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Alpha Ops #6
Risk of Exposure
He is a trained professional—but nothing can prepare him for the hottest mission of his life. Assigned to protect his boss’s daughter, British former SAS operative Malone Garrett breaks the first rule of covert surveillance—don’t make contact. And especially don’t take your mark out to dinner, then agree to a rooftop quickie. But now that Mal has Abby in his arms, he has no intention of ever letting her go.
Abby Baston told herself it was a hit and quit, a one-nighter with a hot, handsome stranger whose hands were trained to take action. Working undercover for the CIA, she can’t risk anything more. But when an international crisis ignites, Abby must make a call: trust Mal with her secret—and her heart—and partner up, or lose everything in a split second . . .
Abby Baston told herself it was a hit and quit, a one-nighter with a hot, handsome stranger whose hands were trained to take action. Working undercover for the CIA, she can’t risk anything more. But when an international crisis ignites, Abby must make a call: trust Mal with her secret—and her heart—and partner up, or lose everything in a split second . . .
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2016
10 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Emmy Curtis
28 books175 followersEmmy Curtis is a Romance author. An ex-pat Brit, she quells her homesickness with Cadbury Flakes and Fray Bentos pies. She's lived in London, Paris and New York, and has settled for the time being, in Tokyo. When not writing, Emmy loves to travel with her military husband and take long walks with their dogs. All things considered, her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny. And if you get that reference...well, she already considers you kin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 6, 2016
Suspense with an abundance of laughter…
I expected some suspense, a bit of love and a whole lot of tension, but what I didn’t anticipate was the humor that colored this quick but oh, so satisfying read.
Malone Garrett was stuck babysitting the most boring person in the world. Abby Baston, on the other hand, was withering under an unexpected assignment that had her starving for, well, companionship. Secrets are the name of the game but, despite that, their first date was one I laughed through and enjoyed, much like the rest of the story. Getting naked in the frozen world of Eastern Europe sparked heat that was instant and ice-meltingly hot.
Abby is in turn a well-trained operative, a sexy seductress and a child-loving caregiver. She is analytical but at the same time, her heart is wide and unexpectedly open to the stranger she lends a helping hand to. Malone’s humour is as dry as the freezing air but he is also a smart man who realizes that rules may need to be bent when his heart is on the line…
As they realize both are more than they appear to be, the attraction they feel suddenly gains a new intensity. Abby and Malone circle around each other but, as they rely on each other to face a common foe they will have to trust each other more than they’ve trusted anyone. How that comes to pass is a treat for the funny bone and the heart…
Grab a hot toddy and a warm blanket to enjoy this fun, emotional, frozen frolic. ~ Diane, 5 stars
I expected some suspense, a bit of love and a whole lot of tension, but what I didn’t anticipate was the humor that colored this quick but oh, so satisfying read.
Malone Garrett was stuck babysitting the most boring person in the world. Abby Baston, on the other hand, was withering under an unexpected assignment that had her starving for, well, companionship. Secrets are the name of the game but, despite that, their first date was one I laughed through and enjoyed, much like the rest of the story. Getting naked in the frozen world of Eastern Europe sparked heat that was instant and ice-meltingly hot.
Abby is in turn a well-trained operative, a sexy seductress and a child-loving caregiver. She is analytical but at the same time, her heart is wide and unexpectedly open to the stranger she lends a helping hand to. Malone’s humour is as dry as the freezing air but he is also a smart man who realizes that rules may need to be bent when his heart is on the line…
As they realize both are more than they appear to be, the attraction they feel suddenly gains a new intensity. Abby and Malone circle around each other but, as they rely on each other to face a common foe they will have to trust each other more than they’ve trusted anyone. How that comes to pass is a treat for the funny bone and the heart…
Grab a hot toddy and a warm blanket to enjoy this fun, emotional, frozen frolic. ~ Diane, 5 stars
May 19, 2016
2.5 It-was-just-okay stars.
Malone Garrett has been given the most boring assignment – surveilling and protecting his boss’s daughter, the most boring woman ever. All she does is go for a run in the morning, go to work at the orphanage and come home. But then he catches a glimpse of her doing something not boring at all, and maybe if he broke the rules and made contact with her, he can find out who the real Abby is. What he didn’t count on was that dinner would go so well, and that she would instigate a rooftop quickie. And suddenly nothing is as it seemed.
Abby Baston is working undercover for the CIA at an orphanage, and after six months she craves contact with another, even if it’s just someone to talk to. Then she meets Malone stranded by his car on her way home, and she can’t help thinking that this sexy stranger was just what she needed for a hot one night stand. But then when danger comes calling, can she trust Malone with her true identity, and to help her avert an international crisis. And what will happen when she finds out why he’s really there?
Unfortunately the romance in this book just didn’t work for me. Perhaps because it wasn’t a full length novel the hate/lust interaction between Abby and Malone just felt overdone for me. Their banter of insults that was used as verbal foreplay didn’t make me believe in their eventual HEA.
July 5, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1sxnsqF
Woohoo! I loved it! Risk of Exposure was so fun! Fluffy, sexy, romantic suspense goodness. Everything about this one was a good time. From characters to setting to the little bit of danger and some hot lovin'...Curtis held me captive. Seriously. Other than breaks to eat and herd the, well, herd...I couldn't put this one down.
Okay so the quick of it is that Malone has been sent to Ukraine to keep an eye on his boss's daughter. She's been working at an orphanage near the Russian border and her dad is rather worried about her. So Malone begins the most boring of assignments watching the most boring of women...or so he thinks. Ah yeah. Abby's rocking some killer secrets that'll stun the former SAS operative stupid and leave his world spinning. Yes!!!
I loved Abby. Yall know I have heroine issues fairly often but Abby was awesome. This chickie has some serious badass moments and was no nonsense about things. She's not a damsel in distress and can give as good as she gets. It was so much fun seeing her spin Malone for a loop.
And Malone. Lordy that man. He could be a total jackass but totally sexy too. He's a little jaded with the world seeing he was an operative for ages and he's a little slow on the uptake sometimes but he was fun and hot and just a great hero.
Sexy and suspenseful. Curtis did an awesome job combining sensual romance with a suspenseful backdrop of spies, invading armies and potential war breaking out. It was exciting and a little nerve wracking. There were a couple nail biting moments and a few that had me fanning myself because, dayum! these two were so fun to watch together no matter what they were getting up to. They were scorching hot in bed (or where ever they happened to be) and had that combative dynamic going on between them. They couldn't seem to help poke at each other or one up the other. It worked though. It totally had the vibe of members from different military branches and how they'll goad and give each other hell.
All in all, Risk of Exposure was a damn good time and just what I needed. A fun, sexy read with dynamic characters and an excitingly dangerous storyline. I'll be going back for the rest of the series no question.
PS--This was my first from Curtis and it was totally easy to jump in at book six so no worries if you've not read the rest of the series.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1sxnsqF
Woohoo! I loved it! Risk of Exposure was so fun! Fluffy, sexy, romantic suspense goodness. Everything about this one was a good time. From characters to setting to the little bit of danger and some hot lovin'...Curtis held me captive. Seriously. Other than breaks to eat and herd the, well, herd...I couldn't put this one down.
Okay so the quick of it is that Malone has been sent to Ukraine to keep an eye on his boss's daughter. She's been working at an orphanage near the Russian border and her dad is rather worried about her. So Malone begins the most boring of assignments watching the most boring of women...or so he thinks. Ah yeah. Abby's rocking some killer secrets that'll stun the former SAS operative stupid and leave his world spinning. Yes!!!
I loved Abby. Yall know I have heroine issues fairly often but Abby was awesome. This chickie has some serious badass moments and was no nonsense about things. She's not a damsel in distress and can give as good as she gets. It was so much fun seeing her spin Malone for a loop.
And Malone. Lordy that man. He could be a total jackass but totally sexy too. He's a little jaded with the world seeing he was an operative for ages and he's a little slow on the uptake sometimes but he was fun and hot and just a great hero.
Sexy and suspenseful. Curtis did an awesome job combining sensual romance with a suspenseful backdrop of spies, invading armies and potential war breaking out. It was exciting and a little nerve wracking. There were a couple nail biting moments and a few that had me fanning myself because, dayum! these two were so fun to watch together no matter what they were getting up to. They were scorching hot in bed (or where ever they happened to be) and had that combative dynamic going on between them. They couldn't seem to help poke at each other or one up the other. It worked though. It totally had the vibe of members from different military branches and how they'll goad and give each other hell.
All in all, Risk of Exposure was a damn good time and just what I needed. A fun, sexy read with dynamic characters and an excitingly dangerous storyline. I'll be going back for the rest of the series no question.
PS--This was my first from Curtis and it was totally easy to jump in at book six so no worries if you've not read the rest of the series.
May 5, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Risk of Exposure is the sixth book in the adult military romance action/thriller series by Emmy Curtis. Each of the books can be read as a standalone, but they are all set in the same universe, so there is some character overlap. I have not read any of the previous books, in fact the first time I heard of the series was the pre-release events for Risk of Exposure. But, I will tell you one thing, if the other books are even half as good as this one, I need to read all of them. I loved Risk of Exposure. I loved the whole spy watching someone who he doesn't know is also a spy thing. It felt very Mr. & Mrs. Smith to me.
Risk of Exposure is told in dual narrative between Malone, or Mal, and Abby. Mal is assigned to watch his boss' daughter- all the way over in the Ukraine. And unbeknownst to all of them, Abby is actually CIA. I loved how heated things got between Mal and Abby. They are two alpha personas and they always seemed to be butting heads and fighting. But it was very banter like. Don't get me wrong, each of them knows exactly what to say to really hurt the other one, and neither of them are above being a real jerk if the mood strikes. But all of it really worked for me. I don't know why, but it all did. I loved the two of them together.
The pacing and actual plot of the story is kick butt too. A lot of it is centered around the relationship between Mal and Abby, but the military and war aspects of the story felt very well done. Not that I am the expert on military terms and tactics, but it felt very realistic to me as a reader. Enough so, that I know that I need to get my hands on the other five books in the series, because I have a feeling that I will enjoy them just as much as this one.
Bottom line: Risk of Exposure would be a great read for fans of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It is a really great military romance. I loved this one. One of my favorite books of the month so far.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Risk of Exposure is the sixth book in the adult military romance action/thriller series by Emmy Curtis. Each of the books can be read as a standalone, but they are all set in the same universe, so there is some character overlap. I have not read any of the previous books, in fact the first time I heard of the series was the pre-release events for Risk of Exposure. But, I will tell you one thing, if the other books are even half as good as this one, I need to read all of them. I loved Risk of Exposure. I loved the whole spy watching someone who he doesn't know is also a spy thing. It felt very Mr. & Mrs. Smith to me.
Risk of Exposure is told in dual narrative between Malone, or Mal, and Abby. Mal is assigned to watch his boss' daughter- all the way over in the Ukraine. And unbeknownst to all of them, Abby is actually CIA. I loved how heated things got between Mal and Abby. They are two alpha personas and they always seemed to be butting heads and fighting. But it was very banter like. Don't get me wrong, each of them knows exactly what to say to really hurt the other one, and neither of them are above being a real jerk if the mood strikes. But all of it really worked for me. I don't know why, but it all did. I loved the two of them together.
The pacing and actual plot of the story is kick butt too. A lot of it is centered around the relationship between Mal and Abby, but the military and war aspects of the story felt very well done. Not that I am the expert on military terms and tactics, but it felt very realistic to me as a reader. Enough so, that I know that I need to get my hands on the other five books in the series, because I have a feeling that I will enjoy them just as much as this one.
Bottom line: Risk of Exposure would be a great read for fans of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It is a really great military romance. I loved this one. One of my favorite books of the month so far.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
May 28, 2016
What happens when an ex-SAS officer and a CIA agent join forces to prevent the start of World War III? Fireworks, of course and lots of action, danger and intrigue.
Malone Garrett has seen a lot of action in his lifetime, but his current assignment is certainly not one of those. In fact, it's the single most boring assignment of his life because his charge leads the dullest life going from her apartment to the orphanage she works at on the Ukraine-Russia border and back, with only the occasional shopping trip or a run to break the monotony of her day. Until one day she doesn't and he finds himself drawn into a web of international intrigue and will need to work with her to prevent a war that could pit Russia against the rest of the world.
Abby Baston enjoys her work at the Ukrainian orphanage, even though it's a cover for her real job as a CIA officer. Her anger at the guy who rocked her world and turned out to be her father's employee sent to watch over her takes a backseat when her surveillance exposes a game of sleight of hand by the Russians with potentially far-reaching consequences. With little to no back-up, Abby blackmails Malone into helping her avert an international incident, but with the poor weather conditions and their inability to reach the outside world, their chances of success look bleak.
Malone and Abby strike sparks off each other when they first meet and even the animosity between them when she discovers his real identity does little to minimize the attraction between them. Abby is a little hard to like initially, but she gradually grew on me. She was resourceful, passionate and determined to see her mission through. Malone on the other hand was something of a wise-ass in an amusing way, poking at Abby as a way of expressing his feelings for her. He's always been detached, but with Abby he can't seem to maintain that detachment and he's finally met the one woman who'll bring him to his knees.
As usual, Ms. Curtis captivates with how she weaves romance, espionage and intrigue into a high-octane ride, with characters that keep you entertained and wraps it up with a dose of sweetness at the end. RISK OF EXPOSURE was an engrossing read, perfect for anyone who loves the rush that comes from a fast-paced read.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
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Malone Garrett has seen a lot of action in his lifetime, but his current assignment is certainly not one of those. In fact, it's the single most boring assignment of his life because his charge leads the dullest life going from her apartment to the orphanage she works at on the Ukraine-Russia border and back, with only the occasional shopping trip or a run to break the monotony of her day. Until one day she doesn't and he finds himself drawn into a web of international intrigue and will need to work with her to prevent a war that could pit Russia against the rest of the world.
Abby Baston enjoys her work at the Ukrainian orphanage, even though it's a cover for her real job as a CIA officer. Her anger at the guy who rocked her world and turned out to be her father's employee sent to watch over her takes a backseat when her surveillance exposes a game of sleight of hand by the Russians with potentially far-reaching consequences. With little to no back-up, Abby blackmails Malone into helping her avert an international incident, but with the poor weather conditions and their inability to reach the outside world, their chances of success look bleak.
Malone and Abby strike sparks off each other when they first meet and even the animosity between them when she discovers his real identity does little to minimize the attraction between them. Abby is a little hard to like initially, but she gradually grew on me. She was resourceful, passionate and determined to see her mission through. Malone on the other hand was something of a wise-ass in an amusing way, poking at Abby as a way of expressing his feelings for her. He's always been detached, but with Abby he can't seem to maintain that detachment and he's finally met the one woman who'll bring him to his knees.
As usual, Ms. Curtis captivates with how she weaves romance, espionage and intrigue into a high-octane ride, with characters that keep you entertained and wraps it up with a dose of sweetness at the end. RISK OF EXPOSURE was an engrossing read, perfect for anyone who loves the rush that comes from a fast-paced read.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
November 3, 2023
Since I failed to share the review here when I initially published it, I am featuring it again on Nov 28 at the following link:
"Risk of Exposure" by Emmy Curtis is a fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled romantic suspense novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. While it may not have been a flawless reading experience, it certainly delivered an exciting and engaging story that captivated my attention.
The plot centers around undercover agent Jager Hannover, whose mission takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Hannah Maguire, a talented photographer with a dangerous secret. The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable, and Curtis skillfully builds their relationship amidst the high-stakes action and suspense.
The author's writing style is crisp and dynamic, perfectly matching the intensity of the plot. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, ensuring that there is never a dull moment. Curtis's ability to create tension and suspense is commendable, and I found myself eagerly flipping through the pages, desperate to uncover the truth and see how the characters would navigate the dangerous situations they found themselves in.
The characters in "Risk of Exposure" are well-developed and relatable. Jager is a complex and intriguing protagonist, with a troubled past that adds depth to his character. Hannah, on the other hand, is a strong and independent woman who faces her own set of challenges with resilience. Their interactions and personal growth throughout the story were a highlight for me, and I appreciated the realistic portrayal of their emotions and vulnerabilities.
One aspect that slightly detracted from my overall enjoyment was the pacing. While the story was undeniably thrilling, there were moments where the plot seemed to rush forward, leaving less room for the development of certain subplots and secondary characters. I would have liked to see more exploration in these areas to further enhance the overall depth of the narrative.
Additionally, the romantic aspect of the story, while compelling, sometimes overshadowed the suspense elements. As a fan of the genre, I was hoping for a more equal balance between the romance and the high-stakes action. However, this is a matter of personal preference, and others may find the blend of romance and suspense to be perfectly balanced.
Despite these minor drawbacks, "Risk of Exposure" is an entertaining and gripping read that will satisfy fans of romantic suspense. Emmy Curtis's ability to craft heart-pounding action sequences and create captivating characters is evident throughout the book. If you're looking for a thrilling ride filled with secrets, danger, and a touch of romance, this novel is definitely worth picking up. I rate it four out of five stars and eagerly anticipate future works from this talented author.
"Risk of Exposure" by Emmy Curtis is a fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled romantic suspense novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. While it may not have been a flawless reading experience, it certainly delivered an exciting and engaging story that captivated my attention.
The plot centers around undercover agent Jager Hannover, whose mission takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Hannah Maguire, a talented photographer with a dangerous secret. The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable, and Curtis skillfully builds their relationship amidst the high-stakes action and suspense.
The author's writing style is crisp and dynamic, perfectly matching the intensity of the plot. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, ensuring that there is never a dull moment. Curtis's ability to create tension and suspense is commendable, and I found myself eagerly flipping through the pages, desperate to uncover the truth and see how the characters would navigate the dangerous situations they found themselves in.
The characters in "Risk of Exposure" are well-developed and relatable. Jager is a complex and intriguing protagonist, with a troubled past that adds depth to his character. Hannah, on the other hand, is a strong and independent woman who faces her own set of challenges with resilience. Their interactions and personal growth throughout the story were a highlight for me, and I appreciated the realistic portrayal of their emotions and vulnerabilities.
One aspect that slightly detracted from my overall enjoyment was the pacing. While the story was undeniably thrilling, there were moments where the plot seemed to rush forward, leaving less room for the development of certain subplots and secondary characters. I would have liked to see more exploration in these areas to further enhance the overall depth of the narrative.
Additionally, the romantic aspect of the story, while compelling, sometimes overshadowed the suspense elements. As a fan of the genre, I was hoping for a more equal balance between the romance and the high-stakes action. However, this is a matter of personal preference, and others may find the blend of romance and suspense to be perfectly balanced.
Despite these minor drawbacks, "Risk of Exposure" is an entertaining and gripping read that will satisfy fans of romantic suspense. Emmy Curtis's ability to craft heart-pounding action sequences and create captivating characters is evident throughout the book. If you're looking for a thrilling ride filled with secrets, danger, and a touch of romance, this novel is definitely worth picking up. I rate it four out of five stars and eagerly anticipate future works from this talented author.
March 21, 2016
High-octane well-written romantic suspense. This was a fab read - punchy, fast-paced, packed full of witty banter and smoldering sexy times, and a healthy dose of action scenes.
Malone was such an ass at times, but a loveable one. Abby had a cranky side too. Together, the sparks flew. They had this explosive chemistry that jumped off the page. Seriously well written. Both were complex characters, loners because of their jobs, and not used to letting others in. I did find the progression from that state of mind to 'love and marriage' way too quick, but it didn't dent my enjoyment.
The plot was complex and solidly progressed though I did feel it was a little rushed at the end. I enjoyed the world-building, setting, the background of political intrigue and espionage, the CIA and military angles. Really interesting.
I hugely disliked how Abby fecked off on Malone at the end. On the one hand, she seemed happy to blast her boss out of it and then she capitulated, on the other hand, heading back to the States on his orders with her tail between her legs. That was a little inconsistent for my liking.
The writing was very good and pacing was decent.
Overall, this was a great read.
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Malone was such an ass at times, but a loveable one. Abby had a cranky side too. Together, the sparks flew. They had this explosive chemistry that jumped off the page. Seriously well written. Both were complex characters, loners because of their jobs, and not used to letting others in. I did find the progression from that state of mind to 'love and marriage' way too quick, but it didn't dent my enjoyment.
The plot was complex and solidly progressed though I did feel it was a little rushed at the end. I enjoyed the world-building, setting, the background of political intrigue and espionage, the CIA and military angles. Really interesting.
I hugely disliked how Abby fecked off on Malone at the end. On the one hand, she seemed happy to blast her boss out of it and then she capitulated, on the other hand, heading back to the States on his orders with her tail between her legs. That was a little inconsistent for my liking.
The writing was very good and pacing was decent.
Overall, this was a great read.
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2016
Received from NetGalley for my honest review.
The most recent book in the enjoyable "Alpha Ops" series. It was finally Mal's turn to get his story and while it wasn't my favorite one, it was enjoyable. I do like Mal as a character and I liked Abby as well, I just don't like (as always) when people lie and that's what he did a while to her and what she does in her life. But, that's how it had to be for this story, and it was good, just not great for me.
The actual story about what Abby was doing was pretty boring. I didn't really care for that part. It was dull and slow moving until near the end. But I liked the relationship part of it, how they met and even before they met while Mal was trailing her.
The end was my favorite part. I loved how they came back together, it was so cute and I liked the epilogue that gave us a look into their lives a bit later. Definitely a cute couple and a good story.
I recommend this series for fans of romantic suspense. The guys are all touch and set in their ways until the women come along and bring them to their knees. It's always fun to read these stories where the guys fall when they weren't expecting to. Great enjoyable series.
Setting = B
Plot = B+
Conflict = B
Characters = A
Theme = A
The most recent book in the enjoyable "Alpha Ops" series. It was finally Mal's turn to get his story and while it wasn't my favorite one, it was enjoyable. I do like Mal as a character and I liked Abby as well, I just don't like (as always) when people lie and that's what he did a while to her and what she does in her life. But, that's how it had to be for this story, and it was good, just not great for me.
The actual story about what Abby was doing was pretty boring. I didn't really care for that part. It was dull and slow moving until near the end. But I liked the relationship part of it, how they met and even before they met while Mal was trailing her.
The end was my favorite part. I loved how they came back together, it was so cute and I liked the epilogue that gave us a look into their lives a bit later. Definitely a cute couple and a good story.
I recommend this series for fans of romantic suspense. The guys are all touch and set in their ways until the women come along and bring them to their knees. It's always fun to read these stories where the guys fall when they weren't expecting to. Great enjoyable series.
Setting = B
Plot = B+
Conflict = B
Characters = A
Theme = A
March 23, 2017
While it all started out quite well and witty, I eventually found it hard to go on soon enough. Unfortunately, it was characterisation that tanked the story for me, made all the more disappointing because of the fantastic blurb, but mostly because it was difficult for me get a read on the lead characters who behaved so oddly and almost with artifice, like they were in some play on stage acting out for an audience with dramatic hand gestures and movements. Nothing much around them seemed real enough to like at least and while I understand the need for covers, illusions and protective shells, both Malone Garrett and Abby Baston made the incredible but unbelievable leap from that to 'true love' like trapeze champs.
The 'sparks' between Malone and Abby came in the form of sniping, temper tantrums, blackmail and sudden bouts of emotional outpourings, interspersed with hot sex and quite a bit of it at inappropriate times, which makes me wonder about their self-preservation instincts.
Great, if that's your thing, but it clearly isn't mine.
Usually it's a special sort of banter that makes a growing relationship fun to pursue and great to read, but everything about Malone/Abby simply came off as bizarre and forced. Consequently, all I wanted to do by the time I hit midway was to give their flimsy, changeable-as-weather personalities and that volatile joke of a relationship a wide berth; they were arses in their own special ways most of the time and not likeable enough for me to cheer for their own HEA.
Or maybe it's just my inability to appreciate that form of humour and that sex really is a clearing path to a happy ending.
The 'sparks' between Malone and Abby came in the form of sniping, temper tantrums, blackmail and sudden bouts of emotional outpourings, interspersed with hot sex and quite a bit of it at inappropriate times, which makes me wonder about their self-preservation instincts.
Great, if that's your thing, but it clearly isn't mine.
Usually it's a special sort of banter that makes a growing relationship fun to pursue and great to read, but everything about Malone/Abby simply came off as bizarre and forced. Consequently, all I wanted to do by the time I hit midway was to give their flimsy, changeable-as-weather personalities and that volatile joke of a relationship a wide berth; they were arses in their own special ways most of the time and not likeable enough for me to cheer for their own HEA.
Or maybe it's just my inability to appreciate that form of humour and that sex really is a clearing path to a happy ending.
March 11, 2016
Mal is quite the dirty talker, and he's a demanding one, “you might want to get screwed against a wall, but if I’m… servicing you, you’re going to effing look at me. You’re going to see me making you come. I’m not an anonymous ***k.” He had zero effing idea why he was suddenly so passionately against anonymous sex. But apparently he was. He stood at the foot of the bed. “Strip,” he said. She hesitated. “Get your effing clothes off.” I loved Mal he was one sexy man, there was so much tension between him and Abby and it was hot.
November 19, 2017
http://www.voluptueusementvotre.fr/20...
Imaginez-vous découvrir une romance entre Lara Croft et James Bond, imaginez-les maintenant en pleine mission pour déjouer une invasion de l’Ukraine par l’Armée russe. Rajoutez y la CIA, OTAN, les services secrets et vous obtenez la base de ce cinquième opus d’Alpha Ops. Plutôt intéressant non ?
J’ai dévoré ce roman en quelques toutes petites heures tant il m’a fait passer un bon moment. Je ne vais pas vous dire que le récit est parfait, mais ce livre m’a enthousiasmée. Contrairement aux deux précédents opus, j’ai trouvé l’atmosphère plus dense, plus marquée par le conflit et surtout avec cette véritable note de danger qu’il me manquait précédemment. La menace qui pèse est bien réelle, les personnages sont pris chacun dans leurs objectifs respectifs, mais se retrouve bien malgré eux à travailler ensemble. Une sorte de Mr & Mrs Smith en Europe de l’Est. Une certaine tension apparaît d’ailleurs sur le plan stratégique et physique ce qui n’est pas pour me déplaire bien au contraire.
Abby Baston est une héroïne comme je les aime, avec du caractère, de l’intelligence et un humour mordant. Elle fait également preuve de mauvaise foi, mais rien qui ne gâche le plaisir. J’ai même trouvé que ça ajoutait du pep’s à sa personnalité, d’autant que Malone Garrett n’est pas en reste ! L’ex SAS est l’homme d’action par excellence, fort de ses décisions, prêt à tout mettre en œuvre pour venir à bout de sa tache. Mais Mal est surtout un être humain doté d’une forte empathie, capable de revenir sur ses pas pour sauver la veuve et l’orphelin et c’est ce genre de comportement qui m’a complètement fait craquer !
On peut dire que leur relation n’a rien de tendre, mais qu’il est bon de les voir s’affronter à coups de répliques cinglantes, les voir lutter contre ce violent désir qui les pousse l’un vers l’autre. Le sarcasme fuse dans tous les sens, l’adrénaline coule à flots et j’ai vraiment aimé ça. Ils m’ont fait rire, m’ont mise en colère et ont même réussi à me tirer une petite larme lors du tout dernier paragraphe.
Toutefois, comme je le disais auparavant, le texte n’est pas totalement irréprochable. Il m’est arrivé de lever les yeux au ciel sur certains dialogues, mais il n’en reste pas moins que j’ai vraiment apprécié cette lecture. Mon avis est donc positif, car ce tome m’a réconcilié avec cette série pour laquelle j’ai une affection toute particulière.
Addict d’histoire prenante, d’agents spéciaux et d’espionnage ce roman est fait pour vous !
Imaginez-vous découvrir une romance entre Lara Croft et James Bond, imaginez-les maintenant en pleine mission pour déjouer une invasion de l’Ukraine par l’Armée russe. Rajoutez y la CIA, OTAN, les services secrets et vous obtenez la base de ce cinquième opus d’Alpha Ops. Plutôt intéressant non ?
J’ai dévoré ce roman en quelques toutes petites heures tant il m’a fait passer un bon moment. Je ne vais pas vous dire que le récit est parfait, mais ce livre m’a enthousiasmée. Contrairement aux deux précédents opus, j’ai trouvé l’atmosphère plus dense, plus marquée par le conflit et surtout avec cette véritable note de danger qu’il me manquait précédemment. La menace qui pèse est bien réelle, les personnages sont pris chacun dans leurs objectifs respectifs, mais se retrouve bien malgré eux à travailler ensemble. Une sorte de Mr & Mrs Smith en Europe de l’Est. Une certaine tension apparaît d’ailleurs sur le plan stratégique et physique ce qui n’est pas pour me déplaire bien au contraire.
Abby Baston est une héroïne comme je les aime, avec du caractère, de l’intelligence et un humour mordant. Elle fait également preuve de mauvaise foi, mais rien qui ne gâche le plaisir. J’ai même trouvé que ça ajoutait du pep’s à sa personnalité, d’autant que Malone Garrett n’est pas en reste ! L’ex SAS est l’homme d’action par excellence, fort de ses décisions, prêt à tout mettre en œuvre pour venir à bout de sa tache. Mais Mal est surtout un être humain doté d’une forte empathie, capable de revenir sur ses pas pour sauver la veuve et l’orphelin et c’est ce genre de comportement qui m’a complètement fait craquer !
On peut dire que leur relation n’a rien de tendre, mais qu’il est bon de les voir s’affronter à coups de répliques cinglantes, les voir lutter contre ce violent désir qui les pousse l’un vers l’autre. Le sarcasme fuse dans tous les sens, l’adrénaline coule à flots et j’ai vraiment aimé ça. Ils m’ont fait rire, m’ont mise en colère et ont même réussi à me tirer une petite larme lors du tout dernier paragraphe.
Toutefois, comme je le disais auparavant, le texte n’est pas totalement irréprochable. Il m’est arrivé de lever les yeux au ciel sur certains dialogues, mais il n’en reste pas moins que j’ai vraiment apprécié cette lecture. Mon avis est donc positif, car ce tome m’a réconcilié avec cette série pour laquelle j’ai une affection toute particulière.
Addict d’histoire prenante, d’agents spéciaux et d’espionnage ce roman est fait pour vous !
January 13, 2018
Dans l’ensemble, Emmy Curtis nous offre une lecture agréable à découvrir si l’on est en quête d’une lecture légère et facile. Mais, le récit reste trop survolé à mon goût et, aurait mérité d’être plus développé....
http://www.sariahlit.com/2018/01/alph...
http://www.sariahlit.com/2018/01/alph...
March 21, 2018
The only thing I don’t like about this book - and this series - is that it’s over.
December 4, 2019
Review to Follow:
November 30, 2023
Winner! Great rom/com writing - love their banter. The author nicely balances action, witty dialogue, hot romance.
May 29, 2016
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
What sounds so simple is usually the most complicated! Basically Malone Garrett has been assigned to COVERTLY protect his boss’s daughter but instead he makes contact, takes her to dinner and then things get physical and way more complicated because Abby isn’t who she seems and isn’t interested in more than a one and done with Mal but when a situation turns deadly she has to choose whether to trust Mal to help her or not.
Malone Garrett could be described as a jaded but charming smart ass with more than a touch of a hero complex. That means I loved him! No matter how dangerous a situation was, Mal always had some kind of sarcastic remark to make that would lighten the situation just a wee bit. And is there anything sexier than a British accent? Come on, I can’t be the only one who is a sucker for that particular accent.
What’s not to like about Abby? She’s not the defenseless woman she seems to be, she’s smart, she’s tough, and she’s brave. Most importantly, she was in charge of her own mission. She didn’t hand it off to Mal when things got tough, she made sure he knew it was her op and if he wanted to help then he had to follow her lead. Can you say boss? I love her take charge attitude and her competency as a CIA agent. It wasn’t all talk on Abby’s part; she backed it up with some serious skills. And enough sarcasm to match Mal!
Every time Mal and Abby were in a scene together it was like a ping pong match with them trying to outdo each other in the snappy comeback department. These two were so entertaining but at the same time their sarcasm contest was like foreplay to them and they’re such crazy characters that it worked! They were hot and heavy and it was totally believable. I mean, sarcasm is the key to physical attraction right? Or is that just me? Anyway, these two really complimented one another because they’re so much alike. Mal and Abby are both tough, resilient and exciting characters who are willing to fight for what they believe in. They challenged each other and that was part of what made them such a good couple.
I love Emmy Curtis, I really do because she totally gets that a heroine should have an active part in a romantic suspense and that it’s still totally hot, sexy, and a romance novel if the heroine is a spy/government agent/soldier once in a while. Curtis doesn’t seem to do useless damsels in distress who need a man to save her from every little thing and that’s what initially put this author on my radar. What’s kept her there is the great stories that she tells. The kind that can take me out of my head space and toss me into the middle of a high stakes, action packed plot with likable characters and plenty of memorable lines. Curtis also understands that in order to relay the urgency the characters are feeling to readers, a romantic suspense needs to move faster than say, a contemporary romance. There’s not time or space for unnecessary scenes, dialogue or characters and I really do think this author gets that because I have yet to be bored with this series.
Final Verdict: Risk of Exposure and the rest of the Alpha Ops series fit nicely into my idea of a damn good romantic suspense. This book and author Emmy Curtis have definitely joined my very small list of “Authors who write my kind of heroine.” I hope to see a lot more from this series and this author.
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
What sounds so simple is usually the most complicated! Basically Malone Garrett has been assigned to COVERTLY protect his boss’s daughter but instead he makes contact, takes her to dinner and then things get physical and way more complicated because Abby isn’t who she seems and isn’t interested in more than a one and done with Mal but when a situation turns deadly she has to choose whether to trust Mal to help her or not.
Malone Garrett could be described as a jaded but charming smart ass with more than a touch of a hero complex. That means I loved him! No matter how dangerous a situation was, Mal always had some kind of sarcastic remark to make that would lighten the situation just a wee bit. And is there anything sexier than a British accent? Come on, I can’t be the only one who is a sucker for that particular accent.
What’s not to like about Abby? She’s not the defenseless woman she seems to be, she’s smart, she’s tough, and she’s brave. Most importantly, she was in charge of her own mission. She didn’t hand it off to Mal when things got tough, she made sure he knew it was her op and if he wanted to help then he had to follow her lead. Can you say boss? I love her take charge attitude and her competency as a CIA agent. It wasn’t all talk on Abby’s part; she backed it up with some serious skills. And enough sarcasm to match Mal!
Every time Mal and Abby were in a scene together it was like a ping pong match with them trying to outdo each other in the snappy comeback department. These two were so entertaining but at the same time their sarcasm contest was like foreplay to them and they’re such crazy characters that it worked! They were hot and heavy and it was totally believable. I mean, sarcasm is the key to physical attraction right? Or is that just me? Anyway, these two really complimented one another because they’re so much alike. Mal and Abby are both tough, resilient and exciting characters who are willing to fight for what they believe in. They challenged each other and that was part of what made them such a good couple.
I love Emmy Curtis, I really do because she totally gets that a heroine should have an active part in a romantic suspense and that it’s still totally hot, sexy, and a romance novel if the heroine is a spy/government agent/soldier once in a while. Curtis doesn’t seem to do useless damsels in distress who need a man to save her from every little thing and that’s what initially put this author on my radar. What’s kept her there is the great stories that she tells. The kind that can take me out of my head space and toss me into the middle of a high stakes, action packed plot with likable characters and plenty of memorable lines. Curtis also understands that in order to relay the urgency the characters are feeling to readers, a romantic suspense needs to move faster than say, a contemporary romance. There’s not time or space for unnecessary scenes, dialogue or characters and I really do think this author gets that because I have yet to be bored with this series.
Final Verdict: Risk of Exposure and the rest of the Alpha Ops series fit nicely into my idea of a damn good romantic suspense. This book and author Emmy Curtis have definitely joined my very small list of “Authors who write my kind of heroine.” I hope to see a lot more from this series and this author.
May 2, 2016
OH MY GOSH, I FREAKING LOVED MAL AND ABBY.
I mean, I kinda had a clue that I would, given that Mal's snarky irreverence was one of my favorite parts of book five ( Compromised ) but even I couldn't have predicted the glorious banter that makes up their relationship.
Not to mention the sex, the suspense, the danger--really, just a winner all around. I've only read three in the series so far and enjoyed them all, but this one blew the other two away.
Because Mal + Abby = Awesomesauce
Or really, Mal on his own = awesomesauce (his sit reps to his boss made me laugh every time) and Abby on her own isn't too bad either. But put them together? Magic.
Risk of Exposure would work just fine as a standalone if you haven't read any of the others in the series yet--really, nothing that happened in prior books makes much of an impact in this one, except that Mal's been a pain in the butt towards his coworkers and superiors (which you can figure out after about five seconds) and he ruminates once or twice about how inconvenient it is when one's teammates fall in love right in front of you.
And then he, of course, proceeds to fall in love. Karma, buddy. :)
I am so ready for book seven! Though I suspect it will take a while, which gives me plenty of time to catch up on the rest of the series.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I mean, I kinda had a clue that I would, given that Mal's snarky irreverence was one of my favorite parts of book five ( Compromised ) but even I couldn't have predicted the glorious banter that makes up their relationship.
Playboy's eyebrows rose. "Sir?"Seriously. Great. Freaking. Banter.
Fuck it. "Sure. Okay." He turned to Playboy. "Firstly, don't call me 'sir'. I was never an officer. You can use my call sign, 'Merchant'. Secondly-"
"Merchant is your call sign?" Abby asked with a grin.
"Really? You have Playboy and freaking Havoc here and you're questioning my call sign?"
"Ma'am," Havoc said. "I suspect his full sign is 'Merchant of Death'. Am I right, sir?"
"You don't know him like I do. It's probably Merchant of Venice," Abby said.
"Don't make me hurt you," Mal replied, trying hard not to laugh.
"As if you could. We both know, for sure, that I can take you," she said, hands on her hips.
"Unless you lose your weapon to me, that is."
"Um, guys? I don't want to interrupt whatever this is, but--No, in fact, I do want to interrupt. Athens." Playboy looked pointedly at Mal.
Not to mention the sex, the suspense, the danger--really, just a winner all around. I've only read three in the series so far and enjoyed them all, but this one blew the other two away.
Because Mal + Abby = Awesomesauce
Or really, Mal on his own = awesomesauce (his sit reps to his boss made me laugh every time) and Abby on her own isn't too bad either. But put them together? Magic.
Risk of Exposure would work just fine as a standalone if you haven't read any of the others in the series yet--really, nothing that happened in prior books makes much of an impact in this one, except that Mal's been a pain in the butt towards his coworkers and superiors (which you can figure out after about five seconds) and he ruminates once or twice about how inconvenient it is when one's teammates fall in love right in front of you.
And then he, of course, proceeds to fall in love. Karma, buddy. :)
I am so ready for book seven! Though I suspect it will take a while, which gives me plenty of time to catch up on the rest of the series.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2016
This is book 6 in the Alpha Ops series and oh my goodness, each of these books are so good, hot, sexy, suspenseful and did I say HOT?!
Abby is a covert officer for the CIA. Her "front" is working as a volunteer at an orphanage, where her focus is the Russian border. None of her friends or family know what her "real job" is and she must keep it that way. The Orphanage was given a good amount of money so they could be used as her cover. She continues to get the feeling that someone is watching, but given her job paranoia is a given.
British former SAS operative Malone Garrett has been hired by Abby's dad to keep an eye on her and protect her....without her knowledge. Malone has had many assignments and this one has been the most boring one yet. Abby does the same thing..every.single.day. He has an apartment across from hers where he watches her every move. Then one day while he watching her she's in front of the window with red on the front of her shirt, like she's been shot. He's ready to jump into action and go to her, but he notices it's tomato soup on her shirt!! And she's dancing around and singing!! Maybe this job is picking up and won't be so boring!!
He goes against all rules and makes contact with her and that folks is all she wrote.....he's hooked on her!! He's knows better, but can he stay away now that's he's had a sample?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was very well written! Loved the bantering back and forth between Abby and Mal and the hot moments were really HOT!! Abby is a bad ass woman, that takes no crap off anyone...love her!! Of course, Malone is sexy as all get out! A good book, that can be read as a stand alone! I look forward to reading more by Emmy Curtis!!
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
Abby is a covert officer for the CIA. Her "front" is working as a volunteer at an orphanage, where her focus is the Russian border. None of her friends or family know what her "real job" is and she must keep it that way. The Orphanage was given a good amount of money so they could be used as her cover. She continues to get the feeling that someone is watching, but given her job paranoia is a given.
British former SAS operative Malone Garrett has been hired by Abby's dad to keep an eye on her and protect her....without her knowledge. Malone has had many assignments and this one has been the most boring one yet. Abby does the same thing..every.single.day. He has an apartment across from hers where he watches her every move. Then one day while he watching her she's in front of the window with red on the front of her shirt, like she's been shot. He's ready to jump into action and go to her, but he notices it's tomato soup on her shirt!! And she's dancing around and singing!! Maybe this job is picking up and won't be so boring!!
He goes against all rules and makes contact with her and that folks is all she wrote.....he's hooked on her!! He's knows better, but can he stay away now that's he's had a sample?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was very well written! Loved the bantering back and forth between Abby and Mal and the hot moments were really HOT!! Abby is a bad ass woman, that takes no crap off anyone...love her!! Of course, Malone is sexy as all get out! A good book, that can be read as a stand alone! I look forward to reading more by Emmy Curtis!!
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
May 3, 2016
James Bond has lost his place as my favourite British spy!!! Malone is smouldering, searing alpha man on a stick!!! Passion, intrigue, adventure and blackmailing CIA agents all combine into a wonderful read.
We've met Malone a few times in other books in the series as a kind of back up character, with just a glimpse of what was to come. He is ex-SAS and all smartmouth!!! He's not happy to be babysitting his boss' daughter, she is the most boring woman in the world.
Abby enjoys her work at a Ukrainian orphanage, even if it is a cover for her CIA work. No one knows she is a covert agent, not even her family. But lately she has the feeling she is being watched but she can't find any trace of a tail. When he manages to wangle a way to meet her and see what she is upto, he didn't expect it to lead to a hot as heck interlude in an alley!
But when trouble looms, she blackmails him into helping her out and finding out what the Russians are up to on the border. There may be pro Russian sympathisers loose and with patchy technology tethering her to the outside world, Abby is upto her neck in it.
Abby was a bit hard to like at first. She was all "independent woman don't need anyone" but was quick to threaten Malone with Daddy when he didn't jump to her tune. I could also find no reason why she was so easy to jump to the wrong idea about Malone. Malone on the other hand was really funny and put upon! He was an ass but a very nice one, even though he hid it under a whole lot of naughtiness!!!!
Felt it was well paced and loved the little epilogue, I love seeing what characters get up to after the initial dust settles. Can't wait for the next - I do hope Malone and Abby pop up again.
We've met Malone a few times in other books in the series as a kind of back up character, with just a glimpse of what was to come. He is ex-SAS and all smartmouth!!! He's not happy to be babysitting his boss' daughter, she is the most boring woman in the world.
Abby enjoys her work at a Ukrainian orphanage, even if it is a cover for her CIA work. No one knows she is a covert agent, not even her family. But lately she has the feeling she is being watched but she can't find any trace of a tail. When he manages to wangle a way to meet her and see what she is upto, he didn't expect it to lead to a hot as heck interlude in an alley!
But when trouble looms, she blackmails him into helping her out and finding out what the Russians are up to on the border. There may be pro Russian sympathisers loose and with patchy technology tethering her to the outside world, Abby is upto her neck in it.
Abby was a bit hard to like at first. She was all "independent woman don't need anyone" but was quick to threaten Malone with Daddy when he didn't jump to her tune. I could also find no reason why she was so easy to jump to the wrong idea about Malone. Malone on the other hand was really funny and put upon! He was an ass but a very nice one, even though he hid it under a whole lot of naughtiness!!!!
Felt it was well paced and loved the little epilogue, I love seeing what characters get up to after the initial dust settles. Can't wait for the next - I do hope Malone and Abby pop up again.
December 5, 2016
Somehow Emmy Curtis has created a phenomenal Blow 'Em Up Action/Rom-Com novel - and it is a deliciously sexy romp! "Risk of Exposure" is amusing from Page one and unexpected at half-way through Chapter one. It's jaw-dropping wicked sexy before Chapter four ends. People have died during Chapter six. The hero and heroine are having a serious hand-to-hand, gun, and knife fight in Chapter seven. And before the end of Chapter Nine some seriously satisfying Angry Sex has occurred. In short, "Risk of Exposure" hits the ground running and Emmy Curtis wastes no time in getting the hero and heroine's Meet Cute out of the way early and on to the good stuff quick and fast. The secondary characters are for the most part "wild cards" not knowing if they are trustworthy or not. The characters' emotions and trust grow quick and fast due to the circumstances they are put into. Seriously, this novel is balancing spinning plates - humor, action, romance, insecurity, trust, sex, and danger - and it's done amazingly well.
"Risk of Exposure" is not a novel I'd normally pick out for myself but I thought I'd broaden my scope and I am so glad I did. The witty banter, the lightning quick retorts, and the libido arousing fisticuffs are awesome! Emmy Curtis balances all of the action, sex, romance, and comedy so well and the pace is quick and the characters delightful. The Alpha Ops series one I'm sorry I didn't sooner. If "Risk of Exposure" is any indication of the quality of rest of the books - it's definitely a series I'd read loyally!
To read the entire review please visit: http://bit.ly/1pYtHSG
This novel was provided in exchange for an unbiased review.
"Risk of Exposure" is not a novel I'd normally pick out for myself but I thought I'd broaden my scope and I am so glad I did. The witty banter, the lightning quick retorts, and the libido arousing fisticuffs are awesome! Emmy Curtis balances all of the action, sex, romance, and comedy so well and the pace is quick and the characters delightful. The Alpha Ops series one I'm sorry I didn't sooner. If "Risk of Exposure" is any indication of the quality of rest of the books - it's definitely a series I'd read loyally!
To read the entire review please visit: http://bit.ly/1pYtHSG
This novel was provided in exchange for an unbiased review.
April 13, 2016
After a couple of "disappointments" in the series where I just couldn't connect with the characters (err... the females, anyway), I was so so so excited to connect and be thoroughly engrossed in the lives of Abby and Malone.
Malone finds himself on the Ukraine/Russia border watching the boring daughter of his boss. After days of surveillance, he's ready to call it quits -- until he sees a side of her he hadn't caught in her very predictable schedule. His gut tells him there's more to her story...
Recruited into the CIA in college, Abby has kept her life completely secret from her friends and family. She made a vow of secrecy and she fully intends to keep it. Her current op has her posing at an orphanage -- where she loses her heart again and again.
When the unthinkable happens, and the man she met as another aide worker turns out to be just as specialized as she, she breaks her vow and she and Malone set off on a suspenseful journey that brings them closer together.
I think I may have enjoyed Malone and Abby's story more than I did the first two books -- and they were my favorites! This story was full of adventure and our multi-dimensional characters were super fun to read about. I loved these two and their constant bickering from day one -- they were so incredibly great with one another. While I'm sad to see the series end, I found that this was a great book to close it out -- and the epilogue! Oh, the epilogue... It was sweet and has my heart panging for just a little bit more of these two.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Malone finds himself on the Ukraine/Russia border watching the boring daughter of his boss. After days of surveillance, he's ready to call it quits -- until he sees a side of her he hadn't caught in her very predictable schedule. His gut tells him there's more to her story...
Recruited into the CIA in college, Abby has kept her life completely secret from her friends and family. She made a vow of secrecy and she fully intends to keep it. Her current op has her posing at an orphanage -- where she loses her heart again and again.
When the unthinkable happens, and the man she met as another aide worker turns out to be just as specialized as she, she breaks her vow and she and Malone set off on a suspenseful journey that brings them closer together.
I think I may have enjoyed Malone and Abby's story more than I did the first two books -- and they were my favorites! This story was full of adventure and our multi-dimensional characters were super fun to read about. I loved these two and their constant bickering from day one -- they were so incredibly great with one another. While I'm sad to see the series end, I found that this was a great book to close it out -- and the epilogue! Oh, the epilogue... It was sweet and has my heart panging for just a little bit more of these two.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
April 24, 2016
This story takes place near the Russian border. Mal has been assigned to covert surveillance and guard duty over his boss's daughter who is an international aid worker. Mal is bored out of his mind and frozen solid. All he wants is to get away from the assignment and his boring little mark. Thinking a face to face "accidental" encounter might speed things up, he gets more than he bargained for when Abby takes him on a night he will never forget then just leaves. Normally sarcastic and surly at best, he had enjoyed himself with Abby. Abby, on the other hand, can't afford any real connections even though Mal was tempting. Her real job is bigger than just foreign aid worker and could be critical to preventing war. Their one time encounter makes Mal curious. No longer dying to get home, he sets out to find out just what Abby is really doing and ends up in the middle of one of the most dangerous missions of his life.
Abby was a great character. She was so fun and courageous and fierce too when she needed to be. She was exactly what Mal needed, someone who could kick butt and take names right beside him. Mal was another sexy alpha guy in a series full of them. Most of the military/ black ops style books I've read recently were set in the middle east. The frozen Russian border was an interesting change. As usual, I enjoyed this author's work.
I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.
Abby was a great character. She was so fun and courageous and fierce too when she needed to be. She was exactly what Mal needed, someone who could kick butt and take names right beside him. Mal was another sexy alpha guy in a series full of them. Most of the military/ black ops style books I've read recently were set in the middle east. The frozen Russian border was an interesting change. As usual, I enjoyed this author's work.
I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.
May 2, 2016
Malone Garrett is sure he is going to expire from boredom on his latest mission: watch the boss's daughter and protect her from danger. With a schedule that is insanely predictable, Abby Baston only needs to be protected from falling into that deep rut she seems to be carving as far as he can tell. Yet a suspicion that something is not quite right is tickling the back of his mind that he can't ignore...
Abby is isolated from everything familiar as she works at an orphanage in the Ukraine on the Russian border, but loneliness should be second nature to her as an undercover CIA field operative. When she meets the sexy Mal with his James Bond accent broken down on the side of the road, she decides one night of no strings fun in order. She just never expects to find out who he really is or too need his help.
Two loners with a healthy dose of distrust and sarcasm to spare as a defense mechanism are a recipe for fireworks, and they don't waste time getting down to the business of sparring to cover their growing interest in each other. "Normal" could never describe their lives but it doesn't stop the "What if" from creeping into their individual thoughts. Of course, just when they thought all was quiet, foreign relations take a turn for the worse and they find themselves in the thick of the mess.
Abby and Mal were fun and kept their cool in the face of danger making Risk of Exposure an enjoyable read.
Abby is isolated from everything familiar as she works at an orphanage in the Ukraine on the Russian border, but loneliness should be second nature to her as an undercover CIA field operative. When she meets the sexy Mal with his James Bond accent broken down on the side of the road, she decides one night of no strings fun in order. She just never expects to find out who he really is or too need his help.
Two loners with a healthy dose of distrust and sarcasm to spare as a defense mechanism are a recipe for fireworks, and they don't waste time getting down to the business of sparring to cover their growing interest in each other. "Normal" could never describe their lives but it doesn't stop the "What if" from creeping into their individual thoughts. Of course, just when they thought all was quiet, foreign relations take a turn for the worse and they find themselves in the thick of the mess.
Abby and Mal were fun and kept their cool in the face of danger making Risk of Exposure an enjoyable read.
May 6, 2016
As much as I love romance books, romantic suspense is not my favorite sub-genre, but when I read the blurb to Risk of Exposure, I knew I had to read it…let me tell you why…
Malone Garrett is a former British SAS operative that is currently in the Ukraine watching the boring routine of his bosses daughter and mastering Candy Crush levels like a boss! But then Mal breaks the first rule of covert surveillance and makes contact with his bosses daughter Abby and after a steamy encounter on a cold rooftop, Mal knows he doesn't want to let her go.
Abby Baston is not what everyone thinks she is! Her cover is a aide worker for a orphanage, but what she is really an undercover operative for the CIA, monitoring the Russian/Ukraine boarder. But Abby gets entangled with Mal and all their truths are revealed, not they just have to try and stop an International Crisis from igniting and stay alive at the same time.
WOW!! What a book! Firstly I love reading books from British authors! Being British myself; reading books that have the correct take on a British humor and words, it just makes everything click! The writing and plot was excellent and smooth and the characters were lovable and relatable (despite the extreme nature of the story). Risk of Exposure was such an enjoyable read and one that I will read again and again!
I give Risk of Exposure 5 stars!
Malone Garrett is a former British SAS operative that is currently in the Ukraine watching the boring routine of his bosses daughter and mastering Candy Crush levels like a boss! But then Mal breaks the first rule of covert surveillance and makes contact with his bosses daughter Abby and after a steamy encounter on a cold rooftop, Mal knows he doesn't want to let her go.
Abby Baston is not what everyone thinks she is! Her cover is a aide worker for a orphanage, but what she is really an undercover operative for the CIA, monitoring the Russian/Ukraine boarder. But Abby gets entangled with Mal and all their truths are revealed, not they just have to try and stop an International Crisis from igniting and stay alive at the same time.
WOW!! What a book! Firstly I love reading books from British authors! Being British myself; reading books that have the correct take on a British humor and words, it just makes everything click! The writing and plot was excellent and smooth and the characters were lovable and relatable (despite the extreme nature of the story). Risk of Exposure was such an enjoyable read and one that I will read again and again!
I give Risk of Exposure 5 stars!
May 4, 2016
This was my first Emmy Curtis book and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Both Abby and Malone are both kick butt characters that I really enjoyed. Though there were a few moments with Abby that felt off to me. For the most part she's strong and smart but then she pulls stunts like threatening Malone that she's going to call her daddy and make up some lies about Malone. It seems like an underhanded tact to take out of character with everything else she does. There's also a point at the end where again she seems to morph from a strong female character to someone who runs off with her tail between her legs.
Malone on the other hand I fell in love with. He's a jerk a lot of the times but at the same time you have to sympathize with him because you know it's his defense mechanism. I loved the way he protected Abby and knew just how to shake her out of her nerves or fears even if that did mean making her think he was a jerk. The chemistry between the two was smoking and I loved watching them together.
The story itself was interesting and had a few twists that were surprising. I would have given this book a full 5 stars if it weren't for those few inconsistencies in Abby's character and the one at the end in particular bugged me. Still a great read.
Malone on the other hand I fell in love with. He's a jerk a lot of the times but at the same time you have to sympathize with him because you know it's his defense mechanism. I loved the way he protected Abby and knew just how to shake her out of her nerves or fears even if that did mean making her think he was a jerk. The chemistry between the two was smoking and I loved watching them together.
The story itself was interesting and had a few twists that were surprising. I would have given this book a full 5 stars if it weren't for those few inconsistencies in Abby's character and the one at the end in particular bugged me. Still a great read.
April 20, 2016
What happens when an alpha male and alpha female collide? Sparks! I loved Malone in Compromised, and he didn’t disappoint in his own story with Abby. Malone is easily bored and frustrated in this story and looking after his bosses boring, predictable daughter is almost enough to drive him insane. Abby is anything but predictable. After being alone for entirely too long, she picks up a random stranger with car trouble and decides he will be her release from the stress bearing on her as she is in the middle of a possible war between Ukraine and Russia. The problem is, once is just not enough for either.
Both struggle to maintain their professionalism and their cool as they are stretched to their very limits. Malone has finally met his match.
Emmy Curtis did it yet again! Her understanding of Spec Ops military is impressive and her knowledge of the type of personalities it takes to thrive in that environment is extraordinary. Loved it!
Thank you, Emmy and Barclay Publicity for providing this digital copy in return for an honest review!
Both struggle to maintain their professionalism and their cool as they are stretched to their very limits. Malone has finally met his match.
Emmy Curtis did it yet again! Her understanding of Spec Ops military is impressive and her knowledge of the type of personalities it takes to thrive in that environment is extraordinary. Loved it!
Thank you, Emmy and Barclay Publicity for providing this digital copy in return for an honest review!
April 26, 2016
Risk of Exposure was one of THE best books of the month for me! I loved everything about it, the characters who were so dynamic and powerful, the vivid descriptions of their surroundings and the PLOT! This book was so hard to put down. I didn't want to leave it for a second. I needed to know what would happen next.
Malone is not your typical alpha, he is a true bad boy and he knows it. He doesn't get attached to anything or anyone, at least until Abbey came alone. Then the confusion sets in!
Abbey is full of mystery and snark. She is passion personified but it takes a bit for that to come out. When Malone becomes intrigued the fireworks start to go off.
This book is full of intrigue, snark, passion and suspense. The perfect mixture for an explosive romance. This author knows how to tell a story and keep me riveted. I will be back for any others she writes and I can not wait for that rush!
Malone is not your typical alpha, he is a true bad boy and he knows it. He doesn't get attached to anything or anyone, at least until Abbey came alone. Then the confusion sets in!
Abbey is full of mystery and snark. She is passion personified but it takes a bit for that to come out. When Malone becomes intrigued the fireworks start to go off.
This book is full of intrigue, snark, passion and suspense. The perfect mixture for an explosive romance. This author knows how to tell a story and keep me riveted. I will be back for any others she writes and I can not wait for that rush!
May 2, 2016
I like a story where the heroine is as kickass as the hero and this book has that in spades.
CIA agent, Abby Bastion, is smart, inventive, strong, and yet sensitive. I really liked the author’s portrayal. Usually I’m all about the hero but this is one of those books where the heroine steals the show.
Though there’s a lot to say for our British former SAS spy, Malone Garrett, tasked with the supposedly boring job of watching the boss’s daughter.
Needless to say, he gets a lot more than he bargained for with Abby. Soon the two of them are trying to outrace a Russian takeover, amid threats of death and avoiding their growing attraction for each other.
This is a fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable read.
I give Risk of Exposure 5 lovely kisses
First posted on It's All About the Romance
http://jacqbiggar.com
CIA agent, Abby Bastion, is smart, inventive, strong, and yet sensitive. I really liked the author’s portrayal. Usually I’m all about the hero but this is one of those books where the heroine steals the show.
Though there’s a lot to say for our British former SAS spy, Malone Garrett, tasked with the supposedly boring job of watching the boss’s daughter.
Needless to say, he gets a lot more than he bargained for with Abby. Soon the two of them are trying to outrace a Russian takeover, amid threats of death and avoiding their growing attraction for each other.
This is a fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable read.
I give Risk of Exposure 5 lovely kisses
First posted on It's All About the Romance
http://jacqbiggar.com
June 4, 2016
The story takes place in Ukraine on the boarder of Russia. Abby is there posing as working at an orphanage to make sure Russians don't invade Ukraine. Her father doesn't know she's a CIA agent and sends one of his after to follow and watch over her. Malone has been watching her for weeks and can not understand how one person can have such a boring life. He decides to meet her. They say opposites attract and that's what these too are. Abby is smart, witty and gives it to Malone as good as any man. Malone is cocky strong and an independent. Together their relationship is explosive. Neither has been in one place long enough to have a relationship but together they get the mission done. Can their love survive the mission? Fast paced, hot sex and interesting plot keep you reading till the end. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
May 6, 2016
This is the 6th book in the highly acclaimed Alpha Ops series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. This is a great series, and those who read in order will find it is easier to understand and enjoy.
Malone "Mal" and Abby meet when he cannot take just watching her anymore. He sets up a chance for her to rescue him. She takes the bait.
Abby is a CIA agent keeping watch on the Russian/Ukraine border. Her father does not know she is a fully trained field agent. He sends Mal to watch over his daughter.
The banter is so much fun in this book! The pace moves along nicely. I love the heat between these two. They really are a match with a great HEA!
***This ARC copy was given by Netgalley and its publisher in exchange for an honest review only.
Malone "Mal" and Abby meet when he cannot take just watching her anymore. He sets up a chance for her to rescue him. She takes the bait.
Abby is a CIA agent keeping watch on the Russian/Ukraine border. Her father does not know she is a fully trained field agent. He sends Mal to watch over his daughter.
The banter is so much fun in this book! The pace moves along nicely. I love the heat between these two. They really are a match with a great HEA!
***This ARC copy was given by Netgalley and its publisher in exchange for an honest review only.
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