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Behind Closed Doors: Family Secrets #5
Fatal Deceptions
US Army Captain Mac (Samuel) MacKenzie went off to Afghanistan a patriot – and came home a prisoner. Accused of killing an unarmed combatant, Mac spends his days behind bars awaiting trial, his memory of the incident gone, his life and military career in ruins.
His wife, Rachael, begs Mac to let her help him. Defeated and unwilling to drag her into his personal hell, he shuts her out, pushes her away, and tells her to get on with her life without him. Devastated, she turns to Ian, Mac’s best friend, who has stood by their sides through this ordeal. Ian’s interest in Rachael, however, runs deeper than friendship. Can Mac’s innocence be proven before Rachael gives up and gives in to Ian, in what might be a FATAL DECEPTION?
Don't miss this brand-new series from the bestselling authors of the STORMWATCH and BREAKDOWN series! Coming in December 2020 in ebook and paperback!
THE LIE Debra Webb (December 2)
BLOOD STRANGERS Vicki Hinze (December 9)
SAVAGE BEAUTY Peggy Webb (December 16)
DEADLY REFLECTIONS Regan Black (December 23)
FATAL DECEPTIONS Cindy Gerard (December 30)
His wife, Rachael, begs Mac to let her help him. Defeated and unwilling to drag her into his personal hell, he shuts her out, pushes her away, and tells her to get on with her life without him. Devastated, she turns to Ian, Mac’s best friend, who has stood by their sides through this ordeal. Ian’s interest in Rachael, however, runs deeper than friendship. Can Mac’s innocence be proven before Rachael gives up and gives in to Ian, in what might be a FATAL DECEPTION?
Don't miss this brand-new series from the bestselling authors of the STORMWATCH and BREAKDOWN series! Coming in December 2020 in ebook and paperback!
THE LIE Debra Webb (December 2)
BLOOD STRANGERS Vicki Hinze (December 9)
SAVAGE BEAUTY Peggy Webb (December 16)
DEADLY REFLECTIONS Regan Black (December 23)
FATAL DECEPTIONS Cindy Gerard (December 30)
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2020
177 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Gerard
156 books1,621 followersThe only thing Cindy had in mind when she started writing her first book was finishing it. The issue of actually selling it came much later. Only after she made that life-altering first sale did she realize that one book would never be enough. Now, over 20 books and numerous awards later, Cindy laughingly admits that she can barely remember life before...well, was there life before writing?
Actually, yes there was, and still is. A professional career woman, Cindy is a trainer for the Iowa Department of Human Services, a position she states is both challenging and rewarding. "Human Services is a front-line, real-life event. Everything about the job is immediate, from serving families in crisis, to assisting staff with difficult situations, to meeting tension-fraught deadlines."
Cindy's career has taught her much about the human condition, its frailties, its strengths, and its spirit. The evocative emotions that pour from the pages of her books are a reflection of some of her work experiences. Her writing celebrates life's richness and trials, offering a wide range of emotions — hope and elation, anger and indecision, laughter and, of course, love. And, according to her readers, her powerful love scenes run the gamut from steamy to tender to lusty to just plain fun.
Cindy's writing has netted her spots on bestseller lists, numerous RT nominations and awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a National Reader's Choice Award and two RITA nominations.
Between writing and working full time you wouldn't think Cindy would have much time for anything else. And while she does find her work and her writing rewarding, there does have to be more. Cindy has more. Much more. She is happily married to the perfect man. Tom's a cowboy, ladies!
Yes, even Iowa has its share of that saddle-straddling, Wrangler-wearing species who love their horses almost as much as they love their women. As a matter of fact, recently a whole herd of Texans gathered at the Gerard "Ranch" to treat their little ones to real horseback rides. Go figure.
Cindy has a passion for pink depression glass — she always has her eye out for the special piece to add to her collection. Cindy's down time often takes the form of the classic "busman's holiday." She loves to read and most of all, she loves to read at their summer place, a cabin in the woods on Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota.
Both Tom and Cindy enjoy gardening and have recently expanded their annual beds into a perennial garden. Cindy says she can hardly wait for spring and the promise of all that reawakening and the colorful blooms.
In addition to the horses, the Gerards have two dogs, Ellie and Boomer, who pretty much get anything they want. Tom and Cindy have one son, Kyle, who, after years of keeping them in suspense, found Eileen, the perfect woman.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cindyg...
Actually, yes there was, and still is. A professional career woman, Cindy is a trainer for the Iowa Department of Human Services, a position she states is both challenging and rewarding. "Human Services is a front-line, real-life event. Everything about the job is immediate, from serving families in crisis, to assisting staff with difficult situations, to meeting tension-fraught deadlines."
Cindy's career has taught her much about the human condition, its frailties, its strengths, and its spirit. The evocative emotions that pour from the pages of her books are a reflection of some of her work experiences. Her writing celebrates life's richness and trials, offering a wide range of emotions — hope and elation, anger and indecision, laughter and, of course, love. And, according to her readers, her powerful love scenes run the gamut from steamy to tender to lusty to just plain fun.
Cindy's writing has netted her spots on bestseller lists, numerous RT nominations and awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a National Reader's Choice Award and two RITA nominations.
Between writing and working full time you wouldn't think Cindy would have much time for anything else. And while she does find her work and her writing rewarding, there does have to be more. Cindy has more. Much more. She is happily married to the perfect man. Tom's a cowboy, ladies!
Yes, even Iowa has its share of that saddle-straddling, Wrangler-wearing species who love their horses almost as much as they love their women. As a matter of fact, recently a whole herd of Texans gathered at the Gerard "Ranch" to treat their little ones to real horseback rides. Go figure.
Cindy has a passion for pink depression glass — she always has her eye out for the special piece to add to her collection. Cindy's down time often takes the form of the classic "busman's holiday." She loves to read and most of all, she loves to read at their summer place, a cabin in the woods on Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota.
Both Tom and Cindy enjoy gardening and have recently expanded their annual beds into a perennial garden. Cindy says she can hardly wait for spring and the promise of all that reawakening and the colorful blooms.
In addition to the horses, the Gerards have two dogs, Ellie and Boomer, who pretty much get anything they want. Tom and Cindy have one son, Kyle, who, after years of keeping them in suspense, found Eileen, the perfect woman.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cindyg...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 30, 2020
I really related to this book because my husband is retired from the military and I spent many months alone while he was deployed. Mac is back from Afghanistan but he is imprisoned because he is charged with killing a friendly civilian there. Since he remembers little to nothing about what happened, he can’t help in his own defense and he doesn’t want his wife Rachael to get involved. In fact, he tries to cut her off completely and just wants to accept his fate with the military tribunal, which may mean a death sentence. Rachael refuses to accept that Mac could be guilty and enlists the assistance of his best friend Ian to prove Mac’s innocence. This story has a lot of surprising twists and turns before the inevitable and expected conclusion was reached. Getting to the end was entertaining as well as engrossing. The fast pace of the plot and the many machinations of the real villain had me totally absorbed in the book, so I think that fans of suspense/thrillers will really enjoy this book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
January 18, 2021
Fatal Deceptions
Fatal Deception’s pulled me right in from the first page. This is the gripping story of trust and love misplaced. The stunning events of this story unfold in such a way that we none see the next surprise coming until it hits us that there was always a fatal deception. Thank you Cindy Gerard for an exciting read.
Fatal Deception’s pulled me right in from the first page. This is the gripping story of trust and love misplaced. The stunning events of this story unfold in such a way that we none see the next surprise coming until it hits us that there was always a fatal deception. Thank you Cindy Gerard for an exciting read.
November 17, 2020
1st LT Samuel (Mac) James Mackenzie went to do his duty and was proud to protect his country. He enlisted after he married Rachel and went on to training. Then Rachel had Addie and was doing online classes to be pharmacy classes so she could work at the local Pharmacy.
Ian Hughes was also friend and part of the army .
Mac got sent to Afghanistan as a platoon leader and he had only 8 months left and he was going home. Ian shows up and he goes on his night walk with him. The Afaghan man ask Mac if he will talk to him. Mac gets hit hit in the back of the head and get knock out. When he comes to he doesnt remember what had happened. Mac get sent to Leavenwoth, Kanas prison.
Rachel is trying to help her husband and there friend is helping her and the baby/
Ian has a reason for doing what he does! He treat her like a wife and treats Addie like his daughter. Then when Rachel at looking into the guys that where with Mac that where there only one would talk and the next day something happened to him.
Then he suggest that Rachel and Abbie get away for the weekend but first erasers Mac's calls to her and she had no cell service but did have wifi.
When and if Mac comes to will he be able to help his wife?
Cindy you wrote a fabulous story and and the characters where great with each other. The description was great I felt like I was in the book. Another book that will be added to my birthday list of books.
Ian Hughes was also friend and part of the army .
Mac got sent to Afghanistan as a platoon leader and he had only 8 months left and he was going home. Ian shows up and he goes on his night walk with him. The Afaghan man ask Mac if he will talk to him. Mac gets hit hit in the back of the head and get knock out. When he comes to he doesnt remember what had happened. Mac get sent to Leavenwoth, Kanas prison.
Rachel is trying to help her husband and there friend is helping her and the baby/
Ian has a reason for doing what he does! He treat her like a wife and treats Addie like his daughter. Then when Rachel at looking into the guys that where with Mac that where there only one would talk and the next day something happened to him.
Then he suggest that Rachel and Abbie get away for the weekend but first erasers Mac's calls to her and she had no cell service but did have wifi.
When and if Mac comes to will he be able to help his wife?
Cindy you wrote a fabulous story and and the characters where great with each other. The description was great I felt like I was in the book. Another book that will be added to my birthday list of books.
December 21, 2020
Rachel and, her daughter Addie are waiting for her husband, U.S. Army Captain Mac MacDonald to return home soon. Suddenly, Rachel finds out from a neighbor that Mac is in Leavenworth for the murder of his CI in Afghanistan.
Rachel is furious that she had to find this out from a neighbor and, devastated that this is happening to her husband, the best man she has ever known. She doesn't believe the charges for a second but, she needs to speak with Mac. When she finally gets to speak with him, she finds a broken man who looks like death warmed over and, refuses to speak with her about the incident, only that he has no memory of it.
Rachel calls Mac's best friend, Ian to help her convince Mac to get a REAL attorney, instead of an Army attorney. Strange thing is that Ian was the only "witness" to the murder.
What is Rachel to do when her husband appears to have given up and, his best friend is acting strangely. She only knows that her husband is innocent and, she won't stop until his name is cleared!!!
True roller-coaster ride of emotions and, switchbacks that will have your head reeling==in a great way!!!
Rachel is furious that she had to find this out from a neighbor and, devastated that this is happening to her husband, the best man she has ever known. She doesn't believe the charges for a second but, she needs to speak with Mac. When she finally gets to speak with him, she finds a broken man who looks like death warmed over and, refuses to speak with her about the incident, only that he has no memory of it.
Rachel calls Mac's best friend, Ian to help her convince Mac to get a REAL attorney, instead of an Army attorney. Strange thing is that Ian was the only "witness" to the murder.
What is Rachel to do when her husband appears to have given up and, his best friend is acting strangely. She only knows that her husband is innocent and, she won't stop until his name is cleared!!!
True roller-coaster ride of emotions and, switchbacks that will have your head reeling==in a great way!!!
January 2, 2021
Lieutenant Mac McKenzie comes back from Afghanistan convicted of murder. His wife Rachel hears of the event from a neighbor, and rushes to see him and hear the truth from Mac personally. Of course she knows he is not a killer. When she finally sees him, he has no memory of the event that occurred. His best friend and fellow military buddy Ian vows to help him any way he can. Ian spends most of his time helping Rachel track down clues as to clearing his name. Spending endless nights and weekends with Rachel she gets the feeling there is more to the story of what happened to Mac back in Afghanistan. Turning to his buddy and close friend Ian, Rachel learns Ian was the only witness of what happened that fateful night. Can she find out what secrets he holds that may provide the truth that sets Mac free or is she in danger when she does find the truth? Cindy Gerard sets up a cat and mouse story that leads the reader to doubt everything she learns as it's revealed. A gratifying ending to the Behind Closed Doors series ,and a read that is not to be missed.
December 11, 2020
Fatal Deceptions by Cindy Gerard is the fifth and final book in the Behind Closed Doors: Family Secrets which is a series that consists of five stand alone books by five romantic suspense authors that get together every so often and write series like this together.
I enjoyed this book but I had it figured out who the real killer was and pretty much why he did it right away so it was just a matter of reading the book and seeing how Gerard was going to do the big reveal and if the family was going to get a happily ever after. Overall, it was a pretty good read even though it was very predictable.
I am giving Fatal Deceptions four out of five stars.
I enjoyed this book but I had it figured out who the real killer was and pretty much why he did it right away so it was just a matter of reading the book and seeing how Gerard was going to do the big reveal and if the family was going to get a happily ever after. Overall, it was a pretty good read even though it was very predictable.
I am giving Fatal Deceptions four out of five stars.
December 26, 2020
When Lt Mac McKenzie is accused of murder while on patrol in Afghanistan, his memory is gone from the incident. Facing life in prison, he shuts out his wife Rachael and his best friend. As Rachael tries to dig into the incident to help prove that Mac didn't do it, she asks for help from their best friend, Ian. But are Ian's feelings for Rachael more than just friendship and will she be able to prove Mac's innocence?
This is the fifth book in the Behind Closed Doors series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the entire series.
This is the fifth book in the Behind Closed Doors series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the entire series.
July 2, 2023
Ugh
The title says it all I rarely give a 2 star review but omg. If you read the synopsis of the book you might as well stop there. I could tell then what the ending would be. Unfortunately I read it anyway. I try to be fair if a I don't like a book because perhaps it just isn't my preference in reading. I guess if you like sickening sweet, predictable books this is for you. The characters are just too one dimensional. The good are too good and the bad too bad to be believable. I read all 5 in this group and number one was my favorite.
The title says it all I rarely give a 2 star review but omg. If you read the synopsis of the book you might as well stop there. I could tell then what the ending would be. Unfortunately I read it anyway. I try to be fair if a I don't like a book because perhaps it just isn't my preference in reading. I guess if you like sickening sweet, predictable books this is for you. The characters are just too one dimensional. The good are too good and the bad too bad to be believable. I read all 5 in this group and number one was my favorite.
May 23, 2022
Oh my freaking God!!!!!!
They were like the Three Musketeers. The
3 of them best friends from grade school to high school to the Army and now they face the worst that can happen to a soldier together. Why does the Army think Mac murdered a non-combatant in cold blood? While his wife, Rachel and his best friend, Ian fight for his freedom Mac gives up. What does he have left to lose? Everything!!! Highly recommended.
They were like the Three Musketeers. The
3 of them best friends from grade school to high school to the Army and now they face the worst that can happen to a soldier together. Why does the Army think Mac murdered a non-combatant in cold blood? While his wife, Rachel and his best friend, Ian fight for his freedom Mac gives up. What does he have left to lose? Everything!!! Highly recommended.
December 30, 2020
Mac McKenzie was due to return from deployment but comes home a prisoner accused of murdering an unarmed civilian. The evidence against him is overwhelming and Mac has no memory of the event. I suspected the ending of this book pretty early on and I was right. It still held my interest. This is a fast read, it is also part of a series but can easily be read as a stand alone. Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy.
December 30, 2020
This final book in Family Secrets series is suspenseful and will pull at your heart-strings. Accused of a murder he did not remember and did not commit, Mac finds himself going straight to Leavenworth from Afghanistan. With his wife, Rachael, and their little girl on his mind he despairs of ever funding the truth. Good friend, Ian, steps in to help, but something seems strange. Grab this awesome book and be prepared to not put it down!!!
January 2, 2021
Fatal Deception is the 5th book in the Behind Closed Doors Family secrets series. You can read it as a standalone but I recommend to read the series because it’s very good!
I really liked Fatal Deception, it kept me guessing how it would end. Strong characters!
Definitely 5 stars!
I received this arc from one of the authors of this series and this review is my honest opinion.
I really liked Fatal Deception, it kept me guessing how it would end. Strong characters!
Definitely 5 stars!
I received this arc from one of the authors of this series and this review is my honest opinion.
December 7, 2020
This is a well-crafted story with great characters. The ending was not a surprise – I had it figured out from the beginning – but Gerard was able to weave the story so it held your interest until the very end just hoping against hope that it would turn out well.
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
December 30, 2020
Fatal Deception
Cindy Gerard
Couldn’t put this book down. I loved the winding path of events that had you thinking that Mac wasn’t going to be found not guilty and Rachel and Addie were going to be without him. Would it happen or would the evil prevail ruining many lives? Have plenty of time to read this as it is a can’t be put down until the end read.
Cindy Gerard
Couldn’t put this book down. I loved the winding path of events that had you thinking that Mac wasn’t going to be found not guilty and Rachel and Addie were going to be without him. Would it happen or would the evil prevail ruining many lives? Have plenty of time to read this as it is a can’t be put down until the end read.
January 3, 2021
Amazing book! I had an inkling of how this book would turn out in the end but it was still a fantastic read. The characters were fabulous along with the writing. I'm looking forward to reading more from Gerard. I was given an ebook by another author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
January 4, 2021
Fatal Deceptions was a fantastic read, action packed and I loved it. Although it was pretty easy to figure out the plotline it was still an enjoyable read. I received and ARC copy from another author, and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
January 10, 2021
Great reading
Great reading about Mac, Rachael and Ian. The have been friends forever. Mac and Ian are in service but then Mac is in prison for killing a village man but Mac has lost is memory. Full of mystery and intrigue.
Great reading about Mac, Rachael and Ian. The have been friends forever. Mac and Ian are in service but then Mac is in prison for killing a village man but Mac has lost is memory. Full of mystery and intrigue.
January 13, 2021
Wonderful story of love and devotion.
Fatal Deceptions is a wonderful story of love and devotion. A wife's love for her imprisoned husband, and her devotion to not let go of that love.
Fatal Deceptions is a wonderful story of love and devotion. A wife's love for her imprisoned husband, and her devotion to not let go of that love.
November 14, 2021
Right in front of you
The twist was evident, but the story was well told and planned. Great build up to the confrontation and a strong female lead. The daughter is adorable and the view of prison and military justice interesting. A good addition to the series.
The twist was evident, but the story was well told and planned. Great build up to the confrontation and a strong female lead. The daughter is adorable and the view of prison and military justice interesting. A good addition to the series.
February 7, 2022
Very predictable. I figured 2 or 3 chapters in what happened. Also Mac walking out of the hospital would never happen, it made the guards look like idiots.
Mac also wouldn’t have just walked away from everything. He still escaped from prison even if he didn’t do the crime.
Mac also wouldn’t have just walked away from everything. He still escaped from prison even if he didn’t do the crime.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2020
Another hit for Cindy Gerard. One of my favorites of the Behind Closed Door series.
December 30, 2020
I really like when your reading a book and you can picture on the screen as a Lifetime Movie . Rachels husband went off to fight the war for his country only to come back a prisoner , he cant remember what happened, when he does he may want to forget that enemy may be closer than he thinks .
January 1, 2021
This was such a great series. Loved the author. First time author for me. Great book
January 10, 2021
Sorry but too predictable
Sorry, but just too predictable of a plot and storyline. Knew from the beginning why Mac was in jail and who was responsible.
Sorry, but just too predictable of a plot and storyline. Knew from the beginning why Mac was in jail and who was responsible.
January 16, 2021
Great story.
The romance feels peripheral since Mac is in prison. There are no sex scenes, which I mention because this is Cindy Gerard we’re talking about (and I expect those scenes in her books).
The romance feels peripheral since Mac is in prison. There are no sex scenes, which I mention because this is Cindy Gerard we’re talking about (and I expect those scenes in her books).
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February 11, 2021Awesome book. Terrific series. Love all the writers coming together foe one series.
April 13, 2021
I knew at the 30 page mark exactly how this story was going. Just scanned over the ending to see how the author wrapped it up.
December 12, 2024
Fatal Deceptions
Started out slow but got towards the end and ended in a flush of excitement. You wander how they would escape the clutches of a mad man and clear Macs name.
Started out slow but got towards the end and ended in a flush of excitement. You wander how they would escape the clutches of a mad man and clear Macs name.
March 21, 2021
About 40% in I was afraid this was going to take a turn I wasn't looking forward to, but then it went in a whole other direction that I never expected!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews