Kelsey McClane is determined to put her divorce behind her and concentrate on her career as a fashion designer. However, someone is determined to have Kelsey looking over her shoulder at every turn when she starts receiving threatening messages. Luckily, she has former Army Ranger Hunter O'Donnell on her side, but will he be enough to keep her safe, especially when the madman after Kelsey knows how to cover his tracks. Will Hunter be able to keep Kelsey safe, or will the pair lose their shot at happy ever after?

What an absolutely explosive, intense and captivating read Ms. Naughton has penned right from the opening chapter in this book that had me reading quickly, determined to discover what obstacles the hero and heroine will have to face to be together, especially since someone is determined to see the heroine loses everything including her life. Will Hunter be able to keep Kelsey safe? What lengths will he go to in order to protect her?

As for the dialogue, it was a wonderful combination of suspense and romance and I really enjoyed both the main characters back stories, as the heroine discovers things about her past that puts a target on her back. Will she be able to handle all she learns, especially when her adopted family are so great and she doesn't want what she learns to change her life? I also liked how resilient and courageous the heroine is and how she handles everything she goes through including the threats to her life. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is that she gave the hero a chance, even though that's not easy for her to do after everything she's been through in her life since she has abandonment issues and an ex-husband that loves to cause trouble for her. Will Hunter be another person that abandons her? However, in saying that, her family have proven they would never abandon her and I loved how protective her brothers are of her.

While the hero, I loved his back story because as a former Army Ranger he witnessed a lot in his career. It's made him the confident and hard-working man that he is and I loved how protective he was of the heroine. He's had feelings for her for quite a while, but has never acted on them because she's his friend's sister. Will he finally get the chance to act on his feelings now that she's free of her ex? Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was his determination to win over the heroine, especially since he has so much to overcome such as the fact that her ex is a jerk and the heroine's jealousy of women that Hunter has been with. Does the hero have a girlfriend or not?

Overall, Ms. Naughton has delivered an absolutely riveting read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was splendid; and the ending had me loving the hero's determination to protect the heroine, no matter what happens to him. However, it was the way the hero proves to the heroine that she's the one for him that I loved the most about the ending because no way is he going to let Kelsey get away. I would recommend Protected by Elisabeth Naughton, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Toni Anderson and Cristin Harber.

Terrific suspense romance. I love this author’s writing and her stories. This is a good one that’s full of suspense, danger, action and romance. Hunt agrees to provide security and protection for his friend’s sister. Kelsey thinks it’s overkill until it’s not. A dangerous situation brings the two closer and feelings are realized. Wonderfully developed characters trying to stay alive and fall in love. Thanks to NetGalley I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

Protected keeps readers on the edge of their seat and glued to the pages with expectation in this exciting romantic thriller.

Kelsey and Hunter are strong characters that have an electrifying chemistry that readers can practically feel sizzling through the pages although they have rocky romance due to emotional issues and hang-ups which adds depth to the characters and really draws readers into their story. As their attraction heats up so does the insecurities and doubts which really keeps readers in suspense about the ability of this couple reaching their HEA.

There is never a dull moment in this fast paced plot that keeps the heart pounding and adrenaline pumping as anticipation builds throughout the story as misdirection and surprising twists keeps the thrills coming with danger around every corner and an enemy that is always one step ahead of the couple.

This is the first book that I have read in the Deadly Secrets series, but not the first book that I have read by Elisabeth Naughton and as I love her Eternal Guardians series, I just had to try this one. I’m not sure how I missed the first two but I will be going back and reading them as the author has once again brought another story to brilliant life with well written words that make the story very life like and the wonderful characters are full of depth that made me feel as if I really knew and understood this couple.

Protected is the third book in the Deadly Secrets series by Elisabeth Naughton. I still haven't read the first book in the series but hopefully that will be remedied soon. The book begins with a bang! Explosion! Or was it a bang in the bedroom? Either way, it was a bang that didn't let up the entire way through to the end. I'm really not sure what else to say about it except WOW!! Just WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't put it down. It was one of those books you lose sleep over... just one more page, just one more chapter.

This is the third book by Ms. Naughton I've read and they have all had the same impact on me. I think I need to make a shopping trip through Ms. Naughton's back list soon.

Thanks to the author, Montlake Romance and NetGalley for an ARC of this outstanding story in exchange for an honest review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third in the series – and whilst it is an excellent story in its own right, I think you would benefit from knowing the family background and the roles these characters have played before.

Ms. Naughton has created another mystery for us and cleverly wrapped it around a romance. Her interest lies clearly in the issues of identity and the implications of not knowing who you are. Here we have Kelsey, adopted out of a foster system that had not identified or dealt with her developmental needs. She was most definitely one of the lucky ones gaining a wonderful family who nurtured her and encouraged her talents. These bring her a measure of fame and thus recognition.

Hunter is a wonderfully understated character, who thinks deeply, but acts slowly. He doesn't always do the right thing, but he is trying, so hard, which makes him a far more interesting person. I would have liked to see more of the two of them just being with each other, but circumstances kept getting in the way, or there was a convenient bedroom which helped them escape from the crazy!

I really enjoyed this book and read it in no time at all, as everything else just had to wait!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Domestic Violence, Stalking, Attempted Murder, Murder

I have not read any of the previous books in this series but never thought that I was missing any information when it came to this story.

Kelsey is a thriving success. She has great designs and is just getting her feet back under herself after a tough divorce. Kelsey's past is somewhat harsh, and you do learn more about it in this story, but I found that the details just made her more believable in her fears and insecurities. Kelsey grew up with four brothers and because of that, she is somewhat disagreeable to having her brother's good friend protect her when her ex causes her problems.

Hunter is your typical alpha male who has overgrown protective instincts. He takes his protection of Kelsey very seriously and when things seem to go wrong, he's there to protect her. Hunter has always kept people, women, at arm’s length. However, Hunter's ability to stay away from Kelsey is seriously tested when she is in danger.

Kelsey and Hunter's relationship was somewhat strange. They had the attraction, but their communication styles were hard to overcome. I didn't particularly believe they had great chemistry. I thought that this book was much more successful as a mystery than a romance. I liked the running around, finding clues, and figuring out who the real bad people were.

Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
This is an exciting read about the hunt for the bomber and possible stalker who is hunting a fashion designer. And if that isn’t enough, it is also a story about domestic abuse, adoption, and the impact childhood grief can have on life.

It’s a very busy book. With so much going on, it is the character and relationship development that gets lost. By the end of the book, I knew a whole lot about Kelsey and her personal security guard, Hunter, but I didn’t feel like I knew them well enough to care about them. Similarly, there is a whole lot of talk about attraction, love, and commitment, but there isn’t enough time spent actually showing readers how and why these two come together.

The action sequences are exciting, and the stalker storyline is pretty terrifying at times. But again, too many additional storylines mean that we get very few potential suspects and the whodunnit is obvious by the halfway point.

This is the first book I’ve read in the series and it worked well as a standalone. It was an entertaining read at times, but it probably won’t be a story I’ll remember in a few weeks.

In the third installment of Elisabeth Naughton’s Deadly Secrets series, PROTECTED, trust and worthiness are big concepts.

Nothing is particularly easy about Kelsey McClane. She’s one of four adopted siblings who, like the rest of the world, is making her way in life through hard work, trial and error. Added to her complexity, though, are remnants of the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) she was born with that rear their head when the tension is high and her attention is skewed. Despite years of therapy and hard work as a child, the ghosts of her abandonment issues clouded her judgment of what people thought of her: “Because you’ve never been good enough. Never smart enough, never talented or exciting enough for anyone to love the real you.”

Fresh off of a divorce with Julian Benedict, her struggles with trust and worthiness are coloring her judgment with her brothers’ longtime friend (and her current bodyguard), Hunter O’Donnell. Hunt, like his best friend (and Kelsey’s oldest brother) Alec, is a few years older than Kelsey. He’d long-since graduated from college and gone on to a career in the military by the time she graduated from college and Julian was in the picture … Julian, who became her greatest mistake and nightmare.

The day her divorce is final, she’s set to appear on a local Portland morning show to discuss her fashion line, which, coincidentally, is a huge hit at Fashion Week in NYC. Because Julian has been such a prominent threat, and her family is vacationing in Florida, her brothers lined up Hunt and his PI firm to keep an eye on her. And it’s a good thing, too, because moments before the show cuts back from commercial, Kelsey gets a hateful text … and the building explodes.

As Hunt’s military and PI training kick into gear, he whisks Kelsey out of the limelight. It’s quickly obvious Julian isn’t the only nightmare gunning for her. The more they learn about her past, the more dangerous her present becomes.

Hunter is dealing with his own childhood trauma that he doesn’t talk about with anyone — his mother’s violent death — and the deterioration of his father’s state of mind after her death. It’s why he doesn’t do relationships.

My mother has always said, “You can never tell what goes on behind closed doors.” And she’s right. Not every person in dangerous, abusive situations is bruised and easily identifiable; and not every smiling person is happy and safe. Kelsey wants to let down her guard and love Hunt like she knows he loves her, but after they’d been blown up, stalked and attacked multiple times, guilt weighs heavily on her heart. She can’t quite tell how forgiving or accepting he’s going to be: Is this the time she pushes him too far? Is this the time he decides he’s done fighting for them?

Naughton does a nice job of sharing the romance with the suspense, and for this early-in-a-story crime solver, I appreciate how she kept me guessing until the end. There were times when I wanted to whack Kelsey upside the head like Cher in Moonstruck — you know, like, “Snap out of it!” But in the end, she gives in to her heart and sees the truth of the matter: Hunt is a swoon-worthy guy. In real life or fiction. Love always wins in the end. This is romance, after all.

*This was originally published with USA Today's Happy Ever After: https://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/2018/03/22/dolly-r-sickles-recommended-romantic-suspense-protected-elisabeth-naughton/.

The story starts with a bombing that is described in such detail that I could feel myself being with Kelsey, trapped and in the dark. The fear she feels comes across loud and clear. I loved how attentive Hunter was. Being former Army Ranger he was able to keep his cool and help Kelsey keep calm so that they could come out alive and well.

All the way through the story you could feel how well Kelsey and Hunter balanced each other. Hunter was aware of the dangers surrounding Kelsey but was able to help her process them and find ways to keep her safe. Kelsey allowed Hunter to open his life to a woman, something he had sworn off doing. Together they kept each other grounded, safe, and willing to find happiness they both deserved.

I loved the mystery part of the story. Elisabeth Naughton does a great job with her clues in leading the reader through many twists and turns. She kept me reading page after page, guessing at who was behind all the threats, and not giving away too much to give it all away too early. This is the first book in the Deadly Secret Series that I have read and it is easily a standalone book within a series. Maybe there was history I didn’t know of but it took nothing away from the story itself.


Protected is a great mystery with twists of romance. I loved the characters and the storyline kept me reading long past I should have gone to bed. I recommend picking up your own copy and losing yourself in this great read.

Kelsey McClane should be enjoying her success as a fashion designer who recently made waves in New York Fashion Week.  Instead,  she's cowering and hiding after almost dying in a triggered explosion.  Death threats , malicious texts, exploding bombs, hidden cameras, candid stalker photos endangered Kelsey's every move , and she had no clue who was behind all these.

Hunter O'Donnell was hired by the McClanes to keepkeep an eye on Kelsey after her divorce with the snake Julian Benedict . He was trusted by Kelsey's brothers to be professional and protect her at all times.  But the more he spent time with her, the more he couldn't help his feelings for best friend's sister . It's only a matter of time before both their lives get engulfed in a fiery rage of passion,  jealousy,  danger and death .

When Elisabeth Naughton writes a suspense mystery romance, expect the unexpected.  Prepare for the twists and surprises. Don't bat an eyelash,  or else , you'll miss the turn.

Protected is the third book in the Deadly Secrets series. It's riveting, captivating and really got me spooked. I did not expect that twist coming. Kelsey's and Hunter's entangled mess and sure fire chemistry made the story more appealing and exciting to read. And the more I delve into these mind blowing books, the more I get involved with the characters and the more drawn and affected I am to their suspenseful world. I've said this before  and I'm saying it again. If it's from Elisabeth Naughton , it must be great!

4.5 stars

Explosively intense! When danger rears it's ugly head, Kelsey finds herself being protected by an old friend and the sparks that fly between them have nothing to do with the danger chasing them at every turn! The story line is intense with a lot of mystery and a good bit of sexual tension as these two try to fight their attraction to each other. I wasn't drawn in quite as completely as I was with the earlier books in the series, but still found it to be a fairly provocative tale with enough mystery to keep my guessing until the end. A satisfying read with lots of heat!

Up and coming fashion designer Kelsey McClane is newly divorced and should be basking in her new found freedom and success, but instead, she's having to deal with a psychotic ex-husband who just might be stepping his nonsense up to a whole new level! Her brother's have an old friend watching over her just in case, but no matter how cautious they all are, nothing can stop the danger that rains down on them!

Former Army Ranger turned security expert Hunter O'Donnell considers the McClane's family, so of course he'll be there to watch over Kelsey ... but he isn't going to share his burning attraction for her with her brother/his best friend anytime soon! When danger keeps popping up around every corner, they have to figure out a way to find out who's behind it all ... and why. Uncovering some mighty big secrets will lead them to more info than they ever expected!

4.25 stars--PROTECTED is the third instalment in Elisabeth Naughton’s contemporary, adult DEADLY SECRETS romantic, suspense series focusing on the four adopted McClane siblings (Ethan, Alec, Kelsey, Rusty) who are forced to confront their childhood demons. This is up and coming designer Kelsey McClane, and former Army Ranger/security specialist Hunter O’Donnell’s story line. PROTECTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: For fans of Darcy Burke, there is a slight cross-over with the author’s Ribbon Ridge series with the mention of the Archer sextuplet, Evan and Alaina Archer, and the Alex Hotel.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kelsey and Hunter) PROTECTED follows the safety and protection of designer Kelsey McClane following an explosion that forced our heroine, and her personal security guard and her brother Alec’s (Gone #2) best friend Hunter O’Donnell into hiding. A series of threatening texts, wiretaps and perfectly timed, clandestine but anonymous photos of our couple, from an unknown source, reveal a personal connection to our story line heroine but a connection that Kelsey knew nothing about. What ensues is the friends to lovers/best friend’s little sister building relationship between Kelsey and Hunter, and the potential fall-out when Kelsey’s past seeks retribution for a perceived series of sins not of her making.

PROTECTED is a story of suspense, mystery, retribution and revenge. Kelsey was given up for adoption at the age of two but never knew her birth mother, or the answers to her troubled beginnings. Hunter has always considered Kelsey off-limits; his best friend’s little sister, but a woman with whom he would grow to love. Kelsey and Hunter’s demons ride close to the surface; trust is an issue both struggle to accept. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense; the sexual chemistry is palpable but Hunter struggles between his friendship with Alec and the McClane family, and his ability to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love.

All of Kelsey’s siblings play secondary and supporting roles including Ethan, Alec and Rusty. We are introduced to Kelsey’s ex-husband Julian Benedict, a man obsessed with our story line heroine; and Hunter’s ex-girlfriend Genevieve who refuses to accept that she is no longer wanted. The requisite evil has many faces who add a twist or two to the story line mystery.

PROTECTED is a complex tale between the past and the present; vengeance against a woman caught totally unaware; and a man who battles his attraction to a woman he has sworn to protect. The premise is action packed, intriguing and entertaining; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are broken, charismatic and energetic.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

THE READING CAFÉ: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/protected-deadly-secrets-3-by-elisabeth-naughton-a-review/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2320904015


AMAZON.COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1IJDKGP8EHP6S/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1503900789


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1109271341

B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted

CHAPTERS/INDIGO (Sandy_At_The_Reading_Cafe) posted

An unexpected and explosive beginning (pun intended) held my attention right from the beginning of the first chapter until the end. Protected is the third book in the Deadly Secrets series and a standalone novel.

Narked, newly divorced Kelsey McClane isn't happy her loving but controlling brothers have arranged a security detail for her after her ex-husband has repeatedly threatened her. Riding on her success as a new designer after her début at the New York fashion week, she's back in Portland for a television interview with Hunter O'Donnell in tow. When she receives a threatening text message before going live for her interview, she panics until fate takes over and her life is thrown into turmoil.

Best friend of Alec McClane, Hunter O'Donnell knows all about his friend's adopted sister Kelsey...she's off limits. When he's asked by the McClane family to watch her while the rest of the family are on holiday in Florida, he accepts because he cares too much for her safely knowing her ex-husband is a bully. When they're at the television station for Kelsey's interview, he's noticed her distress, but everything turns chaotic when an explosion becomes a catalyst for something sinister.

What I liked most about this novel was its ability to surprise me. I had no idea which direction the main plot would subsequently go and the narrative had far more depth than I expected. The mystery is a key element as Kelsey and Hunter try to uncover the identity of the person trying to kill her. Knowing a relationship isn't a good idea theoretically, both struggle to keep everything business like...and fail. However, too many other elements need to be resolved before the pair; who've hidden their attraction from each other for a long time, can act on their combustible chemistry. Resulting in an ever-present push and pull between them.

I've not read the previous two novels in the Deadly Secrets series, but this didn't impact my enjoyment of this one. I've read books by the author before and this one is probably my favourite.

4.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

Sandy M’s review of Protected (Deadly Secrets, Book 3) by Elisabeth Naughton
Romantic Suspense published by Montlake Romance 20 Mar 18

Elisabeth Naughton is one of those authors who got away from me after enjoying a number of her early books. No reason other than time and too many books. So when I wasn’t sure what to read next recently, her name popped up, and because I’ve been disappointed in favorite authors lately, it was time to go back to some roots. I’m so very glad I did.


Kelsey is finally on her way to success and independence. She’s gotten rid of her jerk of a husband and her new fashion line has been touted by leaders in the industry as the next great thing. Only blight on all of this is that ex is not happy he’s been cast aside and she’s out of his control. So her overprotective brothers have tasked their good friend Hunter O’Donnell Kelsey’s bodyguard as she makes the media rounds showing off her new collection.

Hunter is a family friend; he grew up with Kelsey and her siblings, so when she’s suddenly seeing him in a new light, it takes her by surprise. But all of that is cut short when the building they are in, when Kelsey is about to go on camera, comes tumbling down, leaving them trapped under debris in the dark. The ensuing time as they keep each other’s fear at bay while awaiting rescue leaves them with a somewhat better understanding of the other, and their attraction amps up quite a bit.

All of this is the opening chapter and the book only gets better from there. You’re lulled into a sense of quietude and then suddenly right along with Hunt and Kelsey you’re thrown into more danger, fighting your way out by your fingernails. Ms. Naughton does a terrific job on the suspenseful action every time something goes wrong, even though these two try their best to pull the villain out of his comfort zone.

I enjoyed the McClane family, though we don’t meet the entire family until later in the book. We see them all from Kelsey’s POV as an adopted child, along with her brothers, and the love and admiration among them is boundless. Even Hunt is considered another son in this loving circle. We also have to go along with Kelsey as she conquers fears left over by her ex, and I love how patient and gentle Hunter is with her as she travels such a difficult journey, which is only exacerbated by current ongoing events.

This is Book 3 in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. I didn’t even realize it was part of a series until I was done reading. It only makes me want to start on the first two, which I will be doing soon.

Grade: B+

Fashion designer Kelsey McClane and close protection expert, Hunter O’Donnell, have known each other for most of their lives in a little sister/ friend to big brothers way. It is not until O’Donnell is hired for his professional security skills that they get to spend time together and get to know one another in a way they had never done before; in the dark and under tons of concrete. Naughton’s writing of the opening chapters’ explosion and aftermath is chilling and the stuff of nightmares. Holy cow, she “done good.”
Someone is threatening Kelsey, who is home in Portland after a successful time at NYC Fashion Week. The smart money has it that her ex-husband is responsible for the relentless terror campaign against Kelsey. But the smart money is not always the smart money.
Kelsey and Hunter go on the offensive, rather than sit around waiting for the next move in this deadly game of who wants Kelsey dead. Their chase keeps getting more and more complicated and leads them from Portland, OR to California.
This is not only a book with a terrific plot; the characters are well done too. Kelsey belongs to a loving family, with Kelsey and her brothers all being adopted. Hunter grew up being part of the family since his own father didn’t seem to be too interested in him. Kelsey herself is damaged with a myriad of problems including panic attacks and a tendency to shut down from every one she loves; all stemming from childhood trust issues. I like how she is not magically ‘cured’ by either her loving family or the “love of a good man.” Naughton doesn’t hesitate to show that “coming back” is sometimes a long road to travel with lots of dips with the help of professional guides needed.
Protected is romantic suspense at its very best, hot romance where you truly root for the lovers, and suspense that will keep you avidly turning pages.
Oh, and for that suspension of belief thing with romantic suspense, ummm, I can’t think of a single genre including some non-fiction that doesn’t require it. For that matter I am currently living in a state of “suspension of belief” and will be for a few more years.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Talk about a great story line, bombs and EX’s...OH MY!! Hunter and Kelsey have great chemistry. An action packed adventure with a helping of romance. Can be read as a stand alone, but I would suggest reading Repressed and Gone first to get the backstory. Would definitely recommend Protected and the series.

Protected by Elisabeth Naughton
Series: Deadly Secrets book 3

4.5 Stars - I quite enjoyed this book. The suspense was great, and had me guessing at a few different options. The romance was sweet and sexy and I think it was a good follow up to the others in the series.

Kelsey and Hunter had wonderful chemistry. I felt the author dealt with Kelsey’s background issues well, which made the way Kelsey handled situations more realistic and not crazily overblown. Hunter was protective, but not so over the top “alpha”, that I wanted to rip my eyes out. Also, I liked the little nod to Darcy Burke and her character Alaina Pierce. Took me a few mins to remember where I read about her.

Every time I start a book by Naughton, it feels comforting. Her writing is easy and clear that it doesn't feel like I am reading at all. The dialogue and situations are simple and feel real, and I love the best friend's sister plot. It’s one of my favourites.

*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

~ Paragraphs and Petticoats ~

This fantastic story is book 3 in the Deadly Secrets series and it features Kelsey McClane and Hunter O’Donnell. This author keeps you on your toes with this story line. There’s twists and turns like crazy. One minute you think the story line is going one way and the next it all changes. But through it all is the amazing chemistry between Kelsey and Hunt. Her parents and brothers are very protective of her because of her past experiences.

This is a great mystery, suspense and romantic thriller! The characters are fabulous and the story line was engaging from the beginning. I can’t wait for the next one.

Kelsey is an up and coming fashion designer whom is now starting to make headlines with her styles. She has become a bit of a small town celebrity and is asked to do a morning show, but something horribly goes wrong. Someone sets off a bomb! Who is after her? Her abusive ex, someone from her past, someone from the designer industry?

Hunter is a former Ranger and now a security specialist whom was hired by Kelsey's brother's to keep her safe from her ex husband. He has also known her for a very long time. They pretty much grew up together. Hunter is close friends with her brothers and they know that they will keep her safe. But can they keep her safe from him?

Hunter has always had feelings for Kelsey, but he could never act on those feelings. He did not feel it was right to engage with his best friends little sister. Little did Hunt know that Kels had the same feelings for him.

Hunt and Kels go on an adventure all up and down the West Coast. They are running from bombs, guns, and mad men. Meeting lawyers, celebrities, and people that may know who Kelsey's biological mother may be. Can they figure out who is after Kelsey before it is too late? Can Hunter really open up and let Kels in forever?

Can Kelsey get through her insecurities from her time in foster care, being adopted, and dealing with an abusive ex? Will she heal enough to let Hunter in all the way and be his forever?

Really enjoyed reading Kels and Hunts book. It was action packed, lots of drama, burning up of sheets, and a great suspense.

If you like more of a romance book with a bit of suspense then this book is for you. I like an action packed suspense /thriller with a bit of romance so this book wasn't my type of book. The story starts with some action but quickly fizzled for me. I still finished and was a decent book.

This book was AMAZING!! Unfortunately I had way too much going on in my life and I wasn't able to devour it as quickly as I would have liked and normally would have but at least this way I got to savor it longer.

This was the first book I've had a chance to read in Ms. Naughton's Deadly Secrets series so it certainly stands fine on its own. After meeting Kelsey's brothers however, I fully intend to go back and catch up on the first two.

Talk about a wild ride. This story starts off with a bang (literally!) and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The chemistry between Hunt and Kelsey was off the charts and I loved how the author humanized both of them by showing their insecurities and how they eventually overcame them and learned to trust each other.

Overall this was an excellent story that I would certainly recommend.

Wow, this is an intense, story with a lot of action. If you love suspense, mysteries, love, and impulsive actions you will love this. Lies, will be told, secrets are in the forefront, for all the deceit that was bestowed upon Kelsey. She wasn't expecting much in her life, just some peace for once, where she felt safe from the abuse of her now ex-husband. But secrets are told and what she finds out about herself is shocking and amazing for her.
She has felt heat all of sudden for someone she shouldn't, yes her brother's best friend, bodyguard, protector, friend of the family-- Hunter O'Donnell.
But when an explosion hits her (literally) they become close knowing each other like no other. Not knowing what to do, second guessing her decisions, she does what she has always done, close herself off from being hurt, and or abused again.
Such a compelling story, not just about abuse, but how she was raised as a little girl and diagnosed with behavioral problems, how she overcame the behavior; and learning what she knows now as an adult and how she empowered herself against the abuse, with who she has become.
Oh Hunter, is such a powerful, strong, protector, and will do whatever it takes to prove he isn't going anywhere, even standing up to her overprotective family.
Loved it!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful intense, compelling story.