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Secrets and the City #1-2
The Lies We Tell
Dive into love's dark side in this thrilling collection of two stand-alone romances, where secrets, deception, and heart-stopping twists will keep you glued to the pages.
The Lies We Tell includes two full-length, tension-filled romances in the Secrets and the City series: Deadly Illusion and Fatal Cure:
from DEADLY ILLUSION:
AN AMAZON TOP 25 BESTSELLER!
I was able to hide the bruises from everyone... until an MMA fighter came along. Now he'll die to protect me. Maybe even kill... He insists I stay with him for protection, but Damian is keeping his own dark secrets and warns me that anyone who gets close to him will be in danger…
Worse, my assailant is determined to finish what he started.
And now, my life, along with the lives of everyone I love…
… is in peril.
Can Damian and I survive and get our happily ever after?
Or will this fairy tale end in murder?
from FATAL CURE:
She’ll stop at nothing to destroy her dangerous enemy. He’ll stop at nothing to save her.
Other girls dream of a prince charming, but I dream of vengeance against the man who decimated my family. I dream of the ways I’ll make him suffer, and, so help me, my soul will not rest until I annihilate him.
I’ve waited my whole life for this moment, and now I’m on the cusp of hunting him down and making him pay.
The last thing I have time for is falling in love with a handsome stranger whose life I saved from a chamber of flames, but he ignites something new in me—happiness.
And dare I say, love.
For the first time in my life, light cuts through the pervasive darkness, and my future doesn’t look so bleak.
But fate delivers a cruel, twisted blow.
Because as it turns out, the man I’ve fallen in love with…
… is the enemy I’ve waited my whole life to destroy.
The Lies We Tell includes two full-length, tension-filled romances in the Secrets and the City series: Deadly Illusion and Fatal Cure:
from DEADLY ILLUSION:
AN AMAZON TOP 25 BESTSELLER!
I was able to hide the bruises from everyone... until an MMA fighter came along. Now he'll die to protect me. Maybe even kill... He insists I stay with him for protection, but Damian is keeping his own dark secrets and warns me that anyone who gets close to him will be in danger…
Worse, my assailant is determined to finish what he started.
And now, my life, along with the lives of everyone I love…
… is in peril.
Can Damian and I survive and get our happily ever after?
Or will this fairy tale end in murder?
from FATAL CURE:
She’ll stop at nothing to destroy her dangerous enemy. He’ll stop at nothing to save her.
Other girls dream of a prince charming, but I dream of vengeance against the man who decimated my family. I dream of the ways I’ll make him suffer, and, so help me, my soul will not rest until I annihilate him.
I’ve waited my whole life for this moment, and now I’m on the cusp of hunting him down and making him pay.
The last thing I have time for is falling in love with a handsome stranger whose life I saved from a chamber of flames, but he ignites something new in me—happiness.
And dare I say, love.
For the first time in my life, light cuts through the pervasive darkness, and my future doesn’t look so bleak.
But fate delivers a cruel, twisted blow.
Because as it turns out, the man I’ve fallen in love with…
… is the enemy I’ve waited my whole life to destroy.
731 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2023
736 people are currently reading
1905 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Lockheart
16 books835 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...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 12, 2023
Summed up in one word...predictable.
January 5, 2025
This is a 2 in one situation.
The first one I liked the story, in theory, but found myself a little disappointed. I wanted more from the main character.
The second, in my opinion was much better. More developed with liking the characters lives where people crossed paths throughout the story.
The first one I liked the story, in theory, but found myself a little disappointed. I wanted more from the main character.
The second, in my opinion was much better. More developed with liking the characters lives where people crossed paths throughout the story.
June 1, 2023
The second book Fatal Cure was so good. The end had me on my toes. Such a good story proving good people can make tough or wrong decisions. I loved the love story behind it. Spice was a 🌶️ but I’d recommend 10/10 these two stories. I’m excited to start the next one.
June 11, 2023
I was not ready for the emotional roller coaster, despite her warnings!
(Wife posting) The author gives warnings before the story of what to expect, and I should have listened better.
Story #1 was a wild ride, making me question so many things, and living in a constant state of panic, and in the end, turning my cold, soulless heart into a twisted, tearful disaster. I can’t give too much away….but I was devastated in a way a book has not done to me before (except Bridge to Terabithia as a kid). I’m still recovering
Story #2 had me in constant panic and fear from almost the get-go as I was still reeling from emotional whiplash in story #1. I was preparing for the worst. I ended up questioning my ethics and morals, and rooting for the results that conflicted with previously mentioned morals and ethics. I’m a sucker for the happy endings, but had no idea if it would happen or not, and even if it did—-should it?
Loved these stories. Thank you, Kathy! Wonderful work! I loved this, and am grateful to have stumbled upon this.
If you have traumas, I do recommend reviewing her trigger warnings, as there are many delicate and complex human experiences in the stories that could prove a negative experience for some readers.
(Wife posting) The author gives warnings before the story of what to expect, and I should have listened better.
Story #1 was a wild ride, making me question so many things, and living in a constant state of panic, and in the end, turning my cold, soulless heart into a twisted, tearful disaster. I can’t give too much away….but I was devastated in a way a book has not done to me before (except Bridge to Terabithia as a kid). I’m still recovering
Story #2 had me in constant panic and fear from almost the get-go as I was still reeling from emotional whiplash in story #1. I was preparing for the worst. I ended up questioning my ethics and morals, and rooting for the results that conflicted with previously mentioned morals and ethics. I’m a sucker for the happy endings, but had no idea if it would happen or not, and even if it did—-should it?
Loved these stories. Thank you, Kathy! Wonderful work! I loved this, and am grateful to have stumbled upon this.
If you have traumas, I do recommend reviewing her trigger warnings, as there are many delicate and complex human experiences in the stories that could prove a negative experience for some readers.
December 31, 2023
This book had 2 standalone books in one. Liked the stories but felt rushed at times and definitely at the end 🤷🏻♀️
October 25, 2024
Story one was ROUGH! But story two made up for it!
June 28, 2023
Loved this story was a very good read
May 27, 2023
The Lies We Tell includes two previously release, full-length, tension-filled romances in the Secrets and the City series: Deadly Illusion and Fatal Cure.
4 stars
DEADLY ILLUSION:
DEADLY ILLUSION by Kathy Lockheart is a contemporary, adult , romantic suspense story line focusing on twenty-three year old, marketing analyst Jenna Christiansen.
WARNING: Due to the nature and subject matter of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Jenna) DEADLY ILLUSION follows Jenna Christiansen as she begins a new life in Chicago, Illinois. A chance encounter in a dark alley with a stranger found our heroine in a relationship that would quickly spiral out of control. Eight months before Jenna would acknowledge the truth but the ongoing denial and damage would continue for months to come. Meeting MMA fighter Damian Stone gave our heroine pause for the future but Jenna wasn’t willing to sacrifice her freedom for the sake of her own safety or the safety of others. As Jenna is forced to see the legitimacy of the threats to her life, Damian struggles to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love.
DEADLY ILLUSION is a story of obsession, violence, power and control. A raw, gritty and honest look at the dangers of an abusive relationship , and the detrimental affect, not only on the survivor but to those of the people they love. The premise is powerful and emotional-one you won’t forget for a very long time.
•••••••••••
FATAL CURE
FATAL CURE is the second instalment in Kathy Lockheart’s contemporary, adult SECRETS AND THE CITY romantic suspense series. This is soon to be Chicago DEA agent, police officer Fallon O’Connor , and businessman Dillon McPherson’s story line. FATAL CURE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
WARNING: FATAL CURE contains scenes and descriptions of graphic violence and death, and may contain triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Fallon) FATAL CURE follows the building relationship between soon-to-be DEA agent Fallon O’Connor , and Dillon McPherson. A high rise fire traps two strangers, Fallon O’Connor and Dillon McPherson, in an elevator, an elevator that is about to plummet twenty-six floors taking our story line couple with it. A quick thinking Fallon saves them both, and a whirlwind romance ensues but all is not well in the city of Chicago when the drug trade explodes,and a war with Syndicate and the arrival of the Mexican Cartel ensues with the Chicago PD. As Fallon and her fellow officers begin a search for the people responsible, Fallon’s relationship with Dillon implodes forcing our heroine to make a heart breaking choice between love and her job. What ensues is the building but rocky relationship between Fallon and Dillon, and the potential fall-out when the Chicago PD suspect a mole in their organization, as Fallon and Dillon find themselves the target of the Syndicate and the Baja Cartel.
Fallon O’Connor’s life is the story of nightmares having lived her younger years with addicts and the threat of death every day. Working with the DEA has been a lifelong dream but all is not well within the Agency, and our heroine is targeted from outside and from within. Dillon McPherson’s secrets run dangerous and deep, and he never wanted his work to threaten the woman with whom he is falling in love. Desperate to protect Fallon, Dillon must sacrifice everything he knows, but the fates have other plans for our story line couple.
The relationship between Dillon and Fallon begins in the wake of a fire targeting one or both of our story line characters. Dillon quickly fell for Fallon O’Connor but secrets and lies are about to destroy the building love, secrets Fallon never thought possible. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Fallon’s best friend and fellow office Shane Hernandez; DEA Sargent Marcus Burch, and Agent Proctor; as well as several members of both the Syndicate, and the Baja Cartel.The requisite evil has many faces.
FATAL CURE is a story of drugs, addiction and family; power and control; betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing, twisted and tragic although I suspected the twist very early on .The characters are energetic, charismatic and troubled; the romance is seductive and captivating.
4 stars
DEADLY ILLUSION:
DEADLY ILLUSION by Kathy Lockheart is a contemporary, adult , romantic suspense story line focusing on twenty-three year old, marketing analyst Jenna Christiansen.
WARNING: Due to the nature and subject matter of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Jenna) DEADLY ILLUSION follows Jenna Christiansen as she begins a new life in Chicago, Illinois. A chance encounter in a dark alley with a stranger found our heroine in a relationship that would quickly spiral out of control. Eight months before Jenna would acknowledge the truth but the ongoing denial and damage would continue for months to come. Meeting MMA fighter Damian Stone gave our heroine pause for the future but Jenna wasn’t willing to sacrifice her freedom for the sake of her own safety or the safety of others. As Jenna is forced to see the legitimacy of the threats to her life, Damian struggles to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love.
DEADLY ILLUSION is a story of obsession, violence, power and control. A raw, gritty and honest look at the dangers of an abusive relationship , and the detrimental affect, not only on the survivor but to those of the people they love. The premise is powerful and emotional-one you won’t forget for a very long time.
•••••••••••
FATAL CURE
FATAL CURE is the second instalment in Kathy Lockheart’s contemporary, adult SECRETS AND THE CITY romantic suspense series. This is soon to be Chicago DEA agent, police officer Fallon O’Connor , and businessman Dillon McPherson’s story line. FATAL CURE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
WARNING: FATAL CURE contains scenes and descriptions of graphic violence and death, and may contain triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Fallon) FATAL CURE follows the building relationship between soon-to-be DEA agent Fallon O’Connor , and Dillon McPherson. A high rise fire traps two strangers, Fallon O’Connor and Dillon McPherson, in an elevator, an elevator that is about to plummet twenty-six floors taking our story line couple with it. A quick thinking Fallon saves them both, and a whirlwind romance ensues but all is not well in the city of Chicago when the drug trade explodes,and a war with Syndicate and the arrival of the Mexican Cartel ensues with the Chicago PD. As Fallon and her fellow officers begin a search for the people responsible, Fallon’s relationship with Dillon implodes forcing our heroine to make a heart breaking choice between love and her job. What ensues is the building but rocky relationship between Fallon and Dillon, and the potential fall-out when the Chicago PD suspect a mole in their organization, as Fallon and Dillon find themselves the target of the Syndicate and the Baja Cartel.
Fallon O’Connor’s life is the story of nightmares having lived her younger years with addicts and the threat of death every day. Working with the DEA has been a lifelong dream but all is not well within the Agency, and our heroine is targeted from outside and from within. Dillon McPherson’s secrets run dangerous and deep, and he never wanted his work to threaten the woman with whom he is falling in love. Desperate to protect Fallon, Dillon must sacrifice everything he knows, but the fates have other plans for our story line couple.
The relationship between Dillon and Fallon begins in the wake of a fire targeting one or both of our story line characters. Dillon quickly fell for Fallon O’Connor but secrets and lies are about to destroy the building love, secrets Fallon never thought possible. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Fallon’s best friend and fellow office Shane Hernandez; DEA Sargent Marcus Burch, and Agent Proctor; as well as several members of both the Syndicate, and the Baja Cartel.The requisite evil has many faces.
FATAL CURE is a story of drugs, addiction and family; power and control; betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing, twisted and tragic although I suspected the twist very early on .The characters are energetic, charismatic and troubled; the romance is seductive and captivating.
June 25, 2025
Welp, I’m in love 😍
DEADLY ILLUSIONS
Well.. this one really had me in my feelings. It was so beautifully tragic.. I’m at a loss for words.
~Jenna didn’t know she was in a bad situation until it turned that way. She’s able to hide it from everyone.. except a man she’s only just met. All Damian wants is to protect her. But not just from her ex.~
I’m swooning! But also sobbing. I did not expect that last 25% and I’m not sure I’ll be able to recover. The epilogue helped a lot but my heart still hurts.
Kathy knows how to tug on your hearts strings. Her writing is amazing! 🔥
-friends to lovers
-sports (MMA)
-grief
-abuse
FATAL CURE
Holy suspense!! This was amazing! The end really had me in my feelings. 🥹
~Fallon’s entire life has been dictated by drugs. Now a Chicago police officer, she’s determined to make the DEA task force and take down the people responsible. Meeting Dillon was an unexpected surprised but not unwelcome. Until she finds out the man she’s fallen for is the very one she’s been looking for.~
From beginning to end I was at the edge of my seat. The way Fallon and Dillon first meet is insane and it just gets crazier from there, but in the best way! I adored their connection so much.
My heart though.. Fallon has been through so much. I just wanted to wrap her in a big hug. I loved the intro to Shane though! Their friendship is so sweet.
-forbidden
-cop/criminal
-grief
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
DEADLY ILLUSIONS
Well.. this one really had me in my feelings. It was so beautifully tragic.. I’m at a loss for words.
~Jenna didn’t know she was in a bad situation until it turned that way. She’s able to hide it from everyone.. except a man she’s only just met. All Damian wants is to protect her. But not just from her ex.~
I’m swooning! But also sobbing. I did not expect that last 25% and I’m not sure I’ll be able to recover. The epilogue helped a lot but my heart still hurts.
Kathy knows how to tug on your hearts strings. Her writing is amazing! 🔥
-friends to lovers
-sports (MMA)
-grief
-abuse
FATAL CURE
Holy suspense!! This was amazing! The end really had me in my feelings. 🥹
~Fallon’s entire life has been dictated by drugs. Now a Chicago police officer, she’s determined to make the DEA task force and take down the people responsible. Meeting Dillon was an unexpected surprised but not unwelcome. Until she finds out the man she’s fallen for is the very one she’s been looking for.~
From beginning to end I was at the edge of my seat. The way Fallon and Dillon first meet is insane and it just gets crazier from there, but in the best way! I adored their connection so much.
My heart though.. Fallon has been through so much. I just wanted to wrap her in a big hug. I loved the intro to Shane though! Their friendship is so sweet.
-forbidden
-cop/criminal
-grief
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
April 10, 2025
This boxed set includes two novels: Deadly Illusion and Fatal Cure.
Sarah Puckett and Michael Norman Johnson did an excellent job with the narration.
Deadly Illusion: Jenna and Damien's story is heart-wrenching, suspenseful and enthralling, filled with secrets, danger, violence, and heartbreaking twists and turns. Wow! I loved it! Jenna is beautiful, strong, and brave. Damien is enigmatic, supportive, and protective. The story is told from Jenna's POV. The supporting characters are interesting. I loved Jenna's brother, Justin. This is a captivating romantic suspense. I enjoyed it.
Fatal Cure: Fallon and Dillon's story is intense, raw, entertaining, and captivating, full of action, danger, and twists and turns. Some scene are not for the faint of heart. Fallon is such a strong and smart character. Dillion is enigmatic, handsome, and protective. This is a thrilling and passionate forbidden romance. It's a captivating romantic suspense. I enjoyed it. I can't wait for Lethal Justice, the next book in the series.
Sarah Puckett and Michael Norman Johnson did an excellent job with the narration.
Deadly Illusion: Jenna and Damien's story is heart-wrenching, suspenseful and enthralling, filled with secrets, danger, violence, and heartbreaking twists and turns. Wow! I loved it! Jenna is beautiful, strong, and brave. Damien is enigmatic, supportive, and protective. The story is told from Jenna's POV. The supporting characters are interesting. I loved Jenna's brother, Justin. This is a captivating romantic suspense. I enjoyed it.
Fatal Cure: Fallon and Dillon's story is intense, raw, entertaining, and captivating, full of action, danger, and twists and turns. Some scene are not for the faint of heart. Fallon is such a strong and smart character. Dillion is enigmatic, handsome, and protective. This is a thrilling and passionate forbidden romance. It's a captivating romantic suspense. I enjoyed it. I can't wait for Lethal Justice, the next book in the series.
June 3, 2023
Horrid book
One of the most useless waste of writing. On page one Jenna should have been committed to a mental institution and released. End of story
One of the most useless waste of writing. On page one Jenna should have been committed to a mental institution and released. End of story
June 20, 2023
Really enjoyed these stories! I just wish they were longer!
June 21, 2023
Can't believe this book got any hype.. took all I had not to DNF to see if it got good at all.
Sad to say.. it did NOT
Sad to say.. it did NOT
August 31, 2023
Good read
This is a new author for me and it was a really good read. I loved the characters in the books as they underwent their journeys to happiness.
This is a new author for me and it was a really good read. I loved the characters in the books as they underwent their journeys to happiness.
September 16, 2023
So many plot twists I absolutely loved this book!
October 31, 2023
I loved this book so much!
It was worth the 700 pages 🥹
It was worth the 700 pages 🥹
November 18, 2023
Both books were amazing, the stories in each kept me wanting to turn the page.. However, her books are heavy! I cried from both!!
November 26, 2023
Amazing
Sooo good! I couldn’t put it down! Great suspense, not a dull moment. Perfect if you love protective male love interests!
Sooo good! I couldn’t put it down! Great suspense, not a dull moment. Perfect if you love protective male love interests!
February 12, 2025
My only complaint is what's with the 1 POV, now a days it's both of them
May 1, 2025
Sometimes I find myself randomly thinking about that final heartbreaking part of the first book. That must mean something.
July 16, 2023
Ok, so I was intrigued with both these stories. IMO they need to be spicier. This was very PG in the spice department. It was triggering and relatable. But overall it was a good read.
June 2, 2023
Welp, I’m in love 😍
DEADLY ILLUSIONS
Well.. this one really had me in my feelings. It was so beautifully tragic.. I’m at a loss for words.
~Jenna didn’t know she was in a bad situation until it turned that way. She’s able to hide it from everyone.. except a man she’s only just met. All Damian wants is to protect her. But not just from her ex.~
I’m swooning! But also sobbing. I did not expect that last 25% and I’m not sure I’ll be able to recover. The epilogue helped a lot but my heart still hurts.
Kathy knows how to tug on your hearts strings. Her writing is amazing! 🔥
-friends to lovers
-sports (MMA)
-grief
-abuse
FATAL CURE
Holy suspense!! This was amazing! The end really had me in my feelings. 🥹
~Fallon’s entire life has been dictated by drugs. Now a Chicago police officer, she’s determined to make the DEA task force and take down the people responsible. Meeting Dillon was an unexpected surprised but not unwelcome. Until she finds out the man she’s fallen for is the very one she’s been looking for.~
From beginning to end I was at the edge of my seat. The way Fallon and Dillon first meet is insane and it just gets crazier from there, but in the best way! I adored their connection so much.
My heart though.. Fallon has been through so much. I just wanted to wrap her in a big hug. I loved the intro to Shane though! Their friendship is so sweet.
-forbidden
-cop/criminal
-grief
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
DEADLY ILLUSIONS
Well.. this one really had me in my feelings. It was so beautifully tragic.. I’m at a loss for words.
~Jenna didn’t know she was in a bad situation until it turned that way. She’s able to hide it from everyone.. except a man she’s only just met. All Damian wants is to protect her. But not just from her ex.~
I’m swooning! But also sobbing. I did not expect that last 25% and I’m not sure I’ll be able to recover. The epilogue helped a lot but my heart still hurts.
Kathy knows how to tug on your hearts strings. Her writing is amazing! 🔥
-friends to lovers
-sports (MMA)
-grief
-abuse
FATAL CURE
Holy suspense!! This was amazing! The end really had me in my feelings. 🥹
~Fallon’s entire life has been dictated by drugs. Now a Chicago police officer, she’s determined to make the DEA task force and take down the people responsible. Meeting Dillon was an unexpected surprised but not unwelcome. Until she finds out the man she’s fallen for is the very one she’s been looking for.~
From beginning to end I was at the edge of my seat. The way Fallon and Dillon first meet is insane and it just gets crazier from there, but in the best way! I adored their connection so much.
My heart though.. Fallon has been through so much. I just wanted to wrap her in a big hug. I loved the intro to Shane though! Their friendship is so sweet.
-forbidden
-cop/criminal
-grief
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews