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A man of courage.
A man of redemption.
Michelangelo is precise and perilous—a man to be respected.
After spending four years in prison, serving time for the crimes I committed, I’m now ready to live a life very different from the one I previously led. Becoming an agent for K19 Allied Intelligence means I’ll play a part in taking down one of the world’s worst crime families—the Calabrian Syndicate. Like every other criminal society, the list of their acts against the innocent is long, the worst of which is human trafficking.

Their crimes against Penelope, selling her gallery millions of dollars in forged art, might seem inconsequential to the men and women who’ve spent their careers fighting against the vilest individuals the world has ever known. But when Pen, my sister’s closest friend and the woman who captivated me from the moment we met, is taken to get to me, I’ll do anything to save her. Even if it means I’ll be sent back to prison.

While each title in this series is a standalone featuring one couple with their own HEA, they may be more enjoyable read in order.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2024

78 people are currently reading
26 people want to read

About the author

Heather Slade

114 books1,333 followers
USA Today best-selling author of shamelessly sexy, edge-of-your seat suspense.

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Learn more about my series here:
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5 stars
154 (75%)
4 stars
39 (19%)
3 stars
8 (3%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
760 reviews6 followers
May 30, 2024
This is a great read, loved Ripa and Pen. The chemistry between these two is amazing. How they work through what life has thrown at them and build a solid relationship is an action packed, page turning read. It’s truly amazing how Heather weaves all these stories together so you keep getting peeks into our past friends from previous books.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
June 6, 2024
The prologue of this book is five months after the beginning of this story.

As this book opens, we meet Brando 'Michelangelo' Ripa as he greets Penelope 'Butterfly' Ramsey at the gallery owed by the Tribe of Five. The Tribe of five is Brando's sister Tara, Kade's daughter Quinn, Aine, Ava and Penelope. Brando has been given a second chance by Kade 'Doc' Butler. Having been incarcerated for art forgery, one the conditions of his release, is to work with K19 Security Solutions. He'll be working in conjunction with the FBI to take down a huge forgery operation.

The FBI has already informed Penelope that even with their intense scrutiny the provenance and paintings of several of their purchases are forgeries. There are twenty-four paintings involved and she had procured every one of them. She's not allowed to talk to anyone about it not even her partners although Tara knows. Now Brando is here, and he knows. He assures her he hasn't spoken to his sister yet because he wanted to see her first. It's here we learn why he calls her Butterfly.

Brando's here to help and it's not just the Catarina Benedetto Gallery but several others in NY are affected as well. The pieces came through various brokers, which was also confirmed by other galleries. However, the number of pieces from her gallery is far higher than the others. Penelope doesn't own the gallery alone, the Tribe of Five, Brando's sister Tara, Kade's daughter Quinn, Aine, and Ava are partners in this endeavor. Since she was responsible for the acquisitions, she feels she should be the one to reimburse their clients, even though the insurance should cover it.

Her father texts at that uncomfortable moment, and it's definitely not a welcome one. It involves meeting his new girlfriend and a family property on Fire Island that her father has promised to her. Initially she's not going to meet up but then Brand comes up with a plan for when they're in California to meet with Doc and Merrigan.

The initial plan is for Brand and Pen to go undercover at auctions. He would reestablish himself in the business and their cover will be they are engaged. Only those who need to know will be told the engagement is a fake. Although Brand hopes to start a true relationship with Pen.

Once in California, Pen and Brand meet up with her father. Doc has given them a bit of ammunition to use to put a stop to her father's plans. With her father's drama handled quite brilliantly, they can concentrate on the more pressing issue in front of them, stopping a forgery ring.

When they get to Doc and Merrigan's the Tribe of Five are all there. It's quite the reunion along with some planning.

Originally planning to take the red-eye back to NY, they change their plans to stay another night. Things begin to heat up very quickly from here for them personally.

Along with all the challenges and danger there is laughter, tears, action, suspense, romance and plenty of sizzle as well as this story plays out.

I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Tracy Quoka.
338 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2024
I received this book as an ARC for an honest and voluntary review. I've personally been waiting for Penelope's HEA for a while. She is the last of the "Tribe of five" that wasn't married. All of her friends from boarding school and college had found love within the K19 and Butler Ranch series. I personally was super excited to see her story get told.
I won't lie I was a little concerned when I read the synopsis and figured out that she was going to have a future with Tara's brother Brando because I didn't really like him in previous books. However, Doc Butler sees Brando for what he is, someone who has grown up from the actions of his youth. I must've missed the attraction between Pen and Brand when they crossed paths in previous books, as often I read the foreshadowing within Ms. Slade's books. (There's foreshadowing of two couples in this book).
Readers who read Codename: Puck interacted with both Pen(Butterfly) and Brand (Michelangelo) in that book. Pen randomly meet Seshat at a park in NYC. But Pen truthfully questions if it's random or Kismet.
I really enjoyed this book; Brand had an uphill battle as Pen has a lot of insecurity toward relationships. The early chapters in the book when you meet her dad and his flavor of the month, helps you to understand why she's relationship weary. Brand is in for the long haul, so he'll work to prove to her it's worth the risk.
Of course there's some suspense in the book, it wouldn't be a Heather Slade book without it. Not as much as some of her other books, but just as intriguing.
While part of a series this book can be read as a standalone. Yes it bisects with Code Name: Puck, however in this book you experience those scenes through the eyes of this book's main characters.
1,617 reviews13 followers
May 27, 2024
Code Name: Michelangelo is the 2nd in the K19 AI Team 2 series and since there is quite a bit of overlap with the 1st - Puck and Seshat's story - I would highly recommend reading at these books in order. Pen's and Michelangelo's book is one of second changes - for him with the team as well as for them as friends-to-lovers: There are also elements of meant-to-be - coincidental meetings, being in the right place at the right times and of course, a good dose of danger and suspense. I liked that it is a bit steamier than previous books and brings us glimpses of characters from previous books living their best lives. Even though Pen and Michelangelo find their well-deserved HEA with each other, the team's work is by no means over and the next promises to be an exhilarating ride. I can't wait!
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
6,552 reviews27 followers
May 31, 2024
This is the second book in this wonderful series and there is a lot of overlap with book one "Code Name Puck" so i feel that you will enjoy this one much better if you have read hat one as well. This is the story of Brand (Michelangelo) a man well really boy that made a bad decision that could have affected the rest of his life but Kade saw something in him and offered him redemption with the teams. He has always had a thing for Pen his sisters best friend and the last unmarried member of the tribe of five. So when his case intersects with her art business he is all in not only in the case but to protect her as well.

Once again Heather has given us a read that totally enthralls us and keeps us turning the pages though I have to say this is a little steamier than her previous books but all I can say is bring it on.
1,256 reviews15 followers
June 12, 2024
Romance, Mystery, and Suspense

Penelope was supposed to be on the plane so she could meet Brand, AKA Code Name: Michelangelo. She was not on that plane. Where did she go?

When you have art forgeries, a crime family, and two people who are hunting them, danger is the name of the game. Peril is a part of the journey, but will Penelope and Brand survive to tell the tale? What happens to the criminals using Penelope's gallery to sell forged art? For the answers, you will want to read this entertaining romance with mystery and suspense. Even though this couple's story is complete, you will want to start the series from the beginning to meet the other characters mentioned in this book. If you like romantic suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you will appreciate their stories.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,231 reviews34 followers
December 21, 2024
This is a wonderful second chance romance that weaves its way through the art world. Specifically art forgery involving the Sicilian Mafia and the Calabrian Syndicate. Brand Ripa and Penelope Ramsey get caught up in the perilous game of trying to bring one of these entities to a fitting end. Eighteen year old Brand knew immediately upon seeing sixteen year old Penelope for the first time that she was meant to be his. Although he lost his way for a while, thanks to Doc Butler, he's back on track ready to put his talent and expertise to work not only to make amends but to right the wrongs visited upon Pen's gallery. It's a deadly cat and mouse game moving among the mafia playes without tipping his hand. It's touch and go for all concerned as things turn deadly. Keeping his Butterfly safe is his primary focus because he fully intends to spend the est of his life makig her happy.
Profile Image for Cathaleen Way.
299 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2024
Second chances can be more than we ever dreamed

Brand had made some choices in life that led him down the road he walked. That road lost him more than he ever imagined. Then Kade walked in his door offering him a second chance, a second life. He swore he would take it and never look back.

Penelope was living the best life she could. Something were great others a work in progress. She never thought he would walk back in her door. She never thought her dreams could ever come true.

As they fight to find their way back to each other they battle outside forces trying to keep them apart. Can they over come everything and get their HEA.

I loved Brand and Pen’s story. It is heart warming and sexy. I loved getting to join them on their journey. Heather never disappoints.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,415 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2025
Making art together

Penelope/Butterfly and Brando/Michelangelo. Both seen in previous stories and both k19 adjacent since neither is really a spy or law enforcement type. They are great characters and Penelope’s growth through the different series is fantastic. Now we get to know her and her specific family baggage which was eye opening. Brando was introduced as a criminal and upset family situation with Tara in a previous story, but now his background and artistic skill will be helpful. Revisiting DeDe and Sven was great, especially seeing it from this couples view and seeing who all is instrumental in ensuring their HEA. Doc and Typhon are both present and make big differences in Brandos life. A great and easy read!
Profile Image for Kristina Rezac.
205 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2024
In Code Name: Michelangelo, we’re swept away with Brand and Penelope’s story. Brand and Pen seemed to have kept moving in opposite directions until life brings them back together. Pen is the fifth in our tribe of five to finally get her happily ever after. Brand is predominantly first introduced when his half sister, Tara, comes into some trouble. Brand will stop at nothing to prove and show Pen his love, even if it means flying halfway around the world going undercover with a crime syndicate. Heather Slade does it again captivating you into her world with this page turner. I can’t wait for the next book in her world.
Profile Image for Charity E. Beaudoin.
115 reviews
May 27, 2024
I have been waiting for the continuation of Brando Ripa's story for a while, and it did not disappoint. The growth of both Brando and Penelope from when they were first introduced many books ago to where they are now allows them to have great chemistry together and it is hot.
I loved having the tribe back together. It has been a while since they were all included simultaneously, and I wish there could have been more. Learning more about how Seshat was aided when she was missing was a bonus that added to the story, and I loved it. This group of agents has become such a tightly-knit family that I cannot wait to see how Typhon and Saint deal with their issues in the next book.
Profile Image for Teresa Reitnauer.
962 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2024
It was a page-turner that brought a lot of characters together. Michelangelo spent four years in prison for art forgery. His early release, orchestrated by Kade Butler, allowed him to work with K19 Allied Intelligence. His love for Penelope Ramsey enabled him to endure his time in prison. He wanted to help her gallery that had suffered losses due to forgeries, even if it meant going into a dangerous situation with the Italian crime families. The stakes went higher when she was kidnapped. Could he free her? Could they have a life together? I received a copy, and I'm voluntarily giving my honest review.
226 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2024
This is book 2 in K19 Allied Intelligence Team Two. The main characters are Brand also known as Michelangelo and Penelope also known as Butterfly. These two have known each other for years both very interested in the Art world. Of course this starts to be the premise of where this book is going and it does but a twist occurs. For those familiar with Heather’s books you know that our good guys are helping in the fight against Human Trafficking and wait till you see how this book takes an unexpected twist. And believe me there are definitely some unexpected surprises coming. Hope you enjoy as much as I did especially when I was getting to the conclusion. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,453 reviews25 followers
May 30, 2024
Michelangelo/Brand and Butterfly/Penelope met years ago but then he went away, now he's back and newly out of prison.
There is an instant attraction between them which Pen is very wary of, her upbringing was unconventional, she's an only child and one wonders why her parents had her. Brand has also discovered family information which upset him. He's amazing with her, allowing her to set the pace.
Brand is now working for K19, a requirement after his early release from prison.
The base of the story is Brand being an art forger and Penelope's gallery being targeted.

Another great read in the series from Heather
278 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2024
Oh, my Heather Slade has brought us another page turner in this series, that will suck you in from the first page. When Brand and Pen cross paths again, let the fireworks fly. These two are both very attracted to one another but at first aren't sure about crossing that line but once they do holy moly are they hot together. Throw in the twists and turns of the mystery involving the who defrauded Pen and her partners out of millions. Along with the other member of the K19 team and you won't be able to put this one down until you get to the end. I loved this book. Definitely my new favorite book of the year.

I received an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,133 reviews8 followers
June 5, 2024
Code Name: Michelangelo

Wow! Another FANTASTIC story by Heather! This story is about Brand and Penelope. They met as teenagers but were away from each other for a few years. I didn't realize that Brand was not part of the Coalition. His past got him a mission with the Coalition. It's good to see the people on the Coalition. It was so good to see Seshat and Puck intertwine with Penelope and Brand. So happy everyone survived the mission they were on as well as Penelope, who reluctantly was involved. Glad these two got their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Heather! I would recommend this book!
Profile Image for Andrea Smierciak.
194 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2024
I absolutely loved the story of Brando "Michaelangelo" and Penelope "Butterfly". Two hurt and damaged people who fall in lust/love but it takes years for them to come together. Loved reading about the other side of how Pen met DeDe "Seshat" and helped save her life. Read about art forgery and the Italian Mafia and see into how Michaelangelo grows up and realizes what he wants out of life. As always Heather Slade will leave you captivated in these books with so many crossovers, much loved past characters and of course mystery, intrigue and love.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
1,926 reviews35 followers
May 24, 2024
Ripa & Pen give us a chance at achieving dreams. You enjoy the slow journey towards each other with a few road blocks. Once the heat catches, all bets are off with the blaze that burns between them. We meet so many characters that make you laugh, roll your eyes & smile. The wolrd of Art becomes interesting & a litter dangerous while a pleasant surprise waits the rescue. Honest review! Read & enjoy!
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,927 reviews16 followers
May 26, 2024
We get more detail in this story of Penelope and Brand, as we met them briefly in another chapter. I love this author's ability to keep the timelines straight throughout all her books, it's an amazing quality. Butterfly is a wonderful name for Pen, and it makes me swoon every time Brand says it. I was ready to throttle Pen early on in the book though, her decision to back off. This was another very enjoyable read in this series. Loves these guys.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
1,658 reviews9 followers
May 28, 2024
Michaelangelo and Butterfly is a story you don’t want to miss!

Michaelangelo and Butterfly’s story is a thrilling love story. Brought together by a mission, they are reunited once again after meeting when they were teenagers when it was love at first sight. They face obstacles to be together during this mission, but when they are together it’s like fire on the pages. I swooned over Michaelangelo and I think you will too.
3,078 reviews18 followers
May 30, 2024
K19 Allied Intelligence Romance!!

Family issues result in personal choices which impact quite negatively. Those experiences then provide an opportunity to get on the right side of things, and work against the Syndicates and their dangerous enterprises.

A story on many levels; personal relationships, insecurities, family, chosen family and global events to stop the “bad guys”.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Profile Image for Nichoel Wickham.
80 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2024
We are told of Michaelangelo's work and the history of his greatest prices. But what if a beautiful butterfly and Michaelangelo become one of those love stories we all want to love? Well, Heather Slade had done nothing short of making that come to fruition. This book not only explains what happened to Brando and his side of things but also for Penelope and how she struggled letting others in. ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,564 reviews29 followers
June 3, 2024
Code Name: Michangelo is book 2 in the K19 Allied Intelligence, Team Two series by Heather Slade, another awesome read!

Brando (Michaelangelo) and Penelope’s (Butterfly) story is up next, known each other for years, both in the art world, prison, art forgeries, human trafficking, twists, turns, tribe of five ladies, second chance and so much more…

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Dara Sorah.
390 reviews13 followers
June 3, 2024
Butterfly & Michelangelo. They were so good together and I am so happy they finally got their HEA. This was my first read in the series and I followed along just fine. The two MC's had so much in their past to get through and to finally see them come together, was just so awesome. Michelangelo's (Brand's) growth through the book is another point that I like - to see character growth is a testament to the author. I was enthralled with the storyline and it kept the pages turning.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,745 reviews31 followers
June 9, 2024
This was such a great read, Brand made foolish decisions and paid the price and is now on the right track working for a team who know about forgiveness and second chances. This is also his chance to finally show Penelope how much he cares when her and did I clap at the plan of a fake relationship why yes I did!
These two really just needed the right setting to get together, but as they unravel who is behind the forgeries Brand needs to do some quick thinking that could still be deadly.
40 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2024
Penelope and Brand share an attraction that began many years ago. Not able to act on it, their worlds moved in opposite directions, on opposite sides of the law. Now Brand is back and Penelope's art gallery is under suspicion for art forgery. Michelangelo is on a mission, to take down a horrible crime family, and to save his Butterfly. Buckle up for an exciting and steamy ride on the edge of your seat. You'll laugh, you'll swoon and you definitely won't be able to put this book down.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,498 reviews66 followers
May 23, 2024
4.5 ⭐'s...Doing a 180 on his career choice leads Michelangelo to his Butterfly and her problems with art forgery...coming together for the common good of the art world, will Michelangelo win the heart of his Butterfuly or will he lose her when a group in Italy kidnap her to get to him? Grab this romance with it's heart racing whodunnit to see if he saves her and enjoy the ride!
118 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2024
Brand and Penelope’s story is absolutely wonderful. Their code names Michelangelo and Butterfly are just perfect choices for them! These two have so much going on in their pasts to deal with as well as the issues of connecting again and working together in the present. The bond these two share is incredibly strong and it is an emotional journey, full of obstacles as they find themselves and each other. This story is packed with the suspense, twists, steamy romance, and strong characters that we know Heather Slade will bring us each time. Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews163 followers
May 28, 2024
This was a terrific read and an excellent addition to this series. I just loved Brand and Penelope story. There is plenty of tension, drama, emotion, action, suspense, heat, twists and heart skillfully woven throughout this gripping tale that easily held my attention from the very start right until I turned that final page.
Profile Image for Kellie Waldron.
792 reviews17 followers
May 31, 2024
If you have any triggers, there could be a couple in here.

Heather Slade has done it again. The beautiful story of Michelangelo and Butterfly. How they met, how they evolved and how they ended up. Feeling this was a wrap up of the continuing story, but it was different than the other books, but still so beautifully written. Must read.
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