Into the Fire

Deadly Deceit is the second in the Harbored Secrets trilogy by Natalie Walters.

She's (Vivian) a former big newspaper investigative reporter now a "temporary" small town newspaper reporter working for a boss she cares for and admires. He's (Ryan) a Deputy Sheriff who holds a stack of job offers from alphabet agencies (FBI, CIA, etc.) for his genius cyber skills but stays in Walton, Georgia, as the only son of his single mom and the brother to his teen sister who he has protected since his father walked out on them when Ryan was 13. 

When Vivian responds to her boss' request to meet him at his home for a term he uses to mean there's a huge story to investigate, she goes. The shock she experiences after a few minutes at his home leads her to the Deputy Ryan Frost and through some angst and travail they begin to work together on an unsettling and mysterious case involving several people who've become victims of someone who goes by "The Watcher". 

Vivian wants no part of personal connections, but they're all around her waiting for her to warm up to them – and making it impossible not to succumb. She's kept herself aloof and independent for so long because of her "daddy issues" that have scarred her soul. When she's not fighting against her intentions, she realizes how good it feels to be treated like a friend, family, and, yes, even a romantic interest.

Ryan realizes he can't keep this spunky reporter from invading his space, and his protective nature determines he's going to keep her close before she really get hurts. While working with her instead of against her, he's forced to recognize she's got his heartfelt attention.

Of course there's trouble, pain, and some scary moments as they narrow the search for The Watcher, but the story concludes with genuine resolutions to long held pain, holding back, and a return to faith and forgiveness. 

Deadly Deceit is equal parts romance and suspense. Natalie Walters has written a good second book in this trilogy which will appeal to those readers who love romantic suspense/mystery with underlying faith principles.  

Father, please continue to bless Natalie for all of her efforts to glorify you. Keep her safe and continue to hold her close and fill her with your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.