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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.

330 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

509 people are currently reading
628 people want to read

About the author

Barbara Freethy

155 books2,701 followers
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!

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5 stars
684 (40%)
4 stars
634 (37%)
3 stars
305 (17%)
2 stars
60 (3%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Mary Russo.
29 reviews
February 28, 2014
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.
Profile Image for Julie Smith.
112 reviews
April 27, 2013
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!
Profile Image for Carolee Taylor.
511 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Lorie.
16 reviews
July 2, 2013
Another exciting mystery and love story. This book will not disappoint
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,413 reviews8 followers
January 9, 2020
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.
1,180 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,638 reviews
February 6, 2021
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
Profile Image for Brandi Sartin lawrence.
664 reviews6 followers
March 11, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Bonnie Tharp.
Author 10 books39 followers
December 31, 2019
Good stuff

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.
Profile Image for Patrick.
75 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2017
Was given this book so I gave it a chance. Found it boring and slow had a hard time staying interested in it.
1 review
November 13, 2018
Great book

Nice book easy read. I enjoy all of her books. Looking forward to the next one. Recommend anyone who like romance and mystery.
796 reviews9 followers
February 29, 2020
Extremely slow moving. I can’t put my finger on it, but something was just missing from the characters.
2 reviews
January 28, 2022
Amazing book! Barbara Freethy is a great writer who never disappoints with her books. Highly recommend reading it!
1 review
September 23, 2022
intriguing

great book two. You definitely want to read book 1 first. Story kept you on edge. I really enjoy Barbara Freethy stories.
Profile Image for Tania Mateva.
124 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2023
Идеята е добра, с интересни и неочаквани обрати, но има твърде много недомислици в сюжета, а и героите са ми доста плоски и зле изградени.
47 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2024
Great reads.

Both Deception books are full of intrigue.
They keep you guessing till the end.
Colorful characters and complicated plots.
Wish there was another!
Profile Image for Karen Whooley.
Author 47 books33 followers
February 21, 2017
Love this series!

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!
Profile Image for Melissa.
151 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2011
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.
Profile Image for Kris (My Novelesque Life).
4,693 reviews209 followers
September 26, 2014
4 STARS

"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.
Profile Image for Necole Moreau.
351 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2014
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.
Profile Image for Cathy Egan.
461 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2016
Great characters

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!
Profile Image for Kay.
1,243 reviews24 followers
May 19, 2008
Enjoyed this book, but liked her other ones better.
Profile Image for Sandy.
498 reviews20 followers
June 29, 2009
Good read. I recommend it! The legend behind the diamond intrigued me. 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Ariel.
503 reviews12 followers
September 15, 2011
I didn't like this book at all , I couldn't even get all the way through it which is unusual for me . Not sure why ? Others might enjoy it though .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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