Deadly Illusion

Secrets and the City #1

by Kathy Lockheart

FAIRY TALES AREN'T SUPPOSED TO END IN MURDER

A sexy fighter saw her bruises. Now he’ll die to protect her. Maybe even kill…

Jenna was determined to leave her dark past behind her and build the life she’d always wanted, but just when she thought all her dreams were finally coming true, a shocking incident shattered her fairy-tale life, and now she’s hiding a terrible secret—a secret that could cost her everything.

Damian is as gorgeous as he is mysterious, keeping his own dark secrets from everyone he meets. He never thought he’d care about anything again…until he meets Jenna. He knows letting her get close to him will put her in danger, but when he suspects Jenna’s in trouble, there’s only one thing that matters: protecting her at all costs.

Thrust into a terrifying nightmare where a threat looms in every shadow, Jenna and Damian find themselves in a race for survival. Soon, everyone Jenna loves is in peril, and only the ultimate sacrifice can save them…

This book contains sensitive subject matter.

An emotional, tension-filled forbidden romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page…

Deadly Illusion is Book 1 in The Secrets and the City series, which is made up of full-length standalone romantic suspense novels with no cliffhangers.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Sports, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Romantic Suspense

359 pages, ebook

Published December 10, 2021

About the author

★ Amazon Top 25 bestselling author ★

Kathy Lockheart is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author and Kindle Unlimited All-Star of Suspenseful Romance novels. Her books—which have a unique blend of emotional elements typically found in women’s fiction and the romance and danger elements found in romantic suspense—contain themes that include dark romance antiheroes, enemies to lovers alpha tropes, and forbidden romance angst. When she’s not writing, you can find her silently cursing the person who put fluorescent lights in dressing rooms.

SECRETS AND THE CITY
Deadly Illusion
Fatal Cure
Lethal Justice
Grave Deception

Vendetta Duet
Secret Vendetta
Silent Vendetta

Cross Duet
Crossfire
Crossover

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Reviews

[evelynn kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Plot 1/5 ⭐️
Spice 0.5/5🌶️
Vibes 1/5 👏🏻
1st person POV - Jenna (FMC)

TLDR 3 word review: should have DNFd🥰

Full review: If you are the author or someone who really enjoyed this book, maybe skip this review. It might hurt your feelings. To avoid spending an hour on this review, I'm going to try to limit myself to bullet points... let's see how that works out lol. Spoiler warning for the entire book. If you don't want spoilers, don't read this review (though you may get a kick out of my rambling lol). Okay, here we go:

1) The first 45% is our FMC in the abusive relationship. I actually think the author did a great job painting the scene of a relationship still in the honeymoon phase and how hard it is to reconcile the first abusive action with the entire history of a good relationship. Jenna's determination to leave Colton, followed by his attempts at apologies and then emotional manipulation felt very realistic. The lying to yourself, lying to your friends, denying what's happening because you just can't believe it... that part was done very well I think.

We could work on it together. Hadn’t I spent the last several years swearing true love could overcome anything? If anything could help Colton conquer his demons, it was our love. And if, after a valiant effort, it still didn’t work, we’d be in no worse place than we were right now. Right?

2) HOWEVER, after Miss Jenna gets out (after, you know, he tries to kill her), she is brutally struck by DBS: Dumb Bitch Syndrome. Why do FMCs in stories like this always refuse logical and necessary help? She wanted to stay in her apartment, her brother and the MMC (Damian) rightfully said no, so she starts staying with both of them and switching her routine up. After a FEW DAYS of this, she starts to ponder how it's a prison sentence. I'm sorry, your actual life and wellbeing is at stake and you're worried about your schedule being disrupted for a little while? I absolutely hate when FMCs are like this. Take the help. Stay alive. It's that fucking simple.

“He violated the last restraining order when he came near you.”
“And he went on the record that he has a gun, so now he really has to relinquish it.”
“Which, as of today, he still hasn’t done.”
I sighed. “Damian, he was arrested. What more do you want?” (uh IDK, maybe for him to ACTUALLY be in jail still??)

3) And piggybacking off the previous point, this woman is 23 and so yes she's going to be naive in some ways, but I swear she got more and more stupid as the book went on. Running into the woods by herself when she's already in a secluded area (where tf did you think you could go??), believing a restraining order would keep Colton away from her even though he made bail and has a gun and still going out for GNO, trying to offer herself as bait, etc. She was honestly TSTL. I was rolling my eyes so hard and was so frustrated with her. Unfortunately, this did not let up for the rest of the book.

I hadn’t told Justin or Damian that I thought I saw Colton yesterday. (GIRLIE POP WHY TF NOT?!)

4) The transition from Jenna and Damian being acquaintances, to friends, to living together for her protection and therefore spending every moment together, to an actual relationship was weird. They spend time together but it doesn't feel like there's much dialogue between them. It seems like she likes him and then all of the sudden she's so in love with him and he's the other half of her soul. Girl, what?? When tf did that happen? Off-page somewhere clearly because we didn't see shit.

My love for Damian would shatter any record. I wasn’t just in love with him; he was my soul’s other half, and without him, I’d never be whole. (girl bffr)

5) Next - the author actually kills off Jenna's brother. Colton snaps completely, paralyzes him by cutting his spinal cord, and shoots out the glass floor that he's on, causing him to hang on the ledge next to Jenna, only to fall over 100 stories to his death. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. For the most part, yes this has some heavy tones and sensitive subject matter, but why the fuck did the brother have to die? Jenna was pulled up moments later. THEN, afterwards Jenna is thinking about the media coverage and how it wouldn't have been as noteworthy if they both had lived. And how there were so many donations being made to DV shelters, etc. Are you fucking kidding me?? Overall this has a happy ending so why tf did the brother have to die?! He could've been severely hurt but expected to make a full recovery but noooo, he just had to die. I'm honestly really mad about that.

I was told that had Justin not died, the event would not have gotten the coverage it did because an almost-tragedy isn’t the same as a real tragedy. (FUCK OFF)

6) Now because of her brothers death, Jenna is despondent and doesn't leave her bed for 2 months. She's traumatized, depressed, and still healing from her several injuries sustained during that fight - and rightfully so. Damian decides she needs help and he takes her to a psychiatrist to see about getting on some meds. But it turns out she can't take the meds becaaauuuse: (would anyone care to take a guess??) if you guess she's pregnant, you'd be right! And suddenly, Jenna's will to live is back and they have sex for the first time in months. To recap, she was barely able to function, had to be brought food to her bed and forced to shower for 2 months, and the day she finds out she's preggo, she's jumping his pants because she's got a will to live again? Fuck off right fucking now. I don't mind a surprise pregnancy during or at the end of the book, but for this to insinuate that she's good to go now because she's got the babe to look forward to?? Be so for real.

I could tell he was trying to gauge how I felt about all this. Making out was one thing—a wonderfully good thing—but he didn’t presume it would lead to anything else. And for that, my love for him swelled even more. I unbuttoned his jeans... (girl 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️)

7) Lastly, the entire "epilogue" is just 2 paragraphs teasing the next book for a side character. Fuck off. That's not an epilogue. No quote needed lol.

Anyways, turns out it still took me an hour to write this but I wish I had DNFd and can only hope I can spare at least 1 person from having to read this. If you'd like more of a laugh, feel free to check out my highlights. :)

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: ➳ ❤ Deadly Illusion
Author: ➳ Kathy Lockheart
Publication: December 10, 2021.Kindle
Publication: July 1, 2021.Hardcover



10 amazing ⭐⭐⭐⭐



After the tragic death of Jenna’s older sister and living in her shadows for so long , Jenna felt the need to escape the small town she left as soon as she could, just like her older brother Justin did

4-hour drive from the small town in Illinois where she used to live, Jenna wanted to start new chapter in her life in new city located in downtown Chicago

For the last eight months she's lived in beautiful blissed with her perfect job and perfect boyfriend until one day suddenly Everything Has Changed.... now she lives in fear of her life…. Jenna life felt like it was out-of-control & her entire life is imploding,Her fairy tale had come crashing down.
On the whole I really liked this book. All the right elements were there. Some great twists and turns.

The things that I did like was, From the first sentence to the very end this book holds you captive. I might not like how Jenna’s friend (Zoey) was so black or white when she found out what happen to Jenna! But you’ll just fall in love with Justin and all his sacrifices & how fiercely protected he is of his younger sister

I will definitely look at some more of Kathy Lockhart’s books


If you happen to decide to read this book you should read why the author was Inspired to write this novel


Plot twist

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5. This book didn’t match my expectations, unfortunately. It was only okay.

[Misha Ahuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m fucking sobbing i can’t stop crying this book hit me so hard. it was so much better than it ends with us. i can describe how perfectly it depicted reality. the fear. the love. the grief that had me sobbing and still sobbing right now.

[Vanessa Terrazas · Rating 2 out of 5]

TikTok Lied!

I saw so many recommendations for this book and I couldn't wait to read it. But TikTok lied to me....again! The plot or storyline was OK. I think some parts of the story were unnecessary. But if you're looking for a 5🌶 story, then this is not it my friend.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was fine but I HATED the ending. It was so overblown and felt so unrealistic. This book also severely suffers from “heroine has a magic power that makes all men fall in love with her” syndrome. Bleh.

[Stephanie Nelson]

First 60% of the book 4 stars. Last 40% 0 stars. What happened here.

[Kathy Lockheart]

Short Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWmHf...

Not your typical Romantic Suspense Novel

Deadly Illusion exquisitely fuses romantic suspense elements—romance, danger, page-turning suspense, gripping plot twists, and breathless moments—with emotional moments traditionally found in women’s fiction. These emotional, tension-filled forbidden romances will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page...

★★★★★ “Best book of the year.”
★★★★★ “Blow-you-mind suspense.”
★★★★★ “Intensely emotional.”
★★★★★ “One of the top thrillers this year.”
★★★★★ “I couldn't put this book down!”
★★★★★ “Countless twists and turns.”
★★★★★ “The story consumes you, fascinates you.”
★★★★★ “A must read, it’s that good.”
★★★★★ “Every part of this book was perfect.”
★★★★★ “Makes you feel so many emotions.”
★★★★★ “From the first sentence to the very end this book holds you captive.”

Amazon

e-book: https://kathylockheart.com/rl/2193024

Paperback: https://kathylockheart.com/rl/2175363

Hardcover: https://kathylockheart.com/rl/2175364

Large Print: https://kathylockheart.com/rl/2175365

B&N: https://kathylockheart.com/rl/2175366

Signed paperbacks: https://kathylockheart.com/rl/2193025

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free from the author through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If you have domestic abuse triggers please exercise caution when reading this book. This was an emotional read for me, I was forever getting frustrated with Jenna, and her inability to see what was right in front of her nose. But the story unfolded with the author keeping the mystery and suspense at what could possibly occur ever present in the reader’s mind. Jenna thinks she knows what love is, but her blind faith in love overcoming all obstacles leads to a rude awakening, and to a finale that will bring the reader to tears. Don’t give up on this story, it is worth the ride.

[Sharon Thérèse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Deadly Illusion overflows with heart-stopping moments, the depth of this romantic suspense might not be for the faint-hearted as Lockheart has dealt with some pretty sensitive issues. The entire story told in first person past tense simply intensifies just how the heroine feels.

So, what Jenna thought about certain people around her and how she would react to some of them either delighted or angered me. There were times when I wished that she’d listened to her self-doubts; however, her story wouldn’t have been the same if she had. All the more seeing that she had struggled with past family affairs.

I fell hard for Jenna’s protective brother. And her bestie! The way she chose not to come clean with either of them made me want to scream out loud. Her response to their interrogations is, in cases like these, not surprising. And I’m not even going to talk about who could see through her. Why? Because the hero is unexpected, gorgeous and also has his crosses to bear. Wow! The chemistry these two have is a hotness overload!

I was bowled over by Jenna’s wake-up call and how she’d been hiding her inner strength. Such a strong-willed lass that come what may, leaning on whoever isn’t hers to dwell on. Love, hate, passion, thrill and danger all rolled into one, the author wants the reader to experience every emotion.

The downside. There were times when I felt that the author had overaccentuated a few details. But after a serious think about why she’d gone back and forth and led me on was because she’d wanted to highlight the goings-on. This story is a must-read for those of you who love sitting on the edge of your seat, who love to give the goodies a hug and the antagonists a good ebook bashing! Bravo, Lockheart!

[Helen Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I love how it dances along the line of what is black and white. This story and Lockheart’s phenomenal writing wrenched many strong emotions out of me!
The entire book is written from Jenna’s point of view, and I truly felt her plight. In the beginning, she falls for Colton, who’s seemingly perfect, but it’s gradually revealed that it was too good to be true. I loved how realistic the way domestic violence was portrayed in this story, and after reading the author’s afterword, I could see why.
All in all, a definite 5 star read from me (after a string of fours and threes), and I can’t wait to check out the second in the series!

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ummmm, okay. This book made me irrationally annoyed and angry.

First of all, for anyone thinking this will be an easy breezy, second chance at love type book- look elsewhere.

Second, I know I shouldn’t be victim blaming but sweet baby Jesus did almost every person in this book make idiotic decisions. How many times do you need to have bad experiences in dark, dirty, trash filled alleys before you stop walking into dark, dirty, trash filled alleys? Or maybe don’t walk alone at 3AM when you know there is someone actually trying to MURDER you/your sister.

Third, and this is piggybacking off #2 - when you KNOW someone has recently been assaulted and almost murdered… maybe don’t take her to an underground MMA fight and pummel the first guy in the ring until he’s almost dead, chase after her into the woods, then threaten to carry her “caveman style” back to your car/your house. Spoiler alert - you now ALSO look like the villain ex-boyfriend.

Fourth, in the famous words of Patrick Verona (RIP Heath Ledger/Ten Things I Hate About You) - “what’s with this chick? She got beer flavored nipples?” I am fascinated as to what voodoo Jenna has that she successfully bewitches not one (Colton), not two (Damian), not three (Stephen), not four (Harrison), not five (Travis), but six+ guys into falling for her instantly and obsessively. To the point where they all are overly aggressive with her and her “well being.” Even the cop (Fisher) on her case refers to her as “kid” instead of by her name. Repeatedly. Like its a term of endearment. Tell ya what - if I’m ever found bruised and battered and clinging to life TWICE - go ahead and call me by name instead of your condescending pet name. I think I’ve earned it.

Lastly, can we talk about that ending? Ummmmmmm.
All I can think of is that she was going to pound town while her brother… nope. Not going to spoil it for everyone else. Let’s just say, shiz got real, REAL. 🫣

Didn’t love it (clearly) and I’m choosing to channel my anger at the KU/Instagram algorithms that brought this steaming load to my attention.

All I want to do is mainline something, anything, better so that the curse of a bad book doesn’t follow me into 2023. Bring on a palate cleanser stat! 📚

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me and I can honestly say I am delighted to have discovered a wonderful new author. Her romantic suspense writing is fantastic and has everything a quality book needs—engaging characters, a solid storyline, incredible suspense that is unpredictable, and a range of emotions.

Amazing twists and turns take you on an incredible journey where puzzle pieces start slowly slotting in to make a complete picture. I honestly couldn’t wait to read until the end to find out what happened, the storyline was that absorbing, it totally ensnared my attention the whole way through.

The lead characters, Damian and Jenna, were terrific and instantly likable, as well, the secondary characters were great too. Primarily this is because of the fabulous character profiles built up over the course of the story giving readers a good understanding of each one—when the author wants them to understand! 😉

Holy moly, when things really heated up they were so intense I was literally on the edge of my seat. The excitement as well as the trepidation was a teeny bit overwhelming but incredibly satisfying too. My heart broke for Jenna, big ugly tears and I’m not ashamed to admit it either. This author is not afraid to be brutal in her execution of which character lives or dies!

Although this story explores serious issues, and it does that extremely well, it also has a lighter side with its fabulous touch of humor. This helps to balance the darkness of the story. There are many emotions felt throughout this story none more so than acute heartbreak and sorrow. Fear and anger are another pair of emotions that you find yourself grappling with but then joy and happiness do play a part as well

I have no hesitation in recommending this brilliant book to everyone.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[UnapologeticallyArdis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finishing this book I'm conflicted. If domestic violence issues are a trigger for you please read carefully. I know heavy books like this often get a bad wrap but they are so needed and Lockheart really portrays relationship violence in a realistic and terrifying way. You become fully enmeshed with Jenna our main character due to Deadly Illusions' beautiful writing. You can't help but smile, cry, and worry when Jenna does. Unfortunately, her story is something people all to often experience. Despite knowing the statistics, you root for Jenna and hope that the story is going to turn out well for her. I'm not a huge crier and this book had me spilling tears. It shook me to the core. Deadly Illusion made me realize how lucky I was to get out of my own past bad relationship and shed more compassion on myself for my past choices.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vampire-lk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Omg talk about unpleasant topics!!!! This was more reality than anything I read to ESCAPE said reality!!! Hate D.V/D.A & sadly this was very descriptive very lengthy novel! What a massive headache yet had to finish to see how it ended, but definitely skipped/glazed over huge sections!!!! Definitely check out the tigger warnings before even attempting this very sombre novel!!!!! Author does good job getting into the aspect of it, but once again wayyyyy too much for me personally! Glad she did find true love with Damien!! Tried new novel, but rather it be lighter subjects lol back to my fluffy happy go lucky novels!

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for giving me the chance to read an ARC of this amazing and stunning book.

TRIGGER WARNINGS CONCERNING: toxic and abusive relationships, domestic abuse, addictions, violence and death.

"It's heartbreaking how long a human will hold on to hope, even as evidence mounts against it, even as months turn into years"

"This was so confusing. I thought it would feel black and white, but this was nothing but gray"

This book got me into a major spiral of sadness and awakening about issues a lot of people use to deal with but find really hard to admit, both to themselves and to the world.
I grew fond of these characters who were there facing their own war while clinging to the people they love for support, actually finding out that some of them are their worst enemies.
Appearances are not always what they seem and it's useless to try and save someone who is beyond our reach.
Despite all this though I felt like I could relate to our main character in more ways than one and while it made it more painful to get through this book, it also made me aware of how many things need to change in this world to make it better.
Our past shapes us but it doesn't define who we are or who we will be. I think this is probably one of the most powerful messages this author could give. As well as the idea that we cannot fight. a war that it's lost from the beginning. Especially if it involves dedicating our existence to correct other's mistakes and accept blindly other's wrong gestures.
Sometimes love itself is not enough despite how much power we give it.

"True love should be able to overcome anything"

"And a life without the magic of true love seemed a depressing shell of an existence"

"I don't want to become the person I've spent my whole life fighting"

But at the end of the day, despite feeling like they're the only one to blame, it's hard for the victims to believe that they deserve happiness. That they actually weren't asking for what happened to them. They didn't ask to believe an abuser and their story.
At the end of the day , they need to know that IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me and I can honestly say I am delighted to have discovered a wonderful new author. Her romantic suspense writing is fantastic and has everything a quality book needs—engaging characters, a solid storyline, incredible suspense that is unpredictable and a range of emotions.

Amazing twists and turns take you on an incredible journey where puzzle pieces start slowly slotting in to make a complete picture. I honestly couldn’t wait to read until the end to find out what happened, the storyline was that absorbing, it totally ensnared my attention the whole way through.

The lead characters, Damian and Jenna, were terrific and instantly likeable, as well, the secondary characters were great too. Primarily this is because of the fabulous character profiles built up over the course of the story giving readers a good understanding of each one—when the author wants them to understand! 😉

Holy moly, when things really heated up they were so intense I was literally on the edge of my seat. The excitement as well as the trepidation was a teeny bit overwhelming but incredibly satisfying too. My heart broke for Jenna, big ugly tears and I’m not ashamed to admit it either. This author is not afraid to be brutal in her execution of which character lives or dies!

Although this story explores serious issues, and it does that extremely well, it also has a lighter side with its fabulous touch of humour. This helps to balance the darkness of the story. There are many emotions felt throughout this story none more so than acute heartbreak and sorrow. Fear and anger are another pair of emotions that you find yourself grappling with but then joy and happiness do play a part as well

I have no hesitation in recommending this brilliant book to everyone.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of Your Freaking Seat Reading!!

The old saying, be careful what you wish for was nothing but true for me with this book. After my last few reads, I was thinking that I sure could use a little more angst in the next one and boy did Kathy Lockheart deliver it in spades!! I don't know why, but I felt instantly connected to these characters and swear my blood pressure rose as I kept reading.

"I thought you were the person that would protect me from the outside world if it ever attacked me. I never dreamed you'd be the person I needed protection from."

Heed the trigger warnings. This storyline tackles a very serious subject and the author doesn't tread lightly. There are pages and pages of details and situations I couldn't in a million years imagine myself in and my heart breaks for all those that experience it. Jenna is a strong woman, while she might not think so in the moment, she is. I couldn't help but like her character, even though she frustrated me at times. Damien was the same for me, insta-like and I also have a thing for the tough on the outside, but a total teddy bear kind of guy.

This is a hard book to review, as I don't want to spoil the storyline and trust me, it's worth reading. The book is well written and very heavy. It's one of those that you feel like you've learned something after reading, or maybe your eyes have been opened to something you really knew nothing about, which was my case.

Kathy Lockheart poured her heart into this book and it showed. I read it in one sitting because I had to see how it ended. As predictable as you think it may be, it isn't. The book reads as a standalone with the inspiration for writing it at the end that is as meaningful as the story of Jenna and Damien was.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for this suspenseful romance!

WOW ... what a great debut for this author! In the first half, the author sets up the characters and story to perfection. In the last half, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the next twist or turn. I normally can guess what's going happen ... but not in this case. My jaw hit the floor several times. I just wanted Jenna to run from Colton, but I know how hard that can be when you love the person and believe that they can change. The whole book is from Jenna's POV and it would have been nice to have the odd chapter from Colton and Damien to get their POV and see what was running around in their heads. This story broke my heart!

Jenna wanted her fairy tale romance and when she met Colton, she was positive she was going to have it. That is until Colton's jealousy morphs him into someone she doesn't recognize. She knows it's not right, but she feels sorry for Colton and takes him back ... believing him when he says it will never happen again. But it doesn't take long for his dark side to come out again ... and that's when Jenna becomes terrified for her life.

Damien saw the bruises Jenna tried to cover up and all he wanted to do was protect her. He's a MMA fighter and everyone thought he was dangerous and that Jenna should stay away from him. All Damien wanted to do was protect her ... from the real abuser.

I received an early copy courtesy of Rosewood Literary Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat for the entire read -- I read the blurb on NetGalley and immediately requested a copy because it sounded so interesting. Interesting is an understatement for this book - heart-pounding, nail-biting, blow-your-mind suspense is more like it! Wow, this is a very well written debut novel. I'm surprised this is Ms. Lockheart's debut because it reads like it was written by a well-seasoned writer. Let me say that this book may have some triggers for some readers so beware. The mystery, the intrigue, the twists and turns makes for an excellent romantic suspense novel, while also being quite enlightening and informative. This was an intensely emotional read for me as well - the tragedy and heartbreak brought me to tears. If you choose to take a chance on it, I suggest you buckle up and have some tissues ready, but in my honest opinion, it is well worth the time and emotional fortitude to read this novel. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

[Hannah Brokaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a TERRIBLE story. But kinda well written. I’ll explain. Jenna-not listening to anyone around her-nearly gets herself and a ton of random ppl in Chicago killed. As a direct result of her stupidity and nativity that she knows best, her brother dies horribly. The result? “I’m told ab enormous wave of good came from the unimaginable tragedy…” what a narcissist statement to make. I didn’t like her at all-from the start. The worst part of this book is that it’s actually fairly well written and Damian isn’t half bad as a MC. He def deserves better than Jenna. Everyone around Jenna deserves better than her to be honest. She’s especially horrible and incredibly dishonest to her best friend. I probably should have quit reading the story after the 3rd time Jenna didn’t listen and nearly got herself hurt again but I pushed on. I fully regret it. Thank God I didn’t spend actual money on this book because I would have immediately wanted a refund.

[Yoneidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been pleasantly surprised with this book. I loved it.
Although the subject it addresses is quite crude, there are also beautiful moments in the book.
Jenna moves to Chicago to start a new life, and soon after, she meets Colton that he seems to be the perfect guy.
They fall in love and live their fairy tale, until one day, her dream life turns into a nightmare.
Jenna will doubt herself, whether to follow her instincts or her heart, putting friends at risk by defending Colton.
I was delighted to see the enormous support of Damian and Justin towards Jenna and they have both moved me a lot. 😢
What a great story! the main topic is well treated, without unnecessary details but described in such a way that it helps you empathize with Jenna and everything that is going on.

[Kelly Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Rollercoaster

TW: Domestic Violence

Such a well written story. I finished this story in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down. I hope that more people read this book with an open heart and understand the people that have been through situations like this instead of making assumptions. Make sure to stay and read the Author's letter at the end. It takes courage to put yourself out there.

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful read that really pulls out all your emotions to the surface. Love and pain goes hand in hand. A must read, it’s that good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that Ive read by this author and it was an absolute amazing read that I couldn't put down for even a minute. This story is nail biting and it captivates you while keeping you on the edge of your seat. This book may have some triggers for some too and surrounds domestic violence and mental abuse and a real toxic relationship. But this author has written amazingly and this is a must read book,

Jenna has just moved to Chicago to start over and to be near her brother who she is very close and he has always been there for her and to protect her they both have a great relationship with each other and he will do anything to protect her and so will Damian the fighter. She meets him after a work thing and they are always meant to be.
Colton is a man that Jenna meets one night after finding a dog that needs help and they both seem to hit it of. Colton is a man that doesn't like to be told no or that he cant have what he wants as he feels let down, But he is a very nasty man and you always need to be on your guard around him, it just takes Jenna a moment to really see what is happening to her.

I really felt for Jenna in this story and it had my emotions all over the place and after all that she has been through as I have also had to deal with DV in my life and I could understand her decisions sometimes. This book is a very emotional read and I couldn't believe some of the things that were happening. This had twist and turns and shockers and the suspense is gripping and I loved how this author always kept you guessing. I love how this author writes and her writing style and I am so glad to have found another fantastic author that holds your attention with her work through the story and the way that she has written the sensitive issues was really amazing.

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[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly beautiful story full of angst, drama, pain, and loss. It deals with very serious and real issues that some are fortunate to never endured but for those that have it really hits home. Jenna meets this wonderful guy< Colton, and he shows her passion, love she has craved since being a child. Colton shows his wonderful side but slowly you can see the changes in the way he has complete control of her life dictating what she does, when she goes around friends, and more. At first Jenna just sees it as his love for her and just wanting more time together what she doesn’t realize is this is his way of starting the manipulation groundwork. My heart went out to Jenna because it was so real seeing his hateful reaction and the first time he las hands on her it shreds her heart. As the reader you will become frustrated because the way she thinks she can change him and how much things escalate but sometimes people going through this truly believe that they can be changed or they can love them through it. The majority of this book is Jenna with Colton and at first I wasn’t a fan because I wanted to get to the good stuff with Damian our hero, but then I realized the reader needed this background laid out to show us what happens and not just being told about it. When things escalate Damian and Jenna strike up a friendship but things of course turn to more yet the ex is still out there biding his time. Can they survive what is to come and find their happy ever ending? Jenna and Damian have endured so much pain in their lives and they deserve so much happiness but will they ever find it? This story was heartbreaking but showed us the truth as to what really happens and what goes through ones head when this occurs. Even though we got the background shown to us I really wished we had more time with Jenna and Damian together because I feel we didn’t get enough. My heart shattered when things went down but it was put back together in the end.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this!

To be quite honest, I wasn't really expecting this to have the impact it did on me. It was raw, emotional and heartbreaking, but in more ways than one it was eye-opening, and beautifully written. I really liked how the author give us insight into the first part; how the relationship started between Colton and Jenna, how they came to fall in love, and then what happened after. Usually we only get to read about the after, but not really the before and in between. So that's what really drew me in, and kept me from putting this book down.

I know for a fact, because I've been this way too, that we often tend to question why the victim keeps going back to the abuser, or why the victim stays, when (to us) it's crystal clear that the abuse will happen again, and that nothing will change. But you see, in the mind of the victim, they still believe that this time the abuser will change. Because when you've been broken not only physically, but especially mentally, I think it becomes quite grayish to you in terms of believing that change will happen. And because of fear from society, the victim usually doesn't speak up about the abuse. And in doing so, not only the life of the victim is at stake, but of their loved ones as well. And that is what I appreciated from this story, that the spotlight was also set on Jenna's loved one(s), and how their life was at stake as well, in the hands of her abuser.

This book was such an emotional rollercoaster ride, but I am so happy I got to read it.

TW: domestic abuse, death of a loved one

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joy Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆☆
Deadly Illusion was a phenomenal story. This is my first book by this author and it will absolutely not be the last.
This combined some of my favorite tropes; friends to lovers, forbidden love, second-chance and romantic suspense. It focuses on Damian and Jenna. Jenna moved to Chicago to start over and build the life she had always dreamed of. Unfortunately, she left one darkness for another. When her blind fairytale shattered, she meets Damian. He knows darkness well. He may have let it consume him until he meets Jenna. Letting her close could put her in danger but he soon realizes she’s already in danger. He will protect her at all costs. Suddenly, they are in the fight of their lives and everyone she loves is in danger.
This book was romantic suspense at its best! The characters were all unique and intriguing. I stayed perched on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. My nerves were a bit exposed with everything happening and my emotions were ripped from me many times. They were also all over the place from laughter to anger to tears. Plus, the plot was completely unpredictable and I love finding authors who can achieve that! I will be on the lookout for all other releases by Kathy Lockheart. I highly recommend this book. This is my honest opinion, freely given.

[Emma Bleichert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This ripped my heart into pieces but so worth it!

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Up to the final chapters I'd have rated this higher, because I enjoyed the story of the main characters.

The tie between love interest 1 and 2 was unnecessary and far fetched in my opinion.

And that "solution" at the end? Really, that solves it? Ugh.

Considering I enjoyed 90% of the book and suffered greatly with the characters, I'll still give it a solid 3 rating.