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The Job
FBI agent Sera Warren has been working undercover to track a domestic terrorist group to its origins. When her cover is blown, her priority shifts from closing her case to just making it through the day alive. She ends up in the middle of a bank heist, pointing a gun at her ex-girlfriend, Torrence “Tor” Jewel. She sees a flicker of recognition in Tor’s eyes as she pulls her gun and yells, “On the floor!”
Before Tor can fully register that “the one who got away” is standing in front of her, she’s pushed facedown onto the floor. Sera might as well shoot her now because as soon as she gets up, Tor’s going to kill her. Or kiss her. She’s still undecided.
First, they have to survive their reunion, then they can worry about happily ever after.
Before Tor can fully register that “the one who got away” is standing in front of her, she’s pushed facedown onto the floor. Sera might as well shoot her now because as soon as she gets up, Tor’s going to kill her. Or kiss her. She’s still undecided.
First, they have to survive their reunion, then they can worry about happily ever after.
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2014
12 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Jove Belle
29 books205 followersJove Belle was born and raised against a backdrop of orchards and potato fields. The youngest of four children, she was raised in a conservative, Christian home and began asking why at a very young age, much to the consternation of her mother and grandmother. At the customary age of eighteen, she fled southern Idaho in pursuit of broader minds and fewer traffic jams involving the local livestock. The road didn’t end in Portland, Oregon, but there were many confusing freeway interchanges that a girl from the sticks was ill-prepared to deal with. As a result, she has lived in the Portland metro area for over fifteen years and still can’t figure out how she manages to spend so much time in traffic when there’s not a stray sheep or cow in sight.
She lives with her partner of twelve years. Between them they share three children, two dogs, two cats, two mortgage payments, one sedan, and one requisite dyke pickup truck. One day she hopes to live in a house that doesn’t generate a never ending honey-do list.
Incidentally, she never stopped asking why, but did expand her arsenal of questions to include who, what, when, where and, most important of all, how. In those questions, a story is born.
She lives with her partner of twelve years. Between them they share three children, two dogs, two cats, two mortgage payments, one sedan, and one requisite dyke pickup truck. One day she hopes to live in a house that doesn’t generate a never ending honey-do list.
Incidentally, she never stopped asking why, but did expand her arsenal of questions to include who, what, when, where and, most important of all, how. In those questions, a story is born.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 1, 2015
This book sold me on the blurb alone. No reviews necessary. Does the rest of the book live up to it?
Sera Williams is an undercover FBI agent. On the day her cover is blown, she is dragged into a bank heist (ala Patty Hearst) by the terrorist gang she had infiltrated. Sera isn't sure what they're after--money or something else more sinister--but when her ex-gf steps into view, she is forced to point a gun at her to keep her safe.
The book is structured very similarly to a recent read--Andrea Bramhall's Nightingale--in that the present action is told in alternating chapters with past flashbacks. It worked much better in Nightingale than here. In the former, the past was just as interesting as the present because we want to know how a very spirited and driven woman ended up a virtual prisoner in a god-forsaken place. On the other hand, Sera and Tor here had a rather vanilla romance. They broke up. Sera became a cop; Tor a bank manager. Good for them! :) The flashbacks just aren't compelling enough and literally stop the action dead in its tracks. And this is supposed to be a very thrilling, down-to-the-wire, action-filled book. Much more so than Nightingale. But even during the bank robbery, there were many instances where action is delayed in favor of romance, reminiscing about the past, a lover's spat or two, etc, etc. while the clock is counting down to a massive explosion. A little too many eye-roll/groan-worthy moments and not enough heart-stopping ones.
Bottom line, it's a thriller that romance readers can get into. BUT, a reader looking for a logical, non-stop, page-turning thriller will find this very frustrating.
**
Sera Williams is an undercover FBI agent. On the day her cover is blown, she is dragged into a bank heist (ala Patty Hearst) by the terrorist gang she had infiltrated. Sera isn't sure what they're after--money or something else more sinister--but when her ex-gf steps into view, she is forced to point a gun at her to keep her safe.
The book is structured very similarly to a recent read--Andrea Bramhall's Nightingale--in that the present action is told in alternating chapters with past flashbacks. It worked much better in Nightingale than here. In the former, the past was just as interesting as the present because we want to know how a very spirited and driven woman ended up a virtual prisoner in a god-forsaken place. On the other hand, Sera and Tor here had a rather vanilla romance. They broke up. Sera became a cop; Tor a bank manager. Good for them! :) The flashbacks just aren't compelling enough and literally stop the action dead in its tracks. And this is supposed to be a very thrilling, down-to-the-wire, action-filled book. Much more so than Nightingale. But even during the bank robbery, there were many instances where action is delayed in favor of romance, reminiscing about the past, a lover's spat or two, etc, etc. while the clock is counting down to a massive explosion. A little too many eye-roll/groan-worthy moments and not enough heart-stopping ones.
Bottom line, it's a thriller that romance readers can get into. BUT, a reader looking for a logical, non-stop, page-turning thriller will find this very frustrating.
**
August 27, 2016
This is my second book by Jove Belle. Loved the first. This one not so much.
Let me see what I can say: there are two stories going on in this book, the story of an undercover FBI agent, and the story of two women who had had a romantic relationship a while back in college (there are actually more than two stories, like Torrence’s interactions with the bank as a manager, etc; but two main ones).
I had issues with both main story lines.
Sera Warren, the undercover FBI agent, is not exactly seen in the greatest light here, and I’m specifically referring to how unperceptive she is in terms of the people she is investigating (at one point, Sera thought something like ‘Bob is a stronger person than she had given him credit for, she had just labeled him as one of Marcus’ henchmen and hadn’t looked closer; and Marcus seems smarter and more together than I had thought’ – (a) Bob is not the actual name used; (b) hmms, underestimating Marcus is, I suppose, a risk that can occur – there is not enough information given to know if this was a gut reaction, a split second decision, or a long thought out deeply examined analysis that lead to the beliefs regarding Marcus’ abilities; not thinking of someone beyond ‘hmm – that’s a henchmen, let’s move on to other matters now’ is kind of . . . dim. And for the love of pickles, why the fuck did she keep trying to enrage Marcus?
The other story line interfered with the terrorist/undercover story line in two ways – it literally interrupted the flow of the story so that a not needed and not very exciting flashback to college could occur. And, secondly, in the ‘current’ time line, that relationship kept causing Sera to do stupid shit. Like, say, in the middle of a tense hostage situation, fondle and kiss the ex-girlfriend.
In terms of plot holes, two come immediately to mind: 1) it was mentioned that the head of security was this knowledgeable ex-cop – except for certain ‘issues’, he was basically ignored while Sera tried to figure out what to do and what positives she had to use to help the situation - ; 2) Tor is the head of the bank. Knowledgeable. Capable. Etc. And yet, certain stupid things occurred. I’ll also put that behind spoiler tags but first – other than a somewhat stubborn need to put herself in danger, she was kind of spineless –
Ah, third plot issue – a) bank vault just sits there open for anyone to enter and take money from; b) hallway with storage rooms, HVAC, and other building maintenance type rooms are in a super secular area that requires special keys to enter – the kind wherein only three people have keys. I . . . what? The bank vault is just open to all, but some area that Tor doesn’t’ even have a clue what’s in there, but isn’t anything valuable or precious or whatever the fuck, is behind super secure . . .um security?
So. The romance annoyed me. There were bits of the terrorist plot that annoyed me. And there were bits of the undercover (as in the character of that undercover agent) that annoyed me. And yet I gave/give a rating of 3 stars. I might be mental.
July 26 2016
Let me see what I can say: there are two stories going on in this book, the story of an undercover FBI agent, and the story of two women who had had a romantic relationship a while back in college (there are actually more than two stories, like Torrence’s interactions with the bank as a manager, etc; but two main ones).
I had issues with both main story lines.
Sera Warren, the undercover FBI agent, is not exactly seen in the greatest light here, and I’m specifically referring to how unperceptive she is in terms of the people she is investigating (at one point, Sera thought something like ‘Bob is a stronger person than she had given him credit for, she had just labeled him as one of Marcus’ henchmen and hadn’t looked closer; and Marcus seems smarter and more together than I had thought’ – (a) Bob is not the actual name used; (b) hmms, underestimating Marcus is, I suppose, a risk that can occur – there is not enough information given to know if this was a gut reaction, a split second decision, or a long thought out deeply examined analysis that lead to the beliefs regarding Marcus’ abilities; not thinking of someone beyond ‘hmm – that’s a henchmen, let’s move on to other matters now’ is kind of . . . dim. And for the love of pickles, why the fuck did she keep trying to enrage Marcus?
The other story line interfered with the terrorist/undercover story line in two ways – it literally interrupted the flow of the story so that a not needed and not very exciting flashback to college could occur. And, secondly, in the ‘current’ time line, that relationship kept causing Sera to do stupid shit. Like, say, in the middle of a tense hostage situation, fondle and kiss the ex-girlfriend.
In terms of plot holes, two come immediately to mind: 1) it was mentioned that the head of security was this knowledgeable ex-cop – except for certain ‘issues’, he was basically ignored while Sera tried to figure out what to do and what positives she had to use to help the situation - ; 2) Tor is the head of the bank. Knowledgeable. Capable. Etc. And yet, certain stupid things occurred. I’ll also put that behind spoiler tags but first – other than a somewhat stubborn need to put herself in danger, she was kind of spineless –
Ah, third plot issue – a) bank vault just sits there open for anyone to enter and take money from; b) hallway with storage rooms, HVAC, and other building maintenance type rooms are in a super secular area that requires special keys to enter – the kind wherein only three people have keys. I . . . what? The bank vault is just open to all, but some area that Tor doesn’t’ even have a clue what’s in there, but isn’t anything valuable or precious or whatever the fuck, is behind super secure . . .um security?
So. The romance annoyed me. There were bits of the terrorist plot that annoyed me. And there were bits of the undercover (as in the character of that undercover agent) that annoyed me. And yet I gave/give a rating of 3 stars. I might be mental.
July 26 2016
January 17, 2015
Well that was a fun ride.
I won this book over on Women and Words during the pre-Holidays Hootenany. This is my first lesbian thriller so that may have added to my enjoyment.
I liked the overall pace of the novel and the author's crisp writing style. Sure the flashbacks tended to slow the action in places but I thought of them as breathers for both the reader and the characters. The action scenes themselves were easy to imagine and filled with enough tension to keep you turning pages, eager to see what would happen next.
The second chance at love was a nice touch and created that need for a successful outcome. When we first meet Sera she has thrown herself into a dangerous career path with little regard for her own safety. Torr gives her the motivation she needs to shine in a crisis. I'll let them have some intimate moments in the heat of battle. Much like the flashbacks, these moments Sera and Torr share together give the reader a chance to catch their breath before the next round of action.
It worked for me. I hope we see more romantic suspense from Jove Belle in the future.
I won this book over on Women and Words during the pre-Holidays Hootenany. This is my first lesbian thriller so that may have added to my enjoyment.
I liked the overall pace of the novel and the author's crisp writing style. Sure the flashbacks tended to slow the action in places but I thought of them as breathers for both the reader and the characters. The action scenes themselves were easy to imagine and filled with enough tension to keep you turning pages, eager to see what would happen next.
The second chance at love was a nice touch and created that need for a successful outcome. When we first meet Sera she has thrown herself into a dangerous career path with little regard for her own safety. Torr gives her the motivation she needs to shine in a crisis. I'll let them have some intimate moments in the heat of battle. Much like the flashbacks, these moments Sera and Torr share together give the reader a chance to catch their breath before the next round of action.
It worked for me. I hope we see more romantic suspense from Jove Belle in the future.
September 25, 2015
Quick read. Nice plot.
The ending though.... *shrug*
The ending though.... *shrug*
May 3, 2019
Liked it! 3.5 🌟
February 9, 2021
Oh dear! What was this? Really odd in the worst sense - I bow before the many of you who thought this was the bee's knees, but I'd be better off eating cold rice pudding.
January 17, 2015
I'm a sucker for second chances, especially when it's a second chance at love. So I found this thriller ok. Better than ok.
November 26, 2014
This story is intense and thrilling. The core takes place within a single day, but the flashbacks start fifteen years earlier. This counterpoint is just marvelous as we get to know the women when they were younger and in college plus see them under the extreme pressure of robbery with terrorist overtones in real time. I loved the parallel plot components. This is a winner. Fantastic!
Sera Williams…Serafina Andrews...is on a deep cover FBI assignment. This will put her face to face with an extremely dangerous, unstable extremist and her estranged lover from more than a decade ago. Sera is an amazing composite of an exquisitely well trained federal agent and a woman with a long history she has yet to expunge from her system—including her ex-lover and her lover's family. Sera has a flashback memory of Tor moving with such fluid elegance as to make Sera feel like a lumbering buffoon. This wonderfully amusing recollection expands delightfully when I learned how Tor remembers Sera. Delicioso!
Torrence Jewel, Tor, has rapidly risen to the position of bank manager at the prestigious America First Bank. Tor learns and is shocked that another large bank has been the target of a possible terrorist bombing. It is positively fascinating to observe the present day Tor during the extraordinary events that happen at her bank along with her astounding reunion with Sera…nder really undesirable conditions. Couple that with the wondrous flashbacks filling in the incredible details of her earlier relationship with Sera including all the passionate underpinnings. During Tor's first encounter with Sera at their college library, Tor finds Sera so wittingly charming when she leaves Tor dangling in *village idiot* mode with no safety net. Wow, such delicious initial impressions by these women certainly make it enchantingly mind-boggling how they interact during the life-threatening crisis they experience concurrently. Magnificent!
This was a complete and thoroughly engaging story. definitely enhanced by the combination of the tense and taut present day crisis along with the sensational flashbacks. I highly recommend this solid yet intricate story involving two perfectly smashing women. Terrific!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Sera Williams…Serafina Andrews...is on a deep cover FBI assignment. This will put her face to face with an extremely dangerous, unstable extremist and her estranged lover from more than a decade ago. Sera is an amazing composite of an exquisitely well trained federal agent and a woman with a long history she has yet to expunge from her system—including her ex-lover and her lover's family. Sera has a flashback memory of Tor moving with such fluid elegance as to make Sera feel like a lumbering buffoon. This wonderfully amusing recollection expands delightfully when I learned how Tor remembers Sera. Delicioso!
Torrence Jewel, Tor, has rapidly risen to the position of bank manager at the prestigious America First Bank. Tor learns and is shocked that another large bank has been the target of a possible terrorist bombing. It is positively fascinating to observe the present day Tor during the extraordinary events that happen at her bank along with her astounding reunion with Sera…nder really undesirable conditions. Couple that with the wondrous flashbacks filling in the incredible details of her earlier relationship with Sera including all the passionate underpinnings. During Tor's first encounter with Sera at their college library, Tor finds Sera so wittingly charming when she leaves Tor dangling in *village idiot* mode with no safety net. Wow, such delicious initial impressions by these women certainly make it enchantingly mind-boggling how they interact during the life-threatening crisis they experience concurrently. Magnificent!
This was a complete and thoroughly engaging story. definitely enhanced by the combination of the tense and taut present day crisis along with the sensational flashbacks. I highly recommend this solid yet intricate story involving two perfectly smashing women. Terrific!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 9, 2014
The Job is one of those books you pick up and don’t want to out down, even when you reluctantly come to the end. From the beginning the characters and action adventure plot reach out and capture your mind, heart and imagination.
Sera Warren is an undercover FBI agent trying to use her job with a mobster to dig out information about the domestic terrorist group he is funding. When one of her ‘team’ discovers the truth she finds herself caught in the middle of a cross between a bank robbery and a terrorist bombing. Add in that they are robbing her ex-girlfriends bank, and the pressure to be the perfect super-hero agent who saves the innocent and stops the baddies is overwhelming.
This is a fast paced tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The odds are overwhelming and the tools to hand are minimal, but you just will Sera to make it happen. Ms Belle has done an excellent job of keeping us engaged throughout as the baddies continue to show their callous disregard for life.
On top of it all is the bittersweet romantic flashbacks to the college days of Sera and Tara, made for each other and deeply in love but neither strong enough to make a stand. 15 years later and the chemistry is obvious. But realizing the love of your life is now a bank robber may take some getting over.
Well written, cleverly conceived and with wholly engaging characters, this is an excellent read and I sincerely hope it leads to a series of Sera Warren adventures.
Sera Warren is an undercover FBI agent trying to use her job with a mobster to dig out information about the domestic terrorist group he is funding. When one of her ‘team’ discovers the truth she finds herself caught in the middle of a cross between a bank robbery and a terrorist bombing. Add in that they are robbing her ex-girlfriends bank, and the pressure to be the perfect super-hero agent who saves the innocent and stops the baddies is overwhelming.
This is a fast paced tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The odds are overwhelming and the tools to hand are minimal, but you just will Sera to make it happen. Ms Belle has done an excellent job of keeping us engaged throughout as the baddies continue to show their callous disregard for life.
On top of it all is the bittersweet romantic flashbacks to the college days of Sera and Tara, made for each other and deeply in love but neither strong enough to make a stand. 15 years later and the chemistry is obvious. But realizing the love of your life is now a bank robber may take some getting over.
Well written, cleverly conceived and with wholly engaging characters, this is an excellent read and I sincerely hope it leads to a series of Sera Warren adventures.
November 10, 2014
Book gifted from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cover :- 4 stars
Sex/steaminess :- N/A
Story line :- 4 stars
Characters :- 4 stars
Overall rating :- 4 stars
Personal rating :- 4 stars
Book Pairing:- F/F
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Review Read
Why I chose this book?
I've read a book by this author before and enjoyed it so I requested a copy.
What I liked about this book.
* The story was good and well written.
* The characters were relatable.
* I really enjoyed it.
What I didn't like about this book?
It's left me wanting more from the characters and I hope we do get more.
Would I read more from this author?
Yes
Would I recommend this book?
Yes
Cover :- 4 stars
Sex/steaminess :- N/A
Story line :- 4 stars
Characters :- 4 stars
Overall rating :- 4 stars
Personal rating :- 4 stars
Book Pairing:- F/F
Did it give me a book hangover :- No
Is this a review book or personal read :- Review Read
Why I chose this book?
I've read a book by this author before and enjoyed it so I requested a copy.
What I liked about this book.
* The story was good and well written.
* The characters were relatable.
* I really enjoyed it.
What I didn't like about this book?
It's left me wanting more from the characters and I hope we do get more.
Would I read more from this author?
Yes
Would I recommend this book?
Yes
December 6, 2018
The Job — Jove Bella (19 chapters) Nov. 20-23, 2018
Note: This story involves two contenting adults. If you don’t appreciate stories involving a romance between two women, look away and find your safe haven in anther book.
It’s been a few weeks since I read this book, so that it still is with me is a good sign. Two women, Tor and Sera, who knew each other as kids, accidentally stumble back into each other life in an unfortunate way. But it’s not all as it seems.
One works undercover for the government as a criminal in a violent gang; the other is a stuffy bank executive. And of course, they still like each other a lot.
Will the stuffy bank exec figure out what is really going on before everything blows up in their faces?
Action, adventure, romance: this read has it all. Also nice are some are some unexpected plot twists. It’s a great read and was very enjoyable in that it was fast, but I didn’t want to hurry through it either.
I would read more books by this author.
Four stars.
Note: This story involves two contenting adults. If you don’t appreciate stories involving a romance between two women, look away and find your safe haven in anther book.
It’s been a few weeks since I read this book, so that it still is with me is a good sign. Two women, Tor and Sera, who knew each other as kids, accidentally stumble back into each other life in an unfortunate way. But it’s not all as it seems.
One works undercover for the government as a criminal in a violent gang; the other is a stuffy bank executive. And of course, they still like each other a lot.
Will the stuffy bank exec figure out what is really going on before everything blows up in their faces?
Action, adventure, romance: this read has it all. Also nice are some are some unexpected plot twists. It’s a great read and was very enjoyable in that it was fast, but I didn’t want to hurry through it either.
I would read more books by this author.
Four stars.
June 7, 2021
Action, passion & reconnections are entertainment deluxe
Seriously, how incredible is a book that has a simplistically poetic yet still with such titillating complexities as a line like that—how could this book be anything but incredible!!!
An emotional & entertaining story with characters that become so authentic they truly become like real people in your mind & a riveting plot lines that draws you in so effortlessly & subtly without you even noticing.
A love story that didn't even need a sex scene to express the passion & intensity of a relationship. Instead, the story relies on the words & emotions of brief snippets of memories, never mentioning physical activities or anything sexual, to develop the imagery & intensity of their feelings for each other.
The action-packed, thrilling & engaging plot was developed & progressed sublimely, at just the right rate, drawing you in so subtly, without you ever really noticing, that it's progression feels believably genuine & possible— even with its improbable & unbelievable HEA.
Seriously, how incredible is a book that has a simplistically poetic yet still with such titillating complexities as a line like that—how could this book be anything but incredible!!!
An emotional & entertaining story with characters that become so authentic they truly become like real people in your mind & a riveting plot lines that draws you in so effortlessly & subtly without you even noticing.
A love story that didn't even need a sex scene to express the passion & intensity of a relationship. Instead, the story relies on the words & emotions of brief snippets of memories, never mentioning physical activities or anything sexual, to develop the imagery & intensity of their feelings for each other.
The action-packed, thrilling & engaging plot was developed & progressed sublimely, at just the right rate, drawing you in so subtly, without you ever really noticing, that it's progression feels believably genuine & possible— even with its improbable & unbelievable HEA.
June 6, 2017
This book pulled me in from beginning to end. I was glued to my kindle for the past couple of evenings wanting to know how they get out of this ugly situation. I also couldn't wait to see how Sera and Tors reunion was going to pan out.
The romance side of the story was a little disappointing, although I haven't checked to see if there is a sequel to this novel yet, as it felt unfinished.
All in all it was a good plot and a page turner, but I would have liked it to be longer.
The romance side of the story was a little disappointing, although I haven't checked to see if there is a sequel to this novel yet, as it felt unfinished.
All in all it was a good plot and a page turner, but I would have liked it to be longer.
February 5, 2018
Pretty dreadful.
September 4, 2014
Finished ~ The Job by Jove Belle
Completed 9/4
3.5 of 5 stars
264 pages
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Sera is an FBI agent working undercover and is forced into a heist at a bank in which her ex-girlfriend is the manager. Bullets are flying and Sera has to keep herself, Tor and everyone else safe.
This was my first book by this author, and I would probably try more by her if they sounded good to me. I've read some lesbian erotica (which this is not) and it was all crap. I think this is my first lesbian driven book and I enjoyed it very much, overall.
Sera is a strong woman who is in over her head when her cover is blown. She's trying to figure a way out of it when they arrive at a bank that she has just found out her ex girlfriend is the manager of. Tor is likable at first, harried by another explosion that morning in which she fears a friend got hurt, she dives into the fray of the heist (not a smart move) and is helpful in ways while a burden in others.
The Good ~ The present plot of the heist, once is gets going is pretty action packed. It keeps rolling along and keeps you engaged in what is happening. You are worried for the hostages and wanting the bad guys dead and are waiting for that moment when everything is over and everyone is safe. The points of view go back and forth between Sera and Tor, which works when they are together in the bank, it's awkward before they get to that point.
The Bad ~ there are flashbacks to when Sera and Tor were a couple in college. It's been 11 years since they have seen each other and while it was ok to get this background, I guess, it would have been MUCH better without it. With the present day heist, the pauses to have a flashback just grind the action to a complete halt. It doesn't fit in and it took a really good book and weakened it. Also, once we get the full story of why Sera and Tor broke up, it made me really not like Tor anymore. Almost any other reason than that one would have presented her in a better light. Instead, she's all of a sudden a bitch and I don't care about her nearly as much as I did. That makes the ending pretty much unsatisfactory for me.
Over all, it was a better than enjoyable book. The action was good, Sera as a character was great. Tor was likable for a bit. I think it could have been stronger without the flashbacks, but that's just me. I'm sure other readers would enjoy more this insight into their background and relationship. I recommend it to fans of LGBT books, those who want action in their books and those who like strong female characters.
Setting = A
Plot = B
Conflict = B
Characters = A-
Theme = A
Completed 9/4
3.5 of 5 stars
264 pages
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Sera is an FBI agent working undercover and is forced into a heist at a bank in which her ex-girlfriend is the manager. Bullets are flying and Sera has to keep herself, Tor and everyone else safe.
This was my first book by this author, and I would probably try more by her if they sounded good to me. I've read some lesbian erotica (which this is not) and it was all crap. I think this is my first lesbian driven book and I enjoyed it very much, overall.
Sera is a strong woman who is in over her head when her cover is blown. She's trying to figure a way out of it when they arrive at a bank that she has just found out her ex girlfriend is the manager of. Tor is likable at first, harried by another explosion that morning in which she fears a friend got hurt, she dives into the fray of the heist (not a smart move) and is helpful in ways while a burden in others.
The Good ~ The present plot of the heist, once is gets going is pretty action packed. It keeps rolling along and keeps you engaged in what is happening. You are worried for the hostages and wanting the bad guys dead and are waiting for that moment when everything is over and everyone is safe. The points of view go back and forth between Sera and Tor, which works when they are together in the bank, it's awkward before they get to that point.
The Bad ~ there are flashbacks to when Sera and Tor were a couple in college. It's been 11 years since they have seen each other and while it was ok to get this background, I guess, it would have been MUCH better without it. With the present day heist, the pauses to have a flashback just grind the action to a complete halt. It doesn't fit in and it took a really good book and weakened it. Also, once we get the full story of why Sera and Tor broke up, it made me really not like Tor anymore. Almost any other reason than that one would have presented her in a better light. Instead, she's all of a sudden a bitch and I don't care about her nearly as much as I did. That makes the ending pretty much unsatisfactory for me.
Over all, it was a better than enjoyable book. The action was good, Sera as a character was great. Tor was likable for a bit. I think it could have been stronger without the flashbacks, but that's just me. I'm sure other readers would enjoy more this insight into their background and relationship. I recommend it to fans of LGBT books, those who want action in their books and those who like strong female characters.
Setting = A
Plot = B
Conflict = B
Characters = A-
Theme = A
July 2, 2015
3.5 stars
I thought this was an okay read and a good book to settle in with if you have an afternoon to kill. There are a lot of moving parts in this story but, at the same time, it doesn't get too deep. Think of it like an action movie where the characters are kind of two dimensional, some details are fudged, or actions and reactions aren't necessarily realistic. I'm not saying that in a bad way because sometimes we just want to see an action movie, right? In fact, while reading this I could visually see it play out and it would work as a film.
Positives for the book...It's a really excellent premise. I haven't read this storyline in lesfic before and It appealed to me. The author writes natural flowing dialogue and it moved between all of the characters well. The two leads are both really likable and strong while being unique from each other. Overall, the writing is pretty solid.
Things that held the book back were the flashback scenes...at least for me. We're in the middle of a bank robbery but every other chapter we flash back to how Sera and Tor met in college and their developing relationship. I actually found the flashbacks to be sweet and well written but it throws off the pacing of the book because it keeps interrupting the intensity. I'm curious how the book would read if we had a prologue of their early relationship and then the rest of the book is just them now. The other things are what I mentioned above about it being characteristic of an action movie.
There isn't much romance in the book, unless you count the college scenes. I didn't mind this, though. I wasn't really expecting a romance in the middle of a robbery.
I think some other reviewers rated the book lower because of lack of some of these finer details but, strangely, I got hung up on this one part. I don't want to spoil it but let's just say there's this part with a woman and something happens but then it's just overlooked completely in comparison to other things/people. My mind just kept going, "Holy moly, did anyone just see that?! Woman #9 just...good gracious. Him? What about her?! Why is no one mentioning Woman#9? Do we even know her name?! What was she? A customer, right? She's gotta have a name. Someone, give her a name! Really? No one cares?" Lol
Anyway, like I said, it's an okay read and I think is enjoyable if you know what to expect (ie, little romance, no sex, somewhat thin plot with a lot of action).
I thought this was an okay read and a good book to settle in with if you have an afternoon to kill. There are a lot of moving parts in this story but, at the same time, it doesn't get too deep. Think of it like an action movie where the characters are kind of two dimensional, some details are fudged, or actions and reactions aren't necessarily realistic. I'm not saying that in a bad way because sometimes we just want to see an action movie, right? In fact, while reading this I could visually see it play out and it would work as a film.
Positives for the book...It's a really excellent premise. I haven't read this storyline in lesfic before and It appealed to me. The author writes natural flowing dialogue and it moved between all of the characters well. The two leads are both really likable and strong while being unique from each other. Overall, the writing is pretty solid.
Things that held the book back were the flashback scenes...at least for me. We're in the middle of a bank robbery but every other chapter we flash back to how Sera and Tor met in college and their developing relationship. I actually found the flashbacks to be sweet and well written but it throws off the pacing of the book because it keeps interrupting the intensity. I'm curious how the book would read if we had a prologue of their early relationship and then the rest of the book is just them now. The other things are what I mentioned above about it being characteristic of an action movie.
There isn't much romance in the book, unless you count the college scenes. I didn't mind this, though. I wasn't really expecting a romance in the middle of a robbery.
I think some other reviewers rated the book lower because of lack of some of these finer details but, strangely, I got hung up on this one part. I don't want to spoil it but let's just say there's this part with a woman and something happens but then it's just overlooked completely in comparison to other things/people. My mind just kept going, "Holy moly, did anyone just see that?! Woman #9 just...good gracious. Him? What about her?! Why is no one mentioning Woman#9? Do we even know her name?! What was she? A customer, right? She's gotta have a name. Someone, give her a name! Really? No one cares?" Lol
Anyway, like I said, it's an okay read and I think is enjoyable if you know what to expect (ie, little romance, no sex, somewhat thin plot with a lot of action).
September 21, 2014
When I found this title on NetGalley, I was a little hesitant despite how intrigued I was by the summary. Romance isn’t typically up my alley, and neither are thrillers. Intrigue won out, though, and here we are now.
I definitely didn’t regret it. The style is straightforward and fun, and the pacing feels great for a thriller. The book starts in the middle of action, no setup, and Sera’s immediately thrust into a dangerous adventure largely involving her cover being totally, completely blown.
Sera’s voice was one of my favorite things about the book, though it’s told from both Sera and Tor’s perspectives. Sera is very, very funny. I love how she thinks of things, I love how she talks — especially to Marcus, the leader of the group robbing the bank — and I love the way she thinks and talks about Tor, who is obviously incredibly important to her even 10 years after their relationship dissolved.
The romance aspect of the book was pretty satisfying, as well. I’m a huge sucker for childhood friend-style love stories, and while Sera and Tor aren’t quite childhood friend-level, their college sweetheart story really gets me where it counts. The book has flashbacks to their time together during college, and seeing the two of them during their younger days and comparing it to the women they’ve become is fun and very sweet, since their early relationship has a good balance of awkward and innocent and fun.
That being said, there wasn’t much that really stuck out about this book for me. It was a fun adventure and an exciting ride, but not particularly innovative — just pure entertainment. Recommended more for the thriller aspect than the romance aspect – there’s lots of shooting and a bit of bank robbery-related gore.
3.5 out of 5 stars
ARC received via NetGalley. Find this review on my blog.
I definitely didn’t regret it. The style is straightforward and fun, and the pacing feels great for a thriller. The book starts in the middle of action, no setup, and Sera’s immediately thrust into a dangerous adventure largely involving her cover being totally, completely blown.
Sera’s voice was one of my favorite things about the book, though it’s told from both Sera and Tor’s perspectives. Sera is very, very funny. I love how she thinks of things, I love how she talks — especially to Marcus, the leader of the group robbing the bank — and I love the way she thinks and talks about Tor, who is obviously incredibly important to her even 10 years after their relationship dissolved.
The romance aspect of the book was pretty satisfying, as well. I’m a huge sucker for childhood friend-style love stories, and while Sera and Tor aren’t quite childhood friend-level, their college sweetheart story really gets me where it counts. The book has flashbacks to their time together during college, and seeing the two of them during their younger days and comparing it to the women they’ve become is fun and very sweet, since their early relationship has a good balance of awkward and innocent and fun.
That being said, there wasn’t much that really stuck out about this book for me. It was a fun adventure and an exciting ride, but not particularly innovative — just pure entertainment. Recommended more for the thriller aspect than the romance aspect – there’s lots of shooting and a bit of bank robbery-related gore.
3.5 out of 5 stars
ARC received via NetGalley. Find this review on my blog.
September 8, 2014
Got an advance copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
Right from the start I liked Sera and the situation she was in. I mean really what do you do when your cover is blown? Deny the truth? Make the accuser sound like they're crazy? Admit it and hope you can get away? In Sera's case she denies it and winds up being apart of a bank robbery where her ex, Tor works. She had it in control until Tor came down the stairs and said her name, from then on it’s a battle of life, death, survival and defusing bombs before the bad guys set them off.
Tor is the manager at her bank and she never thought that when she went to work traffic would be a nightmare because a building blew up, that her bank would be taken hostage and robbed, that her ex would be one of the bad guys and that she would not only lose one of her own but it would be one of them who gave the bad guys a key to get in to employee only parts of the building.
I was drawn in right from the start and it was really something to read. Not only that but Sera kept a cool head and kept the hostages calm when she could have made it worse by freaking out. The whole storyline was amazing and even though the book ended abruptly it was a fantastic read and gave you a feeling of more to come.
Right from the start I liked Sera and the situation she was in. I mean really what do you do when your cover is blown? Deny the truth? Make the accuser sound like they're crazy? Admit it and hope you can get away? In Sera's case she denies it and winds up being apart of a bank robbery where her ex, Tor works. She had it in control until Tor came down the stairs and said her name, from then on it’s a battle of life, death, survival and defusing bombs before the bad guys set them off.
Tor is the manager at her bank and she never thought that when she went to work traffic would be a nightmare because a building blew up, that her bank would be taken hostage and robbed, that her ex would be one of the bad guys and that she would not only lose one of her own but it would be one of them who gave the bad guys a key to get in to employee only parts of the building.
I was drawn in right from the start and it was really something to read. Not only that but Sera kept a cool head and kept the hostages calm when she could have made it worse by freaking out. The whole storyline was amazing and even though the book ended abruptly it was a fantastic read and gave you a feeling of more to come.
September 26, 2014
The story was okay but I didn't like the flasbacks because they disturbed the flow of the story. I would have loved to hear more about their blossoming relationship after the incident. But that was probably classified ;)
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March 27, 2015good reading
Another great read by Jove Belle. FBI agent infiltrates a crime ring and ends up holding her ex hostage. What could possibly go wrong.
Another great read by Jove Belle. FBI agent infiltrates a crime ring and ends up holding her ex hostage. What could possibly go wrong.
June 7, 2015
I loved the fact that the main character was an undercover FBI agent. It was very interesting and action-packed. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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December 9, 2015Easy read
Okay for bed time . I usually like a lot of angst. The bank stuff became a little long. Included a couple good chuckles.
Lol, Rmc
Okay for bed time . I usually like a lot of angst. The bank stuff became a little long. Included a couple good chuckles.
Lol, Rmc
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