Burn Every Bridge (FBI Romantic Thriller)

by Barbara Freethy

"Barbara Freethy’s Romantic Suspense books are explosively good!" –New York Times bestselling author Toni Anderson

A series of explosions. A city on edge. And two people with more to lose than they’ll ever admit…

FBI Agent Kara Reid is new to the FBI Strike Team East—an elite unit built to move fast and take on the Bureau’s most dangerous cases. When a precision blast disrupts the streets of Manhattan, what begins as a search for answers quickly spirals into something far more personal—and far more dangerous.

Max Malone walked away from the CIA years ago. He’s kept his distance, stayed quiet, and left the past buried. But this case is pulling him back in, whether the FBI wants his help or not.

As the attacks grow bolder and the clock ticks down, Kara and Max are forced into a fragile alliance—one built on secrets, suspicion, and a shared need to stop a threat that’s bigger than either of them imagined. The danger is closing in, the targets are getting personal, and every lead takes them deeper into a deadly game where trust is a liability… and failure isn’t an option.

Sometimes the only way to move forward… is to burn every bridge behind you.

From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes the explosive first novel in a thrilling new spin-off East Coast Strike Team—a pulse-pounding romantic suspense packed with emotional tension, explosive action, and a slow-burn romance that refuses to back down.

Every book in the FBI East Coast Strike Team can be read as a standalone. No cliffhangers. No graphic violence or sex scenes, but plenty of slow-burn romance, high-stakes drama, and intense emotion. Personal stories often play out against a bigger, broader storyline, and surprising twists will keep you up all night!

What the readers are saying about Barbara Freethy's romantic suspense

"Barbara Freethy delivers riveting, plot-twisting suspense and a deeply emotional story. Every book is a thrilling romantic ride." USA Today Bestselling Author Rachel Grant

"PERILOUS TRUST is a non-stop thriller that seamlessly melds jaw-dropping suspense with sizzling romance, and I was riveted from the first page to the last." USA Today HEA Blog

"Barbara Freethy writes a beautiful, edge of the seat story, full of intrigue, mystery and romance. Can’t wait to read the next book!" Christine – Goodreads

"Non-stop action, romance, murder, deceit, secrets and lies… this is the wild ride that is Barbara Freethy!" Robin – Goodreads on PERFECT TARGET

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

Barbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.

Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.

When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!

For a complete list of her books, visit her website!

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn Every Bridge is an explosive story and a compelling start to the new series FBI Series: Strike Team East! FBI Special Agent Kara Reid and former CIA operative Max Malone race to find the reason, the connection, and the people behind first one, then another explosion in this complex and intriguing mystery. The chemistry between Kara and Max draws them in, even as secrets and mistrust sometimes work against them. At the same time, Kara is just getting to know her new Strike Team members as they learn to work together.The book started strong and moved quickly, in true Barbara Freethy fashion! I couldn’t put it down! I’m looking forward to book 2 in a few months.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.A man who does security work and an FBI agent work together to try to stop future bombings.They’re working hard to find out who has been responsible for the bombings.I’ve read Barbara Freethy books for a lot of years and I highly recommend them!

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy has done it again! I absolutely loved Burn Every Bridge by Barbara Freethy, the first book in her new FBI Series: Strike Team East. Barbara Freethy has once again delivered an incredible romantic thriller with Burn Every Bridge and has provided her readers with amazing characters that kept me on the edge of my seat! Who does not love hot, sexy men and strong, passionate women? Burn Every Bridge was an incredible romantic thriller, I was hooked from the very first page and I loved every moment on every page, it was impossible to put it down. Burn Every Bridge is one of the most enjoyable books that I have read recently. Barbara Freethy has once again proven that she is a master storyteller and continues to be a must-read author for me. Burn Every Bridge is the story of Kara Reid, an FBI agent, newly assigned to the Strike Team and Max Malone, owner of MG Security, and a former CIA agent. Kara has recently been assigned to Jason Colter’s elite FBI task force in New York. After stopping to drop off her final report at the courthouse, she stops at Brew and Mortar for coffee. After leaving the café, an explosion rocks the building. Prior to the explosion, Kara notices a man enter the café look around and leave. After the explosion, she notices him outside and approaches him. They introduce themselves. Max explains that he was to meet, Samantha Barkley, a prosecutor and girlfriend of his friend Dominic Ashford at Brew and Mortar, but he was running late. Kara and Max work together to determine who was behind the explosion which left Samantha in a medically induced coma. Another explosion rocks a building under construction, leaving building inspector James Cooper dead. They determine the connection between Samantha and James. All the people that they have determined may be involved in the explosions are missing or dead. Attempts are made on Kara’s and Max’s lives. As Max and Kara continue to investigate the explosions, things change between them. I love the easy banter of the conversations between them that flow so easily, and the secrets that Max and Kara share with each other, especially the details that each of them shares about their childhoods and their pasts. I loved how the relationship between Kara and Max changes them, and that they are both willing to take a chance at love, even though initially they each had trust issues and were not interested in relationships. As they close in on solving the case an unexpected plot twists puts Kara’s and possibly Max’s lives in danger. I love how they solved the mystery of the explosions, all the other crimes that were committed, and how the plot twist was resolved. I love the ending of Max and Kara’s love story, and the changes that Max is willing to make in his career to have a life with Kara. I love how all the loose ends get tied up and the revelation of who was behind all the events in the book, especially how everything was interconnected with Max’s past in the CIA. The epilogue was the perfect ending of Max and Kara’s love story, especially the discussions regarding their future plans. I love how Barbara Freethy somehow manages to find the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the career focused former CIA agent. Burn Every Bridge is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. Burn Every Bridge is filled with everything that I have come to love and expect in a Barbara Freethy romantic suspense love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments, plot twists and surprises that filled this page turner. Burn Every Bridge had me guessing throughout the story as to who was behind the riveting events that took place in this story. The identity of who was behind the events in this story and the reasons behind it was truly a surprise when it was revealed. I enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. The characters feel like family and friends, especially Kara’s relationships with her team members, I loved meeting her team. I love the newfound family that Max discovers with the Kara’s family. I enjoyed all the interactions between Kara’s extended family it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love the descriptions of the Manhattan location. It was an amazing story, and I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to reading more books in this new series. I received an advanced copy from the author.

[Gwen Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever had a friend recount for you the plot of their favorite movie or book with a conversation in which you kept hearing “And then,” this is exactly the vibe I found when I read Barbara Freethy’s “Burn Every Bridge.”
A spin-off of her Off the Grid FBI series, “Burn Every Bridge” packs in even more action and clues than in her earlier suspense titles. At one point when a character remarks they’ve only known each other a week, I was shocked. There was so much action and development of the mystery that I was sure it had been weeks rather than days!
Kara Reid is an excellent investigator. She has plenty of experience but for various reasons hasn’t found her fit quite yet. She’s hopeful that the special FBI strike team will be her home. Still, she doesn’t trust easily, thanks again to the reasons she’s hopped jobs for a bit.
Max Malone becomes part of the mystery when he shows up twice at a crime scene. Max has his own secrets, but when his path keeps crossing with Kara’s he decides to stick close and work with her.
I enjoyed getting to know both Kara and Max and watching them follow the clues. The peripheral characters also captured me, especially Kara’s extended family as well as her fellow FBI agents. I’m looking forward to getting to know them better in future books.
Freethy has always excelled at creating mysteries that keep me guessing. “Burn Every Bridge” was no exception. And when everything became clear, it was also clear that all the clues were present, which is the mark of a good author.
I thank Barbara Freethy for a free advance copy. These opinions are my own.

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to start a new FBI Series from this author and this story did not disappoint. The first chapter began with a bomb blast, and it was a "high speed" chase after that.

Kara is starting her new job with the FBI Strike Team after leaving the NYPD. She is eager for a fresh start and that couldn't come soon enough after a bomb blast at the coffeeshop she was at. She was shaken but immediately goes into agent mode and starts to gather intel. She goes back to the scene and recognizes a man from the cafe at the location, too. She wants to know why he returned and it turns out he is on the same path that she is to get to the truth. Max is a high-level security agent who once worked for the CIA. Kara and Max understand that each has access and resources to further their investigation and trust with each other is their biggest challenge. Working together has also added a chemistry that has caught them off guard. When another bomb explodes, they are now realizing that they are running out of time and their lives are now in danger. The list of suspects keeps you guessing until the end and the ending was intense and exciting. I look forward to the next instalment of this new series.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an exciting and suspenseful story. Ms. Freethy did an excellent job of keeping me guessing who could be trusted and who couldn’t be trusted in this book. I felt bad for FBI Agent Kara Reid as she was so honest which got her fellow officers at the NYPD where they didn’t want anything to do with her. I was glad to see her take the job at the FBI, but trust was not something she felt after her last job. There was so much going on in New York City that kept her on her toes. Who was bombing certain businesses? Did someone have a grudge against the head prosecutor, or the billionaire she was dating? Why did Max Malone and one of the agents on her team hate each other? Was Max, the ex-CIA agent keeping important information from her? Even though Max had secrets, why did she feel like she could trust him. I couldn’t believe how many times poor Kara was somewhere an explosion was going off. I loved how strong Kara was and didn’t let the awful things happening stop her. I was on my seat trying to figure out if Kara and Max were going to have a happily ever after. I strongly encourage you to read the book.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant when I saw that this new FBI thriller by Barbara Freethy was set in NYC with a new team. I have loved the West Coast group of agents. I shouldn't have worried, this new book and location is every bit as good as the last! Once again we're seeing the agents of this new task force kicking butt and taking names.

Kara is new to this FBI task force. After working for NYPD for almost a decade, she sees something she can't condone and needs to leave the department. After an explosion in a coffee shop she just barely escapes, she is given the lead for this case. One of her first tasks is finding out about the man who came into the coffee shop, then leaves without getting anything. When she finally tracks him down, they realize they are working to put the same bad guys away, and just might want to work on their relationship!

Thrilling chases, more explosions, a billionnaire who may or may not be as clean as he seems, and bad guys galore. Another great read by Ms. Freethy.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burn Every Bridge is the first book in the FBI Strike Team East series, and what a start it is. There's non-stop action from the first chapter, and it's filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The relationship between Kara and Max felt more like instalove (which I don't normally enjoy), and it was overshadowed by everything else going on. I can overlook that in this case though, because the action and suspense was so well written. I also liked that there was a little crossover with a character from another FBI series, although he was only mentioned a couple of times instead of actually making an appearance.

If you're looking for a page-turning romantic suspense, look no further. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for this new series of FBI agents.

**Voluntary read and reviewed an advanced copy**

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I know when I pick up a Barbara Freethy book is that I’m in for a wild ride. From the very start, Burn Every Bridge sucked me in as FBI agent, Kara Reid, witnesses an explosion in a favorite coffee shop. The action starts there and never slows down until the end of the book.
Max Malone was supposed to meet someone at the coffee shop and started to leave when he couldn’t find her. He and Kara team up to assist victims after the blast. This starts a partnership where they work to find those responsible for this incident and another explosion that happens shortly thereafter.
The story moves quickly from one event to another until the conclusion. I loved this book, but I must say that I haven’t met a Freethy book I didn’t love. I am excited to read the second book in this series.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book! Kara is an FBI agent who is newly transferred to her team. Her first day on the job, she gets involved in an explosion at a cafe, and ends up taking the lead on that case. As she investigates, she keeps running into this guy named Max. Max keeps popping up in her investigation, and gives away very little information. As Kara keeps trying to solve her case, she gets more questions than answers. And at some point, she stops trying to fight Max, and tries working with him. As things heat up in the investigation, they also heat up with Max. But Kara has to decide if she can trust him, and her new team, as she is fighting for her life. An excellent fast paced thriller! I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Geri Grinstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about suspense!

Burn Every Bridge kept me on the edge of my seat. Barbara Freethy takes the reader on a journey that is filled with intrigue, suspense and ultimately romance. From the first time Kara and Max interact at the Cafe till the very end, this book was full of twists and turns. Just when you think you have it figured out, you are thrown in another direction. The unpredictably definitely holds the readers attention. And then there is that bit of doubt that surrounds Max, Tyler and eventually the FBI teams. It’s like a tickle in your throat…you know it’s there but you move on in spite of it. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the “FBI Series: Strike Team East”. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn Every Bridge is the first book in the new FBI Series:Strike Team East by author Barbara Freeethy. I do like a mystery romance story and Burn Every Bridge did not disappoint me. The story of Kara Reid, former NYPD police officer, who is now on a special team in the FBI, was a story line I wanted to continue and see what will happen. I was proud of her when she stood up to her former partner at NYPD and knew her character was going to be a favorite of mine. Max Malone is a former CIA operative who now is consultant with his own private security company. Max was a mystery to me and I enjoyed reading his story. I enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed the dialogue between Kara and Max. I highly recommend Burn Every Bridge.

[Mary Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like every time I read a Barbara Freethy Romantic Suspense book, I am left saying WOW! Burn Every Bridge is the first entry in a new FBI series, this time based in New York, and this book introduces us to Kara, an ex NYPD officer turned FBI agent who recently recruited for a new task force. When she happens to be just outside a cafe when a bomb goes off, she ends up taking the lead on an investigation that has so many twists and turns I was almost dizzy trying to keep up. Barbara Freethy is a master storyteller! Right away Kara teams up with Max, an ex-CIA operative who was also at the cafe, and of course a few sparks fly there too. Kept me guessing right to the end, and falling in love with these two lead characters

[Christyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning to a new series. Kara was a great team member to start with. The action starts immediately in the book and keeps going to the end. Max was a great main character to partner with. I enjoyed the way they worked together and became a couple. I liked Kara’s new partner Tyler too. There was a lot of questions on who you could trust in the story as the suspense builds. There were a lot of secrets in the story. The story is fast paced and hard to put down so make sure you have time once you start it! I loved Kara’s family too. I would love more stories about them as well as the FBI team. I loved the ending of this one. I can’t wait for more. I received an advance copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting start to a new series by Barbara Freethy. She is a master storyteller with romantic thrillers and this filled the bill to perfection. Burn Every Bridge had me riveted from the very beginning. Kara Reid, an FBI special agent, inadvertently and unofficially teams up with Max Malone, a former CIA operative. The sparks start to fly as they race to find a bomber before he can detonate the next one, endangering the lives of others. The characters are wonderful, including reuniting with friends from the author’s Off the Grid: FBI series. I am already looking forward to the next book in this new FBI Series: Strike Team East.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! Kara is starting over in a new FBI team, but is caught in an explosion getting coffee her first day. She begins investigating and starts by tracking down former CIA agent Max who happened to walk in and leave right before the incident.

Max has demons and is trying to right wrongs of the past. He inserts himself in the investigation hoping it leads to the man he’s been pursuing for years.

Great mix of suspense and romance and definitely some twists and turns leading to a thrilling end. Looking forward to the next story!

Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[kelly selph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a thrilling read and a great start to a new series by this Author. You get pulled in on the first page. Agent Kara Reid is tough, honorable, a good cop and in some ways vulnerable because she has a good heart. She is someone you would want as a friend. Max Malone is mysterious, formidable, a protector, and all around a nice guy. Someone you would trust to always have your back. The story is intertwined with suspense, mystery, and of course a little romance. You will not want the story to end but can't wait to see how it all plays out! Will not be disappointed buying this book. Looking forward to the second in this series.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn Every Bridge by Barbara Freethy is a great, thrilling, action-packed book! I enjoyed every page. The story kept me hooked with its suspense and unexpected twists. The suspense, which started within the first few pages and built steadily throughout the story, made it hard to put the book down. I’ve really enjoyed Barbara’s FBI series, and this story had so many secrets to unravel. Kara and Max had great chemistry, and their relationship made the romance feel very real and emotional. I also loved Kara’s relationship with her family, which added heart to the story. If you enjoy romantic suspense with strong characters and plenty of action, this is a perfect book to pick up.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word to describe this new book could only be “explosive “. Kara and Max met with an explosion and the excitement continued throughout this whole book. Both dedicated to keeping people safe as well as our country, led them to some emotional and heartbreaking experiences. However, their insistence in finding the bad guy kept them going to the end. Their chemistry was off the charts as was their dedication to each other in completing the mission. Love this new spinoff series! Thanks Barbara for sharing your talent with us.💕

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn Every Bridge begins a new Barbara Freethy FBI 2 book series set in Manhattan. FBI agent Kara Reid and former CIA operative now private security consultant Max Malone find themselves joined together in the initial investigation of one explosion that keeps expanding into unexpected areas. This installment is one of nonstop action, questionable characters, dead ends, romantic attraction and plenty of questions guaranteed to keep you reading until the last period. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the author. Most highly recommend.

[J Stryker · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Burn Every Bridge” is the first book in an exciting new romantic thriller series by Barbara Freethy. Her books are always the kind where you keep guessing who the bad guy is and what will happen next. Kara Reid has been put in charge of an FBI special task force. Max Malone is ex-CIA officer who is working security for one of the possible crooks setting bombs off around the city. Kara cant trust anyone and you wont be able to tell who the bad guys are until the end of the book. Excellent start to this new series.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a far-reaching romantic suspense set mostly in New York City. Max is ex-CIA. Kara is FBI, formerly NYPD. They meet after a bomb goes off in a cafe they had both been in moments before the explosion. Trust, chemistry, jobs, romance and family all come into play here, and as usual with a Barbara Freethy romantic suspense, I guessed wrong on who I thought was the bad guy. Of course, the story is more complicated than that, with great secondary characters and lots of plot twists. This story is definitely worth the read. Time well spent!

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy never disappoints! Her stories always pull you in. This one was no different. Right from the start you want to know what is going to happen and who is responsible. Kara is an FBi agent and she was just at a coffee shop that blew up. That is when she notices Max and it instantly makes him a suspect. But when everything else happens, will she be able to trust Max? Is he responsible for what is happening? This story will have you thinking you figured out who is behind everything and then make you doubt yourself.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn Every Bridge is the first if the FBI Series: Strike Team East and what an incredible romantic thriller. Kara Reid, FBI agent new to this team and just getting to know her fellow agents and Max Malone owner of MG Security and a former CIA agent. Their chemistry is intense but their past histories make trusting people not easy for either of them. This is a book that you can't put down but at the same time, it's so good that you don't want it to end.

I highly recommend this book. I'm looking forward to reading more of this Strike Team East series.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never fails to deliver and this start to a new FBI spin off series has me hooked and so ready for more! It’s a thriller that is gripping, exciting and holds you on the edge of your seat as we follow FBI Agent Kara Reid as she joins the elite FBI Strike Team East and Max Malone, owner of MG Security, and a former CIA agent who finds himself drawn into their new explosive investigation. Suspenseful, intriguing, twists and turns and with off the charts chemistry, it’s a race against the clock to find out who is behind the bombs before they become victims themselves. So so good!

[Lois Perepelitz]

Barbara Freethy's new FBI series starts off with a bang in more ways than one. You meet Karo and Max in this first of the series. A FBI agent and a former CIA agent that should be like oil and water but isn't. Ms. Freethy gives you explosions, murder, terrorists and romance that has just the right amount of spice.
If you liked her FBI Off The Grid series I think you will like this one, I know I do.

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara is new to the FBI elite team. Max is ex CIA who walked away from his job to concentrate of finding a criminal who is the worst of the worst. She doesn't want his help but she's getting it anyway. As always Ms Freethy spins a tale that includes plenty of action, suspense and enough romance for every reader of that genre. This book is the beginning of a new spin off FBI series and if the rest are as entertaining as this book, its going to be amazing.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this new series interesting, Kara was new to the strike team.
What started out as as a simple case of what caused the blast, soon
became personal.. Max had been with the CIA, walking away from
them and now being pulled into this . Kara and Max working together
and hoping to find answers. Plot flowed and Kara and Max
I enjoyed meeting them. Looking forward to the next book.
I recommend this book as well as the many others she has written

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn Every Bridge is the first book in a new spinoff series, and in typical Barbara Freethy fashion, it’s explosive. I really can’t find enough superlatives to describe this action-forward book. It begins with a boom and the adrenalin rush just keeps on going from the first page to the very end.

Freethy is able to develop new story lines as well as fascinating and unique characters to populate she stories. And her plots draw the reader in. I want to read her books to the end in one sitting.

[Katie Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG
A heart pounding edge of your seat thriller. Kara and Max's story is a truly twisting mystery thriller. It was great to see into a case that truly is a fiery road -which may think you have this story figured out, and in true Barbara Freethy fashion throw you for a loop and who you think you can trust or not.
if you loved her FBI Series you will love the First in her new FBI East Coast Strike Coast team.