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Off the Grid: FBI #12
Fatal Betrayal
Haunted by a youthful tragedy, FBI Agent Andi Hart specializes in finding missing children, but her latest case throws her off her game when she discovers her former childhood friend turned bitter enemy has been called in to consult.
Seventeen years ago, Cooper Bradford was with Andi the night a toddler disappeared from their neighborhood. He wanted to find the kid as much as Andi did, but her amateur sleuthing turned the focus on his older brother and destroyed his family. Since then, Cooper has made it his life's mission to fight for the falsely accused and has become an enemy of law enforcement.
With a child's life on the line, Andi and Cooper must put aside the emotional fall-out from their once strong bond and work together. But the tension between them reaches a boiling point when they uncover something far more sinister than they ever imagined and a shocking connection to their past. Suddenly nothing is what they thought it was…
Can Andi trust Cooper to have her back, and can he trust her to have his? The answer to that question could mean the difference between life and death.
Seventeen years ago, Cooper Bradford was with Andi the night a toddler disappeared from their neighborhood. He wanted to find the kid as much as Andi did, but her amateur sleuthing turned the focus on his older brother and destroyed his family. Since then, Cooper has made it his life's mission to fight for the falsely accused and has become an enemy of law enforcement.
With a child's life on the line, Andi and Cooper must put aside the emotional fall-out from their once strong bond and work together. But the tension between them reaches a boiling point when they uncover something far more sinister than they ever imagined and a shocking connection to their past. Suddenly nothing is what they thought it was…
Can Andi trust Cooper to have her back, and can he trust her to have his? The answer to that question could mean the difference between life and death.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2023
254 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
155 books2,700 followersBarbara'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 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
April 8, 2025
Slow burn
This was quite an enjoyable read. I liked both Cooper and Andi. Light on the romance side, but a good mystery journey. A few too many characters for my liking. Well written.
This was quite an enjoyable read. I liked both Cooper and Andi. Light on the romance side, but a good mystery journey. A few too many characters for my liking. Well written.
April 30, 2023
Fatal Betrayal by Barbara Freethy was suspenseful fiction with a romance at its best. I literally was on the edge of my seat for how the book was going to resolve its many issues. I mean any book which starts with a baby being kidnapped is bound to hold your interest, but add it to a FBI agent and a consultant who does not like the agent or even the FBI and it becomes a humdinger.
Andi and Cooper were best friends until a tragedy put them on separate sides and they were so young that they could figure out how to get over that wall. Add years where they grew up in different states, went to college, and the anger festered. Andi was transferred to California with one of the new task forces. Due to the tragedy from her youth, she specialized in child kidnapping. Cooper has become a famous author specializing in cases that the law enforcement community had mucked up.
Andi was immediately handed a case of a baby being kidnapped. On top of her new case, she was forced to accept Cooper as her “helper” since he knew the family. Not only do they have to face each other and the situation from the past, they know time is limited to find the missing baby. Add in other people from their past showing up and people trying to kill them and you have a humdinger of an exciting read! I was so tied up in the novel Fatal Betrayal by Barbara Freethy that I couldn’t put it down until it was done! What a read.
Andi and Cooper were best friends until a tragedy put them on separate sides and they were so young that they could figure out how to get over that wall. Add years where they grew up in different states, went to college, and the anger festered. Andi was transferred to California with one of the new task forces. Due to the tragedy from her youth, she specialized in child kidnapping. Cooper has become a famous author specializing in cases that the law enforcement community had mucked up.
Andi was immediately handed a case of a baby being kidnapped. On top of her new case, she was forced to accept Cooper as her “helper” since he knew the family. Not only do they have to face each other and the situation from the past, they know time is limited to find the missing baby. Add in other people from their past showing up and people trying to kill them and you have a humdinger of an exciting read! I was so tied up in the novel Fatal Betrayal by Barbara Freethy that I couldn’t put it down until it was done! What a read.
April 19, 2023
Fatal Betrayal is another installment of Barbara Freethy’s fabulous FBI Off the Grid Series. Be forewarned that when you start reading this book you won’t want to stop until the last period. The story centers around the kidnapping of an infant and involves two people who had been caught up in another kidnapping some 20 years earlier when they were teenagers. That earlier experience colored their entire adult lives. One of them, Andi, became an FBI agent; Cooper, the other, a psychologist. Andi and Cooper have a lot to bad memories to overcome as they work together especially when it becomes clear that someone wants at least one of them dead! The action quickly becomes nonstop and will keep readers completely engaged. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.
April 30, 2023
When Andi return to the city of her childhood where she lived several traumas, fights between her parents, the loss of the baby next door that she babysitting and mainly her best friend and partner in her detective adventures. She did not imagine that she would meet again on the first day this best friend who now hates her.
Cooper is a psychologist and writes very successful books about the tricks of the police, including the FBI, to prove the innocence of people wrongly accused, as well as his brother who had the life turned inside out after being accused of kidnapping the 2-year-old neighbor from his house, because his best friend Andi said she saw his car in the kidnapping area.
When Andi and Cooper need to be together to try to find another child taken from the cradle, and kidnapped, they are reliving childhood adventures, and even traumas, but all this and the usual partnership help to unravel the case, but not before they go through more traumas and dangerous adventures.
Can partnership and friendship overcome childhood betrayal?
Another book by Barbara Freethy, full of twists and lots of partnership and friendship. I love her books.
Cooper is a psychologist and writes very successful books about the tricks of the police, including the FBI, to prove the innocence of people wrongly accused, as well as his brother who had the life turned inside out after being accused of kidnapping the 2-year-old neighbor from his house, because his best friend Andi said she saw his car in the kidnapping area.
When Andi and Cooper need to be together to try to find another child taken from the cradle, and kidnapped, they are reliving childhood adventures, and even traumas, but all this and the usual partnership help to unravel the case, but not before they go through more traumas and dangerous adventures.
Can partnership and friendship overcome childhood betrayal?
Another book by Barbara Freethy, full of twists and lots of partnership and friendship. I love her books.
July 19, 2023
Great book
This book does not disappoint. It kept my interest til the end. Had me guessing until the end. Can't wait til the next book
This book does not disappoint. It kept my interest til the end. Had me guessing until the end. Can't wait til the next book
May 31, 2025
I really liked this book because it kept you interested and thinking the whole time. This author never disappoints. I really enjoyed this book.
April 24, 2023
Barbara Freethy has done it again! I absolutely loved Fatal Betrayal by Barbara Freethy, the twelfth book in her Off the Grid: FBI series. Barbara Freethy has once again delivered an incredible romantic thriller with Fatal Betrayal. Each book in Barbara Freethy's Off the Grid: FBI series continues to get better and better. I have loved all the books in the series, but I think that Fatal Betrayal is my favorite. Barbara Freethy has once again provided her readers with amazing characters; I love all the characters in Fatal Betrayal! Who does not love hot, sexy men and strong, passionate women? I love how Barbara Freethy somehow manages to find the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the career focused FBI agent. Fatal Betrayal is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Fatal Betrayal is filled with such moments, and with so much emotion. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Barbara Freethy romantic suspense love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Barbara Freethy continues to deliver all that and so much more. Fatal Betrayal had me guessing throughout the story as to who was behind the thrilling events that took place in this story. The identity of who was behind the kidnappings was truly a surprise when it was revealed. It was impossible to put it down. I loved every moment on every page. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. Barbara Freethy has once again proven that she is a master storyteller. Fatal Betrayal is the story of former childhood best friends Cooper Bradford, forensic psychologist and an expert on criminal behavior and Andi Hart, FBI Special Agent. Cooper and Andi lived across the street from one another as children. From the time they were between eight and fourteen, they were inseparable. Until one fateful night when a toddler in their neighborhood, Hannah Montgomery is kidnapping from her home. Andi informs the investigators that she saw, Cooper’s brother, Kyle’s car leaving the neighborhood around the time of the kidnapping. Andi’s admission destroyed their friendship and Andi and Cooper have not seen each other in eighteen years. Andi recently returned to Los Angeles to join Flynn Mac Kenzie’s FBI task force as the kidnapping specialist following Bree Adams’s extended maternity leave. Flynn’s task force has been assigned a kidnapping case from the L.A. office of movie producer Neil Benedict’s six-month old, Elisa, who was kidnapped from her bed earlier that morning. On the way to the Benedict home, Andi discovers that Cooper is working with Neil on a docuseries on falsely accused and incarcerated individuals. Shortly after Flynn and Andi arrive at the Benedict’s home, Cooper shows up and Neil wants him involved in the case. Cooper is a bitter enemy of Andi and lets her know how he really feels about her and what happened to his brother because of her actions. As they are investigating Elisa’s kidnapping several multiple attempts are made on Andi and Cooper’s lives. They are not sure who they can trust and decide to go off the grid. Together they work together to discover who is behind the Elisa’s kidnapping, the attempts on their lives, and if there is a connection between Elisa’s kidnapping and Hannah Cunningham’s kidnapping eighteen years ago. Cooper finally decides to trust Andi enough to share everything with her. I love the secrets that Andi and Cooper share with each other, especially regarding the fallout from Hannah’s kidnapping, the impact on the Bradshaw family, Cooper’s teenage feelings toward Andi and Andi’s home life and her relationship with her father. As they continue to spend time together, things change between them. I loved how the relationship between Cooper and Andi changes them, from mistrust and that they are both willing to take a chance at love. I love the surprise plot twists that fill this page turner which Barbara Freethy includes in all her stories. I really enjoy the poignant and bittersweet moments, the plot twists, and the surprises that I have come to love and expect in Barbara Freethy's books and Fatal Betrayal did not disappoint. My favorite part is when Andi and Cooper come full circle and return Hannah to her parents. I love the ending of Andi and Cooper’s love story. I love how all the loose ends get tied up and the revelation of who was behind all the events in the book. I love all the characters and the way Barbara describes the locations in and around Los Angeles. Reading Fatal Betrayal felt like a family reunion, I loved catching up with the other FBI agents in the series. It was really an incredible romantic thriller, and I loved every page. It was an amazing story and I highly recommend it.
January 16, 2025
Thriller with some romance.
Heroine and hero were bff, she had a passion for detective work and she was always trying to solve some mystery.
When their 2 yo neighbor disappears she tries to help the fbi agent that comes to investigate and puts the hero’s brother in trouble, even if he was perfectly innocent.
She destroys the friendship she had with the hero, and who could blame him for that, since she told the agent that she saw the hero’s brother car, while the hero insisted that it wasn’t his car, so allowing the guy to be a suspect. Since the hero’s brother had mental issues, he never recovered and some years later he committed suicide.
The hero and the heroine don’t meet for 17 years. She’s an fbi agent snd he’s a criminal psychologist, they meet because another lil girl has been kidnapped and they have to spend time together. They reconnect, he forgives her and he also reveals he was in love with her at the time. The heroine though was just 14, and a late bloomer so she didn’t see him romantically at all.
They discover a child trafficking ring, with some surprise. All is well in the end, but for poor hero’s brother, who was the real victim of this. I understand that the heroine wanted to help, but I also didn’t like that she didn’t listen to the hero when he told her the car she saw was not his brother’s. She put herself and her ego before their friendship. They were just mere children, just 14, but anyway, she didn’t care about her friendship with the hero and betrayed his brother that was really innocent, knowing he also had some mental issues. Between her and the hero, I preferred the hero, even if imo as a psychologist he should know that with his brother issues suicide was always in the cards and it actually happened many years later when he was an adult.
The story was ok, both were with other people of course but no one was significant and they were never in love with their partners.
There’s very little focus on the romantic side and the heroine turns out to be very compulsive in her job and very cold as a person, I didn’t find her very pleasant so I couldn’t really feel any angst or empathy but I liked the mystery part that is most relevant.
Heroine and hero were bff, she had a passion for detective work and she was always trying to solve some mystery.
When their 2 yo neighbor disappears she tries to help the fbi agent that comes to investigate and puts the hero’s brother in trouble, even if he was perfectly innocent.
She destroys the friendship she had with the hero, and who could blame him for that, since she told the agent that she saw the hero’s brother car, while the hero insisted that it wasn’t his car, so allowing the guy to be a suspect. Since the hero’s brother had mental issues, he never recovered and some years later he committed suicide.
The hero and the heroine don’t meet for 17 years. She’s an fbi agent snd he’s a criminal psychologist, they meet because another lil girl has been kidnapped and they have to spend time together. They reconnect, he forgives her and he also reveals he was in love with her at the time. The heroine though was just 14, and a late bloomer so she didn’t see him romantically at all.
They discover a child trafficking ring, with some surprise. All is well in the end, but for poor hero’s brother, who was the real victim of this. I understand that the heroine wanted to help, but I also didn’t like that she didn’t listen to the hero when he told her the car she saw was not his brother’s. She put herself and her ego before their friendship. They were just mere children, just 14, but anyway, she didn’t care about her friendship with the hero and betrayed his brother that was really innocent, knowing he also had some mental issues. Between her and the hero, I preferred the hero, even if imo as a psychologist he should know that with his brother issues suicide was always in the cards and it actually happened many years later when he was an adult.
The story was ok, both were with other people of course but no one was significant and they were never in love with their partners.
There’s very little focus on the romantic side and the heroine turns out to be very compulsive in her job and very cold as a person, I didn’t find her very pleasant so I couldn’t really feel any angst or empathy but I liked the mystery part that is most relevant.
September 2, 2024
This clever, twisty plot is filled with red herrings, eventually leading to a stunning big reveal in a mysterious, engrossing tale of kidnapping, greed, and unmitigated evil.
The book description and prologue provide a good introduction to the story. The close friendship between teenagers Andi Hart and Cooper Bradford was destroyed eighteen years ago, when a two-year-old girl (Hannah) was kidnapped in their neighborhood, and Andi mistakenly implicated Cooper's brother (Kyle) as the kidnapper. Blaming Andi for Kyle's eventual suicide, Cooper never wants to see her again.
Fate has a different plan. Eighteen years later, the former friends are unexpectedly thrown back together when Andi--now an FBI agent--is assigned to find the kidnapped baby daughter of Cooper's friend and associate, movie producer Neil Benedict. Baby Elisa mysteriously disappeared from her crib in the family's Beverly Hills mansion. Who took her, and why?
Clues point to more than a dozen persons with motive and opportunity. Each time I was certain I knew who did it and why, the story took a new twist and pointed me to another possible culprit, sending Andi and Cooper (and me) in an entirely different direction. Honestly, this story is filled with more red herrings than I've ever encountered in a novel.
This frustrating, dangerous quest compels Andi and Cooper to cooperate and protect each other, rekindling old feelings that never completely died. But they're up against an international baby trafficking ring led by someone connected to their past--someone involved in little Hannah's disappearance eighteen years ago. Is Hannah still alive? Will baby Elisa be found? Can Andi and Cooper forge a new path to happiness together? I'm not saying.
Kudos to the author for very limited profanity, no steamy romantic scenes, and a compelling mystery that kept me glued to my Kindle to the very last page. This tale easily earns five stars from me.
The book description and prologue provide a good introduction to the story. The close friendship between teenagers Andi Hart and Cooper Bradford was destroyed eighteen years ago, when a two-year-old girl (Hannah) was kidnapped in their neighborhood, and Andi mistakenly implicated Cooper's brother (Kyle) as the kidnapper. Blaming Andi for Kyle's eventual suicide, Cooper never wants to see her again.
Fate has a different plan. Eighteen years later, the former friends are unexpectedly thrown back together when Andi--now an FBI agent--is assigned to find the kidnapped baby daughter of Cooper's friend and associate, movie producer Neil Benedict. Baby Elisa mysteriously disappeared from her crib in the family's Beverly Hills mansion. Who took her, and why?
Clues point to more than a dozen persons with motive and opportunity. Each time I was certain I knew who did it and why, the story took a new twist and pointed me to another possible culprit, sending Andi and Cooper (and me) in an entirely different direction. Honestly, this story is filled with more red herrings than I've ever encountered in a novel.
This frustrating, dangerous quest compels Andi and Cooper to cooperate and protect each other, rekindling old feelings that never completely died. But they're up against an international baby trafficking ring led by someone connected to their past--someone involved in little Hannah's disappearance eighteen years ago. Is Hannah still alive? Will baby Elisa be found? Can Andi and Cooper forge a new path to happiness together? I'm not saying.
Kudos to the author for very limited profanity, no steamy romantic scenes, and a compelling mystery that kept me glued to my Kindle to the very last page. This tale easily earns five stars from me.
February 23, 2024
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved it! This series has become one of my favourite ever. I can't believe I missed this release. Just as I was about to enter in a slumping mood, I saw that Deadly Trap was released so it felt like two releases in a row.
I feel loved ha!
Please, Ms. Freethy, don't ever end this series - there are some books in this series that I couldn't get into the story, but mostly I'm obsessed. This book was no exception.
Andi and Cooper were great together as partners, ex-friends turned enemies turned lovers. Chef Kiss😘🤌 their chemistry was so good, you can feel the tension between these two lol. And it was cute Andi was oblivious of Cooper's feelings when they were younger.
This story had me so invested, that I was suspecting of everyone. I liked the suspense, and while the romantic aspect was there, their smex time wasn't anything steamy hot like I would like or be used to. But honestly? I didn't mind because the story was great, the characters were great and I still got sexual tension lmao. And the ending? Love it!
Also, Savannah was in this book and Ryker was mentioned. ❤️❤️❤️ My TOP couple, we say hurray XD
Safety
Ow/Om: none. Both were with others, of course, since they were separated for 18 years, and they weren't together - Cooper had romantic feelings for Andi when they were fourteen, but after their fall apart, Cooper hated her and Andi moved to another state after her parents divorced.
Condoms used. Both talked about past lovers, having never been in love or even lived with other people ❤️ it's like it's always been you.
I loved it! This series has become one of my favourite ever. I can't believe I missed this release. Just as I was about to enter in a slumping mood, I saw that Deadly Trap was released so it felt like two releases in a row.
I feel loved ha!
Please, Ms. Freethy, don't ever end this series - there are some books in this series that I couldn't get into the story, but mostly I'm obsessed. This book was no exception.
Andi and Cooper were great together as partners, ex-friends turned enemies turned lovers. Chef Kiss😘🤌 their chemistry was so good, you can feel the tension between these two lol. And it was cute Andi was oblivious of Cooper's feelings when they were younger.
This story had me so invested, that I was suspecting of everyone. I liked the suspense, and while the romantic aspect was there, their smex time wasn't anything steamy hot like I would like or be used to. But honestly? I didn't mind because the story was great, the characters were great and I still got sexual tension lmao. And the ending? Love it!
Also, Savannah was in this book and Ryker was mentioned. ❤️❤️❤️ My TOP couple, we say hurray XD
Safety
Ow/Om: none. Both were with others, of course, since they were separated for 18 years, and they weren't together - Cooper had romantic feelings for Andi when they were fourteen, but after their fall apart, Cooper hated her and Andi moved to another state after her parents divorced.
Condoms used. Both talked about past lovers, having never been in love or even lived with other people ❤️ it's like it's always been you.
April 30, 2023
While part of the FBI Off the Grid series, this can be read as a stand alone book. Love the series. Each book includes members of the FBI that trained together at Quantico and are all very good at what they do. When Flynn finally convinces Andi to move back to California to fill the need of an agent specializing in child kidnappings, she had hoped to avoid two people from her past - her father, but more importantly her childhood best friend. Andi and Cooper were friends since age 8, and both loved to solve mysteries. When a neighbor’s child is kidnapped, Andi gives information to the FBI agent in charge that seems to point blame on her best friend’s brother. The kidnapping had a tremendous impact that steered them in their career choices - her an FBI agent that specializes in child kidnapping, and him a psychologist that works to show how law enforcement blames wrong individuals.
Fast forward 18 years, and on Andi’s first day in the new office she is called in to lead the case of a high profile baby abduction. Upon arrival at the home of Neil and Claire she sees her former best friend, and it is demanded by the parents that Cooper must be involved in the search with the FBI. The kidnapping of baby Elisa forces the two former best friends to reevaluate their past as they race to find Elisa. Lots of twists and turns as they evade multiple attempts on their lives. Loved trying to figure out who the kidnappers were, and there was still surprises at the end. Definitely a must read.
Fast forward 18 years, and on Andi’s first day in the new office she is called in to lead the case of a high profile baby abduction. Upon arrival at the home of Neil and Claire she sees her former best friend, and it is demanded by the parents that Cooper must be involved in the search with the FBI. The kidnapping of baby Elisa forces the two former best friends to reevaluate their past as they race to find Elisa. Lots of twists and turns as they evade multiple attempts on their lives. Loved trying to figure out who the kidnappers were, and there was still surprises at the end. Definitely a must read.
April 22, 2023
There are some books that draw you in right from the first page and never let go. Like pretty much every Barbara Freethy romantic suspense book I’ve read, Fatal Betrayal does exactly that. Once I started I couldn’t stop. This is book 12 in her FBI series, each a standalone but with at least one connection to a group of agents who met in training at Quantico years ago. Andi is the agent in this book, a kidnapping specialist thrown into a fresh case her first morning on the job with her new team after moving back to Los Angeles where she grew up. Her love interest is psychologist Cooper, her best friend growing up, but now turned mortal enemy after a neighborhood kidnapping of a little girl when they were teenagers turned them against one another when Andi told the police she’d seen Cooper’s brother driving away from the scene. Andi joined the FBI to try to prevent other families from going through the hell her neighbors did. Cooper studied human behavior, wrote books & made appearances blaming law enforcement for ruining the lives of people falsely accused of crimes like his brother. Andi’s new case turns out to involve friends of Cooper’s who ask him to be involved so the FBI doesn’t screw this one up. Can they put aside their current animosity and find their way back to their old friendship and maybe even more? Can they find the baby before it’s too late? Get ready for a twisty turny whirlwind of a read! I loved this book.
April 22, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love this series and this new installment did not disappoint. This can also be read as a standalone.
Andi has just transferred to the FBI office in LA and is brought in as the lead for a high profile kidnapping. She is forced to work with a man she used to know when she was a young girl. Cooper was Andi's best friend when they were kids and both loved to play detective and solve mysteries in their neighborhood. One of those mysteries happened to be an abduction in their neighborhood. Andi was 14 at the time, but took the investigation seriously. Her own theories of persons of interest included Cooper's brother, Kyle. This accusation caused their friendship to end and years later, Cooper felt a strong aversion to Andi. This tension amplified the search for Andi's case. The two worked through what felt like "dead end" clues resulted in something bigger as their lives were put at risk. This new danger put them on the run and also towards each other. The two are managing the risk chasing them and feelings that they can no longer ignore.
What I love about a Barbara Freethy story is that it feels like you are going on a big roller coaster ride. The ascent is slow because you are getting ready for what's to come, however, once you reach the top, it is fast, twisty turns, unexpected loops and there is a rush to the finish line. Buckle up as this is a good ride.
I love this series and this new installment did not disappoint. This can also be read as a standalone.
Andi has just transferred to the FBI office in LA and is brought in as the lead for a high profile kidnapping. She is forced to work with a man she used to know when she was a young girl. Cooper was Andi's best friend when they were kids and both loved to play detective and solve mysteries in their neighborhood. One of those mysteries happened to be an abduction in their neighborhood. Andi was 14 at the time, but took the investigation seriously. Her own theories of persons of interest included Cooper's brother, Kyle. This accusation caused their friendship to end and years later, Cooper felt a strong aversion to Andi. This tension amplified the search for Andi's case. The two worked through what felt like "dead end" clues resulted in something bigger as their lives were put at risk. This new danger put them on the run and also towards each other. The two are managing the risk chasing them and feelings that they can no longer ignore.
What I love about a Barbara Freethy story is that it feels like you are going on a big roller coaster ride. The ascent is slow because you are getting ready for what's to come, however, once you reach the top, it is fast, twisty turns, unexpected loops and there is a rush to the finish line. Buckle up as this is a good ride.
April 28, 2023
When they were growing up, Andi and Cooper were the best of friends, until that fateful night when a toddler goes missing and Andi tells the police she saw Cooper’s older brother in the neighborhood. The friendship crumbles, and shortly after, Andi moves away with her mom. After that, nothing is the same. Not for Andi, and certainly not for Cooper, whose family was destroyed. Years have passed, Andi is now Agent Andi Hart with the FBI. Her specialty is missing children. And Cooper Bradford has spent his life trying to prevent others from being wrongly charged for crimes they haven’t committed. Andi and Cooper are pretty much on the opposite side of the fence.
Andi has just returned to California and on her first day with the new team, an infant goes missing. Andi is ready to jump into action, only to find out that none other than Dr, Cooper Bradford is being forced upper her to assist with the investigation. A missing child is stressful enough without having to investigate with Cooper looking over her shoulder, looking for things she might be doing wrong. Can these two somehow find a way to work together for the sake of a missing child?
Taunt with emotion, this story will have the reader holding their breath. Freethy is able to put the reader into the thick of things. With feelings that are complex and emotions that pulse with energy, this story is both fascinating and intense.
Andi has just returned to California and on her first day with the new team, an infant goes missing. Andi is ready to jump into action, only to find out that none other than Dr, Cooper Bradford is being forced upper her to assist with the investigation. A missing child is stressful enough without having to investigate with Cooper looking over her shoulder, looking for things she might be doing wrong. Can these two somehow find a way to work together for the sake of a missing child?
Taunt with emotion, this story will have the reader holding their breath. Freethy is able to put the reader into the thick of things. With feelings that are complex and emotions that pulse with energy, this story is both fascinating and intense.
May 12, 2023
This is the twelfth book in Freethy’s Off the Grid FBI Series and is another explosive suspense-filled story. Each book stands on its own. So, jump in at any point in the series -- it makes no difference whether you’ve read one or none.
Out of the four I’ve read thus far, Cooper and Andi are my favorite pairing. Their childhood friendship was ripped apart by a horrendous tragedy. Now over a decade later of silence between them, their past comes calling and they’re thrown together working side by side in solving a case with strong similarities to that unforgettable day long ago.
One loose end bothered me towards the end. The question regarding Daniel’s status was answered but Kristine Rozic’s status remained unresolved. I don’t think the author intended for it to go unanswered and that it was an oversight on her part that it was left this way. Not getting closure was disappointing.
"What about Daniel Guerrero and Kristine Rozic?" Cooper asked. "Was Daniel on the plane? Has Kristine woken up yet?"
See Freethy, Barbara. Fatal Betrayal (Thrilling FBI Romantic Suspense) (Off the Grid: FBI Series Book 12) (p. 300). Fog City Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Still, another fantastic-can't-put-down-read. The dynamics of the FBI, the families and the question of whodunit hooked me from the start. I highly recommend it to any reader who enjoys nonescapable romantic thrillers.
April 22, 2023
4.5 stars!
I was completely captivated by Freethy in this book!! Andi had always loved playing detective, trying to solve various mysteries. Her childhood best friend, Cooper, was always along for the ride, until her curiosity meant Cooper’s brother was suspected of a kidnapping that happened in their neighborhood. Nothing was the same after that night; their friendship destroyed. 18 years later, Andi’s an FBI agent who specializes in missing kids, and she gets called in on a kidnapping case…cue Cooper walking through the door. Cooper’s a forensic psychologist who has ties to the new kidnapping case, and just like that they’re thrown into the past. That initial tension is palpable, holy cow. These enemies are forced to work together, which means they’ve got to find a way to navigate the pain and hurt between them. The tension between Andi and Cooper, the mystery and suspense around the kidnapping, the growing danger–it was written so well. I binged this in one sitting because I HAD to know what was next. Every time I thought I’d started to put all the pieces together, another twist was thrown into the mix. The action picked up the farther you got into the story, and it felt like I was in a race against the clock alongside these two. I was on my toes the entire time. If you enjoy suspense, I highly recommend this one!!
I was completely captivated by Freethy in this book!! Andi had always loved playing detective, trying to solve various mysteries. Her childhood best friend, Cooper, was always along for the ride, until her curiosity meant Cooper’s brother was suspected of a kidnapping that happened in their neighborhood. Nothing was the same after that night; their friendship destroyed. 18 years later, Andi’s an FBI agent who specializes in missing kids, and she gets called in on a kidnapping case…cue Cooper walking through the door. Cooper’s a forensic psychologist who has ties to the new kidnapping case, and just like that they’re thrown into the past. That initial tension is palpable, holy cow. These enemies are forced to work together, which means they’ve got to find a way to navigate the pain and hurt between them. The tension between Andi and Cooper, the mystery and suspense around the kidnapping, the growing danger–it was written so well. I binged this in one sitting because I HAD to know what was next. Every time I thought I’d started to put all the pieces together, another twist was thrown into the mix. The action picked up the farther you got into the story, and it felt like I was in a race against the clock alongside these two. I was on my toes the entire time. If you enjoy suspense, I highly recommend this one!!
April 24, 2023
This book is so suspenseful and a great read. Andi is an FBI agent who moved back to California to help with child kidnapping cases. Andi was such a force of nature ever since she was a child. Andi and her best friend Cooper did everything together. It was wild that she tried to solve cases as a child and Cooper was her sidekick until one day she told the police that Cooper’s brother’s car was seen around a kidnapped girl in their neighborhood. The FBI put Cooper’s brother through the wringer, and he was not very stable emotionally. Cooper’s family was made to feel guilty in the public eyes. Cooper was so hurt and felt like it was all Andi’s fault and he hated her.
It was crazy that 18 years later a celebrity’s daughter was kidnapped, and she was forced to work with Cooper. Cooper was a famous psychologist who was good friends with the celebrity and he wanted Cooper to watch over the case with Andi. I can’t imagine how Cooper and Andi felt being together again. It was amazing how well the two worked together. Their detective work took them to some scary places. Ms. Freethy did an excellent job of getting me involved with ups and downs of the case. I was shocked at the ending! I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
It was crazy that 18 years later a celebrity’s daughter was kidnapped, and she was forced to work with Cooper. Cooper was a famous psychologist who was good friends with the celebrity and he wanted Cooper to watch over the case with Andi. I can’t imagine how Cooper and Andi felt being together again. It was amazing how well the two worked together. Their detective work took them to some scary places. Ms. Freethy did an excellent job of getting me involved with ups and downs of the case. I was shocked at the ending! I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
April 26, 2023
Another great addition to the Off the Grid Series! FBI agent Andi Hart and forensic psychologist Cooper Bradford had been childhood best friends, which ended when a local child had gone missing and Andi implicated Cooper’s brother. Since then, Cooper had devoted his life to getting justice for the wrongfully accused. Now, seventeen years later, the pair are reunited when the daughter of a producer Cooper is working with disappears, with similarities to the disappearance that tore them apart.
The pair find themselves in a race against time as they attempt to find the little girl before it’s too late. As they work together, they both find themselves trying to move on from their own past. I appreciated that the author didn’t just throw them together as couple; she really makes them work through what happened in the past and to find peace with everything that happened.
Filled with twists and turns, along with non-stop action, Fatal Betrayal is book fans of romantic suspense will enjoy. While it is the twelfth book in the Off the Grid: FBI series, and characters from previous books are in this one, it can be read as a standalone. If you haven’t read any of the previous books, you can jump into the series here with no issues.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy provided by the author**
The pair find themselves in a race against time as they attempt to find the little girl before it’s too late. As they work together, they both find themselves trying to move on from their own past. I appreciated that the author didn’t just throw them together as couple; she really makes them work through what happened in the past and to find peace with everything that happened.
Filled with twists and turns, along with non-stop action, Fatal Betrayal is book fans of romantic suspense will enjoy. While it is the twelfth book in the Off the Grid: FBI series, and characters from previous books are in this one, it can be read as a standalone. If you haven’t read any of the previous books, you can jump into the series here with no issues.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy provided by the author**
April 26, 2023
I adored this Romantic Suspense story!!
The suspense had me on the edge of my seat, the mystery kept me guessing till the end, the romance was swoony and a bit slow burn and there was excitement and danger at every twist and turn and there were plenty of TWISTS!!
“He smiled. "You told me earlier today that I move too slow. Let's speed things up. You like speed. You like danger. You like to feel like you're living on the edge."
"You know exactly how to play me, Cooper."
There was a blend of a cold case and the first 48 hours of a new case that had so many common denominators but nothing seemed to be adding up.
Andi and Cooper have history. They were best childhood friends until they became enemies and now they are working closely together in a race to find a missing child.
“Sometimes, she could still see the boy in him that she'd loved beyond belief. Other times, she could only see the man he'd become, but she was starting to like that man, too.”
Fatal Betrayal is the 12th stand-alone in the Off the Grid: FBI Series. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author and I love, love, Loved it!! I’m definitely going back for more!!
-5 Stars!!-
-Diane-
The suspense had me on the edge of my seat, the mystery kept me guessing till the end, the romance was swoony and a bit slow burn and there was excitement and danger at every twist and turn and there were plenty of TWISTS!!
“He smiled. "You told me earlier today that I move too slow. Let's speed things up. You like speed. You like danger. You like to feel like you're living on the edge."
"You know exactly how to play me, Cooper."
There was a blend of a cold case and the first 48 hours of a new case that had so many common denominators but nothing seemed to be adding up.
Andi and Cooper have history. They were best childhood friends until they became enemies and now they are working closely together in a race to find a missing child.
“Sometimes, she could still see the boy in him that she'd loved beyond belief. Other times, she could only see the man he'd become, but she was starting to like that man, too.”
Fatal Betrayal is the 12th stand-alone in the Off the Grid: FBI Series. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author and I love, love, Loved it!! I’m definitely going back for more!!
-5 Stars!!-
-Diane-
May 1, 2023
Andi Hart and Cooper Bradford were best friends when they were 14. Then a horrific crime in their neighborhood tore them apart and set them on career paths in which they were fascinated with solving crimes — but from opposite sides.
Now 18 years later, the two meet again at the scene of another horrific crime. Andi is the FBI agent in charge of the case. Cooper is a psychologist who champions for those wrongly convicted by zealous law enforcement investigators.
That’s all I’m going to say about the mystery. Suffice it to say that this is classic Barbara Freethy, who can be relied upon for a HEA and a beautifully resolved mystery.
Along the way, I fell in love with both Andi and Cooper. Both have a deep moral compass and a desire for justice. Because of that they do their best to put aside their differences to resolve the crime a reunite a family.
Freethy cuts no corners in her books. The mystery is well-crafted all the way to its conclusion. And the way that Andi and Cooper arrived at resolution of their past made perfect sense.
Reward yourself with an escape from reality by reading FATAL BETRAYAL by Barbara Freethy.
Now 18 years later, the two meet again at the scene of another horrific crime. Andi is the FBI agent in charge of the case. Cooper is a psychologist who champions for those wrongly convicted by zealous law enforcement investigators.
That’s all I’m going to say about the mystery. Suffice it to say that this is classic Barbara Freethy, who can be relied upon for a HEA and a beautifully resolved mystery.
Along the way, I fell in love with both Andi and Cooper. Both have a deep moral compass and a desire for justice. Because of that they do their best to put aside their differences to resolve the crime a reunite a family.
Freethy cuts no corners in her books. The mystery is well-crafted all the way to its conclusion. And the way that Andi and Cooper arrived at resolution of their past made perfect sense.
Reward yourself with an escape from reality by reading FATAL BETRAYAL by Barbara Freethy.
October 16, 2024
Eighteen years ago Andi Hart and Cooper Bradford were best friends until the little girl next door was kidnapped. Andi told the FBI she saw Cooper’s brothers car and they focused on him. It destroyed Cooper’s life and even though his brother was never convicted, it still haunted him. Now Andi is a FBI agent and has been assigned to a special unit that finds missing children. Her first day she is assigned a case of a baby girl that is missing. Guess who is at the house…. Cooper Bradford. Cooper writes books and has a podcast. Cooper tries to help falsely accused people and is no friend of the law enforcement. Cooper is friends with the family of the little girl and they want him with the agents. Cooper and Andi work together to find the girl but the past keeps coming between them. When they find a connection between this case and the case from years ago, it becomes dangerous.
Action. Enemies to somewhat friends to lovers. I couldn’t put this book down. I was totally blown away by the end. Cooper and Andi must put the past to rest in order to have each other’s back. I wanted so bad to go to the end and see who the villain was but I didn’t.
Action. Enemies to somewhat friends to lovers. I couldn’t put this book down. I was totally blown away by the end. Cooper and Andi must put the past to rest in order to have each other’s back. I wanted so bad to go to the end and see who the villain was but I didn’t.
April 23, 2023
What a book? the story of Adri and Cooper was amazing and started almost immediately, childhood friends that went tragically wrong, cooper her best friend suddenly hated her because he felt she betrayed him badly, then thrown together to solve the case of the kidnapped baby, now they are forced to work together, I was hoping things would get better for them as you could feel the electricity, as you read on suddenly you get the raunchy bit in the middle, I then knew things were going in the right direction, was hoping the baby would be found safe, the twists and turns kept me reading, the story included a baby that went missing when they were teenagers and continued through the story, and a baby that’s been kidnapped that started the story off, the dangerous part kept me engrossed, couldn’t put it down had to know what happened, another amazing read from Barbara how she comes up with these new ideas I don’t know, but keep them coming loved them all, you know it’s going to be an exciting read from page one, can’t wait for the next read
April 23, 2023
This is book 12 in the FBI Off the Grid series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone. In story we meet new agent Andi who has just moved back to LA to join her former Quantico classmates on a new team. Less than 24 hours after she arrives she is put in a kidnapping case and runs into her former best friend turned enemy Cooper. Cooper hates Andi because 18 years ago she had a part in helping his brother Kyle become a person of interest, and ruining his life. That event changed both of their lives leading Andi to go into the FBI and Cooper to be an author and podcaster investigating cops who focus on the wrong suspects. Now Andi and Cooper are thrown together to solve a kidnapping case that keeps reminding them of the past. This story is full of equal parts romance and suspense, and is a story you will not want to put down once you start! Another amazing story by Barbara Freethy!
April 26, 2023
A childhood trauma to two kids in their early teens changes the lives of them both. Now, 17 years later, Andi and Cooper are back where they grew up when an infant goes missing.
Andi, now an FBI agent, has recently transferred back to the LA area where she grew up. With her experience with finding missing children, she is given this new case. Cooper, now a psychologist and a friend of the kidnapped child's parents is asked by them to make sure the authorities don't try to cover up anything. Their meeting was not sweetness and light. The past is stilling haunting them both.
Once, Andi and Cooper were as close as two 14 year olds could be. Now, as adults, they are still attracted to each other, but need to keep their personal feelings from tainting the investigation.
My goodness...this books picks up and runs! I loved the whole thing, and the ending...well...you really need to read this book! I read it cover to cover in one sitting. It's just that good!!
Andi, now an FBI agent, has recently transferred back to the LA area where she grew up. With her experience with finding missing children, she is given this new case. Cooper, now a psychologist and a friend of the kidnapped child's parents is asked by them to make sure the authorities don't try to cover up anything. Their meeting was not sweetness and light. The past is stilling haunting them both.
Once, Andi and Cooper were as close as two 14 year olds could be. Now, as adults, they are still attracted to each other, but need to keep their personal feelings from tainting the investigation.
My goodness...this books picks up and runs! I loved the whole thing, and the ending...well...you really need to read this book! I read it cover to cover in one sitting. It's just that good!!
April 26, 2023
This review is of Fatal Betrayal, Barbara Freethy’s twelfth book in the Off the Grid series.
I received an ARC copy and this review is my honest opinion.
Even though this book is part of a series, you don’t need to read the other books in the series to understand this one. You will know who some of the characters are, but it doesn’t interfere with this store.
I think this is my favorite book of the series so far! Strong female lead, twists and turns that you won’t see coming, gun fights, and lots of action. But this book isn’t just one about a kidnapping. It is also a story of knowing when you need to speak up against injustice and being true to yourself. And learning that hate doesn’t solve any problems, but makes them worse. And holding onto that hate only diminishes you.
I really hope you give this book a chance, enjoy it as much as I did, and then go back and read the rest of the books in the series.
I received an ARC copy and this review is my honest opinion.
Even though this book is part of a series, you don’t need to read the other books in the series to understand this one. You will know who some of the characters are, but it doesn’t interfere with this store.
I think this is my favorite book of the series so far! Strong female lead, twists and turns that you won’t see coming, gun fights, and lots of action. But this book isn’t just one about a kidnapping. It is also a story of knowing when you need to speak up against injustice and being true to yourself. And learning that hate doesn’t solve any problems, but makes them worse. And holding onto that hate only diminishes you.
I really hope you give this book a chance, enjoy it as much as I did, and then go back and read the rest of the books in the series.
May 23, 2023
Barbara Freethy sure knows how to write a good suspenseful story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and wondering what will happen next. You never want to put down the book until the very last page. She knows how to weave a story so well that it keeps you guessing and thoroughly entertained. This addition to the FBI Series is no different.
Andi is a FBI agent that specializes in kidnappings and she never thought she would cross paths with an old friend, but was hopeful. After a childhood event changed Andi's life she didn't want to see another child not be reunited with their parents after a kidnapping if one were to occur. Her best friend at the time Cooper had to see his family go through some issues because of what Andi told the investigating FBI agent. Cooper became a psychologist that works to reveal how law enforcement can put blame on the wrong people.
If you love suspense with some romance sprinkled in, I highly recommend Barbara Freethy and her FBI Series!
Andi is a FBI agent that specializes in kidnappings and she never thought she would cross paths with an old friend, but was hopeful. After a childhood event changed Andi's life she didn't want to see another child not be reunited with their parents after a kidnapping if one were to occur. Her best friend at the time Cooper had to see his family go through some issues because of what Andi told the investigating FBI agent. Cooper became a psychologist that works to reveal how law enforcement can put blame on the wrong people.
If you love suspense with some romance sprinkled in, I highly recommend Barbara Freethy and her FBI Series!
June 29, 2023
Fatal Betrayal is another tremendous read from Barbara Freethy’s Off The Grid: FBI series. My next new favorite for sure. Agent Andi Hart is called back home to head a missing child case because it’s her specialty. She’s not keen on coming home because eighteen years ago another child, Hannah, went missing. Andi and her best friend Cooper Bradford became bitter enemies over it. Now Cooper is consulting on this case and she has to work with him. Can they overcome their issues as they quickly try to get to the bottom of this kidnapping? Freethy writes each story so you are completely immersed in the mystery, romance and intrigue. Each time I got a chance to read a few pages, I didn’t want to put it down. I had to see what happens. There were so many well written twists and turns to the plot. I really didn’t expect that ending. Well done Ms. Freethy. Can’t wait for the next story to be told.
April 25, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
This is the 12th book in the Off the Gird series, but it can be read as a standalone and that is how I went into it. I usually don’t like a big romance plot in a thriller, but it worked so good in this. I loved that Andi and Cooper had a past and with their job they had forced proximity. The romance subtly built up through the story. The thriller aspect was written good as well. I loved following Andi and the FBI, and there were many suspenseful moments that had me on high alert. The ins and outs of what Andi was doing was explain through internal monologue and her bouncing ideas of her coworkers which made the events easy to follow. Not knowing who to trust made this a fast read and I was unable to piece together how the crime was committed. I loved how everything was wrapped up and how the explanation was delivered. This author is new to me, and I loved the writing style. I can’t wait to go back and read the other books in the series.
Thank you @barbarafreethybooks for the gifted copy.
This is the 12th book in the Off the Gird series, but it can be read as a standalone and that is how I went into it. I usually don’t like a big romance plot in a thriller, but it worked so good in this. I loved that Andi and Cooper had a past and with their job they had forced proximity. The romance subtly built up through the story. The thriller aspect was written good as well. I loved following Andi and the FBI, and there were many suspenseful moments that had me on high alert. The ins and outs of what Andi was doing was explain through internal monologue and her bouncing ideas of her coworkers which made the events easy to follow. Not knowing who to trust made this a fast read and I was unable to piece together how the crime was committed. I loved how everything was wrapped up and how the explanation was delivered. This author is new to me, and I loved the writing style. I can’t wait to go back and read the other books in the series.
Thank you @barbarafreethybooks for the gifted copy.
April 24, 2023
Another great book in the Off The Grid series. This book follows Andi and Cooper. They were very best friends growing up, until a neighbor child went missing when they were teens, and Andi told police she thought Coopers brother was involved. Andi moved away and lost contact with Cooper. Fast forward a few years and Another child is reported missing in the neighborhood and the FBI brings in Andi as the agent in charge and the parents of missing child wants their friend Cooper involved. This book is fast moving and un-put-downable! A page turner from page one to the very end! I loved the interactions of all the characters, especially Andi and Cooper! I love this series!! Each book is a standalone so even if you have not read any others you will not be lost…but you will want to buy all the others!!
April 25, 2023
This is one of the best suspenseful thriller series that I have ever read and with each book it just gets better and better. It’s gripping, heart pounding and had me on the edge of my seat as we follow Andi to find a missing child. Enter Cooper, once a childhood friend of Andi’s, they are now enemies because of an event way back in their past but now Cooper is here to help Andi hopefully find said child. It’s brimming with action, suspense, mystery, intrigue and tension that is off the charts as is their chemistry. The author knows exactly how to draw you in and hold you captive as we find the present day case connects to the older case that destroyed their friendship all those years ago and we follow them in this fast paced interwoven story. Gripping, thrilling, nail biting, once started this held me hostage till the very end and what an ending it is.
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