Genuine Fake: A Wounded Warrior Romantic Suspense

Devlin Security Force #5

by Susan Vaughan

DEVLIN SECURITY FORCE, Protecting Priceless Treasures

****Part of a series, but a stand-alone novel with its own conclusion. No cliff-hangers. Romantic suspense mystery


His tragic past… Her guilty secret… Their only chance for redemption

Devlin Security operative Boyd Kirby guards only art and artifacts. Memories of leading his Army Ranger team into a deathtrap haunt him, so he swears never to protect people. But when the woman who once stole his heart asks for help, he can’t refuse. The search for Gemma’s missing friend leads to a complex case of art forgery and murder attempts on her. Sweating bullets, Boyd vows not to be distracted by her warmth and his desire. He damn well will protect her… with his life.

Gemma Bellini believes managing her famous grandfather’s art legacy can redeem her for a past scandal that makes her wary of men’s motives. Because of forgeries linked to her friend and life-threatening incidents, she needs Boyd, who worked with her before. She never forgot his sexy magnetism and wry sense of humor that masked pain. This strong man will investigate and keep her safe, but can Gemma trust him with her heart and soul?

When sparks between them ignite to flames, the danger escalates—to their lives and their hearts.

Genres: Contemporary

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2021

About the author

I wanted to write as soon as I learned to read. I dabbled with stories and poems for years, but didn't start writing seriously until many years later. My favorite books have always been mysteries and romances, so the mix in romantic suspense was a natural. I love writing romantic suspense because it throws the hero and heroine together under extraordinary circumstances and pits them against a clever villain.
My books have been both a Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Nominee and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Reviewers have called my books fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed, sizzling, and highly emotional.
I have also published two children's picture storybooks, Sleigh Magic and Stowaways: a Maine Pirate Tale.
I am a West Virginia native but I have lived for many years on the coast of Maine.
For more information about my books, please visit me at www.susanvaughan.com or as Susan Vaughan, Author on FaceBook.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/20/2021)! 🎁

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of the series I have read and though at times I felt I would have benefited from reading the previous stories, this is a stand alone.
Boyd Kirby is a member of the Devlin Security Force. A man whose past as an Army Ranger, truly has changed him. He still is haunted by a mission gone wrong and instead of people, he’s only interested in guarding art.
But what happens when the woman he once loved comes to him for help? Gemma Bellini is that woman. A woman whose search for her friend leads them to danger.
What happens when old feelings resurface? Will they be able to overcome the danger and live to possibly finding their HEA?
This was an action packed , emotional story not for the faint of heart with strong characters and of course, romance.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boyd is an ex military operative with Devlin Securities, which specialises in art. Gemma is the granddaughter of a famous painter and talented in her own right. They kissed once but he knew he was too messed up for her. Yet, when she calls him for help he comes running and the chemistry between them is still as potent as before. He has to keep her safe, proof her innocence and keep his mind in the game, which is easier said than done. I really enjoyed reading this book! The relationship is beautiful, the characters interesting and while the plot isn't new, it's still well written and with unexpected twists.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great romantic suspense to add to the Devlin Security Force series! I really enjoy how these are written as they suck you into the plot and give you quite a thrilling ride. This one is certainly no different. It was so interesting to learn more about Boyd and how his work with protecting artifacts leads him to helping Gemma. He was as handsome as he was charming and as the plot continues, he is one of the only few people that I would trust to keep her safe. I can't wait for the next installment to come out!! They may not be super long books, but are well worth the time to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have all the author’s books and have highly recommended them
In this have tried time and again to get into it and just found it to
be too wordy. Also the cuss words and sex took away from the plot
The theme in itself would have been interesting.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

This is definitely a heart-stopping, thrilling romantic suspense story that is a delight!

Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Peni]

DEVLIN SECURITY FORCE, Protecting Priceless Treasures

****Part of a series, but a stand-alone novel with its own conclusion. No cliff-hangers. Romantic suspense mystery


His tragic past… Her guilty secret… Their only chance for redemption

Devlin Security operative Boyd Kirby guards only art and artifacts. Memories of leading his Army Ranger team into a deathtrap haunt him, so he swears never to protect people. But when the woman who once stole his heart asks for help, he can’t refuse. The search for Gemma’s missing friend leads to a complex case of art forgery and murder attempts on her. Sweating bullets, Boyd vows not to be distracted by her warmth and his desire. He damn well will protect her… with his life.

Gemma Bellini believes managing her famous grandfather’s art legacy can redeem her for a past scandal that makes her wary of men’s motives. Because of forgeries linked to her friend and life-threatening incidents, she needs Boyd, who worked with her before. She never forgot his sexy magnetism and wry sense of humor that masked pain. This strong man will investigate and keep her safe, but can Gemma trust him with her heart and soul?

When sparks between them ignite to flames, the danger escalates—to their lives and their hearts.

[Kat Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin Security operative Boyd Kirby guards only art and artifacts. Memories of leading his Army Ranger team into a deathtrap haunt him, so he swears never to protect people. But when the woman who once stole his heart asks for help, he can’t refuse. The search for Gemma Bellini’s missing friend leads to a complex case of art forgery and murder attempts on her life. Sweating bullets, Boyd vows not to be distracted by her warmth and his desire. He damn well will protect her… with his life.

Our Review: It’s always a treat to read a novel filled with a serious relationship between two intelligent, well-written characters who possess realistic goals, motivation, and conflict. Then when it’s spiced with danger and suspense—also realistic and carefully drawn, it’s advances up the rung on the fantastic read meter. Susan Vaughn continues to keep us entertained with her novels of non-stop action and suspense. She doesn’t stop there because her characters are people you’d be pleased to welcome into your home and get to know better. Thank you for a terrific read.

On a scale of 1-5, Genuine Fake deserves a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling read with unforgettable characters and a fast-paced story that immediately captivated me and kept me totally immersed in all that was happening until I read the last word. I loved the undeniable attraction and off-the-charts chemistry between Devlin Security operative Boyd Kirby and Gemma Bellini who manages her famous grandfather's art legacy. The secondary characters and the complex case of art forgery and murder attempts on Gemma kept me on the edge of my seat and hanging onto every word. Ms. Vaughn blew me away with "Genuine Fake" and i look forward to more from this gifted author. I received an advance reader copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. I enjoyed it so much I purchased a copy for my keeper library.

[Douglas Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great romantic adventure involving Gemma Bellini an heiress for her grandfathers artwork who calls an operative for DSF, Devlin Security Force’s Boyd Kirby to investigate the fake copies of Silvio Bellini’s artwork. The plot sucks the reader in with the non stop action and the romance between Gemma and Boyd. Gemma gets attacked several times and Boyd uses great techniques and his military background to help her.
I really like this series and can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuine Fake
By Susan Vaughan
Main Characters: Boyd and Gemma
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Boyd works for Devlin Security and he used to be an Army Ranger but he had a traumatic experience and now has PTSD. Gemma is an artist and is in need of his help. They develop an attraction while she is under his protection. This was a romantic suspense with a HEA ending and I really want to read more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boyd and Gemma have a wild ride this book is full of suspense and action. The chemistry is instant but they end up having a slow burn. I really like the family and friends in this book except for Troy and the villians. In a way Gemma gets a second chance with Boyd, of sorts any way. I like the way the fit together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boyd and Gemma’s story was absolutely amazing! I was totally engrossed from the first chapter!!!! Plenty of intrigue, action, simmering heat, and a romance that just might survive regardless of past hurts. Susan has crafted a wonderful story! I’ll definitely be looking for more of her books in the future. Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romantic suspense novel
Boyd and Gamma are a perfect couple. Both had challenges to overcome in addition to solving the dangerous mystery that had to be solved. The story was well written with great descriptions. The sex scenes were very tasteful and not over the top like some are these day. Overall thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling characters in a fast moving story make this book a good read. Gemma and Boyd had history that seemed to pick up where it left off from a previous book. The attraction was nicely paced and fit well with the suspense of the main plot. It was a hard book to put down as the twists and turns wove a wild tale.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book I really enjoyed reading about Boyd and Gemma. He never forgot the first time that they meet and worked together, now she needs his help again. She thinks that he is going to help her find Troy, however then both soon realize that she needs him to keep her safe. the problem is can they keep their hearts safe?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Chavers-martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well written storyline set in the world of Art was so great. Art forgery, murder, kidnapping, a emotionally wounded soldier and a granddaughter of a famous artist makes this a great read. I loved it. Plot twists, characters that are strong and believable held my attention and I couldn’t stop reading. Love this author work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the Devlin Security Force series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Devlin Security operative Boyd Kirby and Gemma Bellini's story of suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, villains, fake art, and romance. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama, heat, emotions and heart form a story that held my attention until the end. Boyd and Gemma each are dealing with issues that have impacted their lives, leaving them guarded. Circumstances bring Gemma and Boyd together as they work together to find much needed answers. They must navigate uncertainty, danger, and their growing attraction. I enjoyed reading this entertaining story.

[Will Decker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't feel it-either the passion or the angst of two people that are being drawn together against one of their's will. It was also much too long winded. Some things are just not needed in a story and this one was full of them things. The editing was clean, the characters, although needy, were believable and the sex was rather blah and under reported. The potential was missed on this story.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written story which is full of danger, twists, turns, good, bad, drama, suspence, good characters, an interesting plot, romance and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful romantic suspense in the Devlin Security series. The characters are realistic and so is the storyline. The depth of each characters personality enhanced the story. The unexpected twists and turns is a page turner that you won’t want to put down.

[Barbara Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This story has a lot of thrills,danger,action,suspense and romance keeps you turning the pages until the very end hats off to this author looking forward to reading more books from her

[Heidi Erb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This book grabs your interest right from the first page and keeps you interested until the last page. Great character's and storyline. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. It was OK but I couldn't get into it & gave up after a few chapters