Christina Alberti, an expert art historian, has run from the shadows of her past, hiding the truth and building her name as a reputable jewelry specialist at the Barclay Auction House. Everything is perfect — until a legendary and priceless diamond makes her a target for a diabolically charming con man determined to pull off the heist of the century at her expense.
FBI Agent J.T. McIntyre is determined to catch the thief who conned his father and destroyed his family. He wants revenge as much as he wants justice, and he won’t let anyone stand in his way, not even Christina, whose secrets make him wonder just which side she is on.
When the diamond goes missing, the game turns deadly. Christina and J.T. take a dangerous journey deep into a world of greed and desire, secrets and seduction — until there’s no betrayal left hidden and nowhere the shocking truth can hide.
Barbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara Freethy is definitely my favorite author. She has the right amount of romance and suspense to keep you interested and turning the page. This book was no exception. As a mom of 2 it is hard to find time to read that is the only reason it took me a little longer to finish reading this. It was the second book of 2, first book was "Taken". It continued the story of 2 of the characters from the first book. I read both books and loved both.
HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an awesome book and series. You find yourself trying to figure out what is going to happen and who is who and they are no one you thought they were. I really enjoyed this series. I really enjoy reading Barbara's books. She is a great writer and I am looking forward to reading the Angel Bay Series. Thank you Barbara!
3 .5 stars. good plot, nice twist but the MFC and MMC made so many stupid boneheaded decisions and way too much inner dialogue it killed the zip of the story for me.
A great romantic suspense full of action, intrigue and some crazy twists. The story picks up almost immediately after book one, but the focus is on JT and his journey to catch Evan. The crime this time is super sneaky and well planned. There are multiple characters with multiple dramas and secrets. We find out who the partner is that Evan met with in book one and we learn more about how the two stories connect.
The writing is engaging and the plot captivating. I did not want to put the book down and I enjoyed how the details all came together over the course of the story.
This story revolved around a diamond and it’s theft. So, it was very frustrating that the author did not research her subject.
There was constant speculation that the diamond might be fake, which is of course possible. However, there are numerous ways to authenticate a diamond.
Despite this glaring lapse in research, the story was passable. It didn’t get beyond that until the last quarter when they went to Italy.
While in Italy, Christina found out about her past, found her father, and they caught the thief.
This was the second book in this series and it kept you on the edge of your seat. It is a great mystery with many twists and turns but,of course, Evan Chadwick is back and J. T. McIntyre still ants him in prison. This time the prize is a yellow diamond that is going to be auctioned at the Barclay House and Christina Alberti is involved because her father wants to steal this jewel also. Great story
Great book! Loved JT and Christina! As I turned the page I was trying to figure out what was going to happen. Some of the stuff I didn’t expect ok most of the stuff that happened I didn’t except. Once I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen.
The second book in the deception series is just as intriguing as the first. Which some new characters and one or two from the first story. Evan is a real bad guy, cunning and willing to kill to get what he wants. J.T. wants to put him in jail forever. I won't spoil it for you, but recommend you read it instead.
There were parts of this that were hard to believe. Why wouldn't fingerprints be taken when there is a person who is always in disguises? There was also a lot of distractions as fillers.
Barbara never disappoints! A wonderful story about love betrayal and secrets. To avoid spoiling the book, I'll just say the ending was a surprise ... At least to me!
Played is about FBI Agent JT who is determined to catch the theif/con man who ruined his family. Christina is working at the auction house that is selling a rare diamond. It turns p missing and they must work together to catch the criminal. A good story that keeps you guessing who the con-man is.
"FBI Agent J.T. McIntyre is determined to catch the thief who conned his father and destroyed his family. He wants revenge as much as justice, and he won't let anyone stand in his way-not even beautiful art historian Christina Alberti, whose secrets make him wonder just which side she's on" (From Amazon)
Another great adventure of romantic suspense from Barbara Freethy.
I loved this book as much as the first one. It was so suspenseful and I am sad that there are no more in the series. Want a good romance suspense book that keeps you on the edge of your seat? This is it. Make sure you read the first book Taken before you read this one too get the full story.
I always enjoy reading Barbara Freethy's books. She develops such great, likable, relatable characters. Lots of twists and turns keep the book interesting. Love suspense books that keep me guessing. This is a great read!