This first book was pretty good. There were parts I didn't like. Like at first, I didn't love Brooke. She kind of got on my nerves. And the mystery was pretty easy to figure out. Not all that suspenseful. I was shocked at how much I liked Rafe's mom. She was funny. Brooke's mom ... not so much. All in all, a decent book. I'm not sure how the other books in the series will be, but I'll give them a try. ( )

I liked this in general. The setting was interesting and the De Luca family seemed richly imagined. However I felt that the relationship between the hero and the heroine wasn't all that believable. There really wasn't enough time spent on their relationship, more of the book was about the mystery. Somehow their love was just not that gripping. I didn't really feel invested in their relationship. The story was good but not great. I will continue with the story though. ( )

Secrets of Bella Terra
4 Stars

As a fan of Dodd’s paranormal and historical romance, I was eager to try one of her romantic suspense books and was not disappointed. Dodd’s writing is as captivating in this genre as in the others and the romance and mystery are highly entertaining.

Brooke and Rafe have captivating chemistry and the glimpses into the development of their relationship over the years contributes both to their individual characterization and to the complexity and intensity of their romance. The secondary character development is also excellent, and the relationship between the Di Luca brothers and other family members leads to some laugh-out-loud moments.

The mystery is intriguing although not very original and the background is unnecessarily dragged out - Nonna Di Luca should have been more forthcoming about the family feud. Moreover, the hero and heroine exhibit some questionable behavior: Rafe is supposedly suspicious of everyone and everything but overlooks Jenna’s presence in the security room and her ludicrous explanation. Brooke is an intelligent heroine overall, but has one particularly TSTL moment when she follows the villain into a cellar.

The setting of an exclusive resort in California wine country is vivid and adds an extra dimension to the atmosphere of the story. The intro into the next book is very enticing and I look forward to reading Eli’s story. ( )

This is the first book in the Scarlet Deception novels. I liked this book and think it sets the stage for the next novels in the series. Some authors consistently tell us great stories and for me Christina Dodd is one of them. I always look forward to her books.

Brooding and sexy Rafe Di Luca has returned to his family's luxurious vineyard resort for one reason: to find out who attacked his beloved grandmother. His homecoming stirs up a decades-old feud, forcing him to work with Brooke Petersson, the woman he once seduced and betrayed...but never forgot. ( )