the lies and the Heartbreak of the past co tinge to tear them apart or with fate bring these two together againOUTSTANDING Read
An exciting addition to the FBI series that keeps you guessing who did what and when. When Caitlyn was at university she was caught up in a bombing that devastated her life and resulting in her losing her boyfriend. But she is back as an FBI agent investigating another bombing at the same university 10 years later. Is she able to solve this one as well as the last? Quinn had to give up the love of his life, Caitlyn, after a bombing seriously injured her and her family was blaming him, so he disappeared changing his identity so he couldn’t be traced. After the latest bombing he unexpectedly is put in contact with Caitlyn and agrees to help her. But they wonder if they can solve this and keep their distance with old sparks still just below the surface? A fantastic story with everything in it to keep your attention.
Another great story by the master story teller Barbara Freethy. I was pulled into the intrigue and suspense of the story in the first few pages. Caitlyn and Quinn are college sweet hearts who are trying to stay together. Caitlyn is hurt in an explosion which brings changes to both their lives. Caitlyn joins the FBI to find the bad guys and get some answers. Quinn leaves to lose himself in saving the ocean’s environment. A second explosion brings them together after 10 years. They work together to heal past hurts while searching for the culprits who are trying to kill them. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend if you are looking for a great read on a cold winter night.
My saying about Barbara Freethy books is if you’re not reading Barbara Freethy books then what are you waiting for?I’ve been reading Barbara Freethy books for over 10 years.This Off The Grid FBI series is extremely suspenseful and you will be hanging on the edge of your seat. Caitlyn was in love with a man named Quinn in college.Her family was a lot different than what Quinn believed in.He’d lost both of his parents as a young age and had gotten involved with protests groups.Caitlyn’s family didn’t understand Quinn’s beliefs so they didn’t get along.Caitlyn was inside the university library during a bombing while attending college.She ends up being a FBI agent after college and keeps having flashbacks of the bombing.
“Daring Deception” is an exciting and romantic, can’t put it down story. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through wondering who the bad guys were and if they would be caught before Quinn and Caitlyn got killed. Quinn and Caitlyn have a touching and sad history together but have been apart for many years. I cared so much for each of them as they worked their way through sorrow and anger and back to a love for each other all while someone is trying to kill them and Caitlyn’s family. Highly recommend this book and this FBI series. This is Barbara Freethy at her best.
“ He didn’t just break her heart, he broke her soul.” Caitlyn is an FBI agent, her past definitely shaped her future, in fact the past is returning. Quinn was her boyfriend, friend, her future and the father of her unborn baby, until a bombing changed the course of both their lives 10 years ago.... problem is another bombing 10 years to the date of the first. Are these connected ? Is her family involved? Is Quinn involved? Now, she is back investigating old friends and yes Quinn. “There is do much pain between them, so much anger, distrust and secrets”. The past and present collide in the newest installment of this series. I highly recommend!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love the level of mystery and intrigue in all of the books in the FBI series and this book was no exception. I loved meeting Caitlyn and Quinn and learning about their stories. Caitlyn is a great strong character who is troubled by events in her past, and I loved seeing her get some answers to what has been weighing her down for the last ten years of her life. Quinn is a lovable character and a great match for Caitlyn. There were a lot of twists and turns in this series that kept me guessing about what was going to happen next, and I definitely did not see the ending coming! This book was the perfect mix of romance and suspense, a page turner from beginning to end!
Wow! What a page-turner! I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful read. It's thrilling, moving & suspenseful. When a bomb exploded, it forever changed Caitlyn & Quinn's life. Ten years later, tragedy sticks again. There are still lots of unanswered questions from before. But is this a coincidence or is someone still out for revenge? It has strong characters, & an amazing storyline that leaves you wanting more. From the first chapter until the last I was totally captivated!!
I was hooked as soon as I read the prologue! I couldn’t wait to dig into this story, and it didn’t disappoint! Everything about this story kept me enthralled. The emotional battle, the need for revenge as well as the pursuit of justice and two heartbroken souls bound together. I so love Quinn and Caitlyn! I love that Caitlyn took her grief and became a strong, determined woman. And I love that 10 years didn’t change the heart. This is a must read!
Another great story in this FBI series!! I have been waiting for Caitlyn’s story and it did not disappoint! Barbara Freethy is the master of romance and suspense! Couldn’t put this one down!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A repeat bombing after 10 years by an environmental group set everything in motion all over again. A love that was lost was found and betrayal of friends long ago.
Daring Deception by Barbara Freethy is the ninth installment of her Off the Grid: FBI series. Caitlyn Carlson survives a bomb blast on her college campus. Her boyfriend, Quinn Kelly is questioned by the FBI as one of the prime suspects. Following graduation, he disappears and is presumed dead. No one is ever charged with the explosion. Ten years later, another bomb explodes on campus. By now, Caitlyn is an FBI agent. She heads to San Francisco to try to solve this new case along with the first bombing. She needs to bring closure to the heartache she suffered along with her injuries. In the crowds, she sees a man who looks like Quinn! When she discovers it is him, a lot of mistrust and negative emotion makes it difficult for Caitlyn to focus on the current events. Can they get past the hurt they instilled on each other ten years earlier? Add family drama, a killer out to stop Caitlyn and Quinn from further investigating, and you have the makings of an intense mystery thriller! Although I have only read two books in this series, I highly recommend it! I could not put this book down! As for myself, I intend to catch up on the books I have missed!
Caitlyn Carlson’s life was shattered when an explosion at her college left her injured and heartbroken. She was inconsolable for a long time. As she healed and began to get on with her life, she chose to join the FBI. She needed to be strong and self-reliant. Her wealthy parents weren’t behind her, so she went forward in her new profession without her family’s blessing.
Quinn Kelly’s life was also shattered when the explosion at his college injured his girlfriend, Caitlin. An organizer with an environmental group, he was marked as one of the top suspects and interrogated repeatedly by the FBI. Leaving Caitlyn is not what he wants, but he feels it’s best for her. After an accident causes a death, Quinn reinvents himself, including a new identity. Did he cause the death or was he just a witness?
When another bombing at the same college injures more students, the FBI and Caitlyn get a call. She sees Quinn at the scene of the second bombing, Caitlyn must find him and get the answers she needs regarding his possible involvement in both bombings, and why he left her. The story now takes a sinister edge as the players from the first bombing and the second bombing begin to overlap.
Can Caitlyn and Quinn make up for time lost in their personal life and keep more deaths from occurring? Will innocent people once again be lost? The climax of the book is unforgettable!
I have been in love with this series since book one! The intrigue, the story lines, the different locations. Ms. Freethy just knows how to tell a tale! This iteration of the ‘Off the Grid, FBI series’, is every bit as good as the ones preceding it!