Set during the Christmas holidays, this unpredictable romance story feels truly unique and is everything I love in a book. Although it has a romcom feel, it also comes with a bit of criminal intrigue, humour, action and drama - and the plot definitely took me by surprise a few times too. The story is fast-paced and entertaining and once I started I was hooked until the final page. This is such a delightful story - it would make the perfect christmas holiday read, since it's out on 3rd october 2023, Thanks to NetGallery and Orion Publishing Group for allowing me to get a copy of this debut novel and for introducing me to this Author - I will definitely be checking out future books by her.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sydney is a CIA agent working on various overseas missions when she gets approached by FBI to join forces of a known crime family - son of which is going to marry Sydney's sister. Sydney comes home for Christmas under cover to gather evidence against Johnny, his sister's fiance, while maintaining her cover. At home she meets with Nick, Johnny's head of security that she tries to seduce for intel. The main rule of her work, do not fall for the target!

This book caught my attention with the description that suggested romance novel with thriller suspense. And oh has it delivered on it's promise. While the start of the book was focusing largely on establishing the settings and the background of the main character, her personality and family dynamics, it was still gripping from the start. And when the romance part came to play, I was hooked. It was very easy to feel connected to Sydney, her insecurities and reservations, whilst at the same time almost feel the passion that was in the air between her and Nick. This wasn't the typical romcom which is what I loved about this book. The suspense from the mystery heist and sub-plot of romantic endeavours was exactly what I was looking for. And it's centered around Christmas time! What more to ask for!

I have very much enjoyed this book, the thrill of the twists and turns in the investigation as well as the enemies-to-lovers romance. I have finished this book in two days and I cannot wait for Carlie Walker to write some more.

I really enjoyed this book, the main character Sydney is a CIA agent tasked with taking down her sister’s Fiancé, along the way she meets Nick and he might not be exactly who he says he is! The drama is unreal and the action is both nail biting and hilarious!

3.5 but would rather round it up than down for this review!
This was a fun and short read with just enough spice to keep it interesting.
It was a funny rom com type of book that had me laughing and feeling giddy.
It was action packed with a female lead who was no damsel and took control of things but we see her really evolve from someone who is closed of and isolated to being more family orientated.
Nick was absolutely swoonworthy at times and he had depth and warmth to him and it felt like he was able to really glare into Sydney’s soul and they brought out a really nice side to each other.
For the length of the book I feel like there was too much going on and the pacing was a bit fast but other than that it was an enjoyable read but not one I would read again in a hurry.
If you’re looking for a nice easy read with enemies to lovers vibes , mr and mrs smith at Christmas - this is perfect for you.

Sydney is a smart successful CIA agent who is approached by the FBI to help with a case very close to home - her sister is engaged to Johnny Jones, head of a notorious crime family the FBI are hoping to take down. They need her to infiltrate his inner circle and help them crack the case.
To get closer to Johnny, Sydney needs to seduce his personal bodyguard Nick, who she takes an instant disliking to. As Sydney tries to solve the mystery of their next big heist, she learns that Nick is hiding some secrets too.
I loved that Sydney was such a kick ass, strong woman and the simmering tension between her and Nick. Lots of twists and turns kept the story flowing well, with lots of well written characters to support - especially Grandma Ruby!
I found the first part of the book a little slow and it took me a while to get into the story but once it got gritty I was hooked.

There was a lot going on in The Takedown, a lot. Sydeny is a CIA agent who gets swept up by the FBI to work on a case involving the Jones Family, a corporate coffee company that has started pulling off escalating heists, and people are getting killed. The new boss, Johnny Jones, is engaged to none other than Sydney’s sister; it’s also Christmas.

The whole book spans maybe two weeks. In which time, Christmas festivities run rampant, undercover shenanigans are underfoot, and Sydney needs to find enough dirt on Johnny to get him put away and stop him from marrying her sister. Also, enter Nick, Johnny’s head of security and Sydney’s target; she’s to seduce him and get as much intel about Johnny’s business as possible.

The Takedown is only about 200 pages long, in the advance copy anyway, and in order for all of these events to unfold, the pace is frantic. Every word, every page, is a race, which admittedly works with the secrecy theme, but it was too fast. The romance between Nick and Sydney, was also too fast, seven days to meet and fall in love. Not my vibe. However, the book was interesting, and it was easy to read; it just didn’t deliver on what I wanted it to be.

Sydney is an operative with the CIA, and she's damn good at her job. But her latest mission hits a little too close to home as the criminal is marrying her sister, and she needs to get cozy with his bodyguard in order to get evidence...

This is a brilliantly fun and high action romance, with characters that I completely adored and a plot that just didn't slow down. Perfect for anybody who loves a good romance with a bit of a thrill ...

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

DNF at 3%
The book doesn’t feel very well written so I can’t read anymore.
I’m sure it has a great premise and plot but the writing is a bit too “to the point” rather than descriptive or flowing.

Thank you Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book.

The prologue was nice, but then when I continued, the next chapter wasn't really interesting and I wasn't into it. I don't know if it's the writing or me, maybe both but I decided not to continue.

Sexy, glorious, action-packed fun!

The Takedown is a fiercely funny and sharp debut romance with an action-packed twist. Think Mr & Mrs Smith, think Emily Henry's Beach Read, mix them together, add some Christmassy joy and sparkle and you have The Takedown!!

The characters are all brilliantly fleshed out. I loved the sisterly dynamic.

Also Nick is hot, and cute and a serious book boyfriend material 👏

Thank you to Netgalley and Orion publishing for sending me this arc in exchange for my honest opinions

4.5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶
First person
Single POV

Miss Congeniality meets small town Christmas romance in this fast paced story about CIA agent Sydney Swift, who finds out her little sister is set to marry Crime Lord Johnny Jones. In order to stop the wedding and gather intel on Johnny's plans, Sydney must seduce Johnny's head of security and former bodyguard, Nick.
I really enjoyed this story, and new I would love it just from the blurb. It has spies, romance, comedy, Christmas, small town, double crossing, a high speed car chase, a reindeer, and everyone's favourite book character - The family dog!
Highly recommend this one because what is not to like!

"The Takedown" by Carlie Walker delivers an action-packed and steamy romantic suspense story that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. Agent Sydney Swift's mission to stop her sister's marriage to a notorious criminal takes her on an unexpected journey filled with danger, deception, and unexpected romance.

Sydney's plan to gather incriminating evidence on Johnny Jones, the fiancé, hits a roadblock in the form of Nick, his charming and handsome bodyguard. As Sydney spends more time with Nick, the lines between her mission and her growing feelings for him become blurred. The story intensifies as Sydney is torn between her duty and her heart.

Carlie Walker skilfully weaves together suspense and romance, creating palpable chemistry between Sydney and Nick. The complex dynamics and emotional tension between the characters add depth to the story. Readers will find themselves invested in Sydney's mission and captivated by the dilemma she faces.

"The Takedown" is a thrilling and passionate tale that combines action, suspense, and romance. Carlie Walker's writing keeps the pace brisk and the tension high, making it a compelling read for fans of romantic suspense.

Romance/spy novel? Sold. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one but whatever my expectations were, consider them far exceeded. I found it entertaining from start to finish and funny, too.

The Takedown is set to be released October 3rd and will make the perfect holiday read. It takes place Christmas week and follows Sydney Swift, CIA turned FBI undercover agent for a special assignment, spying on her own family. Her sister is newly engaged to a crime lord’s son and the FBI has intel that they’re next heist is going to be huge. Not only does she have to spy on her own family, but she’ll also have to seduce the bestfriend/bodyguard, Nick (aptly dubbed “Sidekick Nick”), to get access to the intel they need.

I thought the characters had decent depth and development. It sort of gave a bit of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, with a touch of The Sopranos but packaged as a romantic comedy and I loved every aspect of it. It has your typical FMC with life baggage she will ultimately have to unpack, but I didn’t find it too overdone or monotonous which I appreciated. I kept toggling back and forth between trusting “sidekick Nick” and thinking he was shady, which helped hold my attention and kept me on my toes. By far the highlights were the humor, the tension between the FMC and MMC, and the suspense around the big heist.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am putting it down as one of the funnest reads of the year so far! This is Carlie Walker’s first romance novel and I sincerely hope she writes more because I would definitely add it to my TBR.

Big thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advanced copy!

⤷‧₊˚2.75 ⭑
i was very curious based on the description and the cover, but unfortunately it wasn't as good as i had hoped. it's definitely not bad, but i just expected more :/

I liked everything about this book. It was very interesting and entertaining. I couldn't put it down and never wanted it to end!!

I went into this book knowing that I would have to suspend some belief, however it was more than a step too far for me. From the off I couldn't find it in me to be interested in Sydney and although I had a mild interest in the chemistry with Nick, the main plot did not hold my interest. I skipped towards the end of the book and still found myself completely lacking in any feeling towards the story or characters. Well, perhaps Grandma Ruby!

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so so good. I just couldn’t seem to put it down. I loved how engrossing the plot was but more than that the dynamic between the MCs was chefs kiss entertaining. The chemistry was palpable, and the ending had me swoon. Loved it!!

Very excited for this one! The cover alone drew me in but the storyline just certified this for me this is definitely going to be one of my top reads and acquisitions for the summer. Who doesn’t want to read about crime bosses and bodyguards and romance and all the things! I can’t wait to see how this one unfolds and I know our readers will as well! Also I can’t wait to see how the love story unfolds. Highly recommend