Member Reviews
I can’t say enough about how great this book was! You have three best friends who grew up together in Scotland and they drifted apart as they got older. They never forgot each other and the unbreakable friendship they have. When Quinn is in danger and needs help she calls on the only person she can rely on other than her brother who has gone missing. Cam never expected to get a call from Quinn and it end up with her being taken while they are talking. Cam has always loved Quinn but held back his true feelings. Those feelings are now in full force with her being in danger and he is no longer holding them back. Will she return those feelings while they try to stay alive? This is a fast paced action romance that I couldn’t put down! I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Risk, A Deep 8 Novel by Kensie Macallan, is unexpectedly amusingly entertaining, as well as rife with intrigue and suspense. The chemistry is off the charts while the action is nonstop. There is something for everyone in this book, including romance in the midst of the chaos.
This ARC book was complimentary and provided by the Publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Risk by Kenzie Macallan is the fourth title in her Deep 8 series, but in addition to this being the first novel in the series I've read, it's also the first novel I've read by her, and I probably would have liked it better had I read the series from the start, because it didn't work that well for me as a standalone, which is one of the reasons I'm giving it a 2-star rating.
In addition to the two siblings, Liam and Quinn, working on a top secret artificial intelligence computer program, the large cast of characters in this novel, both good and bad, was confusing, because their motives in attaining the program known as MAGS, were also unclear. Also, since the program and the reasons for creating it reminded me of the plots of both The Terminator films as well as I, Robot (the movie). While Quinn and Liam had good intentions for creating MAGS, it came as no surprise that our Pentagon, other nations, and despots around the world wanted to get their hands on it too. I'm a firm believer that just because you can create something akin to MAGS, it doesn't always mean you should.
What I did like about this novel was the friends to lovers subplot and the growing relationship between childhood friends, Cam and Quinn. Cam is a wounded warrior who lost one of his legs in Afghanistan, and he was fearful of how Quinn, whom he's loved in secret for decades, would feel about his prosthesis. I felt that of all the characters in this novel, he was the most fully described and understood. I wish I could say the same for Liam and Quinn, and their mother, whose affair with Sam, Quinn's now ex-husband, was the reason behind Quinn divorcing him.
When Liam and Quinn's top secret location is breached, who's responsible, and why on earth are they being chased by the men in black among others, and then accused of treason by the U.S. government who are technically their employers and have been funding their efforts? More confusion.
Finally, the novel ends with both an HEA and a cliffhanger, and I wouldn't have minded it as much had I read the previous novels in this series--I suggest you start at the beginning. It left me still wondering who and what Deep 8 is--which is never fully explained in this novel, other than that they appear to be the bad guys.
If you're a fan of romantic suspense, and espionage thrillers, take my advice and start at the beginning of the series, and you'll probably enjoy this rather complicated and confusing novel more than I did.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
An exciting, fast-paced romantic adventure. I enjoyed the suspense and action. I think I would have liked it even more if I had read the previous ones in this series. I did skip over the steamy scenes. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Overall, this story had a lot of potential. I loved the idea of what was going to happen and I think that the plot was exciting. The writing style was where I struggled a bit. I felt the author spent a lot of time telling instead of showing what would happen. Some of the dialogue was clunky because it was used a s a way to describe what happened instead of a conversation between two people.
I did enjoy Cam and Quinn as characters. They each were flawed and real and they navigated their issues in a very realistic way. I think their relationship was okay, but I didn't feel as much tension as I would have liked. I think the build up could have been better and the moment they came together wasn't as special as I think they deserved.
I have read a few books in this series now so I settled into the Deep 8 world quickly. However I did feel myself thrown out of the world occasionally when the story got a bit ...cobbled together.
I love a best friend's sibling, friends to lovers as much as the next girl. I just felt that the FTL was on superspeed. It was unrequited love from Quinn and then she just decided to throw caution to the wind? It just didn't make sense to me. I also wanted a bit more explanation as to why Cam, Quinn and Liam went from besties to casual acquaintances at best in the intervening years.
Cam was so full of self-loathing and thinking he was incapable because of his leg that he was a bit of a self fulfilling prophesy! I really wanted to give him a dressing down occasionally. Similarly Quinn could be really naïve for a world class, super smart scientist.
I love a good conspiracy theory in my suspense and this is a great thread which ties all the books together, whilst taking on different MC's in each book. The rest of the story was great and my only other quibble was when the action took them to Scotland. As a Scot I get very picky when things are set here and with Cam being Scottish I thought it wouldn't be so bad but there were times things just didn't gel. However, artistic licence and all that so we'll give it a pass. It's a me problem most likely!
Would love to read more in the series!
"RISK" is a high-stakes and pulse-pounding thriller that seamlessly blends espionage, romance, and cutting-edge technology into an electrifying narrative. With its intriguing characters, fast-paced plot, and a magnetic love story at its core, this book offers a thrilling and captivating reading experience.
The story follows Campbell Creighton, a former MI-6 agent, who is drawn into a dangerous mission to find his childhood friend, Quinn Donovan, a brilliant nuclear physicist. When Quinn's top-secret lab is attacked and her life is in peril, Campbell becomes her protector, setting the stage for a gripping tale of espionage and intrigue.
One of the strengths of the novel is the chemistry between Campbell and Quinn. Their complex history as childhood friends adds depth to their relationship, and as they navigate the treacherous world of espionage together, their mutual attraction grows into a passionate and heartfelt romance. Their love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of danger and secrecy, adding an emotional layer to the narrative.
The author's writing style is sharp and dynamic, creating a sense of urgency that propels the plot forward. The high-stake political intrigue and the race to uncover the secrets of the AI nuclear weapon keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep the suspense level consistently high.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with both Campbell and Quinn displaying resilience and determination in the face of danger. Quinn's past trust issues and Campbell's unwavering commitment to protecting her add depth to their characters, making them easy to root for.
"RISK" is not just a thrilling espionage novel but also a story of personal growth and redemption. Both Campbell and Quinn undergo significant character arcs as they confront their pasts and find solace and strength in each other's arms.
Overall, "RISK" is a captivating and heart-pounding read that will appeal to fans of romantic suspense and espionage thrillers. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and a love story that sizzles, this book delivers an enthralling and unforgettable journey of survival, love, and the pursuit of justice. Kenzie Macallan has crafted a thrilling addition to the Deep 8 series that keeps readers engaged from start to finish
Kiesha Thomas has written an excellent military romance with lots of suspense. If you want to read a book that will have you saying "just one more chapter", you need to read Risk. I could not put the book down. I can not remember when I have ever read a book I loved so much.
I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority with regard to how I felt about this book, so take it with a grain of salt. Full disclosure: This book is part of a series where there is an overarching storyline, so although each book's pair gets an HEA, there is unfinished business that remains. This book is my first in the series, and perhaps I would have liked it more if I'd read the previous novels.
The book starts off really well. I was a little disappointed with the first person, dual POV, present tense narration (not a fan), but the quick jump into action truly pulled me in. And the key tropes are my favorites: best friend's sister, friends to lovers, and romantic suspense. But then things just seemed to go nowhere. The main couple, Quinn and Cam, were tight as kids but somehow ended up not really keeping in contact. Quinn's brother Liam is the third BFF, but he too seems to have grown apart from Cam over the years. So the whole, "I'd do anything for you" thing already seems iffy.
But okay, yay, the Three Musketeers are back together. Unfortunately, they're at the heart of some giant conspiracy and are both running for their lives and trying to figure out the truth.
Quinn and Liam are supposedly super genius scientists, but they act like unruly teens at best and actually don't seem all that smart. I mean, Quinn is surprised when it's pointed out that her and Liam's AI nuclear weapon thing could be used for evil as well as good.
Cam is a former MI-6 special ops-turned private security (or something) dude who seems kind of bad at running his own op. Burner phone after burner phone, wigs and hats... it all seems campy. Plus they keep getting found.
Quinn and Cam both had what they thought were unrequited feelings for each other, which is not an uncommon thing in friends to lovers, but when they finally reunite, there's no unfurling of feelings or joyful aha moments. Quinn just suddenly comes on to Cam and then they start attacking each other at every opportunity.
The plot is also confusing, though part of that could be because I was skimming toward the end just to finish. But it all kinda jumped the shark when they started cloning the cloned cloned phones.
I love a smart romantic suspense, and the author clearly made an effort. But for me, it was just chunky and clunky and not worth the time I spent on it, sorry.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley.I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 4th book in A Deep 8 series. I have read the first three books in this series before picking up this book, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone. I loved the characters in this book, but I did wish the characters in the other book would have showed up more in this book. This book is a fast paced action packed book. I loved the connection between the two main characters. There were some really great twists in this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Another brilliant romantic suspense, I love these kind of books, they just keep me hooked till the very end. I loved all the ups and downs, twists and turns, really had my heart pounding at times with some of the spicy action!
Deep 8 continues its shady business as Cam & Qiunn find love while on the run. I love the banter even when things look bad. The bond between the three with Liam is beautiful. Suspense & lots of steamy moments to keep us entertained. A true review of my ARC.
Risk, is a great suspense romance novel that kept me guessing who the mole is throughout the whole book. Cam and Quinn were next door neighbors since childhood. Cam is best friends with Quinn's brother. The bond that the three shares is strong and is needed to get them through this ordeal in one piece. I love a brainy twist to my romance novels. Risk, did not disappoint there. I love reading this book and can't wait for the net book in this series.