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    The Cost of Betrayal: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas
    The Cost of Betrayal: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas
    The Cost of Betrayal: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas
    Audiobook10 hours

    The Cost of Betrayal: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas

    Written by Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey and Lynette Eason

    Narrated by Susan Bennett

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    In Dee Henderson's novella "Betrayal," Janelle Roberts is freed--thanks to people she doesn't know--after serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she did not commit. But a murderer is still at large, and Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another betrayal. In Dani Pettrey's "Deadly Isle," Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer bent on betrayal before they become the next victims? In Lynette Eason's "Code of Ethics," trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John saves the life of Detective Isaac Martinez. After a betrayal leads to him getting shot and then attacked while in recovery, Isaac is now a key witness determined to testify. But someone is intent on silencing him--and those around him--forever. Together, Ruthie and Isaac go on the run, desperate to escape the killers hunting him.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateSep 4, 2018
    ISBN9781980003090
    Author

    Dee Henderson

    Dee Henderson is the author of numerous novels, including Unspoken, Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, Full Disclosure, and the acclaimed O’Malley series. Her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, such as the RITA Award, the Christy Award, and the ECPA Gold Medallion. Visit her at DeeHenderson.com.

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    Reviews for The Cost of Betrayal

    4.5/5

    81 ratings7 reviews

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    • 4/5
      I have read books by all three of these authors and loved them. So, I did like these novellas too. Yet, as novellas go, usually it’s just too rushed and the storyline is not as complicated as it would be if it were a full novel. That being said, I thought each author did a good job of character development and kept the mystery going pretty well in the short amount of pages that were available. I wanted to give this book a 3.5 star rating, but since that’s not possible, I rounded up to 4 stars just because I love these authors. Good read if you are looking for short, romantic mysteries.
    • 4/5
      My book club chose The Cost of Betrayal, the 3-novella collection by romantic suspense authors Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and Lynette Eason, for a number of reasons. We love all three of these authors, their books being some of our favorites in the romantic suspense genre, and we wanted to try something a little different. We have never chosen to discuss a novella collection before. I presume we will have a mixed bag of opinions — and a lively discussion!All three stories in The Cost of Betrayal are classic examples of the three authors’ works. Betrayal by Dee Henderson features fan favorite characters Ann and Paul Falcon as they delve into a closed murder case. This is more of a mystery, than suspense. I liked the various scenarios that the characters examine for what really happened years before. Deadly Isle by Dani Pettrey is almost all action with murders, storms, and danger around every corner. The author introduces new characters in this story. Lynette Eason returns to her Blue Justice series with the novella, Code of Ethics. Dr. Ruthie St. John, the only non-law enforcement member of the large St. John family becomes embroiled in a life and death case with Det. Isaac Martinez. The sparks fly, and the twists and turns are rapid.The Cost of Betrayal is a good choice for fans of romantic suspense/mystery who want a quick and easy reading option. Because of their novella length, the stories take off at a brisk clip without a lot of backstory or character development. However, each one was entertaining and perfect for an evening escape.Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 4/5
      Warning: Possible Spoilers:I've read more from Dee Henderson and Lynette Eason than I have from Dani Pettrey. The book is billed as romantic suspense with betrayal as the combining theme for the three novellas.Dee Henderson's entry is "Betrayed". Romance? Yes, a little between the Falcons and there's a hint that something could develop between Janelle and Greg, but we don't know if it will yet because Greg is ethically bound to not get involved with his client. Suspense--not really. The Falcons intercede to get Janelle a pardon. They are convinced she was set up by her supposed best friend. Janelle refuses to believe it of her friend. They end up at an impasse. No one can prove who the killer was. There's really not a conclusion. I normally enjoy reading Henderson's works, but this one was the exception.Dani Pettrey's entry is "Deadly Isle". Tennyson Kent owns an island that's been in her family for generations. As in past generations, she rents land to others. Teni's cousin dies while they are swimming together and it seems like nothing more than an accident until someone later tries to take out Teni. Romance? Yes--Teni and her first love Callum Frost reunite as they try to solve the mystery. They learn to trust each other again. Suspense? Yes, as readers, we wonder who is trying to kill Teni and why. Both these questions are answered in this novella. Lynette Eason's entry is "Code of Ethics". It brings back the St. John family whom I have enjoyed in other novels she's written. This novella centers on Ruthie St. John--the one member of the St. John family who is not in law enforcement. She takes care of police officer Isaac Martinez after he's shot and later interrupts someone trying to kill him in his hospital room. From then on, she's swept up into his quest to find the proof of bad cops. Romance? Yes, Ruthie and Isaac. Ruthie's brother Derek is also planning to propose to his girl. We also see other family members in a scene at the end of the novella. Suspense? Yes. We wonder if Isaac did see what he saw and if he was correct or if he's trying to accuse others unfairly. We wonder who is trying to kill him. There's also a bit of a twist with one of the other characters. Easily my favorite among these three novellas.
    • 4/5
      Another wild ride from Henderson, Pettrey, and Eason! I really enjoyed this collection, although maybe not quite as much as the previous one. It's a close call.

      BETRAYED:
      To be honest, this novella wasn't quite what I was expecting from a romantic suspense collection. It was a little light on suspense with little-to-no action and was definitely light on romance. I didn't mind that, though. I always find Henderson's angst- and drama-free romances so refreshing. The premise of Betrayed was very interesting and I would have loved for it to be a full-length novel. I do wish there had been more conclusion to the story, as the ending felt very sudden and didn't seem to wrap things up much. (Dare I think that was purposeful, as in there will be more to the story eventually?) The characters were very interesting and left me wanting to know more of their story. I also loved the reappearance of Paul and Ann Falcon from Henderson's previous series, Evie Blackwell Cold Case. Overall, a very interesting novella, even if it wasn't what I expected.

      DEADLY ISLE:
      Okay, I'll be honest. From the few books I've read, I'm not really a Pettrey fan, but I'm usually willing to give one of her books a go. This one was definitely better than her novella in Sins of the Past, but it still had its issues for me. The characters and their story was very interesting, and for the most part, there wasn't the angsty romance that I've found par for the course with Pettrey, so a definite thumbs-up there. The story kept me on my toes, and the mystery was very well done. The villain(s?) was definitely unexpected.

      There was one major issue with this novella that, of course, just happened to be my favorite pet peeve. Please excuse my ranting for a moment. (potential spoilers ahead -->) So Teni gets shot in the shoulder in the course of the book. The volunteer paramedicnursing student on the island takes out the bullet and stitches her up. A bit of a stretch for that serious of a wound, but it's an emergency, there's no way off the island currently, so I'll let it slide. But then, directly after waking up after the paramedic patches her up, she's insisting on being part of the manhunt to find the bad guy. First of all, she's probably lost a decent amount of blood, so she's going to feel weak. She's also on hefty painkillers, so her head will feel fuzzy, and she'll probably feel really sleepy. But no, she's fine, she wades through knee-deep water, etc, on the manhunt to find this guy. Did I mention this is all during a huge storm? Not very realistic. Teni doesn't seem at all affected by the bullet that allegedly just missed a major artery in her shoulder and the strong painkillers she's on.

      Not very realistic. Having heavily researched, as well as spoken with a doctor about bullet wounds in the shoulder for my own story research, this scenario is highly implausible.

      To continue on with the issue, only a few days after getting shot, Teni ends up going diving (I won't say why, as that's more spoilers.). Any person with any medical knowledge at all knows this is not a good idea, as there is a huge risk for infection from the water, tearing stitches andor ripping open the wound, etc. No person in their right mind would go diving with a gunshot wound in their shoulder.

      All that to say, the unrealisticness of that scenario really annoyed me, as it would have only taken just a bit of research for Pettrey andor her editors to realize that that kind of situation isn't really realistic.

      All in all, aside from a few issues, I did enjoy this action-packed novella.


      CODE OF ETHICS:
      As a big fan of Eason’s Blue Justice series, I greatly enjoyed this tie-in novella about another of the St. John siblings. Ruthie and Isaac were interesting and realistic characters, and the storyline was fast-paced and unique, filled with Eason’s trademark action and suspense. At times, I felt that Isaac’s recovery from his gunshot wound was slightly unrealistic, but it still worked. Overall, I very much enjoyed this novella, and look forward to reading more Lynette Eason.


      Recommended for ages 16
      CONTENT NOTE: There is a fair amount of violence in all of these novellas to a degree, such as shootings and gunshot wounds, kidnappings, etc. Also some semi-passionate romance in Pettrey’s novella, and lighter romance in Henderson’s and Eason’s. Nothing much beyond kissing, hugging, cuddling, etc.


      FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
    • 5/5
      Title: The Cost of BetrayalAuthors: Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette EasonPages: 334Year: 2018Publisher: Bethany HouseMy rating: 5+ out of 5 starsUnbelievable! Three truly talented authors write three novellas that are filled with suspense, thrills, faith, action and more. Each accomplished author has written many novels individually that are truly magnificent to read, so if you’re not familiar with them look up their novels and dive right in! The three novellas aren’t tied together, and they are unique and mesmerizing!Dee Henderson’s story is titled, “Betrayed”, and I enjoyed the plot of a couple, one who works for the FBI while the other is a retired police officer who are at an auction. The couple, Paul and Ann, aren’t seeking anything in particular just enjoying being together without a crisis on their plate. Of course, that is until Ann chooses a box of miscellaneous items to hopefully set up her next painting scene. What it does though has set them on a path of discovery of a murder and the woman who supposedly was the culprit.Dani Pettrey offers readers “Deadly Isle” where two cousins are on an island swimming towards a buoy. Tennyson and her cousin Julia have raced toward this mark for as long as “Teni” can remember. When she arrives, Julia is no where to be found. However, a storm is on the horizon and there is blood on the buoy, a lot of it but no one is around. Now, there’s a good teaser for this gripping murder mystery along with so much more to the story that readers will get to discover.Lynette Eason brings to the audience a tale entitled, “Code of Ethics”. Like Dee and Dani, Lynette is a master of suspense and telling gripping tales. A surgeon saves the life of a detective who was shot while on duty. Ruthie goes in to check her patient only to find an intruder there trying to put something in the IV. The patient, who is a detective, is trying to leave the hospital because he knows his life is in danger. Isaac had reported a fellow officer when he caught him stealing from the evidence room. While it was the right thing to do, there are those who don’t agree with Isaac, and others who want to kill him.When I started the book, I kept reading until I couldn’t keep my eyes open to finish, that is until after a refreshing nap! All three stories are standalones and very well written. They entertain but they also bring a sense of adventure and will keep you captivated until the very end! Read, enjoy and tell others you know about this fantastic collection of three novellas!
    • 5/5
      Deadly Isle is a novella by Dani Pettrey. It is her contribution to the Cost of Betrayal Collection along with Dee Henderson and Lynette Eason. Readers will be hooked from page one of this romantic murder mystery. Teni and Callen, the main characters, are right in the middle of the action as they are on the hunt for a killer who seems to want them dead as well. I enjoyed this quick murder mystery that kept me guessing until the end. Although this is a novella, readers will still get to know the complex relationship the main characters have, be on the edge of their seats as Teni and Callen search for the killer on a stormy night on an isolated island, and enjoy a Dani Pettrey story with the perfect balance of romance and action! At this point, I have only read Deadly Isle. I look forward to reading the other two very soon and will update my review at that time. I was given a copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
    • 5/5
      What a journey you are about to begin, from one novella to the next, these do not disappoint, and in two of them I was reunited with old friends.Filled with mystery and suspense, we travel in our minds from a woman in jail for a crime she didn’t commit, back on an Island with people being murdered, along with a storm, and then we are back with the St. John family and trouble with some of their own.What a great pairing of authors, and each story can be read alone, but it is really hard to read just one.Don’t miss this one if you enjoy a good mystery, you will get three!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.