Code of Conduct

SBG #2.5

by P.A. DePaul

Can a computer wizard write a code that apprehends criminals and attracts the woman who captured his heart?Tech genius Ted Byrnes spends his days assisting a lethal black ops squad. Their missions are usually global, but Ted uncovers a national identity theft ring has infiltrated the small town he calls home. Instead of remaining behind the scenes, he takes the lead.Doreen McKenna is a struggling widow attempting to raise her ten-year-old genius-IQ son. For four years, she’s pushed aside her own needs to focus on her son. Working long days as the office manager in a doctor’s office, the highlights of her week revolve around grocery shopping and taking her son to the bookstore…until she’s approached by a man in the fiction section whose intellect and looks have her suppressed desires rising to the surface.Ted has narrowed the source of the identity theft ring and needs Doreen’s help. Working together, they devise a plan to expose the criminals, but what's written on paper doesn't always happen in real life. Their attraction escalates alongside the danger. Apprehending the ring may break all the codes of conduct . . .

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

P. A. DePaul is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling and award-winning author.

Her books are full of action, suspense, and romance.

As a hybrid author, she has books traditionally and independently published. Her traditional publishers include Berkley, a Penguin Random House imprint, and Harlequin Books.

She loves connecting with readers! You can find her on these social media and book sites: Newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon, BookBub, YouTube.

Reviews

[Read All About It · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing short story. Ted is the resident computer genius of SBG. Finally out in the field to put an end to a ring that is stealing patients information. Dorene is a single mother just trying to survive.

I love that Ted got his HEA in this adventure. He may not be the strongest but he is my favorite member. I can’t wait for more!!

[Elizabeth H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ted Byrnes is SBG’s computer genius and I love that he gets to shine in Code of Conduct. I mean, yeah he’s super smart and can handle any computer program but dealing with beautiful women has often been an awkward experience.

Ted gets a chance to go undercover to help take down an identity theft ring in town and he’s excited to finally be in the field. But there’s one problem, he’s gotta befriend the lovely widow and single mom, Doreen and try to get information she might have. Ted’s not suave like Romeo, the team’s ladies man nor overconfident like Talon, the team's expert infiltrator and all around smart ass. He’s just… Ted.

With the team’s help, Ted’s adopted a new persona and has all the men in his earpiece giving him (poor) advice on how to approach Doreen. Hilarity definitely ensues! If you know the team, you can only imagine what these guys are saying!

I love these characters, I love this story. I love that we learn more about Ted and watch as he stands up for himself and his feelings. And of how Ted fights for his happiness. The book definitely showcases what an amazing and vital part Ted is to the team and the series.

Doreen is a strong and amazing woman. We first meet her in Exchange of Fire (Book 1) when she tried to flirt up Grady, but he only had eyes for Wraith. I love that we get to see her character development and I love her little boy. Doreen is a wonderful character and paired beautifully with Ted. I can’t wait to read more about them.

The only negative thing about the story is that it wasn’t long enough. I love this series so much! The next book is Crossing the Line where Romeo and Magician take center stage and I can not WAIT to read that book. It’s sure to be explosive!

Code of Conduct is a fast and fun read that can easily be read as a standalone. I highly recommend the entire series!

**ARC generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 STELLAR STARS!

Code Of Conduct was a short and sweet novella that still had me on my toes.

P.A. DePaul was still able to pack in so much action in just a short time. This made for a fun, quick and very entertaining read.

I truly enjoyed this adventure! This whole series has been phenomenal. I can't wait for what comes next!

[Reading In Pajamas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: CODE OF CONDUCT: An SBG Novella by P.A. DePaul https://bit.ly/48pyEte
Publication Date: 01/16/2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars

This is book three in the SBG series. It can be read alone, but why deprive yourself. This story is about the loveable computer tech in the SweetBriar Group, a black ops team for the US. I adored how Ted broke out from working behind the scenes to his first operation. What a hoot! He is clearly out of his depth. And once he met Doreen, his attraction to her sent it all into overdrive. Doreen is a widow raising a young genius. She is strong but stuck in a bad situation. I’m generally not a fan of insta-love, but their mutual attraction seemed to fit into the story.

The storyline fits into today’s issues with hacking and identity theft. It also included enough action to keep me pinned to the pages. I have to add that I absolutely love the camaraderie of the SBG team. I think that’s what pulled me into the series in the first place. I want to be a part of it all. I wish this book could have been a full novel because it moved so fast and over too quickly. If you’ve not read the first two books, I encourage you to do so. I can’t wait for April and the next installment in this series.

Kindle https://amzn.to/3UJjEmP

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read

[Donna Deboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun!

Wow! This was a fast paced romance filled with action. I wish it were longer so we could get to know Doreen a bit more, but I just loved Ted. The computer geek finding his stride in SBG Ops and with love.