Special Agent Kira Miller’s new career at the FBI has started–in translations. It’s not the opportunity she was hoping for to show off her skills, until she detects a lead in the paperwork. Now assigned an undercover role, she’s in her element as she gathers intel on an art smuggling ring. She’s daunted not by the mission but by her cover–posing as a married woman to the fake husband she met less than twenty-four hours ago.
Special Agent Bryce Lambert’s assignment to charade as a newlywed couple with Kira has the two of them moving next door to the prime suspects, and a relationship is the last thing he wants, fake or real. With secret auctions, hidden treasures, and a legend of art thought to be lost forever, there’s plenty to keep them busy–if only they can play the part their lives and careers depend upon while keeping their own hearts in check.
Romantic suspense novelists Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood collaborate in this fast-paced thriller that weaves high-stakes danger with a hard-fought happily ever after.
Review:
Intense and suspenseful and full of subtle edge-of-your-seat moments as well as some truly hair-raising ones. Loved the way these authors kept me off balance blending the two. And the addition of some of my favourite tropes – forced proximity and fake relationship — eeeeppp – soooooo much fun!
Okay, I’m dating myself here, but does anyone remember the TV Show ‘Sue Thomas F. B. Eye’ – particularly the episode where Jack and Sue go undercover as a married couple and move into a house next door to their suspects? Well – eeeppp — ‘Deadly Charade’ gives me those vibes only so much better! All the scrumptious details and swoony moments plus some nail-biting ones. I was in giddy bibliophile bliss all the way through.
Oh, and this is very much an opposite attracts romance as well, with Bryce being a law and order, by the book kind of agent while Kira is more impulsive and…creative. Makes for some tense situations and funny ones too. Love the way their romance develops as they gradually break down barriers and really get to know each other. Emotionally complex back stories provide additional depth and makes their HEA so satisfying!
The suspense is just as delightful. Love the historical art heist angle with a treasure hunting flare. Intriguing investigations and plot twists galore which include more than a few gasp-out-loud moments. The kind of unputdownable read a seasoned romantic suspense reader is sure to savour.
And, woohoo, ‘Deadly Charade’ is the first book in a series which has me all kinds of excited because I’m hoping Kira’s best friends who are also in the biz, will get their own stories, including happily every afters as well, of course!
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audible edition, expertly narrated by Cynthia Farrell who did an amazing job keeping up with the fast paced thrills and chills (and heart stuttering romance) of Eason’s and Underwood’s storytelling.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice
Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice
International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Deadly Charade, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 31 2026.
