Private investigator Esmeralda “Peach” Morales watches in horror as the crane her uncle is operating topples into Lake Erie. He disappears and she’s convinced he’ll be the scapegoat. She’ll do anything to prove he’s innocent. Seducing the lead investigator is just part of her strategy, at least that’s what she tells herself.
Thomas Riley is at Elderberry Farm when he learns of a deadly crane accident in Cleveland. The forensic investigator suspects sabotage and amid the rubble and mangled metal he uncovers a web of lies and deception. At the center of it all is a beautiful brunette who always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Both fiercely independent, they must learn to work together––inside and outside the bedroom––to unravel the mystery and clear her uncle’s name.
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In Lost in Deception (LOST #3) by Anita DeVito, Esmerelda 'Peach' Morales is determined to find out what happened to her uncle after she witnesses the crane he was operating topple into Lake Erie. Determined to make sure her uncle isn't blamed for the terrible tragedy, she'll investigate until she has the answers. Tricking forensic investigator, Thomas Riley, to get information shouldn't be a problem, but the more time she spends with him, the harder she finds it to deny there's something more between them than her using him. Will they be able to find the truth, so they can have a shot at happy ever after; or will their investigation cause the bad guys to do something drastic?
The first two books of this series are impressive with their hot, protective heroes; sassy and determined heroines; and storylines that I couldn't stop reading once I got started and this story was no different. The way this story started drew me into this story immediately because of what the heroine is going through. Will she get the answers she needs? Will she find her uncle? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine met where things get really intriguing, because of what the heroine is accused of due to her clothing and her need to seduce the hero into getting what she wants. Will her seduction attempt work? What is she willing to do to get the information she needs?
The dialogue was well-written, enthralling and I loved both the main characters, as they're tenacious in getting the answers of who sabotaged the crane operated by Esmerelda's uncle. Moreover, the dialogue was a wonderful combination of intense moments and teasing banter that had me charmed by the main characters growing relationship, the case they're working on, and the secondary characters that are willing to do whatever it takes to help Thomas and Peach no matter how dangerous things get.
As for the main characters, Peach and Thomas have very interesting back stories. Both have been hurt by past relationships in the way that neither felt good enough for the person they were with before everything went wrong. Yet, in saying that, I loved how both learnt to trust each other, once they decided that it was better to work together than keep trying to solve the investigation on their own. I also liked the close bond the heroine shared with her grandfather and that she would do anything in her power to get him the answers he deserves. Then again, she's always had a close relationship with her uncle, and I could understand her need for answers. While the hero, he's been through a lot in his past, and I could understand why he was so determined to prove himself when it comes to his job. He's very good at it, and I liked that he didn't give up on discovering the person responsible for sabotaging the crane, even though things become dangerous for him. I also liked how kind and caring he was towards the heroine's situation. She's lost her uncle and needs answers.
Overall, Ms. DeVito has penned another really good read for this series where the chemistry was off-the-charts, the romance was hot and the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat because of what the main characters go through. Will Peach and Thomas come out on top against the bad guys? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because of the heroine's surprise that has everyone rushing to help her. Yet, not before they honor Peach's request. I would recommend Lost in Deception by Anita DeVito, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Cindy Skaggs, Tee O'Fallon, Sheryl Nantus and Maya Banks.
Check out the other books in the Lost series:
Meet the Author:
Anita’s rapid paced storytelling style pulls readers into a parallel universe where mystery, mayhem, murder are the order of the day. Her stories are an addictive diversion, trading the heavy, gray world of real life for a fantastically colorful world where bad is good, and cool is smoking hot. Raised on America’s Rock Coast in Cleveland, Ohio, Anita was born while the river burned. Music, food and family shaped Anita’s life and provide much of the fodder for her stories. Her love of mysteries and puzzle solving came from her Grandpa John, who introduced Anita to her first detective hero – Nero Wolfe. Food was as central a character in Anita’s life as it was in Nero’s, where Sunday dinner at Nonna’s table was a command performance. Anita has been writing scorching mysteries and suspense since 2006 with stories ranging on the heat index from a “nice spicy little pepper” to “pass a mop for my forehead, please.” Check out tastes of Anita’s stories and like her on Facebook. Anita is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.
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