Secrets and the City Box Set

Books 1 & 2

De: Kathy Lockheart

Narrado por: Sarah Puckett, Michael Norman Johnson

Amazon Top 25 and International Bestselling Author Kathy Lockheart delivers a thrilling romance series where desire and danger collide. Two standalones, interconnected by a deliciously dark thread of romance, action, mystery, and shocking twists… Included in the collection:

Deadly Illusion (Book One)

Fatal Cure (Book Two)

Deadly Illusion

AN AMAZON TOP 25 BESTSELLER!

I was able to hide the bruises from everyone... until an MMA fighter came along. Now he'll die to protect me. Maybe even kill... He insists I stay with him for protection, but Damian is keeping his own dark secrets and warns me that anyone who gets close to him will be in danger…Worse, my assailant is determined to finish what he started.

And now, my life, along with the lives of everyone I love…… is in peril.

Can Damian and I survive and get our happily ever after?

Or will this fairy tale end in murder?

Fatal Cure

"Who did this to you?" my enemy growls. You would think the most wanted criminal kingpin in the country would be too busy racking up bodies to care about the bruise on my cheek, but nope. Here he is, holding my chin while I pretend his touch isn’t electric.

I need to hate him.

Scratch that, I will hate him again. The guy decimated my family, and I've been hunting him ever since, determined to make him pay. That one night we accidentally spent together before we knew we were enemies was great. Okay, fine—it was the best night of my existence, and the time we shared before it was heaven. But it's time for my heart to accept the truth.

These feelings between us are forbidden and dangerous.

If anyone finds out about us, we'll both be killed…Yet here he is. Eyes smoldering with rage and longing as he demands, "Give me his name."My heart yearns for him, but how can I let go of this oath etched in my family’s blood?

With his enemies closing in, will we risk it all for love?

Or will our forbidden romance cost us everything?

©2022 Kathy Lockheart (P)2025 Kathy Lockheart

Moving, emotional, and heartwrenching stories!!!

Secrets and the City, an Audiobook by Kathy Lockheart is the is the intensely emotional, frightening, devastating story of Damian and Jenna. She’s fearful of her ex…and when Damian helps her out of a situation, things get even more intense. The feelings and genuineness of this story made it that much more emotional and heartbreaking. The writing is beautiful, emotional, and thought-provoking. I absolutely loved this story!!

Next is, Fatal Cure, the story of Dillon and Fallon. Neither knows who the other is when they meet. But, anything between them can never be. Fallon seemed to make a lot of mistakes, given what her job is. The decisions she makes are kind of shocking. I LOVED Dillon, but again…not sure someone in his position would do what he did. Nevertheless, this story was gripping and I couldn’t stop listening!!! I really loved this story and the premise behind it. I especially loved the author’s inspiration for each of the stories at the end of each.

Both stories were narrated by Sarah Puckett and Michael Noman Johnson, who were perfect for portraying these characters. They were sensitive to the topics, when needed, and also emotionally loving, caring, and devoted when needed. I loved the care and sensitivity of the writer in bringing these stories to life. Though parts were heartbreaking, the issues are genuine and intensely frightening. Thanks for bringing us this story!!! I especially loved The Inspirations at the end of each book. Thank you!

Danger and romance

Love when authors bundle books!

This is a great series for romantic suspense lovers.
The narration is fabulous and the story is captivating and interesting.

Spicy 🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love Bundled Books and these two were great!

You don't want to miss the opportunity to get 2 books in one!

Kathy Lockheart's Secrets and the City book bundle is great!

Deadly Illusion, book 1 in Secrets and the City by Kathy Lockheart.

Jenna and Justin had a sad life growing up when their sister died but finally picked up and tried to find happiness and Jenna thought that is what she found in Colton. She dreamed of a man like Colton and here he is. Until he became obsessive.
Damian owns the gym that Jenna went into and that put her in his sights, along with the bruises.
It was nice watching these two find one another but the pain and angst that this book brought, so emotional!!

Sarah Puckett is one of my favorite female narrators and she did an incredible job as Jenna. Jenna has so many emotions throughout this and Sarah let’s you feel each one! Michael Norman Johnson is new to me so it was nice to hear someone that I haven’t heard before.

Fatal Cure, book 2

Fatal Cure is the second book in the series, Secrets and the City. You don’t have to have read book 1 first but I highly recommend simply because I love her books!

This book is action packed and kept me listening all day. The storyline flows perfectly and the characters were portrayed exactly as they should have been by the narrators!

I love to listen to Sarah Puckett! Michael Norman Johnson is still relatively new to me but he represented Dillon perfectly!

Amazing listen!

The two of these books are amazingly done and breath taking. They hit hard and touch some subjects that really hit home for some people. So always check your trigger warnings. I don’t have words for the amount of love I have for these two books and to have them in one audio makes it so much better. Will definitely keep listening to this authors books!

suspense and spice

Deadly Illusion by Kathy Lockheart

Narrated by: Sarah Puckett & Michael Norman Johnson. They did a wonderful job bringing depth to the characters.

This romantic suspense book is really good. This book has entertaining characters, a great plot, and twists and turns. Please check TW's

The MMC Damian and FMC Jenna, were instantly likable but at times Jenna was annoying. In the beginning, she falls for Colton, who on the outside looks perfect and he slowly reveals his true nature. Jenna seemed to have the worst luck and my heart broke for her. This author has no qualms to which character lives or dies.(Justin)

Even though this story explores some serious issues, this story also has a lighter side with a touch of humor.
Thank you for the chance for ALC Review. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Fatal Cure by: Kathy Lockheart

The Narration by Sarah Puckett and Michael Norman Johnson was Excellent and with ease they both changed their voices for the different characters that they were playing.

WARNING: this book contains scenes and descriptions of graphic violence and death, and may contain triggers for more sensitive readers.

This is the second book in this series. This is a entertaining book frustrating and twisty. 

Fallon is on the DEA task force and wants to take down all the drug dealers that she thought had ruined her family. Fallon had a connection to Dillon from the start and having had similar  childhoods. Dillon and Fallon first meet in the elevator and this is the catalyst for a twisty and emotional journey. He wants to protect her at all costs but he is hiding a hugh secret that could change everything.

I enjoy this author's writing style and how the nail biting book holds your attention. I’m not going to say much because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything. You should expect an intense, emotional and twisty read.

Thank you to Kathy Lockheart and Valentine PR for the chance to review via ALC.

wow

The performance and the plot was fantastic. I was left in tears after Deadly Illusion. I can't wait to read more from this author. She writes incredibly emotional and deep stories. I highly recommend this listen.

This series is so good

DEADLY ILLUSION:
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:🥺🥺🥺/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: Maybe
•Platform: Audiobook and Ebook
•Trope: MMA fighter, Forced Proximity, protective hero, girl escaping relationship.
*Check triggers*

• Thoughts:
This is a new to me author. I was captivated by the blurb and I felt like this was a book I needed to read. My hell, I am glad I did. This does end on a HEA, but getting tonthat point is not easy. This story pulls the truth and what happens in a DV relationship. It is raw, emotional! I can truly appreciate the author and taking this story and telling the story of a full cycle relationship and what happens and the psychological side of the characters! This book was beautifully written!

FATAL CURE:
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:🥺🥺/5
•Banter: 🤣/5
•Re-Listen/Re-Read: Maybe
•Platform: Audiobook and Ebook
•Trope: Forbidden Romance, He falls first.

• Thoughts:
This is my second Kathy Lockheart book, and it didn't disappoint. Kathy, at least in my very short experience, writes very complex characters and challenges them in ways you do not see how they will eve end up together. I have fully enjoyed this series so far.
Fatil Cure grabs hold of you! I was so impressed. DEA Agent with a captain of a gang? How much more complicated can it get.... trust me, it gets more complicated if you can believe it. Fallon and Dillon are both amazing characters. Together, they are fire. The way Dillon wants nothing more than to protect her. Fallon is tough as nails trying to prove herself. There is a tangled web that surrounds them. Honestly, I feel you need to go into this book somewhat blind.

NARRATOR THOUGHTS: Sarah Pucket and Michael Norman Johnson
•Duet Narration
•Listening at a 1.5 speed.
Sarah and Michael do an amazing job with this audio! They feeling and depth that they bring to Dillon and Fallon. Their ranges in order to distinguish against multiple characters is a job well done!! The audio is fantastic, and I highly recommend!

•Recommend note:
I always encourage people to read what makes them happy. If it sounds good, read it! My reviews are just that, my opinions. I do, however, hope they are helpful and provide a little insight in helping you to determine the next book you will pick up and read.
Happy reading, friends.

Duet Box set

Deadly Illusion:

If you have issues reading or in this case listening to a story about domestic violence, don't listen to this. I can listen to just about any sort of story with out any triggers and this one got to me, the first third of the book was very difficult to listen to and the last part was also. Now with that out of the way...

This is a very well written and engrossing story that even though it was hard to listen to I couldn't stop, I had to know what happened. Its very well written and the characters are well developed. The story took me on an emotional roller coaster and had me almost in tears at times. It did end in a HEA but the FMC had to go through hell to get there.

The narrators ,Sarah Puckett and Michael Norman Johnson, for the most part did an amazing job on this book. My only thing I would have like is if Sarah Puckett would have used more emotion in her voice...at times (to me at least) she sounded almost bored as she read, her voice was too even for some of the things going on.

Fatal Cure:

I really liked this story. It had a lot of depth and a few twists. What I didnt like much was the FMC. For a DEA agent who grew up the way she did...she comes across as really naive at times. Other than that...i felt the book was really good and worth the listen.

I enjoyed the narrators on this book. They pulled me in with their story telling and held my interest all the way through.

I was given an ALC to listen to and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Hard but good!

Deadly Illusion (the first book) SPOILERS
First a thank you to the Author for writing this! As a survivor of DV this book was hard to get through. Thank you for only going through one mild cycle.
To everyone else, the author’s portrayal of the FMC thoughts accurately captures the complexities of the thoughts intelligent minds will do when presented with this situation. The FMC emotions often lead to circular thought patterns, causing her to misinterpret situations through a rose colored filter. While some may perceive her as lacking intelligence or strength, it is important to recognize that she was aware of the wrongdoing committed by Colton. Despite her mental acrobatics with him as her coach, she failed to process the situation correctly and returned to him as many often do. We as ladies almost have it ingrained in us to be silent instead of seeking outside support in these situations. Jenna displayed that perfectly, and the starting of the isolation process that happens. While I love the introduction of Damian as her friend and eventual love interest, this development felt more rushed than organic. Fortunately, Jenna had not endured a prolonged cycles of abuse and trauma bonding. Colton’s true nature had been revealed after months of being in the relationship, it would have had psychological implications for Jenna beyond the one nightmare. It is my belief the story could have benefited from incorporating healing elements that would have facilitated her HEA with Damian. While this may have been to keep pacing- it felt her only work at healing was learning some self defense. Where to actually fall in love with Damian she would have needed to learn to trust him, not just see that he appeared to be a good guy. Yet this is the beauty of fictional portrayals.

This is not a super spicy book thankfully, as it would not have fit with the story that was being told. There is some steam in the appropriate places. The world building and scenes are vivid and eloquently painted by this author. You will go on a journey of highs and lows with this FMC. The voice actor did a great job of making her voice softer in some of the situations where the FMC was hurting.



Fatal Cure (the second book)
Ok not going to give spoilers on this part of the review it is already a TLDR.
This is also set in the same Chicago as book 1, you will see Jenna and Damian briefly. Yet this follows detective Fallon on her journey. Buckle up, it will be hard to put this down! Kathy Lockheart really hits it out of the park with this one. An impossible seeming relationship that is gritty and true to both characters that highlights the struggle between right and wrong and the morally grey places in which many people live. Nothing is easy for this couple. I love the ending it feels true to the characters, even if I was a little confused in places. (Might be due to the late hour and no sleep.)

Two Amazing books

Deadly illusion: Slow start and I definitely wanted to smack the Jenna upside the head. This book was not what I was expecting. I thought or maybe hoped for more from the heroine but her behavior is realistic I think for many women in her situation. Though that didn’t change how much I didn’t like her at times. Though I felt bad for her too. She’s got a toxic best friend and that was hard for me because I so wanted her friend to be someone to help her out not act the way she did. That was disappointing. I think the narrators did great. I appreciated that this was duet since the entire book is from the one POV. Having it be duet helped engage me a bit more.

Fatal Cure: Lockheart did it again and now I’m an emotional mess. Well told, well written story but it does it those emotional buttons as times that made me choke up. These two characters aren’t just from different sides of the tracks, they are from completely different worlds. She’s a cop on a DEA task force. He’s a captain, and the cartel. But love finds a way even when the world says it should be impossible. Loved the whole story. Highly recommend but beware heart strings will be tugged.