Deceiving Bella (The Bodyguards Of L.A. County, #11)

by Cate Beauman

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Deceiving Bella by Cate Beauman is the 11th book in the Bodyguards of LA County series. It can be read as a stand-alone. I got my first taste of the series and the author's work when I read Falling for Sarah the second book in the series. I had enjoyed it, as such when the opportunity came for me to read the latest installment, I was over the moon.
 
What I enjoyed most about this story was that the balance between the romantic and suspense elements was perfectly done. The author spent time building on the emotional aspects of the story and managed to keep me on the edge of my seat in the process.
 
The story began on an emotional high and kept that momentum to the end. From the moment I was introduced to Bella, my heart went out to her. She had been through so much as a child. Her childhood was not perfect. She grew up believing her father did not love her and was ashamed of the life her mother lived. As such she dedicated her life to helping children who had experienced pain and loss at a tender age. She had a generous heart, always willing to give a hand to those in need. As such, it came has no surprise that Reed McKinley would be attracted to her.
 
Reed had relocated to the Los Angeles area after a seventeen-year stint with the NYPD. Years which were spent seeking revenge against the Caparelli family, a quest which had consumed him and made him a shell of the man he once was. He currently works with Ethan Cooke's security firm, a job which keeps him occupied and leaves him no time for himself much less a relationship. However, he would soon find himself in a battle for his heart when he met his generous and equally gorgeous neighbour.
 
The characters were well developed. There was sufficient back story for me to establish a connection with both Reed and Bella. I understood Reed's need for revenge and the hold it had on his life. It led to a breakdown in his relationship with his mom. The need was so much that even though he was no longer a cop, he found himself embroiled in the investigation when new evidence came to light. An act that would prove detrimental to his budding relationship with Bella.
 
I enjoyed Bella's interaction with her dad. Those moments were happy and at the same time heartbreaking. I can't imagine what it must have been like for Bella. Living without her father for twenty-one years and when she is finally reunited with him only to find out he is dying. I could see how painful it was for her.
 
Reed and Bella's relationship was not without its conflicts. After weeks of trying to fight their attraction, they finally gave in. However, secrets threatened to destroy their newfound happiness.
 
The story moved at a steady pace. It was tied up nicely and there were no loose ends. The story flowed seamlessly. It demonstrated that things are not always black and white. Not because something appears to be correct, it does not necessarily mean that it's so. Also, it showed the devastating effects that secrets can have on a relationship.
 
 
VERDICT: This was an enjoyable read and one which I highly recommend.