Member Reviews
This was an interesting and entertaining read. Cassidy Wolf, talented behavioral analyst, FBI agent, called upon to help with a challenging case. Alex Derby, FBI agent working on a case under the radar. Alex in general is a loner working to solve cases on her own and also working to separate herself from her father's shadow. Cassidy's ex-husband Hunter is a positive addition to the story. He is also Alex's work partner. It is important to have folks on your "6" and they were there. Strong capable intelligent women with supportive families which is very cool and something I would like to see in more reads. In addition to Alex's partner Hunter, the other supporting characters, Brooke, Tyler and Leo are invaluable in their steady presence. Leo, what a cocky intelligent character with very much need tech skills. More depth about the main characters would have been good but in general, I enjoyed the read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for the ARC in exchange for review
I slammed through this one quick. It was hard to put down as I wanted to see the conclusion of this mystery.
The thriller part of this books centers around Alex Derby, a member of the FBI, has been investigating a case for quite a while now, but the people possibly involved could reach into the upper echelons of the rich and powerful. She decides to slowly bring others in to try and solve this because if she doesn’t it might mean the destabilization of the entire country.
This brings in Cassidy Wolf, FBI Profiler extraordinaire and the ex-wife of Alex’s partner Hunter. The connection between the two is immediate and the sparks are of the charts. They are joined by a group of experts in their field to try and solve this mystery before it’s too late. While again the pace is fast, the relationship between Cassidy and Alex doesn’t feel that way and we get to watch their ups and downs along side the investigation and it never really feels like one over takes the other.
The cast of characters that round out the story are eclectic and funny and dangerous and makes me want to read the other stories of Jackie that include them.
Highly recommend this for anyone looking for a good thriller with a couple you want to root for to both solve the mystery and fall in love.
FBI agent Alex Derby needs help solving a mystery that could topple the US government if the perpetrators are not stopped. She brings in Cassidy Wolf, a behavioral analyst, to help her find those responsible for the plot. They both find themselves pulled towards each other as they work to solve the mystery before mayhem ensues.
This was an ok book for me, I felt like the whole political intrigue plot was a bit too complicated and vague. I liked Alex and Cassidy and felt like their chemistry was good. Leo was also pretty funny and a great addition to the book. It feels odd that the two MCs don't interact before the start of this book considering their relationships with Hunter and the insta love they seem to have after their initial meeting. I also didn't like the late stage relationship issue and felt like the behavior wasn't realistic for the character. Overall the plot was just a bit too vague in some spots and unbelievable in others. I've read other books by Jackie D in the past and enjoyed them but this one wasn't for me.
I loved the tension between the characters and the development of their relationship! I highly recommend this book for those who like suspense and police procedurals.
FBI Special Agent Alex Derby has spent the last two years pulling at a thread of a case of intrigue and treason during her off hours. It is now time to ask for help. Cassidy Wolf is a FBI behavioural profiler who offers to assist. I am keeping the story description vague to match the author’s synopsis. It will also add to the pleasure of discovery as you delve into the novel.
Although the plot of the story is not a new concept, it is refreshingly written by Jackie D. The intrigue is compelling with a cast of assorted characters who will entertain and yet I had no attachment to them. Alex is a no nonsense agent who jumped to some far reaching conclusions in her personal life just to add romantic angst to the story.
Profile is a fun read with very little investment from the reader and that is okay. Sometimes a book is just a book and a means to take you away from your reality.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt as though I couldn’t fully emerge into the book when I was reading it. The plot overall was good, I liked the conspiracy aspect of it. It took me a lot longer than normal to finishing reading this book and I really can’t put my finger on why. I’ve liked previous books by this author. But I mean, FBI, huge conspiracy, and a relationship in the making, it had all the pieces I usually enjoy, just didn’t hit the mark for me.
Alex has been working secretly on case for two years that can have real consequences but she realizes she going to need help to expose it. She brings in Hunter Leo Cassidy etc… who each brings in their own strengths while they building a case Alex and Cassidy starts to fall for each other. I enjoy the read it was nice to see Tyler and Brooke I enjoy the crime part of the story and even though I like Alex and Cassidy and thought they are great together but at times it’s seems forced other then that good read.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I enjoyed this and I do like the characters and worlds that Jackie D creates but I just didn’t love it. I think it’s partly because of the tense she writes in which keeps me slightly at a distance? I’m not sure…
Alex and Cassidy are FBI agents who are trying to thwart a conspiracy to interfere with the Presidential election. It is a complex plot and the author handles the pacing and the disclosures very well. I found the relationship building between Alex and Cassidy a little false but there are credible glimpses into the chaos of not knowing who to trust. There are excellent subsidiary characters from the author’s other books and some clever dialogue.
The book is well written and Ms D sure can tell a story. I’ll be looking out for her next book.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley
Fast paced political intrigue
This novel is set in the After-Dark-Universe (Infiltration, Pursuit, Elimination) and it is a stand-alone. I like a fast paced political thriller and this one does not disappoint but was not as compelling as the After Dark series which I herewith highly recommend. I liked the medley team coming from diverse backgrounds and I esp. enjoyed Leo and his wry humor and Cassidy‘s insights as a profiler. The conspiracy to be discovered was believable, but I was not quite convinced of the plot twists esp. in the second half. There is romance and a bit of romance-torture (i.e. one of the mc flagellating herself) - all in character and within the storyline. BTW I hate it when „female sensibilities“ are used as an excuse and advantage. Kudos for Brooke and Tyler being on board.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
Another good read from Jackie D. Alex and Cassidy are trying to thwart a plan that will throw the government into chaos. A standalone story that includes characters from some of her other books. Really enjoyed it.
FBI Agent Alex Derby has been following a lead for the last 2 years and she’s kept the circle of people who are aware very small. It includes a couple from the author’s other series ( this book can be read as a standalone) and a hacker. Alex’s circle of friends is almost non existent, it contains her fellow FBI agent Hunter. Enter Hunter’s ex-wife and FBI behavioural analyst Cassidy, who makes it to the top of the trusted people almost instantly. I like a good investigation and this was pretty decent. The romance went against the procedural investigative nature of the book at times. I can’t say I read this with waited breath but it was a decent read and I would pick up the next Alex and Cassidy case if the author decides to make this a series. 3.5 stars
Free ARC via NetGalley
FBI agent Alex Derby has been trying to fit the pieces together for two years regarding a plot to rig the upcoming elections. With time running out she must trust a few others with what she has discovered. FBI Behavior Analyst Cassidy Wolf has the ease and charm with others that Alex lacks. Working together the two rely on trusted help to get the proof that they need to stop the plot.
This book can stand on its own but it includes cross over characters from the authors After Dark series. I like procedural investigations. This one goes a bit rouge (not always getting warrants) but the right people are helping. I did a small eye roll a at the plot involving changing voting machine votes. I don’t want to argue that possibility with anyone. But the basic, there is a big bad out there wanting to create chaos works. Of course things rely too much on the Leo the magical hacker. He also brings some comic relief.
The plot has a lot of action but I was surprisingly detached and I’m not sure why. I cared about the characters but the style of writing is matter of fact. I didn’t emotionally connect. I still enjoyed the story. And would read more if Alex and Cassidy catch another case.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)
"As if ripped from the headlines..." It sounds like an old saying, but for this book it's chillingly true. If what Jackie D. describes in this story is true, we'd all better take care of ourselves and each other. This is one of those "it could really happen" books and you don't have to know a lot about current events to know that this story could really happen.
Fortunately, there are some compelling heroes here who are equipped to handle the bad guys. Cassidy is a profiler and Alex is an FBI Special Agent. With their formidable friends Tyler and Brooke, and all the available tech in the world, they have to stop the nefarious plot of the world's wealthiest man, along with a higher-up in the FBI and two sinister politicians, to take over the world. It sounds like a fantasy, but this is written so perfectly that you will believe it could happen.
Pay attention to Jackie D. She has been on the periphery of my vision for a year or so, and after reading this book, she is smack in the middle of it now.
This story revolves around two FBI agents, Alex and Cassidy. Alex has been working and gathering evidence on a case that could blow up a big political corruption ring or blow up in her face. She finally has asked for help and things are heating up quickly putting them all in grave danger.
A few trusted colleagues and one hacker round out the team.
This story seems to come to head faster than possible and the plot very plausible.
I do like enjoy reading about strong women in law enforcement but not this story line.
Thank you #netgalley #BoldStrokesBooks for this ARC
I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around how I feel about this book.
I sort of liked the story, but it wasn’t thrilling enough at the same time.
The book starts in a way that feels like I missed something, like it’s a sequel of sorts. Which I don’t believe it is. It is (heavily) linked to the author’s After Dark series, but it isn’t officially part of it. I enjoyed the story, but as said I was missing a bit of the thrill. The romance between Cassidy and Alex seems forced and like it had to be there, for me I could have done without. It feels like such a forced storyline that had to be crammed in there that is also seemed to take away some quality of the crime storyline. While I enjoyed (parts) of the political crime story it all felt a little staccato. This might be a bit of a weird word to use, but it’s exactly how it feels, slightly disjointed and separated from everything, but still part of the same thing.
The premise of this book is nice and I think when you’ve read the After Dark series this book makes a little more sense and that helps with the enjoyment. The style isn’t necessarily one I enjoy, however when I look beyond that I can see why this could be a story that works.