Cover Image: Reckless Deceptions

Reckless Deceptions

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Another great addition to the Dallas after dark series. Great romance/suspense book. Love the criminal minds element to the book.

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I loved being back in Dallas for the third instalment in this series, this is another action packed story of reunited love and the threat of terrorism, we get to meet CIA agent Ryan Arnell and former CIA agent Erica Keeley, not only is she a former CIA agent but she is also the former partner of Ryan, and they are back working together, will their love ignite again through danger.

Ryan is good at what he does, a top agent in the field and always, always follow protocol, he is back in The States to follow up a lead that has come from his ex-partner and arrives at The Dallas Heat nightclub where she is now working, and meeting up again starts the fire roaring in Ryan, after all that they had been through, could he still feel this way for her.

Erica was dismissed from her role as a CIA agent two years previously for not following orders, but that has never stopped her from investigating what went wrong then and now has found a lead that needs to be followed up and who arrives none other than Ryan, the person she loved, will he let her help in the investigation, will she find that love again.

This is a sensual and scorching journey for Ryan and Erica with danger thrown in, and also some personal family problems that Ryan must overcome and he does so with the help of Erica, together Ryan must learn to follow his heart and Erica needs to find some patience and then they can go into the future knowing that they have caught the bad guys and found their true love and happiness. Another story that I highly recommend.

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You know what? This is one of those times where I don’t think that the synopsis does justice to the book. Erica is kind of undersold in it, yet she is a complex, strong character who is a great counterpoint to Ryan.

Their attraction to each other lends another layer of tension to the what was already a pretty high octane storyline – in a really good way.

In summary, an exciting, fast paced tale.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

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I received an arc from Netgalley and am providing my honest opinion . I loved the intensity of this book and the romance side wasn’t too bad either.

I felt bad for Ryan and the relationship with his father. That was just sad.

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We're heading back into the Dallas Heat nightclub for another intriguing case to solve! The mystery was higher in this book than previous ones in the series, but I missed the deeper inclusion of the club that we got with the prior books. Still satisfying, just different. Strong characters, well developed plot and lots of steam!

Former CIA agent Erica Keeley is working on her own to try to track down answers from the case that lost her everything. She's always been one to go for whatever bit of information she needed no matter what the cost, but her rogue semantics cost her the job she loved and the man she was enjoying spending her time with. Now she's knee deep into the middle of an undercover delve for info when she stumbles across some info about a homegrown terrorist mastermind. She has no choice but to contact the CIA with the info, but she hopes to be able to help track down the answers!

CIA special agent Ryan Arnell didn't approve of Erica's methods previously, but as he works with her again on this case, he realizes he did her a disservice by not standing by her when she had her chops busted. The info she's uncovered is volatile and he's afraid she's biting off more than she can chew this time, but no matter what, he's going to be right there by her side!

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This is the third story in the Dallas After Dark series. I loved it especially because Erica & David's personalities are so different. Erica has always been willing to bend the rules to get answers & solve cases & Dave is a by the book kind of guy. When her actions get her fired from the CIA she decides to go rogue to find a person of interest that she had been tracking. David is drawn to Erica but also wishes she would follow the rules. It was fun to see how they worked together to find the terrorist she had been hunting on her own.

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A suspected terrorist plot, a sexy former CIA spy, an even sexier CIA boss and high sexual tension makes this a fast-paced, engrossing read. It starts out hot and doesn't stop as the boss, Ryan *swoon* and disgraced former agent, Erica work together to foil the terrorists' plot and try to resist their sizzling chemistry. Neither is an easy feat with Ryan and Erica's history both in and out of the sheets. These two are hot! Erica wants to redeem herself, catch the bad guys and guard her heart against her feelings for Ryan. Good luck! Ryan is in town dealing with family issues and catches this case much to his chagrin. He still harbors feelings for Erica but he doesn't want to get burned again. These two are hardheaded and trained to hide their emotions so neither will open up until it's almost to late. Both are fantastic characters. Ryan is everything you want in a hero and Erica is a super heroine. Terrific writing, a thrilling storyline and a smokin' hot couple of spies makes this a terrific romance suspense. 4.5 stars

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This is a fast paced story that has former CIA Operative Erica Keeley teaming up with her former partner and love interest Ryan Arnell. They are tracking and trying to stop members of a terrorist group operating in the Dallas area. He's a by the book kind of guy while she's a do what needs to be done kind of girl. Together they make a great team. The story is full of suspense with lots of twists that keep you turning pages and completely absorbed. This is one I highly recommend.

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Firstly, a big thank you to Netgalley and Karen for my advanced copy for which I voluntarily leave my honest review. Secondly, I’ve never read anything by Karen before but I’m definitely keen to go back and read the first two stories that come before this one!

Ryan and Erica were lovers and colleagues but an incident overseas forces them to separate. Fast forward two years and Erica is working at Dallas Heat as an exotic dancer when she overhears something in regards to a terrorism threat and calls in the information to the CIA, her former Agency. Unbeknownst to her, they send Ryan in to investigate which leads to all sorts of emotional and physical confrontations between the both of them due to unresolved issues from their past. But they quickly discover, that they are both still attracted to each other and fight the clock to prevent further lives from being lost!

A good storyline and enjoyed the chemistry between both characters.

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Good read lots of action and chemistry. The feeling of racing to find out the plot was there and kept you on edge. I did figure it out near the end and it was frustratingthat the characters did not at that point in the story. It was very obvious. I did not lie the fact that the Ryan didn’t realize his feelings until something g terrible happened. I would have been kinda mad at him not oh yeah! It made him a tad tainted in my eyes. I also wish the book had a prologue to show what happened between them before this happened. It is mentioned but not in the detail that I would have appreciated.

Good read. Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley

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Another fantastic book in this series. Karen Rock's books are always so good. Definitely recommend any book by this author.

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The third time’s the charm in Karen Rock’s Dallas After Dark series, RECKLESS DECEPTIONS. It’s got all the best elements of my favorite genre — it’s sexy, suspenseful and romantic. She hooked me with the first sentence of the book:

Sometimes a little menace went a long way.

Erica Keely is an ex-CIA agent with a headstrong personality and a penchant for leaping before looking. She was good at her job and a dedicated agent in the fight against terrorism, but two years ago her unusual approach got her fired. And her partner and lover, Ryan Arnell, didn’t do a thing to save her.

But as rigid and by-the-book as Ryan is, it’s not his job to always bat cleanup for Erica. Yes, their affair burned hot and was tumultuous. Yes, Erica’s tactics got results. But no, she was not a good team player. And as a result, her life spent in pursuit of taking down an Al-Qaeda splinter group hit a dead end while his continued on its course.

Because their breakup — both professionally and personally — wasn’t planned, neither was prepared for the emotional punch when they reunite two years later, at the burlesque club where Erica’s working as a performer known as Blaze Star. Ryan had no idea she’d been continuing her pursuit of the splinter group since he’d last seen her, but there was no denying her instincts were on target. She followed them to Dallas, to the burlesque club, and some weapons suppliers who like a little sexy entertainment on the side of their business conversations.

Loving someone isn’t about staying on the straight and narrow, or following the rules. Too bad Ryan didn’t realize the very things that drew him to Erica — her impulsive nature and ability to change course midstride — were the things missing in his own life. And too bad Erica didn’t realize that being part of a team meant sometimes it was necessary to make and follow a plan. Love is impulsive and wondrous and unscripted, and sometimes it blurs the edges of life … and whether you’re reckless and impulsive, or careful and by-the-book, it’s worth taking a chance.

*Originally published at USA Today's Happy Ever After: https://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/2018/12/13/dolly-r-sickles-romantic-suspense-rec-reckless-deceptions-karen-rock/

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Fantastic!

Heart pounding action and tear inducing emotion in this well written story!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

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Karen Rock is able to create two likable characters that develop friendship over time while trying to terrorist from ending everything they have worked so hard to save.

Erica is interesting character with more depth than I originally thought as I read the synopsis. She is strong willed wanting to complete the mission she created even though David by the rules refuses see her for more than a wash up CIA agent.

The story moves quickly and effortlessly from beginning to end of the story keeping readers engaged.

The perfect story to curl up and read during the winter rights. The romance will keep readers warm.



Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Lyrical Liaison for the advance copy of Karen Rock Reckless Deceptions

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This is one of a series of books based around the top male strip and burlesque club in Dallas but it works well as a standalone. In this story, CIA officer Ryan Arnell is instructed to make contact with one of the club's dancers, Erica Keeley, as she has information to help stop a terrorist group. She used to work with him but was kicked out of the CIA when her innovative techniques broke too many rules. That was a double blow as the two were lovers and she feels he betrayed her. . . . .

Sparks definitely fly between these two as their attraction is as strong as ever but there's a serious threat to national security to be thwarted, a terrorist plot to be squashed and traitors to be revealed in this action packed, steamy, romantic suspense. It is a real page turner, with many surprises along the way. Ryan's 'by the book', unemotional way of working and his need for control is in direct contrast to Erica's impulsive, 'follow your gut' and openly emotional attitude but this is definitely a case of opposites attracting! Can they work together again to keep themselves and others safe? Can they prevent the terrorists causing more deaths and destruction? Does their love really have any second chance?

The family pressures on Ryan, his relationship with his twin older brothers and his father, are all explored as part of the story. I loved how Erica was able to coerce and help his father without upsetting him. This is an enthralling romantic suspense and a great addition to the series.I requested and was gifted a copy of it without obligation. I have chosen to read it and this is my honest review after doing so. I've actually read the earlier books in this series and others by this author and I'll definitely be looking out for more from her in future.

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Karen Rock’s latest Dallas After Dark novel, Reckless Deceptions, starts fast and doesn’t let up the entire time. Rock weaves serious family drama into a significant terrorist plot, all while bringing the hero and heroine back together. If you look up, you will definitely miss something. Rock’s story is compelling and makes you want to keep reading. I know I couldn’t turn pages fast enough.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

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This was a fast paced exciting book, main characters had good chemistry. Never read anything in this series before since this was a stand alone novel it was easy to follow. Enjoyed it so much I will be going back and reading the rest of the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance read

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This is the third standalone book in the Dallas After Dark series and it's a great addition to said series.

I liked that the main characters Ryan and Erica have such different personalities but still have that intense connection and chemistry, those two absolutely belong together. Like with the previous stories you can find some steamy and sexy moments but there's also lots of action and suspense, the fast pacing of the story keeps you not only entertained but also invested in what's happening and with the characters.
Kudos to Karen Rock for another very enjoyable read.

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Hot and Edgy 2nd Chance Romance 💚💙
You won't want to put this down until the end.
Ryan, a buttoned up, by the book CIA agent gets to cross paths once again with Erica X-go with your gut CIA agent/girlfriend seeing her performing with aerial silks and the feels begin! They both get hot, Ryan with lust and Erica with anger as the past comes back to remind them.
The bigger picture is too important to both of them and they need to put a stop to some very, very evil people--together. The web of deceipt runs deep in the world as these two are finding out, and they just don't know who to trust anymore.
A lot of action, intrigue & suspense keeps you turning the pages, along with heat, bits of snark and emotional family issues for a great journey. Stand alone, HEA, 3rd in Series
I received an ARC thru Net Galley/Kensington and am giving my honest review

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"Reckless Deceptions" by Karen Rock has a little of everything; romance, intrigue, shall I say deception. It is a good romance and I enjoyed it.

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