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Secrets and the City #3
Lethal Justice
A crime leader has fallen for the wrong woman. She’s his hostage in a heist, and if he leaves any witnesses, his colleagues will kill them both.
A hostage isn’t supposed to develop feelings for her captor—a man who’s the antithesis of everything I stand for. And my captor isn’t supposed to see me in a way no one else ever has, let alone want to protect me from the other men who plan to end my life…
Surrendering to our unexpected feelings could spell death for us both. Especially when Easton is given a direct order: Kill me, or they’ll kill him and his brother.
Soon, our lives, along with the lives of everyone we love, are in danger. And time is running out…
You’ll love this dangerous romance (standalone with no cliffhanger, contains darker themes with mature content—reader discretion is advised) because the page-turner involving dark secrets, kidnapping, and murder will keep you glued to the pages with heart-pounding suspense and blow-your mind twists…
Get it now.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2022
1145 people are currently reading
4122 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Lockheart
17 books847 followers★ 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
Join Kathy’s VIP Team ➜ https://kathylockheart.com/join-my-vi...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kathy...
Main links ➜https://kathylockheart.com/mainlinks
Facebook➜ http://bit.ly/LockheartFB
Website ➜ www.KathyLockheart.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/kathy_lockh...
TikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@kathylockhear...
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
Join Kathy’s VIP Team ➜ https://kathylockheart.com/join-my-vi...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kathy...
Main links ➜https://kathylockheart.com/mainlinks
Facebook➜ http://bit.ly/LockheartFB
Website ➜ www.KathyLockheart.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/kathy_lockh...
TikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@kathylockhear...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 30, 2022
This is the 3rd book in this incredible series, and this is Easton and Zoey’s story. While taking care off her dad, Zoey has been left drowning in debt, and she heads to her dad’s condominium to see if he has anything she can pawn to help with some of the bills, only to walk into a robbery taking place. The men intend to kill her, but one recognizes her, and she becomes a captive. This is a well written story which is action packed, with danger, suspense, intrigue, and with family, secrets, mindblowing twists, emotions, romance, drama, angst, and love, which leads to a thrilling page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Give Me Books and the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Give Me Books and the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2023
Ahh this was intense! The epilogue made my heart happy. 🥰
~Zoey is in the wrong place at the wrong time. She’s the hostage that got away and is now fighting to stay alive. Easton couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the woman who cares more about others than herself. He knows she deserves more than a thief but he will protect her with his life.~
Loved the mystery in this! I had so many thoughts on who could’ve set up the robbery but never thought it would be who it was. Also, what a backstory of Zoey and her father. They really go through some stuff together. I love the life lessons this book teaches you along the way.
Easton is so dark and mysterious, I love that he surprises you and makes you wonder. LOVE how protective he is of Zoey! Their story is just so beautiful! They go through so much together in such a short amount of time. I adored their relationship. It was nice to see Zoey happy after losing her boyfriend in Deadly Illusions.
I only wish there was more of them together! 😭
~Zoey is in the wrong place at the wrong time. She’s the hostage that got away and is now fighting to stay alive. Easton couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the woman who cares more about others than herself. He knows she deserves more than a thief but he will protect her with his life.~
Loved the mystery in this! I had so many thoughts on who could’ve set up the robbery but never thought it would be who it was. Also, what a backstory of Zoey and her father. They really go through some stuff together. I love the life lessons this book teaches you along the way.
Easton is so dark and mysterious, I love that he surprises you and makes you wonder. LOVE how protective he is of Zoey! Their story is just so beautiful! They go through so much together in such a short amount of time. I adored their relationship. It was nice to see Zoey happy after losing her boyfriend in Deadly Illusions.
I only wish there was more of them together! 😭
December 19, 2022
I received this book as an early ARC but all opinions are my own.
This book is great and goes against the grain of the usual kidnapper/held hostage book. While the main character is held hostage at the beginning of the book, things change quickly and the reader is thrown into a series of events that include a love story growing from an unlikely place and mystery on who is pulling the strings of the string of robberies that have been taking place.
I love Kathy Lockheart's book and look forward to more!
This book is great and goes against the grain of the usual kidnapper/held hostage book. While the main character is held hostage at the beginning of the book, things change quickly and the reader is thrown into a series of events that include a love story growing from an unlikely place and mystery on who is pulling the strings of the string of robberies that have been taking place.
I love Kathy Lockheart's book and look forward to more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2022
This is the third book in this series. They can be read as standalone books. The heroin in this book is also the best friend to Jenna in the first book, she is also friends with Fallon in the second book. Zoey hasn’t it easy for quite some time. It seems like every time she gets her feet under her something else happens. Her father is leaving with her after getting hit by a car in a hit and run. Finances are strained to the max. She is going to get pawn the only thing she has left worth anything. First, she needs to get it out the safe at her father’s condo. Things take a turn when she walks in on a robbery. One of the robbers, Easton saves her life though. They have an instant connection. Now the others involved and some others that are part of the robbery ring want her died. No witnesses. Easton is going to protect Zoey even if that means losing his life. One way to make sure Zoey is safe is for Easton to turn himself in and give the names of the others. Only he can’t protect Zoey in the meantime. Will Easton be able to protect Zoey or will the others get to them before they can work things out with the police. This book has lots of twists and turns. This wasn’t my favorite book of the series. Zoey and her father have lots of secrets and misunderstanding, non-communication between them. This book takes you on a wild ride. Once again, the Hero, Easton is only doing what he needs to do to survive. He finds himself at a cross roads. He began robbing to survive. Now his brother wants to keep doing it and is getting involved with more dangerous people. He has been existing. Then he met Zoey. I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out. Great job Kathy. This series is a great read.
August 31, 2022
Loved this book! It hooks you from the start and is a fast paced read. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but is part of a series. Each book can be read as a standalone, which I LOVE! Forbidden love between a hostage and a captor, need I say more?
August 28, 2022
3.75 stars-- LETHAL JUSTICE is the third instalment in Kathy Lockheart’s contemporary, adult SECRETS AND THE CITY romantic suspense series. This is Easton Wells, and twenty-six year old, marketing analyst Zoey Williams’ story line. LETHAL JUSTICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from first person perspective (Zoey) LETHAL JUSTICE follows in the aftermath of a robbery at Zoey Williams’ father’s former condo. Following a hit and run accident that left her estranged father in a wheelchair, Zoey became the sole responsibility for the man who broke her heart but finances were tight, and Zoey needed an influx of cash, and returned to her father’s condo to retrieve a piece of jewelry with some sentimental value but Zoey walked in on a robbery in progress, and found herself a captive of three hired thugs. Three men hired to rob the condo were now threatening to kill our story line heroine but one of the thieves was determined to protect Zoey from the others and herself by placing himself in the direct line of fire. Upon her escape, Zoey would eventually come face to face with her captor and would-be rescuer, the man with whom Zoey would fall in love. Enter Easton Wells. What ensues is the problematic and hypocritical relationship between Zoey and Easton, and the fall-out everyone comes cleans about their personal involvement.
Zoey Williams was destroyed the day her father left the family behind but following his accident Zoey was the only person available to help her father heal but in helping she placed herself in dire financial straights. Hoping to sell the only piece of jewelry left behind, Zoey had no idea she would come face to face with her future, a man who was willing to protect our heroine with his life.
The relationship between Zoey and Easton is controversial at best. Easton is desperate to protect an innocent woman, and Zoey sees something in Easton that does not make him all bad. Following the robbery, and our heroine’s subsequent escape, Easton is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, a woman who is willing to risk her own freedom for the man who could have destroyed her life. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.
We are introduced to Easton’s brother Gavin; physical therapist Alex, and Zoey’s father, as well as Detective Shane Hernandez of the Chicago PD.
LETHAL JUSTICE is a story of betrayal and desperation, power and money, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and thrilling; the characters are desperation and determined; the romance is subtle but seductive.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from first person perspective (Zoey) LETHAL JUSTICE follows in the aftermath of a robbery at Zoey Williams’ father’s former condo. Following a hit and run accident that left her estranged father in a wheelchair, Zoey became the sole responsibility for the man who broke her heart but finances were tight, and Zoey needed an influx of cash, and returned to her father’s condo to retrieve a piece of jewelry with some sentimental value but Zoey walked in on a robbery in progress, and found herself a captive of three hired thugs. Three men hired to rob the condo were now threatening to kill our story line heroine but one of the thieves was determined to protect Zoey from the others and herself by placing himself in the direct line of fire. Upon her escape, Zoey would eventually come face to face with her captor and would-be rescuer, the man with whom Zoey would fall in love. Enter Easton Wells. What ensues is the problematic and hypocritical relationship between Zoey and Easton, and the fall-out everyone comes cleans about their personal involvement.
Zoey Williams was destroyed the day her father left the family behind but following his accident Zoey was the only person available to help her father heal but in helping she placed herself in dire financial straights. Hoping to sell the only piece of jewelry left behind, Zoey had no idea she would come face to face with her future, a man who was willing to protect our heroine with his life.
The relationship between Zoey and Easton is controversial at best. Easton is desperate to protect an innocent woman, and Zoey sees something in Easton that does not make him all bad. Following the robbery, and our heroine’s subsequent escape, Easton is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, a woman who is willing to risk her own freedom for the man who could have destroyed her life. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.
We are introduced to Easton’s brother Gavin; physical therapist Alex, and Zoey’s father, as well as Detective Shane Hernandez of the Chicago PD.
LETHAL JUSTICE is a story of betrayal and desperation, power and money, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and thrilling; the characters are desperation and determined; the romance is subtle but seductive.
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 15, 2022
5 Stars for this thriller!
I love Ms. Lockheart's style of writing. Her stories always draw me in and hold me hostage (pun intended). I felt really sorry for Zoey ... she had so much responsibility placed on her when she should be enjoying her life. Easton's childhood broke my heart. He did everything to support his younger brother even if it was illegal. This is another great "who done it" and gives multiple suspects. I was going back and forth between them throughout the book and I was still surprised at the end. A great addition to the series that I highly recommend.
Zoey has become responsible for her dad since is hit and run accident and she is drowning in debt. She decides to go to her dad's repossessed condo to get her ring so she can pawn it and pay some bills. When she gets there, there are three men (Brown, Green and Orange) robbing the condo. They tie her up, blindfold her, and intend to kill her after they're done. Green is watching over her and when he recognizes her, his whole attitude changes. He will do everything to protect her even if it will get him killed.
I received an early ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
I love Ms. Lockheart's style of writing. Her stories always draw me in and hold me hostage (pun intended). I felt really sorry for Zoey ... she had so much responsibility placed on her when she should be enjoying her life. Easton's childhood broke my heart. He did everything to support his younger brother even if it was illegal. This is another great "who done it" and gives multiple suspects. I was going back and forth between them throughout the book and I was still surprised at the end. A great addition to the series that I highly recommend.
Zoey has become responsible for her dad since is hit and run accident and she is drowning in debt. She decides to go to her dad's repossessed condo to get her ring so she can pawn it and pay some bills. When she gets there, there are three men (Brown, Green and Orange) robbing the condo. They tie her up, blindfold her, and intend to kill her after they're done. Green is watching over her and when he recognizes her, his whole attitude changes. He will do everything to protect her even if it will get him killed.
I received an early ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
November 17, 2025
“What if I told you I can’t get you out of my head?” he growled. “That I haven’t been able to get you out of my head since the moment I first laid eyes on you?”
▁▁▁▁✸✸✸▁▁▁▁
Lethal Justice (Secrets and the City, #3)
by Kathy Lockheart
▬▬▬✸▬▬▬
• Touch-her-and-perish vibes
• Forbidden romance
• A heist, a captor, & his hostage
• Page-turning suspense
• Heroine in danger
• Morally gray hero
⁛⁛⁛❤︎⁛⁛⁛
Not my favorite KL book but it was still very good.
Great characters.
Loved the thriller feel and danger vibes.
The big reveal (one) was predictable but did not take away from the story as it progressed.
✸✸▬✸✸✸▬✸✸
3.25 - 3.5 stars
Rounded up for Goodreads
“Forgiving someone who’s hurt you is like handing them back the loaded gun they shot you with. They’ve already shown what they will do with it.”
➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷
★•*´¨`*•★• Happy reading ┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ յ
▁▁▁▁✸✸✸▁▁▁▁
Lethal Justice (Secrets and the City, #3)
by Kathy Lockheart
▬▬▬✸▬▬▬
• Touch-her-and-perish vibes
• Forbidden romance
• A heist, a captor, & his hostage
• Page-turning suspense
• Heroine in danger
• Morally gray hero
⁛⁛⁛❤︎⁛⁛⁛
Not my favorite KL book but it was still very good.
Great characters.
Loved the thriller feel and danger vibes.
The big reveal (one) was predictable but did not take away from the story as it progressed.
✸✸▬✸✸✸▬✸✸
3.25 - 3.5 stars
Rounded up for Goodreads
“Forgiving someone who’s hurt you is like handing them back the loaded gun they shot you with. They’ve already shown what they will do with it.”
➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷➷
★•*´¨`*•★• Happy reading ┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ յ
August 8, 2023
Here I thought no one would replace Damian for me in this series. Easton said "Hey."
This one was really sweet. I love the obsession trope (if you haven't noticed), and I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn't that pushy-guy element in this one. Very love at first sight kind of read, but it was just so sweet!
Quotes ahead because I'm a huge fan of quotes!:
This one was really sweet. I love the obsession trope (if you haven't noticed), and I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn't that pushy-guy element in this one. Very love at first sight kind of read, but it was just so sweet!
Quotes ahead because I'm a huge fan of quotes!:
"If I weren't going away, I'd want to give you every desire you could possibly imagine. You want ecstasy? I'd sink to my knees to pleasure you. You want protection? I'd annihilate anyone who ever hurts you. You want to be worshipped? You'd be my altar."
"You gave me purpose, and now, every drop of blood in my body belongs to you."
"I'd want to be anything to you that you'd allow me to be."
August 31, 2022
In this book we get so many emotions and a story full of suspense. Zoey finds herself taking care of her father that was injured and now she is desperate for money. When she goes back to her father’s condo to retrieve a piece of jewelry that will help her, she is kidnapped by three men. What she doesn’t expect is during this intense and scary moments Easton shows her softer sides that has her seeing that he isn’t what others perceive. This story has so many twists and turns that it keeps you invested from start to finish and on the edge wanting to see how things end. I absolutely loved Easton and his fierce protectiveness that made me swoon hard.
December 12, 2022
Stellar Series! Outstanding Author!!
I couldn't wait for this book to come out!! I was hooked on the first one, and knew the 2nd and this 3rd one would be books I just couldn't put down once I started reading them! They all grab your attention from the beginning and keep you hooked till the end. If Kathy writes it, it's always worth the read!
I couldn't wait for this book to come out!! I was hooked on the first one, and knew the 2nd and this 3rd one would be books I just couldn't put down once I started reading them! They all grab your attention from the beginning and keep you hooked till the end. If Kathy writes it, it's always worth the read!
August 15, 2022
You’ll love this dangerous romance that contains darker themes with mature content—reader discretion is advised) because the page-turner involving dark secrets, kidnapping, and murder will keep you glued to the pages with heart-pounding suspense and blow-your mind twists…Easton & Zoey will keep you wanting more. Loved it. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 17, 2023
dnf @ 65%
Sorry but this book feels like straight out of wattpad and Zoey was too immature for a supposedly 26 years old woman. Her father is an absolute dirtbag and deserves zero redemption. I also couldn’t buy into or understand how quickly attached Easton was to Zoey.
Sorry but this book feels like straight out of wattpad and Zoey was too immature for a supposedly 26 years old woman. Her father is an absolute dirtbag and deserves zero redemption. I also couldn’t buy into or understand how quickly attached Easton was to Zoey.
July 25, 2022
Another masterpiece. It's a great new view of a classic bad boy - good girl story. A real page turner. So much action, drama and love. I highly recommend this book. Kathy is one of my favourite authors and her every book is devoured in one sleepless night! Thank you!
September 1, 2022
Great writing. This book is riveting, exciting and a page turner. I highly recommend this book and this author.
September 11, 2023
2/5 stars
December 8, 2022
Persevere
I love how the series is all in twine yet each book can be read separately as a stand alone with no issues. Lethal justice left you sitting at the edge of your seat wondering how they can work out between the 2 main characters what it work out Will they ever find out Why they met? Zoey strength through the novel and her perseverance was such a strong character development, showing that even when you are scared and feel there is nothing to do you have to keep fighting. There is always a reason for the way life plays out.
I love how the series is all in twine yet each book can be read separately as a stand alone with no issues. Lethal justice left you sitting at the edge of your seat wondering how they can work out between the 2 main characters what it work out Will they ever find out Why they met? Zoey strength through the novel and her perseverance was such a strong character development, showing that even when you are scared and feel there is nothing to do you have to keep fighting. There is always a reason for the way life plays out.
March 25, 2023
This book was fine, however, as it went on, this became gradually bit more and more unlikely and ridiculous? The concept was brilliant. However, the execution just became really unbelievable and tedious. The romance and chemistry is what saved this book. out of this series, so far. I would definitely say that this was the weakest.
October 5, 2023
my favorite part was when he was just hanging out in her backyard shirtless and neither party felt the need to address it
September 8, 2022
I almost never write reviews for books but I'm making an exception for this one because WOW. It's so rare to find a romance book that has depth to it and is so freaking well written, let alone an entire romance SERIES. This book is an absolute must read 🥵🥵
Easton is officially my forever book husband and he could be yours too 😌😌
Easton is officially my forever book husband and he could be yours too 😌😌
December 4, 2022
Every book gets better than the last!
I absolutely can't tell you in words how much I love this series. This book was wonderful and the emotional response that I had was like a rollercoaster. I absolutely recommend this book and this series!
I absolutely can't tell you in words how much I love this series. This book was wonderful and the emotional response that I had was like a rollercoaster. I absolutely recommend this book and this series!
November 30, 2022
So good!!! Love the protectiveness Easton shows for Zoey!! So glad she got her happy ending! Love this series!!!
August 9, 2024
This book is about as intense and mind blowing as a reader could wish to read. Kathy’s first two books in the series Deadly Illusions and Fatal Cure were awesome, and this book continues that level of intensity and mind blowing surprises.
I’m not going to say much because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything. Go in expecting an intense, emotional and adrenaline-rush of a read. This book will make you question your feelings and thoughts about the motivations behind the choices people make and the how’s and why’s a good person can make bad choices.
I loved every moment reading this book…it made me gasp out loud, cry, laugh, and hold my breath while my heart pounded nearly out of my chest. I cannot wait for whatever this author comes up with next.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m not going to say much because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything. Go in expecting an intense, emotional and adrenaline-rush of a read. This book will make you question your feelings and thoughts about the motivations behind the choices people make and the how’s and why’s a good person can make bad choices.
I loved every moment reading this book…it made me gasp out loud, cry, laugh, and hold my breath while my heart pounded nearly out of my chest. I cannot wait for whatever this author comes up with next.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2022
I just love this series!
The meeting of “Green” aka Easton and Zoey was soulmates in the making.
But the second time they met, under the circumstances, sealed their fates.
Easton is a bad boy thief and Zoey is a good girl trying to take care of her dad who was hit by a car. Finances aren’t the best…enter Easton the second time.
But what I did like the most was the lack of “F-bombs” or other cuss words. Also the love making was detailed but not overly detailed, it was just right.
The meeting of “Green” aka Easton and Zoey was soulmates in the making.
But the second time they met, under the circumstances, sealed their fates.
Easton is a bad boy thief and Zoey is a good girl trying to take care of her dad who was hit by a car. Finances aren’t the best…enter Easton the second time.
But what I did like the most was the lack of “F-bombs” or other cuss words. Also the love making was detailed but not overly detailed, it was just right.
August 31, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
A hostage wasn't supposed to develop feelings for her captor-a man who's the antithesis of everything I stand for. And my captor isn't supposed to see me in a way no one else ever has, let alone want to protect me from the other men who plan to end my life. Surrendering to our unexpected feelings could spell death for us both. Especially when Easton is given a direct order: Kill me, or they'll kill him and his brother. Soon, our lives, alone with the lives of everyone we love, are in danger. And time is running out.
This is the third book in the Secrets and the City series. This book is a standalone in the series. This book also has dark elements in it and will contain triggers for some readers. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book.
This is the story of Easton and Zoey. Zoey is a young lady who is taking care of her dad and doing the very best that she can to care for him and pay for things. But she finds herself drowning in debt and needs some money as fast as she can get it. This leads to her going to her dad's condominium to see if he has anything she can pawn to help with some of the bills. But instead of solving her problem she walks right on in on a robbery occurring. The men who are committing this robbery cannot leave any witnesses but one of the guys recognizes her and she goes from a girl about to die to one that is now a captive. Easton is the one who recognized her and he saved her as best he could. This is the story of them falling in love. Falling in love with your captive and captor. Zoey is very loyal and will do anything she can to protect her man. After all she loves him, and their relationship is worth fighting for once they give in to their feelings. But, when Easton is ordered to kill her or be killed himself along with his brother. Can they all survive and if so, how will they do it?
I loved these characters so much. I loved the love that Easton and Zoey had for each other. I cannot really talk about all the things I loved because I am afraid I would give something away. This book is filled with twists and turn. Moments that will have you holding your breath and on the edge of your seat. Twists and turns that you will never see coming. You just need to get this book and enjoy the ride.
A hostage wasn't supposed to develop feelings for her captor-a man who's the antithesis of everything I stand for. And my captor isn't supposed to see me in a way no one else ever has, let alone want to protect me from the other men who plan to end my life. Surrendering to our unexpected feelings could spell death for us both. Especially when Easton is given a direct order: Kill me, or they'll kill him and his brother. Soon, our lives, alone with the lives of everyone we love, are in danger. And time is running out.
This is the third book in the Secrets and the City series. This book is a standalone in the series. This book also has dark elements in it and will contain triggers for some readers. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book.
This is the story of Easton and Zoey. Zoey is a young lady who is taking care of her dad and doing the very best that she can to care for him and pay for things. But she finds herself drowning in debt and needs some money as fast as she can get it. This leads to her going to her dad's condominium to see if he has anything she can pawn to help with some of the bills. But instead of solving her problem she walks right on in on a robbery occurring. The men who are committing this robbery cannot leave any witnesses but one of the guys recognizes her and she goes from a girl about to die to one that is now a captive. Easton is the one who recognized her and he saved her as best he could. This is the story of them falling in love. Falling in love with your captive and captor. Zoey is very loyal and will do anything she can to protect her man. After all she loves him, and their relationship is worth fighting for once they give in to their feelings. But, when Easton is ordered to kill her or be killed himself along with his brother. Can they all survive and if so, how will they do it?
I loved these characters so much. I loved the love that Easton and Zoey had for each other. I cannot really talk about all the things I loved because I am afraid I would give something away. This book is filled with twists and turn. Moments that will have you holding your breath and on the edge of your seat. Twists and turns that you will never see coming. You just need to get this book and enjoy the ride.
February 8, 2023
This book was different... I didn't hate it, I actually really liked it.. but I was hoping to fall in love with it and I'm not quite sure if I'm there.
In this book we meet Zoey, who is taking care of her father after a hit and run, and she is desperate for money to cover not only his medical bills, but her basic daily cost of living expenses like medicine, rent, etc. She goes back to her father's condo to try and find a ring that she can pawn for money to help pay for his rehab, when she walks in on the place being robbed by 3 men. What she doesn't expect while being held hostage, is the one robber who is watching her to make sure she doesn't escape and his caring, nurturing demeanor towards her. She finds out his name is Easton, and he doesn't want anything to happen to her and helps her escape. After she escapes, talks to the cops and goes back home to her father, Easton finds her again and their chemistry is out of this park, even though Zoey knows he's a criminal and Easton knows he shouldn't be drawn to Zoey and bring his world onto her, but he can't stay away, and he also tells her that there's a bounty on her head from the guy he was working with and vows to keep her safe or die trying.
This story has so many twists and turns that it keeps you invested from start to finish to see how all of these mysteries in the book are intertwined and how they all pan out. I loved Easton and how he was so fierce and protective over Zoey... he made me swoon.. HARD. I love that Zoey brought out the good in him. I really liked Zoey too. Even though her dad deserted her years ago, she's doing the right thing for him by taking him in and helping him get the rehab he needs and is taking care of him. She's use to everyone leaving her, so she has some major growth in this book which was fun to watch.
I think the reason I didn't love this book is because I was secretly hoping to get more steamy Zoey and Easton moments or some more moments at the end of the story of them together. I also was shocked to see how Zoey's dad played a part in the whole break in, and was honestly kind of pissed that she forgave him so quickly. Overall, this was a fun read with a lot of suspense, forbidden love, and I couldn't put it down!
In this book we meet Zoey, who is taking care of her father after a hit and run, and she is desperate for money to cover not only his medical bills, but her basic daily cost of living expenses like medicine, rent, etc. She goes back to her father's condo to try and find a ring that she can pawn for money to help pay for his rehab, when she walks in on the place being robbed by 3 men. What she doesn't expect while being held hostage, is the one robber who is watching her to make sure she doesn't escape and his caring, nurturing demeanor towards her. She finds out his name is Easton, and he doesn't want anything to happen to her and helps her escape. After she escapes, talks to the cops and goes back home to her father, Easton finds her again and their chemistry is out of this park, even though Zoey knows he's a criminal and Easton knows he shouldn't be drawn to Zoey and bring his world onto her, but he can't stay away, and he also tells her that there's a bounty on her head from the guy he was working with and vows to keep her safe or die trying.
This story has so many twists and turns that it keeps you invested from start to finish to see how all of these mysteries in the book are intertwined and how they all pan out. I loved Easton and how he was so fierce and protective over Zoey... he made me swoon.. HARD. I love that Zoey brought out the good in him. I really liked Zoey too. Even though her dad deserted her years ago, she's doing the right thing for him by taking him in and helping him get the rehab he needs and is taking care of him. She's use to everyone leaving her, so she has some major growth in this book which was fun to watch.
I think the reason I didn't love this book is because I was secretly hoping to get more steamy Zoey and Easton moments or some more moments at the end of the story of them together. I also was shocked to see how Zoey's dad played a part in the whole break in, and was honestly kind of pissed that she forgave him so quickly. Overall, this was a fun read with a lot of suspense, forbidden love, and I couldn't put it down!
February 6, 2023
✨ 𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 ✨
📖: Lethal Justice (Book 3 in the Secrets and the City series)
🖊️: Kathy Lockheart
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 1/5
𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒘𝒐. 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒌𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑺𝑨 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅 (𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒅), 𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓/𝒔𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆
🤍 Forced Proximity
🤍 Forbidden Love
✨ “Sometimes, good people are capable of bad things”
✨ “You keep acting like this? I’m going to throw you over my shoulder and take you somewhere. Keep you there until I know you’re safe”
✨ “Forgiving someone who’s hurt you is like handing them back the loaded gun they shot you with. They’ve already shown what they will do with it”
✨ “It’s easier to give up on people. It’s harder to love them despite what they’ve done to hurt you. But some people are worth fighting for.”
✨ ““If I weren’t going away, I’d want to give you every desire you could possibly imagine. You want ecstasy? I’d sink to my knees to pleasure you. You want protection? I’d annihilate anyone who ever hurts you. You want to be worshipped? You’d be my altar”
Kathy does it again in book 3 of the Secrets and The City series! When I tell you I am IN LOVE with this series 🥺🖤
No one should fall in love with the man who has kidnapped and is holding them hostage. Surely, having feelings for your capture is a symptom of Stockholm Syndrome, right?
And surely the capture shouldn’t be falling for the woman he’s held captive and has been sent to kill. That would get them both killed.
Zoey just happened to be at the wrong place, wrong time when she accidentally stumbles into a robbery happening and finds herself being held hostage. And now the lead man of the heist wants her dead - he can’t have any witnesses. It’s Easton job to kill her. However, he finds himself wanting to protect her and keep her safe. He finds himself — loving her.
Now, they’re both in danger and Easton’s colleagues will stop at nothing to make sure there is no witnesses.
What’s worse than being kidnapped? Finding out someone arranged for the heist to happen and it wasn’t random after all.
**I am so stoked for book 4 releasing next month**
𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔.
📖: Lethal Justice (Book 3 in the Secrets and the City series)
🖊️: Kathy Lockheart
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 1/5
𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒘𝒐. 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒌𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑺𝑨 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅 (𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒅), 𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓/𝒔𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆
🤍 Forced Proximity
🤍 Forbidden Love
✨ “Sometimes, good people are capable of bad things”
✨ “You keep acting like this? I’m going to throw you over my shoulder and take you somewhere. Keep you there until I know you’re safe”
✨ “Forgiving someone who’s hurt you is like handing them back the loaded gun they shot you with. They’ve already shown what they will do with it”
✨ “It’s easier to give up on people. It’s harder to love them despite what they’ve done to hurt you. But some people are worth fighting for.”
✨ ““If I weren’t going away, I’d want to give you every desire you could possibly imagine. You want ecstasy? I’d sink to my knees to pleasure you. You want protection? I’d annihilate anyone who ever hurts you. You want to be worshipped? You’d be my altar”
Kathy does it again in book 3 of the Secrets and The City series! When I tell you I am IN LOVE with this series 🥺🖤
No one should fall in love with the man who has kidnapped and is holding them hostage. Surely, having feelings for your capture is a symptom of Stockholm Syndrome, right?
And surely the capture shouldn’t be falling for the woman he’s held captive and has been sent to kill. That would get them both killed.
Zoey just happened to be at the wrong place, wrong time when she accidentally stumbles into a robbery happening and finds herself being held hostage. And now the lead man of the heist wants her dead - he can’t have any witnesses. It’s Easton job to kill her. However, he finds himself wanting to protect her and keep her safe. He finds himself — loving her.
Now, they’re both in danger and Easton’s colleagues will stop at nothing to make sure there is no witnesses.
What’s worse than being kidnapped? Finding out someone arranged for the heist to happen and it wasn’t random after all.
**I am so stoked for book 4 releasing next month**
𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔.
August 31, 2022
This is the third book in the secrets and the city series. I absolutely love the way that this author writes and each book in this series and each set of characters we're awesome to read about.
Zoey is struggling with everything at the moment and after what happened to her father she is juggling so many balls. She wants to sell her ring but after going to her father’s house she gets taken hostage. Easton is a very unforgettable guy that tries to help Zoey every step of the way until things take a turn and they are both fighting for their lives. (NO SPOILERS)
This story was fantastic to read, the plot, the characters and this authors writing style is very captivating. This book is full of twists and turns that you won't be expecting and the suspense is nail biting. This book has drama, action, angst and the chemistry between these two characters is of the charts.
The one small thing is that I felt that maybe Zoey, fell for Easton way too fast without alot of build and I think I would have loved alittle more of them.
I've really enjoyed reading this series and I can't wait to read more from this author in the future. I have loved the characters in this whole series and I highly recommend that everyone reads this series.
#LethalJustice #KathyLockheart #SecretsandtheCity #coverreveal #newrelease #romanticsuspense #kindlebooks #forbiddenlove #enemiestolovers #kathylockheartbooks #bookblogger #touchheranddie #givemebookspr
#darkromance #mustread #spicyreads #romancestagram #romancereader #readromance #romancereadersofig #igreads #ku #Romancestagrammer #romancereadersofbookstagram #romancereads #romancebooklover #romancebookaddict #romancebooks #bookblogger #booklovers #NowAvailable #booktok #booktoker #BooksAndCoffee
Zoey is struggling with everything at the moment and after what happened to her father she is juggling so many balls. She wants to sell her ring but after going to her father’s house she gets taken hostage. Easton is a very unforgettable guy that tries to help Zoey every step of the way until things take a turn and they are both fighting for their lives. (NO SPOILERS)
This story was fantastic to read, the plot, the characters and this authors writing style is very captivating. This book is full of twists and turns that you won't be expecting and the suspense is nail biting. This book has drama, action, angst and the chemistry between these two characters is of the charts.
The one small thing is that I felt that maybe Zoey, fell for Easton way too fast without alot of build and I think I would have loved alittle more of them.
I've really enjoyed reading this series and I can't wait to read more from this author in the future. I have loved the characters in this whole series and I highly recommend that everyone reads this series.
#LethalJustice #KathyLockheart #SecretsandtheCity #coverreveal #newrelease #romanticsuspense #kindlebooks #forbiddenlove #enemiestolovers #kathylockheartbooks #bookblogger #touchheranddie #givemebookspr
#darkromance #mustread #spicyreads #romancestagram #romancereader #readromance #romancereadersofig #igreads #ku #Romancestagrammer #romancereadersofbookstagram #romancereads #romancebooklover #romancebookaddict #romancebooks #bookblogger #booklovers #NowAvailable #booktok #booktoker #BooksAndCoffee
July 13, 2022
Thank you, Kathy, for providing me an early ARC of this book! I am leaving my honest review. Even though the version I read is not the final, proof-read version, there were not much errors I could find and it was overall great!
Lethal Justice is the third book in the series, revolving around a nearly bankrupt marketing analyst Zoey, who is struggling to financially support herself and her father who met with an accident and is bound to a wheelchair. A desperate attempt to retrieve a piece of jewellery from their old condo goes wrong when Zoey finds herself caught in the middle of a burglary and is held captive.
Enter Easton, an insanely gorgeous but extremely dangerous man, not to mention one of the men sent to rob Zoey's dad's condo. This isn't the first time Easton is meeting Zoey. In fact, he hasn't been able to stop thinking about her since their first meeting. But what happens next is a tale of danger, sacrifice, pain and love that will keep you engrossed right from the first page till the last.
I loved Easton and Zoey's story so much. In my opinion, I related to them and their circumstances so much that I could feel it in my heart. I was rooting for them to be together despite all the odds. Kathy is immensely talented in weaving together a love story with much depth and emotions. I enjoyed this book just as much as I enjoyed the previous 2 and I cannot wait to read more by this author because she is amazing!
If you are a fan of thrilling romance and swoon-worthy male protagonists, this is the book for you! You will not regret reading it.
Lethal Justice is the third book in the series, revolving around a nearly bankrupt marketing analyst Zoey, who is struggling to financially support herself and her father who met with an accident and is bound to a wheelchair. A desperate attempt to retrieve a piece of jewellery from their old condo goes wrong when Zoey finds herself caught in the middle of a burglary and is held captive.
Enter Easton, an insanely gorgeous but extremely dangerous man, not to mention one of the men sent to rob Zoey's dad's condo. This isn't the first time Easton is meeting Zoey. In fact, he hasn't been able to stop thinking about her since their first meeting. But what happens next is a tale of danger, sacrifice, pain and love that will keep you engrossed right from the first page till the last.
I loved Easton and Zoey's story so much. In my opinion, I related to them and their circumstances so much that I could feel it in my heart. I was rooting for them to be together despite all the odds. Kathy is immensely talented in weaving together a love story with much depth and emotions. I enjoyed this book just as much as I enjoyed the previous 2 and I cannot wait to read more by this author because she is amazing!
If you are a fan of thrilling romance and swoon-worthy male protagonists, this is the book for you! You will not regret reading it.
February 3, 2026
2.25/5 stars. This was okay, but feels like it won’t be memorable in the long term. Not too much happens other than what the description describes for the majority of the book. It is pretty straightforward but I just wish something more happened to develop characters if the plot wasn’t even that intricate. After a really solid first two books in the series, this one was lackluster and definitely lost the steam of the series.
I didn’t see much actual chemistry between Zoey and Easton. They were pretty much obsessed with each other from first sight but really barely knew each other. Both had traumatic backgrounds to bond over but really didn’t know a single other thing about one another. It just made the relationship feel disingenuous. For not having that much plot happening, it felt like there wasn’t even that much character development or focus on the main characters getting to know each other. Zoey has some character growth in forgiving her father, so she felt slightly more developed. Even that character growth journey was repeated so often and with so many cliched statements that it was cheesy and overdone.
The plot that was there seemed pretty flimsy and filled with red herrings. Why in the world would they be so intent on this woman who was blindfolded during the crime and find the need to put a hit out on her? Just the concept of the book itself didn’t even make sense in how it escalates.
I didn’t see much actual chemistry between Zoey and Easton. They were pretty much obsessed with each other from first sight but really barely knew each other. Both had traumatic backgrounds to bond over but really didn’t know a single other thing about one another. It just made the relationship feel disingenuous. For not having that much plot happening, it felt like there wasn’t even that much character development or focus on the main characters getting to know each other. Zoey has some character growth in forgiving her father, so she felt slightly more developed. Even that character growth journey was repeated so often and with so many cliched statements that it was cheesy and overdone.
The plot that was there seemed pretty flimsy and filled with red herrings. Why in the world would they be so intent on this woman who was blindfolded during the crime and find the need to put a hit out on her? Just the concept of the book itself didn’t even make sense in how it escalates.
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