This book is now out (as of July 28, 2026) and I just realized that I had not posted anything here on my website. I had the opportunity to read an eARC provided by the author, and once I got started, I couldn’t put it down. It is the fourth book of the Secure Watch series, which is the sequel series to the Secure One series (both a part of the Harlequin Intrigue imprint.) I have read all of the books in both series, and cannot wait for the next one about Declan, Fatal Connection! You don’t necessarily need to have read any of the previous books, but they are all good! I also really enjoyed the sapphic romance (and of course, disability rep) of the previous book in the Secure Watch series, Deadly Security Breach. It, too, I couldn’t put down!
In Fatal Conspiracy, Alayah, our main character, has been working for Secure Watch as a cybersecurity specialist, but now she is being given the lead position for a large IT conference. Soon after she meets Derek briedly, but he is off on a long-needed vacation after he gets his boss settled in for the conference. After his boss dies suddenly, Derek is the prime suspect, and Alayah and Derek end up in the same suite in the hotel together, trying to clear his name. (So this is a close-proximity romance trope!) Alayah was born with a rare condition, and because of her size and disabilities, feels that no one will want to pursue a long-term relationship with her.
I recommend Katie Metter if you like romance, disability representation, and suspense! I have read most of her books, and really wish she could get published in the mainstream book publishing channels. Apparently, there were a lot of people causing problems for her earlier this year on social media, and I don’t totally understand why. I became a fan in January of 2023. I do know that mainstream publishers are turning disability and chronic illness rep down more and more this year, and I have no clue why they would do that! I am one of those people who welcome it, and it is very sad for those of us who want and demand it in all genres! I discovered Katie Mettner while searching for “Disabled Romance.” I have read several others this year as well, and I like “own voices” as well. It almost makes me want to start my own publishing company, but really have no idea how to do that!
Leisl Jaberg 