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.

Book Summary

At nineteen, Noah Di Luca was Bella Terra's golden boy, handsome, confident, and untouched by the shadows that tormented his brothers...or so it seems. Driven by ambition, beautiful teenage Penelope Alonso fought her way out of the ghettos. During one hot summer, they came together in the sweetness of first love...until his past reared its ugly head and Noah walked away.

Nine years later, Penelope returns, never imagining she'd see Noah or that one glance would wake their fiery passion. As peril builds around them, Penelope has one choice: to survive, she must once again trust the man who betrayed her.

Even with terror stalking through Bella Terra's streets, love may be the most dangerous choice of all.