Cold Deceit

Cold Justice: Most Wanted #2

by Toni Anderson

When forensic anthropologist Zoe Miller stumbles across a murder victim in the blisteringly hostile Sonoran Desert, she triggers a chain of events that puts her in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer.

FBI HRT operator Seth Hopper is on secret assignment near the Mexican border when he suddenly finds himself on a rescue mission. The former Navy SEAL is ordered to protect Zoe, whether she likes it or not, which sets them off on a cross-country journey back to Virginia.

Zoe has good reason not to trust a man like Seth, but there is no denying the scorching heat that flares between them, hotter than the desert sun. Can Zoe find justice for the murdered woman? Or will the killers close in to destroy them both…

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary, Crime

364 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2022

About the author

Next Release: COLD HEAT
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Toni Anderson® writes gritty, sexy, FBI Romantic Thrillers, and is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the Readers' Choice, Aspen Gold, Book Buyers' Best, Golden Quill, and National Excellence in Romance Fiction awards. She’s been a finalist in The Vivian Contest and the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, and also in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thrillers.

Her books have been downloaded more than three million times.

Best known for her Cold Justice® books perhaps it’s not surprising to discover Toni lives in one of the most extreme climates on earth--Manitoba, Canada. Formerly a Marine Biologist, she still misses the ocean.

In January 2016, she visited FBI Headquarters in Washington DC, including a tour of the Strategic Information and Operations Center.


For more information about Toni:
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Start reading Toni's award-winning, bestselling Cold Justice® series with A COLD DARK PLACE.

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Reviews

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Couldn't. Put. It. Down. Hubby wants dinner: make yourself a sandwich. Hubby wants me to turn off the light: I move to another room. Breakfast: Make yourself cereal. You get the picture, right? This book captured me from the first page to the last page. And, there is the hot off the charts insta lust both Zoe and Seth each experience at first sight. The page melting chemistry and non-stop action just reminds me why Toni Anderson is an auto read for me.

Zoe Miller is a forensic anthropologist who, with her friends, comb the Sonoran Desert near Tucson looking for the boned of migrants who have died there in the hope of giving their families some closure. When she finds a murdered body of a woman dead only about a week it puts her in the sights of a deadly drug cartel.

It is never a good assignment when you have to uncover a traitor. but when FBI HRT operator Seth Hopper and his partner and a group of Border Patrol Agents are ambushed, they finally have a face for their prey. After surviving a deadly firefight, he is sent on a rescue mission and there is no failure allowed.

Quick thinking allows Zoe and her friends to survive their ordeal, but with her powerful mother seeking to control her actions, Zoe turns to Seth to protect her during her trip across the country.
Seth is the type of alpha male she has sworn off, but the white-hot attraction between them won't be denied, but trust, that's another issue.

Zoe wants justice for a dead woman and her murderer will stop at nothing to stop her.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: forced proximity, heroine in peril
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥

Cold Deceit is the absolutely wonderful newest release in the Cold Justice: Most Wanted series by Toni Anderson. It is a standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order. If you're looking for a super smart romantic suspense, this book definitely delivers. The author has obviously done a ton of research for both the heroine who is an anthropologist as well as the hero who is an LEO at the national level. The chemistry between the two of them started off with a bang and never eased up. I loved how the hero was still a bit vulnerable despite how super alpha he was. The romantic suspense was top notch and a rollercoaster ride of action kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. Really just a fantastic story in what's been a first rate series! Great little breadcrumbs on where she's going with the series as well.

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers

[Manda Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Toni Anderson that fans and new readers alike will enjoy. Also a new locale (I think) for the Cold connected series--the desert of Arizona. Can't reveal too much about the plot because it's twisty, but I loved the hero, HRT Operator Seth and heroine, Zoe a forensic anthropologist who spends her free time trying to connect the bones of dead migrants at the US/Mexican border with their families. Look forward to an exciting read when this one comes out.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Well-written - as always! Smart - as always! Thrilling - you guessed it, as always! Unfortunately, a lukewarm romance and frustrating heroine bogged it down. Still, I enjoyed the premise and the supporting characters.

Seth, a FBI Hostage Rescue specialist, saves Zoe, a forensic anthropologist dedicated to recovering migrant remains, after she finds the "wrong" body and is kidnapped by a dangerous cartel. Zoe is also the daughter of the Vice President, and as she refused Secret Service protection, Seth is tasked with escorting her to Washington, D.C. Their simmering attraction is tested by political intrigue, the lingering cartel threat and their own personal insecurities.

I usually love Toni Anderson's heroines, so it was a surprise AND a bummer that I didn't like Zoe. She came across as very self-centered, frequently endangering herself and others. Every man seemed to want her, and I never understood why. Moreover, I really had to suspend disbelief regarding her anonymity. Her mother was the freaking Vice President and her father was a prolific Hollywood director. The idea that multiple FBI agents, or faculty at a Virginia (of all states!!) university, wouldn't recognize her face or name? Silly! Meanwhile, Seth was serviceable, if somewhat bland. Seth's extreme ambition and career focus seemed incompatible with "risking it all" for Zoe, especially after a short time. It would have been more believable with a slower burn, even if they didn't get together until 70% rather than 50%.

Despite my complaints, Cold Justice is one of the best long-running romantic suspenses by far. I'm particularly interested in the teased Cowboy/Meghan pairing - I loathe the widower trope, but a badass, tough-as-nails FBI agent heroine is my favorite. And I need a Will Graham update (another quasi-widower, *sob*) ASAP!

[PWA Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good story. So good, I just didn't want it to end. It has everything that makes a good book from the 1st page to the last. There's murder, drugs, deceit, kidnapping, and romance. Its written in such a way, you don't want to put it down. The characters are interesting, you can identify with each. Suspense and romance, just doesn't get any better. Can't say much more without giving the story away but it is well worth your time. I am enjoying all "The Cold" series.
Thank you for the advanced copy and hours of enjoyable reading.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this one, but I feel like I should have liked it more. I liked Zoe and what she was doing pro-bono, liked Seth and how he jumped into help. Yet there was something off about this one too. Part of it might have been who Zoe's mother was, how just knowing that made her get all this specially attention, regular people wouldn't get. Part of it might have been how it drove me nuts that while Seth and Zoe talked about a lot, they never talked about what was important, their relationship, odd because he was putting it all on the line for her.

In the end, I'm glad that this one was resolved in a good way for both of them and that they finally talked.

[Amy Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book and I do mean every single book of Toni's always blows me away! She writes stories that completely captive you and hold you hostage until the very end. Then all you want is the next story because you can never get enough. This is the second book in the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team, in the contiuned Cold Justice series. Although, it can be read as a standalone, you'll want to go back and read everything Toni's written if this is your first book by her because you won't be able to put her books down. Seth and Zoe's story was enthralling and filled with intrigue and suspense. I loved the angst between Seth and Zoe. I loved how they tried to fight the attraction and how Zoe took charge. Just everything about this whole story was spectacular. All of Toni's books are quite literally my favourite books to read because they're romantic suspense and she writes some of the best. A perfect blend of romance and suspense! You can tell that everything she writes is well researched and it is so believable. I love all of her characters and I'm already looking forward to seeing who's book we're getting next because there are two characters I'm hoping are next! What a ride!

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

i enjoy Toni Anderson's suspense books, some more than the others
this wasn't my favorite still, a solid book
I am excited about ryan "cowboy" book hopefully, he is next

[Antje · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes directly to the list of my favorites. Seth and Zoe are such a great couple. The attraction between them is instant, but then of course they don't know what the reader does and make assumptions that keep them apart - for a while, until Zoe is taken hostage together with 3 friends and colleagues, and Seth is ordered to rescue and protect her. The book is very well-written, with a plot that is intelligent, sexy and full of suspense and has everything you could ask for. What I especially love is that (as always in Toni Anderson's books) Zoe is no "damsel in distress" who fully depends on a male hero. She keeps a clear head in dangerous situations, and she knows exactly what she wants and holds her own, even if that means trouble. For those who've read the "Her"-Series it may be interesting that Ryan Sullivan, Cowboy, appears in the book as well and experiences feelings that may well turn into love. Which he absolutely deserves after all that he's been through! Maybe the next book..

I have received an Advance Review Copy from the author but that did not influence my opinion. I honestly recommend this book.

[Dija · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5! The way I would describe reading this book is that it felt like an early 2010's crime, drama show ! And as one naturally does with those, I binge read it the exact same way in one day.

[Kat Wes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my attention from the very first page. Seth was a great hero. I loved Zoe from the get go. She was such a fierce fighter and kept fighting all the way through. Together these two were an excellent couple. This was a high intensity book that didn't slow down at all. I highly recommend this book!

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Deceit is an action-packed and intense thriller. Four archeological volunteers are searching for the skeletonized remains to help identify missing immigrants so they can be returned to family members. The reader is introduced to the overwhelming issue of missing migrants and drug trafficking in the Sonoran Desert. Suddenly the archeologists become targeted by the cartels and are kidnapped. A FBI HRT team is sent to rescue them. Why are they targeted?
What ensues is dangerous trip to Washington DC for Dr. Zoe Miller and HRT Seth Hopper with them wondering who they can trust
Cold Deceit is filled with excitement, intrigue, multiple dangerous moments and romance. Another great Toni Anderson book!

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Cold Deceit by Toni Anderson
* * * * *
Talk about bad luck and hot hotel room naughtiness in this thriller of a romance!

Zoe Miller stumbled upon a body she shouldn't have.
It's her job to find bodies and return them to their families, however, upon discovering the body of a young woman which soon disappears, she and her friends are kidnapped! Evidence burned, terror levels high, a killer with a gun and and total control, in swoops the FBI.
Seth is working a job on board patrol when he and his team come across Zoe and her situation. She tells him of her story, and he agrees to help, no matter if anyone believes her or not. It doesn't help when she is also the daughter of the VP, enter a-hole secret service.
They are dodging bullets, deadly snakes, and a man who is willing to do anything to cover up his secret that will have him killed by a powerful man.

Note to self, do not date a bully secret service agent.
Love the sexual tension and the openess of backstory between Zoe and Seth.
Epic reveal of the identification of the young woman!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this 2nd book in Toni Anderson's "Most Wanted" series!
It's also the 17th book in her "Cold Justice" series.

[Wendy]

Currently Reading

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the COLD books. There is always a great mix of romance and action and the story arcs are always really reflective of real life. Case in point Cold Deceit mixes dealing with Cartels, Drug/Human Trafficking, Border patrols, and then very personal problems for Seth and Zoe.

Set mainly in the desert of Arizona and Quantica/Washington DC. The plot is twisty, there are a couple of subplots that link all the books and characters together. Seth is a great MMC in that he has flaws, he's not perfect, and has self-doubts just like the rest of us. Zoe could have been a very 2D character if she had just been another rich girl but she is very self-depreciating and very aware of the privilege she has, hence why she tries not to make waves.

The humour and chemistry, as always, are on point and there's even a wee reference to my favourite Book/Screen anthropologist - Bones!

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to my unfailing love of Nora Roberts' books, I am a long-time fan of romantic suspense. And I’ve been a fan of Toni Anderson’s books for quite some time for many of the same reasons. Her plots are complex, engaging, and well thought out, which always equals an exciting and entertaining read.

Cold Deceit is the second book in her Cold Justice: Most Wanted series, but you can read it as a standalone title. While a few characters have ties to previous books, their tie-in to this one is given when needed. Regarding the suspense, I never quite figured out all the puzzle pieces until the final reveal scene. In my opinion, that’s the definition of a well-written romantic suspense book. I'm bored and disappointed if I can figure it all out long before the story’s arc and conclusion. Needless to say, I was not bored or disappointed. The action ebbs and flows at a good pace, with some tasteful steam scattered throughout.

There’s a reason Toni Anderson tops my favorite romantic suspense authors list. I know when I dive into one of her books, it will suck me in and keep me engaged to the point where I let everything else go until I’ve reached The End. And Cold Deceit did just that. With engaging characters, a complex plot, and plenty of action and suspense, this book is a must-read for romantic suspense fans.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Deceit was a great addition to the Cold Justice series, and all of the characters have great depth. As a former Navy SEAL and now an integral part of the FBI HRT Seth was an outstanding hero, who harbours his own vulnerabilities. Zoe is a brilliant doctor hiding a wee secret as to her parentage as she fights to chart her path and overcome some of her trust issues. It isn’t long before the drama and intrigue starts and it comes in many forms and from many directions. Zoe and Seth soon have no other choice but to work together as they wage a losing battle of their mutual attraction. If you love suspense and romance, this is the book for you.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Miller is a forensic anthropologist and while looking for bones in the Arizona desert, she find a woman’s body. Zoe and her friends are kidnapped right out of their motel rooms. They are taking to the desert and are about to be executed when all heck breaks loose. Seth is former SEAL but now works for FBI HRT. He is undercover looking for a mole when he and his buddy are sent to rescue Zoe and her friends. After getting them to safety, Zoe is determined to go ahead with her plans to drive her UHaul to Virginia where she is starting her new job. She refuses Secret Service because of a bad relationship so Seth drives with her. But someone is still after her and she might not get to start her new life or see if Seth and her can make a relationship go.

I loved this story. Pulse pounding action and a little sexy. Zoe isn’t really looking for a relationship and Seth doesn’t believe he is good enough for Zoe. No cliffhanger. Can be read alone. You will not want to miss this book.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author *

[Lois Perepelitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Deceit the second book in the Cold Justice-Most Wanted series is an action packed story with twists and turns and a surprise or two. Zoe is a forensic anthropologist used to digging old bones out of the dirt. The problems start when she finds the freshly murdered body of a young woman.
Seth is very good at protecting Zoe, but not so good at protecting his heart.
This is another great read from Toni Anderson in another successful series.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold Deceit
3.5 Stars

When forensic anthropologist Zoe Miller makes a disturbing discovery in the Sonoran desert, she becomes a target for a Mexican drug cartel. HRT operative, Seth Hopper, who is in the area investigating a mole in the border agency, is tasked with accompanying Zoe on her journey to Virginia. Can he protect Zoe from a ruthless killer determined to silence her forever?

Series note: This is book #2 in Anderson's 2nd Cold Justice, spin-off. The events take place in parallel to book #1, but there is no overlap of plot or characters.

Organized crime and drug cartels are not my preferred storylines - give me a serial killer any day! That said, the villains are particularly nasty, and there are several intense and exciting moments.

Unfortunately, Zoe and Seth's romance is rather bland. To begin with, their Insta-luv connection is over-the-top. Moreover, Seth's preoccupation with the perceived difference in their social status due to his background and her mother's identity quickly becomes annoying, and Zoe's naivete concerning the danger posed is foolish although this never crosses into TSTL territory. Finally, it is difficult to believe that as the daughter of the US Vice-President, Zoe has been able to remain virtually anonymous.

In contrast, the hints at a connection between Ryan "Cowboy" Sullivan and fellow HRT operative, Meghan Donnelly, are far more intriguing as they have the sizzling missing from Zoe and Seth's relationship. I am eager to read their book; however, as the next two do not focus on them, it will probably be a while.

[Marsailidh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni Anderson doesn’t disappoint once again ‼️
Fabulous fast paced story that grips you from page 1.
Murder and Romance, great combination! With loveable characters.
I love her writing style, I have read all of her books and each one is better than the last and even tho I can’t put it down I hate for the book to end .

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[areej · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

I think this might be the best book I've read in 2023 so far. Toni perfected the mixing of two different genres into one book. And, I'm actually a big fan of both main characters, which doesn't happen often for me, lol.

Very excited to read her other books!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I really enjoy all of these books. This wasn’t a top favorite but I enjoy this series and will continue to read whatever this author releases.

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about thrilling, edge-of-your-seat excitement, COLD DECEIT has this in spades!! There’s a missing dead body, danger, deception, kidnappings, and some pretty hot, steamy passion, all elements that will keep you thoroughly engrossed in the tale of Dr. Zoe Miller, a forensic anthropologist with deep political family connections, and FBI HRT Operator Seth Hopper, a by-the-book former Navy SEAL who has always been haunted by his unknown family connections. The chemistry between Zoe and Seth can be felt from the very first time their gazes meet, and destiny apparently felt it, too, as they are drawn together when Seth’s placed on a rescue mission into the Arizona desert which turns into a protection detail while accompanying Zoe across the country. This is a fast-paced, compelling, and often gripping story that is sure to keep you completely involved from start to finish. You will definitely find this one almost impossible to put down but well worth your time and enjoyment.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.
I didn't want to put this one down. It grabbed me right away.
Unusual plot with some twists.
Well written, with great characters. I loved Seth and his team mates. I'm hoping that they're all going to get their own hea.
I have loved all of Toni Anderson's books and this one doesn't disappoint.

[Valeria Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a little too insta-love for me - what was it, less than a week before they were totally in love? I enjoyed the intrigue and action but was not invested in either H or h.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I liked this one a little more than book one. Zoe was a much more likable heroine. Even if the whole anthropology aspect bored me to tears at first.

I liked the hero Seth. He seemed like a genuinely great guy. I thought him and Zoe's chemistry was pretty great. They had an attraction from the first that help things along.

I didn't find the suspense plot particularly interesting. Though it was more intriguing than the one in the first book for me. For some reason they're just coming across flat and lifeless (no pun intended lol) so I just find myself reading them because I have to. *shrug*

Even though the HEA between Seth and Zoe felt a little too soon it felt more authentic than say, if the same thing had happened in the first book between Yael/Shane. I wouldn't have bought it at all.

It also set up the next book about Grady Steel but also a future book about Ryan "Cowboy" Sullivan and what I assume will be a romance between him and Meghan Donnelly which I found SUPER intriguing.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. The second installment of the series that is just as OMG-what-the-heck-is-going-on fabulous as the first book. Zoe's a force to be reckoned with, Seth just needs to be able to do his job properly - even, while drawn towards Zoe in a not-so-professional way. Needless to say, it wouldn't be a Toni Anderson book If there weren't bodies. Lots of them. Very twisting, with the USSS showing up trying to protect Zoe though making it worse anyway. Exciting story, lots of former characters having a say as well (Novak, Frazer and even Ryan Sullivan, who I hopefully see getting his own story somewhere along the way). Great read.