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A-Tac #5
Deadly Dance
As the intelligence officer for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Hannah Marshall is used to working behind the scenes. But when a brutal murder hits too close to home, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the action, falling in love while racing to outwit a sadistic mastermind.
A KILLER CLOSES IN
After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.
Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves.
A KILLER CLOSES IN
After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.
Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves.
ebook
First published March 27, 2012
About the author
Dee Davis
82 books358 followersAward winning author Dee Davis worked in association management before turning her had to writing. Her highly acclaimed first novel, Everything In Its Time, was published in July 2000. Since then, among others, she’s won the Booksellers Best, Golden Leaf, Texas Gold and Prism awards, and been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Holt and two RT Reviewers Choice Awards. To date, she is the author of over thirty novels and novellas, including her current A-Tac series and Cottage in the Mist. When not sitting at the computer, Dee spends time exploring Connecticut with her husband, daughter, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 11, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Hannah and Harrison are part of the A-Tac team, off the grid CIA agents whose cover is as professors at an Ivy League college. They’re following up on a disturbing email that Hannah’s teacher’s assistant, Tina, received and it’s leading them down a deadly path. Hannah, Harrison and the team start tracking murders that look to be the work of a serial killer that Harrison knows all too well. He’s convinced that the killer is the same man who killed his twin sister years ago, but when things don’t add up, the killer’s original patterns aren’t being followed, they start to wonder if it’s really the same killer, or a new player. Of course it wouldn’t be an A-Tac story if the Consortium didn’t play a roll, in some fashion.
I enjoyed the characters of Hannah and Harrison. They’re both smart, strong agents and each one is dealing with trying to move beyond a tragic past. Hannah was abused in a foster home when she was a young girl and learned to compartmentalize the pain she suffered then and now keeps herself somewhat distanced from people in her life. Harrison is consumed with guilt over not being able to save his twin sister from being murdered by the cyber killer – a serial killer who took great pleasure in torturing and raping his victims before leaving them for dead. Harrison wasn’t able to find his sister in time and he hasn’t been able to find the serial killer, who he’s now convinced is targeting him after all these years.
The relationship between these two frustrated me. There are sparks between them early on, but both are reluctant to start anything. When they are together for the first time, the first reaction, at least from Harrison is regret, even when he tries to explain away that same reaction later as feeling too much too fast. There’s a lot of back and forth between them, a sexy scene followed by one or both of them saying they can’t be together, then another sexy scene, and again with the talk not being able to follow through and see where the relationship could go. I never really understood why they kept fighting a relationship. There didn’t seem to be any reason why they couldn’t be together, sure it caused some relationship angst, but it didn’t feel true. What did work was when Harrison and Hannah finally let down their walls and started sharing the truth about each of their painful pasts and how they might be able to finally heal and move forward:
“…maybe it’s time to put it in the past where it belongs.”
“And how am I supposed to do that?” she asked, her gaze still holding his.
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I do know what it’s like to have something horrible happen that affects your every waking thought. So maybe we can try to move on together? I’ve no idea what that means, so we’d be taking a huge risk, but I’d like to try.”
She studied him for a moment, and then she nodded. “I think I would, too. As long as it’s with you.”
He wasn’t sure that anyone had ever looked at him with that kind of trust. And he prayed that he wouldn’t let her down.
They had some sweet, touching scenes together, one that especially stood out was when Hannah told Harrison what her childhood was like and the trauma she suffered at being molested at a young age. Those were great moments for these two and once they got over the “we can’t be together” bit, their relationship fell more into place and was easier to get into, but by the time that happened, it was hard to get fully invested in them as a couple before the story ended.
The serial killer storyline is gruesome. There are multiple murders throughout the book and I was getting to where I started saying “another one?!” Hannah ends up being in the killer’s path and it really bothered me that after everything she suffered as a young girl and has tried to move past as she grew older, she’d be subject to more torture and horrible suffering at the hands of this present killer. I get that she and/or Harrison were going to be caught up in the final fight at the end, but I just ended up feeling bad for Hannah and ready to be done with that portion of the story. I love seeing our heroes and heroines in dangerous situations and trying to figure out how they’re going to get out of them, but Hannah’s situation felt so hopeless and I didn’t like that for her.
This was overall an ok read for me. I liked Hannah and Harrison and their relationship once they actually let it happen and opened up to each other. The killer(s) were all over the story from the start making the body count rise, but I ultimately just had a hard time getting fully into this story. The Consortium storyline is still ongoing and while this installment might not have been a hit with me, I’ve enjoyed the A-Tac series and the characters overall, and will continue to read and find out what’s going to happen next.
Hannah and Harrison are part of the A-Tac team, off the grid CIA agents whose cover is as professors at an Ivy League college. They’re following up on a disturbing email that Hannah’s teacher’s assistant, Tina, received and it’s leading them down a deadly path. Hannah, Harrison and the team start tracking murders that look to be the work of a serial killer that Harrison knows all too well. He’s convinced that the killer is the same man who killed his twin sister years ago, but when things don’t add up, the killer’s original patterns aren’t being followed, they start to wonder if it’s really the same killer, or a new player. Of course it wouldn’t be an A-Tac story if the Consortium didn’t play a roll, in some fashion.
I enjoyed the characters of Hannah and Harrison. They’re both smart, strong agents and each one is dealing with trying to move beyond a tragic past. Hannah was abused in a foster home when she was a young girl and learned to compartmentalize the pain she suffered then and now keeps herself somewhat distanced from people in her life. Harrison is consumed with guilt over not being able to save his twin sister from being murdered by the cyber killer – a serial killer who took great pleasure in torturing and raping his victims before leaving them for dead. Harrison wasn’t able to find his sister in time and he hasn’t been able to find the serial killer, who he’s now convinced is targeting him after all these years.
The relationship between these two frustrated me. There are sparks between them early on, but both are reluctant to start anything. When they are together for the first time, the first reaction, at least from Harrison is regret, even when he tries to explain away that same reaction later as feeling too much too fast. There’s a lot of back and forth between them, a sexy scene followed by one or both of them saying they can’t be together, then another sexy scene, and again with the talk not being able to follow through and see where the relationship could go. I never really understood why they kept fighting a relationship. There didn’t seem to be any reason why they couldn’t be together, sure it caused some relationship angst, but it didn’t feel true. What did work was when Harrison and Hannah finally let down their walls and started sharing the truth about each of their painful pasts and how they might be able to finally heal and move forward:
“…maybe it’s time to put it in the past where it belongs.”
“And how am I supposed to do that?” she asked, her gaze still holding his.
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I do know what it’s like to have something horrible happen that affects your every waking thought. So maybe we can try to move on together? I’ve no idea what that means, so we’d be taking a huge risk, but I’d like to try.”
She studied him for a moment, and then she nodded. “I think I would, too. As long as it’s with you.”
He wasn’t sure that anyone had ever looked at him with that kind of trust. And he prayed that he wouldn’t let her down.
They had some sweet, touching scenes together, one that especially stood out was when Hannah told Harrison what her childhood was like and the trauma she suffered at being molested at a young age. Those were great moments for these two and once they got over the “we can’t be together” bit, their relationship fell more into place and was easier to get into, but by the time that happened, it was hard to get fully invested in them as a couple before the story ended.
The serial killer storyline is gruesome. There are multiple murders throughout the book and I was getting to where I started saying “another one?!” Hannah ends up being in the killer’s path and it really bothered me that after everything she suffered as a young girl and has tried to move past as she grew older, she’d be subject to more torture and horrible suffering at the hands of this present killer. I get that she and/or Harrison were going to be caught up in the final fight at the end, but I just ended up feeling bad for Hannah and ready to be done with that portion of the story. I love seeing our heroes and heroines in dangerous situations and trying to figure out how they’re going to get out of them, but Hannah’s situation felt so hopeless and I didn’t like that for her.
This was overall an ok read for me. I liked Hannah and Harrison and their relationship once they actually let it happen and opened up to each other. The killer(s) were all over the story from the start making the body count rise, but I ultimately just had a hard time getting fully into this story. The Consortium storyline is still ongoing and while this installment might not have been a hit with me, I’ve enjoyed the A-Tac series and the characters overall, and will continue to read and find out what’s going to happen next.
March 22, 2012
***original review posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance***
This book is not for the feint of heart. It's a large dose of Criminal Minds where there's a profiler, gruesome murder scenes and some serious jailable for life psycho killer that could be ripped from the headlines. There's so much I want to say about this book but don't want to give away any spoilers so let's see what I can do.
It goes like this:
Hannah Marshall lost her partner Jason and still misses him. Harrison Blake, resident Techie is still trying to fit into the overall scheme of things at A-Tac. With the resurfacing of a crazed serial killer who gets off on slowly bleeding out and torturing his victims, Hannah and Harrison must try to catch the killer before the people closest to them end up mock-crucified and bleeding to death. Gruesome right?
Harrison realizes that this psycho might be the same guy who killed his twin sister years ago and so the recent string of murders hits close to home. Only problem is, the killer is deviating from the behavior and tactics of the original cyber killer.
Hannah's TA receives video of a female student getting tortured by an unidentified man and is kept under lock down to keep her safe. How many female students have to die before A-Tac catches the killer? Bringing in some of Harrison's trusted members of his old organization, they partner up to profile and canvas the scenes looking for any clues to point out whether it's the original cyber killer back doing what he does best or a copycat following a script only to change tactics when specific results are not reached.
All the while, Hannah and Harrison are getting closer and trying to remain friends. Everyone knows that there's something there between them even if they both deny it. Friends with benefits? *scoff* Not gonna work guys. Seriously!
Will the cover of A-Tac as professors at Sunderland College be blown thanks to the crazy killer or is the killer part of something larger that A-Tac and the FBI haven't thought of? *dun dun dunnn*
FAVORITE QUOTE:
OVERALL: Dee Davis knows how to tug at my heart, get my adrenaline pumping and make me want to break out the DVDs of all crime show dramas, especially Criminal Minds. Like the rest of the A-Tac series, it's heart pounding, plot twisting, "omg I did not see that coming so I should have my Nancy Drew sleuth card revoked" wrapped in "I will never look at my professors the same way ever again". Harrison and Hannah have been through a lot and with a crazy killer on the loose, it adds to their ghosts. I kept rooting for them to be together and find a way to capture the killer as well as help each other heal. I'm looking forward to what happens next.
***review copy provided by publisher***
This book is not for the feint of heart. It's a large dose of Criminal Minds where there's a profiler, gruesome murder scenes and some serious jailable for life psycho killer that could be ripped from the headlines. There's so much I want to say about this book but don't want to give away any spoilers so let's see what I can do.
It goes like this:
Hannah Marshall lost her partner Jason and still misses him. Harrison Blake, resident Techie is still trying to fit into the overall scheme of things at A-Tac. With the resurfacing of a crazed serial killer who gets off on slowly bleeding out and torturing his victims, Hannah and Harrison must try to catch the killer before the people closest to them end up mock-crucified and bleeding to death. Gruesome right?
Harrison realizes that this psycho might be the same guy who killed his twin sister years ago and so the recent string of murders hits close to home. Only problem is, the killer is deviating from the behavior and tactics of the original cyber killer.
Hannah's TA receives video of a female student getting tortured by an unidentified man and is kept under lock down to keep her safe. How many female students have to die before A-Tac catches the killer? Bringing in some of Harrison's trusted members of his old organization, they partner up to profile and canvas the scenes looking for any clues to point out whether it's the original cyber killer back doing what he does best or a copycat following a script only to change tactics when specific results are not reached.
All the while, Hannah and Harrison are getting closer and trying to remain friends. Everyone knows that there's something there between them even if they both deny it. Friends with benefits? *scoff* Not gonna work guys. Seriously!
Will the cover of A-Tac as professors at Sunderland College be blown thanks to the crazy killer or is the killer part of something larger that A-Tac and the FBI haven't thought of? *dun dun dunnn*
FAVORITE QUOTE:
The leaves rustled in the wind, and she shivered, the vibration running through them like an electric current. She pressed closer, feeling his arousal hard against her thigh. There was power in knowing that the seduction was mutual, her strength matching his.
OVERALL: Dee Davis knows how to tug at my heart, get my adrenaline pumping and make me want to break out the DVDs of all crime show dramas, especially Criminal Minds. Like the rest of the A-Tac series, it's heart pounding, plot twisting, "omg I did not see that coming so I should have my Nancy Drew sleuth card revoked" wrapped in "I will never look at my professors the same way ever again". Harrison and Hannah have been through a lot and with a crazy killer on the loose, it adds to their ghosts. I kept rooting for them to be together and find a way to capture the killer as well as help each other heal. I'm looking forward to what happens next.
***review copy provided by publisher***
March 13, 2012
If you haven't read any of the A-Tac books before, then you don't know about the secret branch of the CIA that masquerades as college professors by day and bad ass agents trying to save the world all the other times. It's a premise the works and has me needing to go back and read books 2-4 to catch up on what's been happening with the team.
This installment has intelligence specialist Hannah Marshall and IT specialist Harrison Blake smack dab in the middle of a copycat serial killer taking young co-eds tied to Hannah and torturing and murdering them similar to the way Harrison's twin sister was killed by the Cyber Killer in Texas. Soon they discover that those responsible for the copycat killings are part of the Consortium that is trying to out A-Tac, but even worse, they have drawn the real Cyber Killer out of hiding...and he's bent on revenge!
As the team scrambles to figure out who is behind the murders, Hannah and Harrison grow closer. They both have lived through horrendous tragedies which seems to draw the two wounded souls together. While at first they try and play off what's happening between them as a "moment of need", they soon find that they need each other more and more. As a sounding wall or to soothe their fears. They're both scared and don't really know how to deal with the feelings they have for the other, but when Hannah's drawn into the Cyber Killer's plans they both understand how much they love the other.
This was heart-stopping suspense and one that kept you guessing who was actually involved until the moment the team made the discovery themselves. From the very first paragraph I was engaged and couldn't put the book down!
This installment has intelligence specialist Hannah Marshall and IT specialist Harrison Blake smack dab in the middle of a copycat serial killer taking young co-eds tied to Hannah and torturing and murdering them similar to the way Harrison's twin sister was killed by the Cyber Killer in Texas. Soon they discover that those responsible for the copycat killings are part of the Consortium that is trying to out A-Tac, but even worse, they have drawn the real Cyber Killer out of hiding...and he's bent on revenge!
As the team scrambles to figure out who is behind the murders, Hannah and Harrison grow closer. They both have lived through horrendous tragedies which seems to draw the two wounded souls together. While at first they try and play off what's happening between them as a "moment of need", they soon find that they need each other more and more. As a sounding wall or to soothe their fears. They're both scared and don't really know how to deal with the feelings they have for the other, but when Hannah's drawn into the Cyber Killer's plans they both understand how much they love the other.
This was heart-stopping suspense and one that kept you guessing who was actually involved until the moment the team made the discovery themselves. From the very first paragraph I was engaged and couldn't put the book down!
March 20, 2012
Book 5 in the A-Tac series which are CIA operatives that all work undercover at Sunderland College.
This was Hannah Marshall (who was Jason's partner who was killed in a previous book) and Harrison Blake (who was previously with the FBI serial killer unit)
As usual at the start of an A-Tac book we have an explosion. The team is following up on a lead on an antiques dealer with ties to the Consortium (an arms cartel they have been trying to bring down throughout the series). What they didn’t realize is that it was a trap and the building is blown up with Hannah barely making it out alive.
As this is happening a student on campus is taken. After Hannah's TA shows her a video she received on her phone of a girl tied to a bed and being tortured the team realize the two are connected. After finding the girl dead and the way she is positioned in her death Harrison realizes the similarities to a serial killer he was tracking years ago called the Cyber Killer that also had killed his twin sister.
He brings in some of his old team from his FBI days to try and figure out who the killer is and stop him before he takes another girl.
Another great suspense read from Ms Davis that has a bit of a twist at the end. I look forward to reading Simon's books next.
This was Hannah Marshall (who was Jason's partner who was killed in a previous book) and Harrison Blake (who was previously with the FBI serial killer unit)
As usual at the start of an A-Tac book we have an explosion. The team is following up on a lead on an antiques dealer with ties to the Consortium (an arms cartel they have been trying to bring down throughout the series). What they didn’t realize is that it was a trap and the building is blown up with Hannah barely making it out alive.
As this is happening a student on campus is taken. After Hannah's TA shows her a video she received on her phone of a girl tied to a bed and being tortured the team realize the two are connected. After finding the girl dead and the way she is positioned in her death Harrison realizes the similarities to a serial killer he was tracking years ago called the Cyber Killer that also had killed his twin sister.
He brings in some of his old team from his FBI days to try and figure out who the killer is and stop him before he takes another girl.
Another great suspense read from Ms Davis that has a bit of a twist at the end. I look forward to reading Simon's books next.
March 27, 2012
Action, danger and romance - Deadly Dance kept me turning the pages!
This is my first read from the A-Tac series but I love the series arc of undercover CIA agents posing as college professors. Set up well for a stand-alone you get a full and complete tale with Hannah and Harrison with just enough tidbits to interest you in the previous books. I want to read them all now! Hannah and Harrison were dimensional characters that I instantly fell in love with, with heart-breaking backgrounds to overcome before they can find a future in each other. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, the villains were chilling and believable, and each character was captivating. The story moved at a great pace and the relationship between the main characters was natural and got pretty steamy in a couple instances.
Overall, Deadly Dance is a great romantic suspense and I will be adding the rest of the A-Tac series to my TBR list!
You can check out Khelsey's full review (5 Wine Glasses) of this title at RBtWBC: http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
This is my first read from the A-Tac series but I love the series arc of undercover CIA agents posing as college professors. Set up well for a stand-alone you get a full and complete tale with Hannah and Harrison with just enough tidbits to interest you in the previous books. I want to read them all now! Hannah and Harrison were dimensional characters that I instantly fell in love with, with heart-breaking backgrounds to overcome before they can find a future in each other. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, the villains were chilling and believable, and each character was captivating. The story moved at a great pace and the relationship between the main characters was natural and got pretty steamy in a couple instances.
Overall, Deadly Dance is a great romantic suspense and I will be adding the rest of the A-Tac series to my TBR list!
You can check out Khelsey's full review (5 Wine Glasses) of this title at RBtWBC: http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
November 13, 2016
General murder and torture don't really bother me that much. But rape specific crimes make me uneasy and uncomfortable. Which means that I skimmed a lot of this book. I just couldn't bring myself to read each abduction and the aftermath. I did like the chemistry between Hannah and Harrison. They've been flirting with each other since he was introduced in book 3 (I think). It's about time they got together. I just wish it wasn't through the most tragic book of the series.
September 2, 2019
Good read
February 11, 2021
4.5 Stars
March 22, 2012
The Cyber Killer has returned. Or so it seems. Harrison is sure that the recent disappearances of college students has to be related to the same killer that took his sister from him years before. Now working undercover with the A-TAC team he can’t be sure if the killer has found him out or if this rash of killings right under his nose is a coincidence. His partner, Hannah can’t be sur either but working with Harrison so closely has really started to change her perception of him. No longer is he just the newest member of their tight knit team who works with computers. Suddenly he is larger than life. More. When Hannah becomes the killers next target can Harrison finally put his sister and his guilt to rest and step up for the woman he has slowly become to love?
Dee Davis is a semi new to me author. I had previously read her novella in this series, Daring, but hadn’t read anything full length by her. When the opportunity to read this one was presented to me I jumped on it since I enjoyed the novella I figured I would give a full length a try. I enjoyed this romantic suspense, and not having read that rest of the series I didn’t find myself overly confused with past events either. Dee Davis gets all semi caught up fairly quickly without it feeling like a huge information dump.
I enjoyed that this seemed to be a bit of a variance from the main story arc of the shadowy group known as the Consortium. That group has orchestrated the past books storylines and though they turn up in this one the majority of the book doesn’t really talk about them. This is centered around a serial killer from Harrison’s past that seems to have returned in a big way.
Harrison was a great character! I loved how he was both brainy and had the muscle to back it up. Alpha male mentality but not all in your face constantly. He also had a range of emotion I appreciated. Obviously distraught over the death of his twin sister years prior and the return of what looks like the same killer and hard as steel in his attempt to finally figure out the one case that he was too late for. I think brainy guys are hot, so Harrison totally worked for me. Add to that he was a strong character, mentally and physically, and I was instantly hooked. I appreciated his apprehension to being an in a relationship and thought it was cute he kept trying to tell himself that Hannah was only a “release of pent-up energy” for him. He felt fractured and so it was understandable he would feel like he couldn’t be in a relationship.
Hannah spends most of the book hiding. Hiding from her looks. Hiding from herself and hiding from Harrison. She tries to play off Harrison’s aversion to a relationship but it hurts her more than she is willing to show. She craves feeling included just like Harrison does and yet they both fight it. Hannah has a horrible past that involved the breaking of the one relationship a young girl should always be able to trust. As a result she balks at needing or trusting people and spends a good deal of energy keeping people out. Never letting them see the true her or know the pain that she suffers. Even the group that she works with that is more like a family then co-workers. Though she covered her good looks with tinted hair and studious glasses, I thought her quirky looks fit her personality quite well. Smart and yet attention grabbing.
Since I haven’t read the rest of the series (a problem I plan on rectifying soon I hope) I didn’t appreciate the reappearance of past characters but I’m sure lovers of the series will enjoy that. I also think one of the last single group members, Simon, needs his own book. He needs to be taken down a peg or two by the forces of an emotional love.
The villain was scary…in fact when I put the book down to go to bed I checked the doors twice and that never happens to me. There was just something indescribably creepy about the entire thing. Gruesome and horrible come to mind to get across the way I thought of the murders and actions of this person. *shudder*
I didn’t like the fact that the undercover A-TAC team posing as college professors seemed to be able to stay off the radar of everyone. No one seemed to question the fact that they not only talk like cops/government, but they also act like it too. Professors simply don’t act like they do. At all. People would question professors acting like that did and so I found that aspect completely unbelievable.
I give Deadly Dance by Dee Davis 4 stars!
Dee Davis is a semi new to me author. I had previously read her novella in this series, Daring, but hadn’t read anything full length by her. When the opportunity to read this one was presented to me I jumped on it since I enjoyed the novella I figured I would give a full length a try. I enjoyed this romantic suspense, and not having read that rest of the series I didn’t find myself overly confused with past events either. Dee Davis gets all semi caught up fairly quickly without it feeling like a huge information dump.
I enjoyed that this seemed to be a bit of a variance from the main story arc of the shadowy group known as the Consortium. That group has orchestrated the past books storylines and though they turn up in this one the majority of the book doesn’t really talk about them. This is centered around a serial killer from Harrison’s past that seems to have returned in a big way.
Harrison was a great character! I loved how he was both brainy and had the muscle to back it up. Alpha male mentality but not all in your face constantly. He also had a range of emotion I appreciated. Obviously distraught over the death of his twin sister years prior and the return of what looks like the same killer and hard as steel in his attempt to finally figure out the one case that he was too late for. I think brainy guys are hot, so Harrison totally worked for me. Add to that he was a strong character, mentally and physically, and I was instantly hooked. I appreciated his apprehension to being an in a relationship and thought it was cute he kept trying to tell himself that Hannah was only a “release of pent-up energy” for him. He felt fractured and so it was understandable he would feel like he couldn’t be in a relationship.
Hannah spends most of the book hiding. Hiding from her looks. Hiding from herself and hiding from Harrison. She tries to play off Harrison’s aversion to a relationship but it hurts her more than she is willing to show. She craves feeling included just like Harrison does and yet they both fight it. Hannah has a horrible past that involved the breaking of the one relationship a young girl should always be able to trust. As a result she balks at needing or trusting people and spends a good deal of energy keeping people out. Never letting them see the true her or know the pain that she suffers. Even the group that she works with that is more like a family then co-workers. Though she covered her good looks with tinted hair and studious glasses, I thought her quirky looks fit her personality quite well. Smart and yet attention grabbing.
Since I haven’t read the rest of the series (a problem I plan on rectifying soon I hope) I didn’t appreciate the reappearance of past characters but I’m sure lovers of the series will enjoy that. I also think one of the last single group members, Simon, needs his own book. He needs to be taken down a peg or two by the forces of an emotional love.
The villain was scary…in fact when I put the book down to go to bed I checked the doors twice and that never happens to me. There was just something indescribably creepy about the entire thing. Gruesome and horrible come to mind to get across the way I thought of the murders and actions of this person. *shudder*
I didn’t like the fact that the undercover A-TAC team posing as college professors seemed to be able to stay off the radar of everyone. No one seemed to question the fact that they not only talk like cops/government, but they also act like it too. Professors simply don’t act like they do. At all. People would question professors acting like that did and so I found that aspect completely unbelievable.
I give Deadly Dance by Dee Davis 4 stars!
April 17, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/04/17/...
When I first picked up Dee Davis, I really enjoyed the different set-up she created for her characters. I’ve never read a book with undercover operatives working as professors, and I have to say I liked it. I liked it a lot. But for some reason, in this book, it didn’t work for me as much as before.
Hannah has been a little down and out since the death of her best friend and fellow A-Tac agent. But with her latest case she has been working closely with Harrison, the newest member of their team and man who keeps drawing Hannah’s attention. Not only is this case eerily similar to the one that killed Harrison’s sister, but the killer seems to be targeting women close to Hannah.
As clues as revealed and more women are killed, Hannah and Harrison get closer to not only finding the truth, but to falling in love with one another. When the killer eventually gets Hannah in his clutches, Harrison will have to face one of his worst nightmares in order to get her back.
Like I said before, while I originally really enjoyed the undercover aspect in previous books, in didn’t work for me in this one. I’m not sure if it’s because the A-Tac team were working a case on their own undercover college campus, or what, but I found myself getting frustrated a few times while reading. Time and time again Hannah and Harrison were told they needed to remain undercover, that they couldn’t act like CIA agents, instead had to maintain their professor personas. However, throughout the entire book they ran the investigation, questions witnesses (their own students), gave out confidential information and generally ran around and acted like CIA agents. At no point in the book did any of the characters act like they were undercover, and yet for some reason, NO ONE seemed to question their involvement within the case. To me, that just seemed not only really unlikely, but also outside of the realm of believable for me.
That aside, there were things I really enjoyed about this book. Like the other A-Tac books, the Consortium is working hard to undermine them in any and every way possible. I liked the twist at the end of the book between the Consortium and the serial killer and how it all ended up working out. It was something I didn’t catch onto until about halfway through, and was a great way to tie the whole book together.
The relationship between Hannah and Harrison ran somewhat hot and cold for me. There were moments when the two of them seemed so connected and wonderful together, and then other moments when I couldn’t really feel their passion for each other. I did like that they complemented each other well, they were both big fans of technology and were perfect for bouncing ideas off each other. They both were able to really heal each other, help one another deal with the dark histories they each brought into the relationship.
All in all I thought this was both a strong and weak book in the A-Tac series. I really liked the case they worked on, the twists and turns that Davis took us on throughout the story, and overall I enjoyed both Hannah and Harrison as our main characters. However, the undercover aspect really didn’t work for me and pulled me out of the story time and time again. Despite that, Davis continues to be a romantic suspense author who writes an incredible story and one I enjoy reading.
I give Deadly Dance a C-
When I first picked up Dee Davis, I really enjoyed the different set-up she created for her characters. I’ve never read a book with undercover operatives working as professors, and I have to say I liked it. I liked it a lot. But for some reason, in this book, it didn’t work for me as much as before.
Hannah has been a little down and out since the death of her best friend and fellow A-Tac agent. But with her latest case she has been working closely with Harrison, the newest member of their team and man who keeps drawing Hannah’s attention. Not only is this case eerily similar to the one that killed Harrison’s sister, but the killer seems to be targeting women close to Hannah.
As clues as revealed and more women are killed, Hannah and Harrison get closer to not only finding the truth, but to falling in love with one another. When the killer eventually gets Hannah in his clutches, Harrison will have to face one of his worst nightmares in order to get her back.
Like I said before, while I originally really enjoyed the undercover aspect in previous books, in didn’t work for me in this one. I’m not sure if it’s because the A-Tac team were working a case on their own undercover college campus, or what, but I found myself getting frustrated a few times while reading. Time and time again Hannah and Harrison were told they needed to remain undercover, that they couldn’t act like CIA agents, instead had to maintain their professor personas. However, throughout the entire book they ran the investigation, questions witnesses (their own students), gave out confidential information and generally ran around and acted like CIA agents. At no point in the book did any of the characters act like they were undercover, and yet for some reason, NO ONE seemed to question their involvement within the case. To me, that just seemed not only really unlikely, but also outside of the realm of believable for me.
That aside, there were things I really enjoyed about this book. Like the other A-Tac books, the Consortium is working hard to undermine them in any and every way possible. I liked the twist at the end of the book between the Consortium and the serial killer and how it all ended up working out. It was something I didn’t catch onto until about halfway through, and was a great way to tie the whole book together.
The relationship between Hannah and Harrison ran somewhat hot and cold for me. There were moments when the two of them seemed so connected and wonderful together, and then other moments when I couldn’t really feel their passion for each other. I did like that they complemented each other well, they were both big fans of technology and were perfect for bouncing ideas off each other. They both were able to really heal each other, help one another deal with the dark histories they each brought into the relationship.
All in all I thought this was both a strong and weak book in the A-Tac series. I really liked the case they worked on, the twists and turns that Davis took us on throughout the story, and overall I enjoyed both Hannah and Harrison as our main characters. However, the undercover aspect really didn’t work for me and pulled me out of the story time and time again. Despite that, Davis continues to be a romantic suspense author who writes an incredible story and one I enjoy reading.
I give Deadly Dance a C-
June 21, 2012
For this review and more visit my blog
A free copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for a review.
Deadly dance is the fifth book in the A-Tac series but it is the first that I’ve read. I found it easy to understand and follow. There were a few things that had flowed over from the books before it but they were explained and didn’t detract from the book.
Deadly dance is a book of two half’s. One half is a crime/murder-mystery book, entwined with that is a romance half. The crime half of this book was excellent. From beginning to end the book for full of twists and turns that head me guessing. I read like an episode of Criminal Minds and was difficult to put down.
This book doesn’t hold back its punches. It is not for the faint of heart. If you can’t handle blood, guts and violence then I suggest you start far away from this book. I mean this warning seriously. I have a strong stomach, it takes a lot to faze me but I found certain parts of this book (especially something that happens right at the end involving the main character) extremely disturbing. It was not torture porn but it invoked the same feelings and I found it uncomfortable to read. The feeling stayed with me for a while afterwards and I couldn’t shake it.
This book doesn’t work quite as well as a romance. Hannah and Harrison were both great characters but I didn’t quite buy into the romance between them. It all felt a little random, they are friends who very suddenly realize they are attracted to one another. Then without warning or build up they are having sex with one another. The building of feelings between them was fine but it was the physical that just didn’t seem right for some reason. I think that the crime half was so well written and so interesting the love story just couldn’t keep up and in the end it just didn’t compare.
The rest of the book was good. I liked the other characters. I loved the plot and I really enjoyed the set-up. It is a little farfetched. (A group of college professors who are secret CIA agents whose headquarters are under the school.) It is a bit like x-men but for normal, non-mutant people.
Before reading this I thought it was an out and out romance. The blurb and the cover give that impression. I think that is a real shame because there is no real reason why this book could not also be marketed or sold as a suspense/crime thriller. I thought that part of the book was definitely stronger. From what I have heard serial killers are not the norm for this series, so I am excited to check out the earlier books to see how they compare.
A free copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for a review.
Deadly dance is the fifth book in the A-Tac series but it is the first that I’ve read. I found it easy to understand and follow. There were a few things that had flowed over from the books before it but they were explained and didn’t detract from the book.
Deadly dance is a book of two half’s. One half is a crime/murder-mystery book, entwined with that is a romance half. The crime half of this book was excellent. From beginning to end the book for full of twists and turns that head me guessing. I read like an episode of Criminal Minds and was difficult to put down.
This book doesn’t hold back its punches. It is not for the faint of heart. If you can’t handle blood, guts and violence then I suggest you start far away from this book. I mean this warning seriously. I have a strong stomach, it takes a lot to faze me but I found certain parts of this book (especially something that happens right at the end involving the main character) extremely disturbing. It was not torture porn but it invoked the same feelings and I found it uncomfortable to read. The feeling stayed with me for a while afterwards and I couldn’t shake it.
This book doesn’t work quite as well as a romance. Hannah and Harrison were both great characters but I didn’t quite buy into the romance between them. It all felt a little random, they are friends who very suddenly realize they are attracted to one another. Then without warning or build up they are having sex with one another. The building of feelings between them was fine but it was the physical that just didn’t seem right for some reason. I think that the crime half was so well written and so interesting the love story just couldn’t keep up and in the end it just didn’t compare.
The rest of the book was good. I liked the other characters. I loved the plot and I really enjoyed the set-up. It is a little farfetched. (A group of college professors who are secret CIA agents whose headquarters are under the school.) It is a bit like x-men but for normal, non-mutant people.
Before reading this I thought it was an out and out romance. The blurb and the cover give that impression. I think that is a real shame because there is no real reason why this book could not also be marketed or sold as a suspense/crime thriller. I thought that part of the book was definitely stronger. From what I have heard serial killers are not the norm for this series, so I am excited to check out the earlier books to see how they compare.
March 20, 2012
Deadly Dance is the fifth book in the A-Tac series by Dee Davis and a Romantic Suspense from Grand Central Publishing.
Book Blurb:
As the intelligence officer for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Hannah Marshall is used to working behind the scenes. But when a brutal murder hits too close to home, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the action, falling in love while racing to outwit a sadistic mastermind.
A KILLER CLOSES IN
After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.
Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves.
My thoughts:
Hannah Marshall is part of a top secret organization housed beneath Sunderland College in New York. Known as A-Tac, this black ops unit of the CIA has been working on bringing down the Consortium for some time - but every time they think they’ve made a break through, the Consortium slips away.
When their last mission resulted in the betrayal of the unit and the death of her partner, Hannah is left feeling uneasy and distrustful - to say the least.
When a student comes to Hannah with what looks to be a video of a girl being murdered Hannah takes it to the newest member of A-Tac, Harrison Blake.
Harrison is ex-FBI and he has first hand knowledge of serial killers - his sister was a victim of one - and it looks like her killer or a copy cat - is at it again. When Hannah becomes the killers latest victim Harrison and A-Tac must race the clock to find out where Hannah is being held and tortured - before her time runs out...
Deadly Dance is an exciting read. I enjoy the A-Tac series and look forward to each installment.
I give Deadly Dance 4 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever (April 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446582948
ISBN-13: 978-0446582940
Book Blurb:
As the intelligence officer for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Hannah Marshall is used to working behind the scenes. But when a brutal murder hits too close to home, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the action, falling in love while racing to outwit a sadistic mastermind.
A KILLER CLOSES IN
After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.
Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves.
My thoughts:
Hannah Marshall is part of a top secret organization housed beneath Sunderland College in New York. Known as A-Tac, this black ops unit of the CIA has been working on bringing down the Consortium for some time - but every time they think they’ve made a break through, the Consortium slips away.
When their last mission resulted in the betrayal of the unit and the death of her partner, Hannah is left feeling uneasy and distrustful - to say the least.
When a student comes to Hannah with what looks to be a video of a girl being murdered Hannah takes it to the newest member of A-Tac, Harrison Blake.
Harrison is ex-FBI and he has first hand knowledge of serial killers - his sister was a victim of one - and it looks like her killer or a copy cat - is at it again. When Hannah becomes the killers latest victim Harrison and A-Tac must race the clock to find out where Hannah is being held and tortured - before her time runs out...
Deadly Dance is an exciting read. I enjoy the A-Tac series and look forward to each installment.
I give Deadly Dance 4 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever (April 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446582948
ISBN-13: 978-0446582940
April 1, 2012
Considering that I randomly jumped in the story at book number five, I had no problems catching up with the two main characters, Hannah and Harrison. The author doesn't take a chapter to catch you up to speed about these two characters but instead you learn things about them as you read. For instance the fact that Harrison was part of another unit before A-Tac. However, whether this information was presented in the previous books or not, it didn't read like an over view but written in as a reminder when his team members from his previous unit pop into the story.
I liked both Harrison and Hannah's characters. Both have problems that they are over coming and with the serial killer on the loose, those memories are starting to resurface. However, they both over come their pasts as they try to catch the killer before he can attack another victim that they may know.
There is quite a bit of CIA terms and talk as they try to find clues to figure out how to find the "unsub" through the videos he is sending them during his brutal killings. Usually I get turned off by a lot of talking in the book but considering they weren't sitting around gossiping but rather coming up with possible suspects, MO's and trying to predict his next move, was very interesting to me.
My one and only problem I had with the story was part of the romance. There was one scene in particular where after Hannah's friend is taken, her and Harrison go back to her place after wracking their brains over the whole ideal and end up getting pretty heated amongst themselves. This I did not understand. One minute she was distraught over the current events of her friend being in the hands of a serial killer and then next minute she is acting like a teenager on prom night. It just didn't really add up to me. Other than that one issue, I thought the book was great.
Favorite quote...
"Some buddies and I decided to throw a party. And stupidly, I volunteered to play bartender. Rule was that every time someone had a shot, I had to have a shot too. You can just imagine."
-The reasoning behind choosing this quote... I have actually said and done this exact thing. Although I dubbed myself the shot queen... :o)
I liked both Harrison and Hannah's characters. Both have problems that they are over coming and with the serial killer on the loose, those memories are starting to resurface. However, they both over come their pasts as they try to catch the killer before he can attack another victim that they may know.
There is quite a bit of CIA terms and talk as they try to find clues to figure out how to find the "unsub" through the videos he is sending them during his brutal killings. Usually I get turned off by a lot of talking in the book but considering they weren't sitting around gossiping but rather coming up with possible suspects, MO's and trying to predict his next move, was very interesting to me.
My one and only problem I had with the story was part of the romance. There was one scene in particular where after Hannah's friend is taken, her and Harrison go back to her place after wracking their brains over the whole ideal and end up getting pretty heated amongst themselves. This I did not understand. One minute she was distraught over the current events of her friend being in the hands of a serial killer and then next minute she is acting like a teenager on prom night. It just didn't really add up to me. Other than that one issue, I thought the book was great.
Favorite quote...
"Some buddies and I decided to throw a party. And stupidly, I volunteered to play bartender. Rule was that every time someone had a shot, I had to have a shot too. You can just imagine."
-The reasoning behind choosing this quote... I have actually said and done this exact thing. Although I dubbed myself the shot queen... :o)
March 13, 2012
4 1/4 stars
Deadly Dance by Dee Davis is one of her A-Tac novels which features a group of dedicated operatives who alternate between their sometimes life-threatening missions and their cover positions at the campus of Sunderland College which houses the headquarters for the organization. A-Tac (American Tactical Intelligence Command) is an organization founded by the CIA and it has undergone some upheaval due to the tragic loss of several of its members but those who remain are dedicated to their jobs. Harrison Blake is a recent addition to the team but his background as a former FBI agent and member of the Last Chance organization combined with his computer skills make him an invaluable resource. The tragic loss of his twin has made him reluctant to get close to anyone although he is sorely tempted by fellow operative Hannah Marshall who has her own demons from the past to haunt her. A horrific video and subsequent clues lead the A-Tac team to realize that an insidiously evil individual is stalking the campus and may be targeting individuals close to Hannah herself. The gradual blossoming of a relationship between Hannah and Harrison is complicated by the tragedies in their backgrounds as well as the strain of finding a killer before he kills again. The escalating violence may end any chance of a romance before it is even begun unless a killer is brought to justice.
A gritty suspenseful tale that juxtaposes horrific scenes of violence with a unwilling attraction blossoming between two emotionally damaged individuals who must overcome their fears while attempting to remain effective investigators. The search gradually uncovers clues that may relate to a case from Harrison’s past but the escalation of violence and the increasing number of victims from A-Tac’s home campus make it even more essential that the case be resolved quickly. An intense and mesmerizing read.
Deadly Dance by Dee Davis is one of her A-Tac novels which features a group of dedicated operatives who alternate between their sometimes life-threatening missions and their cover positions at the campus of Sunderland College which houses the headquarters for the organization. A-Tac (American Tactical Intelligence Command) is an organization founded by the CIA and it has undergone some upheaval due to the tragic loss of several of its members but those who remain are dedicated to their jobs. Harrison Blake is a recent addition to the team but his background as a former FBI agent and member of the Last Chance organization combined with his computer skills make him an invaluable resource. The tragic loss of his twin has made him reluctant to get close to anyone although he is sorely tempted by fellow operative Hannah Marshall who has her own demons from the past to haunt her. A horrific video and subsequent clues lead the A-Tac team to realize that an insidiously evil individual is stalking the campus and may be targeting individuals close to Hannah herself. The gradual blossoming of a relationship between Hannah and Harrison is complicated by the tragedies in their backgrounds as well as the strain of finding a killer before he kills again. The escalating violence may end any chance of a romance before it is even begun unless a killer is brought to justice.
A gritty suspenseful tale that juxtaposes horrific scenes of violence with a unwilling attraction blossoming between two emotionally damaged individuals who must overcome their fears while attempting to remain effective investigators. The search gradually uncovers clues that may relate to a case from Harrison’s past but the escalation of violence and the increasing number of victims from A-Tac’s home campus make it even more essential that the case be resolved quickly. An intense and mesmerizing read.
May 27, 2013
Several members of A-Tac, a black ops CIA unit, are in Canada hoping to catch Consortium member Alain Dubois in an art forgery sting. Hannah Marshall is posing as the owner of a “lost” masterpiece and she is willing to sell it to Dubois, a high end antiques dealer. Instead of trapping their prey, the A-Tac team walks into a trap and they are lucky to all survive. Dubois wasn’t so fortunate.
Hannah is a professor at Sunderland College, as are all A-Tac members. Sunderland is an Ivy League college in New York that is a cover for A-Tac. Hanna’s specialty with the unit is intelligence gathering. After her return from Canada she receives an email from her teaching assistant about a missing co-ed and a podcast of a young woman tied to a bed and being tortured with a knife.
Harrison Blake, computer guru, is the newest member of the team, and is the unit’s replacement for Jason Lawton, Hannah’s love interest who was killed when the unit was betrayed by a member of their team. Harrison has more than a passing interest in the missing co-ed – his sister was abducted, tortured, and killed a few years ago and her body has never been found. Has this killer returned? Harrison needs to help Hannah and the authorities track the killer. Maybe then he will find the answers and closure he needs.
The Consortium is a secretive group of wealthy men that have formed an arms cartel. They are also responsible for domestic terrorist activities including a recent bombing in the Big Apple. These criminals want to eradicate A-Tac, and vice versa. Therefore, it is a constant battle between good versus evil.
Dee Davis’ formula for outstanding adventure tales is simple – heroes and villains white knuckle suspense mature adult relationships and, her talent with prose. Viola! You are now embarked on another one sitting, nail biting, page turning and exciting journey.
Betty Cox, ReaderToReader.com
Hannah is a professor at Sunderland College, as are all A-Tac members. Sunderland is an Ivy League college in New York that is a cover for A-Tac. Hanna’s specialty with the unit is intelligence gathering. After her return from Canada she receives an email from her teaching assistant about a missing co-ed and a podcast of a young woman tied to a bed and being tortured with a knife.
Harrison Blake, computer guru, is the newest member of the team, and is the unit’s replacement for Jason Lawton, Hannah’s love interest who was killed when the unit was betrayed by a member of their team. Harrison has more than a passing interest in the missing co-ed – his sister was abducted, tortured, and killed a few years ago and her body has never been found. Has this killer returned? Harrison needs to help Hannah and the authorities track the killer. Maybe then he will find the answers and closure he needs.
The Consortium is a secretive group of wealthy men that have formed an arms cartel. They are also responsible for domestic terrorist activities including a recent bombing in the Big Apple. These criminals want to eradicate A-Tac, and vice versa. Therefore, it is a constant battle between good versus evil.
Dee Davis’ formula for outstanding adventure tales is simple – heroes and villains white knuckle suspense mature adult relationships and, her talent with prose. Viola! You are now embarked on another one sitting, nail biting, page turning and exciting journey.
Betty Cox, ReaderToReader.com
July 27, 2012
Reviewed for http://www.mysecretromancebookreviews...
Deadly Dance is the ultimate Criminal Minds experience. The members of A-Tac team are made up of CIA agents masquerading as college professors. They have a super secret ops center below the campus of their university. Though they’ve been on the trail of a notorious terrorist group, they are always one step behind.
In this fifth installment of the A-Tac series, the group they’ve been after targets one of their own on a personal level. IT specialist Harrison Blake lost his twin sister to a brutal rapist and serial killer known as the Cyber Killer. Dormant for nine years, it seems the Cyber Killer is back or a close imitation of him is. Someone is picking up where he left off and making Harrison relive the horror. One problem though, these copycat killings draw out the real Cyber Killer and he’s ready to make up for lost time.
Such a great edge of my seat, suspense novel. I felt like I was literally curled up with 400 pages of CBS on Wednesday nights. What was not so great was the romance that developed between Harrison and his A-Tac colleague Hannah Marshall. They just didn’t work for me. I felt like the sex was out of place and the characters were rushed into it. Also, a little irritating was the fact that the team is supposed to be a secret. They have aliases in place for a reason. But yet they were running around their college campus interviewing witnesses; not very professor like. Other than that it was a great suspense thriller. It could easily be a two part episode on Criminal Minds.
This book was provided by NetGalley for review.
Deadly Dance is the ultimate Criminal Minds experience. The members of A-Tac team are made up of CIA agents masquerading as college professors. They have a super secret ops center below the campus of their university. Though they’ve been on the trail of a notorious terrorist group, they are always one step behind.
In this fifth installment of the A-Tac series, the group they’ve been after targets one of their own on a personal level. IT specialist Harrison Blake lost his twin sister to a brutal rapist and serial killer known as the Cyber Killer. Dormant for nine years, it seems the Cyber Killer is back or a close imitation of him is. Someone is picking up where he left off and making Harrison relive the horror. One problem though, these copycat killings draw out the real Cyber Killer and he’s ready to make up for lost time.
Such a great edge of my seat, suspense novel. I felt like I was literally curled up with 400 pages of CBS on Wednesday nights. What was not so great was the romance that developed between Harrison and his A-Tac colleague Hannah Marshall. They just didn’t work for me. I felt like the sex was out of place and the characters were rushed into it. Also, a little irritating was the fact that the team is supposed to be a secret. They have aliases in place for a reason. But yet they were running around their college campus interviewing witnesses; not very professor like. Other than that it was a great suspense thriller. It could easily be a two part episode on Criminal Minds.
This book was provided by NetGalley for review.
April 12, 2012
Hannah Marshall is a professor at Sunderland college. She is also a covert operative for A-TAC. American Tectical Intelligence Command, this group was founded by the CIA more than fifteen years ago. They use Sunderland College as a cover where each agent is also a professor. Hannah is still trying to adjust to the death of her friend and fellow agent by a mole in their group. When Hannah sees a podcast of a woman being tourted and then killed, she has no idea if it is real or someone's sick idea of a joke. She shows the podcast to the one person that can tell her if it is real or not. That is their newest team member.
Harrison Blake is the head of Computer Science Department and A-TAC's computer guru. Harrison comes from the FBI where he was working at trying to catch a serial killer. The last victum was Harrison's twin sister. Now it seems that the killer is back but as they start to investgateing the killings things don't add up. It seems that this is a copy cat killer and not the one that Harrison is after. Or is it? Hannah and Harrison belive that neither one of them deserves love. They will have to trust in their hearts and in each other is they are to survive.
This is Ms Davis's fifth installment in her A-TAC series. This book is a great addition to this exciting series. Ms Davis keeps each book fresh and new. The story is filled with the correct mixture of romance and action. You will be on the edge of your seat until the last page. This is a wonderful series and one I recommand to anybody who loves action with their romane
Harrison Blake is the head of Computer Science Department and A-TAC's computer guru. Harrison comes from the FBI where he was working at trying to catch a serial killer. The last victum was Harrison's twin sister. Now it seems that the killer is back but as they start to investgateing the killings things don't add up. It seems that this is a copy cat killer and not the one that Harrison is after. Or is it? Hannah and Harrison belive that neither one of them deserves love. They will have to trust in their hearts and in each other is they are to survive.
This is Ms Davis's fifth installment in her A-TAC series. This book is a great addition to this exciting series. Ms Davis keeps each book fresh and new. The story is filled with the correct mixture of romance and action. You will be on the edge of your seat until the last page. This is a wonderful series and one I recommand to anybody who loves action with their romane
August 6, 2013
The really bad thing about being invested in a really good series is when one of the books disappoints you. *sigh* Such was the case with "Deadly Dance", book five in the A-Tac series by Dee Davis. I've come to expect great things from this author. Unfortunately, this book fell short for me...way short...which is why I'm only giving it two stars. (Perhaps it's unfair of me because if it had been written by an unknown author I probably would've given it three stars. But Ms. Davis is usually so much better than this that I can't help but be totally disappointed.) I didn't buy the serial killer/imitator storyline. It seemed too contrived and far fetched. I was also upset with how everyone seemed to turn into the stupid kids in a slasher flick. You know...Hey, there's a serial killer out there but why don't we split up? That way it'll be easier for him to pick us off one by one! (Yeah, it was that bad.) The A-Tac team seemed to completely lose their usually intelligent minds and do dumb things. (Who cares what was used to blow up your freakin' car?! Hannah was abducted! Forget analyzing security footage to find out how and when the bomb was planted! Get your butts in gear and find footage that might help you find Hannah!)
I have to stop here because I'm getting all upset about this awful turn of events in an otherwise kick butt series. Here's hoping "Double Danger" will redeem this disappointing story.
I have to stop here because I'm getting all upset about this awful turn of events in an otherwise kick butt series. Here's hoping "Double Danger" will redeem this disappointing story.
September 1, 2012
Excellent book!!! Highly suspenseful, edge of your seat kind of book that kept me guessing til almost the end. The romance was quite steaming hot! Both Harrison and Hannah come from complex shattered pasts that come crumbling apart and come back to haunt them both in this book. Their pasts do make them understand each other better but also make it harder to be intimate with people. It was no surprise to me when Harrison first came on the scene a couple or so books back that he would end up with going after Hannah. The way Dee Davis sets up their backgrounds is so excellent and watching it play out in how it relates to the present was totally awesome. I don't have book #4, & forgot to read Daring first which is #3.5, I feel like I missed out on a little of A-Tac's continuing timeline, but not enough to not appreciate this book to its fullest. It can be standalone, but the series is best read in order. At the end of the book there is a short blurb for book #5 which comes out in January 2013 involving Simon and his past and present. It had me wanting to read it right now! I would definitely recommend this book if you like romantic suspense with spy type tie ins with alpha males that can be sweet and strong females, if not, pass this up. This author is great and I will keep looking for more of her books.
Want to read
January 18, 2014Deadly Dance - A-TAC #5 - (Harrison and Hannah) -
As the intelligence officer for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Hannah Marshall is used to working behind the scenes. But when a brutal murder hits too close to home, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the action, falling in love while racing to outwit a sadistic mastermind.
A KILLER CLOSES IN
After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.
Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves
As the intelligence officer for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Hannah Marshall is used to working behind the scenes. But when a brutal murder hits too close to home, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the action, falling in love while racing to outwit a sadistic mastermind.
A KILLER CLOSES IN
After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.
Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves
July 5, 2015
The 2nd book for me in this A-Tac series, I love how the author integrated the characters with cover positions as college professors. The story started of Hannah being in the action of catching a link to the consortium (i.e. you read the previous book) and from this mission, there was a certain attraction to her fellow team member, Harrison.
Harrison from the previous book was filled with a certain charm which reminded me of a calm and cool hacker with the brains which is intriguing between the two leads. Hannah has a certain charisma and with an intellect that is mesmerizing in my point of view.
In this story, the A-Tac team is dealing with a serial killer with a vengeance. I must say that certain scenes left chills down my spine. In conclusion, I felt that though this story seemed better in comparison to the previous book, however, in the relationship department, I felt that the leads tend to be a little wishy-washy over their feelings towards each other.
Harrison from the previous book was filled with a certain charm which reminded me of a calm and cool hacker with the brains which is intriguing between the two leads. Hannah has a certain charisma and with an intellect that is mesmerizing in my point of view.
In this story, the A-Tac team is dealing with a serial killer with a vengeance. I must say that certain scenes left chills down my spine. In conclusion, I felt that though this story seemed better in comparison to the previous book, however, in the relationship department, I felt that the leads tend to be a little wishy-washy over their feelings towards each other.
May 31, 2012
It is no secret that I love this series, and I have been waiting for Hannah's story, and I wasn't disappointed. She seems to be the little sister of the group, someone that everyone looks after, so I knew it would take a special someone to break down some of her defense walls. Lots of twists and turns in the plot, and when you think you have it figured out, another twist is thrown in there, just for good measure. I felt the flow of the book was great, the characters were awesome, and we got to catch up a little with other members. Some parts of the story seemed REALLY predictable though, like when Hannah was finally taken, you could see that coming from a mile away. But really that would be my only gripe. Otherwise, I loved the story as much as the rest of the series. I am highly intrigued by Simon, and can't wait for his story.
May 4, 2012
Dee Davis has done it again. Right from the beginning I was hooked to Harrison and Hannah. There is a serial killer and the target is Hannah. Everybody knows she is tough, strong and the only woman that has gotten under Harrisons skin. He knows he cant committ but with Hannah he feels differently. Can he protect her from his past when he doesnt even know what is going on.
In one word Wow. The first book had me on my seat and this one just got under my skin. Harrison is a man who is afraid to love ever since tragedy struck his family. I loved how deep Dee Davis pulled me into the story. The killings were so real and man the passion between these two hot. Deadly Dance definitely recommended from this reader. Awesome book.
In one word Wow. The first book had me on my seat and this one just got under my skin. Harrison is a man who is afraid to love ever since tragedy struck his family. I loved how deep Dee Davis pulled me into the story. The killings were so real and man the passion between these two hot. Deadly Dance definitely recommended from this reader. Awesome book.
May 11, 2013
I have loved Harrison since he made his first appearance with Last Chance Inc. I was so happy when he showed up at A-TAC and even more pleased that he got his own book esp after he went into the field in Deep Disclosure. For once the heroine was actually enjoyable and not once did I want to smack sense into her or kill her myself. That alone ranks this books as an improvement on the others.
However I'm really starting to wonder why nobody has questioned the A-TAC members cover stories esp in this book where they practically shouting "Hi I'm a secret government agent" while they tracked the killer.
However I'm really starting to wonder why nobody has questioned the A-TAC members cover stories esp in this book where they practically shouting "Hi I'm a secret government agent" while they tracked the killer.
September 14, 2013
Hannah (off the cuff/unique and Harrison (computer genius) After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.
Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves
Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves
March 31, 2012
I zipped through this one pretty fast and it was an okay read for me. I liked Hannah and Harrison as a couple. Glad that they could get past their pasts to be together. Just seemed like a lot of death and sex and not much of anything else. We were close to getting the guy who was a link to the Consortium in the beginning and then from there it dealt with who was the serial killer. I WANT to know who is behind the Consortium and why they are out to destroy A-Tac. But must wait till Simone's book.
August 8, 2012
Another winner from Dee Davis. Still going strong on book #5. This whole series has been such a great read and I can't wait to read the upcoming story on Simon. Hannah and Harrison's story, a picture of two very scarred people who became trusted friends first and co-workers first and then later realized the attraction for each other. The two are a match for sure.
March 20, 2016
This is another good book in the A-Tac series, but this one breaks from the well-used formula. Both main characters work for A-Tac and are tracking a serial killer. This time the mystery doesn't involve the dreaded Consortium, or does it? Another good read in this series by Dee Davis.
February 7, 2016
I just really don't get it i guess. I saw the ratings and premise and checked it out thinking it'd be right up my alley. I'll admit the major twist was good but the rest... it wasn't AWFUL just kinda...meh. I expected more.
March 30, 2016
Very good! from beginning, till the end! Al members from A-tac in action and much adventure! I love Harrison and Hannah ( and Drake whaaaaaaa)
In januari Double Danger,......just 4 months,.............
In januari Double Danger,......just 4 months,.............
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