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From USA Today Bestselling author Karen Kelley comes the explosive new political thriller about an abusive man whose career is on the rise, until one woman threatens to bring it all tumbling down, and the one man who can save her.
Alana thought she was marrying the man of her dreams, but she couldn’t have imagined the nightmare her life would become.
Stephen was everything Alana thought she wanted in a husband. Handsome, attentive, and on his way up in the political arena. He seduced her with his charm, but as soon as they said their vows, his mask began to slip and she saw the controlling monster that he hid from everyone. Now she has nowhere to run.
***
Carter was roped into escorting his mother to a political fundraiser for Stephen Ashton.
He and Stephen roomed in the same dorm when they were in college, but drugs were found. Stephen convinced everyone they were Carter’s, and he had three of his friends lie to back him up. No one believed Carter’s innocence, not even his parents, so he enlisted in the military the next day and walked away from a potential career that he’d never really wanted.
He still has a score to settle, so when he sees Stephen’s stunning wife slip outside, he follows. He’s not surprised she wants to escape her husband. Had he forgotten her birthday or something just as trivial? He remembers Alana from childhood as being an obnoxious little girl trailing after him. He gives her a way to leave Stephen. He’ll hide her for a couple of weeks, then return her with a slightly tarnished halo.
Revenge is sweet.
Until he realizes exactly what he’s gotten into or how deep Stephen’s obsession for Alana runs, but will Stephen resort to murder to make them pay?
Alana thought she was marrying the man of her dreams, but she couldn’t have imagined the nightmare her life would become.
Stephen was everything Alana thought she wanted in a husband. Handsome, attentive, and on his way up in the political arena. He seduced her with his charm, but as soon as they said their vows, his mask began to slip and she saw the controlling monster that he hid from everyone. Now she has nowhere to run.
***
Carter was roped into escorting his mother to a political fundraiser for Stephen Ashton.
He and Stephen roomed in the same dorm when they were in college, but drugs were found. Stephen convinced everyone they were Carter’s, and he had three of his friends lie to back him up. No one believed Carter’s innocence, not even his parents, so he enlisted in the military the next day and walked away from a potential career that he’d never really wanted.
He still has a score to settle, so when he sees Stephen’s stunning wife slip outside, he follows. He’s not surprised she wants to escape her husband. Had he forgotten her birthday or something just as trivial? He remembers Alana from childhood as being an obnoxious little girl trailing after him. He gives her a way to leave Stephen. He’ll hide her for a couple of weeks, then return her with a slightly tarnished halo.
Revenge is sweet.
Until he realizes exactly what he’s gotten into or how deep Stephen’s obsession for Alana runs, but will Stephen resort to murder to make them pay?
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2021
403 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kelley
107 books223 followersKaren Kelley always had a secret desire to live the life of a Gypsy. So she and her husband quit their jobs, sold their house, decluttered their lives and moved into their 5th wheel RV. Now they're traveling the United States. She works full time on her writing and spends her downtime walking on the beach or hiking in the mountains. Her motto has always been 'Who says you can't have it all.'
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 1, 2022
great start to a new series
I loved the trilogy of the sisters, where we met Breaker’s team. Carter was interesting for sure, and I’m happy the series starts with him.
The very rich senator’s son, who left that fake and corrupt life behind.
Here, he helps Alana escape her husband, a man he has a dark history with.
Little does he know how deep her scars are, or the depravity of the husband.
Great start! On to book 2.
I loved the trilogy of the sisters, where we met Breaker’s team. Carter was interesting for sure, and I’m happy the series starts with him.
The very rich senator’s son, who left that fake and corrupt life behind.
Here, he helps Alana escape her husband, a man he has a dark history with.
Little does he know how deep her scars are, or the depravity of the husband.
Great start! On to book 2.
November 20, 2021
Oh, how I love Karen Kelly’s books!
I recently discovered Karen Kelly’s books an can’t stop reading them. Once I start one of her books, everything else is on hold until I finish. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
I recently discovered Karen Kelly’s books an can’t stop reading them. Once I start one of her books, everything else is on hold until I finish. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
November 14, 2021
Loved it!
So glad we get to learn about the rest of Breaker's crew!
Carter is a wonderful first character, learned in the ways of corruption, having grown up in it, and his college roommate making him the patsy for his own crime. From there Carter becomes a man few wouldn't want to on their "six". After the military, yet still part of a covert operation he and his crew continue to help those in need.
Along comes a "pampered princess" he meets at a political function he normally would not attending, but his father is unable to escort his mother so he goes...he steps out onto a balcony to avoid the ridiculousness of it alla, and there is a woman whose comment he hears. He asks her a question or tow thinking she hates her husband because he forgot her birthday or something frivolous. But, Alana is willing to hide in the trunk of his vehicle to escape his abusive husband.
Little does Carter realize, this pampered princess is not all it seems. Alana is a very strong young woman, from her marriage night till her escape her life is complete and utter torment. But Carter offers her escape, and she takes it. She's afraid for all around her, she knows her husband, and even her one call to her parents was another disappointment in this young woman's life.
From here, well all is going well, then like anything looking like a decent,if not happy ending, reality plays it's joke.
Enter Carter and his Crew, and even Breaker because Savannah is expecting and it's everything baby, he needs to work. Together the crew protects Carter's ranch and Alana, with a little help from a seventeen year old young lady, who can " shoot the wings off a fly".
But it's not over yet, and her is where I tell you, Karen Kelly's novels a so great to read, twisted suspense, when you think it's over, it is not. There is more!
The happy ending occurs, just as with Breaker and Savannah, but it is a convoluted road, filled with action, illegal goings on, and definitely, insanity.
But, I started, couldn't stop till finished, and LOVED EVERY MOMENT!
TERRIFIC NOVEL!
sooooooooo ...
NEXT ... SAMSON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Soon I hope! Cannot wait!
Loved!
Karen
So glad we get to learn about the rest of Breaker's crew!
Carter is a wonderful first character, learned in the ways of corruption, having grown up in it, and his college roommate making him the patsy for his own crime. From there Carter becomes a man few wouldn't want to on their "six". After the military, yet still part of a covert operation he and his crew continue to help those in need.
Along comes a "pampered princess" he meets at a political function he normally would not attending, but his father is unable to escort his mother so he goes...he steps out onto a balcony to avoid the ridiculousness of it alla, and there is a woman whose comment he hears. He asks her a question or tow thinking she hates her husband because he forgot her birthday or something frivolous. But, Alana is willing to hide in the trunk of his vehicle to escape his abusive husband.
Little does Carter realize, this pampered princess is not all it seems. Alana is a very strong young woman, from her marriage night till her escape her life is complete and utter torment. But Carter offers her escape, and she takes it. She's afraid for all around her, she knows her husband, and even her one call to her parents was another disappointment in this young woman's life.
From here, well all is going well, then like anything looking like a decent,if not happy ending, reality plays it's joke.
Enter Carter and his Crew, and even Breaker because Savannah is expecting and it's everything baby, he needs to work. Together the crew protects Carter's ranch and Alana, with a little help from a seventeen year old young lady, who can " shoot the wings off a fly".
But it's not over yet, and her is where I tell you, Karen Kelly's novels a so great to read, twisted suspense, when you think it's over, it is not. There is more!
The happy ending occurs, just as with Breaker and Savannah, but it is a convoluted road, filled with action, illegal goings on, and definitely, insanity.
But, I started, couldn't stop till finished, and LOVED EVERY MOMENT!
TERRIFIC NOVEL!
sooooooooo ...
NEXT ... SAMSON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Soon I hope! Cannot wait!
Loved!
Karen
October 16, 2021
I've always been intrigued by Carter and the rest of the special ops team that we met in the Sisters Bound By Blood series. What's better than watching an alpha male meet his match? I wasn't sure how to feel about Alana, but after learning her past, my heart broke for her. Watching her gain independence and develop relationships with others, I fell in love with her. Carter is her perfect match! These two both didn't want to depend on anyone or ever find love again, but sometimes love comes when you least expect it! This book is full of plot twists to keep you up and turning pages, plus has heat and romance to keep your heart in it as well. I could feel the emotions Carter and Alana were feeling and was happy to see their HEA.
January 11, 2022
It draws you in during the first chapter and you don't want to put it down.
While reading this, I felt the fear and heartbreak of the abused women who have gone through similar circumstances. Sometimes horrible things happen to people who really deserve much better. Sometimes there are good people who really step forward and help make a positive difference in those around them.. Love can make difference and things can get better than you ever dreamed possible.
While reading this, I felt the fear and heartbreak of the abused women who have gone through similar circumstances. Sometimes horrible things happen to people who really deserve much better. Sometimes there are good people who really step forward and help make a positive difference in those around them.. Love can make difference and things can get better than you ever dreamed possible.
April 23, 2024
Intense
Carter and Alana. Some parts of this book were stereotypes. But overall, this battered wife of a politician was a good story. Carter is a great hero — he gave Alana an escape plan and even though he didn’t realize the hell she was living. Love the people in his life that jumped in to take care of and protect Alana. Too many villains in this book — caused lots of stressful moments!
Besides needing some editing for spelling and grammar errors, good story.
Carter and Alana. Some parts of this book were stereotypes. But overall, this battered wife of a politician was a good story. Carter is a great hero — he gave Alana an escape plan and even though he didn’t realize the hell she was living. Love the people in his life that jumped in to take care of and protect Alana. Too many villains in this book — caused lots of stressful moments!
Besides needing some editing for spelling and grammar errors, good story.
May 28, 2024
I wanted to give 3.5 stars but cant give 1/2 stars in Goodreads. The spice I’d give it a 🌶️🌶️, not a whole lot there. I really liked the MFC in the beginning. Then towards the end where I thought she want some independence and finally live she choose to stay with the MMC. It was a decent read, some of the parts had a whole lot of build up and then was anticlimactic by the end of the scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2024
Kinda Good
This book seemed a little too long. And if your looking for red hot love and red hot love scenes, this is not it. It is more about abuse and control. So heads up if you're not into abusive, controlling men. I wish I could say something more positive about this book, but there is a HEA at the end.
This book seemed a little too long. And if your looking for red hot love and red hot love scenes, this is not it. It is more about abuse and control. So heads up if you're not into abusive, controlling men. I wish I could say something more positive about this book, but there is a HEA at the end.
May 4, 2022
5 Stars
My first book by this author and I was riveted from the first page to the high octane ending. I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series. I am also looking into more books by this author.
My first book by this author and I was riveted from the first page to the high octane ending. I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series. I am also looking into more books by this author.
August 5, 2022
Interesting story. I'm having difficulty believing he caught her! And the Russian doctor? Loved Carter and his crew.
September 13, 2022
💖💖💖
Loved this book. Can't wait to read the other books in the series. Romance, suspense and drama all rolled up into one in the book. Good job Ms. Kelley!
Loved this book. Can't wait to read the other books in the series. Romance, suspense and drama all rolled up into one in the book. Good job Ms. Kelley!
February 8, 2024
Great Read
This was the 1st book by this author I have read. It was a great read and I highly recommend reading it!
This was the 1st book by this author I have read. It was a great read and I highly recommend reading it!
February 16, 2024
Very intriguing suspenseful book, I truly enjoyed it kept my interest
March 24, 2025
excellent
Couldn’t put it down even when I knew I should get to sleep. Finished the book in just a couple of nights.
Couldn’t put it down even when I knew I should get to sleep. Finished the book in just a couple of nights.
October 26, 2021
5 Stars
I received a free copy of the steamy novel Deceived Bound by Loyalty, Honor, and Truth: Book One by Karen Kelley, and this review was given freely.
An action-packed story of surviving abuse that portrays the superficial and at times dirty life of politicians but is balanced by the good-natured teasing and the protective natures of Carter’s team brothers as well as the big personalities of Ivy and Cora Mae. Contains some violence, touches of steam, and a heartwarming ending.
Socialite Alana Ashton seeks the help of a former childhood acquaintance, retired Special Services operative now mercenary and Texas rancher, Carter James when her controlling and abusive, drug dependent, self-entitled, and the senatorial hopeful husband; Stephen Ashton’s vicious ways escalate.
I received a free copy of the steamy novel Deceived Bound by Loyalty, Honor, and Truth: Book One by Karen Kelley, and this review was given freely.
An action-packed story of surviving abuse that portrays the superficial and at times dirty life of politicians but is balanced by the good-natured teasing and the protective natures of Carter’s team brothers as well as the big personalities of Ivy and Cora Mae. Contains some violence, touches of steam, and a heartwarming ending.
Socialite Alana Ashton seeks the help of a former childhood acquaintance, retired Special Services operative now mercenary and Texas rancher, Carter James when her controlling and abusive, drug dependent, self-entitled, and the senatorial hopeful husband; Stephen Ashton’s vicious ways escalate.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews