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Covert #3
Covert Cover Cracked
When 23-year-old Elle can’t explain why her job as an Information Scientist at the Library of Congress keeps her so busy (because she’s actually a CIA operative who just became field rated), her boyfriend dumps her, so she decides to focus on her career and enjoy a fling.
Navy SEAL Reese Beckwith seems like the perfect fling material except the more he sees Elle, the more he wants to know about her, and she can’t resist him. Things get complicated when Reese spots her with her CIA partner, a known womanizer. His questions for Elle get more pointed: he sees the potential for more than a fling, and once he sets an objective, failure is not an option.
Yet Elle tries to keep Reese in the “fling” category as her first major assignment heats up, becoming more personal with each development. When her personal and professional lives collide, Elle is put to the test. Does she have what it takes to be a covert operative? Will she have to choose between love and her career?
Navy SEAL Reese Beckwith seems like the perfect fling material except the more he sees Elle, the more he wants to know about her, and she can’t resist him. Things get complicated when Reese spots her with her CIA partner, a known womanizer. His questions for Elle get more pointed: he sees the potential for more than a fling, and once he sets an objective, failure is not an option.
Yet Elle tries to keep Reese in the “fling” category as her first major assignment heats up, becoming more personal with each development. When her personal and professional lives collide, Elle is put to the test. Does she have what it takes to be a covert operative? Will she have to choose between love and her career?
317 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2014
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287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 20, 2015
Covert Cover Cracked
4 stars
So, this is apparently the third instalment of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone. Thank god, because I hadn't read the previous ones. I made sense though, so I'm happy about it.
This is the story of Elle Paquet, a secret CIA agent, who's struggling with keeping her facade a secret to her boyfriend. With no time for him & excuses that make no sense, he dumps her and she decides to go out and get herself a fling.
She finds Reese Beckwith, a Navy SEAL who's about to be deployed in a couple of weeks and will be gone for the next six months. Perfect material for a fling, right? The sexual tension is obvious and they immediately hit it off.
"They fell into a rhythm that felt so right, it was as if they had been together forever"
Reese thinks that Elle is a girl for more than just a fling and keeps pursuing her. She tries to resist him, but it's not easy when destiny keeps bringing them together, making them face each other and it's not easy to ignore the steamy heat between them. But Elle knows the score. Or tries to. She needs to keep this just a fling. Even though they seem to have fun together, not only on bed , but doing other stuff as well.
Meanwhile, there's a big operation and things get complicated when Reese spots her with her CIA partner, a known womanizer. What happens when her personal and professional lives collide?
I really liked the story, even though I couldn't understand the purpose of the operations at the beginning, I realized what they seemed to be after somewhere in the middle. I enjoyed the action scenes. I liked how everything got mingled together. It was a fun thing to read.
Elle really seemed to struggle with her thoughts and feelings about Reese. After her disappointment with her previous fling who got her hurt, because she obviously had got attached to, she tries to force herself and leave Reese on the fling category.
She just needed to stick with her plan: enjoy her time with Reese, focus on her career, and see what happened.
Even though we can see him trying for more, he also struggles with himself. He is concerned about if this would end up into something more and if they would be able to hold the fact that he would be missing all the time away from her. I would really like to read what happens next for them. I can't say I was satisfied with the ending, so I'll be keeping an eye open to read how their story will continue.
PS: I really enjoyed their sexy time. Reese is a hot man & I felt jealous of Elle.
>>> I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. <<<
4 stars
So, this is apparently the third instalment of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone. Thank god, because I hadn't read the previous ones. I made sense though, so I'm happy about it.
This is the story of Elle Paquet, a secret CIA agent, who's struggling with keeping her facade a secret to her boyfriend. With no time for him & excuses that make no sense, he dumps her and she decides to go out and get herself a fling.
She finds Reese Beckwith, a Navy SEAL who's about to be deployed in a couple of weeks and will be gone for the next six months. Perfect material for a fling, right? The sexual tension is obvious and they immediately hit it off.
"They fell into a rhythm that felt so right, it was as if they had been together forever"
Reese thinks that Elle is a girl for more than just a fling and keeps pursuing her. She tries to resist him, but it's not easy when destiny keeps bringing them together, making them face each other and it's not easy to ignore the steamy heat between them. But Elle knows the score. Or tries to. She needs to keep this just a fling. Even though they seem to have fun together, not only on bed , but doing other stuff as well.
Meanwhile, there's a big operation and things get complicated when Reese spots her with her CIA partner, a known womanizer. What happens when her personal and professional lives collide?
I really liked the story, even though I couldn't understand the purpose of the operations at the beginning, I realized what they seemed to be after somewhere in the middle. I enjoyed the action scenes. I liked how everything got mingled together. It was a fun thing to read.
Elle really seemed to struggle with her thoughts and feelings about Reese. After her disappointment with her previous fling who got her hurt, because she obviously had got attached to, she tries to force herself and leave Reese on the fling category.
She just needed to stick with her plan: enjoy her time with Reese, focus on her career, and see what happened.
Even though we can see him trying for more, he also struggles with himself. He is concerned about if this would end up into something more and if they would be able to hold the fact that he would be missing all the time away from her. I would really like to read what happens next for them. I can't say I was satisfied with the ending, so I'll be keeping an eye open to read how their story will continue.
PS: I really enjoyed their sexy time. Reese is a hot man & I felt jealous of Elle.
>>> I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. <<<
May 21, 2014
4 Stars!
Let me just say I so didn't realize this was part of a series, however I wasn't confused at all which is a huge plus, and I'm kinda glad considering she doesn't find a decent guy until the this (the 3rd) book! So it all worked out for me!
Anyway, Elle a 23 year old CIA agent is on her biggest case to date, she's just completed filed training and is now considered an agent!
When her doucher of a boyfriend dumps her because she isn't fun enough she deciders to prove him wrong and hook up with a one night stand! You Go Elle! What she does't expect is for is to be with super sweet and sexy Navy SEAL Reese … so much for the one night stand … The two being hanging out more and more the only problem is she can't tell him who she is. CIA is big on the hush hush. To make matters worse she is partnered with her exboyfriend for this super secret mission, and when Reese see's them together he isn't a happy camper to say the least, and the plot only thickens when both Preston Reese and she are assigned to the same mission.
----
So I really enjoyed this book! I'm not going to lie, I wish there was a bit more romance! I mean I now know a plethora of CIA lingo and krav magna but I really wanted to see more of Reese and Elle because well I loved them together! They were an adorable not-couple. Plus their sparring at the gym Wow.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series! She best stay with Reese!
Let me just say I so didn't realize this was part of a series, however I wasn't confused at all which is a huge plus, and I'm kinda glad considering she doesn't find a decent guy until the this (the 3rd) book! So it all worked out for me!
Anyway, Elle a 23 year old CIA agent is on her biggest case to date, she's just completed filed training and is now considered an agent!
When her doucher of a boyfriend dumps her because she isn't fun enough she deciders to prove him wrong and hook up with a one night stand! You Go Elle! What she does't expect is for is to be with super sweet and sexy Navy SEAL Reese … so much for the one night stand … The two being hanging out more and more the only problem is she can't tell him who she is. CIA is big on the hush hush. To make matters worse she is partnered with her exboyfriend for this super secret mission, and when Reese see's them together he isn't a happy camper to say the least, and the plot only thickens when both Preston Reese and she are assigned to the same mission.
----
So I really enjoyed this book! I'm not going to lie, I wish there was a bit more romance! I mean I now know a plethora of CIA lingo and krav magna but I really wanted to see more of Reese and Elle because well I loved them together! They were an adorable not-couple. Plus their sparring at the gym Wow.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series! She best stay with Reese!
April 12, 2018
Elle is an Information Scientist at the Library of Congress. At least, that's one of her jobs. The other one is a secret, one that very few people know about. She's really a CIA operative. And she just became field rated. Her first op is successful, and nothing will take her down from her high of doing well on her first op. Except her boyfriend of one year, Lyle, decides to dump her for not being around enough.
Elle has to decide if having a successful career is really worth having a crappy social life. Except she's come so far. From being a total geek to a geek that can kick ass. She doesn't want to let go of her new life. She's not allowed to tell family and friends what she does, and its wrecking her personal life. But Elle wants her job more than anything. But if she can never tell anyone what she does, what kind of personal relationships can she ever have?
Reese is shipping out soon. He's a Navy SEAL and he isn't looking for anything permanent. All he wants is a fling to tide him over. Being stuck on a sub for six months is going to suck. But when he meets Elle, he's blown away. What starts as a fling becomes someone more. Reese knows that there's something about Elle that's different. And how does a Liberian, excuse me, Information Scientist, know krav maga? Reese is falling for her hard, even though they were only supposed to be a fling. But what if he wants more?
Elle is my dream girl version of me. She loves books, she gets to work for the Library of Congress, and she gets a healthy dose of action on the side, working for the CIA. I gotta admit, if I could be any character in any book, she would be it. She does struggle a bit with the relationship side of things, at least in the beginning, but she has the coolest job(s) a girl could ever want. And she can kick ass.
"I wouldn't want to hurt your manly pride. Or get myself arrested for assault."
I love that she's a kick-ass heroine and that she does struggle. She doesn't have everything fall into her lap. And she struggles within herself, too. It's believable, and I connected the most her. She struggles with her want to keep going and the realities of the job she has. Her dreams versus reality, basically. And she pushes herself. It's great. And she grows. She's not a static character. At the end of the book she understands more about her choice to work for the CIA as a field rated agent compared to the beginning of the book when she thought she understood what she was getting into, but didn't really understand on a fundamental level.
Reese you don't meet right away. He comes in a bit later. He's a sweet guy, can kick ass just like Elle, and he gets the job thing. They work relationship wise together.
"I'm up for some sparring. I'll even lick your wounds afterwards."
He is rather sexy too.
I do think that Reese is a bit more of a bland character compared to Elle, and I wished we had more from his point of view so I could understand him better. Most everything we read was from Elle's point of view, so we understood her the best. Reese we only got glimpses of. It bothered me that for the first half-ish of the book he was pretty scarce. I would have liked to know more about him.
Preston. Wow, that name has really begun to mean womanizer in books. I don't know how many books I have read where Preston is the player. Preston is a bit annoying for me. He seems like a know it all, and he keeps asking if Elle really knows the score. She didn't at the beginning, but that's not the point. It bothered me that he kept bugging her about it, even if he had a point.
Mason. God, you are gonna hate this guy. He has no emotions, may as well be a robot. And he's a good guy. But he's patronizing, critical, and puts Elle down with every minor mistake she makes. He does have a point about her complaining sometimes and threatening to quit, but still. He could be a little more cordial.
The romance in this story is more of a subplot to the story than the main plot of the story, which is great, because I like the action first and the romance second. If it's all angst-y romance and just a side order of action, I get bored. The action is the story, for the most part. Romances tend to be the same throughout most books, so the action is what captures my interest. This story had a heap of interesting things going on. I think there were about three op's in this book, which counted most of the actual fighting. But there was plenty of other action too. Elle sparred with Reese several times and they did things that were exciting. We didn't have another 'They went to the movies...' kind of romance. Theirs was exciting and fun.
You are thrown into this world from the beginning. It takes the first few chapters to get acclimated to the story and get a feeling for the world your reading about. There weren't any questions though. You understood what was happening and you got right into it. I'd say it was plausible and detailed, and for the most part you were shown the world, rather than told.
I will say that I thought the romance between Elle and Reese was slow. I was at 42% on my Kindle when I realized that we had only met Reese twice so far. I guess it's good that the romance was secondary in the scheme of the plot. If this was simply a romance book it would have been disappointing. But since there was action to make up for the slow romance, I wasn't too bothered. I think the middle and end were the best bits though. Like I said, the beginning was a little slow.
I would recommend this book to all of the readers who like action and romance hand-in-hand, rather than one or the other, because action and romance are best served together. My honest assessment of this book was I really liked it. There may have been some minor things that could have been improved, but I will without a doubt read this book again. And since I have not read the other books in this series, I will read those too. And this book can be read as a standalone, for those that are interested.
Elle has to decide if having a successful career is really worth having a crappy social life. Except she's come so far. From being a total geek to a geek that can kick ass. She doesn't want to let go of her new life. She's not allowed to tell family and friends what she does, and its wrecking her personal life. But Elle wants her job more than anything. But if she can never tell anyone what she does, what kind of personal relationships can she ever have?
Reese is shipping out soon. He's a Navy SEAL and he isn't looking for anything permanent. All he wants is a fling to tide him over. Being stuck on a sub for six months is going to suck. But when he meets Elle, he's blown away. What starts as a fling becomes someone more. Reese knows that there's something about Elle that's different. And how does a Liberian, excuse me, Information Scientist, know krav maga? Reese is falling for her hard, even though they were only supposed to be a fling. But what if he wants more?
Elle is my dream girl version of me. She loves books, she gets to work for the Library of Congress, and she gets a healthy dose of action on the side, working for the CIA. I gotta admit, if I could be any character in any book, she would be it. She does struggle a bit with the relationship side of things, at least in the beginning, but she has the coolest job(s) a girl could ever want. And she can kick ass.
"I wouldn't want to hurt your manly pride. Or get myself arrested for assault."
I love that she's a kick-ass heroine and that she does struggle. She doesn't have everything fall into her lap. And she struggles within herself, too. It's believable, and I connected the most her. She struggles with her want to keep going and the realities of the job she has. Her dreams versus reality, basically. And she pushes herself. It's great. And she grows. She's not a static character. At the end of the book she understands more about her choice to work for the CIA as a field rated agent compared to the beginning of the book when she thought she understood what she was getting into, but didn't really understand on a fundamental level.
Reese you don't meet right away. He comes in a bit later. He's a sweet guy, can kick ass just like Elle, and he gets the job thing. They work relationship wise together.
"I'm up for some sparring. I'll even lick your wounds afterwards."
He is rather sexy too.
I do think that Reese is a bit more of a bland character compared to Elle, and I wished we had more from his point of view so I could understand him better. Most everything we read was from Elle's point of view, so we understood her the best. Reese we only got glimpses of. It bothered me that for the first half-ish of the book he was pretty scarce. I would have liked to know more about him.
Preston. Wow, that name has really begun to mean womanizer in books. I don't know how many books I have read where Preston is the player. Preston is a bit annoying for me. He seems like a know it all, and he keeps asking if Elle really knows the score. She didn't at the beginning, but that's not the point. It bothered me that he kept bugging her about it, even if he had a point.
Mason. God, you are gonna hate this guy. He has no emotions, may as well be a robot. And he's a good guy. But he's patronizing, critical, and puts Elle down with every minor mistake she makes. He does have a point about her complaining sometimes and threatening to quit, but still. He could be a little more cordial.
The romance in this story is more of a subplot to the story than the main plot of the story, which is great, because I like the action first and the romance second. If it's all angst-y romance and just a side order of action, I get bored. The action is the story, for the most part. Romances tend to be the same throughout most books, so the action is what captures my interest. This story had a heap of interesting things going on. I think there were about three op's in this book, which counted most of the actual fighting. But there was plenty of other action too. Elle sparred with Reese several times and they did things that were exciting. We didn't have another 'They went to the movies...' kind of romance. Theirs was exciting and fun.
You are thrown into this world from the beginning. It takes the first few chapters to get acclimated to the story and get a feeling for the world your reading about. There weren't any questions though. You understood what was happening and you got right into it. I'd say it was plausible and detailed, and for the most part you were shown the world, rather than told.
I will say that I thought the romance between Elle and Reese was slow. I was at 42% on my Kindle when I realized that we had only met Reese twice so far. I guess it's good that the romance was secondary in the scheme of the plot. If this was simply a romance book it would have been disappointing. But since there was action to make up for the slow romance, I wasn't too bothered. I think the middle and end were the best bits though. Like I said, the beginning was a little slow.
I would recommend this book to all of the readers who like action and romance hand-in-hand, rather than one or the other, because action and romance are best served together. My honest assessment of this book was I really liked it. There may have been some minor things that could have been improved, but I will without a doubt read this book again. And since I have not read the other books in this series, I will read those too. And this book can be read as a standalone, for those that are interested.
September 2, 2014
Why I Picked It Up
I loved the previous novels in this series and wanted to see what else Elle gets herself into.
Plot
Elle, a newly certified CIA agent’s, life is going well. She’s completed her field training and has a wonderful boyfriend. That is, until he dumps her. So Elle decides to go the route of no-strings and hooks up with Reese. What she doesn’t know is that he’s a navy SEAL. Likewise, he doesn’t know that she’s a CIA agent. They connect and keep hanging out until things get complicated. Preston (he ex-fling and co-agent) and Elle end up on an assignment with Reese and things just get more complicated from then on.
I enjoyed this novel. The pacing was fast and things didn’t get boring. In addition to the spy aspect of this novel (that was present in the previous novels) there was a lot more personal drama in this installment which made it an even more interesting than the previous novels. It was definitely my favorite installment so far.
Leading Lady
Elle was stronger than ever in this novel despite all of the personal crap that she was going through. She has grown a lot as a character over the course of the series and I love watching her develop into a stronger woman. She was determined and kind-hearted. She wasn’t anything special-special but she was a great character to follow along with.
Romance
This novel’s romance aspect was complex, to say the least. Elle starts falling for Reese, a Navy SEAL. Their relationship is put to the test because Elle can’t tell him that he is CIA and can’t tell him that she is hanging out with Preston (the ex-fling) so much because they are partner agents. This stirs jealousy and drama that was surprisingly entertaining versus pitiful. Then things get even more complicated when another character is introduced. Throwing together so many people with such complicated and entangled histories definitely kept the romance aspect of the novel interesting. I really did enjoy Reese’s character. He was my favorite of all the guys that Elle has had relationships with (Adam, Preston, Lyle). I think that he is a definite keeper.
World Building
We get even more spy action in this novel with the added plus of Navy SEALS and a rescue mission. Like in the previous novels, the spy aspect of this novel was very fleshed out and realistic. I can’t wait to see more of the world that Marciassa has created.
Conclusion
Like the previous novels in the series, I really enjoyed Cover Cover Cracked. The series keeps improving with every novel that comes out. I can’t wait to see in what direction Marciassa takes the next novel.
I loved the previous novels in this series and wanted to see what else Elle gets herself into.
Plot
Elle, a newly certified CIA agent’s, life is going well. She’s completed her field training and has a wonderful boyfriend. That is, until he dumps her. So Elle decides to go the route of no-strings and hooks up with Reese. What she doesn’t know is that he’s a navy SEAL. Likewise, he doesn’t know that she’s a CIA agent. They connect and keep hanging out until things get complicated. Preston (he ex-fling and co-agent) and Elle end up on an assignment with Reese and things just get more complicated from then on.
I enjoyed this novel. The pacing was fast and things didn’t get boring. In addition to the spy aspect of this novel (that was present in the previous novels) there was a lot more personal drama in this installment which made it an even more interesting than the previous novels. It was definitely my favorite installment so far.
Leading Lady
Elle was stronger than ever in this novel despite all of the personal crap that she was going through. She has grown a lot as a character over the course of the series and I love watching her develop into a stronger woman. She was determined and kind-hearted. She wasn’t anything special-special but she was a great character to follow along with.
Romance
This novel’s romance aspect was complex, to say the least. Elle starts falling for Reese, a Navy SEAL. Their relationship is put to the test because Elle can’t tell him that he is CIA and can’t tell him that she is hanging out with Preston (the ex-fling) so much because they are partner agents. This stirs jealousy and drama that was surprisingly entertaining versus pitiful. Then things get even more complicated when another character is introduced. Throwing together so many people with such complicated and entangled histories definitely kept the romance aspect of the novel interesting. I really did enjoy Reese’s character. He was my favorite of all the guys that Elle has had relationships with (Adam, Preston, Lyle). I think that he is a definite keeper.
World Building
We get even more spy action in this novel with the added plus of Navy SEALS and a rescue mission. Like in the previous novels, the spy aspect of this novel was very fleshed out and realistic. I can’t wait to see more of the world that Marciassa has created.
Conclusion
Like the previous novels in the series, I really enjoyed Cover Cover Cracked. The series keeps improving with every novel that comes out. I can’t wait to see in what direction Marciassa takes the next novel.
June 9, 2014
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When I saw this book on NetGalley I didn't realise it was the third book in a series or that I had previously looked over the other two books and thought they weren't for me. In fact I had to check out the author's site after as the plot sounded so similar and I noticed the cover change. It was one thing that drew me to this book, the cover made the book look exciting and when you add into the mix spies and Navy SEALs, I was pretty much sold.
I think I'm glad that I picked up the series at book three as I found out after that this is the first book that Elle gets a happy ending. For me books must have a happy ending so it was good that this book can be read as a standalone and that I didn't feel confused at all while reading.
I thought the relationships were crafted well in this book--both those that were romantic and others that were strictly business. The romantic element developed at a nice pace and I found myself falling in love with Reese along with Elle. I was routing for him and I wanted them to spend more time together. As well as this, the business side of this book and spy element seemed legitimate and real. I liked Masons, callous manner and refusal to accept her and it made everything seem more serious.
Moreover, it made a change for me to read about spies and navy SEALs. I'm not normally a fan of purely spy based books but because of the romantic element I had to give this a go. I found it to be a good change of pace and characterisation for me. The narrative was also interesting as the two lives combined.
I will admit that I did have two problems reading this though. The first was that I did feel parts were a little repetitive. The author seemed to keep mentioning certain information (like what Elle's exs did, how it affected her, or her field status) and it became a bit annoying as I didn't need the constant reminder. At one point I did think "OK, I got it the first time, I don't need to hear it again." I also found that this made Elle slightly whiny in places and took away from her strong character that I came to like in the end.
The second problem I had was I felt there was a significant lack of tension in the action scenes. The ending was great but I felt there was so much more potential in all of the scenes before that. I felt the missions were over too quickly--or at east the dangerous side was-- and I would have liked more of a build up and action.
Overall though, Covert Cover Cracked was an enjoyable read that I breezed through. It was interesting and engaging and I'll definitely be looking out for the next two books coming soon!
When I saw this book on NetGalley I didn't realise it was the third book in a series or that I had previously looked over the other two books and thought they weren't for me. In fact I had to check out the author's site after as the plot sounded so similar and I noticed the cover change. It was one thing that drew me to this book, the cover made the book look exciting and when you add into the mix spies and Navy SEALs, I was pretty much sold.
I think I'm glad that I picked up the series at book three as I found out after that this is the first book that Elle gets a happy ending. For me books must have a happy ending so it was good that this book can be read as a standalone and that I didn't feel confused at all while reading.
I thought the relationships were crafted well in this book--both those that were romantic and others that were strictly business. The romantic element developed at a nice pace and I found myself falling in love with Reese along with Elle. I was routing for him and I wanted them to spend more time together. As well as this, the business side of this book and spy element seemed legitimate and real. I liked Masons, callous manner and refusal to accept her and it made everything seem more serious.
Moreover, it made a change for me to read about spies and navy SEALs. I'm not normally a fan of purely spy based books but because of the romantic element I had to give this a go. I found it to be a good change of pace and characterisation for me. The narrative was also interesting as the two lives combined.
I will admit that I did have two problems reading this though. The first was that I did feel parts were a little repetitive. The author seemed to keep mentioning certain information (like what Elle's exs did, how it affected her, or her field status) and it became a bit annoying as I didn't need the constant reminder. At one point I did think "OK, I got it the first time, I don't need to hear it again." I also found that this made Elle slightly whiny in places and took away from her strong character that I came to like in the end.
The second problem I had was I felt there was a significant lack of tension in the action scenes. The ending was great but I felt there was so much more potential in all of the scenes before that. I felt the missions were over too quickly--or at east the dangerous side was-- and I would have liked more of a build up and action.
Overall though, Covert Cover Cracked was an enjoyable read that I breezed through. It was interesting and engaging and I'll definitely be looking out for the next two books coming soon!
May 20, 2014
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I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.
This book is the third installment of what started to be a NA series but is now a cross between NA and Adult without it behind gruesome at all. It’s really mild, more so than I expected – and anticipated.
You can read this one as a standalone as the author makes a fantastic job at settling the characters, the previous events without impacting the rhythm of the story and the way things progress.
Though, the first two chapters are a little slow because I think there’s no need to state four times that Elle is a new Agent or that she has a hard time finding balance between her new job and her personal life. I felt like the author was feeding us the details as if we couldn’t quite remember them.
Fortunately, soon it becomes way better and the actual plot takes off. Also, meeting Reese is very welcome. :)
Elle is an interesting character. I mean, she’s a CIA agent! You can’t really find more badass for a female character than that. And yet, she stays a girl easily relatable to. She has troubles with her coworkers, guy troubles, misses her friends and so on. I liked her almost right away which isn’t always that easy with me.
Reese is an interesting character, but I would have loved to find him struggling some more against his building “feelings’’ for Elle. He’s interesting, I love the alpha male behavior he has going on without it being the cliché we often find in books. His banters with Elle at the beginning are quite entertaining.
The secondary characters are interesting, with a special mention for Preston. Now, I even want to read the previous installments to see more of him. :)
The writing style is efficient in this book. It flows well and I wasn’t bored while reading.
The plot itself is well-built even though I could see some twists way before they happened, but maybe it’s because I watch way too many thrillers and action movies. But seriously, it’s a refreshing plot from what I usually read, it uses interesting twists and gives a great opening for the next installment.
I’m pretty sure I’ll read the next one because I want to see where it’s going, how Elle is doing or how Reese, Preston and the others are doing.
I’m happy that I had the chance to discover a new series and a new author.
Who read this book? What do you think about this series? What do you think about Reese? Preston?
I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.
This book is the third installment of what started to be a NA series but is now a cross between NA and Adult without it behind gruesome at all. It’s really mild, more so than I expected – and anticipated.
You can read this one as a standalone as the author makes a fantastic job at settling the characters, the previous events without impacting the rhythm of the story and the way things progress.
Though, the first two chapters are a little slow because I think there’s no need to state four times that Elle is a new Agent or that she has a hard time finding balance between her new job and her personal life. I felt like the author was feeding us the details as if we couldn’t quite remember them.
Fortunately, soon it becomes way better and the actual plot takes off. Also, meeting Reese is very welcome. :)
Elle is an interesting character. I mean, she’s a CIA agent! You can’t really find more badass for a female character than that. And yet, she stays a girl easily relatable to. She has troubles with her coworkers, guy troubles, misses her friends and so on. I liked her almost right away which isn’t always that easy with me.
Reese is an interesting character, but I would have loved to find him struggling some more against his building “feelings’’ for Elle. He’s interesting, I love the alpha male behavior he has going on without it being the cliché we often find in books. His banters with Elle at the beginning are quite entertaining.
The secondary characters are interesting, with a special mention for Preston. Now, I even want to read the previous installments to see more of him. :)
The writing style is efficient in this book. It flows well and I wasn’t bored while reading.
The plot itself is well-built even though I could see some twists way before they happened, but maybe it’s because I watch way too many thrillers and action movies. But seriously, it’s a refreshing plot from what I usually read, it uses interesting twists and gives a great opening for the next installment.
I’m pretty sure I’ll read the next one because I want to see where it’s going, how Elle is doing or how Reese, Preston and the others are doing.
I’m happy that I had the chance to discover a new series and a new author.
Who read this book? What do you think about this series? What do you think about Reese? Preston?
May 21, 2014
Covert Cover Cracked, Missy Marciassa
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I enjoy some romantic suspense, that which has more of a focus on romance rather than the suspense angle, and this novel had that balance perfectly for me. It's the third book in this series, and though its about Elle and her CIA connection, if like me you haven't read earlier books its still easy to follow. I looked at the decriptions of the previous novels to get a sense of where the story was going.
At this point Elle is a field trained operative, and we start with her on the first mission. As usual its a last minute job ,so she wasn't around when boyfriend Lyle wanted to see her as he had some unexpected free time....Poor Elle, its rock and hard place for her, she's been dating Lyle for a while but he's not happy that she's often unavailable. When things go wrong yet again she decides boyfriends are out and flings are in. She goes to local bar and meets Reese...they both agree to a fling, he's a SEAL and off for a six month mission soon, so it suits them both. From one night though they gradually see more and more of each other, and of course poor Elle is stuck in that place again of not being available but unable to tell him why, and unable to explian her bruises and injuries. Then he sees her with Preston, her ex and her partner for the latest job.....it was a tough decision for her to do this job, but she chose it, loves it and now has to see it through even if it means no personal relationships. Can she make Reese understand without telling him the truth – does their relationship stand a chance.
Then things go really wrong, and her past and present collide in a huge way in a mission thats going astray...Elle has to step in and put herself into real danger to save the mission, but that brings forward other very serious and dangerous consequences. I'd say the personnel that get invloved in this part of the mission are too connceted to be real, but as they say truth often is stranger than fiction. I recall many years ago deep in the woods falling off my horse, after a dog startled him. I was knocked unconsious and came round to see the face of my ex GP staring at me. It was his dog and I was currently pursuing a medical negligence claim against him....needless to stay he just muttered it couldn't have been his dog, and left me. Luckily there were other riders with me....
Its a fun read, perfect balance of danger for me, I don't want the suspense angle to get too technical and this didn't.
Stars: Four, excellent read.
Arc supplied via netgalley
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I enjoy some romantic suspense, that which has more of a focus on romance rather than the suspense angle, and this novel had that balance perfectly for me. It's the third book in this series, and though its about Elle and her CIA connection, if like me you haven't read earlier books its still easy to follow. I looked at the decriptions of the previous novels to get a sense of where the story was going.
At this point Elle is a field trained operative, and we start with her on the first mission. As usual its a last minute job ,so she wasn't around when boyfriend Lyle wanted to see her as he had some unexpected free time....Poor Elle, its rock and hard place for her, she's been dating Lyle for a while but he's not happy that she's often unavailable. When things go wrong yet again she decides boyfriends are out and flings are in. She goes to local bar and meets Reese...they both agree to a fling, he's a SEAL and off for a six month mission soon, so it suits them both. From one night though they gradually see more and more of each other, and of course poor Elle is stuck in that place again of not being available but unable to tell him why, and unable to explian her bruises and injuries. Then he sees her with Preston, her ex and her partner for the latest job.....it was a tough decision for her to do this job, but she chose it, loves it and now has to see it through even if it means no personal relationships. Can she make Reese understand without telling him the truth – does their relationship stand a chance.
Then things go really wrong, and her past and present collide in a huge way in a mission thats going astray...Elle has to step in and put herself into real danger to save the mission, but that brings forward other very serious and dangerous consequences. I'd say the personnel that get invloved in this part of the mission are too connceted to be real, but as they say truth often is stranger than fiction. I recall many years ago deep in the woods falling off my horse, after a dog startled him. I was knocked unconsious and came round to see the face of my ex GP staring at me. It was his dog and I was currently pursuing a medical negligence claim against him....needless to stay he just muttered it couldn't have been his dog, and left me. Luckily there were other riders with me....
Its a fun read, perfect balance of danger for me, I don't want the suspense angle to get too technical and this didn't.
Stars: Four, excellent read.
Arc supplied via netgalley
May 22, 2014
Received from NetGalley and Missy Marciassa in exchange for an unbiased review.
Elle is a newly minted field agent, who just got dumped and cant tell anyone what she really does all those late nights at the Library of Congress? In the midst of the breakup Elle decides to take hold of her new identity as a super CIA agent and start her own op: a meaningless fling. Reese is everything Elle wants in a fling - attractive, smart, skilled and doesn't care where Elle is outside of bed. Until Reese starts wanting more.
Elle dodges Reese's questions while her professional life begins to heat up. Someone out there is using worms to hack into the major intelligence-gathering agencies, and there's a mole in the CIA and NSA. Elle and Preston need to find and eliminate the threat ASAP, or their careers might be over before Elle's even begins.
Covert Cover Cracked is a independently published book that reads like a book you'd find in any major publishing company. The romance is laced with suspense, but doesn't overwhelm one another. Elle is a character who at times can whine too much about her situation, but also seems to be intelligent enough to stick to her guns in terms of decisions. The CIA angle is clandestine enough to be believable, with a mission that seems legitimate.
I haven't read any of Missy's other books, and can say that I could follow the story line without previous knowledge of the series. Covert Cover Cracked would work as a stand alone read, or as part of a series. The author effectively weaves character history, relationships and past drama into the current world without a hitch.I cannot wait for the next installment of this series, and will definitely be reading it!
Recommended for: Suspense lovers, light romance without too much heaviness, ass kicking heroines and people who enjoy a New Adult romance without all the paranormal fixings.
Elle is a newly minted field agent, who just got dumped and cant tell anyone what she really does all those late nights at the Library of Congress? In the midst of the breakup Elle decides to take hold of her new identity as a super CIA agent and start her own op: a meaningless fling. Reese is everything Elle wants in a fling - attractive, smart, skilled and doesn't care where Elle is outside of bed. Until Reese starts wanting more.
Elle dodges Reese's questions while her professional life begins to heat up. Someone out there is using worms to hack into the major intelligence-gathering agencies, and there's a mole in the CIA and NSA. Elle and Preston need to find and eliminate the threat ASAP, or their careers might be over before Elle's even begins.
Covert Cover Cracked is a independently published book that reads like a book you'd find in any major publishing company. The romance is laced with suspense, but doesn't overwhelm one another. Elle is a character who at times can whine too much about her situation, but also seems to be intelligent enough to stick to her guns in terms of decisions. The CIA angle is clandestine enough to be believable, with a mission that seems legitimate.
I haven't read any of Missy's other books, and can say that I could follow the story line without previous knowledge of the series. Covert Cover Cracked would work as a stand alone read, or as part of a series. The author effectively weaves character history, relationships and past drama into the current world without a hitch.I cannot wait for the next installment of this series, and will definitely be reading it!
Recommended for: Suspense lovers, light romance without too much heaviness, ass kicking heroines and people who enjoy a New Adult romance without all the paranormal fixings.
August 8, 2014
Book Review- Covert: Cover Cracked by Missy Marciassa
Elle has made it through her field training and being sent on assignments. Her codename is bookworm annoying her which is probably the point why her handler, Mason, picked it. She is proud of her accomplishments but unfortunately her personal life suffers after her busy year training.
She is determined to have some fun and focus on her job instead of trying to have a relationship. She decides that flings are the way to go. Preston may have been correct in that aspect of his time with her. Just as she is settling in to her decision, the past is back. She is now partnered up with Preston as they work their way into a huge OP where covers being blown. Elle has to get over her hurt and work with him in order to stop those who are collecting sensitive information that could put many operatives in danger.
Her handler, Mason, is constantly making her feel inferior so she really has to be on her “A” game. Her job once again gets into the way when her fling starts wondering about her. She is frustrated and refuses to believe she can’t have both. Of course the OP comes first and who knows what will be the repercussions from that.
This is the third book in the Covert Series. I find Elle to be a great character. She is smart and doing well in a field where others doubted she could do. She is unlucky in love but trying to focus on her career now that she has passed all her training.
Elle seems to have met her match with the Navy Seal, Reese. How relationship flourishes is fun to watch. Of course the reader feels her frustration when her job gets in the way. Elle does well when she needs to and her strength and determination is rewarded. An excellent addition to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Elle has made it through her field training and being sent on assignments. Her codename is bookworm annoying her which is probably the point why her handler, Mason, picked it. She is proud of her accomplishments but unfortunately her personal life suffers after her busy year training.
She is determined to have some fun and focus on her job instead of trying to have a relationship. She decides that flings are the way to go. Preston may have been correct in that aspect of his time with her. Just as she is settling in to her decision, the past is back. She is now partnered up with Preston as they work their way into a huge OP where covers being blown. Elle has to get over her hurt and work with him in order to stop those who are collecting sensitive information that could put many operatives in danger.
Her handler, Mason, is constantly making her feel inferior so she really has to be on her “A” game. Her job once again gets into the way when her fling starts wondering about her. She is frustrated and refuses to believe she can’t have both. Of course the OP comes first and who knows what will be the repercussions from that.
This is the third book in the Covert Series. I find Elle to be a great character. She is smart and doing well in a field where others doubted she could do. She is unlucky in love but trying to focus on her career now that she has passed all her training.
Elle seems to have met her match with the Navy Seal, Reese. How relationship flourishes is fun to watch. Of course the reader feels her frustration when her job gets in the way. Elle does well when she needs to and her strength and determination is rewarded. An excellent addition to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I give it a 4 out of 5.
May 4, 2014
This is the third book in the Covert series and it would have to be my favourite beating the first one. It has been a year since Elle went into basic training to become field rated and her first assignment after being field rated has put her in dangerous situations again.
Preston is back and he is partners with Elle on this mission and well as to be expected Elle isn't too happy to partnered up with him. Lyle well I was never a fan of him and well I'm glad he was out of the picture after chapter 2. Elle decided that she needed a fling to get over Lyle and put what Preston told her about a fling to use. After what should have been a one night stand with Reese, a Navy SEAL who is set to be deployed in a weeks on a 6 month assignment, she never expected to run into him again.
I really liked how her relationship with Reese progressed during the book, while she was lying a lot about what she does and how she knows what she does they still managed to get along. However, Preston making appearances when she is at "work" didn't help her case that they weren't sleeping together. The mission once again hits home with Elle with someone she knows being taken hostage to keep hacking into the NSA, CIA, FBI etc. for these terrorists.
The fast past action really showed you how much Elle has changed from the first book when she didn't even know she was working for the CIA. The final few chapters when the rescue mission took place showed us that they she can do anything and that she is no longer just an analyst for the CIA but an agent. The epilogue really set it up for the next two books and the danger that Elle is going to be facing from now on and I'm excited to read more!
Rating: 5/5
Keely xx
Preston is back and he is partners with Elle on this mission and well as to be expected Elle isn't too happy to partnered up with him. Lyle well I was never a fan of him and well I'm glad he was out of the picture after chapter 2. Elle decided that she needed a fling to get over Lyle and put what Preston told her about a fling to use. After what should have been a one night stand with Reese, a Navy SEAL who is set to be deployed in a weeks on a 6 month assignment, she never expected to run into him again.
I really liked how her relationship with Reese progressed during the book, while she was lying a lot about what she does and how she knows what she does they still managed to get along. However, Preston making appearances when she is at "work" didn't help her case that they weren't sleeping together. The mission once again hits home with Elle with someone she knows being taken hostage to keep hacking into the NSA, CIA, FBI etc. for these terrorists.
The fast past action really showed you how much Elle has changed from the first book when she didn't even know she was working for the CIA. The final few chapters when the rescue mission took place showed us that they she can do anything and that she is no longer just an analyst for the CIA but an agent. The epilogue really set it up for the next two books and the danger that Elle is going to be facing from now on and I'm excited to read more!
Rating: 5/5
Keely xx
July 6, 2014
I'm not a huge fan of the "coming of age" genre where the female leads are young and trying to figure out what their life is about. I did not know that this was part of a series which is good because I would not have wanted to read the stories before hand.
Ellie (23) is a CIA agent (a new CIA agent) so I was already excited. Ellie's boyfriend "Lyle" dumps her which makes the plot that much better as her professional life is on track but her personal life is "off the rails". Ellie in her infinite wisdom as a young adult decides to have a one night stand. Of course the one night stand happens to crossover into her professional world.
Ellie soon learns that being a CIA agent and keeping secrets is not all that its cracked up to be as she must balance her budding romance with not only her new boyfriend, Reese - who happens to be a Navy Seal- but her team of agents (including an ex who is an asshole).
This book could have easily been longer with more romance involved but as I learned that this was part of a series; I can understand why the author has chosen to carefully unravel Ellie's transformation.
The writing was well done and I like the fact that you did not have to read prior books to follow this one. Ellie is starting to become a stronger woman and its going to be interesting to see if she stays with Reese or if she finds love elsewhere. Reese's character was not developed very fully and again I think its because its part of the series.
Definitely a good read and leads you to want to read more. Which drives me crazy.
Ellie (23) is a CIA agent (a new CIA agent) so I was already excited. Ellie's boyfriend "Lyle" dumps her which makes the plot that much better as her professional life is on track but her personal life is "off the rails". Ellie in her infinite wisdom as a young adult decides to have a one night stand. Of course the one night stand happens to crossover into her professional world.
Ellie soon learns that being a CIA agent and keeping secrets is not all that its cracked up to be as she must balance her budding romance with not only her new boyfriend, Reese - who happens to be a Navy Seal- but her team of agents (including an ex who is an asshole).
This book could have easily been longer with more romance involved but as I learned that this was part of a series; I can understand why the author has chosen to carefully unravel Ellie's transformation.
The writing was well done and I like the fact that you did not have to read prior books to follow this one. Ellie is starting to become a stronger woman and its going to be interesting to see if she stays with Reese or if she finds love elsewhere. Reese's character was not developed very fully and again I think its because its part of the series.
Definitely a good read and leads you to want to read more. Which drives me crazy.
October 19, 2014
Received for an honest review
I read that this book was the 3rd in the series and thought I should read those first but I decided I could always go back if I needed. I didn't need to but now I have to go read the two other books. Why, you ask? Because it was THAT good. The author brings in enough information to keep you connected. The book flows effortlessly. You are not bogged down with too much information, just enough to get you up to date and keep the momentum going. I can write a synopsis of the book but you already get the idea from other reviews so I'll tell you what I really liked.
I enjoyed Elle as a person and kick butt heroin. She stood her ground, struggled with her deception but wanted what all women want everything (a career and someone to share her life). Her career is going well but her love life has some ups and downs. Until she meets Reese! He is the one night stand that just is too good to go away. I liked Reese because he didn't have the same issues as most male characters seem to have, the need to control Elle. Reese is strong, reliable, and genuine which I adore. There wasn't one time I thought, that is so not realistic. I had so much fun with the characters, their banter, and the action. I got nervous and at one point even paced while I read. At times the story line was predictable but it completely works. Frankly, It's simply a great read.
I read that this book was the 3rd in the series and thought I should read those first but I decided I could always go back if I needed. I didn't need to but now I have to go read the two other books. Why, you ask? Because it was THAT good. The author brings in enough information to keep you connected. The book flows effortlessly. You are not bogged down with too much information, just enough to get you up to date and keep the momentum going. I can write a synopsis of the book but you already get the idea from other reviews so I'll tell you what I really liked.
I enjoyed Elle as a person and kick butt heroin. She stood her ground, struggled with her deception but wanted what all women want everything (a career and someone to share her life). Her career is going well but her love life has some ups and downs. Until she meets Reese! He is the one night stand that just is too good to go away. I liked Reese because he didn't have the same issues as most male characters seem to have, the need to control Elle. Reese is strong, reliable, and genuine which I adore. There wasn't one time I thought, that is so not realistic. I had so much fun with the characters, their banter, and the action. I got nervous and at one point even paced while I read. At times the story line was predictable but it completely works. Frankly, It's simply a great read.
December 28, 2014
***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***I give this book 3.5 stars.
I would like to start by saying that I read this book without knowing it was part of a series and it was easy to follow as a stand alone. The story line for me was a little hard for me to get through and I think it was mostly because of the POV, it was written in 3rd person so I didn't really feel like I could relate to any of the characters.
The main character is Elle, she is an information specialist working at the Library of Congress and moonlighting as a spy for the CIA. She is pretty much a badass and I really wanted to relate to her. She has a hard time with relationships because she cannot divulge her job as a spy to anyone at all and with her long hours and random bruises it is hard to believe she works in a library.
Elle soon is assigned her ex-hook up as a partner where (without her knowledge)they are on a mission to save her ex-boyfriend. Her new hook-up, a Navy SEAL, is also enlisted to assist on the mission. This in itself feels a little too coincidental to me but once you get into the story it is hard to put down without seeing how it all pans out.
I enjoyed the story but not enough that I will go back and finish the series.
I would like to start by saying that I read this book without knowing it was part of a series and it was easy to follow as a stand alone. The story line for me was a little hard for me to get through and I think it was mostly because of the POV, it was written in 3rd person so I didn't really feel like I could relate to any of the characters.
The main character is Elle, she is an information specialist working at the Library of Congress and moonlighting as a spy for the CIA. She is pretty much a badass and I really wanted to relate to her. She has a hard time with relationships because she cannot divulge her job as a spy to anyone at all and with her long hours and random bruises it is hard to believe she works in a library.
Elle soon is assigned her ex-hook up as a partner where (without her knowledge)they are on a mission to save her ex-boyfriend. Her new hook-up, a Navy SEAL, is also enlisted to assist on the mission. This in itself feels a little too coincidental to me but once you get into the story it is hard to put down without seeing how it all pans out.
I enjoyed the story but not enough that I will go back and finish the series.
March 13, 2017
I just read book one and two and I think I'd have to say book three, Covert Cover Cracked, was my favorite.
Prior to this series I had never read Missy Marciassa but I loved how she works her characters. Most series that follow the same main character follow one relationship, but let's be honest, how often does someone find a hea in their first serious relationship? I found it extremely refreshing that our main character Elle may just have one of the most realistic love lives I've ever read about.
There are some unexpected twists and turns in this one, especially if you've read the previous books in the covert series. I was really impressed throughout the book when I found myself expecting one thing and finding something completely different.
I've been really happy with the endings of Missy's books having enough to keep you wanting for the next installment without much if any cliff hangers. I found the ending wrapped up nicely but loved how the epilogue left me with enough to be dying for the next installment.
All I can say is I can't wait for books four or five and to see what happens with Elle and Reese and getting some of the supporting characters!
Prior to this series I had never read Missy Marciassa but I loved how she works her characters. Most series that follow the same main character follow one relationship, but let's be honest, how often does someone find a hea in their first serious relationship? I found it extremely refreshing that our main character Elle may just have one of the most realistic love lives I've ever read about.
There are some unexpected twists and turns in this one, especially if you've read the previous books in the covert series. I was really impressed throughout the book when I found myself expecting one thing and finding something completely different.
I've been really happy with the endings of Missy's books having enough to keep you wanting for the next installment without much if any cliff hangers. I found the ending wrapped up nicely but loved how the epilogue left me with enough to be dying for the next installment.
All I can say is I can't wait for books four or five and to see what happens with Elle and Reese and getting some of the supporting characters!
October 20, 2014
Covert Cover CrackedI received an ARC of a review of the book (epub). So here it is:
I really enjoyed Covert Cover Cracked by Missy Marciassa. After I finished reading Covert Cover Cracked, I realized it was a part of a series of books, but there is no need to read the previous books in order to understand the story, but it did heighten my interest in the story before that of Elle and Reese-- so I will read the previous ones before the next story comes out.
No spoilers!
This is a great story that I almost didn't want to end. Missy was able to tell a genuine love story without overselling or over sexing it. Elle and Reese's story is very boy meets girl, but with a Navy Seal/CIA backdrop. Elle was a very relatable character and Reese was a total Alpha male in the best sense. Covert Cover Cracked gives you a little bit of everything, espionage, romance, action and some scintillating sex scenes. This was my first book by Missy Marciassa, but I am looking forward to reading more from her and the Covert Series.
I highly recommend this book and series.
I really enjoyed Covert Cover Cracked by Missy Marciassa. After I finished reading Covert Cover Cracked, I realized it was a part of a series of books, but there is no need to read the previous books in order to understand the story, but it did heighten my interest in the story before that of Elle and Reese-- so I will read the previous ones before the next story comes out.
No spoilers!
This is a great story that I almost didn't want to end. Missy was able to tell a genuine love story without overselling or over sexing it. Elle and Reese's story is very boy meets girl, but with a Navy Seal/CIA backdrop. Elle was a very relatable character and Reese was a total Alpha male in the best sense. Covert Cover Cracked gives you a little bit of everything, espionage, romance, action and some scintillating sex scenes. This was my first book by Missy Marciassa, but I am looking forward to reading more from her and the Covert Series.
I highly recommend this book and series.
May 12, 2014
There's no easy way to say this but I loved Reese, "hadn't pegged you for a thong girl." His finger ran along one string before pulling it down and off her legs in one swift sweep." I mean he was just a sexy man, "Reese fixed his friend with a death stare. "Things went well on her end." He knew they had. He could read a woman's body, her responses. He could still see her writhing on the bed. Things had gone very well for both of them that night." He's a flirty guy, "not if I had to let you up." His shinning eyes told her he was enjoying himself, too. "But no matter: dinner works for me." His eyes lowered. "You even earned a hell of a dessert for that match." I loved how at times he was a caveman, "but dammit, Elle, I don't share." The fingers stroking her hair slid down her body until he reached her hip, which he grasped. His grip was firm. "I don't share, and I admit that. It may be a character flaw, but there it is." I have a feeling their story isn't finished so I'm looking forward to another adventure with Reese and Ella.
August 7, 2014
I have not read the other books in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I did not find myself lost or bored. Actually, just the opposite! Elle seems like a kick ass woman with a bad luck streak of men. With her heart in the right place with them all, she seems to not have any luck. Lyle seems like someone I would not like and from the glimpse I read I say Good Riddance!! Now, Reese is to be a "fling" and enjoy the banter between Elle and her girlfriends. "I'm flinging!" Which to Elle's credit she really was trying to do!! Reese is hot and all alpha male and another Navy Seal. He is hooked and tries to justify his feelings for Elle. Despite what Gabe his bff has to say about it. I honestly have no complaints with this read or author. Going to definitely read the next in this series. More Reese and Gabe please. I think, I actually might want to see Preston eat his words about family and relationships. What do you think??
I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank you, Net Galley!
I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank you, Net Galley!
October 20, 2014
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Firstly I will say then when signing up to review this book that I had no idea it was part of a series. This was not a problem as everything was so well explained that I didn't realise until I was halfway through the book and looked it up on Goodreads.
What really attracted me to this book was the combination of Romance and Spies, two of my favourite themes. The book started off with a bang, part way through an operation and I was hooked. When the operation was over the story slowed down somewhat and for me I felt my attention waning. Still, never one to willingly give up on a book, i carried on with the story and I was glad I did.
It picked up again with the introduction of Preston and Reese and the story really started to build for me from there. I loved the concept of a geek who could also be kick-ass. I'm not sure I would go back and read books 1 & 2 as I feel like I pretty much know what has happened in them already, but I would be tempted to continue with the series from this point.
Firstly I will say then when signing up to review this book that I had no idea it was part of a series. This was not a problem as everything was so well explained that I didn't realise until I was halfway through the book and looked it up on Goodreads.
What really attracted me to this book was the combination of Romance and Spies, two of my favourite themes. The book started off with a bang, part way through an operation and I was hooked. When the operation was over the story slowed down somewhat and for me I felt my attention waning. Still, never one to willingly give up on a book, i carried on with the story and I was glad I did.
It picked up again with the introduction of Preston and Reese and the story really started to build for me from there. I loved the concept of a geek who could also be kick-ass. I'm not sure I would go back and read books 1 & 2 as I feel like I pretty much know what has happened in them already, but I would be tempted to continue with the series from this point.
November 4, 2014
**I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. When I signed up to read this book I didn't realize this book was part of a series, I just really like the synopsis. I'm a sucker for some intrigue and romance. And even though this is part of a series, I didn't necessarily get lost when the author referred to something that happened in an earlier book. Which to me speaks volumes for this author.
Elle is a nerd turned spy trying to find work/life balance. Reese is a Seal not looking for love. The two meet and sparks fly. All the while Elle is trying her best to keep her secret and find fun, Reese is trying his best not to fall in love. Then enter ex-boyfriend/fling/casual relationship and things just heat up from there. I really enjoyed the spy and intrigue with a side of romance and some sexy scenes. I look forward to the next book in the series and will most likely go back and read the earlier books. Missy Marciassa is an author to be read.
Enjoyable and easy read!
Elle is a nerd turned spy trying to find work/life balance. Reese is a Seal not looking for love. The two meet and sparks fly. All the while Elle is trying her best to keep her secret and find fun, Reese is trying his best not to fall in love. Then enter ex-boyfriend/fling/casual relationship and things just heat up from there. I really enjoyed the spy and intrigue with a side of romance and some sexy scenes. I look forward to the next book in the series and will most likely go back and read the earlier books. Missy Marciassa is an author to be read.
Enjoyable and easy read!
December 9, 2014
I received this free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars.
LOVED this! So much! Elle has grown so much in these 3 books and I can safely say that I love the person she has become. She is now a kick ass techie librarian CIA ninja (okay, maybe not her exact title but I think she would go for it, minus the librarian part).
And this girl gets around a lot, as we see in this novel when all of her "ex's" pop up in one room. For someone who didn't date before Adam, she sure has a list now! But I have to say, Reece is by far my favorite and they better get together. Forget Preston. He is definitely old news. Reece is the one meant for Elle.
Can't wait to see how Elle defeats Kagan again. He deserves a lot of torture for the bad things he's done. I can see Elle getting extremely bad ass in the next and final? book!
Love, love, love. So glad I got to read this series and I know it will be something that I will recommend to my reader friends and will want to re-read again at a later date!
4.5 stars.
LOVED this! So much! Elle has grown so much in these 3 books and I can safely say that I love the person she has become. She is now a kick ass techie librarian CIA ninja (okay, maybe not her exact title but I think she would go for it, minus the librarian part).
And this girl gets around a lot, as we see in this novel when all of her "ex's" pop up in one room. For someone who didn't date before Adam, she sure has a list now! But I have to say, Reece is by far my favorite and they better get together. Forget Preston. He is definitely old news. Reece is the one meant for Elle.
Can't wait to see how Elle defeats Kagan again. He deserves a lot of torture for the bad things he's done. I can see Elle getting extremely bad ass in the next and final? book!
Love, love, love. So glad I got to read this series and I know it will be something that I will recommend to my reader friends and will want to re-read again at a later date!
May 17, 2014
I had originally put off reading this believing that it was the 3rd book in a series, which it is but thanks to a very kind(and rare) email from the author I learned it was written to be a stand alone. So I jumped in to Elle's world hoping not to be lost or confused by not knowing all the back story. Thankfully I was able to follow the story easily and it was a fun and action packed. I loved Reese, he was a hot alpha Navy Seal and I hope he and Elle stay together for the next books. Elle was partnered with Preston whom she has history but it was actually good banter between the two. I hope Preston meets his match in one of these next story's given his outlook on relationships in general. The end sets up the next book quite well and I find myself excited for book 4 and still eager to go back and read the first two just to see how much Elle has gone through and grown.
This was a complimentary copy given by the author/publisher in exchange for a honest review.
This was a complimentary copy given by the author/publisher in exchange for a honest review.
August 28, 2016
NetGalley Free Book
Elle has lived through alot. She has been kidnapped and almost raped just because she was being used by the CIA so why not work for them instead. Once she becomes an operative she goes on her first assignment to find out who is attempting to destroy Americas internet system and take it over. The only problem is that she has to work with her ex-boyfriend to save her other ex-boyfirend and be helped by he new boyfriend who is a Navy Seal.
This book was a bit far fetched when it came to all of Elle's ex's but the plot was still really good. Almost as good as the love scenes that is. The author actually pulled it off with flying colors. The writing was good and the progression of the story went smooth.
It was very predictable but still held my attention to the very end, which was done quite well.
Elle has lived through alot. She has been kidnapped and almost raped just because she was being used by the CIA so why not work for them instead. Once she becomes an operative she goes on her first assignment to find out who is attempting to destroy Americas internet system and take it over. The only problem is that she has to work with her ex-boyfriend to save her other ex-boyfirend and be helped by he new boyfriend who is a Navy Seal.
This book was a bit far fetched when it came to all of Elle's ex's but the plot was still really good. Almost as good as the love scenes that is. The author actually pulled it off with flying colors. The writing was good and the progression of the story went smooth.
It was very predictable but still held my attention to the very end, which was done quite well.
August 17, 2014
New Adult, action, intrigue, mystery.
Young, new, inexperienced CIA operative Elle (23) has one hell of a ride before her during this read. She has a great job (fake one). She gets dumped (he is a loser). She gets an upgrade in status (her real job - CIA). She decides to try a fling (Navy SEAL Reese Beckwith). She gets a partner (Preston, known womanizer). She gets a serious assignment. With all this going on this girl has her head on her shoulders. At least until every things comes together. That is when her world takes a real ride.
This read was easy to maintain connection without having read the prior books in the series. Marciassa makes this a stand alone read and flows well. I hear from others that I need to go back and read each book to get the big picture of Elle. I will most certainly do that after reading what I have thus far.
Thanks, NetGalley.
Young, new, inexperienced CIA operative Elle (23) has one hell of a ride before her during this read. She has a great job (fake one). She gets dumped (he is a loser). She gets an upgrade in status (her real job - CIA). She decides to try a fling (Navy SEAL Reese Beckwith). She gets a partner (Preston, known womanizer). She gets a serious assignment. With all this going on this girl has her head on her shoulders. At least until every things comes together. That is when her world takes a real ride.
This read was easy to maintain connection without having read the prior books in the series. Marciassa makes this a stand alone read and flows well. I hear from others that I need to go back and read each book to get the big picture of Elle. I will most certainly do that after reading what I have thus far.
Thanks, NetGalley.
October 16, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Let me start by saying I wasn't aware it was part of a series when I started it. Only when I got to the end and other books by the author were listed did I realize this. Now, that being said, I don't think me not reading the first two books impacted the story line. I didn't feel like I missed some great clue out there and as able to follow along. The only thing I'm guess that as in the previous books was Elle's attempted attack by a terrorist. I found Reese and Elle's relationship to be just enough to keep some romance in the story line. I did feel like there was a lot of "technical" talk when it came to the operation parts and I may have skimmed over a bunch of that. Overall, it was a quick read with enough drama and romance for me.
Thank you for the copy.
Thank you for the copy.
October 27, 2014
I liked the story line at its core but I don't prefer to read third person narrative books for this reason but I and in this case the author mixed up a few times which person they really should have been referring to. All those men got a little confusing but by the last chapter I didn't have to keep stopping to think of the back story for each to try and keep them straight. One thing that seemed to take up so much wasted space was the repetition though that got tiring repeating that she was field-rated, repeating her training and why was mentioned multiple times in each chapter in all its verbiage. Other than that it was a different and interesting plot and now realizing it is a series I will be going out and see what else the author thought of going with this theme. It was a fun book a mix of adventure and romance. Thank you for the airport read.
May 3, 2014
Based on the series so far, I didn't know what to expect. I was hoping Elle would become a kickass spy, and I wasn't disappointed! I wasn't sure about yet another new guy at first, but I LOVED LOVED LOVED Reese and Gabe. I saw on the author's blog post that Reese is the guy for Elle, and I'm so glad. I wasn't a fan of Lyle, so I was glad to see him go early.
What I was NOT expecting was to see Preston and Adam come back! I hate spoilers in reviews, so I won't add any here, but Elle truly did come full circle in this third book. In some ways she took control, but she still had stuff to learn. I wasn't ready for it to end! I'm glad we're going to get some more of Elle, but I felt this third book was well worth the wait.
What I was NOT expecting was to see Preston and Adam come back! I hate spoilers in reviews, so I won't add any here, but Elle truly did come full circle in this third book. In some ways she took control, but she still had stuff to learn. I wasn't ready for it to end! I'm glad we're going to get some more of Elle, but I felt this third book was well worth the wait.
August 13, 2016
I so wish I had known that this was not a stand alone book and had to predecessors, the this books Goodreads page isn't linked to the rest of the series. Anyways that's neither here nor there and it didn't really effect my enjoying the story. Loved Elle, but then again who doesn't love a kick-ass lead female who literally can kicks asses through out the book. And I'll take a gorgeous military man over a billionaire bachelor any day. All in all the book awesome. I had the perfect amount of suspense, romance, sexual tension, great climax, and not to mention the story ends with a cliffhanger but the epilogue ensures that you'll be back for more Agent Elle. Can't wait to see what's next.
October 19, 2014
I received this book in return of an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I did not know this was book 3 of a series, until the end of the book where the authors' books were listed. I don't feel like I missed out on anything, but I will be reading those as well. I'm excited to see what happens with Elle and Reese's relationship in the next book. I hope they stay together. My favorite parts of this book where the scenes between the two of them. Although the CIA stuff keeps the story entertaining, (especially with the epilogue!) I hope we get more on the blossoming love of those two in the near future.
I really enjoyed this book. I did not know this was book 3 of a series, until the end of the book where the authors' books were listed. I don't feel like I missed out on anything, but I will be reading those as well. I'm excited to see what happens with Elle and Reese's relationship in the next book. I hope they stay together. My favorite parts of this book where the scenes between the two of them. Although the CIA stuff keeps the story entertaining, (especially with the epilogue!) I hope we get more on the blossoming love of those two in the near future.
May 19, 2014
This started out with the greatest scene, full of excitement. I loved the suspenseful beginning and was really looking forward to being kept on my toes. I felt like I was right there in the scene.
Unfortunately this did not last long. Whilst it flowed along and had a good pace in the first few chapters it did not take long before it weakened and lost its connection with the reader.
The Author certainly knows how to write as it is very evident in the beginning, just not strong enough to hold up the whole way through.
Unfortunately this did not last long. Whilst it flowed along and had a good pace in the first few chapters it did not take long before it weakened and lost its connection with the reader.
The Author certainly knows how to write as it is very evident in the beginning, just not strong enough to hold up the whole way through.
May 24, 2014
Received an ARC for review
I didn't know this was the third book in a series. You won't be lost if you haven't read the first two. I have to say I have no desire to go back and read them cause Reese (or Gabe) won't be in them. The story moved along at a nice pace. There could have been more romance, but Reese was hot enough that it didn't matter too much. How many ex-boyfriends were there going to be in this story. I'm guessing they were there to clean up loose ends from the first two books. There was a nice ending with no cliffhanger until the epilogue. Now I want the next book.
I didn't know this was the third book in a series. You won't be lost if you haven't read the first two. I have to say I have no desire to go back and read them cause Reese (or Gabe) won't be in them. The story moved along at a nice pace. There could have been more romance, but Reese was hot enough that it didn't matter too much. How many ex-boyfriends were there going to be in this story. I'm guessing they were there to clean up loose ends from the first two books. There was a nice ending with no cliffhanger until the epilogue. Now I want the next book.
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