Penelope is an admirable character. She works hard for everything she has in life and has managed to make herself into someone she never would have thought possible. Noah, the love interest, broke her heart years ago. During the nine year interim, before they meet again, Penelope married and acquired a job she loved...as well as a few secrets. Noah is caught up in what some people may call "the family business" while others would call it a gang.

Noah's character is very manly. He manages to be both gruff and charismatic. Penelope is easy to like. She seems so sincere and sweet. The other characters, particularly Noah's family, are great supporting characters and give insights into the two main characters. readers will enjoy meeting these characters...though the antagonists are impossible to like.

Noah and Penelope's relationship was ok, but it seemed a little bit like "instalove." Noah completely dropped Penelope years before and she was heartbroken, but it didn't seem like he really apologized or even thought he did anything wrong. Overall, the love scenes were believable and sweet, but the relationship itself was a little lacking. Betrayal is a perfect addition to the Bella Terra Deception series.