Holly Ryan is finally free, in more than one sense of the word. Her six years in prison is served, and now she is sailing the ocean, a favorite pastime of hers. Holly is also doubling as Laura Hyland, well-known daughter of Senator Hyland who is running for the United States presidency. She is sailing in the Indian Ocean as part of a much publicized trip around the world by Laura. The Senator doesn't want his daughter in these dangerous waters, so he hires Holly to be the person the world is watching on the web-cam aboard the vessel. With the money Holly will earn for this stint, she will finally be free to live like a normal person, whatever "normal" really means.

Capitaine Rafe Angelita is a member of the French Foreign Legend. He lives a hard life and still searches for his own normal. Rafe's son is kidnapped by an old acquaintance, the leader of the Lost Boys, an underground militia that Rafe was a member of, though not by choice. The demand? That he kidnap Senator Hyland's daughter, demand a ransom, then pay that ransom for his son. Rafe doesn't know that he has kidnapped Holly, the stand-in double, rather than Laura herself.

When the Senator holds a press conference and shows the world that Laura has been found safe and sound, Holly's hopes of being rescued plummet. And Rafe is full of questions for her. Little things that he sees as they spend time together on this deserted island already have him questioning her real identity. Now he learns she is just an ex-con posing as Laura. Will he ever get his son back? Can either of them find the "normal" they both long for?

Brynn Kelly has created two very strong and resourceful characters, set them down on a deserted island, and penned far more than just a tale of romantic suspense. DECEPTION ISLAND is a brilliant, riveting, sizzling thriller that will have you begging for more. The plot is a maze of surprising and harrowing twists and turns that lead to a dynamic conclusion. Ms. Kelly slowly develops these two formidable characters with glimpses into their past, yet leaves you intrigued to want to know more about them.

This is a story about being a survivor, about overcoming your past and having hope for a future. Rafe and Holly are supposed to be on opposite sides, but there is a growing attraction between them, not just physical, but on an emotional and psychological level as well. DECEPTION ISLAND is about trust . . . not just trusting others, but trusting in yourself and not deceiving yourself. I could not put this book down, nor could I read fast enough. Do not miss this debut novel by award- winning journalist Brynn Kelly!